We just lately caught up with 10-fold National Trials Champion Geoff Aaron to be taught what he’s as much as nowadays. After a protracted historical past with GasGas that spanned three completely different father or mother firms, he’s now with Central Powersports Distributing, which handles Rieju, SWM, AJP and EM. Given the truth that he’s an icon within the trials world, we’re guessing the model he’s most captivated with is EM, which is a French firm specializing in electrical trials and off-road bikes. EM has modified the sport with electrical trials bikes by being the primary to supply a hydraulic clutch and an idle mode they name “TKO.”
Geoff Aaron and the ME Escape X
Geoff gave us a sneak peek at EM’s newest providing; an electrical off-road bike referred to as the Escape X. This is a brilliant light-weight bike with a spread of about 50 miles. It has a hydraulic clutch choice identical to the trials bike. If you’ve been taking note of the suggestions on electrical bikes, the shortage of a clutch is the only greatest grievance. Most riders use a standard clutch much more usually than they understand, and it’s not simply to maintain the engine from stalling–it’s all about utilizing the motor’s flywheel to retailer and launch power in a really exact means. Just watch any prime trials rider for an indication. The upgraded Escape XR additionally has the TKO mode. The bikes at the moment are arriving in sellers. The Escape X sells for $9999 and the Escape XR is $11,999.
ESCAPE “XR” — 2024 BATTERY TYPE: Lithium-Ion, 50.4 Volts BATTERY CAPACITY: 3500 Wh LIFE CYCLE: 1000 Cycles CHARGE TIME: 2hrs & 30min w/ 25A Standard Charger RANGE: 49.7 Miles NOMINAL POWER: 6 Kw PEAK POWER: 12 Kw MAPS: 3 Standard (+ adjustability w/ EM Connect App) LEFT HAND LEVER: Hydraulic Diaphragm Clutch FRAME: 15CDV6 Steel SWINGARM: Aluminum FRONT FORK: 35mm Inverted Fork, 9.8″ Travel REAR SHOCK: R16V w/ Remote Reservoir FRONT RIM/TIRE: Morad 1.6×21″ Rim, Michelin Enduro Medium REAR RIM/TIRE: Morad 1.85×18″ Rim, Michelin Enduro Medium FRONT BRAKE: Nissin Caliper, 260mm Disc REAR BRAKE: Nissin Caliper, 220mm Disc WEIGHT: 194 Pounds WHEELBASE: 52.4″ GROUND CLEARANCE: 13.8″ SEAT HEIGHT: 33.5″
ESCAPE “X” — 2024 BATTERY TYPE: Lithium-Ion, 50.4 Volts BATTERY CAPACITY: 3500 Wh LIFE CYCLE: 1000 Cycles CHARGE TIME: 4hrs & 20min w/ 15A Standard Charger RANGE: 49.7 Miles NOMINAL POWER: 6 Kw PEAK POWER: 11 Kw MAPS: 3 Standard (+ adjustability w/ EM Connect App) LEFT HAND LEVER: Progressive Regenerative Brake (PRB) FRAME: 15CDV6 Steel SWINGARM: Aluminum FRONT FORK: 35mm Inverted Fork, 9.8″ Travel REAR SHOCK: R16V FRONT RIM/TIRE: Morad 1.6×21″ Rim, Michelin Enduro Medium REAR RIM/TIRE: Morad 1,85×18″ Rim, Michelin Enduro Medium FRONT BRAKE: Nissin Caliper, 260mm Disc REAR BRAKE: Nissin Caliper, 220mm Disc WEIGHT: 191.8 Pounds WHEELBASE: 52.4″ GROUND CLEARANCE: 13.8″ SEAT HEIGHT: 33.5″
*All EM fashions have a one-year producer guarantee towards workmanship and materials defects.
STARK VARG, EDDIE KARLSSON AND THE BATTLE OF VEKLINGS
If you’re an electrical bike hater, you’ve got quite a lot of work to do recently. Eddie Karlsson simply used a Star Varg to win the Battle of Veklings Extreme Enduro, which is just like the Swedish model of Erzberg. It’s particularly spectacular contemplating the occasion is over two hours lengthy, and Karlsson didn’t want a recharge or a battery swap. They say, in actual fact, he had 30 % remaining when it was throughout. The complete race is on his POV digital camera above, and it’s wonderful leisure. There’s an awesome bottleneck at minute 30 on the finish of his first lap.
NORRA MEXICAN 1000 UPDATE
Alexander Smith on the Ducati Desert X.
The NORRA Mexican 1000 is at the moment underway. Matt Sutherland and Alexander Smith have been buying and selling stage wins within the Pro Rally class. Smith is driving a Ducati whereas Sutherland is on a single-cylinder KTM Rally 450. Today marks the beginning of a two-stage marathon within the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally. Stage 4 begins on Wednesday, May 1st, at 11:30 am, stretching from San Ignacio to San Juanico, Mexico. Marathon phases prohibit groups from engaged on bikes in a single day between phases. The marathon continues Thursday, May 2nd, with Stage 5 protecting the space from San Juanico to La Paz, Mexico.
Viewers can reside monitor the race on the official NORRA website.
WE’VE BEEN BUSY
The Dirt Bike crew has been juggling numerous initiatives. In addition to our Youtube choices, Mark Tilley additionally labored with the NGPC guys to current a reside feed of the Fox Raceway GP. Check it out!
Introduced in 1953, the Chevy Corvette caught the eye of muscle automotive fans worldwide. With an out-of-the-box design, a mighty V-8 engine, and rear-wheel-drive, the Corvette proved to be an satisfactory efficiency automotive. The Corvette nameplate underwent many adjustments all through its eight-generation life cycle up to now, and a few really breathtaking items of engineering ingenuity got here to fruition in consequence.
Apart from these fashions being extremely sought-after throughout the time of their launch, these particular Corvettes are value unbelievable quantities of cash. And, the rarer the ‘Vette, the upper the value. For occasion, only one 1983 model year Chevrolet Corvette exists, and it by no means went to public sale, rendering it priceless within the eyes of a hardcore automotive collector.
This listing analyzes not solely the rarest Chevy Corvettes ever made, however it highlights essentially the most precious ones recognized to mankind. From performance-focused ‘Vettes, to coachbuilt muscle vehicles, these are the most costly Chevrolet Corvettes ever bought at public sale.
It’s so simple as a automotive word, insurance coverage, and gasoline, proper? Before burning all that rubber, decelerate to contemplate all the prices of proudly owning this icon!
In order to provide the newest and correct info potential, the info used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Barrett-Jackson, Gooding & Company, Collecting Cars, and RM Sotheby’s. The fashions you see right here have been ranked by their estimated worth from lowest to highest.
101967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (Restomod by Jeff Hayes)
Sold For $1.1 million
Jeff Hayes, recognized for restoring and modifying quite a few Corvettes over time, had considered one of his creations promote for greater than $1 million on the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale public sale in January 2024. Hayes took a 1967 Corvette Convertible, and gave it a brand new paint job, wheels, inside, and a way more highly effective coronary heart amongst different upgrades.
Limited Production Specs
Production Years
2024
Units Produced
1
Unique Features
Modern LS3 V-8
Displacement
6.2-liter
Power
540 hp
The C2-generation Chevy Corvette was a remarkable car and provided as much as a 427 cubic-inch Big-Block V-8. However, Hayes changed the 427 with a 376 cubic-inch LS3 V-8, producing greater than 500 horsepower. Furthermore, his customized creation had a champagne exterior with Schott wheels wrapped in white wall tires, and a linen inside that hosted fashionable goodies reminiscent of A/C, a radio with Bluetooth compatibility, energy steering, energy home windows, in addition to an influence hood.
91963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Split Window Coupe
Sold For $1,242,500
Mecum
A split-window C2-generation Corvette in itself is a uncommon, and considered one of the most desirable classic Corvettes in existence. But this specific ’63 Z06 Split Window Coupe is one thing else. One of solely 199 near-perfect unrestored examples of the Z06 Split Window Coupe, with a historical past of three homeowners and simply 5,400 miles on the clock, this ‘Vette appears to be every thing a collector would need.
Limited Production Specs
Production Years
1963
Units Produced
199
Unique Features
Sebring Silver Exterior Color with Saddle Tan Leather
Displacement
5.4-liter
Power
360 hp
But it will get even higher. This is the one Z06 from ‘1967 completed in Sebring Silver with a Saddle Tan Leather inside. As a end result, this 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Split Window Coupe fetched almost $1.25 million on the 2022 Amelia Island Auction.
81963 Chevrolet Corvette Rondine
Sold For $1.6 Million
If you have by no means heard of the 1963 Rondine Corvette, it could be as a result of they’re excruciatingly uncommon coachbuilt Corvettes that Pininfarina alters to mix Italian styling and American engineering. Pininfarina performed a vital half within the design of a few of the most lovely vehicles ever made, such as the iconic Ferrari Testarossa, Alfa Romeo Spider, and Bentley Azure. Unfortunately, the Rondine by no means grew to become a fully-fledged manufacturing automotive, however Rondine Concept vehicles nonetheless exist – they simply hardly ever go on sale.
Limited Production Specs
Production Years
1963
Units Produced
1
Unique Features
Italian design language
Displacement
5.4-liter
Power
360 hp
In 2008, simply after discovering a house within the Pininfarina’s museum, this one-off 1963 Corvette Rondine bought on the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale public sale for $1.6 million. Since that day, no different Rondine Corvettes ever went on public sale.
The Chevrolet Corvette has fashioned the premise of recent tasks, helped revive iconic nameplates, and impressed surprising collaborations
72019 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (Last Unit Produced)
Sold For $2.7 Million
Although the C7-generation Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is a mighty efficiency automotive, it is not value thousands and thousands of {dollars}. But there are methods to make a mass-produced automotive extra fascinating, although. In 2019, the last-ever produced Corvette Z06 bought on the Barrett-Jackson Northeast public sale for a staggering $2.7 million. But there’s extra reasoning behind its seven-figure price ticket.
Limited Production Specs
Production Years
2019
Units Produced
6,930
Unique Features
7-speed guide
Displacement
6.2-liter
Power
650 hp
The proceeds from the public sale went to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. In different phrases, bidders had the choice to purchase the final instance of the C7 Chevy Corvette, but additionally assist a great trigger on the similar time.
61969 Chevrolet Corvette #57 Rebel Race Car
Sold For $2.86 Million
Barrett-Jackson
It’s no secret that race vehicles that really competed promote for thousands and thousands, and the 1969 Chevy Corvette Rebel Race car is no exception. Sharing the identical underpinnings because the ultra-rare Corvette L88, of which solely 20 items exist, the Rebel Race Car was certain to turn into a collector’s final fantasy. The Rebel Race Car wasn’t based mostly on simply any L88, it was considered one of 4 light-weight L88s, fitted with open chamber heads, and a twin disc clutch.
Limited Production Specs
Production Years
1969
Units Produced
N/A
Unique Features
Competed in IMSA championships
Displacement
7.0-liter
Power
430 hp
Not solely was the Rebel a scarce automotive in itself, however proved itself by profitable the 1971 IMSA championship. With greater than 400 horsepower squeezed from its naturally aspirated 7.0-liter V-8, the L88 powertrain was era-equivalent of what we now know as the special 7.0-liter LS7 crate engine. At the 2014 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale public sale, the 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Rebel Race Car fetched $2.86 million, making it some of the costly race vehicles ever bought at public sale.
52020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (VIN 001)
Sold For $3 Million
Chevrolet Media
Introduced in 2020, the C8 Chevrolet Corvette vital and reasonably priced technique to get supercar ranges of efficiency. That stated, the most costly C8 Corvette Stingray is the very first one made, which fetched $3 million on the 2020 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale public sale.
Limited Production Specs
Production Years
2020
Units Produced
20,368
Unique Features
Z51 Performance Package
Displacement
6.2-liter
Power
495 hp
With a brand new 2024 Chevy Corvette Stingray carrying an MSRP of $68,300, it appears moderately absurd as to why somebody would pay such a premium to have the primary one in line. But identical to the aforementioned C7 Z06, this base mannequin C8 Corvette’s proceeds went to the Detroit Children’s Fund.
The Corvette grew to become mid-engine with the discharge of the C8 in 2020, however the thought was born method earlier than then. Come take a experience within the timeline.
41969 Chevrolet Corvette ZL1
Sold For $3.14 Million
Based on the C3-generation Chevrolet Corvette, the ZL1 was some of the over-the-top examples Chevy provided. With an all-aluminum 427 cubic-inch V-8 engine spitting out greater than 550 horsepower, the ZL1 had as a lot bark as its seems would suggest. But the one element that made this ’69 ZL1 extra fascinating than every other C3 Corvette is its convertible roof.
Limited Production Specs
Production Years
1969
Units Produced
2
Unique Features
Convertible model, tuned engine
Displacement
7.0-liter
Power
560 hp
Only two ZL1 Corvettes exist from 1969, however solely considered one of them had a drop-top design. As a end result, in 2023, this Monaco Orange 1969 ZL1 Corvette Convertible bought for $3.14 million on the RM Sotheby’s Arizona public sale.
31967 Corvette L88 Corvette Convertible
Sold For $3.4 Million
Since L88 Corvettes are usually essentially the most troublesome Corvettes to come back by, therefore why values for these muscle vehicles are larger than ever earlier than. Being extra scarce than the hardtop variations, convertible L88 values usually have the higher hand compared to coupes.
Limited Production Specs
Production Years
1967
Units Produced
20
Unique Features
Limited-slip differential, no radio or heater, no radiator shroud
Displacement
7.0-liter
Power
430 hp
The L88 in query had a Marlboro Maroon exterior and a black inside with a complementing black stinger on the hood. With the aesthetic enchantment, and severely underrated L88 V-8 engine, the 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Convertible fetched $3.4 million on the 2013 Mecum public sale in Dallas.
22023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (VIN 001)
Sold For $3.6 Million
With a flat-plane crankshaft naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V-8 engine that generates 670 horsepower, a zero to 60 mile-per-hour time of simply 2.6 seconds, and an MSRP of $112,700, the brand new C8 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, offers you nice bang on your buck. And in 2022, on the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale public sale, the very first Z06 Corvette bought for an unbelievable $3.6 million.
Limited Production Specs
Production Years
2023
Units Produced
6,413 items
Unique Features
Sold for charity
Displacement
5.5-liter
Power
670 hp
As per normal with VIN 001 vehicles or the final manufacturing fashions, all proceeds for the first-ever Z06 constructed went to charity. In this case, the complete hammer worth worth of the neon Corvette Z06 went to Operation Homefront.
Mid-year changes see the ever-popular C8 Chevy Corvette obtain a worth hike throughout the complete lineup
11967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Coupe
Sold For $3.85 Million
As beforehand talked about, solely 20 examples of the L88 Chevy Corvette exist. That stated, a really particular pink 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Coupe is the most expensive Chevy Corvette ever sold at auction. This was the one red-on-red L88 ‘Vette, and was the only 1967 L88 to receive prestigious awards like an NCRS 98.2 Regional Top Flight 2001 score, a 98.4 National Top Flight 2001, and the NCRS Duntov Mark of Excellence Award 2001.
Limited Production Specs
Production Years
1967
Units Produced
20
Unique Features
Limited-slip differential, no radio or heater, no radiator shroud
Displacement
7.0-liter
Power
430 hp
Keeping every thing in thoughts, the pink 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Coupe bought for $3.85 million on the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale public sale in 2014. To this date, it stays the most costly Corvette of all time.
In February 2022, the Felicity Ace cargo ship caught fireplace and finally sank to the underside of the Atlantic Ocean. Some 4,000 vehicles perished within the fiery incident, most of which have been new automobiles from varied Volkswagen Group manufacturers. But the drama is not over; the German juggernaut is dealing with not one however two lawsuits.
Bloomberg experiences that VW Group has been sued twice over allegations the hearth began from a lithium-ion battery pack inside a Porsche that was on its approach to a buyer. Felicity Ace caught fireplace close to the Azores archipelago whereas carrying an estimated $155 million price of high-end vehicles, together with 1,110 Porsches. Plaintiffs declare a kind of vehicles sparked the hearth that subsequently generated a veritable cartastrophe.
One of the lawsuits was filed in a court docket in Stuttgart the place Porsche calls residence. The lawsuit is led by the cargo ship’s operator, Mitsui OSK Lines, and Felicity Ace’s insurer, Allianz. Interestingly, this lawsuit was filed over a yr in the past, however its development has been halted as a consequence of mediation talks for a second lawsuit in a Brunswick court docket, situated in Lower Saxony, Germany.
Additional discussions between the concerned events are scheduled for later this month. If a settlement isn’t reached, the lawsuits will resume. According to paperwork associated to the preliminary 2023 lawsuit, the plaintiffs accuse VW of withholding details about the dangers related to transporting electrified vehicles. Moreover, the lawsuit filed within the Stuttgart court docket alleges that VW did not disclose the required precautions for safely transporting the vehicles.
Bloomberg experiences the hearth began from a Porsche EV, which might solely be the Taycan. However, it is price noting the automaker additionally sells quite a lot of Cayenne and Panamera variations with plug-in hybrid powertrains which have smaller battery packs. Parent firm VW has confirmed the 2 lawsuits whereas Mitsui OSK Lines and Allianz refused to touch upon the matter.
Attached beneath is an incomplete checklist of the VW Group vehicles that perished that day. There have been additionally many privately owned automobiles that went beneath along with Felicity Ace. Notable mentions embody a 2015 Ford Mustang GT, a Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0, a 2007 BMW 750i, and even a JDM-spec 1996 Honda Prelude SiR. In addition, there was a 1977 Land Rover Santana, which was inbuilt Spain beneath license from Land Rover by utilizing full knock-down kits of the Defender.
As a reminder, Lamborghini needed to restart production of the Aventador to switch the 15 Ultimae items misplaced on the burned and sunken cargo ship.
Make and Model
Number of Cars
Audi A5 Convertible
84
Audi A5 Coupe
43
Audi A5 Sportback
147
Audi E-Tron
121
Audi Q3
297
Audi Q3 Sportback
144
Bentley Bentayga
77
Bentley Continental GT
38
Bentley Continental GTC
50
Bentley Flying Spur
25
Lamborghini Aventador
15
Lamborghini Huracan
20
Lamborghini Urus
50
Porsche
23 made in Zuffenhausen, 19 in Leipzig, and 126 in Bratislava
If an individual had been ever caught with simple proof they had been lag-switching or exploiting, there would probably be motion taken towards them. In some instances, cheaters receive hardware bans from video games that make it to allow them to’t even make one other account to play on. However, there is no good strategy to show anyone is utilizing a lag change maliciously or if they only have dangerous web. People can have disruptions of their connections that’ll trigger them to bounce round in your display, however it doesn’t suggest they’re dishonest — it would simply imply they have latency problems. If you think anyone is utilizing a lag change, you may at all times report them and see if the builders look into it and take motion. Keep in thoughts individuals do cry wolf about individuals lag switching, so do not at all times assume any time one thing fishy occurs, the particular person was dishonest.
Luckily, well-liked video games like “Fortnite” and “Call of Duty” have devoted servers, which suggests lag switches will not apply. Not each sport has the identical reassurances, however the brilliant facet is most sport lobbies you are in will not have anyone actively making an attempt to smash the expertise. There are definitely dangerous apples on the market, however for essentially the most half, it is best to be capable to play your favourite video games with out worry of anyone dishonest.
When spy photographers caught the next Audi Q3 testing in September, the luxurious crossover solely confirmed a skinny strip of LED lights. At that time, we presumed the primary headlights have been hiding beneath the camouflage. Our assumption was correct as new spy photographs from northern Sweden reveal an uncommon break up headlight association.
Now that a number of the mascara has come off, it reveals the Audi Q3 is the subsequent Volkswagen Group product with two layers of headlights. The higher strip is for the daytime operating lights and switch alerts whereas the decrease module is for the high and low beam. To be manufactured on the identical Győr plant in Hungary, the badge-engineered Cupra Terramar could have standard one-piece headlights.
We caught a camouflaged prototype of the next-generation Volkswagen Transporter (T7) a few month in the past, and now we have now the primary official particulars. VW launched the primary teaser photographs of the brand new microbus and confirmed it is going to debut n the spring of subsequent 12 months. That’s all the corporate is keen to share for now, however we already know an excellent deal concerning the business automobile.
From the few accessible photographs, we will see the brand new Transporter will look loads like the newest Multivan, which was unveiled in 2021 as VW’s passenger van primarily based by itself MQB platform. While the 2 fashions share design components, they are going to be vastly completely different beneath. The bigger Transporter will experience on a platform sourced from Ford, which implies the VW van will probably be a rebadged and redesigned model of the brand new Transit Custom.
Editor Mark Tilley caught up with Mckenzie from Guts Racing Products and bought far more data than he bargained for. You is likely to be stunned with all the things that Guts Racing has to supply and the place most of their merchandise are made. For extra on Guts Racing merchandise head over to www.gutsracing.com
Spies have spotted two upcoming cars from the Volkswagen Group being tested in Germany: the next-generation Audi S5 Sportback and the VW Golf facelift.
This is AM Drive, Motor1’s daily look at the news you need before you get in your car.
2025 Audi S5 Sportback Seen Refueling Before Test Run At The Nordschleife
Audi is taking its time with the next generation of its midsize cars, as the new A4/A5 seems to have been in testing for years. A new spy video, shot at and around the Nürburgring, shows prototypes of the hotter S5 in Sportback form. It seems to have all the production body panels in place, along with the final lights. Despite the full disguise, we’re getting the feeling this will be an attractive car.
You may not have the option to choose between an S4 Sedan or an S5 Sportback anymore, as the former is expected to be discontinued. There are rumors that Audi won’t be producing another traditional sedan, meaning you’ll have to go for the more practical hatchback/liftback body style. In fact, there won’t be an A4 at all, as the alphanumeric designation will be reserved for a future EV. As a result, today’s wagon will become the A5 Avant, and consequently, there will be S5 Avant and RS5 Avant models. It sounds unusual, doesn’t it?
Of the various versions teased, a couple of potential customisations really caught our eye
Toyota is renowned for producing exceptional pickup trucks, as exemplified by the popular Toyota Hilux. Recently, the Japanese automaker unveiled the IMV 0, a new concept pickup designed to showcase the future of pickup trucks. While the complete details of the concept will be revealed at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show, Toyota has given us a glimpse of the customisation possibilities with the IMV 0 through various renders. Here are a few that have stood out:
Ambulance
One intriguing customisation option is the ability to convert the IMV 0 into an ambulance. The cabin can accommodate two people, while the rear can be transformed into a small structure equipped with emergency medical equipment. Although specific technical details have not been disclosed, it is expected to include oxygen support, basic medical supplies, and a stretcher. Due to its compact size and robust build, this ambulance concept can effectively reach difficult areas faster than traditional ambulances.
Off Roader
Another enticing customisation possibility is transforming the IMV 0 into a capable off-roader. This involves fitting larger profile tires, wheel arches, a more robust bumper with tow winches, a roof rack, and a covered rear section that functions as a secondary cabin for additional occupants. Despite these modifications, the 5.3-meter-long design still provides ample space for a storage bay. Although specific details have not been released, this customisation is likely to include necessary mechanical enhancements.
Adventure RV
For those seeking recreational possibilities, the IMV 0 can be customised into a stylish adventure RV. The back of the driver’s cab can be fitted with a specially designed cabin that offers space for 4-5 passengers along with furniture and appliances.
Capsule Bar
Toyota plans to showcase a modified version of the IMV 0 as a capsule bar at the Japan Mobility Show, where visitors will have the opportunity to play and win prizes. What are your thoughts on this concept? Would you like to see something similar at the next Auto Expo in India? Feel free to share your opinions and thoughts on the IMV 0 in the comments section below.
Don Vesco’s passion for setting new records caught the attention of Kawasaki, who sponsored his next streamliner motorcycle. Kawasaki provided two turbocharged 1,000 cc engines, giving the bike a total output of approximately 400 horsepower. Named the Lightning Bolt after its sponsor, this motorcycle first attempted to break the world record in the summer of 1978. However, like Vesco’s previous motorcycle, the Silver Bird, it took several attempts before success was achieved.
During the initial runs, the team faced numerous mechanical failures and issues with overheating. As a result, the reporters and TV crews that had been gathered by Kawasaki were sent away without witnessing any record-breaking runs. The main problem was that while the engines were powerful, other components of the motorcycle could not withstand the stresses they were subjected to. The team had to fabricate upgraded parts, such as transmissions and belts, to handle the challenges. Unfortunately, bad weather and another transmission failure delayed the record-breaking attempt even further.
After several weeks, the reporters were summoned once again. Finally, Vesco completed a two-way run at 318.866 mph, surpassing his previous record by approximately 15 mph.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
