In 2017, Spark gross sales fell 11% from the prior 12 months. The economies of scale did not add up, so GM took the ax and chopped the Spark off its lineup earlier than the 2023 mannequin 12 months. The Spark wasn’t the one sufferer of the SUV craze in Chevrolet’s automobile lineup: The Chevy Cruze departed in 2019, adopted by the Sonic hatchback and sedan in 2020.
As of 2024, the Malibu is the one sedan in Chevrolet’s North American stock regardless of saying in 2019 that it will bear the identical destiny because the Spark and different sedans/hatchbacks sporting the bowtie emblem.
You’ll must refocus on the Trax or Trailblazer if you would like an reasonably priced, sub-$24,000 new Chevy automobile, though each are nowhere close to as mass-market reasonably priced because the Spark. However, there’s hope if you would like a brand new automotive for beneath $17,000. The longstanding Mitsubishi Mirage and Nissan Versa are two of the most affordable new vehicles for 2024, though rumors are ripe of each fashions crossing the rainbow bridge quickly.
I fell in love with bikes when my dad first threw on Top Gun and I watched Tom Cruise pace alongside a taxiing F-14 Tomcat because the solar set behind them each. It stirred one thing within me that’s by no means left. But it left such a mark on my psyche that once I introduced dwelling my first bike—whereas my mother and father have been on trip simply as I turned 17—it needed to be a Kawasaki. Now, it was a 1987 Ninja 600, not the GPZ 900 Maverick rode, nevertheless it was shut sufficient for me.
I let you know this story to indicate the love I’ve for motorcycling and since what I’m about to say might sound considerably disconcerting to RideApart’s common readers, however the website goes to start out altering.
Now the love for all issues two-wheeled isn’t going to go away and even take a again seat. No, RideApart has been a vacation spot for motorbike fans for over a decade, a repository for all the pieces myself and the remainder of the staff treasure, together with speaking about MotoGP, the world of journey bikes, builds we’d like to do, or these we’ve accomplished ourselves, bringing newcomers into the fold, and by no means as soon as gatekeeping. And I’m going to vow you that none of it will change. I wouldn’t let it.
What RideApart will turn into is much bigger in scope, encompassing the entire of powersports.
The website is, actually, due for a rebirth and reinvention, and now’s the right time to do exactly that. The shift comes at a time when the powersports trade has grown exponentially. Not solely have motorbike gross sales loved one of the best years ever beginning in 2020 and persevering with into 2024—no clue what occurred in these years—however so too have snowmobiles, jet skis, side-by-sides, and ATVs. Each noticed their reputation skyrocket with most people, a lot in order that even I, a motorcyclist by way of and thru, purchased a caged Can-Am Maverick X3 Maxx. There’s extra curiosity within the powersports trade now than there has ever been earlier than, and that’s why RideApart goes to start out masking these segments going ahead.
What you’ll see within the coming weeks, months, and years is a plan I’ve been engaged on for months now. Adventure tales, far-flung and close-to-home journeys, gear and machine critiques, superstar and trade interviews, head-to-heads, engineering deep dives, wild information, challenge introductions, updates, add-ons, and a lot extra. We’ll discuss Indonesian drag bike tradition, the madness of compound-charged snowmobiles, Can-Am’s wild new A-arms on the Maverick R, MotoGP’s depraved launch management, why I like my Garmin InAttain Mini 2, the best way to get into off-road using, the way forward for powersport EVs within the looking house, numerous cool histories about machines and tattoo cultures inside the motorcycling world, extraordinary mysteries like what occurred to that unique Kawasaki GPZ from Top Gun, how enjoyable fishing off the facet of a jet ski is, and even why the Isle of Man remains to be an essential factor to do, regardless of the risks. That final one is a narrative I’ve been aching to put in writing for years.
But what’s going to separate us from everybody else is that every one of those tales, each article we publish on these pages, may have a single guiding ethos that I hope comes by way of each single time you open a hyperlink: that powersports are inherently cool.
Honestly, I feel our little part of the media trade has forgotten that. They’ve succumbed to the almighty Google, pumping out bland, boring regurgitations of press releases and specs to feed the web optimization machine behind the scenes. They’ll let you know all about how a lot horsepower the brand new Ducati Panigale makes, however not the way it makes you’re feeling to get behind the bars. Detailed descriptions shall be accomplished on Seadoo’s new supercharged jet ski, however nothing shall be stated because it tries to tear your face off.
I’m not terrified of shedding bots, as I do know “Build it and they will come,” truly works. Actual human powersport lovers are those that’ll assist make RideApart the vacation spot web site I do know it may be. A spot the place pretense doesn’t matter, and specs take a again seat to expertise. Where the enjoyment of hopping onto, or into, a machine that’s already method cooler than we’ll ever be is the focus.
I intention to make RideApart the shining beacon inside the trade by telling tales and having enjoyable. The website that each different media model needs they have been and our readers devour. To make of us like Janaki, Earl, Enrico, and newcomer Robbie, stars in your eyes, whereas highlighting stellar freelance expertise that makes everybody studying our pages say, “Fuck, I wish I had their job.” I need you to eagerly await our weekly e-newsletter, salivating in anticipation to learn what adventures we’ve gone on, the lunacy we’ve dreamt up, and to belief our opinions on machines and equipment greater than you belief your individual mom’s phrases.
Sorry, moms of the world, you’re out.
Again, RideApart’s bones aren’t altering. I’ll discuss how snowmobiles, UTVs, ATVs, and jet skis will come into the combination. Motorcycles are nonetheless core to not simply the location, however my very own existence. I’ve obtained large plans to take our motorbike protection to staggering heights, together with some significantly in-depth reporting on MotoGP know-how and racing, tales about how instructing my 5-year-old daughter the best way to trip goes (she doesn’t have a lot love for Razor’s MX350 in comparison with Kawasaki’s Elektrode), and possibly, simply possibly, a pit-bike championship race with the editors. I’ll or might not have already constructed the observe in my yard…
And there’s a lot extra I wish to let you know proper now, however all of these tales are to come back. Right now, I wish to convey that, sure, RideApart is evolving, however nobody is being left behind. I used to be just lately listening to an episode of Randy Newberg’s Hunt Talk Radio the place he stated one thing that I feel is related right here. Paraphrasing, there are two forms of of us on this planet: those that assume in shortage and people in abundance. Rather than pondering of this variation as taking a chunk of the pie away, think about this an enlargement of that pie in order that extra of us get to take pleasure in RideApart.
All the writers are nonetheless lunatic motorcyclists, however their love for all issues powersports should not be quelled. And neither ought to yours or anybody else’s.
I’ve been dwelling and respiration powersports since that Kawasaki all these years in the past. I’ve hauled or towed all method of bikes and UTVs, and at the moment dwell within the wilds of Utah the place UTVs are street-legal and gravel roads are plentiful. I’ve ridden sport bikes, journey bikes, dust bikes, baggers, and even piloted a scooter by way of a monsoon down a mountain in Oahu. A very long time in the past, my dad and brother tried to comply with my lead and soar a jet ski off a big wave just for them to fly off. And looking has turn into a giant a part of my life just lately, the place UTVs, ATVs, bikes, and snowmobiles are crucial equipment to entry the furthest elements of the backcountry.
Powersports are fairly actually intertwined into all the pieces I like, in addition to the passions of the extraordinarily proficient writers already inside, coming quickly, and those who I hope to domesticate over the approaching years. I want to ask you for some endurance and latitude as we ramp up all of the really superior content material now we have deliberate over the subsequent few weeks and months. I promise that when you stick to us as we discover our footing, you gained’t be upset.
In the meantime, I’d love to listen to all of your concepts of what you’d kill to see on RideApart with this new mission. So hold forth within the feedback beneath or e-mail me straight, my line is all the time open: jonathon.klein@rideapart.com.
Not a lot can fell a automotive manufacturing unit, particularly one which makes ultra-profitable heavy-duty pickup vehicles. Supply points, a strike, a once-in-a-generation pandemic, stuff like that. Now, you’ll be able to add a soccer sport to that record.
The Detroit News reports that GM will delay a shift begin time on on the Flint Assembly Sunday so workers can watch the Detroit Lions within the NFC Championship sport. Ordinarily, the shift begins at 9:45 PM on Sunday, however will likely be delayed by an hour to 10:45 PM so employees can (hopefully) catch the top of the 6:30 sport.
Flint Assembly is the one Michigan GM plant that runs on Sundays, and it builds the vastly essential — and big — Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD pickups. “We know this is a rare moment in Detroit sports history and we want our team to savor the moment, while still assuring we’re providing our customers and dealers with the trucks they need,” mentioned a GM spokesperson in an announcement to the Detroit News. One hopes with tongue firmly in cheek.
It is the primary time the Lions have made the NFC Championship sport 1992. The staff will play towards the San Francisco 49ers in an away sport at Levi’s Stadium. If victorious, the staff will advance to the Super Bowl for the primary time since 1957. For a football-loving state like Michigan, this can be a large deal.
We instantly fell in love with the Fiat 500, but when a four-seat version of the ‘clockwork mouse’ was introduced three years later, we had some reservations. After all, it was only 3.3 meters long and had the smallest engine – a 13bhp 570cc four – of any car on the market.
Surprisingly, the only modifications needed to accommodate two more people were a squarer rear, a higher final drive ratio, and half-elliptic rear springs instead of quarter-elliptic ones.
There was no need for concern. After a day with three people, we concluded: “This additional weight can be felt, but the car remains practical and is able to reach the speeds preferred by most family motorists.” It could go up to 50mph and “continues to maintain driving interest to an impressive degree”.
“The engine’s efficiency cannot be denied. It revs freely and performs remarkably for its size.” It was also “delightfully smooth”.
“The ride is exceptionally comfortable. The independent front suspension allows you to drive over rough surfaces without feeling any discomfort or rough treatment.” Although the rear sometimes bounced.
“The steering is not only light but also accurately responsive without any jolts from the road.”
The rear had enough legroom, thanks to new footwells, and the canvas roof could be opened to avoid feeling claustrophobic. It’s no wonder the 500 was produced until 1955, with half a million units made, and has been successfully relaunched four times since then.
America shows us the motoring world of tomorrow
Exhibitions of national achievements have been around for a long time, but the 1939 New York World’s Fair was noteworthy as the first to focus on “the world of tomorrow”.
Our correspondent was extremely impressed with the amount of money that was spent on the fair. He particularly admired General Motors’ Highways and Horizons building, which was as large as two city blocks and featured a massive diesel locomotive at the front.
Inside, there was a vision of America in 1960. Our correspondent experienced this vision while sitting in a row of moving chairs and listening to a narration. The exhibit showed how US cities would be transformed by highways (and skyscrapers), featuring wonders such as elevated and depressed turn-offs, ramped loops that allowed cars to turn at 50mph, flyover junctions, elevated walkways, and even continuous illumination at night.
In the automotive world, manual gearboxes fell out of favor a long time ago, to the point where it is difficult to find a car with a manual gearbox. Which is OK, as the modern six, seven or eight-speed auto gearbox is, in many cases, much better than their manual counterparts and nothing like the dire two- or three-speed automatics cars were saddled with for decades.
Motorcycles are a different matter altogether and have remained stubbornly manual for the majority of their existence, and it is only now that automatic gearboxes are becoming commonplace, with Honda leading the charge with its dual clutch transmission (DCT). Of course, scooters have been fully automatic or at least semi-automatic forever and the new breed of electric motorcycle is also automatic in that they have one ‘gear’. Therefore, any list has to be a blend of motorcycles, scooters and electric.
The very type of bike that has been crying out for an automatic gearbox for too long, the Gold Wing was a natural fit for Honda’s pioneering dual clutch transmission (DCT). In its current form, the Gold Wing has to be a contender for best touring bike on the planet, with every conceivable bell and whistle, innovative suspension, not to mention the incredible flat-six engine which has enough power and torque to work well with the DCT, the very nature of the bike matching seamless shifting perfectly. As the name suggests, there are two clutches, one for first, third, fifth and seventh gear and one for second, fourth and sixth gear. Having been developed by Honda, it is both faultless and seemingly bullet-proof.
Engine
Flat six cylinder
Power
124 horsepower
Torque
125 foot pounds
Weight
859 pounds
9Honda Africa Twin DCT
From $15,299
Honda
If the Gold Wing was an obvious fit for DCT, then there were more furrowed brows when Honda announced a DCT-equipped adventure bike, where the very nature of the type of riding it would be doing involves a deft hand with the clutch lever in tricky or technical situations. Honda obviously knew what it was doing because the DCT-equipped Africa Twin has proven to be every bit as capable as its manual stablemate, even if it does take a period of adjustment to learn to ride it off-road. As with all the Honda DCT models, there is the option of semi-manual gear changes via two ‘triggers’ on the left-hand handlebar, although there is still no clutch lever. With DCT, the one last barrier to riding an adventure bike has been removed for those who are manual-change challenged.
Oh, look: another Honda, and not the last on this list. It makes sense, of course: if you’ve spent millions of dollars (or Yen) developing new technology, then you want a good return on your investment, and you will only get that by equipping as many models as possible with it. The Rebel 1100 uses the engine from the Africa Twin so there was no extra engineering involved to incorporate DCT and, as with the Gold Wing, this application makes a lot of sense. The Rebel 1100T is the more touring oriented Rebel model, and it shares all the easy-riding attributes of the base Rebel 1100, which means punchy performance in a chassis that has a more dynamic feel than many cruisers out there.
Engine
Parallel twin cylinder
Power
85 horsepower
Torque
72 foot pounds
Weight
513 pounds
7Honda NC750X DCT
MSRP: $9,399
Honda
Honda’s NC750 is a typical product of that company: practical, beautifully engineered and ever so slightly dull and anonymous. But that’s fine, as it matches what a lot of people want from a motorcycle: a means of transport first and foremost. Honda has placed the NC750X into its Adventure category which is a stretch given the lack of ground clearance or long-travel suspension. What can’t be denied is that, as a do-it-all, easy to ride motorcycle, with a surprising turn of performance, excellent comfort, built-in storage and good equipment, including the DCT gearbox, it is a lot more than the sum of its parts.
Engine
Parallel twin
Power
57 horsepower
Torque
59 foot pounds
Weight
493 pounds
6LiveWire One
MSRP: $22,799
LiveWire
Oooh, not a Honda! The pedants among you will argue, given that this is an electric bike that runs a permanent magnet electric motor that has only one gear, that it doesn’t qualify but as you can shift it into reverse, we’re claiming victory on this one. It is expensive, but you get Brembo and Showa components and a well-sorted chassis, so the handling matches the seamless electric urge. Livewire claims a 145 mile range but that obviously depends on how you ride it and charge time can be as low as 60 minutes. Electronic rider aids include four riding modes and cornering ABS and traction control which is essential with instant torque from a standstill.
Engine
Electric motor
Power
N/A
Torque
86 foot pounds
Weight
549 pounds
5Honda Trail 125 – $3,999
Honda
Back to Honda, but at least it’s a different breed of automatic gearbox. Strictly speaking the Trail 125, like the Super Cub from which it derives, is semi-automatic, with a gear lever and an automatic centrifugal clutch – simply stamp it into gear and twist the throttle – but seeing as how it was originally designed to enable anyone to jump on and ride with no previous experience, it deserves its place on this list. 125ccs of power isn’t going to break any records and the off-road ability is limited but if you ride this, and it fails to put a smile on your face, then you need your blood pressure checking.
We’ll ignore the argument that anything with more than two wheels isn’t a motorcycle, even though you’re exposed to the same weather. Can Am have arguably been the most proficient exponent of the trike (or is it a reverse trike, with two wheels at the front?) and the entry-level Ryker is equally arguably one of the best models in the line-up, featuring a CVT (continuously variable transmission) as found on most twist-and-go scooters. There are two versions, with either a 600cc parallel twin engine with 47 horsepower or a 899cc three cylinder 77 horsepower engine, which gives satisfying tire-spinning take-offs. No leaning in corners but still plenty of wind-in-your-face fun at the twist of your right wrist.
Engine
Three cylinder inline
Power
82 horsepower
Torque
58 foot pounds
Weight
616 pounds
3Energica Ego RS
MSRP: $32,636
Energica
Striking a new note in the electric motorcycle field is Italian company Energica, who supplied the first round of electric race bikes to the MotoE series that shadows MotoGP. The Ego RS is the top-of-the-range sports road bike, simply oozing quality with the very best components and simply incredible performance that will have 1000cc sports bikes gasping to match – while the battery lasts, that is! Energica claim 261 miles of city riding range, but who ever confined their sports bike riding to the city? Give it full beans out on the open road, and you’ll find your fun curtailed before 100 miles is on the clock but when the fun is that intense, with not a gear change in sight, who cares?
Engine
Electric motor
Power
134 horsepower
Torque
118 foot pounds
Weight
Not available
2BMW CE 04
MSRP: $14,180
BMW
Despite the move to electric drive for automobiles, the motorcycle world has been slower to adopt it, especially among established manufacturers. BMW has investigated the electric avenue for its large scooters and the CE 04 is the latest and, by a long way, the wildest and most futuristic. Again, like the LiveWire, the electric motor is the gearbox, so there’s nothing to do but twist the throttle and revel in the acceleration. It’s heavy – 509 pounds – but the weight is worn low down, so you really don’t feel it, range is 81 miles which is more than enough for the daily commute before charging it overnight on your standard home electricity.
Engine
electric motor
Power
42 horsepower
Torque
Not Available
Weight
Not Available
1Kymco AK550i ABS
MSRP: $10,399
Kymco has been on U.S. soil since 2001 and, in that time, has cemented an excellent reputation for well engineered and thought out small-displacement motorcycles. Having said that, the AK550 maxi-scooter is one of the larger-engined such scooters on the market at the moment. The engine is a parallel twin of 550cc, developing 53 horsepower, delivered at the twist of your wrist. Huge and comfortable seats, low center of gravity, lots of storage space, excellent safety and punchy performance make this so much more than an urban commuting motorcycle: without breaking a sweat, it could cross continents, with not a gear change in sight…
Engine
Parallel twin cylinder
Power
52 horsepower
Torque
41 foot pounds
Weight
498 pounds
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