QJ Motor, a Chinese motorcycle company under the Qianjiang group, is known for its aggressive expansion in the motorcycle market. The brand has recently launched several models, particularly in the middleweight sportbike, naked, and adventure segments. It is evident that QJ Motor is determined to continue its growth.
In the United States, you may be familiar with Benelli, an Italian brand that is now owned by the same parent company as QJ Motor. With strong connections to automotive industry giants like Geely and Volvo, it is not surprising that QJ Motor is able to produce a large number of motorcycles. Continuing its focus on the middleweight sportbike segment, QJ Motor is developing a new model called the SRK 800 RR. Although this bike has not yet gone into production, multiple sources have confirmed that it is ready and will initially be available in China.
The SRK 800 RR builds upon QJ Motor’s existing SR models, such as the SRK 400 RR with a twin-cylinder engine and the SRK 600 RR with an inline-four engine. The SRK 800 RR introduces a brand-new engine with a displacement of 778cc and features an inline-four-cylinder configuration producing 102 horsepower. It is important to note that this bike is not intended to be a revival of the 750cc supersports category. Instead, its performance is similar to that of middleweight sport-touring motorcycles. The engine reportedly shares similarities with the Honda CBR650R, which is a common practice among Chinese manufacturers.
In terms of weight, the SRK 800 RR is not particularly lightweight, weighing in at 207 kilograms. It has the same wheelbase as the CBR650R, measuring 1,450 millimeters. The bike is equipped with inverted front forks, a rear monoshock, and dual disc brakes at the front with a single disc at the rear. Bosch ABS is expected to be standard. One distinguishing feature of the SRK 800 RR is its fairing-mounted winglets.
Supermotos are probably one of the greatest things the human race ever invented. Take an incredibly fun-to-ride motocross bike and put some road tires on it, so you can ride it on the street. Even better, put some slick racing tires on it and race these pieces of motorcycle art around a small track. Since 2003, and AMA’s first-ever Supermoto Championship, their popularity only grew. So if you are looking for your next bike, besides buying a superbike or a supernaked, why not give a supermoto a chance? And when it comes to supermoto bikes, one name sure stands out, those three magical letters… KTM!
The KTM 450 SMR – Built To Dominate The Race-Track
KTM
Photo of a KTM 450 SMR doing a wheelie on a race-track
One of the best things, besides Arnold of course, that has ever come out of Austria. The KTM’s supermoto line, and the 450 SMR that was imagined as the ultimate track-day weapon. Without a doubt, this machine is just way too tempting to be overlooked, and for 2024, it’s getting even more addictive.
There are plenty of upgrades for the new 450 SMR, so let’s start with everyone’s favorite part. The engine. It is a one-cylinder four-stroke 449.9 cc engine that makes an impressive 63 horsepower. KTM swears that its new single-overhead-camshaft engine continues to be one of the most insane and perfectly executed mechanical gems. Going down the same line as their motocross and hard-enduro/dual-sport line-up, the 450 SMR’s engine was lightened (now weighs only 59 lbs) and pushed towards the center of the bike for better handling and anti-squat behavior.
How did they get a lightweight engine capable of pushing 63 horsepower? With the new cylinder head. Shorter and lighter with a more compact profile. Next was the new ultra-light crankshaft to offer more performance, better response when you twist the throttle, and to keep any pesky vibrations to a minimum. The housing for the crankshaft was made through a high-pressure die-cast process to get thinner and more durable walls. The slipper clutch is from Suter Racing and offers rear stability when you slam on the brakes in the middle of an apex.
The light-weight exhaust is a compact two-piece header that can easily be removed without messing around with the rear shocks. But, things get even better at the exhaust department. You can also order, from the KTM’s power parts list, an Akrapovič ‘Evolution Line’ exhaust. Made from light-weight, high-grade titanium, and 1,9lbs lighter than the stock one.
The frame was made to provide flexibility while keeping it solid length-wise. The sub-frame was made from reinforced aluminum and polyamide for increased durability and flexibility. The swing-arm was also made to be as light as possible, therefore aluminum was used to make it.
The suspension on the 450 SMR is top-of-the-line, specifically made for supermoto bikes. The front fork is a 48 mm air-sprung WP XACT that uses AER technology (basically a capsuled air spring and a pressurized oil chamber). It is easily adjustable through a single air-pressure valve. The rear shock is also WP XACT, and can be easily tuned without the need for tools. Wheels are light-weight Alpina, 16.5 at the front and 17 inches at the rear, and they come dressed in Metzeler’s Racetec K1 supermoto tires. To stop this bad boy is a job for Brembo brakes. A four-piston radially mounted caliper with a 310 mm disc at the front and a one-piston caliper with a 220 mm disc at the rear.
The high-tech stuff is also quite interesting. You get to choose between two engine maps. The first map gives you easily controllable, tamed power delivery. The second map will give you more of a no-holds-barred, anything-goes approach to power output (you were warned). Another cool feature is the easily de/activated quick-shifter that allows you to shift into higher gears without squeezing the clutch, but only from second to fifth gear. To keep you safe when things get slippery is what the traction control is for. If the revs jump too fast, the onboard computer sees that as a loss of grip and cuts down the power to the rear wheel. What kind of street rocket would the 450 SMR be without the launch control? Just press the traction control and quick-shifter button together for this to activate. All of these nice-to-have gadgets come with a base price of $11,999.
The Blue And White Option
Husqvarna
A studio photo of a Husqvarna FS 450 for 2024
The biggest competitor to KTM for the wildest bike is, who else but the KTM-owned Husqvarna. Both of their line-ups for 2024 seem to be aiming at each other’s throats. In the world of off-road bikes, this is the best news someone can hope for. Husqvarna’s FS 450 for 2024 seems more than upgraded and ready to take on the KTM’s 450 SMR.
Although the spec sheet reads the same, a keen motorcycle fan knows that the bike, and the company that makes it, is more than just a list of parts. Husqvarna and KTM do not make the same motorcycles. They are however, in this case, equally priced.
Riding on the street and riding on the track require different gear to optimize performance and protection. French brand Ixon has released its newest race-spec gloves called the Vortex GL, designed with technology from MotoGP. These gloves are favored by top racers like Alexi Espargaro, Miguel Oliveira, and Takaaki Nakagami.
The Vortex GL gloves have a full gauntlet design suitable for the track and are designed to keep hands cool in hot weather. They feature lightweight and durable goatskin panels that offer excellent tactile response. The gloves have pre-shaped hand construction to reduce fatigue and accelerate the break-in process. They also have ventilation through perforations in the leather and an internal mesh lining with moisture-wicking properties.
In terms of safety, the Vortex GL gloves have top-shelf features including reinforced leather on the palm, aramid fiber reinforcements at the back of the hand and fingers, a TPR palm slider, and extra TPR protection on the cuff. The joints and fingers have overmolded reinforcements with ventilation for added comfort. These gloves are certified under the EN13594:2015 Level 1KP standard for personal protective equipment.
The Vortex GL gloves provide comfort with a partially elastic Velcro tab on the wrist, a double-Velcro system to tighten the cuff, and a pull-on tab for easy wearing. The index finger even has a tactile insert for using touchscreen devices. These gloves are available in three colors – black, black/white, black/white/red, and sizes ranging from XS to 3XL. The retail price is 259.90 Euros or about $284 USD.
Competition is inherent to the automotive industry. As Henry Ford once said, “Auto racing began five minutes after the second car was built,” and that really tells you all you need to know about the world of sports cars. But what does a car need to be dubbed the “best sports car”? Is it exclusivity, craftsmanship, significance, or style? We like to believe it’s all of those and more.
Picking a single vehicle as the best sports car is a difficult task, as personal preferences vary. However, the last 25 years have produced a diverse range of significant sports cars that have earned their place on any list. Whether you agree with the ranking or not, these 15 models have strong credentials to be called the best sports cars from the last 25 years.
So, let’s take a closer look at these amazing sports cars:
The Honda S2000 may not be the fastest car on this list, but it holds a special place among sports cars. While it may lack the outright performance of some of the others, it is always regarded as one of the best sports cars ever made. The S2000 was designed to be a practical sports car for everyday driving, and it succeeded in achieving that goal.
The Honda S2000 has a 5.4-second 0 to 60 mph time, a top speed of 151 mph, a curb weight of 2,833 pounds, and a 236-horsepower
Although it may look like a BMW R 100 RS, this motorcycle is actually a Suzuki 650 Burgman that has been customized to resemble the iconic BMW model. The creator, Thomas Janotta, has named it the “Suzuki R 65 Burgman RS,” a unique and intriguing addition to the world of custom replicas.
Based in the Swabian town of Beilstein, Janotta is a man of many talents, including optician, watchmaker, goldsmith, and inventor. Alongside this motorcycle project, he has also worked on several other creations in his garage.
Opinions are divided when it comes to this homage to the BMW R 100 RS. Some people find it cool, while others question the reasoning behind it. This is understandable because the Suzuki Burgman is quite different from the R 100 RS.
Janotta was drawn to the Suzuki 650 Burgman due to its impressive reputation. He initially wanted to use it as a towing vehicle for a racing kneeler team. However, certain obstacles prevented him from pursuing that idea.
He purchased the 650 Burgman for a mere 600 EUR. The affordable price was due to the previous owner falling off the scooter at a slow speed and deciding to sell it. Janotta then acquired the damaged bike and brought it into his garage.
As a BMW enthusiast, Janotta decided to give the Burgman a makeover with a 1981 R 100 RS fairing. After obtaining a gas tank, side covers, and a seat from the R 100 RS, Janotta successfully transformed the top half of the bike to resemble the BMW model.
However, fitting the fairing onto the scooter was not a straightforward process. It required custom brackets and adaptors to be created and installed. Additionally, since the Burgman lacked boxer heads, Janotta had to cover the air-cooling holes with sheet metal cladding taken from a Volkswagen Transporter.
In addition to the absence of a boxer engine, the modified Burgman features 15-inch front wheels. Other modifications include an access pipe for the integrated 18-liter fuel tank, a special gas pump for the Burgman’s engine, a slightly widened and shortened RS seat, and a relocated air filter now placed inside the tank. Janotta also added an R 100 GS handlebar to enhance the Burgman’s overall appearance.
What makes this custom build even more impressive is that it is compliant with TÜV regulations. With the original headlights, taillights, indicators, drivetrain, and chassis of the Burgman intact, it is roadworthy and ready for registration. The only non-original accessory is an approved muffler. However, the shortened rear end no longer accommodates two passengers.
All in all, the entire project cost 2,200 EUR (approximately $2,400 USD), covering the bike, parts, and metallic gold paint. It was a budget-friendly endeavor. For more details about the build, Motorrad’s article on the bike provides further insights.
CFMoto Philippines has made a significant announcement on its social media pages regarding the launch of its groundbreaking naked bike, the 800NK. This new model for the country is based on the 800 platform and comes with an incredibly attractive price tag of 458,000 PHP, which is approximately $8,200 USD.
The NK series has been in CFMoto’s lineup for some time now, and prior to its international announcement, the largest bike in the NK line was a 650cc model. Following the global unveiling, the 800NK became the most powerful bike in the NK series, and now, with the official announcement from the country’s distributor, it’s also the most exciting NK model to date.
The CFMoto 800 NK shares its engine with the KTM 790 Duke, which is also manufactured locally in the Philippines. These two models are expected to compete for dominance in the Southeast Asian market in the near future. While many comparisons will be drawn, there are both similarities and differences worth noting after experiencing both bikes in person.
First and foremost, the frame on the 800NK is a bit different. Although it uses the same LC8C engine, the frame built around it has some variation. The swingarm, for instance, is not the open-lattice design found on KTM bikes; instead, it features an aluminum swingarm that is shorter compared to Team Orange’s rendition. The 800NK has a wheelbase of 1,465 millimeters, while the KTM 790 Duke measures at 1,475 millimeters. This means that the 800NK will provide a more agile and nimble riding experience, although its rake is less aggressive than its Austrian counterpart.
As for engine specifications, the 800NK is powered by the same motor as the KTM, but the CFMoto has made slight adjustments. The model produces 94 horsepower and 81 Nm of torque, which is slightly lower compared to when the 790 Duke was first launched in 2017 with 105 horsepower. The decrease in power figures is mainly due to emissions regulations, as KTM also experienced a reduction in power when it released the Euro 5-compliant version of the 790 Duke.
The bike also features fully-adjustable separate function forks and pre-load on the suspension front, 17-inch wheels with Maxxis tires, 320mm brake discs in the front, and a 260mm disc at the rear with J.Juan calipers. It also comes with dual-channel ABS as standard.
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The weight of the 800NK is only 189 kilograms or 416 pounds, and its seat height is an accommodating 795 millimeters or 31.2 inches.
The NK also boasts an interesting tech package. While it lacks the KTM’s six-axis inertial measurement unit, it compensates with a larger gauge cluster and keyless ignition. The bike also offers ride modes, including Rain, Street, and Sport.
Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of the CFMoto 800NK is its launch price of P488,000, or about $8,750 USD. This special sales price places the bike in an extremely competitive position in the market.
Motorcycle-build videos usually don’t gain as much traction, but I believe that everyone can be fascinated by a project that is ambitious, transformative, and driven by passion, which is why this video has garnered over a million views.
This video features Meanwhile in the Garage (MWiG), a skilled tradesman who is known for creating various wild things like a front-wheel-drive bicycle, a futuristic modified scooter, and other projects that can be found in a garage. The motorcycle transformation showcased in this video is the latest one to reach the seven-digit mark in views.
The video starts by showcasing the front-wheel-drive bicycle, which is quite something to behold:
The motorcycle featured in the video started as an old Honda. At the beginning of the video, you can see that the bike was in a wrecked state, with no fairings and only a V4 engine to identify it as a Honda, potentially a VFR model. The specific model name was not explicitly mentioned in the video’s introduction, which lasted 52 minutes.
One of the standout features of the finished motorcycle is its massive rake angle of the steering head, a characteristic that previous standard VFRs didn’t possess. The frame was modified to adjust the bike’s rake angle, followed by several changes made to enhance its overall ergonomics.
Despite its damaged appearance, the motorcycle was actually in running condition from the start of the video. This allowed MWiG to work with a functional bike, which significantly aided the progress of the build. To improve the ergonomics of the Honda, parts from an old BMW motorcycle in the garage were used. The handlebars with the desired sweep were taken from the BMW to match the planned aesthetic. The rest of the build involved custom bodywork to give the Honda a futuristic look.
The video concludes by showcasing the astounding transformation that MWiG achieved with the wrecked Honda. The motorcycle now runs smoothly and looks incredibly unique. Its journey from being in a wrecked state to becoming a one-of-a-kind masterpiece is truly impressive. The finished bike was displayed at the MotoMinds Kortrijk motorcycle show for enthusiasts to admire.
As the world rapidly moves towards leaving internal-combustion-engines (ICE) once and for all, research and innovation have seen great speed, which is why the limitations that electric vehicles (EVs) had in the past have been left behind. The biggest issue the early EVs had was that the batteries weren’t engineered well enough to make them practical for daily use. The limiting factor that prevented EVs from being practical for daily use is now in the past, as EVs have evolved greatly. The Lucid Air, for example, has a staggering 516-mile range, demonstrating how far EVs have come. On April 5, 2023, Chevrolet introduced the production version of the 2024 Equinox EV, which is the cheapest 300-mile vehicle you can get your hands on. In the fall of 2024, Chevrolet will start delivering the base model (the 1LT Equinox EV) and it is expected to cost around $30,000.
A front shot of two 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EVs on a racing track
While Chevrolet will offer you five different trims, the base-model 1LT’s motor will deliver 210 horsepower to the front wheels and 242 pound-feet of torque, which is quite decent for an entry-level compact SUV. If you think this SUV needs more power, Chevrolet has you covered with an optional bigger battery and all-wheel drive (AWD) drivetrain. This increases the power output to 290 horses and 346 pound-feet of torque. All of this extra performance will enable your 1LT to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in six seconds. You have the option of getting a bigger battery pack for the 300-mile range, but it will cost slightly more than the $30,000 price tag. Nonetheless, 250 miles on the base trim is impressive nonetheless.
The Equinox EV’s Comparison With Rival SUVs
Chevy Equinox EV
Nissan Ariya
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Tesla Model 3
Model
2LT
Venture+ FWD
SE RWD
Long Range
Range
300 miles
304 miles
303 miles
358 miles
Price
$34,000 (est.)
$47,190
$45,500
$47,240
Chevrolet has confirmed that all models of the Equinox EV will feature a DC fast charging system. So, rest assured, you will not be waiting long for your Equinox EV to juice up to 100 percent. In this budget, potential buyers are looking for a long-range vehicle that makes their daily commute easy, and the vehicle shouldn’t be underpowered. 242 pound-feet of torque might be just enough. This SUV stands its ground against competitors such as the Nissan Ariya, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Tesla Model 3, all of which have a 300-mile range or more. This is very crucial because nowadays, potential customers look at the numbers before purchasing, and this compact electric SUV has similar performance numbers to its rivals.
Good Looks And A Practical Interior – The Equinox EV Has It All
Chevrolet
Side angle shot of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV in radiant red
The Equinox EV boasts futuristic looks, including single headlights, which extend across the entire front of the SUV, giving it a muscular, sporty look. The wide grille, which is flanked by two slim LED strips, adds to the SUV’s aggressive stance. The 1LT’s side has flush door handles and standard 19-inch wheels. Furthermore, the wide flared arches give this SUV a necessary muscular look. At the rear, you see animated taillights that showcase its futuristic looks, a shark fin, and a diffuser to provide that necessary downforce. This SUV has many of the safety and driver assistance features you would expect in a 2024 electric SUV. The standard features include a lane-keeping system, blind spot assistance, and an automatic emergency braking system. Also, you will get reverse automatic braking and rear-park assist to make your daily reversing maneuvers much easier.
However, GM’s Super Cruiseis reportedly only available in the 2LT and higher models, so, we will not be getting the Level 2 Autonomous Driving System in the 1LT. In the 1LT, your grocery runs are going to be stress-free thanks to the presence-sensing tailgate, which will open automatically when it senses the key fob near the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the spacious trunk offers a maximum cargo capacity of 57.2 cubic feet (with the rear row folded), ensuring all your groceries fit in with ease. Furthermore, this SUV has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds with the AWD model.
The electric Chevy Equinox crossover’s interior is ultramodern, spacious, and filled with all the latest technology. On the base model, you get two 11-inch screens: one for the infotainment system and the other for the driver’s display. The 1LT’s interior will also have a moon roof, a two-tone interior, and ambient lighting to give you the feeling of being in your lounge. Chevrolet has gone with the traditional knobs for temperature control, and we welcome this change because having temperature control buttons on the touchscreen is distracting. In the infotainment section, Chevrolet is designing its very own infotainment system in collaboration with Google, and the first car to come equipped with that will be the Chevy Blazer 2024. This infotainment system is being developed in collaboration with Google and Chevy officials, who claim it will improve navigation and other driver assistance features like GM’s Super Cruise. It is not official whether the 2024 models of the Equinox EV will come with this new in-house infotainment system; however, we expect the Equinox EV to come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Even The Top-spec Equinox EV Costs Less Than $45,000
Chevrolet
Rear three-quarters shot of a red 2024 Chevy Equinox EV on the street
The 2024 Chevy Equinox EV’s deliveries will commence in the fall of 2024, pricing starts at $30,000. If you don’t quite have the $30,000 budget, we have a great piece of news for you: this EV qualifies for a $7,500 tax credit, which makes this SUV more lucrative and budget-friendly. If you’re eligible for it, you can get your Equinox EV for less than $23,000! There are other EVs with a 300-mile plus range like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE RWD with a 304-mile range with the price of $45,500, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range has an impressive 333-mile range, and it sets you back $47,240, the Nissan Ariya venture+ has a price of $47,190, and it comes with a 304-mile range. However, none of them comes close to the price that Chevrolet is offering for the Equinox EV 1LT.
Trystan Hart: “The race went really well here in Idaho, not a lot of drama for me – I caught the guys early on and then Cody [Webb] and I battled for a bit before he had a huge high-side down the hill. The track got harder and harder closer to the finish and I was just coasting on the trails, which I don’t normally do, but I was conserving energy in case there were any more surprises. It was a good race, I was so nervous bringing it home!”
Trystan Hart from FMF KTM Factory Racing has successfully defended his AMA U.S. Hard Enduro Championship title by winning the Silver Kings Hard Enduro race. This year, Hart has maintained his winning form from last season and continued his perfect record in Round 6 at the Silver Mountain Ski Resort, also securing the AMA West Extreme Regional Championship.
Hart took the lead during the early stages of the Main Event, finishing with a total time of 2:52:36 and securing a winning margin of 40 seconds. This victory marks his third consecutive crown in the series.
Ryder LeBlond: “It was a gnarly day on the mountain here at the Silver Kings Hard Enduro. This was definitely a real hard enduro – probably one of the toughest ones I’ve done in the United States so far, it was just a long, brutal beat down. We had some good battles all day, which was fun, and at the end there I was able to break away from the group and grab P2 for the day, which is awesome.”
Ryder LeBlond from Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing finished in second place, with Cody Webb from Sherco taking the final spot on the podium. Despite a detour that cost him significant time, Colton Haaker put on a solid performance and secured fourth place at the Silver Kings event.
Colton Haaker: “Super steep, super long, and I got some cramps. I had a great time, just had a small mishap at the first checkpoint where I went down the silver route for about 20 minutes and had to double-back to hit the gold run. I was in the lead, then that put me back to 15th, charged through the race, and pulled it in for a fourth-place finish. All in all, great day, and the bike was awesome.”
Automotive manufacturers have been attempting to revolutionize the fuel industry for a few decades now. Toyota was one of the front-runners in this effort with their hybrid systems, first introduced in the Prius. While many believe that electric vehicles (EVs) are the way forward, Toyota and others are skeptical about their practicality and environmental impact. As a result, Toyota has invested significant time and resources into hydrogen power, and their efforts may just save the internal combustion engine.
Hydrogen is seen as one of the most promising environmentally friendly power sources for vehicles. Toyota has used hydrogen in combination with batteries to eliminate charging time and reduce emissions. With this technology, vehicles can be refueled with hydrogen at fuel stations, offering convenience to drivers. Additionally, hydrogen-powered vehicles require smaller and fewer batteries compared to traditional EVs, making them more environmentally friendly. Toyota has even explored the idea of using hydrogen in conventional internal combustion engines as a replacement for petrol. Since hydrogen fuel produces water as a byproduct, successfully implementing this technology would revolutionize the automotive industry.
Toyota has made significant progress in this area, developing hydrogen-powered engines such as the 1.6-liter Yaris and the 5.0-liter V-8 from the Lexus RC-F, in collaboration with Yamaha. These engines retain the power and performance of their petrol counterparts, with minimal modifications required. This means that existing production lines and engine designs can be used, further benefiting the environment. In the future, Toyota may even offer hydrogen conversion kits for petrol-powered vehicles, allowing classic car enthusiasts to keep their beloved machines on the road without the need for costly conversions or excessive road taxes.
However, there are some downsides to hydrogen engines, specifically related to the storage of hydrogen. The fuel requires large tanks, reducing interior space in vehicles, and it is highly flammable, necessitating leak-proof and durable storage systems. Once these storage challenges are addressed, the installation of hydrogen fuel stations could be more straightforward compared to EV chargers, as they can utilize existing infrastructure for normal fuels.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
