Tag Archives: October

News

KTM Parent Company Says It’s Taking Over MV Agusta

Think again to October 2023. If you are the kind of individual to comply with KTM, MV Agusta, or the motorbike business generally, you may recall that is when KTM mum or dad firm Pierer Mobility publicly stated its strategic plan to deepen its cooperation with MV Agusta.

How did it plan to do that, precisely? At the time, Pierer stated it might do that with a name possibility on a majority stake in MV Agusta, to be exercised someday in spring 2026. 

It’s solely spring 2024, although, so why are we giving an replace? Because on March 15, 2024, Pierer Mobility formally introduced that it is performing an early takeover of a majority stake in MV Agusta. 

As with the plan that was beforehand introduced, it is nonetheless doing this by way of the decision possibility; that half hasn’t modified. What has modified is basically simply the timeline. It’s doing this by way of subsidiary firm KTM AG, which is able to now buy a further 25 p.c of MV Agusta shares, for a complete of fifty.1 p.c of shares within the Varese-based OEM. 

In addition to taking a majority stake in MV Agusta, KTM will even take over industrial management of MV Agusta. It plans to ramp up manufacturing quantity on the Varese manufacturing facility to over 10,000 bikes yearly, and previously announced plans to modernize the factory in order to facilitate just such a move back in July 2023.

MV Agusta Is Also Getting A New CEO

In addition to asserting the early takeover of MV Agusta, Pierer Mobility additionally concurrently introduced that Pierer Mobility AG executive board member Hubert Trunkenpolz will now turn out to be the brand new CEO and chairman of the board for MV Agusta. He will take over each positions from Timur Sardarov, who will “continue to be available to the company as Vice-Chairman, brand ambassador, and consultant.” 

What does Sardarov must say about all of this? He posted the next assertion on his official Instagram account following the Pierer announcement.

 

We’re concerned with seeing what the longer term now holds, as questions come up whether or not or not MV Agusta be a fourth model to share engines and platforms with KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas, or will or not it’s one thing extra?

The principal factor that units MV Agusta aside within the minds of followers worldwide is all the time its distinctive method to design, with creations which can be like nobody else’s. 

That’s by no means meant as a backhanded praise to Kiska, which creates loads of cool stuff that has fans of its own. But it is exhausting to argue that MV Agusta very a lot has its personal design language and persona, so it will likely be fascinating (and maybe barely demanding, if I’m trustworthy) to see how that evolves transferring ahead.

Here’s hoping for the very best.

Motorsport

The Polestar 3 Is Cheaper Than Originally Announced

Although the Polestar 3 was launched in October 2022, manufacturing did not begin till final month. The first vehicles rolled off the meeting line in China, whereas manufacturing within the US in South Carolina will kick off in a number of months. Before it does, Polestar launched US pricing for the brand new 3 SUV.

The Polestar 3 begins at $74,800 with the $1,400 vacation spot payment included. All 2025 Polestar 3 fashions offered within the US have twin motors, all-wheel drive, and a 111.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack that may be DC quick cost charged at as much as 250 kilowatts.

The base mannequin has a mixed output of 489 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque, sufficient for a 0-60 mph run of 5.0 seconds flat. Performance variations up the facility ante to 517 hp and 671 lb-ft to attain a dash time of 4.7 seconds.

Trim Range Output 0-60 MPH Price
Pilot 315 Miles 489 HP / 620 LB-FT 5.0 Seconds $74,800
Pilot + Plus 315 Miles 489 HP / 620 LB-FT 5.0 Seconds $80,300
Pilot + Performance 279 Miles 517 HP / 671 LB-FT 4.7 Seconds $80,800
Pilot, Plus, + Performance 279 Miles 517 HP / 671 LB-FT 4.7 Seconds $86,300

As for the trim packages, the Plus Pack will get you 21-inch wheels, heated rear seats, and a 1,610-watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system with 25 audio system and an air subwoofer. Polestar covers the seats in “bio-attributed MicroTech or animal welfare wool seats.” The Performance Pack not solely provides further oomph through software program tuning but additionally sweetens the pot with 22-inch solid wheels, chassis tweaks, and gold accents.

Getting the Performance model means you are happy with a big drop in effectivity for the reason that vary goes down by 36 miles in comparison with a daily Polestar 3. Regardless of the mannequin you go for, all of them qualify for a Polestar Clean Vehicle Incentive of $7,500 on lease transactions.

How does the 2025 Polestar 3 stack up towards equally sized fashions when it comes to pricing? The desk under solutions that query.

Model Price
Polestar 3 $74,800
BMW iX $88,095
Audi E-Tron $75,595
Tesla Model X $81,380
Volvo EX90 $77,990
Kia EV9 $56,395

Polestar will begin deliveries to prospects within the second quarter of the 12 months. Aside from the opponents talked about above, it will additionally must go up towards the forthcoming Hyundai Ioniq 7.

News

New Scorpion Trail III Adventure Tire Specs And Sizes Revealed

Back in October 2023, Pirelli introduced the successor to its massively profitable Scorpion Trail II tire, the Scorpion Trail III. First launched all the best way again in 2015, the Scorpion Trail II adorned among the most interesting adventure-touring bikes of the fashionable period. Now, with expertise, efficiency, and rider calls for ever altering within the journey world, Pirelli has enhanced its flagship journey tire to be even higher.

Pirelli has lastly revealed all of the specs, particulars, and sizes of the brand new Scorpion Trail III, and it’s certain to please performance-oriented adventure-seekers seeking to maximize their bikes’ on and off-road efficiency. For starters, Pirelli says that the Scorpion Trail III is able to dealing with each sporty highway driving and off-road terrain. It will get a sporty highway profile with a tread sample impressed by the Diablo household of efficiency tires. Meanwhile, for when it’s time to enterprise off highway, strengthened grooves improve steering grip and rigidity.

New Scorpion Trail III Adventure Tire Specs And Sizes Revealed

The Pirelli Scorpion Trail III inherits the sporty profile of the Diablo sequence of tires.

The new Scorpion Trail III is constructed out of recent 100-percent silica compounds that promise constant efficiency on each moist and dry situations. The entrance tire is manufactured from a single compound, whereas the rear tire includes a dual-compound building. Here, the shoulders of the tire are manufactured from a softer rubber to enhance cornering grip and stability, whereas the middle of the tire is manufactured from a tougher rubber for further longevity when overlaying lengthy distances on the freeway.

Adventure tires just like the Scorpion Trail III are supposed to be fitted on heavyweight journey bikes such because the KTM 1290 Super Adventure and BMW R 1300 GS. As such, Pirelli has beefed up the construction with a zero-degree metal belt with a strengthened construction to deal with heavy masses. The tires have been engineered for higher mileage, too, promising high-speed stability and progressive conduct.

New Scorpion Trail III Adventure Tire Specs And Sizes Revealed

The new Pirelli Scorpion Trail III guarantees uncompromising efficiency each on and off highway.

When it involves availability, Pirelli says that the brand new Scorpion Trail III will start rolling into sellers by the primary half of 2024. It’ll progressively be launched in a complete of 9 entrance tire sizes and 9 rear tire sizes. Check out the scale chart beneath:

Pirelli Scorpion Trail III Front Tire Sizes:

120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) TL
120/70 ZR 19 M/C 60W TL
120/70 R 19 M/C 60V TL
120/70 ZR 19 M/C 60W TL (D)
110/80 R 19 M/C 59V TL
100/90 – 19 M/C 57V TL
90/90 V 21 M/C (54V) TL
110/80 R 18 M/C 58V TL
100/90 – 18 M/C 56V TL

Pirelli Scorpion Trail III Rear Tire Sizes:

180/55 ZR 17 M/C (73W) TL
170/60 ZR 17 M/C 72W TL (D)
170/60 R 17 M/C 72V TL
170/60 ZR 17 M/C 72W TL
160/60 ZR 17 M/C (69W) TL
150/70 R 17 M/C 69V TL
140/80 R 17 M/C 69V TL
130/80 R 17 M/C 65V TL
120/90 – 17 M/C 64H TL

News

Honda’s GB350 Classic-Style Roadster Makes Its Way To The Land Down Under

In October 2020, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) made your complete world resentful with the launch of the H’Ness CB350. The new mannequin marked Honda’s entry into the modern-classic section within the Indian market, and was thought of by fanatics the world over as a breath of contemporary air within the tech-focused modern-day bike trade.

Back then, it was clear that the H’Ness, and in a while its sporty sibling the RS, have been completely meant for the Indian market, leaving the remainder of the world eager for this charming, classic-style roadster. However, in 2021, the H’Ness made its approach to Japan. Still made in India, the bike was deemed an ideal match for Japan’s mid-size section, and was renamed to GB350, a nod to Honda’s GB500 thumper-powered cafe racer from the late 80’s. Since then, no different markets acquired the fashionable roadster, that’s, till now.

Honda GB350 - Engine

A classic-inspired engine full with distinguished cooling fins and chrome accents. 

Honda has simply listed the GB350 in its Australian web site, and though the worth is listed as unavailable, Australian publication AMCN states that it carries a sticker worth of $6,999 AUD (about $4,600 USD). As for the specs, they appear to be equivalent to that of the Japanese mannequin. From a efficiency standpoint, the bike is rocking a contemporary engine, albeit one with archaic structure. It’s a 348cc, air-cooled, OHC, single-cylinder engine, however it will get fashionable digital fuel-injection to maintain it dependable and environment friendly.

Though Honda doesn’t checklist claimed energy figures on its web site, the GB350 is understood to supply 20 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 21 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm – a wholesome unfold of energy that makes it good for each newbie riders and seasoned riders searching for a succesful but fashionable commuter.

Honda GB350 - Headlight

While the GB350’s styling is completely retro, Honda fitted it with an LED headlight for improved visibility. 

Honda GB350 - Cluster

The GB350 will get a minimalist instrument cluster with an analog dial and a digital panel. 

For all intents and functions, the GB350 is all about simplicity. It does away with all the flowery doodads of different fashionable choices, and its styling is a transparent testomony to this. It options cafe racer-inspired aesthetics which embrace a spherical LED headlight, a “vintage-style” muffler, chrome elements, and a saddle upholstered in brown pleather.

While Honda’s achieved its greatest to maintain the bike as retro as potential, it’s needed to stuff in some tech to maintain it compliant with modern-day laws. As such, it comes normal with entrance and rear ABS, and Honda has thrown in a useful help/slipper clutch to make it extra forgiving for inexperienced persons. On Honda’s web site, the brand new GB350 is obtainable in two colorways: Matt Pearl Morion Black and Matt Jeans Blue Metallic.

Motorsport

This Rare Acura TLX Type S Needs To Be Saved

When it went on sale in October 2022, the Acura TLX Type S PMC Edition was obtainable in three colours – Curva Red, 130R White, and Long Beach Blue – and restricted to simply 100 items every. Now, a Long Beach Blue instance of the efficiency sedan is now not on the highway, however you would possibly have the ability to return it to its former glory.

This specific automotive had a starting price of $63,995 with vacation spot and dealing with charges when it was delivered to its unique proprietor. This made it about $7,500 dearer than the common TLX Type S. But the sedan suffered main harm to its entrance finish. From what we’re in a position to see within the obtainable images, there’s no structural harm to the engine compartment, which suggests the automotive is likely to be reparable with out an excessive amount of problem.


News

What do UK motorists need from the General Election?

Labour responded on 10 October. Shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh stated the Tories demonstrated how out of contact they have been with the fact going through drivers.

“Labour’s plan means action on unfair petrol and car insurance costs, removing barriers so infrastructure improvements are actually delivered, reducing the traffic clogging up our roads and boosting the charge-point roll-out,” she stated.

With a common election looming, the political events are unwilling to essentially nail their motoring colors to the mast till it’s time to publish their manifestos – so we requested a variety of specialists what they wish to see made a precedence, and the way they assume the UK’s roads will change within the subsequent 5 years.

The tech insurance coverage pioneer

Andrew Bennett is an insurance coverage telematics and ‘connected car’ advisor, concerned in such applied sciences for practically 20 years and an skilled in drivers’ behaviour. We requested him what driving in 2029 will appear like.

“On the motorway, I expect a procession of cars trying to travel at 70mph, due to average-speed control and adaptive cruise,” he says.

“Lots of flat-fronted electric cars and the start of GPS-enabled road-tolling beyond the Dartford Crossing and the M6. In towns, fewer cars, more on-street charging, with electric charge costs approaching those of ICE vehicles – parking payments being automated in a consolidated app. The proportion of vehicles that are EV and ICE will vary very notably geographically, influenced by affluence.”

What does he wish to see? “More autonomous automobiles and fewer ICE automobiles, a greater charging infrastructure off-motorway, and reflective quite than profiteering prices for EV charging.

“A extra built-in Britain, with subsidies on EV and practice use to scale back carbon emissions.”

The motoring champion

Edmund King, president of the AA, has robocops and middle-lane hogs on his future adaptive cruise radar. 

Wearables

Apple Watch Sales Ban Paused: Here’s What We Know

Back in October 2023, the United States International Trade Commission dominated that Apple had infringed upon a patent owned by Masimo, an organization concerned within the improvement and manufacturing of medical units. Masimo alleged that the expertise utilized by Apple’s newest smartwatches for detecting the blood oxygen stage used their patented expertise. While Apple denied this, the U.S. International Trade Commission discovered that Masimo’s declare had credence and handed over a ban in opposition to the import and gross sales of the latest Apple watch fashions — the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra.

With the gross sales ban scheduled to go dwell in December, Apple was left with no possibility however to tug each the affected Apple Watch Models from all its official gross sales channels, together with bodily retail areas. As a end result, Apple first pulled each these watches from its on-line shops on December 21, then eliminated these fashions from Apple Stores on December 24. Another last-ditch try to halt the gross sales ban failed when President Joe Biden declined to veto the ban earlier this week.

There isn’t any denying that this latest improvement permitting Apple to renew gross sales of the affected Apple Watch fashions will supply the corporate a vital reprieve and supply the corporate with respiratory room to navigate the authorized proceedings and doubtlessly search a everlasting answer.

News

Sticking With Windows 10 Instead Of Upgrading? Get Ready To Pay For Security Updates

The official date Microsoft has set for the tip of assist to Windows 10 is October 14, 2025. That’s somewhat greater than 10 years after the OS was first launched in 2015. Meanwhile, Windows 10 continues to be vastly extra well-liked than its successor, run by almost 68% of Windows customers in comparison with underneath 27% operating Windows 11. So, after years of attempting the carrot, the corporate is now breaking out the stick, hoping that customers would quite improve to Windows 11 than pay a subscription to get safety updates for 10.

In Microsoft’s end-of-support replace for Windows 10, the announcement of ESU subscriptions is on the backside. The doc spends most of its size urging customers to improve from Windows 10 to 11, even when meaning shopping for a brand new PC that helps the present model.

Clearly, greater than two years after its launch in 2021, many customers are nonetheless reticent about making the soar to Windows 11, and there are just a few causes for that hesitation. First, their present PC might lack the {hardware} to assist it. Second, new variations of Windows have traditionally been hit-and-miss, so individuals who love Windows 10 might fear they will not really feel the identical about 11. Lastly, Windows 11 settings have to be adjusted after an set up to take away some actually egregious native promoting and bloat. No matter the explanation, Microsoft clearly needs to make sticking with Windows 10 the least interesting choice to shoppers after it ends assist.

Technology

Here’s What Grounded The Navy T-45 Goshawk Jet

On October 14, 2022, the Navy decided to ground all of its T-45C Goshawk jet trainers due to concerns for the safety of its aviators. According to Rear Adm. Richard Brophy, Chief of Naval Air Training, this decision was made as a precautionary measure after an engine blade fault was discovered in one of the training aircraft. The grounding affected all 193 aircraft in service.

The Navy, along with its industry partner Rolls Royce, conducted a two-week safety pause to investigate the issue. This came after a training aircraft experienced a low-pressure compressor blade failure prior to takeoff.

In late October 2022, the Navy resumed flight operations for some of its T-45C Goshawk jets. However, the Naval Air Systems Command stated that their investigation revealed a subset of T-45C engine blades did not meet the manufacturer’s specifications, resulting in those specific aircraft remaining grounded. The exact number of affected jets was not disclosed by the Navy, but the partial resumption of flight operations indicates that efforts are underway to address the issue, although a resolution for the entire fleet has not been achieved yet.

News

Here Are The New Bikes That Moto Morini Just Showed Off In Italy

In October 2023, Moto Morini introduced its new Calibro cruiser before EICMA 2023. Between this teaser and the annual EICMA festival in Milan in November 2023, Moto Morini announced that it would showcase several new bikes at the event.

True to expectations, Moto Morini debuted the X-Cape 1200. Additionally, the brand unveiled the Calibro Bagger, showcasing the impact of accessories on a bike’s appearance. The new Milano, powered by Morini’s well-known existing 650 V-twin mill, was also showcased.