Tag Archives: Machines

News

Fantic Refreshes Caballero 125 And 500 For 2024 Model-Year

Fantic’s Caballero vary of rugged, scrambler-style machines has grow to be fairly in style in Europe, and the Italian model is about to boost the bar each by way of efficiency and tech. For 2024, Fantic has rolled out fairly just a few substantial updates to its single-cylinder-powered machines, all whereas retaining the basic attraction it provides riders. Let’s take a better look.

For the 2024 model-year, the Fantic Caballero 125 and 500 obtain a slew of technical updates, nonetheless, their total styling stays unchanged. This signifies that the bikes are nonetheless retro-inspired, rugged machines that supply a barebones, performance-driven driving expertise. On high of that, Fantic continues to supply the Caballero in three iterations: Rally, Deluxe, and Explorer. Across the board, nonetheless, technical refinements and technology-focused add-ons have been thrown in.

Fantic Caballero 500 Scrambler - Engine

For starters, we discover a new LED headlight that options 24 LEDs for distinctive brightness even on the darkest roads and trails. The flip indicators and tail mild are additionally LED, enhancing visibility in low mild circumstances. There’s additionally a brand new four-inch LCD instrument cluster with an improved person interface. The new setup features a gear indicator, tachometer, and temp gauge. The 2024 mannequin additionally brings tech refinements similar to Bluetooth smartphone pairing for you to have the ability to monitor calls and notifications by way of the brand new show.

Fantic Caballero 500 Deluxe - Studio
Fantic Caballero 500 Scrambler - Studio
Fantic Caballero 500 Rally - Studio

Diving straight into the efficiency refinements, Fantic has given its potent single-cylinder engine slight revisions to enhance smoothness. Particularly for the Caballero 500, the engine has been given new mapping that improves throttle response. Meanwhile, the 125 retains the Minarelli engine with variable valve timing.

Engine refinements apart, the Caballero additionally advantages from a brand new aluminum swingarm which isn’t solely extra inflexible than the previous metal one, but in addition lighter by two kilograms (about 4.4 kilos). As such, the 2024 Caballero 500 weighs in at simply 149 kilos (328 kilos) dry. Given a gasoline capability of 12 liters, we will count on moist weight to be someplace round 165 kilos (roughly 364 kilos) – nonetheless considerably lighter than many scramblers available on the market.

Fantic Caballero 500 Scrambler - Switchgear
Fantic Caballero 500 Scrambler - Tail

The light-weight, performance-oriented bundle is accompanied by spectacular tech similar to dual-channel ABS that may be switched off for off-road driving. There’s even a brand new cellular app referred to as the Fantic Garage, which permits riders to handle the bike’s options, in addition to preserve tabs on upkeep, by way of a single platform on their smartphone.

As of this writing, pricing particulars for the 2024 Fantic Caballero 125 and 500 have but to be revealed. That stated, the up to date fashions will retain the identical colorways because the 2023 fashions, however a Azzurro variant, much like that of the extra premium Caballer 700, is about to debut for the 2024 model-year.


Fantic Caballero 125 - Studio

11 Photos

Motorsport

This Electric Sports Car Weighs Just 1,300 Pounds

Electric automobiles are perceived as heavy, huge, and boring machines targeted on sustainability. The prevailing stereotype means that electric vehicles lack the fun and pleasure that comes with conventional sports activities automobiles. However, the Carice TC2, an electrical sports activities automobile hailing from the Netherlands, shatters these preconceptions. Weighing in at a mere 1,300 kilos (590 kilograms) in base type, the TC2 proves that driving pleasure and environmental consciousness can coexist.

That area of interest machine is featured in one in every of Fully Charged’s newest episodes on YouTube, and the design attracts inspiration from iconic sports activities automobiles of the previous, notably the basic Porsche 550 Spyder. However, what units the TC2 aside is that it’s not a restomod or a package automobile – this electrical sports activities automobile is meticulously designed and constructed from the bottom up, embodying a fusion of basic aesthetics and trendy ingenuity.

Beneath the modern exterior lies an electrical powertrain. You’re in all probability anticipating huge quantities of energy to wheels, however the fact is that the TC2 has a rear-mounted electrical motor with simply 56 horsepower. A 31.5-kilowatt-hour battery pack offers electrical vitality, which is sufficient for a variety of as much as 186 miles on a single cost.

There’s no energy steering, no ABS, no brake help of any sort, no traction management, and no beeping security programs. 0-60 time? No one actually cares for the reason that TC2 is extra in regards to the pure pleasure of driving a light-weight and nimble sports activities automobile. Let’s simply say it’s fast sufficient to make you giggle.

Cars

The 6 Most Overlooked Exotic Cars Of The 00s

Although Audi has produced its share of high-performance machines in its greater than 100 years in enterprise, the 4 interlocking rings are usually not the primary badge that involves thoughts when the topic of unique automobiles comes up. Until the early 2000s, Audi centered largely on cranking out reliable sedans, coupes, and wagons whereas additionally dedicating vital assets to its motorsports program.

That started to alter in 1998 when the Volkswagen Group paid greater than $100 million to amass Lamborghini. Soon after, Audi sought to capitalize on its success at Le Mans by introducing the Le Mans Quattro idea automobile on the 2003 Frankfurt Auto Show. That idea merged with the R8 race automobile that had gained the 24 Hours of Le Mans yearly from 2000 via 2002; the brand new mannequin debuted on the 2006 Paris Auto Show.

Little was modified between the idea Le Mans Quattro and the manufacturing model R8, besides that the idea automobile’s twin-turbo V10 engine was swapped out for a naturally aspirated 4.2 liter V8 that put out 414 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The 2007 R8 may go from zero-to-60 mph in 4.3 seconds and had a high velocity of 187 mph.

In 2009, Audi added these two cylinders again to the R8’s engine, changing the V8 with a 5.2-liter V10 that shaved almost a half second off the R8’s zero-to-60 time and boosted the highest velocity to 196 mph. A lighter and extra highly effective R8 got here in 2011, and Audi launched a GT version in 2023 with a 602 horsepower engine, rear-wheel drive, and a seven-speed automated transmission.

News

Sib Mustard’s Megasgas EC 700 Is A Wild Custom Supermoto

Supermotos are considered by some as the most fun you can have on two wheels. These hooligan machines, essentially dirtbikes equipped with road tires, are capable of doing some of the most insane things on two wheels, provided they’re in the control of capable hands. That being said, powerful supermotors like the GasGas EC 300 are among the best in the industry – but can they be made even better and more fun?

Sib Mustard, a German bike builder with a penchant for supermotos certainly thinks so. Having created quite the following from his custom sumo builds, Sib, with more than 160,000 followers on Instagram, operates a shop called Haisl in Upper Palatinate. His latest creation is based on a 2021 GasGas EC 300, and it goes without saying that it’s one of the wildest custom supermotos out there. Sib has taken the bike to the extreme by doubling its engine capacity while retaining the bike’s lightweight construction.

 

Out of the factory, the GasGas EC 300 pumps out about 50 horsepower and weighs in at just over 100 kilograms. That’s already quite the impressive power-to-weight ratio. However, Sib decided that that simply wasn’t enough. He got a racing engine from Austrian engine supplier Rübig, a brand well known in the region for its high-performance racing engines for both cars and motorcycles. Gone was the 300cc motor, and in went a whopping 699cc, two-stroke, water-cooled, single-cylinder engine. Rocking a 100 mm bore and 89 mm stroke, this engine produces 84 horsepower out of the box. The bike was then dubbed the “Megasgas EC 700.”

Sib Mustard’s Megasgas EC 700 Is A Wild Custom Supermoto
News

Watch: Spending 24 Hours In Canyonlands National Park

Exploring the country on motorcycles can be an adventure filled with breathtaking views and endless roads. As The Magpie Flies, a brother-sister duo, combines moto camping with their bike rides, and one of their recent adventures took them to Canyonlands National Park in Utah.

Canyonlands National Park is a vast landscape of red rocks and endless roads, offering a campsite where the duo spent 24 hours. They embarked on their adventure with the “trusty” Suzuki V-Strom 650 and a 2022 Honda Africa Twin borrowed from Honda America.

The video begins with their travel and camping experiences during the first few hours of their 24-hour stay. After enjoying a delicious meal at the campsite and a good night’s sleep, they set off to explore Needle Top Post in Canyonlands. Their first stop is the Needles Visitor Center.

The Needles district of the park covers over 300,000 acres and requires a vehicle with high ground clearance to navigate. Fortunately, the duo’s adventure bikes are well-equipped for the terrain. The area also offers a network of hiking and backpacking trails for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.

The pair also explores Cave Spring Trail, a hiking route that showcases historic sites. After a full day of hiking and exploration, they return to their campsite for another restful night’s sleep.

If you’re interested in Amanda and Gary’s journey through the United States, stay tuned for more videos on their channel. Subscribe to their channel to see their next stop on this exciting adventure.

News

F1 Champ Nigel Mansell Is Selling His Honda ST 70 ‘Ferrari’ Pit Bike

If you’re a fan of unique machines with a fascinating history, then you’ll be interested in this Honda ST 70 ‘Ferrari’ Formula One Paddock Bike owned by Nigel Mansell. It’s being sold as part of RM Sotheby’s Nigel Mansell’s Legacy Collection, and it dates back to the time when Mansell raced for Scuderia Ferrari.

Nigel Mansell was a talented and determined Formula One driver in the 1980s and early 1990s. He was known for pushing himself and his cars to the limit, even during his early days in racing.

A Brief History of Nigel Mansell’s Racing Career

Mansell’s racing career was filled with memorable moments. One of the most notable incidents was when he had a serious crash that broke his neck, almost leaving him quadriplegic. Despite this, Mansell checked out of the hospital to compete in his next race. This determination and mindset remained with him throughout his racing career.


Nigel Mansell's Honda ST 70 Ferrari Formula 1 Paddock Bike - Right Side

10 Photos

After joining Colin Chapman’s Lotus Formula One team as a test driver, Mansell suffered severe burns during his F1 debut at the 1980 Austrian Grand Prix. He continued with Lotus for several years before switching to Williams in 1985, where he started winning races. Despite coming close, he narrowly missed winning the F1 Drivers’ World Championship on two occasions due to last-minute misfortunes.

In 1989, Mansell moved to Ferrari and became known for his “win it or bin it” attitude, which earned him the nickname “Il Leone” (The Lion) from his fans. One race that stood out was at the Hungaroring, where Mansell brilliantly overtook Ayrton Senna’s McLaren to win the race.

In 1992, he finally became the Formula One World Champion with Williams. Mansell later made history by becoming the first rookie to win the CART Indycar World Series in his debut year in 1993. To date, he remains the only driver to have held both the Formula One Drivers’ Championship and the CART championship simultaneously.

Nigel Mansell’s Honda ST 70 ‘Ferrari’ Paddock Bike

Now, let’s talk about the bike that’s up for sale. This particular Ferrari-themed Honda ST 70 pit bike is from the 1989 season, as indicated by the listed year. Although Honda stopped producing the ST 70 in 1981, they continued making its companion model, the CT 70, until 1994. The factory plaque confirms that this bike is indeed an ST 70, but the exact year it was made is unclear.

However, the specific year might not matter much to the potential buyer of this bike. Whether it’s in running condition or not as of August 2023, the enthusiasm, knowledge, and availability of parts make it relatively easy to restore it to a rideable state.

The auction for Nigel Mansell’s Legacy Collection by RM Sotheby’s will take place from October 4 to 11, 2023. This ST 70 is being offered without a reserve price and is expected to sell for £5,000 to £10,000 (approximately $6,299 to $12,598 USD as of August 28, 2023). If you’re interested in owning one of the few ex-Ferrari F1 Honda ST 70 bikes in the world, especially one previously owned by Nigel Mansell himself, make sure to mark your calendars and set reminders!

Cars

The 10 Most Impressive Car Stunts in Movies

When you consider how intricate and precise modern action movie productions are, it’s incredible to think about how the original “Gone in 60 Seconds” was made. The film was created by H.B. Halicki, a junkyard owner from Long Beach, California. With a simple script and a cast of non-professionals, including friends and family, this movie delivers an astonishing amount of automotive mayhem. The 40-minute chase sequence alone involved wrecking 93 cars, making it one of the longest chase scenes in film history. Although it was a low-budget production, “Gone in 60 Seconds” became a blockbuster hit and captivated audiences with its sheer madness.

Among the numerous memorable moments in Halicki’s film, one particular stunt stands out. At the end of the epic chase, the film’s iconic car, a 1973 Ford Mustang named “Eleanor,” performs a breathtaking jump. Without the aid of pistons, boosters, or CGI, Eleanor soars 128 feet and reaches a height of 30 feet. Halicki, who not only directed and produced the movie but also starred in it and did most of the driving, was the one behind the wheel for this jaw-dropping jump. However, it came at a cost as he compressed 10 vertebrae while executing the stunt.

NewsNew

COLTON HAAKER’S FACTORY HUSKY 2-STROKE

Colton Haaker, an accomplished rider in Extreme Enduro racing, relies on a specially built Husqvarna TE300i for his races. We spoke with his mechanic, Andrew Bauer, to get the details on this impressive machine.

Despite its similar appearance to a standard bike at a dealership, Haaker’s race bike is finely tuned for the extreme challenges it will face. Bauer emphasizes that it’s the attention to detail that sets this bike apart.

Unlike some other race bikes, Haaker’s TE300i prioritizes usable power over sheer horsepower. The engine is created by Husqvarna’s Factory Services department, but many internal parts are stock. The bike’s EFI mapping can be adjusted based on the terrain and weather conditions of each event. Haaker also utilizes a FMF exhaust system for optimal performance.

In long endurance races like Extreme Enduros, the chassis setup is crucial. Haaker’s bike features WP Pro Components tuned by WP Suspension USA and Austria. This balance allows Haaker to navigate obstacles at varying speeds.

Another noteworthy aspect of Haaker’s bike is the tire setup. He uses a soft rear mousse and Dunlop gummy compound tire for excellent traction in any terrain and condition. The front tire is a combination of Dunlop MX33 and MX53 with a durable tube.

In Extreme Enduro races, protection is crucial both for the rider and the bike. Haaker’s bike utilizes a full-coverage skid plate, safety-wired nuts and bolts, reinforced parts, and specialized protective gear.

Other notable components on Haaker’s bike include WP Suspension’s Pro Components cone-valve fork, Trax rear shock, Guts Racing lightweight seat foam, Guts Racing gripper seat cover, ProTaper sprockets, ProTaper handlebars, ProTaper grips, Hunt Racing rear rotor guard, RK O-ring chain, Twin Air filters, Decal Works graphics, and Motion Pro specialty tools.

Even with all the preparation and top-of-the-line components, mechanical failures can occur. Haaker benefits from the support of Husqvarna, his team manager, mechanic, and family. With an impressive track record, it’s evident that Haaker has found a winning formula.

News

Take A Look At Sherco’s 2024 Enduro Model Lineup

French off-road motorcycle specialist Shercho has unveiled its 2024 enduro bikes. The four-stroke and two-stroke lineups have received minor updates that collectively improve performance and give the models a more modern appearance.

Take A Look At Sherco's 2024 Enduro Model Lineup

The 250cc and 300cc four-stroke engines have undergone internal refinements, including a new magnesium crankcase, cylinder head, ignition, and clutch cover, resulting in a weight reduction of one kilogram. The addition of a gear sensor improves drivability and enables tuners to adjust mapping for the first two gears, which is beneficial for enduro racing that requires maximum traction during launches and acceleration.

Take A Look At Sherco's 2024 Enduro Model Lineup

All 2024 Sherco Enduro models feature a new swingarm that enhances flexibility and suspension compliance across various terrains, ensuring maximum traction and stability during acceleration.

Take A Look At Sherco's 2024 Enduro Model Lineup

Both the two-stroke and four-stroke models feature a fully adjustable closed-cartridge fork from KYB and a rear shock with similar adjustability. Other upgrades include new wheels, Brembo brakes, Galfer rotors, and a titanium Akrapovic exhaust system for the four-stroke models.

Take A Look At Sherco's 2024 Enduro Model Lineup

The 2024 Sherco enduro bikes have updated bodywork, including a redesigned LED headlight for improved visibility. The front fender has also been restyled, giving the bikes a sportier look. The models feature new graphics with Sherco’s signature blue, yellow, and gray color scheme.

News

Akrapovič Introduces a New Slip-On System for the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE

Suzuki made a big impact with its 2023 lineup of middleweight motorcycles, which have been praised for their innovative features and updated technology. The V-Strom 800DE and GSX-8S models, in particular, have gained a lot of attention and are expected to be bestsellers. As a result, the aftermarket for accessories for these bikes, such as the new slip-on exhaust system from Akrapovič, is rapidly growing.

2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE and 800DE Adventure - Main

When it comes to aftermarket exhausts, one of the most popular brands is Akrapovič. The Slovenian company has recently released a new slip-on exhaust system specifically designed for the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE. As with their other exhaust systems, Akrapovič focuses on improving performance and reducing weight. The system is made from lightweight materials such as titanium and carbon fiber. Installation is easy, as it is a slip-on system that utilizes existing hardware and mounts directly to the stock manifold.

In terms of performance gains, Akrapovič claims the new slip-on system is 23.6% lighter and provides a slight increase of one horsepower and one Newton-meter of torque. The system is also fully homologated to ECE and Euro 5 standards, ensuring its legality in European countries.

Pricing for the Akrapovič slip-on system has not been officially announced, but it is expected to command a premium price. Similar exhaust systems for other models, such as the Yamaha Tenere 700 and Aprilia Tuareg 660, are priced around $1,000 USD. Availability for the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE slip-on system will likely depend on market demand.