How about a little Dick Burleson ‘Pre Husqvarna’? In 1971, John Penton invited Burleson to race on the American Trophy team that was competing in the International Six Days Trial at the Isle of Man. Even though his bike failed, leaving him with a DNF, Burleson was enthused about representing his country in international competition. The next year, Burleson was invited to the ISDT again racing a Penton, this time in Czechoslovakia. That year, Burleson finished with a bronze medal. From 1973 to 1981 Burleson won 8 consecutive Gold Medals!
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My buddy BP’s #299 made it into this post on the specially built Yamaha HL 500. In the USA, the HL500 was only offered as a kit bike. Torsten Hallman Racing had Profab build 100 frame kits of its Hallman “TT500 Aberg Replica.” The Hallman Racing HL500 frame kit with swingarm and necessary hardware sold for $1000 in 1978.
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ERZBERG SOCIAL POSTS
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ERZBERG!!
GREAT GO PRO ACTION WITH JONNY WALKER!
MX GP HERLINGS HURT WHILE LEADING
NEW HIGH-END MOTO CLOTHING BY USWE
After 16 years in the backpack industry as the market leader of hydration packs for Enduro and Off-Road motorcycle riders, USWE is now presenting their first ever Moto Apparel line. This big transformation launch includes premium clothing developed for the core Enduro and Off-Road riders, same group of people that wear USWE’s packs today.
The LERA Off-Road Jacket is a premium heavy-duty jacket that has everything you need to be adaptable to wild terrain. It has large, zippered vents which allow you to manage how much airflow you want on the fly or if you are running super-hot, just remove the sleeves to turn the jacket into a vest. The secure front and rear pockets help keep everything stowed securely away but always within easy reach when needed. A bonded fleece lined body and sleeve retains and regulates heat while riding and extra abrasion resistant outer sleeves protect you from the undergrowth. Ergonomically shaped sleeves and drop tail design eliminates creases and bunching whist in a riding position. Durable rust proof YKK zips throughout to keep all vents and pockets secure and safe.The LERA pant is a premium heavy-duty Dirt Biking pant made to perform in gnarly terrain. It offers an outstanding pre-curved tailored Race-Fit with a large cut on the knees to accommodate knee pads or knee braces. It has full grain leather inner knee panels for optimal protection and durability. The 4 way stretch panels aid your freedom of movement while the pants are protected from wear thanks to the Rip stop nylon high abrasion seat panels. Equipped with two (2) secure zipped cargo pockets to bring your personal stuff such as phone and car keys, and two (2) zippered vents for extra airflow for the leg.The RÖK pants are super lightweight and breathable to keep you comfortable even on the hottest of days. Fast drying fabrics together with great ventilation will keep them feeling light the whole ride. The sublimated graphics marry up to the RÖK jersey for the full race look and feel. Cut large on the knees to accommodate knee pads or knee braces, 4 ways stretch panels aid your freedom of movement. Rip stop nylon high abrasion seat panels keep you protected from wear. Full Grain leather inner knee panels to optimal protection and durability.
One of the best sides of getting a job with Dirt Bike had to be getting on the ground level of championship racing. This is Anaheim SX, 1981 and there is no doubt that I was totally pumped. Shooting is a big part of being an editor, and race coverage was a crash course in my learning curve.
We have mixed feelings about the Suzuki DR650S. On one hand, we appreciate the fact that Suzuki has kept this model in production for over 32 years. On the other hand, it is still a motorcycle that is essentially 32 years old. However, despite its age, the DR650S has its merits and continues to be offered in the market.
The Suzuki DR650S is a big, air-cooled single-cylinder motorcycle with a carburetor. It is priced at $6999, which is the same as a Yamaha YZ125 motocross bike. What’s interesting is that the DR650S is still manufactured in Japan, while most other motorcycles in this price range are made in countries like China, Thailand, or Vietnam. As a result, the DR650S stands out as one of the last remaining models of its kind.
LOOKING BACK The roots of the DR650S can be traced back to the 1978 Suzuki SP370, the company’s first four-stroke off-road bike. Over the years, it evolved into the present-day DR650S with various updates and improvements. In 1993, the electric starter was introduced, which was a major step forward. Today’s DR650S remains fundamentally similar to the initial version. In the late 90s, the DR650S was considered one of the top dual-sport bikes in terms of performance and handling.
THE DR TODAY Despite the DR650S remaining largely unchanged, its role in the market has shifted. It is no longer considered a high-performance bike or a traditional dual-sport model. Instead, it serves as an entry-level adventure bike. The bike’s design and layout reflect its 90s heritage, with a thick seat and handlebars that sweep back towards the rider. Vibration is minimal thanks to rubber-mounted footpegs and handlebar weights. The power delivery of the big single-cylinder engine is torque-oriented, offering a distinct and satisfying acceleration experience. While it lacks the rev-happy nature of modern bikes, the DR650S produces more torque than many of its rivals. Its tall gearing allows for cruising at low RPM, making it comfortable for long rides on dirt roads. However, the bike may struggle on fast trails due to its street-oriented tires and limited suspension adjustability. It is also relatively heavy compared to its competitors.
The 2023 Suzuki DR650S is still around. It sells for $6999.
WHERE WE STARTED The Kawasaki KLR650 remains the closest competitor to the Suzuki DR650S. While the KLR650 has received updates and now features fuel injection, the DR650S remains unchanged in terms of its carbureted engine. Fuel injection is seen as an added complexity and expense in a bike like the DR650S. Despite its age, the DR650S still finds its place in the modern world and has an enduring appeal. We believe it deserves to continue being produced indefinitely.
The 2023 Toyota GR86 is a superb example of how to combine the perfect ingredients to make an excellent sports car. It is a light, front-engine RWD car with responsive handling designed for the twistiest roads you can take it on. The 86 is the mechanical twin of the Subaru BRZ., sharing the same platform and engine, with minor tweaks from each brand.
This year, Toyota has introduced a limited run 10th anniversary Special Edition GR86 which costs $34,360 in a special ‘Solar Shift’ orange color. Some cool cosmetic upgrades are black wheels, black stripes on the C-pillar, and a sweet-sounding cat-back exhaust with black chrome tips.
The suspension of the BRZ is less stiff when compared to the GR86, which makes it a little uncomfortable on uneven roads but might be advantageous on the track. As far as the looks are concerned, the GR86 has a more aggressive-looking front end.
The choice of which car you will ultimately choose will depend on which brand is closer to your heart. The engine, while not being the biggest one, is powerful enough to make the GR86 fast and a blast to drive on canyon roads and racetracks.
The GR86 encompasses a great driving experience while being very affordable, starting at $28,400 MSRP. Toyota has got the formula for this car just right, designed to make driving enjoyable with the right power output for the size and a sweet quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission. In an era where EVs and Hybrid powertrains are taking over, the GR86 is an old-school breath of fresh air. The seating position is low but not too low and offers a focused driving position with great visibility.
The GR86 engine is a Subaru-developed naturally aspirated four-cylinder Boxer engine that produces 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission as standard with an option for a six-speed automatic as well. The engine is powerful enough to accelerate the car from 0-60 MPH in six seconds and a top speed of 135 MPH. The automatic transmission is a second slower than the manual, which Toyota claims is because the automatic is a bit heavier than the manual.
Handling is where the GR86 always comes into its own, with this being no different this time around. The legendary AE 86 which is the spiritual ancestor of the GR, was one of the best-handling cars of its time, depending on who you ask. The GR86 carries forward the same tradition. The steering offers precise feedback, which along with the stiff suspension makes the car feel nimble.
The car is still lightweight with a low center of gravity and Torsion limited-slip differential (LSD), which makes it a hoot to throw around corners. There are three drive modes to choose from Normal, Sport, and Track. You also get Vehicle Stability Control in Track Mode, which adds to the experience.
The GR86 comes in two trims regular which starts at $28,400 MSRP and Premium which costs $31,000. The Premium has some added features like 18-inch tires compared to 17-inch tires on the regular, rear spoiler, and heated seats. The Premium trim also offers additional safety features like Blind Spot Detection and Rear Parking Sonar.
They also claimed that the manual transmission is more efficient in transferring power to the wheels. The engine is not the most powerful, but it makes more power and torque than the previous generation. As per the EPA figures on the 2022 GR86, the manual version returns 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The automatic is more efficient, returning 20 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway.
While the interiors seem spartan, they are comfortable enough for long journeys as long as there are only two people. While the seat configuration is 2+2, the rear seats are extremely cramped and not meant for adults by any stretch of the imagination. They are more appropriate for children or small dogs. While there are ISOFIX points for a baby seat, it can be quite challenging to fit in there.
The Premium trim has an eight-speaker audio system, while the regular trim has six speakers. There is also a 7.0-inch TFT GR digital instrument cluster for the driver with Multi-Instrument Display. The MID presents drivers with a wide array of information like a torque graph and tire pressure monitor, The dash is straightforward, with a mixture of physical AC knobs with display screens for the temperature and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen which comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The fit and finish of the interior upholstery are supple and good to the touch. A common complaint about the interior is that it can be loud due to subpar noise dampening. Trunk space is limited to 226-liter, which is greater than its rival the Mazda MX-5 which is limited to 130-liter. You get more space if you fold the rear seats forward, which gives you enough space for your weekly groceries.
The GR86 was featured on the IIHS annual Top Safety Pick + list for the year 2022 in the small cars’ category. This makes it one of the safest cars on the road currently. The GR86 also comes standard with a rear parking camera but misses a rear water nozzle to keep it clean. Toyota has also provided a GR86 Active Safety Suite with some driver assistance features, but for some bizarre reason only offered it for the automatic transmission variant.
The GR86 is a sports car built for enthusiasts, with a combination of well-balanced features like phenomenal steering feedback, stiff chassis, and adequate power. In this price range, there are competitors, like the Mazda MX-5, 181 horsepower which is not as powerful as the GR 86’s 228 horsepower. Having said that, the Mazda (2,341 pounds) is lighter than the Toyota (2,811 pounds).
Another thing about the GR86 is that it is a Toyota, which means you can be rest assured about its bulletproof reliability in the long run. Another great thing about the GR86 is the well-established after-market space, The platform is sturdy enough to be endlessly customized to fit your exact needs, whether it be cosmetic or mechanical modifications. There is an HKS-tuned GR86 which has been extensively modified to produce more than 400 horsepower. The GR86 offers a solid foundation to build a formidable track machine.
Toyota has crafted a joyous driving experience with the GR86, with steady improvements over the years. Its utter simplicity and the optional manual transmission and usable performance, all at an affordable price are what make it a fantastic sportscar. It’s great to see that Toyota has been fine-tuning the GR86 car to make it more composed and better than it already was.
We can be sure that the next variant, which is rumored to release in 2025, will be better and might even come with a turbocharger. There are also rumors that Toyota is developing the new car independently of Subaru. We live in perpetual hope. In the meanwhile, we have the GR86 to play around with, which seems to be on its way to becoming a future classic.
The Toyota Sequoia has been in production for over two decades, and the third-generation model was unveiled in 2022. The new Sequoia has been completely redesigned with the new TNGA platform used by the new Lexus LX600, Toyota Tundra, and Toyota Land Cruiser.
The flagship model in the Toyota lineup is the Sequoia Capstone, which is currently the most expensive new Toyota on sale today. Let’s see what Toyota has done to their most luxurious offering yet.
What Is The Toyota Sequoia Capstone Edition?
Toyota
A front 3/4 shot of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone
The Capstone trim is the most luxurious version of the new Toyota Sequoia. It is the most expensive new Toyota you can buy, with a starting price of $78,460 and can go as high as $83,000 fully equipped.
The Capstone exterior features lots of chrome on the grill, bumper, mirrors, door handles, window trim, and roof rails. It also has power running boards, big 22-inch wheels, and Capstone logos on the front doors.
The Capstone Has A More Luxurious Interior
Toyota
Interior shot of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone with ambient lighting
The Sequoia Capstone has a more luxurious two-tone semi-aniline leather interior. It also features Dark American walnut wood-grain trim with backlit “CAPSTONE” on the passenger dashboard. The center console has wood trim, and there is a 14-inch center touchscreen with a 14-speaker JBL sound system.
The front and rear seats are heated and ventilated, and the interior is quieter thanks to the new double-pane acoustic glass. The Capstone also comes with a full panoramic roof and exclusive Capstone floor mats.
In the second row, you have captain’s chairs as standard, and you can easily access the third row from the second row. The third row can be folded down for more cargo space.
Twin Turbo Hybrid V-6
Toyota
Twin Turbo hybrid V-6 in the Toyota Sequoia Capstone
The Capstone is powered by a 3.4-liter twin-turbo hybrid V-6 engine that produces 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. It comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The Capstone has a maximum towing capacity of 9,000 pounds and offers great fuel economy at around 20 MPG combined.
The Capstone also comes with active dampers and optional rear leveling air suspension to enhance the ride quality.
Is The Capstone Worth It?
Toyota
Rear 3/4 view of a pearl white 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone
The Sequoia Capstone offers exclusive features and improvements over other trims, making it a great choice for those seeking luxury. However, it may fall short in terms of offering true luxury compared to its competitors. Nevertheless, it combines Toyota’s reliability, three-row seating, and massive towing capacity, making it a compelling option for buyers in search of a luxurious SUV.
We know Volkswagen has something cooking with the Tiguan. Numerous camouflaged prototypes have been caught on camera, using clever disguises to make the next-gen model look much like the current one. Now, a curious teaser video from Volkswagen shows a simple sketch of a vehicle against a blue background, and it could be our first taste of how the new SUV will look. Moreover, we may not have long to wait before learning more.
Posted as a YouTube short on the VW News channel, we get only a small clip showing white lines on a blue background. However, the menagerie of lines come together at times to show a vehicle. Our screengrab at the top of this article catches two prominent moments, showing the grille and a good portion of the front. One might think we’re looking at a car, but the outline of roof rails confirms this is something a bit bigger.
Beyond the visuals, VW delivers a bit of interesting information as well. We’re promised “something new” which isn’t exactly a revelation here, but then a date of 15 June 2023 pops up. A quick glance at the calendar shows us that’s tomorrow as this article publishes. We haven’t heard anything regarding an imminent debut, so it’s unclear if we’re about to get full disclosure or some new information regarding future announcements.
If this is the next-gen Tiguan, we can expect a familiar overall shape that embodies an evolutionary approach to design. The fact that VW can apply stickers to various areas on prototypes to make them look like the current model means the formula won’t be shaken too much. We have identified smaller headlights, and we think a thinner upper grille is in store, augmented by a larger grille down low. The teaser video supports these theories, and previous spy photos have revealed a completely revamped interior with a larger tablet-like center display.
More news is coming soon, so stick with Motor1.com as we’ll have all the latest VW info as soon as it breaks.
Manhart, a German tuner, has taken the BMW M3 Touring and transformed it into a powerful wagon that now generates 641 horsepower and 590 pound-feet (800 Newton-meters) of torque. This is a significant upgrade over the original stock output of 503 hp and 479 lb-ft.
The increase in power is mainly achieved through the implementation of Manhart’s MHtronik control unit. Additionally, the exhaust system has been completely revamped, with Manhart opting for Remus components and incorporating HJS sport downpipes.
Volkswagen is implementing a new plan to increase profitability, which unfortunately includes discontinuing certain lower-volume models like the Arteon.
The specific details regarding other low-selling models that will be affected were not disclosed, but the company specifically mentioned the Arteon. The decision to discontinue the Arteon is not surprising, considering that its sales have seen a significant decline of almost 69% in 2022, with only 1,742 units sold in the US. This is a negligible number compared to Volkswagen’s total sales of over 301,000 vehicles in the same period. Although there was a notable increase in Arteon sales during the first quarter of 2023, with over 1,000% growth, this was based on a relatively small number of units sold, just 528.
Kia and Hyundai plan to invest $18 billion in becoming fully electric vehicle manufacturers by the end of the decade. As part of this transformation, the South Korean automakers will develop a new electric vehicle architecture capable of accommodating one of the largest batteries in the industry. The first production model to utilize this platform will be a Kia-branded sedan.
According to a report from ET News, this upcoming vehicle is internally named GT1 and is expected to be positioned in the mid-size segment, potentially as a spiritual successor to the Stinger. The report suggests that it will belong to the E-segment according to European classification, which means it could be slightly larger than the current Stinger in terms of size.
Ford has a long history of success in motorsports, but they have never participated as a factory-backed team in the Dakar, the toughest off-road race in the world. However, that is set to change next year as Ford Performance announces their entry into the Dakar Race with a new Ranger Raptor in the top-tier T1+ category.
Mark Rushbrook, the global director at Ford Performance Motorsports, explained that while there was a Ford South Africa effort in 2014, this time they will be going as a factory team with great partners.
The Dakar is known for its challenges, and this year’s race covered over 3,000 miles of Saudi Arabian desert. Participants faced intense conditions like heavy rains, rocky terrain, and other grueling obstacles. In January 2024, Ford Performance will enter a Ranger Raptor into the T1+ category, which is the top class where renowned drivers like Nasser Al-Attiyah and Sebastien Loeb competed for overall victory last year.
To come out on top, Ford will rely on the assistance of their partners. One major partner is Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM), a South African team that already worked on a Dakar entry in 2014. NWM will take charge of the design and initial development of the Ranger Raptor, a process that has been underway for several years. Ford Performance’s direct involvement marks a significant development.
The other partner is M-Sport, the race shop led by Malcom Wilson that has been responsible for Ford’s World Rally Championship efforts for over 25 years. According to Rushbrook, M-Sport has vast experience in designing and engineering vehicles, as well as building service and support trucks, which are crucial for success in the Dakar.
It seems that NWM will primarily handle the development of the 2024 truck, while M-Sport will take care of the logistical challenges involved in running and supporting the team throughout the demanding Dakar race.
The Audi A4 is being retired and will be replaced by the A5 model. This transition will also affect the performance versions of the car, including the S and RS variants. As a result, the A4/S4 Sedan will be discontinued, leaving only the A5/S5 models for the next generation. Recently, spy images have emerged showing the upcoming S5 in Sportback form, with its final production body and lights.
Although we have already seen the S5 Avant (wagon) being tested multiple times, this is the first time we are witnessing the Sportback version of the S5. It is still uncertain whether Audi will continue using the “Sportback” suffix for this model or simply call it the S5. The prototype appears to have a tailgate rather than a traditional trunk lid, indicating that the conventional sedan might soon be phased out.
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