The Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) 2023 event has begun, and Ford has unveiled a range of modified vehicles covering different segments of the market. Among the highlights is the introduction of a new supercharger kit for the latest Mustang. Ford also showcased other exciting packages and concepts at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The seventh generation Mustang receives a significant power boost with the introduction of a 3.0-liter twin-screw supercharger kit. This kit is compatible with all new Mustangs equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine. It includes various components such as a new heat exchanger with a high-flow intercooler pump, new fuel injectors, an integrated intercooled air-bypass system, a 92-mm throttle body, a 120-mm dual air intake system, and dual high-flow filters. These upgrades are suitable for both manual and automatic transmissions.
Volkswagen is now opening pre-sales of the visually and technically enhanced T-Cross. The distinctive exterior design of the SUV has been sharpened, and the standard LED headlights and LED tail light clusters are also new. In addition, the vehicle interior features a new dash panel with higher-quality surfaces and a new infotainment system generation. At the same time, Volkswagen has extended the standard equipment of the T-Cross, of which around 1.2 million units have been sold in just three years. The most compact Volkswagen SUV is again characterised by a particularly attractive price/performance ratio. Prices in Germany for the T-Cross start at 23,250 euros. Delivery is planned to start in the first quarter of 2024.
The new T-Cross will be offered with three efficient turbocharged petrol engines (TSI). They deliver 70 kW (95 PS), 85 kW (115 PS) and 110 kW (150 PS) respectively. There is a choice of four equipment lines: T-Cross, Life and the two top-of-the-range versions Style (elegant) and R-Line (sporty). The three colours Grape Yellow, Clear Blue Metallic and Kings Red Metallic are new.
Versatile and spacious for family and leisure. The interior of the T-Cross impresses with its proven operating concept, well-arranged space for up to five people, a rear bench seat that can be moved by 140 mm and an extremely flexible luggage compartment. When all the seats are occupied, the T-Cross offers a luggage compartment capacity of between 385 and up to 455 litres when loaded up to the height of the rear bench seat. When the rear bench seat is folded down (60:40 split), this creates a flat load area with a stowage volume of up to 1,281 litres (loaded up to the height of the front seat backrests). In addition, the front passenger seat backrest can be folded down as standard (from the Life specification and above / only for left-hand drive vehicles). The continuous load area from the rear to the front is then 2,398 mm long and can stow everything from a surfboard to a medium-size ladder.
Increased drawbar load for greater freedom when transporting e-bikes. Volkswagen has significantly increased the drawbar load of the T-Cross from 55 to 75 kg. This additional 20 kg increases the maximum load that can act vertically on the removable ball coupling (optional). The new T-Cross therefore offers greater scope towing a heavy trailer. At the same time, the maximum permitted weight of bicycles that can be transported on a carrier mounted on the ball coupling is also increased – something that is particularly important for transporting e-bikes.
The new T-Cross is optionally equipped with Travel Assist for greater longitudinal and lateral vehicle control. Depending on the traffic ahead and the permitted speed, the T-Cross can control the vehicle’s speed with automatic acceleration and braking. Within the system limits, Travel Assist can also include speed limits, bends and roundabouts in its control interventions. At the same time, Lane Assist can help to keep the vehicle in its lane. The new T-Cross can automatically perform stop-and-go operations when fitted with the DSG.
The T-Cross equipment variants: The significantly enhanced T-Cross base version already includes new features such as LED headlights (instead of halogen), LED tail light clusters, Dynamic Road Sign Display, a Digital Cockpit measuring 20,3 cm (8.0 inches) across the diagonal, a now floating infotainment system display (also with 20.3 cm diagonal), USB-C interfaces and Park Assist at front and rear. The base model of the product line is powered by the 70 kW TSI engine.
The Life version is positioned above this. Here, the new additional equipment details include the 16-inch Nottingham alloy wheels, logo projectors in the exterior mirror housings and smartphone app integration via Mirror Link. The drive power for the T-Cross Life is also provided by the 70 kW TSI engine as standard. The base price for this version in Germany is 25,150 euros.
The top versions Style and R-Line now come as standard with new technologies in the form of the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights (R-Line: standard only in Germany) with cornering and all-weather light functions, offered for the first time in the T-Cross. The new light functions also include welcome and goodbye light animations. Additionally, both top models include as standard new 17-inch alloy wheels in specific designs (“Manila” for Style, “Valencia” for R-Line), exterior background lighting, as well as LED tail light clusters with dynamic turn signal and brake light functions. The new T-Cross Style exudes stylish elegance, while the T-Cross R-Line underlines its sporty character with its R-design bumpers.
The extended infotainment equipment of the two top models include a touch display with a diagonal of 23.4 cm (9.2 inches), the 25.4 cm Digital Cockpit Pro (10 inches), App-Connect for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (Wireless & Wired) and a mobile phone interface.
Both versions are powered as standard by the 85 kW TSI engine (with seven-speed DSG). The T-Cross Style is available in Germany from 29,465 euros, the T-Cross R-Line from 30,740 euros. The Life, Style and R-Line versions can be optionally ordered with the powerful 110 kW TSI Evo2 engine, which is delivered as standard in combination with a seven-speed DSG.
French gear and equipment brand Segura has a wide selection of motorcycle gear catering to all sorts of riders. In particular, the brand focuses on street gear, with designs featuring a retro-inspired touch. Recently, Segura has also begun catering to urban riders with multiple pieces of textile gear. The newest of which has been launched just in time for the fall riding season, and it’s called the Satana sneakers.
A decade or so ago, the idea of wearing sneakers when riding a motorcycle was out of the question for any ATGATT believer. These days, however, it can be hard to tell a moto-certified pair of shoes from a regular pair of high-cut sneakers. This is largely thanks to advancements in technology when it comes to textile materials which boast incredible abrasion resistance and impact protection. This is exactly where the new Segura Santana sneakers are categorized.
On the outside, the sneaker is made entirely of a microfiber and polyester blend which keeps the shoe lightweight, while offering abrasion-resistant qualities. On the inside, Segura has equipped the Santana with a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry should you find yourself caught in the rain during a ride. In true sneaker fashion, the Santana features a lace-up closure, however, there’s also a side zipper and pull tab on the back for easy wearing and removal.
On the safety side of the equation, the Santana receives rigid reinforcements on the toe and heel, neatly concealed beneath the sneaker’s textile exterior. Additionally, reinforcements that protect against crushing and torsional forces are also present, and so too are reflective inserts for extra visibility in low light conditions. All in all, the Segura Santana sneakers are certified according to the EN 13634 safety standard.
As for availability, Segura offers the Santana sneakers in two colorways consisting of black and a bold camo colorway. The shoes come with two sets of laces for you to customize, and there’s also a lady version with the same specs and pricing. Speaking of pricing, Segura is asking 169.99 Euros (about $179 USD) for its newest mid-season sneakers.
The Honda Elevate’s entry-level variant has basic equipment but lacks infotainment
The Honda Elevate is a new compact SUV available in four variants: SV, V, VX, and ZX. It comes with a single petrol engine option, available with both manual and automatic transmissions. However, the base variant only offers the petrol-manual combination. So, is it worth considering if you’re on a tight budget?
Variant
1.5-litre MT
1.5-litre CVT
SV
Rs 11 lakh
–
V
Rs 12.11 lakh
Rs 13.21 lakh
Difference
Rs 1.11 lakh
Rs 2.21 lakh
Why Consider the Elevate SV?
The Elevate SV offers more than just the basics. It comes with features like all-LED lighting with DRLs, height-adjustable driver seat, keyless entry, push-button start/stop, and power windows. It also includes basic safety equipment such as dual front airbags, electronic stability control, 3-point seatbelts for all passengers, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. These features make it the recommended variant if you’re on a tight budget and want a modern Honda SUV that you can accessorize later on.
Here’s what it offers:
Exterior
Interior
Comfort and Convenience
Infotainment
Safety
Highlight features
Voice recognition
Other features
Upgrade to V if you want
Why Skip the Elevate SV?
Although the Elevate SV variant comes with more than basic comfort and safety features, it lacks some useful and essential items like an infotainment system and a reversing camera. These features, along with a few more convenience features, are available on the V variant. The main reason to choose the V variant would be if you want the most affordable automatic option for the Elevate, at a premium of over Rs 2 lakh.
Variant
Verdict
SV
The variant of our choice if you wish to buy the petrol-MT option. Accessorize it and skip upgrading to the V variant.
V
Only pick if you want the Elevate with an automatic gearbox on a budget. Else, go to the next variant.
VX
Offers more tech at a reasonable premium. Can be skipped if you want the full premium Honda experience.
ZX
Choose this variant for a better cabin experience, more tech, safety features, and dual-tone paint option.
All prices are introductory, ex-showroom pan-India
Now more than ever, motorcycle gear and equipment manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of protection, while making their products more comfortable in the process. For example, airbag technology has descended from the race track, and is now pretty much readily available for street riders to use.
Speaking of airbag technology, Alpinestars‘ Tech-Air system is one of the best in the business, and has recently been featured in a collaboration with yet another major gear and equipment brand, the Dutch company REV’IT!. Dubbed the Avertum Tech-Air, the collaborative effort has resulted in one of the most sleek and compact airbag systems currently on offer. Designed to be worn underneath your standard motorcycle jacket, the Avertum Tech-Air is worn like a shirt, and can be used for all disciplines of motorcycling.
According to REV’IT!, rider safety gear should “always be supportive, never intrusive.” As such, REV’IT! has paid close attention to detail ensuring that riders get maximum protection from the Avertum Tech Air, allowing for free range of motion, breathability, and comfort, without compromising the effectiveness of Alpinestars’ class-leading airbag system.
Guido Kreijkamp, Product Development Director at REV’IT!, explained in the company’s official statement, “While we approach our respective rider communities very differently, REV’IT! and Alpinestars have a lot in common. We both work toward contributing to rider safety and with the Avertum Tech-Air airbag vest, we’re able to provide our riders with the freedom to ride – on all types of motorcycles in a vast variety of situations, both on and off road.”
REV’IT! ascertains that the Avertum Tech-Air is the culmination of over two decades of airbag technology research. A lot of testing has been done on the product in some of motorcycling’s most extreme arenas, such as the MotoGP, where data is gathered and analyzed in every single track outing. The end result is an airbag vest that’s completely versatile and applicable no matter what your riding gear is. According to REV’IT!, the Avertum Tech-Air is proof that function and form need not be mutually exclusive.
Regarding availability, the new Avertum Tech-Air airbag system is expected to be available online and from official REV’IT! dealers in time for the fall and winter season. The company has yet to provide pricing details, so feel free to get in touch with your local gear retailer for more information.
Tucano Urbano, an Italian gear and equipment manufacturer, offers a wide range of products for motorcyclists. Under the Tucano Urbano brand, they cater to urban riders, while the T.Ur sub-brand focuses on adventure riders. They also have a sub-brand called Taac that specializes in luggage options.
One of Taac’s newest offerings is the TC6, a convenient leg bag designed for riders who only need to carry a few essentials. The TC6 allows quick access to items like wallets and mobile phones.
While most motorcycle jackets and pants have built-in pockets, some riders prefer a more secure storage option. The leg bag is also popular among sportbike riders wearing full leathers and off-roaders in MX gear.
The Taac TC6 leg bag is made of polyester canvas with a polyurethane central yoke for extra durability and abrasion resistance. It provides three liters of storage space through several zippered pockets and compartments, allowing for easy organization. The bag’s zippers have elastic pull tabs, making them easy to use even with gloves on.
The TC6 leg bag features Air Mesh padding on the back for enhanced airflow during warm weather. It also includes a rain cover to protect your belongings in case of bad weather. The bag measures 10.8 inches (27.5 centimeters) in height and 6.9 inches (17.5 centimeters) in width. It comes in a black colorway with high-visibility fluorescent details and is priced at 34.99 Euros, or approximately $38 USD.
Stunt riders are a different breed. As such, they need equipment that is quite specialized to their requirements. If you’re looking to get into stunt riding, you’ll have to look at motorcycles which will help serve the purpose, either right out of the box or with a few good modifications. Professional stunters often use 600cc multi-cylinder motorcycles, but as a beginner you will want something small but with enough power to bring out the hooligan in you. Weight becomes a factor here, because a lightweight motorcycle will not need as much power as a heavy one, but knowing you’ll have to lift it many times a day will tip the scales in favor of a light motorcycle. You’ll want something that is inexpensive to buy and maintain, and reliable – bent frames do not a great stunt bike make. You’ll want the engine to be reliable because you’re going to abuse it a whole lot. Finally, you’ll want it to have a decent market for aftermarket mods that will help it become a better stunt bike, and you to become a better stunt rider. In an ideal world all of these characteristics would be packed in a single motorcycle, but it isn’t an ideal world, so we’ve come up with ten bikes you should look at if you’re getting into the world of stunt riding.
This might sound ridiculous at first, but hear us out. The Grom/Monkey weighs around 230 lbs, and its 125cc engine produces a mere 10 horsepower and 8 lb-ft of torque, but with that tiny wheelbase and 12-inch rims, it is plenty enough to pop the front wheel in the air. It isn’t cramped by any means, but its small size also allows you to experiment with shifting weight fore and aft, and if, sorry, when you fall, it will be at parking lot speeds because these twins simply aren’t capable of much more than that. It helps that there’s a dedicated following of these machines, so whatever modifications you’d like to make to aid your stunting career, you’ll find out how to acquire them in your friendly neighborhood Honda Grom/Monkey owner group.
9KTM 390 Duke
KTM
This might just be the best beginner stunting motorcycle straight out of the box. Built in India for the entire globe, it shares a lot of parts with its siblings, meaning the cost of purchase and repair is really very low. It puts out a more than respectable 44 horsepower and 27.2 lb-ft of torque. Get one of the newer models with the ride-by-wire throttle, and you’ll get ABS that can be switched off at the rear. The 2023 390 Duke has even more electronic assistance, with traction control and cornering ABS, which should help you on your stunting journey. The traction control can be switched off for those burnouts that you’ll inevitably want to do. Also in favor of the 390 Duke is its relatively low seat height, radial brakes with fixed calipers that offer great feel, and the engine has an extremely strong midrange, although it might not be as reliable as others on this list.
8Husqvarna Vitpilen 401
Husqvarna
The Svartpilen and Vitpilen models are cousins of the KTM 390 Duke. The Svartpilen focuses more on being an on/off-road model, while the Vitpilen is unashamedly road biased, which is why it is our pick for stunting. We also like the rear hugger which is a combination of hugger and numberplate holder, and removing it should make 12 o’clock wheelies a doddle… once you get to that skill level, of course. Another point in favor of the Vitpilen is that minimal bodywork and tiny rear subframe: it weighs a svelte 328 lbs, but puts out the same power from essentially the same engine as the Duke that it is based on. That gives it a great power to weight ratio, and its diminutive size is also in its favor. Getting aftermarket parts might be a lot of effort, however, because it isn’t a mainstream model and as such hasn’t sold as much as some of the others here.
The DR-Z400S is the dual sport variant of the small Suzuki that we all know and love, while the DR-Z400SM is the supermoto with the 17-inch rims and spoked rims. It might seem down on power a little with figures of 39 horsepower and 29 lb-ft of torque from its single cylinder engine mated to a five speed gearbox, but it also weighs a good 55 lbs less than the 390 Duke, at 322 lbs. It might not work for short riders the way the Duke will, because its chassis remains an off-road oriented one. However, with a two decade long production run and a reputation for bulletproof reliability, the DR-Z400SM meets the requirements of a machine that either will not break, or is easy to repair, should it give up.
6Kawasaki KLX300SM
If the ‘Zook is too much bike for you, then this is a better option. The Kawasaki KLX300SM offers lower displacement, lower power output, and a lower kerb weight compared to the DR-Z400SM. For those of a slight build or shorter stature, the less-is-more mantra will work better with a motorcycle like this from Team Green. The KLX300SM’s single cylinder 292cc engine puts out 33 horsepower and almost 21 lb-ft of torque, and weighs in at 302 lbs. It has a lot of other similarities to the Suzuki like the inverted front forks, and spoked rims. What is different is that the KLX300 is a relatively new model that was launched only a couple of years ago, so don’t expect the kind of aftermarket choice that you would with an established model that has been on sale for a long time.
5Yamaha MT-03
Yamaha
We’re getting into multi-cylinder territory here with the MT03, but if it is a motorcycle you seek that will help you upgrade to multi-cylinder machines to stunt with, this could be a good choice. It has a 321cc parallel twin engine that generates 41.4 horsepower and 24 lb-ft of torque, and weighs in at 373 lbs that might sound portly until you realize that that figure is 2 lbs less than the quoted weight of the KTM 390 Duke. As such, we think that it will make a great stepping stone for those serious about their stunting craft since it will offer experience in the powerbands that are generated by multi-cylinder machines, which are typically at the higher end of the rev range. However, you’ll need to find a way to work around the ABS, which isn’t switchable.
Honda surprisingly does not currently have a supermotard listed on their website, but we’re sure if you wanted to go with a new model, the CRF300L would lend itself well to a supermoto conversion. In the absence of a current model, we are going to delve into one of the older models and recommend this, the CRF250M. The CRF230M would be far more reliable, but it simply doesn’t make enough power to help someone learn how to stunt properly. The CRF230M made nearly 23 horsepower and 16 lb-ft of torque, which is really modest but all it means is that you didn’t have to worry too much about throttle control! It weighed 317 lbs, so it is among the lightest here. We’d recommend this if you aren’t sure you want to commit to the discipline and want to explore with minimal cost and risk.
3Yamaha WR250X
Yamaha
The WR250X is the supermoto version of the WR250R, the dual sport 250cc motorcycle made by Yamaha from 2008 until it was discontinued in 2020. Don’t be fooled by its small displacement; this is a right hooligan of a machine, with the power and torque peaks really close together and rewarding you revving it to the limiter. It squeezes out over 30 horsepower and 17.5 lb-ft of torque from its liquid cooled motor, and you have a few thousand revs in hand beyond the power peak until the limiter kicks in. It weighs in at 299 lbs wet, so you should be able to pick it up multiple times with no problem at all. Among the other things that make it perfect for stunting are a grippy seat, an adjustable front brake lever, adjustable suspension, and wave rotors for the brakes.
2Zero FXE
Zero Motorcycles
If you’re looking to be a modern stunter, you can get on to the electric bandwagon and get yourself a Zero FXE. It doesn’t meet our pricing requirements – you’ll get a 400-600cc IC supermoto for the price of an FXE – but what you will get is an undiluted hit of torque from the 46 horsepower, 78 lb-ft motor. If you go back and look at the other torque figures mentioned here, you’ll realize that this torque figure is three times as much as the other torque figures. Should make wheelies and burnouts a simple affair, then. It is light as well, with a kerb weight of 299 lbs. The only drawback we can see is the range, and the time required to charge it back up, but we also feel that that is balanced out by the lack of oil changes and chain maintenance required for a belt-drive electric motorcycle.
If you want to jump in at the deep end, you could get yourself a full fat four cylinder stunt icon like the CBR600F4i. The Kawasaki ZX-6R with the 636cc engine is another option, but the Honda is a little more forgiving to those who are still honing their skills and is cheaper to purchase, which is why we have gone Team Red. The CBR600F4i is beloved by stunters because its frame is built to withstand a lot of punishment, which is a valuable trait as a stunter. You’ll need to delve into modifications out of necessity as well – the giant rear sprocket is a given, but you’ll need to modify things like the oil system so that the engine doesn’t get starved of oil during wheelies, and the bike doesn’t spit oil over the air filter or into the exhaust. You might just be overwhelmed by the CBR600F4i as a beginner, but with the right instruction and practice you won’t need to upgrade, no matter how skilled you get!
Cleaning your computer mouse can be done using common items found in your household. You don’t need any specialized tools or equipment for this task. In case you don’t have the items at home, you can easily find them at your local supermarket.
To start, gather a clean microfiber cloth. Nowadays, many people have such cloths for wiping their phones, so you might already have one. If you don’t, cotton swabs can also do the job. Additionally, you will need some toothpicks. It is preferable to use sturdy wooden toothpicks, but plastic ones without any added minty materials can work too.
For a more thorough cleaning, get some isopropyl alcohol or a cleaning solution that contains at least 70% isopropyl alcohol. Avoid using traditional cleaning solutions as they may contain chemicals that can potentially harm the sensitive components of your mouse.
While not essential, having a screwdriver, tweezers, and a can of compressed air can be useful for specific situations or harder-to-reach places.
Tucano Urbano, an Italian specialist in motorcycle gear and equipment, has launched a new jacket under its sub-brand T.Ur. The T.Ur Atlas Jacket is designed to meet the needs of adventure riders who face various weather conditions during their journeys.
The Atlas Jacket is constructed mainly from a lightweight yet durable fabric called XTR-M Mesh, which provides ventilation and protection. It is equipped with flexible and ventilated Easyflex Level 1 protectors on the shoulders and elbows, and has a pocket for standard back protectors. The jacket is rated Class A PPE according to the EN17092:2020 standard.
While safety is crucial, comfort is equally important, especially in hot weather. T.Ur has addressed this by incorporating stretchy fabric on the sleeves and hips for a comfortable fit for riders of all sizes. The jacket also features adjustment straps on the upper arms and forearms to prevent flapping in the wind.
To make life easier for riders, the T.Ur Atlas Jacket comes with three external pockets for carrying essentials and two internal pockets for valuables like wallets and mobile phones. The collar is lined with Lycra for moisture-wicking and added comfort in hot weather. The jacket is now available for €179.99 (approximately $198 USD) from Tucano Urbano retailers. Pricing and availability may vary by region, so it’s best to contact local gear retailers for more details.
Italian gear and equipment manufacturer, Spidi, has earned a reputation for providing top-quality gear for motorcyclists worldwide. They are known for their commitment to comfort and protection. Spidi believes in allowing riders to experience the comfort and protection of their gear before making a purchase.
In 2015, Spidi hosted an event called the Grand Tour, which allowed riders to test-drive Spidi gear on some of Europe’s most beautiful roads. Since then, there have been significant advancements in safety technology, as well as increased focus on comfort and style. As a result, Spidi has decided to relaunch the Grand Tour in 2023, with legs in key European markets already underway.
Spidi plans to organize itineraries of approximately 200 kilometers in collaboration with select Spidi retailers in Italy. There will be four stages in Italy, starting with Milan, followed by Treviso, Vicenza, and Bologna. The first leg will kick off on September 3 in Milan, followed by subsequent legs on September 17, October 1, and October 8 in the other cities, respectively.
Not only will the Grand Tour take place in Italy, but it will also extend to other parts of Europe. The tour is scheduled to start on September 2, 2023, in the Netherlands, followed by Spain on September 30, Spain again on October 7, Greece on October 15, and finally Portugal on November 12, 2023. Each location will showcase Spidi’s cutting-edge gear and the stunning landscapes of the region. Participants will also receive discount coupons to use at Spidi stores.
If you’re interested in participating in the Spidi Grand Tour, you can visit Spidi’s official website to select your preferred tour and sign up. Each participant will receive an event pass, a high visibility vest, a Bridgestone neck warmer, and other Spidi merchandise.
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