Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1976-04-01, Page 22Times-Advocate, Second Section, April 1, 1976 gRMAN maw Page 2 BODY & COLLISION REPAIRS ,//a\, If your car has been in a collision or if rust is catching up with it, we have the answer for you. Let us do the body work and painting and make your car look like new again. • RELIABLE WORK • COLLISION WORK • FAIR PRICES • PAINTING RUMBALL MOTORS DASHWOOD 237-3302 We Won't Dent Your Budget! We Give Free Estimates Paint Your Car or Truck New image for motorcyclists JUNE FORD watches intently as Andy DeBoer puts the finishing touches to her car. Do-it-yourself gassers should have maintenance know-how too By JOHN REMKES Public attitude about motorcycling is rapidly changing from a Marlon Brando typification of a motorcyclist in the "Wild Ones" to public acceptance of motorcycles as an alternate means of transportation and sporty enjoyment. The motor- cycle is a vehicle that comes in many different guises rang- ing from a large displacement luxurious road riding machine to a very small, light-weight, off-road machine. What attracts a person to riding a motorcycle? The motorcycle's appearance of openness, efficiency and the latent controllable power con- tribute to the promise of an il- lusion of freedom and allows his sense of wander lust to blossom. A brotherhood with other riders on the road develops into a friendly com- radeship wherever motor- cyclists chance to meet. Although motorcycling is not restricted to young peo- ple, it does appeal to the young thinking types who en- joy an active physical sport and enjoy being outdoors. This feeling can and does develop into a "romance" between'man and machine. On the social side of motor- cycling are many clubs and associations planning trips, tours, rallies and gatherings of all kinds and sizes all season long. For the enthusiasts, various news letters and magazines are printed to keep information flowing on the type of specific interest that he has whether collecting antique motor- cycles, participating in sports and rallies or maintenance tips. Almost all of these ac- tivities are family affairs en- joyed by young and old. An ever increasing number of women are experienced in motorcycle riding and active- ly participate in the events. There exists an international women's motorcyclist association which is active in promoting women's con- fidence in motorcycle riding. A great variety of motor- cycles are available to suit the specific interests of the in- dividual. The mini and trail bike is primarily used around the yard and for transporta- tion on and around the farm. Some of these vehicles are not road legal. On and off road bikes are used by outdoor types, such as hunters, fishers, and campers. They are street legal and range from 100cc. to 350cc. Com- muters prefer the smaller road bike ranging from a 125cc. to 400cc. for purposes of economics, avoid parking problems and other complex- ities of city travel. Larger road bikes are popular for long distance travel as well as commuting. A large number of accessories are available to individualize the machine to the owner's ideal. Organized sports and ac- tivities involving motorcycles are many and varied. Motocross is a very popular sport in that it is a race on a circuit in a very rough terrain with small, light-weight machines. The skill of the driver and the physical ability of the motocross rider is more important than the speed and power of the machine. Trail riding is the skill of negotiating a very rough terrain on a light-weight, low horse-power, high torque machine. The skill lies in the rider's ability to balance the machine and himself. Drag racing is a more ex- otic aspect of the sport with its specially built multi- engined ,high horse- powered machines. Hill climbing, the sport of man against gravity,. is a high interest spectators sport without the high cost to the coMpetitor. The competition consists of making the fastest elapsed time from the face of the hill to the top of the hill. It draws crowds of enthusiastic spectators. ' Finally, flat track racing is the high speed racing of the motorcycle on an oval track Car safety costs play big role in price of vehicle When you buy a new car you are paying $615 for the safety arid emission equipment required by the federal government — this according to a study by GM. And, if current new proposals are put into effect the extra cost will go to $1,225 per car with- in the next three years, Most of the added cost Would be for better clean air systems. "The Lord helps him who helps himself." If the above seems to be the motto of a greater number orgasoline retail- ing outlets, then the facts of life are becoming more apparent. There is a grow- ing trend toward self-serv- ice gas stations where the customer pumps his own. Expensive fuel is a little cheaper to buy under the system. But the car owner who has counted on at- tendants to do simple maintenance jobs is out of luck. Car owners who habitu- ally buy gas at self-serve outlets should make sure they know how to check vital "life signs" of their cars. Then they should check at least weekly. Do- ing this requires a little knowledge of where to look and what to look for. If in doubt, such informa- tion is contained in the car's -Owner's Manual, For example, the proper level of oil in the crank- case is indispensable to proper engine operation, You should know where the dipstick is located in your engine. Then know how to "read" the stick to determine whether your car has sufficient and clean oil, RADER MOTORS O Chevrolet T LDSMOBILE Parkhill Ph. 294-6293 identical to snowmobile and automobile racing as is com- monly seen at -locd1 stock car race tracks. No article written about motorcycles is ever complete without a mention of safety. Safety to the experienced rider is the ultimate pre- requisite to the enjoyment and safety of himself and other vehicles with whom he shares the road. To aid the prospective motorcyclist, Fanshawe College in London, offers a short driver training program with heavy emphasis on practical and defensive driving skills.