Pol Tarres is back in action, but this time it’s not about stunts or showcasing his skills. He’s fully focused on the dirt, armed with his camera and his trusty T7 motorcycle.
Tarres has made a name for himself by riding dirt on one of the best adventure bikes on the market, the Yamaha Tenere 700. He joins the rest of the grid at Erzbergrodeo, where everyone is riding enduro bikes that are lighter and more agile. Despite the competition, Tarres managed to get the holeshot and remained unfazed in the early sections of the race, even against the lighter bikes.
As the race progressed to the rockier sections of Erzbergrodeo, Tarres faced some challenges. A tip-over caused him to lose the lead temporarily, but he quickly caught up in the faster sections of the course. However, the real challenge for Tarres and his T7 awaited beyond the gravel and rocks.
When the terrain became thicker with greenery and the trail muddier, all riders started to struggle. Climbing up a single track hill proved to be difficult for many competitors with their lightweight enduro machines. Tarres, on the other hand, seemed largely unaffected in comparison. It’s incredible to witness how calm and composed Tarres was during the run and how well he managed his machine.
The climb was brutal, with rocks, shrubs, and mud posing a constant challenge for the racers. There were moments in the hour-long video where I couldn’t help but hold my breath. Yet, Tarres managed to put on a show and tackle the obstacles with his adventure bike.
Unfortunately, the video ended before Tarres’ run concluded. He finished 131st out of 500 riders at the 16th checkpoint, “One Way Train.” This achievement is remarkable considering Tarres was riding his T7 and competing against a field of lightweight enduro bikes. It’s worth noting that this is not Tarres’ first rodeo (pun intended) – he made history by finishing 77th in 2022 at Erzbergrodeo.
If you’ve ever imagined what a combination of a Puch AX 40, an electric moped, and a modern interpretation of a cafe racer would look like, then the Metorbike might be what you had in mind. Created by two engineers in Hamburg, Germany, this electric moped stands out from the crowd with its distinctive style. From the cafe racer aesthetic to the digital dashboard, integrated taillight and turn signals, wooden tailpiece, hand-sewn saddle, and matching grips, the Metorbike is a truly unique and intriguing piece of art.
But what sets the Metorbike apart is its ability to produce engine sounds, something that many electric motorbikes are criticized for lacking. By using a controller area network (CAN) sound module, the Metorbike offers a stock sound profile that mimics the sound of a conventional motorcycle engine. There is also an option to purchase a multisound pack, which provides access to eight different sounds, including car engine noises like V6, V8, and V10, as well as gearshift noises.
19Photos
Now let’s dive into the details of the Metorbike. It is powered by a two-kilowatt, brushless DC motor that generates a claimed 2.72 horsepower. The peak power is rated at 7 kW, or approximately 9.5 pferdestarke (around 9.3 horsepower) according to its creators. The frame is sourced from a Puch AX 40 moped, while the front fork is an upside-down unit from an Aprilia RS 125. The Metorbike rides on 17-inch spoked wheels fitted with Kenda retro tires, and it features disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels.
The battery used in the Metorbike is described as “recycled from the automotive industry,” although no specific details about the recycling process are provided. It is a lithium nickel manganese oxide battery with a claimed range of approximately 60 kilometers (or about 37 miles). The battery is removable and weighs 11.8 kilograms (or about 26 pounds). Additionally, users have the option to purchase a spare battery for easy swapping.
The seat height of the Metorbike is 770 millimeters (about 30.3 inches), and it has a total weight of 76 kilograms (about 167.5 pounds), including the battery. The top speed of the Metorbike is 49.5 kilometers per hour (about 30.75 miles per hour). The battery can be fully charged in three to four hours using a standard outlet.
Other notable features of the Metorbike include a keyless RFID chip for unlocking the bike, a digital speedometer with a touchscreen, a solid wood bench under the saddle that can be customized with seat upholstery of your choice (along with matching engraved grips), and two side mirrors. There are also various configurable options available, such as a GPS tracker for anti-theft purposes, illuminated ‘tank’ logos, milled aluminum switch gears, a full leather seat, special finishes, and more.
Each Metorbike is hand-built in collaboration with the customer. Only 50 of the Founders Edition Metorbikes will be produced, with prices starting at €7,749 (about $8,477 as of June 16, 2023), plus additional charges for any configured options. Currently, Metorbike is only offering these custom electric mopeds in Germany, where they can be ridden with a regular car driver’s license, making them an appealing choice for commuters and urban riders in the country.
For more information, you can visit the official Metorbike website, which we have linked in our Sources.
Get ready for the 2023 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The four-day event will take place from July 13 to 16, 2023, and promises a lineup of exciting activities for the entire family.
To help you plan your visit, here’s the full schedule of events. Due to the size of the event, there will be multiple locations hosting the festivities, including the Harley-Davidson Museum, Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations, Grant Park Beach, Bud Pavilion at the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, Veterans Park, Lakefront Brewery parking lot, Cathedral Square Park, and Greenfield Avenue in West Allis, Wisconsin.
On the final day, don’t miss the official Harley-Davidson 120th Anniversary Motorcycle Parade that will pass through downtown Milwaukee. Harley Owners Group members have access to a premium parade viewing area.
Thursday, July 13, 2023
The Harley-Davidson Museum and Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations will kick off the festivities at 10 a.m. The Museum will remain open until 8 p.m. and offer various displays and demos, as well as live music performances. Powertrain Operations will provide model year demo rides, factory tours, food options, and police skills riding demonstrations.
In the evening, the Harley Owners Group 40th Celebration event will take place at the Bud Pavilion, exclusively for HOG members. There will also be a community Bonfire on the Beach event at Grant Park Beach.
Friday, July 14, 2023
The Museum and Powertrain Operations will continue their programming from the previous day. The Museum will host the Flat Out Friday Boonie Bike Race and live music performances. Powertrain Operations will add food options from Johnsonville Big Taste Grill to their lineup.
Veterans Park will have a box office, food and beverage vendors, merchandise, and various shows and live music performances throughout the day. There will also be a Block Party on Greenfield Avenue and the ongoing Bastille Days festival at Cathedral Square Park.
Saturday, July 15, 2023
The events at the Museum and Powertrain Operations remain largely the same. The Museum will feature the Vintage Motorcycle Field Games Showcase and more live music performances. Veterans Park will have shows, live music, and a Burger Build Off hosted by Matty Matheson. There will also be a Block Party on Greenfield Avenue and Bastille Days festival at Cathedral Square Park.
Sunday, July 16, 2023
The Museum will start the day with a Harley-Davidson Membership Coffee Fuel-Up event. The Mama Tried & Friends Motorcycle Show will also take place, along with various displays, demos, and shows. Powertrain Operations will continue providing their usual lineup. Community events for the day include Bastille Days and the Harley-Davidson 120th Anniversary Motorcycle Parade in Downtown Milwaukee.
To attend the Homecoming Festival, you can purchase two-day or one-day general admission passes on the official Harley-Davidson Homecoming website. Children under 10 can enter for free with a ticketed adult. Prices may vary based on availability.
The 2023 Pro Motocross season made a stop in Mount Morris, Pennsylvania on Father’s Day weekend, bringing a different vibe to the races. The 450 class featured a showdown between Ken Roczen and Jet Lawrence, as Roczen aimed to challenge Lawrence’s path to the championship. However, heavy rainfall before practice caused complications, making it crucial for riders to set a good lap time in the first qualifying session. Roczen seized this opportunity by setting a blazing time, while Lawrence struggled with minor crashes interrupting his session. In the 250 class, Justin Cooper experienced a crash during qualifying, while his teammate Haiden Deegan secured the fastest time. For more extensive coverage of the 2023 Pro Motocross season, click here.
250 MOTO 1
In the first 250 moto, the track was a muddy and rutted nightmare. RJ Hampshire took the lead initially, with Jo Shimoda in second. However, Shimoda went down in the second turn, causing a massive pile-up that also affected series point leader Hunter Lawrence. Haiden Deegan and Jalek Swoll battled for a few laps, but Deegan eventually broke free. As the race progressed, Lawrence made impressive progress through the pack, while Deegan kept a close eye on Hampshire. In a dramatic finish, Hampshire managed to retake the lead on the last lap. Lawrence also passed Swoll for third place at the very end.
1 RJ Hampshire 2 Haiden Deegan 3 Hunter Lawrence 4 Jalek Swoll 5 Ryder DiFrancesco 6 Maximus Vohland 7 Jo Shimoda 8 Chance Hymas 9 Caden Braswell 10 Preston Kilroy 11 Tom Vialle 12 Levi Kitchen 13 Talon Hawkins 14 Dilan Schwartz 15 Jordon Smith 16 Derek Kelley 17 Chase Yentzer 18 Maxwell Sanford 19 Slade Smith 20 Jack Rogers 21 Cory Carsten 22 Kyle Murdoch 23 Blaze Cremaldi 24 Mitchell Zaremba 25 Tyson Johnson 26 Joseph Tait 27 Rody Schroyer 28 James Harrington 29 Peyton Jackson 30 Tyler Evans 31 Gerald Lorenz III 32 Evan Haimowitz 33 Gerhard Matamoros 34 Aidan Dickens 35 Cole Jones 36 Skyler Leaf 37 Steve Roman 38 Tyler Conner 39 Matti Jorgensen 40 Ian Kearon
450 MOTO 1
Jett Lawrence took the holeshot in the 450 class with Ken Roczen starting around fifth. Roczen quickly moved up to second place and attempted to catch Lawrence throughout the race. However, every time Roczen made some progress, Lawrence responded and maintained a 4-second lead. Garrett Marchbanks managed to keep up with the front runners, while the rest of the field gradually fell behind. During the race’s midway point, Lawrence had a fall, allowing Roczen and Marchbanks to pass him. Although Lawrence quickly regained his position ahead of Marchbanks, it took several laps for him to catch up to Roczen. The two riders engaged in a thrilling battle, with Lawrence briefly overtaking Roczen, who retaliated and recaptured the lead a few turns later. Eventually, Lawrence secured the lead for good. Roczen stayed within a couple of seconds until he fell on the final lap, struggling to restart his Suzuki and settling for 7th place.
1 Jett Lawrence 2 Garrett Marchbanks 3 Cooper Webb 4 Adam Cianciarulo 5 Ty Masterpool 6 Dylan Ferrandis 7 Ken Roczen 8 Aaron Plessinger 9 Derek Drake 10 Romain Pape 11 Grant Harlan 12 Phillip Nicoletti 13 Lorenzo Locurcio 14 Fredrik Noren 15 Jeremy Hand 16 Kaeden Amerine 17 Trevor Schmidt 18 Brandon Ray 19 Christopher Prebula 20 Bryce Shelly 21 Vincent Luhovey 22 Max Miller 23 Jose Butron 24 Jared Lesher 25 Jeremy Smith 26 Chandler Baker 27 Luca Marsalisi 28 Jeffrey Walker 29 Cody Groves 30 Jace Kessler 31 Scott Meshey 32 Ricci Randanella 33 Ayden Shive 34 Lowell Spangler 35 Alex Ray 36 Billy Ainsworth 37 Bryton Carroll 38 Dakota Kessler 39 Matthew Burkeen 40 Jerry Robin
450 COMBINED QUALIFYING
1 Ken Roczen 2:21.066 2 Jett Lawrence 2:23.675 3 Garrett Marchbanks 2:24.214 4 Dylan Ferrandis 2:24.537 5 Adam Cianciarulo 2:24.858 6 Ty Masterpool 2:25.663 7 Derek Drake 2:25.764 8 Cooper Webb 2:26.264 9 Aaron Plessinger 2:28.969 10 Jerry Robin 2:30.106 11 Cody Groves 2:31.427 12 Grant Harlan 2:31.606 13 Fredrik Noren 2:31.657 14 Jeremy Smith 2:33.120 15 Bryton Carroll 2:33.492 16 Jeremy Hand 2:33.845 17 Kaeden Amerine 2:34.480 18 Luca Marsalisi 2:35.035 19 Chandler Baker 2:35.206 20 Jace Kessler 2:35.303 21 Christopher Prebula 2:35.612 22 Romain Pape 2:36.162 23 Lorenzo Locurcio 2:36.514 24 Jared Lesher 2:36.745 25 Ricci Randanella 2:36.803 26 Matthew Burkeen 2:37.312 27 Trevor Schmidt 2:37.354 28 Vincent Luhovey 2:37.828 29 Bryce Shelly 2:38.871 30 Alex Ray 2:39.387 31 Brandon Ray 2:39.559 32 Lowell Spangler 2:40.401 33 Scott Meshey 2:40.455 34 Max Miller 2:40.975 35 Jose Butron 2:41.277 36 Phillip Nicoletti 2:41.622 37 TJ Albright 2:42.471 38 Zack Williams 2:42.471 39 Gabe Gutierres 2:42.529 40 Ayden Shive 2:43.234 41 Billy Ainsworth 2:45.156 42 Ryan Diezic 2:45.280 43 Jacob Rose 2:45.837 44 Nathan Augustin 2:46.081 45 Felix Lopez 2:46.120 46 Jeffrey Walker 2:46.526 47 Dakota Kessler 2:46.780 48 Nick Fratz-Orr 2:47.299 49 Brandon Hugney 2:49.103 50 Alex Panzarella 2:49.618 51 Derek Leatherman 2:50.037 52 Seamus Sullivan 2:50.460 53 Austin Walker 2:50.785 54 Ezra Lewis 2:52.298 55 Nicholas Hayes 2:52.366 56 Thomas Lanphear 2:53.208 57 Rylan Bly 2:53.509 58 Bryce Hammond 2:54.280 59 Corey Burnett 2:55.091 60 Nick Kraeger 2:56.411 61 Garrett Smith 2:56.556 62 Evan Richard 2:56.879 63 Justin Thompson 2:56.963 64 Brandon Pederson 2:57.101 65 Jakob Rassa 2:57.671 66 Jacob Glenn 3:00.913 67 Brett Greenley 3:01.699 68 Maik Schaller 3:02.122 69 Zach Peters 3:03.616 70 Cole Bradford 3:04.606 71 Liam Langer 3:04.635 72 Anthony Roth 3:05.788 73 Landon Armbruster 3:06.183 74 Evan Talbott 3:08.420 75 Joey DeNeen 3:09.116 76 Ivon Hays 3:10.414 77 Chase Witmer 3:10.744 78 Nicholas Burgess 3:12.973 79 Trent Yoder 3:18.843 80 Devon Bates 3:25.138 81 Kyle Farren 3:25.662 82 Kyle Vidovich 3:29.085 83 William Clark 3:35.666 84 James Cooper 4:06.906 85 Vincent Harrison 4:35.069 86 Nicholas Peccarelli 4:45.895 87 Jimmy Knisley 6:18.230
250 COMBINED QUALIFYING
1 Haiden Deegan 2:20.801 2 Matti Jorgensen 2:21.018 3 Hunter Lawrence 2:21.734 4 Jo Shimoda 2:22.014 5 Steve Roman 2:22.521 6 Justin Cooper 2:22.545 7 RJ Hampshire 2:23.451 8 Chance Hymas 2:23.553 9 Maxwell Sanford 2:23.638 10 Jordon Smith 2:23.723 11 Maximus Vohland 2:23.926 12 Joseph Tait 2:24.912 13 Tom Vialle 2:25.345 14 Jalek Swoll 2:25.489 15 Ryder DiFrancesco 2:27.023 16 Preston Kilroy 2:27.411 17 Kyle Murdoch 2:27.778 18 Rody Schroyer 2:27.788 19 Cory Carsten 2:28.782 20 Peyton Jackson 2:28.820 21 Gerhard Matamoros 2:28.871 22 Skyler Leaf 2:29.229 23 Evan Haimowitz 2:29.578 24 Talon Hawkins 2:30.000 25 Derek Kelley 2:30.068 26 Caden Braswell 2:30.342 27 Slade Smith 2:30.463 28 Ian Kearon 2:30.702 29 Mitchell Zaremba 2:31.229 30 Chase Yentzer 2:31.390 31 Jack Rogers 2:31.697 32 Levi Kitchen 2:32.202 33 Dilan Schwartz 2:32.481 34 Aidan Dickens 2:32.824 35 Tyson Johnson 2:34.354 36 Gerald Lorenz III 2:34.362 37 Max Darling 2:34.713 38 Jason Neidigh 2:35.302 39 Gage Stine 2:35.671 40 Tyler Conner 2:35.996 41 Logan Boye 2:36.619 42 Damian Buccieri 2:37.207 43 Cole Jones 2:37.927 44 Blaze Cremaldi 2:38.002 45 James Harrington 2:38.017 46 Travis Mecking 2:39.076 47 Konnor Visger 2:39.803 48 Cory Gilliam 2:40.240 49 Hunter Cross 2:40.499 50 Ethan Lane 2:40.511 51 Marcus Phelps 2:40.585 52 Bryson Raymond 2:40.817 53 Michael Lennon 2:41.513 54 Braden Gray 2:41.674 55 Christopher Williams 2:41.818 56 Tyler Evans 2:42.411 57 Riley Ripper 2:43.161 58 Charles Tolleson 2:43.680 59 Nicholas Inman 2:44.061 60 Ashton Bloxom 2:44.392 61 Colton Eigenmann 2:44.804 62 Gage Hulsey 2:44.942 63 Robert Bailey 2:46.411 64 Cole Robbins 2:47.076 65 Jason Fichera 2:47.091 66 Brantley Schnell 2:47.406 67 Ryan Quinn 2:47.953 68 Ethan Day 2:47.987 69 Nolan Dickinson 2:49.583 70 Zachary Lahman 2:51.526 71 Gavin Brough 2:52.142 72 James Churn 2:52.639 73 Jordan Jarvis 2:53.133 74 Brian Saunier 2:53.566 75 Steven Keil 2:53.600 76 Ryan Lechien 3:05.763
Jamie Ellis and his team at Twisted Development are known for their expertise in building high-performance motorcycles for various types of racing. Test rider Carson Brown is renowned for his ability to ride any two-wheeled vehicle with remarkable speed. It’s no surprise that we joined forces with Twisted Development to create a Yamaha motorcycle for Carson Brown to race at the Wiseco Two-Stroke World Championship presented by Fasthouse at Glen Helen Raceway.
BIG BUILD In order to win races, a fast machine is not enough. Reliability, handling, dedication, and a bit of luck are also crucial. When building a bike for the two-stroke Open class, where there are no restrictions on displacement size, finding the optimal cubic capacity is key.
Twisted Development’s solution was to build a YZ300 for Carson Brown. This involved starting with a mid-2000, aluminum-framed Yamaha YZ250 and adding an Athena YZ300 big-bore kit. The kit includes a cylinder, head, top-end gasket kit, piston kit, and power valves.
However, Twisted Development went beyond simply installing the Athena kit. They conducted extensive research and development with top-level professional racers to modify the head and port the cylinder in-house. They also replaced the forged piston in the Athena kit with a cast piston of their own specifications. The bottom end received attention as well, with a balanced crank, atomized texture on the Yamaha YZ250 rod, polished transmission, and a Hinson billet-proof clutch system.
The stock intake system was replaced with a Moto Tassinari VForce system, and the carburetor jetting was adjusted to accommodate the VP MXRO2 race gas and the engine modifications. The power production was finalized with the addition of a hand-built Pro Circuit works pipe and 304 factory sound silencer.
For the chassis setup, Carson Brown’s race bike used a wheelset from Dubya USA with Haan billet-aluminum hubs, oversized stainless steel spokes, and blacked-out Excel rims. The wheels were equipped with Dunlop MX33 tires.
Enzo Racing handled the suspension needs, utilizing a performance shock linkage arm from Pro Circuit to enhance stability and provide a more controlled feel. The aesthetics of the YZ300 were customized with an all-black Acerbis plastic kit, a custom graphics kit from Fusion Graphix with purple accents and embedded glitter flakes, and a white Guts Racing gripper seat cover.
BIG RESULTS The results speak for themselves. Carson Brown emerged as the 2023 Wiseco Two-Stroke World Champion in the Open Pro class. This machine was specifically tailored for a professional-level rider like Carson, but Twisted Development has successfully used the same performance engine platform for skilled riders of different levels. The engine performance surpasses that of the stock YZ250 in every aspect.
The Twisted Development engine delivers usable power right off the bottom, eliminating the need for excessive clutch input that the stock YZ250 requires. The midrange of the powerband provides exceptional pull, comparable to other high-performance two-stroke builds. While the Vortex ignition might sign off slightly earlier on the top end compared to the stock YZ250, the acceleration is significantly faster. Twisted Development offers maps that allow for longer over-rev if desired.
During testing, Twisted Development proved their expertise in engine packages and understanding of engine characteristics. The overall chassis and suspension setup on Brown’s race bike leaned towards the stiffer side but worked exceptionally well, especially when the bike was ridden more aggressively. The combination of Enzo-valved internals and the Pro Circuit performance shock linkage proved effective. With some assistance from Dave Dye, the bike was dialed in perfectly for Carson Brown.
The 80s was a time of motorcycle reinvention. Manufacturers the world over were trying new concepts, entering classes they weren’t previously in, and even creating whole new segments. Kawasaki entered the cruiser segment with the Vulcan, Yamaha built a new power-cruiser called the VMAX and BMW gave a very odd bike that went on to define its own segment almost 10 years after it first launched. Most of these motorcycles have continued to stay in the market. While some of these stayed relatively the same over the years, some are now unrecognizable. Some, like the Suzuki Katana, are even coming back as all-new motorcycles complete with new engines and modern designs.
There were so many incredible machines that launched over those 10 years that it is almost impossible to list them all without exceeding our word count. So instead, we decided to list down 10 of the most iconic of those motorcycles which, coincidentally, also happen to be 10 of our favorites from the 80s. Now, yes, this is a Japanese-heavy list, but that is because the Japanese bike manufacturers kept pushing out something new almost every year.
n “” data-modal-id=”single-image-modal” data-modal-container-id=”single-image-modal-container” data-img-caption=””Yamaha””>
Yamaha
Perhaps one of the biggest names from the 80s has to be the Yamaha VMAX 1200. A true power-cruiser in every sense of the term, the V-Max (as it was originally spelled) set the industry standard for performance cruising. The reason for this was the potent 1,197cc liquid-cooled V-four engine that produced a whopping 145 horsepower. With that many ponies strapped to a low-slung rocket, you’d expect handling to go out the window. And, you’d be right. The question was, however, would you rather carve mountains or be the fastest down the quarter mile? With 120 horses at the rear wheel and a 10-second quarter mile, the VMAX would take on any other cruiser that looked at it sideways.
9Kawasaki Vulcan
Kawasaki
A front three-quarter shot of a 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 750
First introduced in 1984, the Kawasaki Vulcan was then known for two things. It was the first cruiser to come out of the Japanese manufacturer’s stable, and it was also their first V-twin. Now, when it first launched in the United States, the Vulcan featured a 699cc because of the tariff restrictions on motorcycles above 700cc that were imported from Japan. These restrictions were lifted in 1986 and the Vulcan then received the 749cc engine that duty in the rest of the world. Even today, the average Vulcan owner continues to love their ride with very few willing to trade in. Those who do, however, usually talk about the more modern Vulcan 800 or 1000.
The Virago first appeared in 1988 as a smaller, novice-friendly cruiser from Yamaha’s stables. Essentially, the little sibling to the XV750 and XV1100, the Virago was purpose-built and aimed squarely at competing with cruisers already servicing the US motorcycle market. The Virago’s engine may not have been the most exciting, at least at the top-end considering V-twin’s 38 horsepower output, but it certainly was engaging when riding day-to-day thanks to the meaty midrange. Then you had the short seat height which meant shorter riders and women found it to be an especially friendly bike. All of this, along with its gentle handling characteristics made the Virago one of the best first big bikes for many riders.
7Honda Africa Twin
Honda
Vintage motorcycle standing in white room facing right.
Yes, the Africa Twin was more iconic in the 90s, but there is no denying the fact that it was the 1988 XRV650 that paved the way for the Africa Twin as we know it today. This was based on the Dakar-winning NXR750 and if there is anything you need to know from these races, it’s that the bikes are built to take massive amounts of thrashing. Everything from the sculpted fairing to the engine components were purpose-built with one sole idea in mind: Go anywhere, do anything. Of course, a year later, Honda also gave us the XRV750, the second generation to hold the Africa Twin title. The XRV650, today, is extremely difficult to obtain outside the collector’s market making them that much more valuable.
6Ducati 851
Ducati
Ducati 851 in red, facing right
The Ducati 851 was perhaps one of the most exciting sportbikes of the year when it launched in 1988 thanks in part to the financial injection provided by the then-new owner, Cagiva. This directly resulted in a new 93 horsepower-producing 853cc V-twin liquid-cooled engine. The 851 was pretty to look at exuding the Italian design that it is known for even today. Yes, the 916 that came almost 5 years later is probably more fondly remembered, but the 851 is the one that paved the way for the Ducatis that we know and love today.
5Suzuki DR Big
Suzuki Motorcyles
Side view of the Suzuki DR750 finished in blue
Here, we have the Suzuki DR Big, aptly named due to its gargantuan proportions. The DR Big was the best performer when it came to other ADVs in its class, but a lot of the features that you first saw on this motorcycle, you see even today. Take for example the beak: the DR Big is the first bike to sport one. Then there is the tall seat that comes on every ADV today. And finally, the absolutely massive 30-liter fuel carrying capacity. The DR Big also had one of the largest single-cylinders the world had ever seen – a full 727cc power plant producing 51 horsepower.
This auction bike has a set aftermarket exhausts to further amplify your riding experience
Do you like Top Gun? Yea, us too, so we may be biased, but the Kawasaki GPZ900R had quite a few things going for it. For example, when it launched in 1984, the first ever Ninja became the first production bike to break the 150-mph mark topping out at 151 mph. It debuted the world’s first 16-valve inline-four engine. This was also used as a stressed member in the frame which allowed for lower weight and better maneuverability. Within three months of its first unveiling, three GPZ900R bikes were entered into the Isle of Man TT where they won first and second place. And, Tom Cruise rides it! What more do you need to make it ionic?
Another race-derived machine in the 80s was the Honda VFR750R RC30. Soon after its launch in 1987, the VFR750 RC30 went on to win the first two World Superbike Championship titles back-to-back in 1988 and 1989. Now, when we call the RC30 a ‘production’ bike, we use the term fairly lightly and that’s because only 3,000 units were ever produced. Additionally, a lot of the components on the RC30 were high-performance competition parts. For example, it had titanium connecting rods, intake and exhaust valves, fully adjustable Showa suspension, a single-sided swingarm, and a slipper clutch.
2Suzuki Katana
Suzuki
Side view of the early Katana 1100, demonstrating the unique style it introduced.
If retro is cool today, in the 80s futuristic was the way to go in the motorcycle world. And, no other bike did that better than the Suzuki Katana. Designed by the Target Design team from Germany, the Katana has been an inspiration for many sportbike designs for years to come. According to Suzuki, the Katana was also the fastest mass-production motorcycle thanks to its 1,075cc transverse V4 engine. Today the Katana is back with an all-new engine, but the original sold right up till 2006 and while it is rare in the used market, the 1,000cc race editions are more difficult to find.
1BMW R80 G/S
Mecum Auctions
Perhaps the most iconic motorcycle of the 80s has to be the BMW R80 G/S. This bike single-handedly created an all-new segment today revered as the go-anywhere adventure tourer. But when it launched, the R80 basically failed in the eyes of the media. It was big and burly and didn’t quite fit either on the streets or the off them. But the balance was evident. The R80 gave up a little street performance to do well in the dirt and vice versa. The R80 G/S went on to become one of BMW’s best-selling models and continues to do so despite the numerous revisions to everything from the engine to its design.
The 80s was a time of motorcycle reinvention. Manufacturers the world over were trying new concepts, entering classes they weren’t previously in, and even creating whole new segments. Kawasaki entered the cruiser segment with the Vulcan, Yamaha built a new power-cruiser called the VMAX and BMW gave a very odd bike that went on to define its own segment almost 10 years after it first launched. Most of these motorcycles have continued to stay in the market. While some of these stayed relatively the same over the years, some are now unrecognizable. Some, like the Suzuki Katana, are even coming back as all-new motorcycles complete with new engines and modern designs.
There were so many incredible machines that launched over those 10 years that it is almost impossible to list them all without exceeding our word count. So instead, we decided to list down 10 of the most iconic of those motorcycles which, coincidentally, also happen to be 10 of our favorites from the 80s. Now, yes, this is a Japanese-heavy list, but that is because the Japanese bike manufacturers kept pushing out something new almost every year.
n “” data-modal-id=”single-image-modal” data-modal-container-id=”single-image-modal-container” data-img-caption=””Yamaha””>
Yamaha
Perhaps one of the biggest names from the 80s has to be the Yamaha VMAX 1200. A true power-cruiser in every sense of the term, the V-Max (as it was originally spelled) set the industry standard for performance cruising. The reason for this was the potent 1,197cc liquid-cooled V-four engine that produced a whopping 145 horsepower. With that many ponies strapped to a low-slung rocket, you’d expect handling to go out the window. And, you’d be right. The question was, however, would you rather carve mountains or be the fastest down the quarter mile? With 120 horses at the rear wheel and a 10-second quarter mile, the VMAX would take on any other cruiser that looked at it sideways.
9Kawasaki Vulcan
Kawasaki
A front three-quarter shot of a 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 750
First introduced in 1984, the Kawasaki Vulcan was then known for two things. It was the first cruiser to come out of the Japanese manufacturer’s stable, and it was also their first V-twin. Now, when it first launched in the United States, the Vulcan featured a 699cc because of the tariff restrictions on motorcycles above 700cc that were imported from Japan. These restrictions were lifted in 1986 and the Vulcan then received the 749cc engine that duty in the rest of the world. Even today, the average Vulcan owner continues to love their ride with very few willing to trade in. Those who do, however, usually talk about the more modern Vulcan 800 or 1000.
The Virago first appeared in 1988 as a smaller, novice-friendly cruiser from Yamaha’s stables. Essentially, the little sibling to the XV750 and XV1100, the Virago was purpose-built and aimed squarely at competing with cruisers already servicing the US motorcycle market. The Virago’s engine may not have been the most exciting, at least at the top-end considering V-twin’s 38 horsepower output, but it certainly was engaging when riding day-to-day thanks to the meaty midrange. Then you had the short seat height which meant shorter riders and women found it to be an especially friendly bike. All of this, along with its gentle handling characteristics made the Virago one of the best first big bikes for many riders.
7Honda Africa Twin
Honda
Vintage motorcycle standing in white room facing right.
Yes, the Africa Twin was more iconic in the 90s, but there is no denying the fact that it was the 1988 XRV650 that paved the way for the Africa Twin as we know it today. This was based on the Dakar-winning NXR750 and if there is anything you need to know from these races, it’s that the bikes are built to take massive amounts of thrashing. Everything from the sculpted fairing to the engine components were purpose-built with one sole idea in mind: Go anywhere, do anything. Of course, a year later, Honda also gave us the XRV750, the second generation to hold the Africa Twin title. The XRV650, today, is extremely difficult to obtain outside the collector’s market making them that much more valuable.
6Ducati 851
Ducati
Ducati 851 in red, facing right
The Ducati 851 was perhaps one of the most exciting sportbikes of the year when it launched in 1988 thanks in part to the financial injection provided by the then-new owner, Cagiva. This directly resulted in a new 93 horsepower-producing 853cc V-twin liquid-cooled engine. The 851 was pretty to look at exuding the Italian design that it is known for even today. Yes, the 916 that came almost 5 years later is probably more fondly remembered, but the 851 is the one that paved the way for the Ducatis that we know and love today.
5Suzuki DR Big
Suzuki Motorcyles
Side view of the Suzuki DR750 finished in blue
Here, we have the Suzuki DR Big, aptly named due to its gargantuan proportions. The DR Big was the best performer when it came to other ADVs in its class, but a lot of the features that you first saw on this motorcycle, you see even today. Take for example the beak: the DR Big is the first bike to sport one. Then there is the tall seat that comes on every ADV today. And finally, the absolutely massive 30-liter fuel carrying capacity. The DR Big also had one of the largest single-cylinders the world had ever seen – a full 727cc power plant producing 51 horsepower.
This auction bike has a set aftermarket exhausts to further amplify your riding experience
Do you like Top Gun? Yea, us too, so we may be biased, but the Kawasaki GPZ900R had quite a few things going for it. For example, when it launched in 1984, the first ever Ninja became the first production bike to break the 150-mph mark topping out at 151 mph. It debuted the world’s first 16-valve inline-four engine. This was also used as a stressed member in the frame which allowed for lower weight and better maneuverability. Within three months of its first unveiling, three GPZ900R bikes were entered into the Isle of Man TT where they won first and second place. And, Tom Cruise rides it! What more do you need to make it ionic?
Another race-derived machine in the 80s was the Honda VFR750R RC30. Soon after its launch in 1987, the VFR750 RC30 went on to win the first two World Superbike Championship titles back-to-back in 1988 and 1989. Now, when we call the RC30 a ‘production’ bike, we use the term fairly lightly and that’s because only 3,000 units were ever produced. Additionally, a lot of the components on the RC30 were high-performance competition parts. For example, it had titanium connecting rods, intake and exhaust valves, fully adjustable Showa suspension, a single-sided swingarm, and a slipper clutch.
2Suzuki Katana
Suzuki
Side view of the early Katana 1100, demonstrating the unique style it introduced.
If retro is cool today, in the 80s futuristic was the way to go in the motorcycle world. And, no other bike did that better than the Suzuki Katana. Designed by the Target Design team from Germany, the Katana has been an inspiration for many sportbike designs for years to come. According to Suzuki, the Katana was also the fastest mass-production motorcycle thanks to its 1,075cc transverse V4 engine. Today the Katana is back with an all-new engine, but the original sold right up till 2006 and while it is rare in the used market, the 1,000cc race editions are more difficult to find.
1BMW R80 G/S
Mecum Auctions
Perhaps the most iconic motorcycle of the 80s has to be the BMW R80 G/S. This bike single-handedly created an all-new segment today revered as the go-anywhere adventure tourer. But when it launched, the R80 basically failed in the eyes of the media. It was big and burly and didn’t quite fit either on the streets or the off them. But the balance was evident. The R80 gave up a little street performance to do well in the dirt and vice versa. The R80 G/S went on to become one of BMW’s best-selling models and continues to do so despite the numerous revisions to everything from the engine to its design.
One of the main reasons people buy new trucks every couple of years is to ensure they always have a pickup that is in excellent condition. By trading in their old trucks frequently, they avoid costly repairs, unless they end up with a model that has had a bad year. But what if there was a better way?
Used trucks can be a more cost-effective option because as technology improves, the dependability of vehicles increases. However, older trucks with high mileage can also be reliable. Knowing which used trucks will run forever can help you make the best choice. For example, the best trucks for construction work may not be suitable for off-road adventures, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
The 2000 Ford F-350 is a heavy-duty truck designed for work and towing, but it can also be used for off-road adventures. It was available with a 5.4L V-8, 6.8L V-10, or a 7.3L diesel engine. The 7.3L Power Stroke diesel engine is particularly sought after for its reliability and performance.
2000 Ford F-350 Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
Owners of the 2000 Ford F-350 with the diesel engine praise its reliability. With regular maintenance, these trucks can run for as long as needed without requiring significant repairs. It has received a 5/5 reliability rating from Edmunds.
Problems Owners Reported: Tie rods, ball joints, bearings, and brake rotors may warp easily
Highest Mileage Reported: 170,000
102004 Ram 3500
Reliability Score: 3.5/5
Mecum
Side and front view of a 2004 Ram 3500
The 2004 Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty work truck that can also be used for show or daily driving. It is known for its durability and is considered one of the best trucks in the industry.
2004 Ram 3500 Reliability Rating Based On Owner Feedback
Online reviews for the 2004 Ram 3500 vary, with average ratings ranging from 7 out of 10 to 3.5 out of 5. Owners are generally satisfied with the truck’s performance for work purposes, but some find it lacking in options and mid-range trim levels for daily driving. Overall, it is considered a reliable work truck.
Problems Owners Reported: Odors in the air conditioning, transmission issues, engine cranking problems, faulty thermostat, and sunroof cable issues
Highest Mileage Reported: 298,258
92007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
Reliability Score: 5/5
Mecum
Side and front view of a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
The 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is a versatile work truck that can also be used for daily driving. It offers a comfortable ride and optional features such as a backup camera display in the rearview mirror.
Reliability
The 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD received a 5 out of 5 reliability rating from Consumer Reports. It is equipped with either a 6.0L V-8 or a 6.6L turbo diesel engine. The Duramax diesel engine provides good acceleration and performance, and it is highly reliable when properly maintained.
Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $601 (RepairPal)
Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $14,644 (CarEdge)
Total Recalls: 3 (Passenger side air bag inflator, melted fusible link)
Worst Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD To Buy Used: 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
82009 GMC Sierra 2500HD
Reliability Score: 5/5
GMC
A front 3/4 studio shot of a 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD
The 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD is a reliable work truck that can also be used for daily driving. It offers a comfortable ride and reliable performance.
Reliability
Owners of the 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD praise its reliability. The truck received a 5 out of 5 reliability rating from Consumer Reports. It is equipped with either a 6.0L V-8 or a 6.6L turbo diesel engine, and it is known for its towing capabilities.
Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $912 (RepairPal)
Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $13,029 (CarEdge)
Total Recalls: 6 (Passenger side air bag inflator, fire extinguisher clogged, melted fusible link, heated windshield washer module short circuit)
Worst GMC Sierra 2500HD To Buy Used: 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
72003 Ford F-250
Reliability Score: 4.5/5
Mecum
Front and side view of a 2003 Ford F-250
The 2003 Ford F-250 is a reliable pickup truck that offers different engine options and two- or four-wheel drive configurations. It is recommended to avoid the 5.4L Triton V-8 engine due to known problems.
2003 Ford F-250 Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
Owners of the 2003 Ford F-250 praise its reliability. The 7.3L Power Stroke diesel engine is particularly popular for its reliability and towing capabilities. Overall, the truck has received positive reviews and is considered a reliable choice.
The 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 is a reliable pickup truck that offers three different engine options and various configurations. It is known for its durability and versatility.
2003 Ram 2500 Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
Owners of the 2003 Ram 2500 have varying reviews, but most agree that the truck is reliable for various tasks. Some use it for work purposes, while others use it for daily driving and recreational activities. The truck received positive ratings overall and is considered reliable.
Problems Owners Reported: Engine cranks but won’t start, transmission issues, water leaks, vibration in the steering wheel
The 2000 Toyota Tacoma is known for its toughness and reliability. While it may not be specifically designed for heavy work, it can handle basic tasks and has a reputation for being reliable.
Reliability
The 2000 Tacoma offers different engine options, with the 2.7L four-cylinder being the standard engine in most versions. The truck has received positive reviews overall and is considered a reliable choice.
Problems Owners Reported: Rust, squeaking from the clutch, water leaks, dash rattles, paint issues
Highest Mileage Reported: 292,000
41999 Nissan Frontier
Reliability Score: 5/5
Mecum
Side view of a 1999 Nissan Frontier
The 1999 Nissan Frontier may not be the first choice for construction workers, but it is a reliable pickup truck that can handle various tasks, including towing and hauling.
1999 Nissan Frontier Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
Owners of the 1999 Nissan Frontier generally praise its reliability, although there may be some minor issues that could have been resolved with regular maintenance. Overall, it is considered a reliable truck that is likely to last with proper care.
Problems Reported: Exterior trim issues, paint deterioration, transmission issues
Highest Mileage Reported: 273,684
32013 Chevy Avalanche
Reliability Rating: 82/100
Mecum
Side view of a 2013 Chevy Avalanche
The 2013 Chevy Avalanche is a versatile pickup truck that offers a comfortable ride and a reliable performance. It is capable of towing and hauling.
Reliability
The 2013 Chevy Avalanche has an overall reliability rating of 82 out of 100 from J.D. Power. It is equipped with either a 5.3L V-8 or a 6.0L V-8 engine, both of which are known for their reliability. The truck has received positive ratings for customer satisfaction.
Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $722 (RepairPal)
Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,220
Total Recalls: 1 (Shifting out of park)
Worst Chevy Avalanche To Buy Used: 2005 Chevy Avalanche
12013 Honda Ridgeline
Reliability Rating: 5/5
The 2013 Honda Ridgeline is a unique pickup truck that offers a comfortable ride and reliability. While some debate its classification as a truck, it is a versatile vehicle capable of towing and hauling.
Reliability
The 2013 Honda Ridgeline has received a perfect reliability rating of 5 out of 5 from Consumer Reports. Owners praise its style, comfort, and most importantly, its reliability. It is a highly rated truck with a high level of customer satisfaction.
Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $534 (RepairPal)
Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,263
Total Recalls: 8 (Frame corrosion, accelerator pedal binding, airbag inflators)
Worst Chevy Avalanche To Buy Used: 2005 Chevy Avalanche
Modifying the engine of a vehicle can lead to impressive results, especially when it comes to an unassuming car like a regular city car. With some clever modifications and a bit of bravery, a boring hatchback can be transformed into a powerful sleeper. And that’s exactly what happened with the Volkswagen Polo featured in the video above.
Posted on the CCD Video YouTube channel, the 8-minute video showcases how the modest 1.9-liter turbo-diesel engine of the Polo can outperform stock cars that cost more than ten times its price. The base price for a Polo in Germany is around $22,800 (20,830 Euro).
Of course, the Polo in the video is far from stock. It has been upgraded with enhanced injectors, a better cam, a larger turbocharger, and improved intake and exhaust pipes. The sub-assembly remains stock, but there’s a surprising addition to the blacked-out Polo—nitrous oxide.
The first dyno run was done using only the boost from the turbocharger. The 1.9-liter TDI produced 366 horsepower and 587 Newton-meters of torque with approximately 40 pounds per square inch (2.8 bar) of pressure from the hybrid turbo.
When nitrous was introduced, the car achieved 472 hp and 789 Nm. But it didn’t stop there. After a couple more dyno runs, the small Polo managed to reach an impressive 513 hp and 865 Nm from its highly modified diesel engine.
This power output exceeds that of a base Porsche 911, which generates 379 hp from its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six engine. It’s also more powerful than a Dodge Charger Scat Pack with its 485 hp 6.4-liter V8 engine. The Porsche starts at $114,400, while the Charger has an MSRP of $50,330.
Furthermore, the interior of the Polo has been stripped down, resulting in some weight reduction. This makes it a true sleeper car that can likely outperform many vehicles that are much more expensive than the modest Polo.
What do you think about this impressive performance? Watch the video above and share your thoughts in the comments section below.
We’ve all forgotten some trash inside our cars at some point, whether it’s a parking ticket or a receipt from the grocery store. But it’s hard to understand how some people let the interior of their cars get so dirty that it looks like a vacuum cleaner. Case in point, the video above shows a red 2013 Dodge Dart that is in desperate need of cleaning, especially on the inside.
The owner of the car had to take an unpaved road to get to the shop of The Detailing Geek, where the video was posted on YouTube. This explains why the exterior is covered in mud. But what’s even more interesting is the condition of the interior.
And by interesting, we mean absolutely filthy. It’s gut-wrenching to see and probably smell. The 2013 Dodge Dart shown in the video needs a lot of love to make it a bearable driving experience.
Fortunately, the person cleaning the car seems to know what they’re doing. They start by removing all the mud from the bodywork and then move on to cleaning the interior step by step.
The trunk liner is thoroughly cleaned using a pressure washer and a round brush attached to a cordless drill. The carpets are vacuumed meticulously, but not before removing all the trash, plastic cups, and toilet paper.
The back seat is particularly concerning, with nasty stains that would make any germaphobe panic. However, with the help of a special carpet cleaner and the round brush attached to the cordless drill, the stains magically disappear, leaving an impressive result.
If you think this is bad, you should see the Fiat 124 Spider that spent 38 years in a garage and became a cozy home for unwelcome mice.
Returning to the Dodge Dart, nothing is left behind. By the end of the cleaning, it looks like it just rolled off the assembly line. But don’t take our word for it, watch the video at the top of this page and share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
