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RIDING THE 2024 YAMAHA YZ450F LONG-TERM: THE WRAP

Last week, the 2024 Yamaha YZ450F arrived and Pete Murray, who rode the 2023 YZ450 all last year, immediately took possession of it. Pete had a successful year on the bike, winning another Vet Championship as well as a couple of wooden bears at Mammoth. However, the rest of us also wanted our turn with the new bike. Surprisingly, everyone loved Pete’s settings and input.



Pete Murray was all over the new YZ450F as soon as it arrived.

First and foremost, the YZ450F is incredibly fast. It doesn’t need any additional modifications to increase its speed. Interestingly, despite its powerful feel, it wasn’t the dyno champion last year. However, it does have the most rapid power gain between 7500 rpm and 10,000 rpm. This is the crucial powerband range that provides the extra boost when shifting through the gears on the way to the first turn. Yamaha has done a good job of making all that power manageable, and the convenience of easy mapping changes with the Yamaha Power tuner smartphone app is irresistible. We immediately installed Pete’s favorite maps from last year.



Our test bike was the 50th Anniversary Edition, which sells for $10,199–that’s $200 more than the standard edition.


The Jamie Ellis map. Pay close attention to the throttle opening settings on the vertical axis. They can be adjusted and it makes a big difference.

Pete’s map, which was developed by Jamie Ellis at Twisted Throttle, made the YZ450F more manageable. Pete also made a slight modification to the airbox lid. Typically, riders drill holes to increase airflow, but in this case, Pete taped off part of the air entrance. If you examine the airbox lid closely, you’ll notice an opening on the left that’s closed off on the right. Pete closed off both sides, resulting in what he refers to as the “Husky” effect. For years, Husqvarna had a more restrictive airbox, and as a result, their FC450 felt more controllable compared to the KTM 450SX.



The seat height increased last year making the YZ the tallest of all the 450s.

One of the major changes last year was the Yamaha chassis. There’s no doubt that the new bike has quicker steering and lighter overall handling. Pete was fine with these changes, and while many riders preferred more race sag for stability, Pete went the opposite way. We settled on a setting of 102mm for the sag, with the fork height remaining stock at 7mm. Pete weighs around 175 pounds and found that all the clickers were well-positioned in their stock positions in the rear. He made small adjustments by increasing the rebound damping by 2 clicks in the fork and reducing compression by 1 click.

What all our test riders love about the Yamaha is its roomy layout. The 2022 model felt cramped, leading most of our taller riders to install optional tall seats and lower aftermarket footpegs. But, this year, that’s not necessary. Small riders might not appreciate the increased seat height, but for anyone close to 6 feet tall, the new Yamaha is a great fit.



The 2024 Yamaha YZ450F weighs 231.5 pounds without fuel.

Last year, we mistakenly published an incorrect weight for the bike without fuel. To rectify this, we weighed the 2023 Yamaha YZ450F once more and confirmed that it weighs 231.5 pounds, which is the same as the 2024 model. This makes it the lightest of all the Japanese 450s. A comprehensive test of the 2024 Yamaha YZ450F will be featured in the January 2024 print edition of Dirt Bike magazine.

3-BROS 24 HOURS OF GLEN HELEN

On the 28th of this month, the 3-Bros 24 Hours of Glen Helen event will take place. The SRA racing crew has put together the entire course, which includes the GP track, the Arroyo, the Vet track, the Truck track, miles of fire-roads, and some single track. The race will start at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday.

SETH AND THE VETS



Seth and the Vets will be riding a Yamaha YZ450FX in the 24 Hours of Glen Helen.

Seth Barnes, a National Sales Rep at Dirt Bike Magazine and a former U.S. Marine Corps member, has teamed up with fellow Marines Ray Rodden and Skyler Periera to participate in the 3-Bros 24 Hours of Glen Helen. They are all part of the Soflete Race Team. Soflete is a fitness training company for military and first responders. The team was formed last year for the Vegas to Reno race, where Brent Phillips and below-the-knee amputee Josh Rotcaamp secured a 3rd place finish in the +30 Intermediate class. This will be their fourth ride together in the 24-hour race. You can follow their progress through Glen Helen’s live scoring system.



Seth Barnes breaking in the Team Soflete 24-Hour Yamaha.

NEW TRIUMPH TIGER 900 RANGE



2024 Triumph Tiger Rally Pro.

Triumph has announced significant upgrades to its Tiger 900 line of adventure bikes. The range consists of three variations: the Tiger 900 GT, the GT Pro, and the Rally Pro. Some of the key highlights from the Triumph press release include:

– The new Tiger 900 range offers increased performance, enhanced capability, improved all-day comfort, and a more aggressive attitude.
– The engine has been significantly upgraded to provide 13% more power, higher peak torque of 66.38 LB-FT, and a 9% improvement in fuel economy.
– New active safety features and a new 7″ TFT instrument panel offer improved capabilities.
– The rider seat and damped handlebar mounting system have been redesigned to enhance long-distance comfort.

USA Pricing:
Tiger 900 GT starting from $14,995
Tiger 900 GT Pro starting from $16,895
Tiger 900 Rally Pro starting from $17,395

See you next week!



-Ron Lawson
Motorsport

2024 Toyota Prius, Crown Receive Minor Updates and Price Increases

The fifth-generation Toyota Prius made its way to North America in 2023, boasting an unexpected appealing design and an optional all-wheel drive. Around the same time, Toyota introduced the new Crown as a replacement for the Avalon. Now, both vehicles are entering the 2024 model year with minimal improvements and corresponding price hikes.

Regarding the 2024 Prius, there isn’t much to mention aside from a few additional exterior color options. The color choices now include Guardian Gray, Midnight Black Metallic, and Reservoir Blue as standard options, while Supersonic Red and Wind Chill Pearl are available as optional hues. Similar to last year, the model is offered in three trim levels, each available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Every 2024 Prius comes equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense suite of safety and assistance systems.


Motorsport

2024 BMW X2 Base Price Increases to $42,995, $5,400 More Than Last Year

The next-generation BMW X2 has been introduced, offering more space and features in the compact SUV segment. However, these improvements come at a price. The starting price for the least expensive model has increased by $5,400 compared to last year, now starting at $42,000. When you add the $995 destination charge, the 2024 BMW X2’s MSRP becomes $42,995.

What do you get for your money? Well, quite a lot. First of all, all-wheel drive is included. Currently, the base X2 model is the xDrive28i, which has an upgraded 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower and powers all four wheels. We reached out to BMW to inquire about the possibility of a lower-priced front-wheel drive sDrive model in the future, but the automaker declined to comment on future trims. Previously, the cheapest all-wheel drive X2 was priced at $38,600 before the destination charge, so this represents a significant increase year-over-year. 


Motorsport

Toyota GR Corolla Premium Grade and Corolla Cross Hybrid Nightshade Edition Debut for 2024

For the 2024 model year, two different versions of the “Corolla” name have made their way to the United States with some updates. Let’s start with the more exciting of the two vehicles, the hot hatch. It now comes in a Premium Grade variant, which includes front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials. Additionally, this new trim level also comes equipped with brake cooling ducts as standard, making it suitable for track enthusiasts.

The 2024 Toyota GR Corolla Premium Grade offers a luxurious interior featuring suede trim, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. This lively hatchback also includes an eight-speaker JBL Premium Audio system, a wireless smartphone charger, and front and rear parking sensors. The Premium Grade version of the Corolla rides on 18-inch cast alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires (size: 235/40R18) and features red brake calipers with GR branding.


Motorsport

Goodyear Introduces Wrangler DuraTrac RT All-Season Tire for Snow and Off-Road Use

As winter approaches, Goodyear is gearing up by unveiling a new addition to its Wrangler tire lineup. The upgraded version of the DuraTrac series, called DuraTrac RT, is designed for light trucks and SUVs. This all-season, all-terrain tire strikes a balance between durability and off-road grip while maintaining on-road performance. Notably, Goodyear emphasizes the snow grip capabilities of this tire, which is certified with both the Mud and Snow (M+S) rating and the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake certification (3PMSF) that meets the requirements for severe snow use in the US and Europe.

Goodyear DuraTrac RT

Compared to the standard DuraTrac, the DuraTrac RT features a less aggressive tread pattern, although it still boasts durability for off-road use. The tire incorporates Kevlar protection and a three-ply sidewall to resist punctures and tears. It comes with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty and is available in 42 different sizes. The DuraTrac RT is compatible with rim sizes ranging from 16 to 20 inches, with the exception of 19-inch wheels which are not offered.

Michiel Kramer, director of product marketing at Goodyear, said, “From summer off-roading to snowy on-road drives, the new Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT provides drivers with the power and versatility to take them where they want to go. Engineered with a proven tread pattern featuring more biting edges for enhanced grip, this versatile tire can help drivers take on any road or trail in any weather condition – rain, snow, or shine.”

This is Goodyear’s second recent tire design announcement. The Wrangler Boulder MT was unveiled on September 21, featuring an off-road-focused tread pattern designed for extreme use. It serves as Goodyear’s flagship tire for trucks and SUVs.

Featured

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible Review: No Drawback Drop-Top

The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible is a formidable sports car that has impressed drivers with its powerful performance and thrilling driving experience. It has established itself as a top competitor in the market, offering tremendous power, agile handling, and a competitive price point. With the optional track-oriented Z07 package, it can even perform exceptionally well on the racetrack.

Many consider the Z06 to be the best Corvette ever made, with its exceptional sound, handling, and desirability. The convertible version takes the driving experience to a new level by providing direct access to the LT6 engine’s incredible roar while matching the coupe’s performance on twisty roads and straight-line acceleration.

Under the hood of the Z06 Convertible is a 5.5-liter V8 engine with a flat-plane crankshaft. This naturally aspirated engine produces an impressive 670 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, allowing the car to rev up to an exhilarating 8,600 rpm. The engine’s unique exhaust note adds to the overall excitement of driving the Z06.

The Z06 Convertible delivers excellent performance, achieving a 0-60 mph time of around 2.7 seconds. Despite its convertible design and a slightly higher weight compared to the coupe, the Z06 maintains its exceptional performance without any noticeable drawbacks.

On the road, the Z06 handles superbly, staying flat in corners and exhibiting minimal understeer. The car’s suspension, equipped with magnetic ride control, provides a comfortable ride while still offering impressive handling capabilities. The upgraded Brembo brakes ensure excellent stopping power and control.

The interior of the Z06 Convertible features a driver-focused design with plenty of carbon fiber accents. The 3LZ trim level offers a luxurious leather-wrapped interior with carbon-fiber GT2 seats and a carbon-fiber steering wheel. The cabin is spacious enough to accommodate tall passengers comfortably.

Despite its impressive performance and premium features, the Z06 Convertible remains a value proposition compared to its competitors. With a starting price of $113,895, it offers a significantly lower price point than comparable supercars.

In conclusion, the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible is a phenomenal sports car that delivers thrilling performance and an unforgettable driving experience. It combines power, handling, and luxury at a price that its competitors can’t match. Whether on the track or the open road, the Z06 Convertible is a standout car that impresses in every aspect.

Opinion

Matt Prior: Defending the Festival of Speed

Recently, my local pub received a two-star review from a disappointed customer who arrived to find it closed. The customer had relied on outdated information from the pub’s previous owner, who had created a website but never maintained it properly. Without verifying the information or contacting the pub, the customer left a negative review. This unfair criticism affected the current landlord, who is working hard to make the pub successful. Despite hundreds of satisfied customers, even if five more visitors were to leave five-star ratings, the average rating would only increase to 4.5. This situation reminds me of the saying, “no good deed goes unpunished.”

Now, let’s talk about the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This event is one of the most significant and successful gatherings in the motoring world. It’s essentially the British motor show and is enjoyed by all participants. However, The Sun newspaper recently managed to find a few individuals in Chichester who are unhappy with the festival due to the temporary traffic congestion it causes. The oldest complainant, who is 66 years old, was born several years after the motor circuit held its first race. Even during times when competitive racing wasn’t taking place, there were always regular motorsport activities at Goodwood. I personally have attended track days and experienced a Formula Ford event at Goodwood back in the early 1990s.

One of the complainants mentioned that they are “not into cars,” which is like living in Wembley (known for football) and complaining about football. Goodwood has been hosting motor racing since 1948 and has been attracting crowds since horse racing began there in 1802. In fact, the largest one-day crowd at Goodwood was recorded in 1955, with 55,000 attendees. I understand that traffic can be challenging during the festival, especially on the A27, which is already busy. However, it’s only a few days a year. Additionally, suggesting major road construction on the south coast would undoubtedly cause even more disruption.

Another complaint was that the festival should take place elsewhere. This argument is often made by people who live near busy roads, which I can sympathize with. Personally, I believe that public roads are best enjoyed when they are less crowded. Recently, I read Steve Cropley’s column in which he mentioned discovering new roads near his home that he didn’t know existed. I had a similar experience when I test rode some Ducati motorcycles a few miles from my house. I was directed to roads that I didn’t even realize were there, and I believe it’s better to keep their location undisclosed for my own enjoyment.

News, Technology

First Major Meta Threads Update Is Here With Some Much-Needed Features

The latest update for Threads introduces several important features that were sorely needed. One notable addition is automatic post translations, although it works differently compared to Instagram or Twitter. When you encounter a post in a language other than English, you’ll notice a translate icon next to the number of likes and replies. However, unlike Instagram’s dedicated “See Translation” button, Threads generates a translated version of posts directly beneath the text.

Keep in mind that the translation feature, like Instagram’s, is only suitable for basic translations. It may struggle when it comes to capturing colloquial phrases and idioms accurately.

If you’ve recently updated Threads on iOS but don’t see all the mentioned features, try closing and reopening the app. If they still don’t appear, be patient as the updates are rolled out gradually. According to Roth, Threads relies on server-delivered flags, and it might take some time for them to be fully released. Android users who are interested in testing the latest features can join the Threads beta testing program.

Motorsport

Watch 2023 Audi TT RS Drag Race Against Every Previous TT Generation

The Audi TT is widely regarded as an iconic car. When it first debuted in 1999 (2000 for the US), the TT captured attention with its Bauhaus-inspired design, which set it apart from the Volkswagen Golf it was based on. Over time, the TT gained popularity as a sporty coupe, and its performance capabilities became a significant part of its story.

The first generation of the TT included two impressive trim levels. In 2003, Audi introduced a 3.2-liter VR6 engine paired with a groundbreaking dual-clutch DSG transmission. Then, in 2005, the TT Quattro Sport model was introduced, featuring aggressive bodywork and a powerful 240-horsepower version of the regular car’s 1.8-liter turbo four engine (unavailable in the US). Moving on to the second generation, the Audi TT RS made its debut in 2009, boasting a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five engine generating 350 hp. It offered a six-speed manual and a seven-speed DSG transmission.


News

New 2023 BMW X1 M35i: A Powerful Performance Upgrade

The new BMW X1 now has a performance variant called the M35i, which aims to rival the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35. This upgraded model features various chassis and engine enhancements.

Under the hood, the X1 M35i is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, similar to the ones found in the BMW 2 Series Coupé, Morgan Plus Four, and Toyota GR Supra. With upgrades, this engine now produces 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.4 seconds, slightly slower than the GLA 35 by 0.2 seconds.

All-wheel drive is standard on the X1 M35i, and power is transmitted through a seven-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox. Improved traction is achieved with the addition of a mechanical limited-slip differential at the front end.

For enhanced handling, the M35i comes with adaptive suspension as standard, lowering the ride height by 15mm compared to regular X1 models. The stability control and traction control systems have also been revised, allowing for faster corrective inputs.

On the outside, the M35i features a more aggressive bodykit with larger air dams at the front, along with a prominent rear spoiler and a quad-exhaust-pipe arrangement.

The interior of the M35i receives sportier seats with increased bolstering. Optional M Sport buckets are available as well. The steering wheel is adorned with M Sport stitching, while the rest of the interior remains similar to the standard X1.

The price for the X1 M35i in the UK starts at £45,995, which is £7,125 less than the GLA 35 but nearly £6,000 more than the outgoing Mini Countryman JCW. European customers can expect deliveries to begin in November.

BMW X1 M35i 2023 interior