Looking to supplement that gas-guzzling SUV and pick up an economical motor scooter? You're going to return home with a model that will do nothing more than collect dust in your driveway unless you follow a few simple guidelines.

Power

Motor scooters might come in a wide range of body shapes and sizes, from small-engined "knock abouts" to large motorcycle replacements. Consider your needs and where you'll be using the scooter. If it's just for neighborhood riding, there are any number of small, cheap scooters that would fit the bill. Perhaps a 125 or 150 would be the largest to consider.

Fit

Many scooter shoppers choose a style, rather than purchasing a fit. This is the surest way to ensure that your scooter receives little to no use. Fit becomes increasingly important as usage increases and is one of the main determinants of safety, so don't ignore it!

Ensure that your hands are in a good, comfortable position when riding, and that the turn signals, brakes, and clutch are all within easy reach. And don't forget to check the seat. While soft seats seem to be more comfortable at first, they generally result in soreness faster than firmer seats.

Style

Check out various models online before you head into a showroom where sales pressure will often result in you leaving with something you would not have purchased without pressure. There are plenty of new, sleek models, but you'll also find a wide variety of vintage models for sale.

Price

Like cars, motor scooters lose their value immediately upon leaving the lot. What makes this situation worse is that scooters generally don't receive the same level of yearly mileage as cars or even motorcycles, so the immediate depreciation is a harder hit. In a year, you could see a 25 percent or more decrease in resale value for a scooter that has barely been ridden.

For this reason, be sure to look at more than just local dealers. There are several good resellers online who will provide you with a good selection at good prices. And you can find these motors scooters without putting up with pushy salesmen!

So remember, before you got to your local dealer and buy that flashy new model, be sure that you're clear on how you intend to use your new scooter, and then consider the power, style, fit, and price.

Wheels have come along way from the stone wheel of primitive man. Who knew the wheels development would lead to custom wheels that can be steel, spoke, shiny chrome, antiqued chrome, painted, or even powder coated. These custom wheels can cost up to $1500.00 each. When investing that much money into a product, it makes sense to clean and protect it.

They can make or break the overall appearance of a vehicle. Clean, shiny wheels dazzle the eye, giving the car a custom look. Wheels and tires become dirty much quicker than the rest of the car, so cleaning on a regular basis is a must. Most of the dust covering them comes from the brake pads, while the rest is dirt, tar, oil, and gunk from the roadway.

Cleaning custom wheels varies depending on what type of metal they are. Steel wheels need less cleaning than chrome wheels, but they all need a quality detergent, or cleaner. Use plenty of water for rinsing to prevent film or oxidation build up on the finish. Complete the process with a protective polish. Do not use harsh abrasives as they can damage the finish on the wheels.

Make sure the wheels and tires are cool before you start to clean them. It is a good idea to clean them in the shade. Some cleaners will have an adverse effect on the wheels if in the sun, or too hot.

The wheels should be cleaned one step at a time. First, clean the rim wheel using a brush if necessary to get between the spokes or hard to reach spaces. Next, clean the tires, coat with a polish and protective coating. This gives them a brand new finish, also protecting from cracking and drying out the rubber. Once the tires are complete, begin polishing the wheel with a product that is suitable for the finish. Check the manufacturer for a recommendation of the appropriate polish to complement steel, chrome, or paint.

One of the most enjoyable parts of being on a motorcycle is feeling the wind in your face as you ride down the back roads and highways. This is why for a lot of riders, gear that covers their face isn't interesting to them.

For riders who really want to enjoy the fresh, fast feeling or riding, investing in an open face helmet is a great idea. It is a safe way to ride, and at the same time to get the enjoyment of the elements.

You can ride with peace of mind when you're using an open faced helmet, knowing there are many layers of protection built in. As a disclaimer, always make sure to know what features your helmet has, because not all helmets are the same.

A wonderful advantage to using an open face helmet is that while you still get the feeling of riding without one, you're getting protection on the top and sides of your head. This lets you ride with ease.

You are offered many different layers of protection in a typical open face helmet. The first layer is your helmets hard plastic shell. This is designed to minimize the effect on your head if it strikes something.

Found inside most good quality open face helmets are layers of shock absorption. This is designed to help keep your head from damage if you should fall from your bike, or your head is struck.

An important factor to keep in mind when purchasing your open face bike helmet is checking to make sure it meets the Department of Transportation's standards for helmet safety.

If you love the freedom of riding your bike, but want to make sure you stay safe, an open face helmet is right for you. It's a great way to get the freedom you want, while still obeying the law and protecting yourself.