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RIDING THE 2024 HUSQVARNA FC450 ROCKSTAR EDITION: THE WRAP

The 2024 Husqvarna FC450 Rockstar Edition must be one of many coolest wanting bikes within the present Husqvarna line–or possibly anybody’s line-up. We’ve been using one for about two weeks–or slightly our check rider Jared Hicks has. It’s been onerous to get him off it. This is the Husqvarna model of the KTM 450SX-F Factory Edition that we examined final month and has all the identical calling playing cards.

Jared Hicks on the 2024 Husqvarna Rockstar Edition

The prime of the record of latest stuff is the body itself, which is rather less inflexible. You’ve in all probability heard that every one the usual Austrian bikes within the mixed KTM-Husqvarna-GasGas line have drawn fireplace for being stiffer than the earlier era. We’ve discovered that this turns into much less of a problem with time. The metal frames require greater than 10 hours to “break in.” Actually, they carry on changing into extra compliant after that, too. Does that imply they are going to be too flexy after 100 hours? Yes, however that’s an issue for later. The 2024 Rockstar Edition begins off pre-broken-in. We nonetheless have lower than 10 hours on our check bike, however it will likely be attention-grabbing to see if it has such a dramatic change in dealing with with extra time. Right now we will report that, in back-to-back testing with a well-used customary FC450, the brand new body begins off feeling extra snug. You primarily really feel that within the rear suspension by means of the footpegs. This isn’t as massive a problem in entrance.

The 2024 Husky Rockstar 450 sells for $12,599.

The Husqvarna additionally will get all of the cool Rockstar options. They embody:
New bodywork
Updated suspension settings
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing graphics
FMF Racing Factory 4.1 silencer
Factory Racing CNC-machined triple clamps with adjustable offset [20 – 22 mm]
Factory Racing wheel set with black anodized CNC machined hubs
Carbon composite skid plate
Carbon composite entrance brake disc guard
Factory Racing holeshot machine
Soft, grey ODI lock-on grips
GUTS Factory excessive grip seat cowl
ProTaper handlebar and bar pad
Connectivity Unit Offroad (CUO) with GPS and Lit-Pro (with subscription)

The connectivity unit comes as customary tools. The subscription to LitPro is further.

That final characteristic is the one that also has our head spinning. When you obtain the Husqvarna Motorcycle App in your smartphone (the equal of KTM Connect), you may modify a number of engine parameters, together with throttle response and engine braking. You can also fine-tune traction management and Quickshift response. What we actually like is the connection to LitPro. That prices $69 a yr, however you get entry to a incredible quantity of knowledge about each experience. It tells you which of them gear you employ on which sections, what RPM you dwell in and how briskly you go from flip to show, even how far you soar. The motive that’s such a giant deal to us is as a result of we check bikes on a regular basis. We want we had this sort of know-how for the whole lot. If you’re extra of a stick-it-in-gear and go kind of man, you may not care as a lot as we do.

FMF Racing Factory 4.1 silencer

As far as the remainder of the motorbike goes, it appears like a crisp, well-dialed FC450. The suspension is full-travel, versus the usual mannequin, which has 5mm much less in entrance and 7mm much less within the rear with a purpose to decrease the seat peak. Most riders choose the decrease seat peak, however Jared says he likes the bike to be barely taller to maintain out of the ruts. To every his personal. Regardless of that, the extra compliant body makes the rear suspension really feel prefer it’s doing a a lot better job. The motor additionally feels a little bit snappier on the Rockstar Edition, in all probability because of the FMF exhaust. The FC450 motor, in case you don’t already know, is incredible. It has as a lot energy as something within the 450 class and it’s tremendous straightforward to make use of. The value isn’t low cost. The 2024 Husky FC450 Rockstar version will value you $12,599, which is $1400 greater than the usual mannequin. For the complete check, search for the June, 20204 print version of Dirt Bike.

2004 MEGA SHOOTOUT

The 2004 450 four-stroke/250 two-stroke mixed shootout.

Eight-bike shootouts are the norm in the present day, however it wasn’t all the time that method. In 2004, we mixed 250 two-strokes with 450 four-strokes for the most important shootout so far. Most of the testing was finished in Southern California, however for the climax we traveled to Cycle Ranch, close to San Antonio Texas. We enlisted the assistance of Kent Howerton and Gary Jones amongst others. Here’s the conclusion to the check, which appeared within the January, 2004 situation of Dirt Bike.

RATINGS

The KTM 450SX dominated the dyno, however riders felt the YZ450F was essentially the most highly effective.

POWER
1. Yamaha YZ450F
2. KTM 450SX
3. Honda CRF450R
4. Suzuki RM250
5. KTM 250SX
6. Yamaha YZ250
7. Honda CR250
8. Kawasaki KX250

This is the seat-of-the-pants model of the dyno chart. Yes, it differs from the actual dyno as a consequence of quite a lot of reasons-most importantly as a result of a dyno solely measures energy with the throttle vast open, and riders use all the throttle.

POWER USEABILITY
1. Honda CRF450R
2. Yamaha YZ250
3. KTM 250SX
4. Suzuki RM250
5. Yamaha YZ450F
6. KTM 450SX
7. Kawasaki KX250
8. Honda CR250R
This is the extremely subjective score in any other case generally known as “which motor did you like best?” The CRF is king right here, whereas the Yamaha stays a little bit bit an excessive amount of for some riders. The KTM 450 and Suzuki RM250 generated complaints about low-rpm glitches.

The Suzuki RM250 was the highest two-stroke

CORNERING
1. Suzuki RM250
2. Yamaha YZ250
3. Honda CR250R
4. Honda CRF450R
5. Yamaha YZ450
6. KTM 250SX
7. Kawasaki KX250
8. KTM 450SX
Don’t stroll away from this considering that the bikes in sixth, seventh and eighth don’t flip, In truth, all of those bikes are excel- lent in corners-it ain’t just like the outdated days. Ranking them, once more, is very subjective.

Kent Howerton and the fellows at VP Racing Fuel have been instrumental in placing collectively our testing at Cycle Ranch.

STABILITY
1. Yamaha YZ450F
2. Kawasaki KX250
3. Honda CRF450R
4. Yamaha YZ250
5. Honda CR250R
6. KTM 450SX
7. KTM 250SX
8. Suzuki RM250
The solely bikes that generated feedback about “wandering” or head shake have been the KTMs and the Suzuki.

Gary Jones

FORK
1. Honda CRF450R
2. Suzuki RM250
3. Honda CR250R
4. Kawasaki KX250
5. Yamaha YZ250
6. Yamaha YZ450F
7. KTM 450SX
8. KTM 250SX
The Yamahas and KTMs are vastly improved over final yr, so the fork race has tightened up. We would think about the fourth by means of eighth-place bikes in practically a useless warmth.

SHOCK
1. Yamaha YZ450F
2. Yamaha YZ250
3. Honda CRF450R
4. Honda CR250R
5. Suzuki RM250 6. Kawasaki KX250
7. KTM 450SX
8. KTM 250SX
Odd, however it looks as if a little bit weight truly helps rear suspension work well-the four- strokes usually labored higher than their two-stroke counter- elements. The KTMs have a lot wager ter rear shocks than earlier than and have been solely relegated to seventh and eighth locations due to bottoming points.

DETAILS
1. Honda CRF450R
2. Honda CR250R
3. KTM 250SX
4. KTM 450SX
5. Yamaha YZ450F
6. Yamaha YZ250
7. Suzuki RM250
8. Kawasaki KX250
It solely took Renthal bars to raise the Hondas to the highest of this throw-all class. We had issues with little {hardware} on the KTMs. Suzuki a minimum of has a brand new on-the-fly clutch adjuster.

THE WORD
How the large image seems for 2004

Everyone has their favourite and their least favourite. But they don’t all the time know why. Kent Howerton defined issues objectively and systematically. Some of the youthful riders simply stated their favourite bike “flowed like a smooth rap song.” Consistently, although, the Honda CRF450R was the highest machine. Everyone beloved the motor and the suspension. Everyone appreciated the best way it felt, began and even sounded. The YZ450F swayed one rider, however most put it in second place. The Yamaha is a very nice machine, however it’s nonetheless higher for Pros than regular folks. It must be famous that the majority the riders stated they would favor a two-stroke for a decent monitor or a supercross-style race. And the votes have been all around the map for prime 250. Jones beloved the KTM 250. Marshall was solidly behind the Honda 250. Howerton made a case for the Yamaha.

Of course, we now have final veto energy over all of the check riders. This yr we’ll declare an upset winner: the RM250 has the motor and, in the event you give it the possibility, the dealing with to be prime two-stroke and third total, narrowly beating the Yamaha YZ250. The YZ remains to be higher on some tracks, particularly tough, quick ones.

And subsequent within the pecking order is one other upset. There’s completely no motive you may’t win on a KTM 250SX this yr. As regular, it doesn’t shine fairly as brightly because the others within the suspension department-but the motor makes up for it. The Honda 250, KTM 450 and Kawasaki 250 comply with in that order, not as a result of they aren’t aggressive, however every had some flaw that saved it out of the working. The Honda wants low finish, the Kawasaki wants prime finish and the KTM wants manners.

That’s the large image. Each monitor and each rider throughout the nation has a pixel or two in that body. We’re guessing, although, that nobody’s private pecking order might be that totally different, a minimum of not on the prime. We’re fortunate–when you might have such a decisive winner, it’s straightforward to be proper.

CARSON BROWN IN THE HOUSE

We have been bummed to listen to that the 2024 Fasthouse Two-Stroke Championship was postponed. We have been happy to should alternative to spend a while with defending champion Carson Brown, although. We bought to spend a few days with him and his Yamaha/BRC 500. What a beast!

See you subsequent week!

–Ron Lawson
Components

6 Easy Arduino Projects For Beginner Coders

Probably one of many coolest Arduino projects out there’s a remote-controlled automotive, however they’re additionally one of the daunting initiatives for learners to undertake. However, you will be glad to know that there are RC automotive variations that do not require being a coding skilled.

This Bluetooth-controlled car could appear too formidable for a newbie mission at first look, however it’s really a straightforward construct. It’s run by an Arduino UNO board, and contains a number of key elements: 4 gear motors with wheels for transferring the automotive, 4 LEDs for signaling the lively standing of every motor, a motor driver for working all of the motors, a Bluetooth module for distant management, and a battery for powering the automotive. 

Upon powering up, the automotive routinely turns into seen to exterior Bluetooth gadgets like your telephone. You can then join it to your system utilizing the project developer’s Android app, and begin controlling the automotive with the joystick. Press one course, and the motors for that individual course shall be activated. The LEDs linked to these motors will even gentle as much as present which of them are in motion.

Unlike the opposite initiatives on this checklist, the code for this setup is a bit over 100 traces, however it’s a superb introduction to working with customized capabilities that may be known as inside different capabilities, just like the loop operate. You typically would not want to change something within the code, besides maybe to vary the pin configuration of the motors in the event that they occur to run reverse to your command.

Motorsport

Yet Another Unconfirmed Report Says Hyundai Will Build The N Vision 74

Hyundai’s N Vision 74 is the good idea of current reminiscence. Its retro design, wonderful proportions, and tantalizing 671-horsepower drivetrain all come collectively to make one thing actually particular in a world the place most new vehicles are uninspiring. Ask any fanatic whether or not Hyundai ought to put it into manufacturing, and so they’d probably say sure. Hyundai’s been mum on the matter because the automotive’s debut practically two years in the past. But the rumor-mill is alive and effectively. 

Korean-language information company ETNews.com is the newest outlet to report that Hyundai has reportedly greenlit a manufacturing N Vision 74. According to the article, Hyundai will allegedly constructed 100 items, 70 for street use and one other 30 for racing “in famous motorsports competitions held in North America and Europe.” The report additionally states the automotive will make 800 hp from its hydrogen-powered, twin e-motor drivetrain, roughly 130 extra horses over the unique idea, with manufacturing reportedly set to start in 2026.

Hyundai N Vision 74 Concept

This is not the primary time we have heard a rumor like this. Back to start with of May we heard from a different Korean-language site, Money Today, that Hyundai would put the N Vision 74 into manufacturing, with an official announcement to come back later that month. That was over seven months in the past, and Hyundai nonetheless hasn’t revealed a manufacturing N Vision 74.

Later in May Hyundai told Motor1 it had “no plan to put the N Vision 74 concept into commercial production at this time.” When reached for touch upon Monday, a Hyundai spokesperson informed Motor1 the corporate doesn’t communicate on future product. 

So as a lot as we would like Hyundai to construct a billion copies of the N Vision 74, there’s nonetheless no concrete proof it is on the way in which. If something, we would hate to study that ETNews is true. Not as a result of we do not need the automotive to enter manufacturing, however as a result of we would like Hyundai to construct much more than 70 examples for the street. 

Motorsport

Tesla Cybertruck’s Race Against A Porsche 911 Was Apparently An 1/8-Mile Run

Have you seen the moderately spectacular quarter-mile race between the new Tesla Cybertruck and a Porsche 911? It was one of many coolest items of final week’s Tesla Cybertruck launch, particularly when the digicam lower to the shot of the Cybertruck towing an identically spec’d 911 in a trailer behind it because it crossed the end line with the primary 911 sizzling on its tail.

But because it seems, the race—if its entirety was proven—was filmed on was over a a lot shorter eighth-mile distance. And with the Porsche creeping up on the Cybertruck’s tail because it crossed the end line, the end result of a race held over a full quarter-mile might not have been the identical. 

One eagle-eyed Redditor occurred to note that the race was held on the now-closed Sacramento Raceway. When evaluating the stills from Tesla’s footage, it may be seen that the Cybertruck and Porsche have been set as much as race throughout the primary set of thick traces painted on the monitor, that are positioned on the eighth-mile marker alongside the grandstands. (Those are not present at the quarter-mile markings on the track.) Yet throughout the press convention, even Tesla CEO Elon Musk was adamant that it was a correct quarter-mile drag.

“This is an actual Porsche. We literally just got it from the dealer. 2023 Porsche 911,” Musk mentioned throughout the Cybertruck launch occasion. “It can tow a Porsche 911 across a quarter mile faster than the Porsche 911 can go by itself.”

Immediately after displaying the Cybertruck win the race, Tesla claims that the best trim Cyberbeast model of its truck can run the quarter mile in beneath 11.0 seconds, although it’s assumed that is with out towing a 3,300-pound sports activities coupe on a 1,500-pound trailer.

Perhaps displaying this determine straight after the eighth-mile drag, mixed with Musk’s declare of the truck beating out the Porsche in 1 / 4 mile, is what led to this false impression.

It’s exhausting to know precisely what occurred right here, since we will not ask Tesla, which does not converse to the media. An examination of the video reveals it was undoubtedly an eighth-of-a-mile; the grandstands do not prolong to the quarter-mile marker. 

Tesla Cybertruck Porsche 911 Race

It’s additionally not clear how Tesla truly spec’d its dealer-lot Porsche 911. Musk merely mentioned it was an “actual” 911 and that Tesla had picked it up from a dealership. The lowliest (if you wish to name such a automotive that) 911 Carrera crosses the quarter mile in round 12.2 seconds and gives a zero-to-60 MPH dash in 3.9 seconds—that’s with a handbook transmission. Porsche’s fast-shifting PDK dual-clutch gearbox shaves a half-second from that zero-to-60 time. It would seem that Tesla’s monitor automotive used a handbook transmission, because the nostril of the automotive might be seen dipping whereas the automotive shifts into second gear throughout Tesla’s race footage.

In Tesla’s protection, the tri-motor Cybertruck is remarkably fast. Plus, it’s round $15,000 cheaper than the Porsche. But it’s price calling out that there in all probability isn’t a lot overlap in people who cross-shop these autos, particularly because the 911 is engineered extra for steadiness than for straight-line pace, anyway.

That being mentioned, the Cybertruck additionally supposedly wasn’t engineered only for straight-line pace however it’s a lot quick anyway. In an interview with Tesla’s chief designer, Franz Von Holzhausen, it was revealed that CEO Musk mandated that the Cybertruck “had to drive like a sports car but have all the utility of a pickup truck”—all while its first prototype was delivered in just 93 days. Part of Tesla’s resolution for this was within the sail panels of the truck. That panel alone is answerable for 25% of the automobile’s torsional stiffness.

Despite all of this, we will in all probability assume that bombing the truck round a correct racetrack possible doesn’t really feel like similar as a Porsche 911.

I’ll give Tesla credit score the place it’s due: the stunt was good. It acquired individuals (together with me) commending the automaker for an amazing job at advertising a flagship product 4 years within the making. But, one may argue that the mentioning of the quarter mile time straight after an eighth-mile race was additionally a bit deceptive in the identical go.

There’s no denying that the Cybertruck shall be fast to 60, or in a straight line from a dig. Hell, it even seems to have some fairly first rate towing benefits because of its all-electric torque. But whether or not it’s quicker than a Porsche 911 in a quarter-mile race, whereas towing one other 911, stays unclear.

News

Is A Stock Energica Eva Ribelle RS Too Fast For The Drag Strip?

Electric motorcycles, like the 2022 Energica Eva Ribelle RS, are known for their instantly accessible torque. Despite having a top speed of 125 miles per hour, this bike offers a thrilling experience due to its powerful 126-kilowatt motor and 222-newton meter torque.

The bike uses Energica’s latest EMCE motor and inverter, combined with a 21.5-kilowatt hour battery. Even though it weighs 573 pounds, the bike boasts a lower center of gravity and improved motor and inverter technology. Read more about the upgrades here.

When tested at the drag strip, the Eva Ribelle RS consistently ran quarter-mile times around 11 seconds, with the best time being 10.9 seconds. The bike’s speed was so impressive that officials warned the rider not to go below 10 seconds without a special license.

During the testing, the traction control was adjusted, leading to a few tense moments when the bike became unstable at the start. Despite this, the bike remained under control and completed the run successfully.

The 800-Mile Road Trip

Before reaching the drag strip, New Zeroland completed an 800-mile road trip on the new Eva Ribelle RS. This trip aimed to test the bike’s endurance and the availability of fast-charging stations along the way.

The rider was pleased to find that the improved battery allowed for longer stretches between charging stops. Additionally, the increase in fast-charging stations from various providers was a positive improvement, although there were still issues with some stations not working.

Track Bans On Electric Motorcycles

In New Zealand, some tracks are banning EVs due to concerns about fire and safety. While Motorsport New Zealand allows electric and hybrid vehicles at “permitted events,” individual tracks have their own rules about vehicle types allowed on their premises. These limitations were highlighted by New Zeroland’s experiences.

That’s New Zealand, but what about other places?

If such restrictions are happening at your local track, share your experiences with us. We’d like to hear if it’s electric motorcycles, all EVs, or something else.

News

Can an Electric Motorcycle Successfully Tow a 7 Ton Truck?

Electric motorcycles are known for their instantly available torque, which provides an incredible riding experience. One electric motorcycle that showcases this torque is the Ultraviolette F77, an impressive-looking bike currently only available in India. This electric startup has gained confidence by providing regular updates during its development phase, delivering bikes to customers, and receiving positive reviews from motorcycle journalists who have taken it for a spin.

Now, let’s get to the exciting part. Motorcycle YouTuber Bike with Girl wanted to test the torque of the Ultraviolette F77 by towing heavy vehicles. First, she effortlessly towed a standard Toyota minivan. Next, she took on a bigger challenge—a 14,330-pound container truck. With the driver in the truck’s seat to steer, the Ultraviolette F77 successfully pulled the truck in a straight line without any issues.

Not content with just that, Bike with Girl set herself an even bigger challenge—towing a 16,534-pound, 50-seat bus. The Ultraviolette F77, weighing only 456 pounds itself, took on the challenge with determination. To find out the outcome and witness these impressive feats of torque, watch the video, which is less than eight minutes long. It’s an electric motorbike performance you don’t want to miss!

Motorsport

Experience the Thrilling Rev of a Small-Scale V12 Engine

Get ready to witness the most amazing 50cc engine ever created. This genuine V12 engine transforms gasoline into an incredible symphony of internal combustion. With a digital readout displaying an astounding 11,502 RPM, this engine is a mechanical marvel. Equipped with custom headers, it delivers pure mechanical music without the need for higher RPMs.

This impressive engine is the creation of JohnnyQ90 on YouTube, known for his small-scale engines. Previously, he showcased small V8 engines, including a naturally aspirated version and one with a tiny supercharger. Now, it’s time to introduce the 12-cylinder engine. This single overhead cam engine holds 1.5 ounces (45 milliliters) of 15w40 oil and runs on 100 octane fuel.

Mini V12

This liquid-cooled engine features a custom cooling system. Initially, an aluminum fan with black blades was used, but it proved too small for the job. Eventually, an 80mm computer fan was replaced with a 100mm fan, efficiently preventing overheating under throttle. Mounted on an elegant aluminum plate, this engine can reach high speeds without any cooling issues.

And there’s more to this exceptional engine. The earlier version of the V12 had dual distributors for each cylinder bank, but the upgraded model boasts an electronic ignition with a coil-on-plug design. Additionally, a new flywheel has been installed at the back. With the exhaust ports fully open, the engine produces a wild and aggressive sound, reminiscent of Italian supercars. The addition of 3D-printed stainless-steel tube headers further enhances the powerful exhaust note.

The video provides temperature and RPM data for the engine. A thermal camera captures the V12 under load, revealing valve cover temperatures hovering around 91 degrees Celsius. The headers are slightly warmer at 147 degrees, but thanks to the efficient cooling system, the engine maintains a safe operating temperature. The engine idles at 3,100 rpm and reaches an exhilarating 11,502 rpm at full throttle, producing a sound reminiscent of Formula 1 cars from the V12 era.

We reached out to the YouTube channel for more details about the build process. Hopefully, we will soon have additional information to share. In the meantime, we eagerly await more incredible mini-engine creations from this channel.

Cars

9 Awesome Toyotas Everyone Forgets About

One of the most interesting and impressive Toyotas that often goes unnoticed is the Mega Cruiser. It can be considered as the Japanese version of the Hummer. Initially designed for military purposes, the Mega Cruiser quickly gained popularity among civilians. Measuring over 16 feet long and 7 feet wide, this truck had enough space for six people and could carry up to 1,650 pounds of cargo. Due to its impressive capabilities, it was commonly used as a remote rescue vehicle. Emergency services also developed several units for their operations. However, many buyers were drawn to the Mega Cruiser simply because it was the largest and most capable off-road truck ever produced by a Japanese manufacturer.

Although the Mega Cruiser was officially sold only in Japan, it can now be found in various international markets where all-terrain trucks are highly sought after. Russia, Australia, and the United States are among the most common countries where these trucks are exported. However, owning one does not come cheap. When it was first launched in 1995, the Mega Cruiser had a price tag equivalent to $233,000 in today’s money. Even today, when they occasionally appear for sale, they can still command a similar price. Production of this SUV continued until 2001, and a total of just over 100 civilian Mega Cruisers were manufactured during that time.