Dirt Bike Magazine takes you on a behind the scenes have a look at our 2024 450 Motocross Shootout, a twin sport experience on a few of our native trails, the 2024 KTM/Husqvarna Supercross staff launch, and extra! This is your probability to hold with the editorial workers of Dirt Bike Magazine and see what we’re as much as as one other journal is shipped out the door.
Charles Lytle is the person behind mXrevival, and with quite a lot of assist from key corporations within the bike trade, he is ready to produce some insane bike builds. The “Anihlatr” YZ500 undertaking was made doable by working shut with Riley and the crew at BRC Racing in Canada which have launched a brand-new 500cc engine that makes use of the OEM YZ250 case’s bolt sample, transmission and different miscellaneous OEM Yamaha objects, permitting the engine for use in a 1999–2024 YZ250 chassis with minor radiator modifications. Pretty spectacular! The BRC Racing Canada YZM500 two-stroke engine package contains all the things besides the donor YZ250 transmission, which is required to finish the engine bundle. It’s absolutely geared up with a counterbalancer, exhaust valve and billet crankshaft meeting. The YZM500 package even contains an exhaust system and new shops for the wanted radiator modifications.
Charles Lytle is the person behind mXrevival, and with lots of assist from key firms within the motorbike business, he is ready to produce some insane bike builds. The “Anihlatr” YZ500 venture was made attainable by working shut with Riley and the crew at BRC Racing in Canada which have launched a brand-new 500cc engine that makes use of the OEM YZ250 case’s bolt sample, transmission and different miscellaneous OEM Yamaha objects, permitting the engine for use in a 1999–2024 YZ250 chassis with minor radiator modifications. Pretty spectacular!
On this week’s 2-Stroke Tuesday Carson Brown tells us a little bit of the story behind building his KDX220 project and why he thinks it’s one of the best off-road woods bikes ever built. If you want to see the mighty KDX220 in action scroll to the bottom of this page. We promise you won’t be disappointed in what this machine can do with Carson at the controls. For the full story on this build check out the February 2024 printed issue of Dirt Bike Magazine.
We found this particular 1997 KDX 220 on Facebook Marketplace for a pretty good deal. It wasn’t in the best shape but we knew it would be a fun build.
Naturally the first order of business after getting this gem home was to really asses what was needed. As you probably expected a complete engine rebuild was needed. We got online and ordered all the rebuild parts needed from Motosport.com and sent the cylinder off to Southern California so Pro Circuits Mitch Payton could work his magic.
Before we installed the dunlop tires the wheels got new purple rims and oversized spokes connected to the refurbished OEM hubs all put together by Kristen and the crew at Dubya.
The pipe was a Platinum 2 that had to come from the rafters in some old stock room because we don’t see it anywhere on Pro Circuits website and the silencer was originally built for a KX250 motocross model.
Guts Racing seat foam covered by a retro purple gripper cover. Other chassis bolt-on items included Devol Racing aluminum guards and skid plate, complete Works Connection clutch perch system, Renthal bars and drive system,
The KDX200/220 was one of the best woods bikes ever made in my humble opinion. It’s simple, and cheap. The engine with its KIPS power valve was super smooth and torquey back in the day; kind of like a 4 stroke without the weight and complexity.
The next-generation Nissan Leaf will go away its city-sized footprint behind for one thing larger. Its substitute shall be a bigger SUV, and Automotive News Europe is reporting that the corporate’s Chill-Out concept from 2021 will preview the EV’s revamped design.
The Chill-Out idea is an enormous departure from the Leaf’s present styling. It debuted with clean sheet metallic and easy traces. The coupe-like greenhouse gave it a sporty aesthetic enhanced by the massive wheels pushed to the outer corners. The daring V-motion grille was nowhere to be found, however the black frontal insert and lights retained the form.
The again mimics the entrance finish with a black inserts housing the taillights – two vertical and three horizontal items – and the Nissan phrase branding. It additionally had a bumper appliqué for some added distinction.
One place the place the idea will finally differ from the manufacturing mannequin is the inside. The Chill-Out idea was all about enjoyable due to autonomy, with the mannequin missing conventional controls and a big show dominating the minimalistic sprint. That future remains to be a number of years away.
When the Leaf’s successor does arrive, Nissan received’t construct it in America. Sources informed Automotive News that the automaker plans to ship manufacturing from North America to England. It’s unclear if the corporate plans to export the mannequin to different markets, however such a transfer would imply it would lose eligibility for the US’s $7,500 federal tax credit score.
Leaf gross sales have hovered round 10,000 for the final a number of years however are down almost 35 % by the primary 9 months of the 12 months. 2023 could possibly be one of many mannequin’s worst gross sales years since its launch, with simply 5,804 offered up to now, however that’s simply proof that the automaker wants to present the mannequin a radical overhaul.
The EV panorama has modified rather a lot since Nissan launched the Leaf for the 2011 mannequin 12 months. It arrived with as much as simply 100 miles of vary and glacial charging occasions, and there are a lot of extra choices at the moment. A number of years in the past, Chevrolet revamped the Bolt, one of many Leaf’s rivals, introducing the higher-riding Bolt EUV to extend its reputation amongst crossover-crazed shoppers.
There’s a fair bit of science behind how engine turbochargers do what they do (air pressure, compression, fuel burn efficiency, etc.), but basically it will improve an engine’s power by around 30 to 40 percent. It’s a fairly common addition for people who want to get more out of their car’s performance without having to replace the engine itself.
Some modern vehicles already include a turbocharger, making the installation of your own somewhat redundant (unless you want to try replacing the turbocharger with one you believe offers even more of a boost), but plenty still leave the factory without. If it doesn’t have one — you can check by flipping through the owner’s manual, looking up your model online, or popping the hood and seeing if something that kind of looks like a snail attached to it — then you should be good to add one on your own. Just make sure you know what you’re looking for first.
Another thing to consider is the cost of installing a turbocharger, and not just the price of the hardware itself, which could be in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars, or the price of labor if you want a professional to do it for you. A turbocharged engine will likely require more regular maintenance, and depending on the setup you might have to switch to premium (i.e. more expensive) gas. Additionally, it may increase your insurance costs, or result in denied claims if you don’t let your provider know about it.
Pretty much any gasoline-powered car can manage a turbocharger, but figuring out approximate specs so as to not overtax the engine will take a fair bit of thinking and researching.
This is just the start, however. You still need to figure out your specific engine’s specs and compare them to any turbochargers that catch your eye.
Before you commit to a specific turbocharger, you’ll want to compare and contrast a number of values with your engine’s current capabilities.
Now that you have all the numbers you need, it’s time to put them to use.
Once your various engine metrics and values are calculated, you need to compare them to what the turbo offers.
As always, if you’re not comfortable or confident with the idea of sourcing and (or) installing your own turbocharger, consult with a professional instead. Yes, this will add to the costs, but it will also provide peace of mind — and a lot less manual labor and napkin math on your part.
Dirt Bike Magazine VLOG 3 is available for viewing. Join us behind the scenes as we try out the brand new 2024 Kawasaki KX450, film MXrevival 500cc two stroke builds, and attend the final round of the 2023 Endurocross season. Our aim is to inspire you to hit the trails and ride your motorcycle with your closest friends! See you down the trail!
The team working on the Bloodhound project, which aims to break the land-speed record using a combination of jet and rocket power, has been seeking additional funding for a while.
Recently, they have also been searching for a new driver, a move that appears to be a sensible change in the project’s challenging history. This development struck me as a logical step that should have been taken earlier.
Instead of appealing solely to corporations, the project should have targeted individual egos from the beginning. The current land speed record of 763mph has been unbroken for 26 years, ever since Andy Green achieved supersonic speed with the Thrust SSC.
At the age of 61, Green has been in the driver’s seat for the Bloodhound project since its launch in 2008, and has already tested it at a speed of 628mph. While the initial goal was to reach 1000mph, the current focus is on surpassing the previous record by achieving a speed of 800mph.
Since the establishment of the first land speed record, it has never remained unbeaten for such a long period. The high costs and the already broken sound barrier have raised questions about the relevance of pursuing further speed achievements from a business perspective.
For Bloodhound, the primary aim has always been to promote skills and education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The car has been featured in roadshows and educational tours, with volunteer ambassadors visiting schools and colleges to raise awareness about the technology behind high-speed travel. Its objective has not only been to make noise and achieve speed, but also to inspire the development of engineers.
Although the project garnered support from several major companies, it was never enough. Consequently, given the change in societal attitudes towards noise and speed, the educational focus of the Bloodhound project has shifted towards green technology.
If the project materializes, the jet will run on synthetic fuel, and the fuel pump, initially planned to be a detuned Formula 1 engine and later a Jaguar V8, will now be a high-capacity electric motor. Additionally, the rocket’s emissions will consist solely of steam, oxygen, and excitement.
When you want to have fun behind the wheel, minimizing the mass is key. Whether you’re looking for straight-line speed or nimble cornering, a lighter car is better. It’s basic physics – the less weight to move when accelerating, braking, and turning, the quicker and more responsive the car will be.
Of course, shedding weight often means sacrificing some creature comforts and family-friendly practicality, but it also offers unparalleled handling, tactile engagement, and performance that surpasses what power outputs might suggest.
The simplicity and single-minded approach of these cars is appealing. Their commitment to eliminating unnecessary extras in pursuit of pure driving pleasure provides a refreshing contrast to the growing complexity of crossovers, SUVs, and battery-heavy EVs.
To make this list, contenders must weigh under 1000kg and prioritize engagement and entertainment. Infotainment systems, leather trim, and climate control aren’t considered, and even basic weather protection isn’t a prerequisite.
Here are our top picks for exciting, back-to-basics cars with minimal weight.
For those unfamiliar with it, the fourth-generation Atom looks similar to the first – a blend of a children’s climbing frame and a single-seat racer. Despite the familiar aesthetics and commitment to providing a pure driving experience, this fourth-generation road racer is the most advanced and thrilling yet.
Handcrafted at Ariel’s base in Somerset, the tubular-framed Atom received updated chassis, suspension, interior, and engine upon its 2018 launch. The engine, a turbocharged 316bhp unit from the Civic Type-R, packs a punch in the Atom, weighing in at just under 600kg. Ariel claims a 0-60mph of 2.8 seconds, but it feels even quicker thanks to the motor’s sounds and the exposure to the elements without a windshield (don’t forget your helmet).
But it’s the Atom’s ability to tackle corners that’s truly exhilarating. The lack of inertia allows it to maneuver corners effortlessly, communicating the road conditions clearly. The mid-engined balance and razor-sharp throttle offer both options and entertainment. It’s an immersive experience that leaves you exhilarated and satisfied after every drive.
Never again? That was not on Richard Hammond’s mind when he saw the opportunity to jump behind the wheel of Rimac’s latest and greatest electric supercar. Despite being involved in a life-threatening accident in June 2017 with the infamous Concept One, The Hamster got back on the horse. Actually, 1,877 horses. In a new video for Drivetribe – which he co-founded with Jeremy Clarkson and James May – gets behind the wheel of Croatia’s fastest car ever.
The Nevera in question is #10 out of a total of 150 cars and sitting in the passenger seat is Rimac’s chief engineer and test driver. Given what happened the last time Hammond drove a Rimac, it’s an understandable precautionary measure to make sure The Grand Tour co-host isn’t involved in another nasty accident. Predictably, it looks as though the English journalist was a bit hesitant to drive off, but he eventually built up the courage to get going.
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