Yamaha YZF-R6 2010

Faced with the task of calling the YZF-R6 a 2010 model year, Yamaha proceeded to find ways of setting the bike apart from the current selling one both visually and technically, but we have to say that you shouldn't expect major changes from any point of view. The truth is that Yamaha already had a 2009 Daytona 200 winner on their hands, so they focused on little tweaks to make it even more special.

From a machine claimed to be "the most advanced production 600cc motorcycle Yamaha-or anybody else-has ever built," riders are right to expect unmatched performance achieved with innovative features. And the fact is that the 599cc DOHC 16-valve, liquid-cooled titanium-valved four-cylinder engine is both compact and high-revving mainly thanks to the 67.0 x 42.5mm bore and stroke, which translates into a 13.1:1 compression ratio and implicit satisfying throttle response. But is that enough to turn this engine into the blast provider that riders brag so much about?

Certainly not! The interesting part consists in the presence of systems such as the Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I) and Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), which turn throttle response into excellent across the very wide powerband. Yamaha's fly-by-wire throttle system also has everything to do with the fact that riders will barely twist the throttle and the exhaust gasses will already go out the now 100mm-longer muffler, which is claimed not to affect engine performance, while significantly reducing exhaust noise and making the new R6 more acoustic relaxing during long rides. How's that for enjoying the benefits of 131 hp at 14,500 rpm and 68 Nm at 6,930 rpm in a more civilized manner?

Yamaha does claim increased performance as a result of revised ECU settings, but they don't talk about figures, so we reckon it all resumes to an even more linear power delivery.

Mopeds? Save or not...

If you follow what your mother has been telling you for years - anything that looks fun is probably dangerous - then you would never even consider getting on a moped. However, not only do mopeds look super fun, they are also super safe.Although many components of mopeds differ significantly from more traditional vehicles, they are still constructed with a sufficient number of features that help maintain a proper amount of safety for riders.

Mopeds feature bright lamp systems that provide a clear route to follow and illuminate the bike well enough to be seen by all the other nearby and approaching vehicles. Plus, they also feature sealed drum brake systems, which will not fade in wet conditions. However, this should only provide you with confidence in certain situations where you have no choice but to travel on wet roads. If you do have the option, try to wait out the wet weather before you hit the road. And most mopeds feature wide tires (if not, you can easily customize or upgrade later), shock absorbers and a low center of gravity through the weight of the engine. These factors all contribute to increase maneuverability and stability.

Another factor that is not often mentioned that you should definitely consider is your height and weight. Although purchasing a moped online will grant you the best prices possible, you may want to first visit a local moped dealership if you are under a certain height. For those of you who are vertically challenged, you'll want to make sure that you can properly reach the handle bars and that your feet can make solid contact with the running boards. If they can't, then this will put you into a precarious position while riding and will quickly put you off balance, causing you to swerve and crash. In addition, individuals with significant body weights may want to consider another mode of transportation because inertia increases with weight, making turning more difficult and potentially dangerous.

It should also be noted that just because mopeds are not ruled as a major vehicle doesn't mean you'll be exempt from certain laws. Heck, if people can get arrested driving a motorized barstool a few blocks while under the influence of alcohol, you can definitely get nailed for driving a moped under the influence. With a good amount of responsible thinking before you start drinking, you can stay safe and live to ride another day.

250 Ninja Fighter...

The Kawasaki Ninja 250 has dominated the entry-level sport bike market in the US for decades. The little Ninja 250, in fact, has long-been Kawasaki’s best-selling Ninja sport bike. Ever since its 1983 debut, the Ninja 250 has been a favorite for beginners and many experienced riders have fond memories of the little Ninja upon which they learned to ride.

The Ninja 250 is powered by a high-revving Parallel Twin, with modest power numbers but very capable performance on highways and the freeway. The chassis features non-adjustable fork with pre-load adjustable shock. The high fuel efficiency of the Ninja 250 (most estimates putting MPG in the mid-60s) make it an ideal commuting bike.

For 25 years the Kawasaki Ninja 250 was relatively unchanged, but the 2008 model featured a host of revisions. A revamp of the Twin reputedly yields more torque and the new 17-inch wheels deliver better handling and more tire options. Perhaps most noticeable change, however, is the new bodywork and styling upgrade, which makes the Ninja 250 look more like its elder Ninja siblings (the graphics are absent of the 250 moniker).

The Ninja 250’s status as a beginner mount makes it a popular used bike, as many rider’s develop their skills aboard the Ninja 250 and move on to a more challenging ride. As a result, the Ninja 250 holds its resale price quite well. Speaking of price, the pre-2008 Ninja 250 retailed for $2999, easily the best deal on two wheels. The upgraded 2008 Ninja 250 R jumped up to $3499, but still delivers an incredible bang for the buck.

Have you ever opened the hood of your car and wondered what was going on in there? A car engine can look like a big confusing jumble of metal, tubes and wires to the uninitiated.

You might want to know what's going on simply out of curiosity. Or perhaps you are buying a new car, and you hear things like "3.0 liter V-6" and "dual overhead cams" and "tuned port fuel injection." What does all ­of that mean?

­­In this article, we'll discuss the basic idea behind an engine a­nd then go into detail about how all the pieces fit together, what can go wrong and how to increase performance.

The purpose of a gasoline car engine is to convert gasoline into motion so that your car can move. Currently the easiest way to create motion from gasoline is to burn the gasoline inside an engine. Therefore, a car engine is an internal combustion engine -- combustion takes place internally.