On this week’s Two-Stroke Tuesday we provide the look again at our 1998 FMF Honda CR125 tribute undertaking. Editor Mark Tilley by some means has an abundance of Honda CR125 two-strokes in his storage from about 1997-to-2003 in varied states of disarray . Who remembers the rider of this machine? We packed 2-Stroke Theater stuffed with 125cc initiatives in your viewing pleasure and we even threw in our 125cc inventory shootout for some extra motion. If you’re a fan of Honda small-bore two-strokes don’t miss the unique hyperlink on the backside this web page to our CR125 Dream Bike constructed by Justin at Motowhips.
The idea for this construct got here from a bench racing session within the storage and had some affect from final years Red Bull Straight Rhythm occasion. The bikes of this period had character and we teamed up with some business main firms like FMF,Faster USA, Specbolt, Decal Works, Race Tech, Wrench Rabbit, Dunlop, UFO Plastics, Supersprox and ODI to see if we may recreate a few of that magic.
Platinum FMF pipes, shorty silencers and carbon fiber instantly take us again to the late ‘Nineties. We went one step additional changing numerous {hardware} utilizing a whole Nickel Wurks equipment from Specbolt that options CNC aluminum washers and bushings. Light Speed is making restricted runs of CR125 ignition and clutch covers proper now. If you have an interest click on the hyperlink above.
The wheels are from Faster USA that includes their CNC machined billet aluminum hubs, stainless-steel spokes, alloy nipples and gold Excel rims. We added Galfer brake rotors, Dunlop MX33 tires and a black Supersprox rear sprocket.
It’s wonderful what Vapor Blasting machines can do. Lots of the components have been cleaned up in our Vapor Honing Technologies VH800. This rear brake caliper is over twenty years outdated however you’d by no means know.
The engine was rebuilt utilizing a whole equipment from Wrench Rabbit, we added a VForce reed valve for some extra efficiency and the Nickel Wurks {hardware} from Specbolt makes the cleaned up engine instances pop.
Decal Works and Motoseat labored collectively to ensure the graphics and seat cowl lined up completely.
We had a blast constructing this undertaking and it’s thoughts blowing what number of aftermarket components can be found for these late ’90s two-strokes.
2-STROKE THEATER
If you’re a fan of 125cc Honda two-strokes try this construct we did with Justin at Motowhips just a few years again. The consideration to element is out of this world! CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW FOR THE FULL STORY.
Let’s return to 1998, when two-strokes dominated skilled motocross, four-strokes had been one thing new, unique and off-beat and there was nonetheless an Open class at most native tracks. The Yamaha YZ400F was brand-new on the time and a flash level for controversy. It was declared authorized for the 250 class in AMA Pro racing. Most native tracks, nonetheless, mentioned it was an Open classer. In our April, 1998 concern, we wished to see the way it stacked up towards the ultimate technology of true Open bikes: the Honda CR500R, Kawasaki KX500 and KTM 380MXC. Here’s what we mentioned:
Even although most Open-classers ignore the producers’ supposed function for these machines, we will’t. If you learn our shootout between the KX250 and the YZ400F, you already know that the 400 is an unfair benefit within the 250 class. At most tracks, the 400 must run within the Open class. So be it. Can the 400 smoke the 380 KTM and the 500s?
To discover out, we assembled Pit Pro’s Russ Wageman (former speedway and MX professional), Shane Trittler, Ron Lawson and Lumpster to do laps on the 4 Open motocross bikes at Lemon Grove Cycle Park (a hilly, quick observe with SX obstacles). Conditions had been primo. Each bike was arrange for every rider. After every rider had ridden all 4 bikes, they (the bikes) had been ranked, and the votes had been tallied. Here’s how the chips fell:
Shane Trittler on the 1998 Kawasaki KX500.
Third place (Tie): Kawasaki KX500 & Honda CR500R. Power and luxury had been the KX500’s two strongest factors, and so they go collectively fairly properly on out of doors tracks. The KX proved clean and very quick, and the entrance finish got here up gracefully at any time when we depraved it out of turns. The delicate, broad seat held the rider on the bike, and the low bars stored us ahead for carving. The KX would blubber due to a wealthy pilot jet and ping within the midrange, however it was as pleasant because it was quick. Power was by no means a difficulty, and we might enterprise into the deep mud with confidence that the KX would plow proper by way of it. The KX got here out of corners properly, however it was laborious to power the bike into turns due to the gyro impact of the large crank. Between that and an inclination to comply with ruts, it was a bit more durable to go quick on the KX500 than the others. It additionally tended to wallow due to the super-soft suspension. In voting, the KX tied the Honda for third.
The 1998 Honda CR500R. Gotta love that LBZ gear!
Without a powervalve, the Honda 500 was probably the most primitive Open-classer, however it had the proper of energy for motocross. It hit laborious within the midrange however signed off faster than the KX. Our forearms additionally signed off faster on the CR, and Wageman complained of blisters after driving it. Between the brutal energy supply and vibration at increased revs, the CR demanded that the rider pay a value for going quick. The CR wished the revs chopped earlier than it will lean for turns, identical to the KX, however it had stiffer suspension and higher turning manners. The thinner, flatter, more durable seat additionally made it simpler to slip round on the bike, so it was extra enjoyable to leap than the KX. Brakes had been the perfect within the discipline (shock, shock), however the CR had a clutch pull that might humble Popeye. Explosive energy and a tough clutch pull simply don’t combine, so all testers most popular the 380 and 400 to both 500 for MX.
Pete Murray and the KTM.
Second place: KTM 380MXC. Powerwise, the KTM 380 ran very like the CR500, however there was much less energy to cope with, so riders might do extra laps on the Katoom than another two-stroke. They additionally appreciated the MXC’s pretty stiff suspension settings and skinny, inflexible really feel. It was enjoyable to leap and throw into turns due to its lighter crank. Wageman complained of the entrance finish eager to tuck in turns, and Trittler complained about too-stiff of a shock and an absence of straight-line traction. Clearly, KTM aimed the MXC at bigger, older riders. Lump complained about stalling, because the flywheel was just a little too gentle and the brakes too sensitive for his tastes. Everyone however Trittler rated the 380 second (Shane rated it fourth).
Spud Walters and the YZ400F.
De Winner: Yamaha YZ400F. Even although the YZF outweighed the two-strokes by 14 to 17 kilos, it felt lighter on the observe, Surprisingly, the heaviest bike on this comparability is probably the most enjoyable on a motocross observe, and it’s, by far, the quickest by way of turns. The YZF is the open bike that handles like a 250 and delivers energy extra easily. All testers might go quicker, longer on the Yamaha. It made the least peak energy of the bunch, however what it did make was so clean that no one complained concerning the engine. It additionally had the widest unfold of energy and infrequently wanted to be clutched out of turns. The Yamaha additionally connected the perfect and will carry probably the most cornering pace. We might get on the throttle a lot sooner in turns, with out fear of looping out or slewing sideways. It required much less shifts per lap and fewer vitality to hold on than the two-strokes, too. With the thinnest midsection, the F was probably the most enjoyable to leap. It cornered greatest and didn’t do something bizarre or sudden. Wageman hadn’t ridden a motorcycle in a yr, and he immediately went quick on the YZF. We had a tough time getting him off of it. It pegged his enjoyable meter, so Wageman ordered one instantly after the take a look at. The YZF had one other convert for its four-stroke campaign.
Prices
1998 Honda CR500R: $5549
1998 Kawasaki KX500: $4999
1998 KTM 380MXC: $5998
1998 Yamaha YZ400F: $5799
Weight (with out gasoline)
1998 Honda CR500R: 233 lb.
1998 Kawasaki KX500: 233 lb.
1998 KTM 380MXC: 236lb.
1998 Yamaha YZ400F: 250 lb.
We additionally rated the bikes in two completely different off-road settings: trails and dunes. Here’s how they did:
DUNES
First place: Yamaha YZ400F
Second place: KTM 380MXC
Third place: Honda CR500R
Fourth place: Kawasaki KX500
The rationale was that driving within the dunes was all about leaping (Remember the Crusty Demons period?) We mentioned the YZ400F was best to leap as a result of it was so clean and predictable.
TRAILS
First place: KTM 380MXC
Second place: Yamaha YZ400F
Third place: Kawasaki KX500
Fourth place: Honda CR500R
The KTM had extra gasoline vary, a wider ration gearbox and extra flywheel than the others. The Kawasaki, nonetheless, was the king within the desert.
Straight out of the minivan corridor of fame, the KIA Carnival was first launched in 1998. It was marketed throughout the globe underneath numerous nameplates, together with KIA Sedona and Hyundai Entourage, till lastly coming into the U.S. market as KIA Carnival which we all know and love right this moment. So a lot so, that the 2023 KIA Carnival was named The Best Family Car of 2023 by Cars.com.
While the mannequin was launched within the United States underneath the Sedona nameplate in 2001 (up till the fourth technology, which can also be when KIA adopted the Carnival nameplate globally), it wasn’t till 2022 that the KIA minivan was launched underneath the Carnival nameplate. Not solely has the KIA Carnival proved its mettle as an awesome household automotive, however it has riddled its method into the fleet of cross-country highway journey automobiles of many.
Owing to its smashing success within the minivan section, KIA has now introduced the 2025 Carnival refresh with some main upgrades.
The refreshed Carnival affords a daring design, superior options, a potent 1.6L hybrid powertrain, spacious inside, and security.
In order to provide the most recent and correct data doable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from numerous producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Kia, Car And Driver, and IIHS.
10The Korea-Spec Carnival Now Gets A Hybrid Variant
KIA
The 2025 KIA Carnival is powered by the identical 3.5-liter V-6 engine as its 2022 predecessor; nonetheless, given the paradigm shift in direction of EVs of late, KIA has lastly launched the 2025 Carnival to also come with a hybrid powertrain.
Engine Specs
Engine
3.5L V-6 DOHC
2.2L Diesel CRDi
1.6L Turbo Hybrid
Horsepower (HP @ RPM)
290 @ 6400
190 @ 3800
177 @ 5500 / 72 (Electric Motor)
Torque (LB-FT @ RPM)
262 @ 5200
325 @ 1750 – 2750
195 @ 1500 – 4500 / 224 (Electric Motor)
(Source: Kia)
The 3.5L V-6 and the two.2L Diesel CRDi engines include an eight-speed computerized transmission, whereas the 1.6L Turbo Hybrid powertrain comes with a six-speed computerized transmission.
9Exploring Design Emphasis And Style Enhancements
KIA
The 2025 KIA Carnival comes with a recent new design, with an upgraded entrance fascia consisting of star-map signature lighting, daytime working lights, and a brand new grille with a chic sample and black detailing. The butch-new entrance finish seems to attract lots from Kia’s SUV choices like the mid-size Telluride. As for the rear, it has the star-map rear mixture lamps; the license plate has been positioned downward alongside a hidden-type deal with for a a lot cleaner-looking tailgate.
8Noise Reduction And Enhanced Ride Quality
KIA
The 2025 KIA Carnival guarantees higher sound insulation and an general noise discount for a greater driving expertise, with in depth utilization of sound-absorbing supplies for a quieter cabin, along with the second-row home windows being extra sound absorbent, too. Besides, KIA has additionally talked about that the brand new Carnival could have improved dampers for a extra comfy trip.
The seven-seater trims of the 2025 Carnival additionally include accessible therapeutic massage seats; and for the driving force, the 2025 KIA Carnival comes with the ergo movement seat with energy adjustment and luxury stretch. The second-row seating comes with reclining seats and raised energy footrests, they usually can rotate and fold to create extra space if wanted.
PureIy as a household hauler, the SUV is a sacrifice in most cases. So, do you have to get a Minivan as an alternative?
7Comfort & Convenience In The 2025 KIA Carnival
The 2025 Carnival is already set to make waves so far as comfort is worried, with a bunch of recent options that solely go on to make it extra fascinating, whatever the moniker you select to make use of—a minivan or an MPV. With options such because the Fingerprint authentication system and Digital lock, now you can begin your automotive with fingerprint recognition, and lock/unlock your automotive along with your smartphone or smartwatch.
With fingerprint recognition, you can too use KIA automotive pay, valet mode, and extra. The new Carnival additionally comes with a UV-C Sanitized Armrest Compartment, which can be utilized to sterilize issues corresponding to your cell phone, pockets, and so on.; all on the click on of a button.
However, the true attraction of the Carnival lies inside its spacious (and adaptable) inside. Step into the cabin, and you will find an atmosphere that resembles extra of a lounge than a automotive. Premium supplies and considerate design components create a heat and alluring environment, superb for entertaining kids or unwinding after a busy day. Alos value noting is the addition of ambient lighting on the sprint, instead of the wooden trim found in the current Carnival.
6Elegant Seating Design Meets Functionality In The Carnival Refresh
KIA
Alongside the Ergo Motion Seat for the driving force, there’s a entire lot of seating performance that’s newly launched within the 2025 KIA Carnival. It can be an understatement to say that the seating within the new Carnival has a versatile design for the reason that seats can now be rotated and folded to create extra space within the cabin.
The 2025 KIA Carnival has three seating preparations – seven-seat, eight-seat,, and the nine-seat. Seating preparations are extremely customizable, catering to households of varied sizes and configurations. The second-row captain’s chairs present top-notch consolation, whereas the third-row bench simply folds flat with the contact of a button, creating an expansive cargo house for all of your belongings.
Besides the mix-and-match seating versatility, the seats of the 2025 KIA Carnival are coated in high-quality leather-based, are electrically adjustable in as much as 22 instructions, and have thermodynamic options. The second row seats can rotate 180 levels and may face the third row; whereas the third row seats could be folded in a number of methods to create extra space.
5Next-Gen Technology In The 2025 KIA Carnival
KIA
Technology takes middle stage in enhancing the 2025 KIA Carnival’s attraction. Dual sunroof fills the cabin with pure mild. An 8.0-inch infotainment system is commonplace, and twin 12.3-inch shows are non-compulsory throughout the dashboard, outfitted with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Yet, the Carnival isn’t just about leisure; it locations a excessive precedence on security and comfort with an array of driver-assistance options, corresponding to:
Lane Departure Warning
Blind-spot Monitoring
High Beam Assist
Adaptive Cruise Control
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
Rear Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
Remote Smart Parking Assist
Specialized Control for Congested Roads
Front/Side/Rear Parking Distance Warning
Lane Keeping Assist
The 2025 KIA Carnival supplies peace of thoughts on each journey. Additional options like heated/ventilated seats add a contact of on a regular basis luxurious.
Aside from its rugged exterior design and upscale cabin, this characteristic will add comfort to the upcoming Hyundai SUV
4KIA Is Introducing A New Trim For The Carnival In 2025
KIA
KIA is including a splash of pleasure to the minivan scene over in South Korea, with the debut of a putting new trim level for the 2025 Carnival: the aptly named ‘Gravity’. This eye-catching variant takes the already trendy Carnival and elevates it with a contact of darkish, refined aptitude.
Picture smooth, murdered-out exterior accents, that includes blacked-out wheels, and window surrounds. The trim boasts a novel radiator grille, unique 19-inch blacked-out alloys, black aspect steps, and black metallic accents on the roof rack, C-pillar, door garnish, entrance/rear skid plates, and tailgate. So far, the Gravity trim has been confirmed for the Korean market solely.
3Promising Gas Mileage
KIA
As far because the gasoline economic system is worried, for context, the 2024 KIA Carnival that is currently offered in the United States provides powerful competitors to its rivals within the section. The EPA’s gasoline economic system rankings for the KIA Carnival with the three.5-liter V-6 are 19 mpg within the metropolis, 26 mpg on the freeway; and 22 mpg mixed.
With the two.2-liter diesel engine and the 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain, the gasoline economic system figures of the 2025 KIA Carnival now stand on the following:
In phrases of gasoline economic system, the 2025 KIA Carnival appears to be like as promising as ever, if no more. Besides the spacious inside, refreshing exterior, and general family-friendliness of the KIA Carnival, its aggressive gasoline economic system would possibly simply be what makes it a crowd-favorite. But crucially, the introduction of the much-awaited Carnival Hybrid may very well be a game-changer for the minivan section.
2Safety
KIA
Say goodbye to the period of boxy, utilitarian minivans. The 2025 KIA Carnival stands out on the highway, boasting a classy presence with its refreshing entrance fascia, and sturdy SUV-like proportions, which additionally comes packing a ton of security options.
To start with, the brand new Carnival comes with an eight-airbag system, which contains of front-center-side airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, driver and entrance superior airbags, 1st-row aspect airbags and rollover-sensing curtain airbags. Besides, it additionally comes with the next security expertise:
Find out how the Kia Carnival minivan continues to ship an awesome mixture of design, practicality, and expertise at an inexpensive value
1Best-In-Class Warranty
KIA
KIA additionally affords the perfect in school guarantee for the brand new Carnival, although they don’t provide complimentary upkeep like among the KIA Carnival’s rivals within the section. KIA affords a restricted guarantee that covers 5 years or 60,000 miles, and a powertrain guarantee that covers 10 years or 100,000 miles.
Whether navigating the each day routine or embarking on a highway journey, the 2025 KIA Carnival affords a haven of consolation and comfort, a classy sanctuary that transforms each journey into an journey. So, pack your luggage, fasten your seatbelts, and immerse your self within the Carnival – it is time to redefine the chances of household transportation. Dominic Torreto would completely approve.
After the KIA Carnival’s excellent success within the minivan section within the United States, there’s a lot anticipation in regards to the new KIA Carnival that has been introduced in South Korea for 2025, albeit nonetheless but to be confirmed, whether or not it will likely be launched within the United States as nicely. Having stated that, check mules have already been noticed on U.S. roads.
The first-generation Ford Focus debuted on the 1998 Geneva Motor Show and shortly turned one of many firm’s most essential fashions. While the way forward for the nameplate seems very uncertain, towards the tail finish of the Nineteen Nineties, it set the stage for a brand new period in compact automotive manufacturing with its distinctive design and superior options. Ford’s UK and German groups labored collectively to create a automotive that was the envy of the world.
Welcome to Timeless European Treasures, our weekly look again at automobiles from the European market that outlined a motoring era.
Why Do We Love It?
Good query. The Ford Focus has earned a particular place within the hearts of automotive lovers and on a regular basis drivers for a lot of causes. Its attraction is multifaceted, beginning with its groundbreaking design. The unique Focus departed from conventional compact automotive aesthetics, embracing the New Edge styling philosophy launched within the late Nineteen Nineties. The outcome was a polarizing but fascinating exterior that caught the attention and set the mannequin aside from its opponents.
One of the important thing causes for the Focus’s widespread admiration is its engineering prowess. The introduction of the Control Blade rear suspension system, for instance, marked a leap ahead in dealing with and journey consolation for a compact automotive. The engineers, led by Richard Parry-Jones, crafted a class-leading, space-saving unbiased multi-link rear suspension that delivered distinctive elasto-kinematic efficiency. This innovation contributed to the Focus’s sharp steering, superior physique management, and clean journey over numerous terrains.
Of course, Ford lovers will at all times bear in mind the first-gen Focus for its efficiency variations. From the extra delicate US-market SVT fashions to the Focus RS with a 2.0-liter turbo engine, the compact automotive delivered an honest efficiency for rookie and semi-pro drivers. And after all, the Focus RS WRC was a profitable rally automotive with plenty of prestigious triumphs within the World Rally Championship.
This article showcases a 1998 Stewart & Stevenson M1079 military truck that has been converted into a robust motorhome with ample space to accommodate a motorcycle. The owner invested approximately $105,000 in creating this mobile tiny home.
The conversion process took place in the driveway of the house that Apollo, the owner, was renting at the time. He dedicated 468 hours of labor over 36 days to complete the project.
The M1079 belongs to the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) used by the military, specifically in the van variant. It is equipped with a Caterpillar turbodiesel inline-six engine and an Allison transmission. In its original configuration, the truck’s top speed is about 52 miles per hour. However, Apollo modified the gearing and differentials to achieve a more comfortable cruising speed of 60 mph. This adjustment allows for a fuel economy of approximately 8.5 miles per gallon.
Externally, Apollo decided to retain the truck’s stock appearance, with the addition of some storage boxes on the exterior. The roof houses solar panels and a Honda generator.
A pleasant surprise is unveiled when opening the rear door, revealing the presence of Apollo’s KTM Super Adventure R motorcycle. A winch and a complex ramp system enable him to load and unload the bike effortlessly.
The interior of the truck cabin is kept simple, predominantly furnished with Ikea gear. The kitchenette features a small sink, a compact fridge, and an induction cooktop. The desk and dual-monitor work area are nearly the same size as the cooking space. To meet his liquid requirements, Apollo installed a 65-gallon fresh water tank and a six-gallon water heater.
Apollo constructed a customized shower stall using aluminum materials and also added a cassette toilet.
To optimize space, the bed is mounted on an elevator system, allowing the mattress to be lowered from the ceiling when it’s time to sleep.
Apollo’s next project involves building another custom RV, this time with six-wheel drive and even more living space to ensure maximum comfort.
Lamborghini has been exceptionally productive in releasing limited-edition cars since becoming part of the Volkswagen Group in 1998. Recently, two of these exclusive vehicles were spotted being unloaded from a transport truck at the 2023 Supercar Owners Circle event in Marbella, Spain. A video captured the meticulous unloading process and showcased the cars being driven carefully up the alley, eventually making a stop on the lawn.
The more exclusive of the two vehicles is the Lamborghini Aventador J, and not just due to its value. This speedster is incredibly rare since Lamborghini produced only one unit. It was the first in a series of Aventador-based special editions and was revealed approximately a year after the original LP700-4. The Aventador J had a longer and lower design compared to the coupe and did not have a windscreen. Interestingly, the car was sold even before its official debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.
A rare 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B prototype, which was previously owned by World Rally Championship legend Colin McRae, fetched an impressive $606,042 (480,500 pounds) at the Silverstone Festival auction on August 26. This marked the first time the car was made available in a public auction.
Delivered by Subaru in November 1998, the 22B was one of only three prototypes created for the limited-run model inspired by rally racing. The automaker produced a total of 400 units for Japan, along with 16 for the United Kingdom, 5 for Australia, and the three pre-production examples. Interestingly, the Japanese units reportedly sold out on the first day of availability.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
