Tag Archives: focus

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AEO POWERSPORTS CR500 PROJECT: 2-STROKE TUESDAY

AEO Powersports has restored a 1992 Honda CR500 and it is the focus of this week’s Two-Stroke Tuesday. The restoration project involved using products from top companies like Works Connection, Hinson, Dunlop, ODI, Motion Pro, Dubya USA, and FMF. The finished CR500 is truly captivating and surpasses what can be captured in pictures alone.

Works Connection’s aluminum skid plates, which have a classic motocross design, are still available for the CR500. Works Connection’s long-standing products continue to be produced even after many years.

The CR500 power plant, complete with Nickel Wurks fastener kits from Specbolt, is a true masterpiece.

Dubya USA offers a variety of wheel combinations that can fit any dirt bike, and they can also refurbish OEM sets to make them better than new. The AEO CR500 wheel set features black HAAN hubs with stainless steel spokes and gold DID Dirtstar STX-X rims built at Dubya USA’s headquarters in Southern California.

The ODI CFT Handlebars are mounted on new top clamp systems, and Motion Pro offers a selection of replacement throttle assemblies for various machines. The Vortex SE replaces OEM throttles on many Japanese 2-strokes and can be used with ODI grips with cam “C” or the new style lock-on ODI grips.

The REP/AEO suspension team installed a modern WP Cone Valve Fork on the front of the CR500 and reworked the rear shock to match. The installation of the WP components is so clean that it looks factory-made.

FMF has been making pipes for the Honda CR500 since the 90s. The Gold Series Fatty and Power Core 2 silencer combination is just as classic as the CR500 itself.

The Sunstar Works Triplestar aluminum sprocket, made of 7075 T6 construction with hard anodized coating, offers extra strength. The DID ERT3 gold chain is designed to be lightweight and withstand abuse.

The aluminum tank on the 90s era machine is a standout feature. XFUN in Europe handmakes the tank to original OEM Honda specifications. For US customers, aluminum tanks for various two-stroke machines can be purchased through www.motomandistributing.com.

Overall, the CR500 restoration by AEO Powersports is a true work of art.

News

Top 10 cheapest electric cars

With the approaching ban on new petrol and diesel cars in 2030, the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is stronger than ever. In the past, the main concern with EVs was their limited range, but as technology has advanced and charging infrastructure has improved, the focus has now shifted towards affordability.

While there are many EV models available, the cost of components and rapid technological advancements have made most of them quite expensive. For example, the electric version of the Vauxhall Corsa is priced at £32,445, which is £12,820 more than the entry-level petrol Corsa.

Vauxhall is not the only brand guilty of this pricing strategy. Many manufacturers target early adopters who are willing to pay a premium for the latest and most advanced EVs. However, in order for EVs to become more commonplace, there need to be more affordable options.

Fortunately, there are some cost-effective EVs available, although they are still relatively rare. One brand, in particular, is focused on providing customers with an affordable electric experience. Here is a list of the 10 most affordable EVs currently on sale in the UK:

Cheapest electric cars on sale in the UK

10. Mazda MX-30 (£31,250)

Mazda MX30 front tracking

Mazda, known for its rotary engines, takes a different approach compared to Western manufacturers. Their first-ever electric car, the MX-30, has a relatively short range of 124 miles, which the company believes is sufficient for the average daily commute.

The MX-30 stands out with its upmarket feel, offering a surprisingly premium experience for an EV in its price range.

News

Ola Electric To Launch Affordable S1 Air Electric Scooter On July 28, 2023

The demand for electric scooters in the Indian market is rapidly growing, as electric power replaces internal combustion engines for personal urban mobility. Popular electric scooters in India include the Ather 450X, Vida V1, and the Ola S1 from Ola Electric.

Ola Electric is a major player in the EV two-wheeler scene and has disrupted the market with its affordable yet technologically advanced models. Other manufacturers like Hero MotoCorp and Ather have responded with their own affordable electric scooters. Ola Electric continues to prioritize affordable electric mobility for Indian commuters and has announced the launch of the more accessible Ola S1 Air scooter on July 28, 2023.

The Ola S1 Air is a lite-version of the standard Ola S1, offering a more utilitarian and basic riding experience. However, it provides tech-savvy commuters with an enticing option at a lower price point. The scooter is powered by a rear hub motor with a peak power output of 4.5 kilowatts, making it accessible to riders of all backgrounds. Its top speed is limited to 55 miles per hour, making it suitable for urban settings rather than highways or open roads.

The Ola S1 Air is equipped with impressive features for urban commuting, including a spacious under-seat storage compartment with 34 liters of capacity. It also features a newly designed grab handle for easy access and extra safety for pillion riders. In terms of technology, the scooter comes with a digital key for remote unlocking, a fully digital instrument cluster, and even a music player with a speaker.

Ola Electric has extensively tested the S1 Air, covering over 500,000 kilometers to ensure its durability on India’s challenging road conditions. The company is dedicated to customer satisfaction and safety, addressing previous issues with the Ola S1’s front suspension.

BMW

BMW Exploro bikes: new special edition combines innovative technology with progressive design.

The new BMW Exploro bike series, developed in collaboration with bicycle manufacturer 3T, offers a wide range of options for travel on two wheels. The bikes feature state-of-the-art technology and modern design, with three types available: gravel, road, and urban. Each bike can also be ordered with an electric motor.

All models in the special edition series showcase BMW’s commitment to performance and premium quality. They come with a full-carbon-fiber frame, available in six different sizes.

The bikes are equipped with a 12-speed electronic gearing system from SRAM, providing precise gear changes and a clean cockpit design. The hydraulic disc brakes have cables routed inside the frame, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the bike. The frames also feature a two-tone paint finish, with a darker shade on the lower section and a lighter shade on the top tube, seatpost, and fork.

The bikes come with a 40-tooth sprocket and a cassette spread of 10-44 teeth, ensuring the right gear ratio for various terrain types. The hydraulic SRAM Rival brakes with 160-millimeter discs provide excellent stopping power. The electric versions of the bikes are equipped with a Mahle X20 rear-wheel hub motor, offering an extra boost of power. The integration of the electric motor maintains the sleek design of the traditional bikes.

The BMW Exploro Gravel is designed for both gravel and paved roads. It comes with 27.5-inch aluminum wheels, Pirelli Cinturato Gravel tires, a carbon fiber seatpost, Selle Italia Model X Superflow saddle, and carbon fiber racing bike handlebars. The electric version of the Gravel bike features a discreetly integrated hub motor powered by a 350 Wh battery.

The BMW Exploro Road is ideal for asphalt surfaces, featuring 28-inch carbon fiber wheels, Panaracer GravelKing Slick tubeless ready tires, an aero seatpost, Selle Italia saddle, and carbon fiber racing bike handlebars. The electric version of the Road bike has a smaller battery (just under 250 Wh), resulting in a weight saving but slightly shorter range.

The BMW Exploro Urban is designed for commuting, shopping, and leisure trips in urban environments. It comes with nimble 27.5-inch aluminum wheels, flat handlebars, and a comfortable Brooks Cambium saddle. The electric version of the Urban bike is equipped with a Mahle X20 hub motor and a 350 Wh battery, providing efficient pedal assistance for longer distances.

All six models of the BMW Exploro bicycles are now available from specialist retailers at the following prices:

BMW Exploro Gravel: €4,999

BMW Exploro Gravel electric: €7,999

BMW Exploro Road: €5,999

BMW Exploro Road electric: €8,999

BMW Exploro Urban: €4,999

BMW Exploro Urban electric: €7,999

Technology

Illuminating The History Behind America’s Power Grid: A Marvel Of Engineering

When it comes to the electricity grid, the focus is often on the massive construction projects and the impressive figures of homes powered and carbon reduction metrics for renewable energy. However, there is a crucial but often overlooked part of the U.S. power grid: its defensive capabilities and the people who guard it.

The responsibility of protecting the power grid is immense. Natural disasters can cause power outages that leave homes and families vulnerable for days or even weeks. While efforts are made to restore power after a system failure, the primary role of energy defense and recovery is to guard against potential attacks. Similar to how the military and intelligence organizations defend the country from threats, there are public servants dedicated to safeguarding the power grid from possible incursions.

In 2015, a testing team, working in collaboration with authorities, managed to gain control of north Seattle’s electrical systems within just 22 minutes. Throughout history, power system sabotage has been a tactic employed in both covert and overt battle strategies. For as long as electricity has supported populations and militaries, it has been targeted. Ukraine, for example, has accused Russia of hacking its power grid, and during the 2006 invasion of Lebanon, Israeli air assets targeted power stations, bridges, and other infrastructure to disrupt the country’s electricity supply.