Tag Archives: lost

Can An Automatic Transmission Car Be Converted To A Manual (And Vice Versa)?

Any variety of causes exist to show a guide automotive automated. The most evident is misplaced mobility: Injury or sickness can go away a driver unable to function a clutch or a stick shift. For an individual who nonetheless depends on their automotive for on a regular basis actions, the most suitable choice could also be to rebuild their journey from a stick shift to a gear selector?

If you could have an older mannequin car, switching to an automated transmission is extra manageable as a result of there might be fewer computerized techniques and wires. An automated transmission runs off a TCM or transmission management module that collects knowledge from sensors within the engine, so it is aware of when to shift. This pc is lacking from a guide transmission car and could be one of many elements wanted to transform to an automated. This is a posh course of and requires a educated skilled. That skilled would additionally have to swap out the gearbox and clutch.

The Honda Civic Turned Into A Fake Dodge Challenger Is Going Into Production

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.”

10 Cheapest Naked Motorcycles You Can Buy In 2024

If you are simply beginning out on bikes, you would be forgiven for being misplaced on the place to even start. There are so many bike categories today, that it is onerous to know what you may find yourself liking. Most individuals most likely have a cursory information of bikes. To these “civilians”, a bike is both a Harley-Davidson cruiser or a Ninja sports activities bike. But we all know that there’s a lot extra.

From cruisers to sports activities bikes to ADVs, twin sports activities, and tourers, bikes are available all sizes and styles. But one fashion, the bare bike, is perhaps the ultimate version. After all, these bikes, with their uncovered parts, chassis, and engines, are those that resemble early bikes essentially the most. Back then it was only a bicycle chassis with a motor in it, and when you had been to squint a bit at a contemporary bare bike, you’ll be able to see the place evolution has taken us.

These days, bare bikes are a fantastic alternative when you’re wanting into commuting or just using for the enjoyable of it. They’re sometimes cheaper than sports activities bikes, because of the lack of fairings, but a lot of them retain the identical engines and specs. And when you’re on a good finances, the bikes on this record are a few of the most inexpensive choices you will get available on the market immediately. And on your comfort, we sorted them by value.

In order to provide the latest and correct info potential, the information used to compile this text was sourced from numerous producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Cycle World and MotorCycle News. The fashions on this record had been organized from the costliest to the most affordable.

Related

10 Cheapest Adventure Bikes You Can Buy In 2024

Adventure bikes are extremely succesful touring machines on each pavement and grime, and these fashions are the most affordable you may discover available on the market immediately.

10 KTM 390 Duke

MSRP (2023 Model) $5,899

2024-KTM-390-Duke
KTM

KTMs are broadly referred to as a few of the finest bikes you’ll be able to experience, and that extends all the way down to their smaller bare bikes just like the 390 Duke. There’s a brand new Duke for 2024, and pricing is not accessible for that mannequin simply but, however the 2023 model got here in at just below $6k. And that is not dangerous for a bike that has a repute for a visceral using expertise. And say what you’ll about KTM’s divisive design ideas, the 390 Duke is a handsome naked bike that is excellent for city exploration.

Engine Specifications

Engine Type

Liquid-cooled, 4v, single

Capacity

373cc

Max Power

44 HP

Max Torque

27 LB-FT

Top Speed

105 MPH

9 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401

MSRP (2023 Model) $5,649

Husqvarna svartpilen401
Husqvarna

If you are not a fan of the KTM esthetic, nevertheless, Husqvarna’s Svartpilen 401 makes use of the identical engine and parts in a totally totally different bundle. It’s additionally cheaper by a few hundred bucks, although pricing for the 2024 mannequin hasn’t been revealed simply but. The Svartpilen 401 has been round for just a few years, and it’s a fun naked bike with a unique look, from an organization that primarily offers with dual-sport and grime bikes. And when you’re involved about getting upkeep or elements, you’ll find a Husky dealership in nearly any main city, today.

Engine Specifications

Engine Type

Liquid-cooled, 4v, single

Capacity

375cc

Max Power

42 HP

Max Torque

27.3 LB-FT

Top Speed

100 MPH

8 Kawasaki Z400

MSRP $5,399

White 2023 Kawasaki Z400 cruising through town
Kawasaki

Kawasaki has a fantastic custom of Z-based bikes of their lineup. Essentially a Ninja 400 with out all of the costly plastic, the Z400 is, however, its personal entity. With an aggressive streetfighter fashion, a Ninja-derived engine, and approachable ergonomics, the Z400 punches well above its weight. The sub-$6k value makes it a sexy provide no matter whether or not you are searching for low-cost thrills, a enjoyable commute, or a worry-free observe day expertise.

Engine Specifications

Engine Type

Liquid-cooled parallel-twin; 8-valve

Capacity

399cc

Max Power

44.1 HP

Max Torque

25.1 LB-FT

Top Speed

Not specified

Related

10 Cheapest Sports Bikes You Can Buy In 2024

If the pull of the racetrack is greater than your finances, then these cheap sport bikes could be the right weapon.

7 BMW G 310 R

MSRP $5,190

2024 BMW G 310 R backlit in a warehouse
BMW Motorrad

BMW is a premium model, and takes nice pleasure in producing well-designed and engineered bikes. The BMW G 310 R isn’t any totally different. It seems nice, referencing the design language of its greater siblings, and squeezes tons of pleasure out of its single cylinder. And in order for you an affordable antidote to typical Japanese designs, the G 310 R has that European flair you will not see in another bike. It’s gentle, snug, playful, and tremendous enjoyable to flick into corners. What else might you probably need from a $5k bare bike?

Engine Specifications

Engine Type

Liquid-cooled, 4v, single-cylinder

Capacity

313cc

Max Power

34 HP

Max Torque

21 LB-FT

Top Speed

105 MPH

6 Honda CB300R

MSRP $5,149

Black 2022 Honda CB300R on the kickstand
Honda

The CB300R has been round for a sizzling minute, wanting like a tiny model of the CB1000R. Considered a neo-retro, echoing designs from Honda’s personal historical past, the CB300R is great if you’re a beginner rider, or trying to downsize a bit. Its compact kind is immediately flickable, well designed, and comes commonplace with ABS. Honda additionally added a blinding Pearl Dusk Yellow coloration within the final 12 months or so, which makes it far more engaging, over the drab blacked-out model.

Engine Specifications

Engine Type

Liquid-cooled, 4v, single

Capacity

286cc

Max Power

31 HP

Max Torque

20.3 LB-FT

Top Speed

95 MPH

5 Yamaha MT-03

MSRP $4,999

2023 Yamaha MT-03 side right exterior shot
Yamaha

As enjoyable because the CB300R is, there’s an objectively higher bike on the market, from one in every of Honda’s rivals. It is, unquestionably, the Yamaha MT-03. It has all of the loopy enjoyable of the larger MTs, distilled right into a small, beginner-friendly bundle. The child MT can also be a bit cheaper than the Honda, seems sufficiently edgy, and delivers over 40 horsepower from its tiny parallel twin.

The CB300R single merely cannot compete, producing 10 horsepower lower than the Yamaha. If the CB300R is aimed toward riders searching for Honda’s simplicity and reliability, the MT-03 is directed at younger, urban riders searching for one thing extra enjoyable and flashy.

Engine Specifications

Engine Type

Liquid-cooled DOHC parallel twin

Capacity

321cc

Max Power

41 HP

Max Torque

21.8 LB-FT

Top Speed

Not specified

Related

10 Cheapest Cruisers You Can Buy In 2024

Your cruiser dream might be manner cheaper than you suppose.

4 Triumph Speed 400

MSRP $4,995

2024 Triumph Speed 400 Action 3
Triumph

Those of us in love with Triumph’s trendy classics, however don’t have anything however moths in our pockets, can lastly rejoice, because the British producer formally unveiled their inexpensive Speed 400. Aimed immediately on the house occupied, with nice success, by Royal Enfield, the Speed 400, although a bit costlier than the Hunter 350, presents a extra premium expertise.

It’s trendy, with extra energy, and includes a high-end match and end that Triumph is often identified for. So far the reviews have been nothing but positive, so it seems just like the Speed 400 is one other hit for Triumph.

Engine Specifications

Engine Type

Liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves

Capacity

398cc

Max Power

39.5 HP

Max Torque

27.7 LB-FT

Top Speed

100 MPH

3 Benelli 302S

MSRP $4,989

Benelli 302S
Benelli

The Benelli 302S is just about the one choice you will get when you’re searching for a spicy Italian bare bike on a finances. Looking like a love baby of a BMW F 900 R and a Ducati Monster, the 302S is available in a wide range of funky colours, together with a shiny neon, hi-viz inexperienced. There are different attention-grabbing design selections, like an asymmetrical digital show, an angular LED headlight, and a prominently coloured trellis body. It additionally includes a succesful parallel-twin engine that outputs a decent 38 horsepower.

Engine Specifications

Engine Type

2-cylinder/4-stroke/8-valve

Capacity

300cc

Max Power

37.5 HP

Max Torque

18.8 LB-FT

Top Speed

Not specified

2 CFMoto 300NK

MSRP $4,199

CFMoto-300NK side left action shot
CFMoto

CFMoto is poised to take on the motorcycle market in 2024 with numerous aggressive fashions. The 300NK is only one such model, and it speaks volumes that it prices a mere $4k whereas delivering almost 30 horsepower out of its single-cylinder energy plant. It weighs in at 333 kilos, with a seat peak of 31.2 inches, which makes it extraordinarily beginner-friendly. There’s additionally the inclusion of a slipper clutch, full-olor TFT show, and tons of official equipment.

Engine Specifications

Engine Type

Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4 valves

Capacity

292cc

Max Power

29 HP

Max Torque

18.7 LB-FT

Top Speed

Not specified

Related

Best Naked Bikes Under $10,000

Step into the world of exhilaration with the most effective bare bikes underneath $10,000!

1 Royal Enfield Hunter 350

MSRP $3,999

2024 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 (1)
Royal Enfield

There is probably not a extra inexpensive, but succesful, bare bike available on the market than the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Its dead-simple mechanics, snug ergonomics, and good-looking attractiveness are solely surpassed by its low value. Royal Enfield, for what it is price, has been delivering mannequin after mannequin that follows the identical philosophy.

Whether it is the Himalayan, the Interceptor 650, or the Super Meteor, all of their bikes appear to draw the general public’s curiosity, little doubt attributable to their classic allure. The Hunter 350 has that charm in spades. Royal Enfield additionally has many coloration schemes to select from, because it does with a lot of their fashions. The Hunter 350 guarantees to be a enjoyable commuter bike when you occur to dwell within the metropolis, and need not hit the freeway too typically.

Engine Specifications

Engine Type

Single cylinder, 4 stroke

Capacity

349cc

Max Power

20 HP

Max Torque

19.9 LB-FT

Top Speed

71 MPH

Why The Suzuki TL1000S Was Called ‘The Widowmaker’

Summary

  • The Suzuki TL1000S had a harmful rotary damper that overheated and misplaced its damping properties, making the bike deal with poorly.
  • Despite the issues, the TL1000S had redeeming qualities akin to a strong engine and an gratifying journey expertise.
  • The TL1000S is gaining reputation within the used market and could be modified to enhance its security and monitor efficiency.

The motorcycling world has seen just a few Widowmarkers, however for essentially the most half, these Widowmarker bikes are killing machines for being too outrageous or highly effective. Take the Vincent Black Shadow, which had a strong engine however pathetic brakes and an unpredictable chassis. Even the Kawasaki H2 750 was too quick to deal with for many bikers. But there may be one motorbike that turned harmful, maybe because of rushed growth.

We’re speaking in regards to the Suzuki TL1000S. This roadster was produced by Suzuki in 1997 to tackle the Ducati 916, and in a bid to get the WSBK cake as quickly as attainable, Suzuki may’ve forgotten to check the bike totally. The motorbike featured an thrilling V-twin engine, but it surely was held again by its rotary damper, which might have you ever scent the grass on a racetrack earlier than you even warmed up on a sunny day.

Remember, rotary dampers are a wonderful piece of engineering. Race groups have used rotary dampers in Formula One automobiles for years and the identical design can also be utilized in most steering dampers utilized in superbikes. But the one used on the Suzuki TL1000S wasn’t so good, and right here’s why.

In order to provide the latest and correct info attainable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Suzuki and different authoritative sources, together with Motorcyclenews.com and Motorcycle.com.

Related

The Most Dangerous Motorcycle Races That Exist Today

Motorsport is harmful, two wheeled motorsport doubly so. Here are among the most harmful races that also exist immediately.

A Bit of History Of The Suzuki TL1000S

Production Years: 1997 to 2001

It’s the 90s and the venerable Ducati 916 is dominating the World Superbike Championship, because of its extremely agile chassis and a punchy V-twin engine. Ducati received six of the final seven WSBK Championships and took the coveted Manufacturer’s Title for six years straight. Credit goes to the V-twin powerplant that allowed riders to drive tougher out of corners than peaky inline-four screamers that different producers used.

Unsurprisingly, many producers turned to get a slice of the V-twin pie to not solely compete with the 916, but in addition meet the fashionable backside line. Suzuki wasn’t an exception right here; the Japanese moniker took a direct method by constructing its personal model of the V-twin engine, which noticed the general public roads within the 1997 Suzuki TL1000S. Unfortunately, the TLS wasn’t successful as Suzuki would’ve anticipated; in reality, the bike dampened — pun supposed — the model’s fame and virtually killed its V-twin goals.

The Rear Shock: Achilles’ Heel In Quite A Literal Sense

Rear Suspension Type: Lever-Actuated, Rotary-Acting, Hydraulic Shock

Suzuki TL1000S
bringatrailer.com

Once Suzuki determined to plonk a V-twin engine on its motorbike, it bumped into one main downside — packaging. V-twin engines are longer from front to back, which might push the wheelbase longer. That’s not a great factor for a monitor weapon; race bikes want a brief wheelbase with a steep steering head angle for fast dealing with. Such a geometry permits fast acceleration, nook corrections, and simpler turn-ins into the nook. An extended wheelbase would make the bike slower to lean and reply to rider inputs.

So, to maintain the wheelbase as quick as attainable on the Suzuki TL1000S, designers took an modern method with the rear suspension. Suzuki teamed up with Kayaba to develop a brand new sort of motorbike suspension that separated the rear shock damper from the spring. This wasn’t new tech by any means; the setup was fairly much like the suspension used on Formula One automobiles, but it surely was new within the two-wheeled world.

On the Suzuki TL1000S, the spring was positioned on the precise facet of the bike and a rotary-style damper supplied damping by way of rotating arms. This is the place issues went slightly haywire for the TLS. Under arduous use, the rotary damper would overheat and lose most of its damping properties, which made the motorbike deal with like an overcooked noodle by way of corners. Plus, the bike’s wheelie-happy nature made the entrance liable to flap in the event you weren’t cautious sufficient. The end result — a scarily harmful motorbike to journey that may produce extra lock-to-lock tank slappers than giggles.

Chassis And Suspension Specifications

Frame Type

Alloy oval part trellis body

Caster

24-degree

Trail

94mm (3.70″)

Dimensions (L x W x H)

80.5″ x 28.1″ x 46.3″

Wheelbase

55.7″

Dry Weight

411 kilos

Front Suspension

43mm USD forks with adjustable preload, rebound, and compression damping

(Specs sourced from Suzuki)

How Does This Shock Work, Really?

Suzuki TL1000S
Mecum Auctions

The rotary-style shock will get a foul rep for making the Suzuki TL1000S a widowmaker, but it surely was truly an ingenious innovation for the time. It gave the TLS some additional advantages over a shorter wheelbase. One of the benefits, satirically, was warmth dissipation. Any damper’s largest enemy is warmth build-up since damping is merely a conversion of mechanical power into warmth power. Since hydraulic fluids and rubber seals don’t work so nicely once they get sizzling, the warmth have to be dissipated correctly. The TLS’ aluminum damper physique with extra mass than a traditional shock would dissipate warmth higher.

Additionally, the relative movement within the rotary-style shock consisted of rotation as an alternative of telescoping movement. This has two advantages. The rotating joints utilized in a rotary shock are simpler to seal and don’t require bushings; as an alternative, rolling-element bearings can sit between the 2 elements. This reduces friction because it has no uncovered sliding surfaces.

But this brings two downsides, with one being annoying and the opposite lethal. The first downside is that any leaks within the rotary hydraulic damper can lead to a whole lack of damping. This is why Suzuki and Kayaba declared the damper non-serviceable. Some suspension consultants might service it, however most received’t contact it.

The second, a lot deadlier downside, is oil overheating. The damper already had much less oil; this damper had 50cc of it in comparison with 300cc, which is utilized in most shocks. Plus, the amount assorted for every unit because of lax manufacturing tolerances. Some suspension consultants declare that the vanes within the damper didn’t push sufficient oil by way of the movement restrictions.

At common speeds, this wouldn’t be an issue, however it could make the TL1000S’ rotary damper work arduous and the oil would get too sizzling. After some extent, the damping fluid would change viscosity and lose its damping talents. Somehow, the rotary-style damper couldn’t dwell as much as Suzuki’s expectations of high-volume oil pumping or good warmth dissipation traits. This is irony at its best.

Related

10 Motorcycles With The Most Advanced Suspension Systems

Motorcycle suspension methods have come a good distance because the pre-war days of coil-sprung druid and leaf spring forks.

Suzuki TL1000S’ Redeeming Qualities — There Are Many

Power Output: 125 HP @ 8,500 RPM

The rear suspension unit on the Suzuki TL1000S is the elephant on the racetrack that you just can’t journey round, however in case you are courageous of coronary heart, you’ll discover that this Suzuki was actually quite rewarding till it become a soggy French fry, and threatened to kill you. It was exhilarating to journey and had a terrific energy supply that may have you ever in giggles at each twist of the wrist.

The V-twin engine on this motorbike produced a linear throttle response and was a lot more predictable than a modern Panigale, however the torque got here in early within the rev vary and the quick wheelbase made the motorbike completely happy to wheelie on a regular basis. Yes, the fueling wasn’t exact within the low-revs, an issue that was made worse by the sunshine flywheel, however after 2,500 RPM, issues bought a lot better.

The 90-degree V-twin configuration made for the proper major steadiness, and it featured hybrid chain/gear-driven cams. In essence, a cam chain would flip a gear that may additional flip the cams. This setup eased upkeep and produced a mild gear whine that added to the aural expertise of the engine. The engine was such a sweetheart that it was bought to Cagiva for V-Raptor and Navigator. Even Bimota used the identical mill on the SB8R sports activities bike. Even immediately, the identical engine configuration is used within the Suzuki SV1000 and V-Strom 1000 bikes.

Apart from the engine, the Suzuki TL1000S had different nifty methods up its exhaust. Before the damper become a thawed bacon strip, it labored nicely. The motorbike would flip into corners with ease, maintain the road nicely, and blast out of corners when wanted. Plus, this was the first Suzuki to get fuel injection, the other way up forks, torque limiting clutch, and trellis body.

Engine Specifications

Engine Type

Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 90-degree V-twin

Displacement

996cc

Compression Ratio

11.3:1

Max Torque

79.21 LB-FT @ 7,100 RPM

1/4 Mile Acceleration

10.9 seconds

Top Speed

165 MPH

(Specs sourced from Suzuki and Motorcyclenews.com)

The motorcycle was well ahead of its time, and regardless of an unsteady run in its earlier manufacturing years, the TLS remains to be an gratifying bike to journey. Suzuki had even issued a recall for the TLS to suit it with a steering damper and a slight engine tune-up. Today, the TL1000S is gaining some traction in the used market, and with just a few extra mods, you possibly can get pleasure from this Widowmaker with out having your accomplice plan your funeral. Turning this motorbike right into a secure monitor weapon is pretty simple.

THE WEEKLY FEED: KURT CASELLI- TEN YEARS AFTER • HARD HITTING VIDS • SOCIAL DETRITUS

TEN YEARS AFTER

We lost Kurt Caselli ten years ago today. It’s amazing to think about the positive impact he had on the entire industry, and how he still continues to be relevant a decade later. We remember him fondly; his influence on the off-road world was monumental. Here are some Dirt Bike covers featuring Kurt throughout the years.

Open here to start!

Italian Motorcycle Racer Filippo Mometto Dead At 24

A talented young Italian motorcycle racer, Filippo Mometto, has tragically passed away at the age of 24. His lifeless body was discovered in his home in Trento, Italy on September 18, 2023. The cause of his death has not yet been determined.

Mometto showed great potential in the world of motorcycle racing. He competed in the National Trophy 1000 earlier this year, demonstrating impressive skill and performance. He also participated in the Trofeo Aprilia RS 660, where he achieved a third-place finish in the second race. In addition to his racing career, Filippo was a computer engineering student at the University of Trento.

Filippo Mometto was originally from Oderzoin, a commune in the province of Trevisio, Italy. The exact cause of his death remains unknown, and it is unclear whether an autopsy will be conducted. The racing community is deeply saddened by his loss.

Marco Bezzecchi, the winner of the first-ever Indian Grand Prix and a close friend of Mometto, dedicated his victory to his late friend, saying, “I want to dedicate this victory to a very dear friend who unfortunately passed away a few days ago. Filippo, this is for you.” Bezzecchi and Mometto shared a passion for motorcycling from a young age.

Filippo Mometto’s funeral will take place on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, in Piavon, a village in Oderzo. Friends, family, and colleagues will gather to remember the vibrant life of this young racer. Our deepest condolences go out to Filippo Mometto’s loved ones.

Watch This Old CZ125 Motorcycle Get Restored to Its Former Glory

If you’re not deeply involved in the world of motorcycles, you might not be familiar with CZ, a motorcycle manufacturer founded in Czechoslovakia in 1919. Originally a branch of Škoda Works, CZ transitioned from producing weapons to motorized bicycles in 1932. The company started making CZ-branded motorcycles in 1935 and continued to do so until the 1990s, with a brief interruption during World War II when they made machine parts for the Germans.

Now that we know a little bit about CZ’s history, let’s dive into this fascinating restoration video by the Crazy Restoration team.

The video features the restoration of a mid-60s CZ Model 453. This particular motorcycle had seen better days, with its engine locked up, extensive rust and dirt, bent wheels, and a large dent with a gash in the fuel tank. At first glance, it might seem like a lost cause.

However, the Crazy Restoration team doesn’t give up easily. Over the course of around six months, they put in countless hours of hard work, sanding, fabricating, painting, and laboring to bring this motorcycle back to life. They salvaged and reused as many parts as possible and sourced new old stock (NOS) and aftermarket parts where needed. The result of their efforts is truly impressive.

If you’re curious to see the transformation, I highly recommend watching the video. It’s a testament to the team’s dedication and a joy to witness another classic bike saved from the scrapyard.