As temperatures begin to drop in many parts of the northern hemisphere, some riders choose to store their bikes for the season. However, there are others who continue to ride throughout the winter, as long as it’s safe to do so. Fortunately, advancements in technology have given us riding gear that not only protects us but also keeps us warm and dry in the coldest of weather. Dainese has recently released their new parka, the Duomo Absoluteshell Pro, which combines style with safety features.
The Duomo Absoluteshell Pro parka is made from an abrasion-resistant synthetic fabric, providing protection from the hood to the tailcoat bottom. It includes Pro-Armor protectors on the shoulder and elbows, which are EN1621-1-certified. The jacket is also equipped with a pocket for a standard back protector, meeting Class A PPE certification according to the EN17092-4:2020 standard.
In addition to safety, the Duomo parka is designed to shield riders from various weather conditions. It utilizes Dainese’s Absoluteshell Pro technology, featuring a laminated membrane with fast-drying capabilities and waterproof properties. The jacket also comes with a removable thermal lining that can be used independently.
The Duomo parka offers multiple adjustment points including the collar, cuffs, and waist, ensuring a secure fit. It also features five front pockets, two of which are waterproof, as well as pockets on the arm and inside the jacket and thermal lining. The parka is available in two colors, Black and Khaki, and comes in sizes ranging from 44 to 62. The price is set at $559.95 USD, as stated on Dainese’s official website.
The Bentley Batur is a vehicle that stands out with its 800 unique parts, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship of the automaker. This attention to detail goes beyond the car’s design and powertrain, extending to include a specially crafted audio system. Bentley is now offering the “Naim for Mulliner” sound system as an option for the coupe, priced at $31,681 (equivalent to 25,000 pounds at the current exchange rate).
This 20-speaker sound system consists of six tweeters, nine mid-range speakers, two woofers, two active bass transducers, and one subwoofer. The mid-range speakers and tweeters feature Focal’s patented M cones and utilize drivers derived from Focal’s Grand Utopia lineup.
The Volkswagen Group is reorganizing its procurement process for electronic parts and semiconductors. This strategic move aims to secure a long-term supply and establish the Group as a leading technology and competitive player in the automotive industry. To achieve this, the Group has developed a new approach to procuring parts with electronic components.
Dirk Große-Loheide, Board Member for Procurement of Volkswagen Passenger Cars and member of Group management, emphasized the importance of transparency in the semiconductor value chain. By having a clear understanding of the parts used, the Group can accurately determine global demand and availability. This level of transparency enables effective risk management, allowing the Group to detect and prevent bottlenecks in the supply chain early on. For critical semiconductors and future developments, Volkswagen will focus on direct purchasing from semiconductor manufacturers.
In the past, Tier 1 suppliers had significant autonomy in selecting electronic components like control units. However, going forward, Group procurement will work closely with Tier 1 suppliers to define the specific semiconductors and electronic parts to be used. This collaborative effort will be facilitated by the Semiconductor Sourcing Committee (SSC), which consists of representatives from the procurement and development departments of various Volkswagen brands, as well as Volkswagen Group Components and CARIAD.
Karsten Schnake, Board Member for Procurement at Škoda Auto and head of the cross-brand and cross-functional task force COMPASS (Cross Operational Management Parts & Supply Security), explained that transparent semiconductor procurement offers several advantages. It allows for the identification and implementation of technical alternatives more swiftly in case of supply bottlenecks. It also reduces hardware variants, leading to less complex software systems.
Semiconductors are crucial components in the automotive industry. They are not only essential for mass production but also drive innovation and enable the launch of new products. The growing demand for semiconductors is primarily driven by the electrification of vehicles and the increasing use of assistant functions, including fully autonomous driving. These technological advancements require cutting-edge semiconductors, while the demand for more common semiconductors continues to rise.
This shift towards advanced semiconductors and increased electronic components in vehicles has a significant impact on their value. The value of electronic components is projected to more than double by 2030 from the current average of around 600 euros per vehicle. The automotive sector’s importance as a customer in the semiconductor industry is also growing. Currently, the automotive industry ranks fifth among major buyers, with a global procurement volume for semiconductors of around 47 billion US dollars. By 2030, it is expected to secure the third position with a market volume of approximately 147 billion US dollars.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting chip crisis have highlighted the need for robust semiconductor supply chains. To address these challenges and ensure a stable supply, the Volkswagen Group launched the COMPASS initiative in early 2022. The initiative focuses on safeguarding the vehicle program and includes strategic measures based on lessons learned from the semiconductor crisis. These measures aim to provide long-term solutions for the Group’s semiconductor procurement.
The increase in popularity of electric motorcycles is transforming transportation in many parts of the world. As people shift away from fossil fuels and internal combustion engines, electric motorcycles are becoming the preferred choice, particularly for urban mobility. In Africa, specifically in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, electric motorcycle taxis are playing a significant role in the city’s transportation system.
Spiro, the leading electric motorcycle manufacturer in Uganda, is responsible for spearheading the electric motorcycle revolution in the country. Despite being founded recently in 2022, the company has already supplied over 140,000 electric motorcycle taxis to Kampala. With its rapid growth, Spiro is now looking to expand further. Through partnerships with Societe Generale and GuarantCo, the company has secured a $63 million investment, which will fuel its innovation and expansion efforts.
Spiro’s expansion plans include building operations in West African countries such as Benin and Togo. Apart from providing electric motorcycles in these regions, the company also aims to develop infrastructure for charging and battery swapping stations. Additionally, Spiro is committed to empowering the local workforce. It plans to manufacture 15,000 electric motorcycles, 31,000 batteries, and establish 1,000 battery swapping stations, creating numerous job opportunities and focusing on gender inclusivity.
The CEO of Spiro, Jules Saiman, emphasized the company’s commitment to creating jobs for women. He stated, “By adding at least 15,700 clean electric motorbikes, over 31,400 electric batteries, and more than 1,000 swap stations to our existing fleet, we expect to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, this venture allows us to generate numerous operational, maintenance, and technical support jobs, fostering local employment with a strong focus on gender inclusivity,” in an interview with Electrek.
Spiro offers various models, including the Commando, a small-capacity commuter electric motorcycle. The Commando is equipped with a 6.5 kilowatt electric motor, generating approximately 8.5 horsepower, and has a top speed of 80 kilometers per hour (50 miles per hour). It features two removable batteries that can be swapped in a matter of seconds, providing a range of up to 75 kilometers (47 miles).
In addition, Spiro provides the Chap Chap, an electric scooter designed for light-duty commuting within the city. The Chap Chap is slightly less powerful than the Commando, with a top speed of 65 kilometers per hour (40 miles per hour), but it has a longer range of 90 kilometers (57 miles) on a single charge.
AJP has unveiled its off-road bike for 2024 and has a new importer for the U.S. AJP motorcycles are manufactured in Portugal and source parts from various locations worldwide. The smaller motors are produced in Asia, while the larger ones originate from Italy. For more information, visit AJP-usa.com.
The AJP PR7 Rally bike will sell for $11,299. The AJP SPR510R will sell for $8799 The AJP SPR310R will sell for $8399. The AJP SPR250 will sell for $7199. There will be two versions of the air-cooled 240. The standard model will sell for $5999 and the upgraded 240X will be $6499. The AJP SPR125 will sell for $4999.
Huntington Beach, CA. ASV Inventions, a motorcycle parts manufacturer, is looking for part-time experienced motorcycle mechanics/techs to travel to local and out-of-town motorcycle tracks and races on weekends. Their role would be to work at the company Tech Support booth at motorcycle races, installing parts and assisting customers. Candidates must have technical and mechanical experience with controls and accessories on dirt bikes and street bikes. A clean driving record and a vehicle for commuting to work are also required. The ability to drive large vans, trucks, and RVs/trailers is necessary. The schedule is flexible and can be as little as 2-3 days a week, with 10-30 hours per week, but potentially more. Weekend booth events would require 8-12 hour days on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting early in the mornings at motocross and road racing tracks in Southern California.
Motocross tracks: Glen Helen, Pala, Perris, LACR, Cahuilla, Elsinore, and more.
Road Racing tracks: Willow Springs, Buttonwillow, Chuckwalla, and more.
The weekend booth events occur 3-4 times per month. Candidates must be punctual, reliable, trustworthy, have good communication skills, and be available on short notice. There is potential for advancement to full-time employment once reliability has been proven. For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact ASV Inventions via text or email.
ASV Inventions, Inc. 17811 Georgetown Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92647
In many parts of the world, motorcycles are an inexpensive mode of every day transportation. But let’s face it, when it comes to countries like the US, motorcycles are considered primarily a fun toy to use on the weekend or occasional getaway. While it’s true that a lot of riders in the US do use their motorcycles as every day commuters, that number is staggeringly low when compared to countries like Indian or Thailand. As such, majority of the motorcycles used there from the likes of Bajaj Auto, are of low cost and displacement. But places where motorcycles are a premium hobby? That’s another story all together.
Updated August 2023: Manufacturers come up with special editions and new motorcycles every year, as well as increasing the price even more for some. To keep our readers up to speed with the most expensive production motorcycles, we have updated this article to reflect all relevant information.
BMW made its name with expensive and beautifully-built touring motorcycles such as the R80RT and R100RT in the 1970s, before the GS adventure bike took over as the flagship model and boosted the company’s fortunes immeasurably. But BMW hadn’t abandoned its touring bikes completely: the K 1600 appeared in 2011, and took the motorcycling world by storm, with its silky-smooth inline six-cylinder engine and sophisticated chassis and electronics.
Performance Specs
Displacement
1,649cc
Engine Type
Oil/water-cooled inline-six DOHC
Horsepower
160 horsepower at 6,750 RPM
Torque
132.7 pound-feet at 5,250 RPM
Curb Weight
809.1 pounds
Transmission
6-speed helical
The Option 719 Midnight Black for the Grand America version adds even more luxury, as BMW adds high quality paintwork, aluminum Midnight badge, and a cloud print and model name lettering on the bench seat.
Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak
Starting MSRP: $31,595
Ducati
The Multistrada V4 was already an amazing platform, but Ducati decided to up the ante by turning it into a sportier beast with the Pikes Peak version. Named after the famed hill climb, the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak offers a whole new array of capabilities, such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection.
Performance Specs
Displacement
1,158cc
Engine Type
Liquid-cooled Granturismo V4
Horsepower
170 horsepower
Torque
92 pound-feet
Curb Weight
472 pounds
Transmission
6-speed with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS)
Apart from the extensive electronic suite, Ducati redesigned the geometry such as the rake and positioning of the foot pegs. The rake was revised to 25.75° instead of the previous 24.5°, as well as pushing the foot pegs back by 10mm to give it a sportier feel. Ducati also added a single-sided swingarm to emphasize the sportier nature of the Pikes Peak version.
Honda Gold Wing Tour Airbag Automatic DCT
Starting MSRP: $32,900
Honda Motorcycles
Back in 1974, Honda dared to take Harley-Davidson head-on in the large touring bike class with the flat-four-engined, shaft-driven Gold Wing. That first model was un-faired and Honda saw it as a large sports bike but soon realized that owners were using it differently and turned it into the supreme touring bike we know today, with a huge fairing and all the bells and whistles.
Performance Specs
Displacement
1,833cc
Engine Type
Liquid-cooled boxer-six SOHC
Horsepower
124.7 horsepower at 5500 RPM
Torque
125.4 pound-feet at 4500 RPM
Curb Weight
853 pounds
Transmission
7-speed automatic DCT
Over the years, the size and complexity increased, as did the comfort and mile-eating ability. In 2018, a completely new Gold Wing emerged, more compact and lighter but still a technical tour-de-force. The engine – a six-cylinder since 1987 – grew to 1,832cc (111.8cu.in.) and produces 125 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque. It is silky smooth and the suspension is now electronically adjustable.
Suzuki has launched a custom graphics package for the GSX-8S motorcycle in the French market. The GSX-8S SERT graphics kit pays homage to the race bikes used by the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT). The package includes a race-inspired livery and practical accessories such as a functional belly pan, tank pads, a windscreen, and a fender eliminator kit. The graphics package is available for purchase at Suzuki dealerships in France for 899 Euros ($995 USD).
Saleen Automotive, famous for its performance parts on Ford Mustangs, also created the Saleen XP8, one of the first performance SUVs.
The Saleen XP8 featured extensive exterior modifications, including a new body kit, carbon fiber hood, side skirts, rear spoiler, and 18-inch magnesium wheels.
It had some interior touches like a carbon fiber steering wheel, Saleen gauges, racing pedals, and optional Recaro seats.
Saleen Automotive is renowned for its performance parts on Ford Mustangs. However, they also created one of the first performance SUVs on the market called the Saleen XP8.
The GMC Typhoon may have been the first performance SUV, but the XP8 was a close second. Saleen, known for tuning Ford Mustangs, decided to modify the Ford Explorer and create the XP8, which remains one of the coolest old-school Ford Explorers you can buy today.
It Was Based On The Second Generation Ford Explorer
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Front three-quarter shot of a 1998 Ford Explorer XLT
The Saleen XP8 was based on the second-generation Ford Explorer produced from 1995-2001. It specifically used the four-door Explorer XLT, which offered an optional 5.0-liter V-8 engine with 210 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. This engine option was added in response to competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Land Rover Discovery, which offered V-8 engines.
Saleen made extensive changes to the Ford Explorer, including a new body kit and various mechanical upgrades. The XP8 was offered with two engine options, including a supercharged version. However, these enhancements came at a premium price.
The XP8 featured several exterior modifications to differentiate it from the regular Explorer. Saleen added a full-body kit, which included front and rear bumpers, carbon fiber hood, side skirts, body cladding, and rear spoiler. The car also had carbon fiber mirror caps, Saleen graphics, serialization plaques, and 18-inch magnesium wheels. The front fascia received a new lower bumper design, and the grille was painted to match the body color. The side steps were replaced with side skirts for a lower appearance, and new bottom body cladding was added for a more rugged look. The XP8’s 18-inch magnesium wheels were a rare feature at the time and came with Pirelli Scorpion Zero performance tires.
The interior of the XP8 mostly remained stock, as emphasis was placed on exterior modifications and mechanical upgrades. However, Saleen did make some changes to add a special touch to the interior. These changes included a carbon fiber steering wheel, Saleen gauges, racing pedals, and optional front Saleen branded leather Recaro seats. The center console featured a plaque indicating the model year and production number of each XP8.
Supercharged V-8 And Other Modifications
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Supercharged V-8 engine of the Saleen XP8
Ford offered the Explorer with a 5.0-liter V-8 engine, which was the primary choice for XP8 models. This engine produced slightly more power than the stock version, with 222 horsepower and 298 pound-feet of torque. The supercharged version, on the other hand, offered significantly more power and torque. The XP8 models could be rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, depending on the engine option, both coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission.
Supercharged V-8 Engine Specifications
Engine
Supercharged V-8
Displacement
5.0 liters
Power
286 Horsepower
Torque
333 pound-feet
Transmission
Four-speed automatic
Drivetrain
All-wheel drive
The XP8 also received mechanical upgrades such as a Racecraft suspension that lowered the car by 2 inches. Other performance enhancements included Bilstein struts, stronger sway bars, Alcon brakes (optional), a performance air filter, and a Borla exhaust system.
The Saleen XP8 was introduced in 1998, during the second generation of the Ford Explorer. The plan was to produce 300 units, but they fell short of this target. Only around 125 XP8 examples were produced, and even fewer are still on the road today. This limited production makes them highly sought after.
During the 90s, the MSRP for the XP8 exceeded $52,000, which was a significant amount at that time. By comparison, the base Explorer XLT started at $24,740. However, if you wanted a special SUV like the XP8, you had to be willing to pay the higher price.
There was also a more limited version called the XP6, which was created accidentally when Ford sent Saleen a batch of V-6 Explorers. Saleen decided to upgrade them similar to the XP8 rather than returning them to Ford, resulting in the creation of the Saleen XP6. The main difference was the engine and transmission. The XP6 models are rare and hard to find, and there are no official numbers available for their production.
Despite the recent craze for SUVs and the rising values of old SUV models like Land Cruisers and Defenders, the prices for XP8 models have not skyrocketed yet. This may be because they were often overlooked until recently when they started changing hands. The Saleen XP8 was one of the first SUVs to pave the way for the popular performance SUV segment we see today.
Customers can take advantage of discounts on certain parts and services during the camp
The monsoon service camp began on June 19.
Honda professionals will conduct a complimentary 32-point car inspection during the camp.
Honda is also offering a free top wash during this time.
There are discounts on select parts such as wiper blades, tires, and rubber, as well as services like headlamp cleaning.
Customers will have the opportunity to test-drive the Honda City and experience the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features.
Honda is conducting a nationwide monsoon checkup service campaign at its authorized dealerships across the country. The service camp started on June 19 and will continue until the end of June.
During this period, the carmaker is offering discounts on select parts such as wiper blades, rubber, tires, batteries, and door rubber seals. Customers can also save on services like headlamp cleaning, front windshield cleaning, and underbody anti-rust coating. Honda professionals will also conduct a free 32-point car inspection. A top wash is also provided as a complimentary service during this period.
Owners can also have their car evaluated for exchange at the best possible price. Additionally, Honda is offering customers the opportunity to experience the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features during a test drive of the Honda City.
Honda currently sells two models in India: the City and Amaze. The carmaker will soon enter the compact SUV segment with the Elevate. For more information, you can read here.
Here is the full press release from the carmaker:
Honda Cars India Organizes Nationwide Monsoon Check-Up Camp
New Delhi, June 19, 2023: Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, announced the start of its monsoon service camp at its authorized dealership facilities across the country from June 19-30, 2023.
As part of the company’s customer-centric initiatives, the camp will provide owners with a free 32-point car inspection and top wash, as well as attractive offers on select parts such as wiper blades, rubber, tires, batteries, door rubber seals, and services like headlamp cleaning, front windshield cleaning, and underbody anti-rust coating. In addition, customers can have their car evaluated for the best exchange price. Mr. Kunal Behl, Vice President of Marketing & Sales at Honda Cars India Ltd., said, “As a company committed to offering an enhanced experience to our customers, our extensive dealer network is prepared to organize this monsoon check-up camp. Supported by trained professionals, the initiative will take care of all necessary checks and ensure a safe and hassle-free driving experience throughout the monsoon season. We urge our customers to visit their nearest dealerships to take advantage of these benefits.” During the service camp, customers can also experience the innovative ADAS technology of Honda Sensing through a test drive of the Honda City.
