The 2023 Motorcycle Cannonball is currently happening, taking place from September 7 to September 24, 2023. Participants are riding their antique motorcycles on a grueling 3,800-mile journey from Virginia Beach, Virginia to Oceanside, California.
The Motorcycle Cannonball is a challenging endurance event where riders navigate the organizers’ chosen route across the United States. Originally held biennially, the event’s scheduling shifted to odd-numbered years due to the pandemic.
Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum has been involved with the Motorcycle Cannonball since its first edition in 2010. In a video, Matt Walksler explains how his father, Dale, participated in the inaugural Cannonball riding a 1915 Harley.
Although Wheels Through Time Museum is not officially running a bike in the 2023 Cannonball, Matt’s friend, Gary, is riding a 1928 Harley-Davidson JD. Matt sold him the bike in 2022 specifically for Gary’s participation in the next Motorcycle Cannonball.
The video provides insight into the history of the event, the challenges faced by riders, and the anticipation surrounding Gary’s progress. The mechanical strain of riding 300 to 400 miles a day on backroad courses designed by the organizers is immense, especially considering the age of these antique motorcycles.
Antique machines like these come with their own set of mechanical issues, which the riders must contend with. In this particular video, Gary arrives at the Wheels Through Time Museum late, after other riders have already taken their required break and moved on to the next leg of the journey. It turns out that Gary’s clutch has been malfunctioning since the start of the Cannonball. Matt is surprised that Gary managed to make it as far as the museum. Upon inspection, they discover that the single nut holding the clutch in place is missing. Matt fixes the issue by installing a new nut and tightening it properly. They then restart the motorcycle, and Matt even joins Gary on a 1915 Harley to continue the Cannonball.
If you’re interested in daily updates on the progress of the 2023 Motorcycle Cannonball, you can find videos, photos, and written posts from the road on the event’s official Facebook page. They also post daily scores as PDF files, allowing you to track your favorite riders and their progress. As of Stage Nine, Gary Brace on his 1928 Harley-Davidson JD from Wheels Through Time is holding strong in 25th place.
The majority of participants in the Cannonball are riding various antique Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles. Only four bikes in the top 25 rankings do not belong to these two brands. Notable among them are a 1917 Henderson G in third place, a 1926 Rudge Special Four-Four in tenth place, a 1929 Scott Flying Squirrel in eleventh place, and a 1924 Henderson Deluxe in twentieth place.
Currently, the top two bikes in the race are a 1909 Indian Single, ridden by Todd Cameron in first place, and a 1911 Harley-Davidson Single, ridden by Dave Currier in second place. With seven stages remaining, it’s anyone’s guess who will cross the finish line in Oceanside, California, on September 24, 2023. Stay tuned for updates.
In an effort to assist pet owners in finding their lost animals, Ring, a company owned by Amazon, has launched Pet Tags. These tags feature a QR code that can be scanned by a helpful passerby. Once scanned, the owner of the pet is automatically notified that their furry friend has been located. The rescuer is also able to access the pet’s profile, which contains all the necessary information.
Furthermore, the rescuer can contact the owner through the Ring app without obtaining their phone number. To enhance the search for lost pets, users can share their pet profile on the Ring online community and the Petco Love Lost network, a national repository for lost and found animals.
The Ring mobile app also includes a Lost Pet Mode, allowing users to post pet profiles on the community page and establish communication with neighbors who also use Ring products. The Pet Tag from Ring is available in silver and will start shipping on October 4, 2023. If you are interested in alternative options to ensure your pet’s safety, you may consider Apple AirTags, Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 3, Whistle GO Explore, Tractive GPS Dog LTE Tracker, or the Tile Pro, among others.
In Asian countries, motorcycles are the dominant mode of transportation and are widely used for personal mobility and delivery services. This is especially true in countries like India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
In the Philippines, motorcycle sales have experienced a significant uptick in the first half of 2023. According to a report by the Members of the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association Inc. (MDPPA), which includes major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha, a total of 932,220 motorcycles from these brands were sold from January to July 2023. This represents a notable increase compared to the same period in the previous year, where 890,720 motorcycles were sold.
This translates to a significant 4.7% increase in sales from January to July 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. The MDPPA has set a goal to achieve a steady 5% growth rate for the remainder of 2023. It is forecasted that the motorcycle sales from these major manufacturers will reach a total of 1.6 million for 2023, surpassing the impressive 1.5 million motorcycles sold in 2022.
It’s worth noting that while the majority of motorcycle sales in the Philippines come from the MDPPA member companies, there are also other large manufacturers making their presence felt in the country. CFMoto, for example, has gained a massive following in the premium segment, particularly with its affordable models like the 450NK, which have made the big bike market more accessible. Other premium brands such as KTM, BMW, and Ducati also hold a significant market share in the premium segment.
In addition to the growth in motorcycle sales, the Philippines is also experiencing an increase in local production. While the big four manufacturers already have local manufacturing facilities in the country, several newcomers have also established their presence in recent years. KTM, for example, produces its 200, 250, 390, and 790 series motorcycles in the Philippines and sells and exports them to nearby markets. Data from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Automotive Federation shows that motorcycle and scooter production in the country grew by 57.4% in the first half of 2023.
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.
Apple’s first laptop, the Macintosh Portable, had a similar software to the Macintosh II, with a faster 16 MHz 68000 CPU. Although it received positive reviews, the Portable failed due to several reasons.
Firstly, the Portable was extremely heavy, weighing around 16 pounds. This made it inconvenient to carry around and defeated the purpose of a portable device. Additionally, the battery life suffered due to the introduction of backlit displays in later models.
Furthermore, the Portable’s exorbitant price range of $6,500 to $7,000, adjusted for inflation, made it unaffordable for most consumers. This high price tag was a major deterrent to potential buyers.
It’s no surprise that the Macintosh Portable failed to sell as well as Apple’s desktop computers at that time. Thankfully, Apple made significant progress towards their current line of successful MacBooks with the introduction of the PowerBook in 1991.
Image: Wojciech Pędzich via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY 4.0
Foxconn’s EV-platform-developing arm called Mobility in Harmony (MIH)
Electric vehicles (EVs) are attracting interest from brands outside the automobile industry. Companies like Huawei, Oppo, and Xiaomi are looking to enter the EV market, leveraging their expertise in electronic and smartphone manufacturing. This trend is fueled by the integration of technology in modern vehicles.
A few years ago, Foxconn, the manufacturer of iPhones for Apple, expressed an interest in competing in the EV industry. Now, the company is exploring the possibility of manufacturing EVs in India.
What’s the Discussion About?
Foxconn launched the Mobility in Harmony (MIH) Consortium in 2021. MIH focuses on developing platforms for EVs. In a recent interview with Reuters, CEO Jack Cheng stated, “You build where the potential market is…In India or Southeast Asia, you have a huge volume opportunity right now.” He referred to India as a potential emerging power in the EV sector for the next generation.
In terms of production, Cheng mentioned that if a Foxconn plant is established in India, it would be the preferred option. However, if a local plant in India is more competitive, it would be given priority. He believes that India will play a crucial role in MIH’s long-term growth. Additionally, Foxconn has EV plans in other South-East Asian countries like Thailand, where it already has a joint venture agreement with a local company.
EV Plans Detailed
MIH is considering collaborating with its parent company or another company to build a new 3-seat EV known as Project X. The target price for this vehicle, which offers advanced technology, is below $20,000 (approximately Rs 16.5 lakh). The prototype is scheduled to be unveiled at Japan’s auto trade show in October 2023, with production starting in 2025. MIH also plans to launch 6-seater and 9-seater electric vehicles by 2024 and 2025 respectively.
Foxconn Group and Yulon Group have collaborated to establish the Foxtron brand, which focuses on automotive development. In October 2022, Foxtron unveiled three electric car models: the Model B (hatchback), Model C (crossover SUV), and Model V (pickup). These models have claimed ranges of 450km and 700km. The electric powertrains for these vehicles have not been disclosed yet. Foxconn plans to utilize its platform manufacturing expertise to enable multiple models to use the same base platforms and components, while having unique shells for ease of mass production.
The McLaren Artura has faced some initial problems, but the Chief Executive Officer, Michael Leiters, has pledged to address them. In an interview last December, Leiters acknowledged that the car was not fully developed, leading to a halt in deliveries and a temporary stop in production to address quality issues.
Unfortunately, the Artura’s past issues continue to impact its delivery schedule. Automotive News obtained a memo sent by McLaren to dealers in the United States, informing them of delayed deliveries to customers. On average, buyers can expect a four-month delay, with some cars originally scheduled for May now pushed back to September. McLaren spokesperson Roger Ormisher confirmed this information.
The BMW Group Plant Munich recently celebrated its 100th anniversary with two eventful days filled with exciting activities. Despite not producing any cars during this time, the plant welcomed around 70,000 visitors including employees, their friends, and family. The anniversary celebrations featured a captivating stage program, thrilling driving events, and exclusive insights into the production process.
In his speech, Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production, expressed gratitude to the employees for their dedication and emphasized their role in bringing success to the plant. Plant Munich is currently undergoing extensive renovations in preparation for the production of the Neue Klasse in 2026. This includes the construction of three new buildings for the body shop, assembly, and logistics areas. Nedeljković also stressed the remarkable ability of the employees to keep the plant running smoothly despite the ongoing changes.
During the anniversary celebrations, more than one thousand volunteers from all BMW locations in Munich demonstrated great dedication and contributed to the smooth operation of the event. These volunteers generously donated their time, which was then converted into a cash donation of 150,000 euros for five Munich-based charities. Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, People and Real Estate, praised the employees for their extraordinary commitment and highlighted the responsible behavior of BMW as an employer.
Representatives from the charities expressed their gratitude as they received the donation vouchers in person from Horstmeier, Plant Manager Peter Weber, and Martin Kimmich, Chairman of the General Works Council. Furthermore, to represent the transformation of Plant Munich, a time capsule was filled by the Member of the Board for Production, Plant Manager, and Works Council Chair. This capsule will be integrated into the construction area of the new body shop.
The BMW employees themselves organized most of the anniversary celebrations, showcasing their diverse talents through various performances and activities. A former employee of Plant Munich, Willy Astor, entertained the visitors with his comedy and music show. Other popular attractions included shows by the “RedBull Driftbrothers,” a children’s motorcycle course, driving sessions from the BMW Driving Academy, and a variety of culinary delights from food trucks and the plant’s own restaurant.
Martin Kimmich, Chairman of the BMW General Works Council, commended the efforts of the workforce in creating such an impressive event. He highlighted the unique team spirit and the employees’ commitment to social responsibility. As an essential employer in Munich, the plant welcomed around 80 neighbors who were given a guided tour of the site to foster good relations and maintain open dialogue with the local community.
The plant also plays an integral role in the future development of Munich, as demonstrated by the “BMW Munich – Urban Production” architectural competition. The winning designs aim to make the plant more accessible and improve relations with the neighborhood, setting the stage for future plans beyond 2026. These plans align with the principles of the BMW iFactory, focusing on being lean, green, and digital.
Although the anniversary celebrations took place in Plant Munich’s 101st year, due to uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was planned during the plant’s 100th year.
KTM has recently unveiled the 2024 KTM 500 EXC-F SIX DAYS special edition motorcycle. While these special edition bikes may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the fact that KTM continues to produce them brings joy to the Dirt Bike team. Here are the official images and details provided by KTM:
The 2024 KTM 500 EXC-F SIX DAYS is a dual-sport machine that proudly displays the Argentinian flag, marking only the second time in history that this collaboration has taken place. In November 2023, hundreds of riders and thousands of fans will gather in Argentina’s Cuyo region for six days of exhilarating racing. Like the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE), the 2024 KTM 500 EXC-F SIX DAYS is designed to provide riders with the ultimate off-road experience. The bike features an almost entirely new chassis, with around 95% of its components being new and improved for maximum performance in endurance racing.
In addition to a new high-gloss orange powder-coated frame, the 2024 KTM 500 EXC-F SIX DAYS boasts closed-cartridge suspension, updated bodywork, unique SIX DAYS Argentina graphics, and cutting-edge technology. Here are some of the additional parts included:
Orange frame protectors
SIX DAYS-specific seat with enhanced grip
Handlebar with unique SIX DAYS bend
Anthracite-coated muffler featuring the SIX DAYS logo
GIANT high-strength rims with SIX DAYS logo
Orange-anodized CNC machined triple clamps
Orange front axle puller
Semi-floating front brake disc
Solid rear brake disc
Rear brake safety wire
Orange chain guide
Composite skid plate
Radiator fan
The 2024 KTM 500 EXC-F SIX DAYS continues the legacy of an enduring tradition that spans nearly 20 years. With over 30 years of racing experience and an impressive collection of more than 126 World Enduro titles, many of which were earned at the ISDE, this special edition bike is a testament to KTM’s commitment to the sport.
The all-new 2024 KTM 500 EXC-F SIX DAYS will be available at authorized KTM dealers starting August 2023. For more information, please contact your local KTM dealer.
Auto enthusiasts around the world love sports cars due to the fact that they are fun and engaging to drive. They are designed for speed and agility and put a smile on the face of anyone who drives them. Sports cars are much more than just a mode of transportation. You don’t drive one just to reach from one point to the destination. It is more about the journey itself. They create a special bond between the driver and the car since they are designed to give the maximum driving pleasure possible.
But European sports cars are quite unique compared to the sports cars from other parts of the world. They have won the hearts of many car enthusiasts, as the driving experience of European sports cars is far more engaging. European manufacturers craft their sports cars with passion, which results in a glorious artistry of performance, style, and engineering excellence. From sleek designs, and enhanced performance to rich heritage and refined interiors, here are the most notable things that you should know about European sports cars.
One of the first things that you should know about European sports cars is that they have exquisite styling mostly done by experienced designers in the automotive industry, resulting in sports cars that look like art. The exterior styling of most European sports cars includes smooth lines and timeless style.
The same goes for the interior components like the seats, steering wheel, dashboard, and so on.
Hence, these cars are visually appealing and include some of the most beautiful sports cars in the world. In fact, the British-made 1961 Jaguar E-type is considered the most beautiful car ever made, according to leading automotive designers. Even their new modern sports car, the F-type, is a very stunning car to look at.
9They Have Rich Heritage
Aston Martin
Front 3/4 of Aston Martin Vantage parked along a shore
European automakers have a rich history of making luxurious, high-performance cars with automotive excellence. So depending on the brand, this legacy is carried out with every generation of sports cars that they produce. The British car manufacturer, Aston Martin, builds sports cars with luxury, utmost performance, and elegance. Porsche is a German car manufacturer renowned for their iconic 911 which is a high-performance sports car focused solely on the pursuit of driving pleasure.
Similarly, another British manufacturer, Lotus, is famous for its light and agile sports cars with marvelous handling capabilities and balanced weight distribution. On top of that, most European manufacturers started building sports cars by focusing on the perfect blend of style, performance, and passion. And to this day, they have maintained this heritage to build exciting new modern sports cars that stand out quite well from the American and Japanese sports car manufacturers.
8Powerful Engine
Porsche
Engine of Porsche 911 in top view
European sports cars are also known for their powerful engines, which may vary from turbocharged four-cylinder engines to V-8 and even a few evocative V-12 engines. No matter the engine configuration, European manufacturers are always successful in extracting the best performance figures possible for their sports cars. They extensively use turbochargers to achieve these amazing performance numbers. As a result, even a low-displacement twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine has a similar power output compared to something like a naturally aspirated American V-8 sports car.
For example, the twin-turbocharged flat-six engine of the German-made 2023 Porsche 911 Turbo can produce up to 473 horsepower whereas, the naturally aspirated V-8 of an American sports car, the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette, produces 495 horsepower. Even though the Corvette produces more power with a difference of 22 horsepower, the power output of the 911 is still impressive considering the fact that it has a smaller engine with lesser cylinders.
Front 3/4 of Alfa Romeo 4C driving fast through a twist mountain road
Even though there are many open highways and motorways built in Europe like the infamous Autobahn in Germany, they still have a lot of fun roads up in the Alps. These twisty roads are highly preferred by enthusiasts to drive their sports cars. The European manufacturers also focus on providing the driver with the best handling possible to tackle the fun back roads filled with corners.
So they generally use lightweight body components, high-performance tires, a well-balanced weight distribution, and upgraded suspension on their sports cars. As a matter of fact, many European manufacturers like Porsche, Lotus, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, and BMW are renowned for their creation of great sports cars with superb handling.
6Advanced Engineering
BMW
Static shot of the 2017 BMW i8 Coupe with sunset in the background
The engineers in the European automobile industry are some of the best in the world and come up with the most innovative technologies. So it’s no surprise that European sports cars are also equipped with advanced engineering. These technologies include anything from high-tech braking systems and aerodynamics to numerous ECU or driving modes and safety features.
If you look at the BMW i8, it is still one of the most technologically advanced sports cars due to its sophisticated hybrid technology. Thanks to this, it has also been successful to be included in Top Gear’s list of the greatest sports cars ever made.
5Excellent Build Quality
Audi
Interior of Audi TT with fantastic build quality
European sports car manufacturers pay special attention to detail on the overall build quality of the car. These vehicles go through extensive weather testing on roads as well as tracks to ensure their performance and handling capabilities in these conditions.
Since European automobile manufacturers focus on producing luxurious and stylish sports cars, the cars’ finish of both the interior and the exterior components also has excellent build quality. They use high-quality materials on the interiors, which include various types of leather and synthetic microfiber for the refined finish. Similarly, the exterior panel gaps are also designed and built to the tightest of tolerances.
Whether it’s a turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a mighty V-8, European sports cars typically have an exhilarating exhaust note. They have a distinctive sound depending on the engine configurations and brand, which increases the emotional bond between the car and the driver.
Front 3/4 of 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera T with skyscrapers in the background
Considering all the above-mentioned characteristics of European sports cars, it’s expected that the they have a higher price tag compared to the Japanese and American sports cars. They are typically more luxurious, use more high-quality components, and have more impressive performance numbers than their Japanese or American rivals.
If you look at the 2023 Porsche 911 and the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette once again, they start at base prices of $107,550 and $65,895 respectively. If you analyze it closely, you are paying almost $42,000 more for a car that makes lesser power and has a smaller engine. But in reality, you are paying the extra amount for the prestige heritage of the European car brand, a more luxurious interior, a more efficient engine for performance, better handling, and better build quality.
2Track Ready
Porsche
Front 3/4 view of the track ready 718 Cayman GT4 RS going fast in a racetrack
The exceptional handling and powerful engines of European sports cars are also well-suited for the track. Their handling and performance capabilities are so good that they can be felt right at home on a racetrack even if they are not equipped with any aftermarket modifications. Since European car manufacturers also have a rich history in motorsports, they implement a few developments from their racing experience on their modern sports cars too.
So they often come with carbon ceramic brakes, advanced aerodynamic components, and track-tuned suspensions to enhance your driving skills on the track. The sports car manufacturers even launch track-focused special edition models with upgraded components of their base sports car to make it even more ready for a racetrack. These upgrades also help in increasing the sales of the sports car models.
Front 3/4 of Lotus Elise 240 Sport Final Edition driving through a twisty country road
You get an extraordinary driving experience when you drive a European sports car. The combination of a beautiful design, powerful engine, luxurious interior, excellent handling, and thrilling exhaust sound results is an unparalleled driving experience. Sports cars are supposed to be fast and fun to drive, but European sports cars take them to a higher level as all their features make you feel really special when you drive them.
They are specifically designed for enthusiasts who love driving fast and agile sports cars with advanced engineering. This is why, the European sports cars have a huge fan base of enthusiasts who appreciate the engineering excellence and the heritage of these brands and consider these sports cars as fine pieces of art.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
