We took the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE for a quick ride in the hills of inland Southern California, turned on the GoPro and shared our thoughts. For us, the biggest news is that the 800 shows a little more commitment to off-road riding than anything previously in Suzuki’s adventure line. The Showa suspension has more travel and more adjustability, it has more ground clearance and the electronic features show that Suzuki is paying attention.
We had the opportunity to ride the electric Stark Varg in California this week. Last year, we were supposed to attend a global press launch in Barcelona, Spain to test a pre-production version. Unfortunately, the trip was canceled because one of the participants, Mark Tilley, tested positive for Covid-19. However, there are now a few full production models available in the country, mainly with district sales reps and a few dealers. We have to admit, we were extremely impressed by the technology and performance of this bike.
We recently had the opportunity to test ride the electric Stark Varg bike here in California. Although our previous plans for a test ride in Barcelona were canceled due to a positive Covid test, we were excited to finally experience the Stark Varg in action. Currently, there are only a few full production models available in the country, mainly with district sales reps and select dealers. However, those who have pre-ordered the bike can expect delivery by the end of the year. Additionally, authorized dealers like Temecula Motorsports will soon have the bikes in stock.
During our time with the Stark Varg, we were incredibly impressed by its technology and performance. However, it’s important to note that riding this electric bike requires some adjustments in riding technique and lifestyle. Justin Bellerose, a full-time Stark sales representative, gave us a couple of days to shoot and ride the bike at Glen Helen. Throughout our time with the bike, we had to recharge it a few times using a generator at the track. Managing the battery’s power and finding the right track for optimal performance will be crucial. For instance, Glen Helen, with its loose dirt and steep hills, can deplete the battery quickly. In fact, we ran out of power after just 40 minutes of stop-and-go riding while filming a video on the main track. However, with the right charging program, the bike can be used for a full day of racing at an amateur level. Justin used a Harbor Freight generator to charge the bike in about 4 hours, but with a 220-volt outlet, it can be done in just 2 hours. Superchargers may also be installed at tracks in the future, starting with Glen Helen.
Setting aside the challenges of battery life, the Stark Varg is an impressive piece of technology. It delivers exceptional horsepower and power delivery. Despite its speed, it effectively transfers power to the ground, making it a thrilling ride. The bike’s primary interface resembles a detachable cell phone, which allows riders to adjust power output and engine braking. Five settings can be saved and easily selected using a handlebar switch. The highest power output on this model claims to be 80 horsepower, which we initially questioned but found to be true during our test rides. The Varg easily outperformed a 2024 Husqvarna FC450 in practice starts, roll-ons, and drag races on un-prepped, hard-packed soil. In terms of power settings, the 60-horsepower option proved most effective.
On the track, it takes time to adjust to the Stark Varg. It offers a unique experience with new aspects to consider. Our demo bike was equipped with a traditional foot brake, but lacked a shifter or clutch lever, thanks to its automatic transmission and Rekluse automatic clutch. While adjusting to these missing components can take some time, it ultimately reduces the rider’s workload. However, it’s important to note that the clutch is often used to modulate power output on a regular bike. This nuanced control is replaced by a single control in the Varg: the throttle. Although the engineers have done an excellent job of providing smooth power delivery, riders must possess good throttle control. Once this skill is honed, riders can work the throttle to find the best traction. However, it becomes more challenging at higher power settings. For the dry summertime conditions at Glen Helen, the 50-horsepower setting worked best for us.
Not only did Stark successfully develop new powertrain technology for the Varg, but they also created an entirely new chassis. The minimal frame design is centered around a battery and features a swingarm at one end and a fork at the other. Considering the difficulty that established brands face in designing frames with the right flexibility, it’s impressive that Stark achieved such good handling with their first attempt. The bike’s chassis is slightly stiff, but the suspension, consisting of a KYB fork and shock, is well-balanced. According to reports, former motocross champion Sebastian Tortelli played a significant role in its development. While we didn’t extensively test the suspension during our short encounter with the bike, it felt well-tuned and didn’t require much attention.
We were only just beginning to discover how life with an electric bike would be when our time with the Stark Varg came to an end. While it is not a maintenance-free bike, the Varg requires regular upkeep for its chassis, suspension, gearbox oil, and coolant. The motor also features liquid cooling, with the radiator located under the seat and an electric fan to keep it cool. Once there is better availability, Stark plans to offer a long-term test program with the bike. We are especially excited about exploring its performance in off-road conditions, where softer spring rates, a side stand, and an 18-inch rear wheel can be added. Stay tuned for more updates in the future.
In 2015, the U.S. District Court concluded that the Navy’s War Games in Southern California and Hawaii were in violation of laws meant to protect whales and dolphins. The court found that the high-intensity sonar exercises and underwater detonations involved in the military’s five-year plan were causing disruptions in feeding, communication, and mating behaviors of marine animals. As a result of this ruling, the U.S. Navy had to scale back its SONAR testing activities and take steps to protect marine life in collaboration with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).
Three years later, the U.S. Department of Defense published a document called the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing, which highlighted the measures taken by the Navy to mitigate harm to marine animals. Some of these measures include having lookouts stationed and designating areas to protect seafloor resources like coral reefs, artificial reefs, and live hard bottoms. The document also emphasizes the importance of adhering to rules such as ceasing activities if a marine mammal or sea turtle is spotted and avoiding specific areas during certain times of the year.
Unfortunately, as of now, SONAR remains an integral part of naval military operations until a better alternative for navigation is invented. However, by implementing legislation and increasing knowledge about the seafloor, military units can minimize the potential damage caused by SONAR technology. Over time, it is hoped that advancements in technology will lead to the development of more efficient and less disruptive methods of underwater navigation.
A surveillance camera captured the moment when a Ford Mustang crashed into a home in California. The incident occurred at around 7 p.m. on Thursday in Grand Terrace when the Mustang, a fifth-generation model, failed to stop at an intersection.
The footage shows the Mustang approaching the T-intersection at a high speed. It is unclear when the driver applied the brakes, but the car’s momentum was too much. As the Mustang entered the intersection, it bottomed out, causing sparks to fly as the suspension rebounded and sending the back tires into the air.
The Mustang, believed to be a 2010-2012 V6 model, crashed back down on the other side of the road, hitting the curb. This impact launched the car into the air, causing it to fly into the front porch of a home. The car reached a considerable height before crashing back down to the ground.
Depending on the year, the Mustang could have a 4.0-liter or a 3.7-liter V6 engine. The fifth-generation Mustang received a significant styling update in 2010, but new powertrains were not installed until 2011, when Ford introduced the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 along with a smaller base engine.
Fortunately, there were people inside the home at the time of the incident, but no one was injured. The driver of the Mustang also escaped without any major injuries, freeing themselves from the vehicle and refusing medical treatment. The cause of the accident remains unclear.
The driver did receive two citations from the police: one for running a stop sign and another for driving without a license. It is possible that the vehicle experienced a mechanical failure, but it was also observed that the Ford was traveling at a high rate of speed for a residential street.
This incident serves as a reminder to always pay attention when driving. The driver should consider themselves fortunate, as things could have ended much worse. They were fortunate not to collide with another vehicle or pedestrians. We hope that the damage to the home is minimal and are grateful that no one was seriously harmed.
Porsche’s Rennsport Reunion 7 event in California introduces a special automobile to celebrate the brand’s racing history. The incredible 911 GT3 R showcased is not street-legal, nor is it suitable for GT3 competition. This Porsche 911 GT3 R rennsport is simply extraordinary.
Porsche refers to this car as the 911 GT3 R rennsport, with a lowercase “R” – a stark contrast to the vehicle itself, which is anything but lowercase. Underneath its massive rear wing, requiring additional support braces due to the downforce it generates, lies a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter flat-six engine borrowed from the GT3 race car. However, this model is not built to GT3-class specifications and delivers an impressive 611 horsepower. The engine is optimized for E25 fuel and features custom pistons and camshafts. With a higher compression ratio and an astounding 9,400 RPM redline, one can only imagine the incredible sound it produces.
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Billy Bolt’s recap from the primordial lands of the Outliers Hard Enduro. This is a great show!
Great video from the Assoluti Italiano Enduro Championship
Mitas brings extra strength to Enduro discipline with TERRA FORCE-EX tire line launch
Mitas looks to further strengthen its position as a leader in Enduro racing by introducing its entirely new TERRA FORCE-EX tire line. The new line, tested by Enduro racers for performance in all types of terrains, is designed to deliver more power, control, and endurance even under the most extreme conditions.
Specifically designed for Enduro and dual-sports motorcycles, the new TERRA FORCE-EX tire line is classified as ‘street legal’. It comes in four different patterns available in different versions and covering the most popular sizes, including Junior.
MITAS TERRA FORCE-EX SM (soft to medium terrain)
MITAS TERRA FORCE-EX MH (medium to hard terrain)
MITAS TERRA FORCE-EX HT (extreme terrain)
MITAS TERRA FORCE-EX XT (hard terrain)
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Back in 1976, the Supercross buzz was unique and fresh, in a sport that was still very young. Putting a shot of Gaylon Mosier, Jimmy Ellis, Kent Howerton, and half of Tony D was pure adrenaline for the dirt bike junkie. Would we see a cover like this today? Ah…no.
My buddy Billy Berroth sent me this a while back, It’s from 1988, and was our main test zone located out in the high desert. This was a normal gathering mid-week to test and ride. It was Ron Fry’s (RIP) abode and I spy a few friends here. Kevin Hines, Mark Zoller, Doug Johns and Bill Berroth along with my friend and fellow editor Karel ‘The Stormer’ Kramer.
This is from the 1989 Idaho City ISDE Qualifier. It was a rough year for me; I had broken my leg badly the year earlier and had major hardware in my left tibia, which made it hard to ride, which mated to a major pain factor. I had tried to qualify for the ISDE and just didn’t have the necessary tools to get the job done. This bike was one of my favorites, a big-bore-kitted KX250. Team Green’s Mark Johnson helped me set it up and get me to the qualifiers. It made great bottom power and had the best suspension I had ridden with to that point.
Apple has surprised many by backing a California bill that supports the right to repair. This is a significant shift in Apple’s previous stance on the issue. In 2019, an Apple lobbyist opposed similar plans in California, citing safety concerns. The lobbyist even demonstrated the potential dangers by pointing out the risk of accidentally puncturing the flammable Lithium-ion battery of an iPhone. As a result, the bill was withdrawn. Apple had also previously employed a lobbyist to block right to repair legislation in New York.
The lobbying efforts, led by a group called CompTIA, which represented Apple, Samsung, and Microsoft among others, argued that providing product documentation and proprietary diagnostic software would pose security risks. These companies advocated for customers to exclusively use authorized repair outlets, which tend to be expensive. Furthermore, Apple and other manufacturers compelled independent repair shops to join their “Apple Authorized Service Provider Program,” which also imposed financial burdens.
In the past, Apple faced criticism for making device repairs needlessly complex. The company’s practice of part matching, such as tying Face ID to the screen, faced backlash from right-to-repair activists. A 2017 report by Repair.Org accused Apple and similar companies of obstructing efforts to establish repair-friendly product design guidelines and incentives.
A new teaser image offers a glimpse of the upcoming Volkswagen T7 California camper concept, which will make its debut on August 24 at the Caravan Salon show in Düsseldorf, Germany.
The teaser image, shown below, has been brightened to reveal more details. The van features a two-tone paint scheme, with a silver top and a red bottom. It rides on five-spoke wheels with metallic accents near the rim. An illuminated “California” badge can be seen below the rear license plate. The pop-up roof is shown in the raised position.
VW refers to the vehicle premiering in Düsseldorf as a concept. However, spy photos (see below) show the production version of the new T7 California without any camouflage. From what can be seen, the two vehicles appear almost identical on the outside, although there may be differences in the interior.
VW has confirmed that the pop-up roof adds an additional 6.5 feet (two meters) of height when deployed. The company has also equipped the van with a new touchscreen control panel for adjusting features such as the thermostat, lights, and cooling box.
Mercedes-Benz will join the lineup of exciting debuts at this year’s Monterey Car Week in California. During the Pebble Beach festivities, the automaker will reveal the highly anticipated 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT. But that’s not all – a special edition Mercedes-AMG SL will also make its debut, possibly as a tribute to Mercedes’ Manufaktur customization program.
This news comes as a surprise, as previous reports from Autocar suggested that the new-generation AMG GT would be unveiled in September. Instead, the newest addition to the AMG lineup will showcase its familiar-yet-different styling at the prestigious Pebble Beach event. Spy photos have already given us a glimpse of the GT’s long hood, short fastback roof, and wide haunches, which enhance its sporty stance.
