Off-grid and battery-based photo voltaic methods are two methods you may hold supplying electrical energy to your private home whatever the grid standing. Off-grid photo voltaic methods may provide true power independence, however they’re additionally costly. Due to the {hardware} required, it would value a number of thousand {dollars} extra to put in an off-grid setup than for one linked to the grid. And, after all, when you’re disconnected from the grid, you will not have any supply of electrical energy past what your photo voltaic batteries can retailer or what an influence generator can provide.
For most people who find themselves keen on putting in a photo voltaic system, the perfect resolution is a grid-tied system with a photo voltaic battery backup for when the grid goes down. In such circumstances, you will not want to put in as many photo voltaic batteries as with a very off-grid system, making this selection cheaper. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a photo voltaic system with battery backup prices between $25,000-$35,000. If you wish to add battery storage to photo voltaic panels you’ve got already put in, you may pay between $12,000 and $22,000 per battery. Depending on the scale of your private home and power utilization, one or two batteries ought to give you sufficient capability to retailer the surplus energy out of your photo voltaic system. Then, if the grid goes down, you’ll use the batteries to provide energy to your private home.
The most vital factor to remember when connecting your Makey Makey setup to your gadget is that Makey Makey capabilities on key presses. While this might not be a giant deal when utilizing a Makey Makey with a extra conventional pc, utilizing it with iPads or comparable cellular gadgets would require some extra support.
According to the Makey Makey web site, its flagship product can work with any USB or mouse-supported gadget, corresponding to a Mac, a Windows gadget, a Linux gadget, and the surprisingly versatile Chromebook. With the discharge of the iPadOS 13.4 in early 2020, it was introduced that iPads would work with mouse, arrow key, and trackpad instructions. If you’ve gotten a Makey Makey v1.4 or above, it ought to work with an iPad, iPhone, or Android gadget.
Users might want to buy a USB digital camera adapter to correctly join the Makey Makey to their iPad or iPhone. Users have additionally discovered success connecting Android gadgets to their Makey Makey by way of USB OTG. From there, the Makey Makey will work from the digital keyboard. The firm recommends customers check apps earlier than getting an adapter to see what keyboard inputs they take.
One of probably the most elementary methods to guard your Ryobi energy instruments is to maintain them clear. Look, we perceive that instruments get soiled, and it isn’t all the time attainable to keep away from mud, grime, and even fluids. But the purpose is that after you end your undertaking, you must clean your tools the right way earlier than storing them. That would not simply embody wiping down the superficial surfaces. You want to scrub your instruments meticulously. That means cleansing the cracks and crevices round mating surfaces for batteries or attachments and eradicating any caustic chemical residue.
Each time you wrap up a job, we suggest wiping your instruments right down to take away any mud or grime. You can use issues like child wipes or Arm & Hammer wipes to scrub your instruments, as these merchandise are designed to be mild and do not include harsh chemical substances that will injury your gadgets. Remember to be detailed when cleansing your Ryobi energy instruments. Check inside drill chucks, between battery mating surfaces, and inside any shifting elements or joints to make sure you take away all grime and particles. If you utilize water or a moist wipe to scrub your instruments, dry them completely earlier than storing them. Protecting your instruments on this method will help you keep away from injury — like corrosion or seized elements — and untimely failure.
It’s not on daily basis you see a mammoth V8 engine mounted on two wheels. So as a way to maintain our readers up to date, we’ve got refreshed this text with new data together with the closest rivals.
Summary
Features an eight-cylinder engine sourced from Ford, however with notable updates.
Has a hand-made customized chassis, telescopic forks, and 16-inch spoke wheels with twin entrance disc brakes.
The design is muscular and retro, with retro touches like spherical lights and a definite split-fuel tank.
Cruiser motorcycles have a prolonged historical past and are deeply embedded in American culture. These bikes characteristic a low seat top and laid-back driving stance. Often, bikemakers additionally throw in ape hangers, making cruisers extraordinarily snug to do precisely what’s supposed: cruise on the freeway.
If there’s something as iconic as cruisers themselves, it’s maybe the V8 engine made common by none aside from Ford. And as poles aside because the bikes and V8 engines appear, sure, V8 bikes exist. Albeit in small numbers, within the type of extremely restricted manufacturing fashions. Out of them, just a few of those numbered V8 bikes are cruisers. Today, we’re speaking about one such extraordinary providing that blends two iconic entities of the American automotive tradition collectively. It’s made completely in America by an American and options an eight-cylinder engine sourced from Ford. Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles followers, put together to be jealous!
UPDATE: 2024/04/18 13:58 EST BY UTKARSH SOOD
It’s not on daily basis you see a mammoth V8 engine mounted on two wheels. So as a way to maintain our readers up to date, we’ve got refreshed this text with new data together with the closest rivals.
In order to provide the latest and correct data potential, the information used to compile this text was sourced from the producer’s web site and different authoritative sources.
Right from the wheels to the brake levers, all the things has been personalized to raise the muscle quotient
The Olson V8 Flathead Motorcycle Has A 2,228cc, Eight Cylinder Powerhouse
An Engine Built By Ford Between 1937-1940
From an inline-four and inline-triple to V4 and V-twin, we’ve seen bikemakers plonk all types of engines into cruisers. Heck, Honda even produced the six-cylinder Valkyrie in the early 2000s. But the cruiser in context right here charts a completely completely different path. It employs a liquid-cooled, eight-cylinder (V8) engine that displaces 2,228 cubic centimeters (136ci).
As talked about above, the engine comes straight from Ford. Then, it went below a correct rebuild to fulfill bike dimensions and fitments, amongst different adjustments. For occasion, you may spot 4 cylinders on either side, which converge into two customized four-into-one side-mounted exhausts. Olson additionally throws in an electrical gasoline pump, plus a Holley 94 carburetor for feeding the gasoline. The output lies at a humble 60 horsepower, together with a torque determine of over 100 pound-feet.
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Interestingly, there’s no one-down-five-up transmission, because it has a single-speed chain system. So simply let the clutch out, and also you’ll immediately have all the facility at your helm. The top speed is alleged to be over 100 miles per hour. Yes, we all know the output is loads decrease than your standard assortment of H-D choices, however hey, this isn’t a ‘usual’ product.
Aside from the exclusivity, the flathead V8 is likely one of the most vital engines within the historical past of American cars. It was the primary mass-produced mill of its variety and powered the primary ‘reasonably priced’ V8 automobile in America: the 1932 Ford. Such engines nonetheless take pleasure in a cult following these days (even the 2024 Ford Mustang has a five-liter V8 engine, to your reference).
Engine
2,228cc, eight-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Power
60 horsepower
Torque
Over 100 pound-feet
Transmission
Single-speed
Top pace
>100 miles per hour
There Are Plenty Of Custom Parts On The Olsen V8 Flathead
Making It A One-Off Two-Wheeler
Bring A Trailer
Like the engine, the cruiser has loads of standout tidbits elsewhere. It’s constructed round a hand-made, absolutely customized hardtail chassis, carved from tubular metal. This is topped by telescopic forks up prime, together with a set of 16-inch spoke wheels. The latter comes shod with chunky tires and wears twin disc brakes up prime.
To take pleasure in these, you sit aboard a single saddle. It’s suspended on twin springs, with no area for a 3rd between you and your cruiser. Once aboard, your ft go on front-set floorboards, whereas the palms relaxation on an uber-wide tubular handlebar. A four-pod instrument cluster – with readouts equivalent to oil stress, pace, tachometer, and odometer – is the centerpiece of the cockpit. The gauges are all sourced from AutoMeter, whereas the switchgear all comes straight from Harley-Davidson cruisers.
Chassis
Tubular hardtail
Front suspension
Telescopic forks
Rear suspension
NA
Wheels
16/16-inch chrome spokes
Front brake
Dual discs
Rear brake
Single disc
The Olson Flathead V8 Motorcycle Has A Simple Yet Charming Design
Refinished In Red With Black Stripes And Gold Accents
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In typical American cruiser fashion, the Flathead seems muscular, lengthy, low, and old-school. The latter is because of loads of retro touches, such because the spherical lights (tail lamp, headlight, flip alerts), spoke wheels, chrome springs, and chrome cylinder heads. An in depth look reveals a definite split-fuel tank (in all probability a primary for an American cruiser). The cause for the setup is to create space for the consumption manifold, carburetor, and air cleaner. It might sound bizarre once you’re driving, however we predict it offers the bike additional character when standing. Oh, and Olson also can make it easier to personalize the bike. The brass end on the headlight and radiator proven listed here are each non-standard inclusions.
The Origin Of The Olson’s V8 Flathead Motorcycle Company
Headed By A Flathead Cruiser Expert
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Next, enable us to offer you a lowdown concerning the firm. It’s spearheaded by Dave Olson, a resident of Maple Park, Illinois. He’s a customization knowledgeable who’s constructed all types of bikes for the reason that Sixties and Ford-powered flathead cruisers for over 20 years. Sadly, there’s no information about whether or not the corporate continues to be working. However, we do know there are solely a handful of those worldwide. Whoever has one, retains it as a prized possession – a cause you’ll not often discover one with a ‘for sale’ tag. And in the event you do, put together to shell out a minimum of $15,000 for a clear used instance. That’s how a lot the 2014 mannequin you see right here bought for simply days in the past.
The Olson Flathead V8 Isn’t The Only V8 Cruiser
It Competes With An Eight-Cylinder American-Made Cruiser
Boss Hoss
Lastly, we take a look at different, comparable bikes powered by a V8 engine. Kicking issues off is the primary V8 bike ever constructed by Glenn Curtiss, who introduced the Curtiss V8 to life at first of the twentieth century. It had a V8 engine that he designed himself, though it resembled a bicycle body greater than a bike. There have been just a few notable names since, such because the Norton Nemesis, Aurora Hellfire OZ26, and Larazeth LM 847, however none of them are based mostly on a cruiser platform… besides one.
The Boss Hoss Classic Cruiser is one such V8 bike that’s nonetheless up for grabs even right now. And guess what, it comes from an American firm! It has a Chevy eight-cylinder engine and there are three variants out there: the GM LS 3, the 383 Stroker, and the 454 Small Block, which include three distinct engine capacities (6,200cc, 6,300cc, and seven,439cc). Every trim generates staggering energy from 445 horsepower and 445 pounds-feet of torque within the smallest engine to 563 horsepower and 545 pounds-feet of torque within the largest.
Low-end torque, character, and rumble are among the issues that make V-twins a superb engine sort
This output is freakishly greater than what the Olson Flathead V8 is able to. But it’s unfair to check the 2 engines, contemplating the Ford V8 in Olson was solely produced from 1937 to 1940. Nevertheless, it simply goes to point out in case you are in search of a V8 cruiser in 2024, you will not be disillusioned. As for the looks, the Boss Hoss includes a conventional long-flowing cruiser look with loads of chrome touches all through. Oh, and there is point out of a prime pace of 221 MPH on paper!
Comparing Olson Flathead V8 With Boss Hoss Classic Cruiser
Here’s the humorous factor about visions: If you consider in them, and you retain working towards them, making them actual is extra doubtless than not. Don’t consider me? Check out what the blokes at Grind Hard Plumbing Company have achieved with their monster chopper construct up to now.
Back in September 2023, we first began telling you about “an off-road chopper using comically huge mud tires.” And whereas that description wasn’t inaccurate, these of us wanting on from the surface may in fact not see the entire of the imaginative and prescient already at work right here. To anybody watching the video, it was a pair of gigantic mod tires and a KTM 1190 engine. Cool, however not but cohesive.
By November 2023, it had grown to include a custom single-sided swingarm. Little by little, the image was beginning to come into focus for everybody on the surface who wasn’t really those constructing this bike. And why? Because piece by piece, GHPC was grinding away, taking their time, and documenting the construct course of alongside the way in which.
Fast-forward to the tip of March 2024, and issues are coming collectively superbly on the monster chopper construct. In this video, we get to see but extra progress as a killer rear fender with wonderful stabilizer fins, a candy customized gasoline tank (that additionally types the seat pan), and even some brakes (gasp) make their method onto the bike.
First up is the rear fender, which (as at all times) takes a little bit of fiddling, persistence, and observe to get it wanting the way in which they need it to. Time has a method of being expansive while you’re making an attempt to dial a venture in good, although. From an English wheel to hammering and bead rolling the sides to reinforce each the appears and the structural rigidity, it takes bonus experimentation on a observe piece to excellent the method earlier than shifting on to the actual factor.
Honestly, for me, that is certainly one of my favourite issues about GHPC movies: That they are not afraid to point out you the way they determine issues out and make them work. It’s very a lot a course of, and one which typically requires a number of iterations earlier than they’ve the ultimate course of dialed in to get the end result they need. Learning and rising your abilities in any artistic endeavor, by necessity, includes quite a lot of trial and error. How you refine your processes to succeed in your required finish objective is in the end what units you aside.
So, by the tip of this video, you will not solely see the fender, however you will additionally see a extremely cool customized gas tank/seat pan come collectively, in addition to the snowy harvesting of dormant brake parts from a earlier Hayabusa construct out within the frozen hinterlands of the GHPC grounds.
Piece by piece, the GHPC monster chopper is coming collectively right into a creation that is giving severe off-road Batpod vibes, and we’re right here for it. Can’t wait to see what it is going to be like when it is completed.
As the only real European member of the Motor1 US household, I do my finest to maintain readers within the loop about what’s occurring on the world’s second-smallest continent. I’ve stumbled upon an interesting but unhappy video of an deserted dealership internet hosting an unusually giant variety of vehicles rotting away. Located someplace in France, this was a Peugeot showroom earlier than closing store a few years in the past.
The incursion begins with a Peugeot 505 GTi sitting subsequent to a more moderen 405 SR, a pair of mold-infested sedans that most likely have not been moved in a very long time. The man behind The Bearded Explorer channel on YouTube finally managed to get contained in the constructing the place there was rather a lot to see, and never simply Peugeots from many moons in the past. We can spot a first-generation Ford Focus wagon, a facelifted first-gen Nissan Micra hatchback, a Fiat Palio Weekend wagon, and even a inexperienced Mazda Premacy minivan.
Most vehicles have the lion badge utilized by the French marque, and whereas the majority of the decaying automobiles are from the Nineties, there are a few a lot older vehicles. Deep contained in the constructing is a black Peugeot 203 from the Fifties, and there is a smaller automobile behind it that seems to be from the Twenties or Nineteen Thirties. If we have been to decide on one automobile from the deserted lot, we would most likely go for that white 605 SRi with its rear spoiler.
Beyond the Euro vehicles rotting away, there are a bunch of components and repair manuals which may turn out to be useful since these previous fashions are nonetheless on the highway in 2024. Some of the instruments contained in the workshop are nonetheless there, as are loads of wheels, tires, and leftover engine oil. In addition, there is a Mercedes restoration truck exterior the constructing, and there was apparently one other one not that way back. There have been much more vehicles earlier than this video was shot.
It can be attention-grabbing to know the story behind this uncared for dealership and restore store. It appears as if it hasn’t been operational in a few years. The deserted vehicles and components add to the thriller, and we’re equally fascinated by that Talbot signal contemplating the model died again in 1995. While the vehicles filmed will not be essentially all that particular, seeing them left for useless is unhappy.
There’s actually no excuse to not maintain an ice scraper in your automobile. Even if you happen to stay in a heat local weather, the climate is seemingly unpredictable, with locations like Texas seeing snow and frost situations once in a while. It’s higher to be protected than sorry and seize an ice scraper and snow brush to maintain in your automobile, simply in case.
Wirecutter consists of the BirdRock Snow Moover on its checklist of the most effective ice scrapers and snow brushes, and it is not laborious to see why. It solely weighs 2 kilos and may be disassembled for compact storage in order that it will not take up a lot room in your trunk or car’s inside. It additionally has a cushty foam grip. Since it might probably lengthen to as much as 60 inches (relying on which mannequin you get), you’ll attain and take away snow and ice off your windshield even on bigger vans and SUVs.
The ice scraper is removable, which can provide you extra leverage, and consists of jaws to interrupt up harder ice earlier than scraping it away. Perhaps the largest benefit to the product is that it makes use of a foam brush reasonably than broom bristles, which allows it to dry faster and go away much less of a multitude within the automobile if you’re carried out with it. Wirecutter does be aware, nevertheless, that the froth materials is “less deft in nooks and crannies, like around the wipers and license plate.” While the 55-inch mannequin is presently out of inventory, Home Depot sells the very comparable BirdRock 58-inch Snow Moover for $34.99.
Coachbuilding is sort of a misplaced artwork, however Japanese firm Mitsuoka is making an attempt to maintain the magic alive. It has constructed some bizarre vehicles over time, together with a retro Miata that seemed like a Morgan Aero 8 and a Jaguar XK120 had an affair. The most unconventional construct in latest reminiscence was this – the M55. Initially an idea, the pretend muscle automobile goes into manufacturing.
Unveiled in November 2023 to rejoice Mitsuoka’s 55th anniversary, the quirky Dodge Challenger lookalike is definitely a Honda Civic beneath its classic physique. In the months which have handed, the corporate has acquired greater than 1,300 messages from folks wanting to purchase the contraption: “This was the first time for us to receive such passionate messages directly from so many people of all ages and both sexes.”
The inside is a intelligent and well-realised combine of contemporary minimalism and simply sufficient retro touches to maintain the Mini devoted glad. It’s vibrant and open and feels premium whereas nonetheless quirky and enjoyable.
As you’ll count on, there’s loads of area, too. It’s roomy up entrance and adults shouldn’t have any downside within the rear, significantly because the rear seats will be shifted forwards and backwards by as a lot as 13cm.
The boot is a good form and has a capability of 460 litres, which is more room than within the Nissan Qashqai. Fold the rear seats down and the storage will increase to a definitely-not-mini 1450 litres. There’s plentiful storage cubbies in the primary cabin too.
You sit in that traditional raised SUV place, so visibility is sweet and it’s straightforward to get snug. The dashboard makes use of a two-tone textile that’s made with recycled polyester, with completely different designs for the assorted specs and trims. In the John Cooper Works, it’s sporty JCW black and crimson (a color scheme that additionally extends to the sports activities seats).
It’s definitely minimalist, being dominated by a 9.4in infotainment display, proudly trumpeted by Mini as the primary spherical OLED touchscreen in a manufacturing automobile – though, effectively, you identify one other automobile with any sort of spherical display. Go on, I’ll wait.
It’s a pleasant change from a Tesla-aping large slab, although, and naturally it echoes the massive central speedo of the unique Mini. In truth, on first expertise, you’re so taken by it that it takes you a second to note that the instrument cluster and many of the different dash-sited controls have been eliminated.
As in a Tesla or the Volvo EX30, the speedo is displayed on the prime of the touchscreen. It really works fairly effectively, with the spherical form making it straightforward to search out at a look. And if that’s to not your style, your velocity can be proven on a pointy head-up show (customary on the JCW however optionally available on some decrease trims).
Beneath the display is a small variety of bodily controls that additionally echo the unique Mini, with a twist ignition, an audio quantity dial and toggles for the gear selector and the Experience modes (which we’ll come to in a second). Below these is a wi-fi smartphone charger, two cupholders and a small storage cubby.
The infotainment relies on the most recent BMW system however customised to suit the spherical display, and it really works effectively, with the native apps making full use of the weird area. The prime of the display is reserved for the small print you’ll normally discover within the instrument cluster, whereas key techniques such because the heating are nestled across the edge.
In our check automobile, the software program was a bit laggy. There was a notable loading time after I switched between apps, and if I modified the look, it will generally revert to the outdated show briefly.
Hopefully these had been simply early-days foibles. The usability might definitely be improved in locations, although. The temperature seems as a curved bar that appears like a slider, however tapping it launches a pop-up field.
Ultimately, I would like just a few additional bodily buttons, partially as a result of the minimal switchgear that’s there’s pleasingly tactile. There’s additionally voice management, which summons Spike, Mini’s dog-shaped private assistant. Your youngsters will love him.
Those Experience modes, then: there are eight in whole, which you scroll by way of utilizing a toggle swap. Each has its personal graphic set – so, for instance, Go Kart is all JCW black and crimson and tacho show, whereas Timeless is a sepia-tinged imitation of a traditional Mini speedo.
Each has its personal audio jingle when chosen, too, most of which sound like they had been sampled from a Super Nintendo.
Three of the experiences, Go Kart, Core and Green, additionally regulate the driving settings – assume Sport, Normal and Eco. So Go Kart alters the engine response, engine sound and suspension tuning to supply a sharper drive.
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