When it comes to motorcycles, there are numerous manufacturers outside of the North American market that many of us have never even heard of. Different regions have different needs and preferences when it comes to motorcycles. In the US, big, powerful bikes are popular for long-distance travel on freeways. In other congested regions like Europe, Asia, and South America, small-displacement bikes are favored for mobility. Exploring the bikes and manufacturers in these regions is like discovering a whole new world of motorcycles.
AKT Motos is one such brand that many of us, including myself, haven’t heard of until now, but it is one of the biggest names in the motorcycle industry in Colombia. Established in 2004, AKT Motos aimed to produce affordable motorcycles for Colombian residents. Over the past 19 years, the brand has grown significantly and now holds 15 percent of the Colombian motorcycle market. It also exports its bikes to neighboring markets and has recently expanded to Bolivia and Aruba.
Currently, AKT Motos has 5,000 spare parts distributors and 427 service centers in Colombia alone. The brand’s rapid growth and popularity in Colombia can be attributed to its accessibility. AKT Motos sources its products from Chinese and Taiwanese manufacturers and then remodels, reassembles, or rebrands them for the Colombian market. This allows them to offer affordable prices that fit within the budgets of most Colombian residents.
In addition to accessibility, AKT Motos has adopted a unique digital approach to connect with customers. The brand utilizes various online and social media platforms, including WhatsApp, to engage with its customer base. Furthermore, AKT Motos actively promotes safe and defensive riding. The company conducts rider training workshops and runs a road safety campaign called “Mi Familia Me Espera” or “My Family Awaits Me,” emphasizing the importance of riding safely to return home to loved ones.
When it comes to product offerings, AKT Motos has a wide range of bikes to choose from. Their official website showcases an impressive selection, including the workhorse NKD 125 series, sporty naked bikes like the CR4 125, scooters like the Dynamic, and even a sporty supermoto called the TTR 125. With such diverse models and attractive pricing, it’s no wonder that AKT Motos has gained prominence in Colombia.
If you enjoy browsing used bikes for sale, dreaming about finding the perfect barn find, or rescuing basket cases to save them from being scrapped, we have some bad news for you. Recently, Vermont closed a registration loophole that allowed individuals with difficult vintage vehicle title situations to register their purchases legally. This loophole was commonly referred to as “the Vermont loophole.”
Previously, individuals could register their vehicles in Vermont and then use that registration to obtain a title in their home state. Alternatively, they could choose to keep their vehicles registered in Vermont while operating them in their home state. This option was particularly attractive to those who owned barn finds or had other challenging title situations.
However, the leniency of Vermont’s titling practices also presented an opportunity for individuals with dishonest intentions. Some people took advantage of the relaxed rules to obtain titles for stolen vehicles or used fraudulent ownership documents. As a result, Vermont has implemented new measures to prevent this misuse.
Starting from July 1, 2023, out-of-state residents or individuals without an established relationship with Vermont will have additional steps to go through if they wish to obtain a vehicle title in the state. The new process requires the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in their home state to verify that the vehicle does not need to be registered there.
This change in Vermont’s registration policy leaves motorcycle enthusiasts wondering what alternative options are available. While there are no definitive answers yet, some ideas have been suggested by individuals like BJ at Brick House Builds in a video discussing the issue. Will more old bikes end up being scrapped because it’s no longer feasible to rescue them? Only time will tell.
This article discusses a unique car for sale on Cars & Bids—a 1985 Pontiac Fiero transformed into a replica of the iconic Ferrari F50. Although the car looks like a Ferrari, it’s important to note that it is, in fact, a Pontiac Fiero. This particular model is a GT with a V6 engine located behind the driver. If you’re interested in adding this peculiar F50 replica to your collection, you’ll need to act fast as the auction ends on June 28.
According to the listing, creating this imitation Ferrari was quite an undertaking. The original Fiero’s chassis was elongated and widened, and various fiberglass body panels were added. The details about the exact modifications are not provided, but there is a noticeable difference in proportions, particularly in the distance between the lower rockers and the door frames. The front of the car is elongated, resembling the real F50, except for the unconventional dual chins beneath the corner intakes. Additionally, the hood’s angle and the rear of the car may not be completely accurate, but overall, this kit car conversion is not the worst we’ve seen.
Supermotos are probably one of the greatest things the human race ever invented. Take an incredibly fun-to-ride motocross bike and put some road tires on it, so you can ride it on the street. Even better, put some slick racing tires on it and race these pieces of motorcycle art around a small track. Since 2003, and AMA’s first-ever Supermoto Championship, their popularity only grew. So if you are looking for your next bike, besides buying a superbike or a supernaked, why not give a supermoto a chance? And when it comes to supermoto bikes, one name sure stands out, those three magical letters… KTM!
The KTM 450 SMR – Built To Dominate The Race-Track
KTM
Photo of a KTM 450 SMR doing a wheelie on a race-track
One of the best things, besides Arnold of course, that has ever come out of Austria. The KTM’s supermoto line, and the 450 SMR that was imagined as the ultimate track-day weapon. Without a doubt, this machine is just way too tempting to be overlooked, and for 2024, it’s getting even more addictive.
There are plenty of upgrades for the new 450 SMR, so let’s start with everyone’s favorite part. The engine. It is a one-cylinder four-stroke 449.9 cc engine that makes an impressive 63 horsepower. KTM swears that its new single-overhead-camshaft engine continues to be one of the most insane and perfectly executed mechanical gems. Going down the same line as their motocross and hard-enduro/dual-sport line-up, the 450 SMR’s engine was lightened (now weighs only 59 lbs) and pushed towards the center of the bike for better handling and anti-squat behavior.
How did they get a lightweight engine capable of pushing 63 horsepower? With the new cylinder head. Shorter and lighter with a more compact profile. Next was the new ultra-light crankshaft to offer more performance, better response when you twist the throttle, and to keep any pesky vibrations to a minimum. The housing for the crankshaft was made through a high-pressure die-cast process to get thinner and more durable walls. The slipper clutch is from Suter Racing and offers rear stability when you slam on the brakes in the middle of an apex.
The light-weight exhaust is a compact two-piece header that can easily be removed without messing around with the rear shocks. But, things get even better at the exhaust department. You can also order, from the KTM’s power parts list, an Akrapovič ‘Evolution Line’ exhaust. Made from light-weight, high-grade titanium, and 1,9lbs lighter than the stock one.
The frame was made to provide flexibility while keeping it solid length-wise. The sub-frame was made from reinforced aluminum and polyamide for increased durability and flexibility. The swing-arm was also made to be as light as possible, therefore aluminum was used to make it.
The suspension on the 450 SMR is top-of-the-line, specifically made for supermoto bikes. The front fork is a 48 mm air-sprung WP XACT that uses AER technology (basically a capsuled air spring and a pressurized oil chamber). It is easily adjustable through a single air-pressure valve. The rear shock is also WP XACT, and can be easily tuned without the need for tools. Wheels are light-weight Alpina, 16.5 at the front and 17 inches at the rear, and they come dressed in Metzeler’s Racetec K1 supermoto tires. To stop this bad boy is a job for Brembo brakes. A four-piston radially mounted caliper with a 310 mm disc at the front and a one-piston caliper with a 220 mm disc at the rear.
The high-tech stuff is also quite interesting. You get to choose between two engine maps. The first map gives you easily controllable, tamed power delivery. The second map will give you more of a no-holds-barred, anything-goes approach to power output (you were warned). Another cool feature is the easily de/activated quick-shifter that allows you to shift into higher gears without squeezing the clutch, but only from second to fifth gear. To keep you safe when things get slippery is what the traction control is for. If the revs jump too fast, the onboard computer sees that as a loss of grip and cuts down the power to the rear wheel. What kind of street rocket would the 450 SMR be without the launch control? Just press the traction control and quick-shifter button together for this to activate. All of these nice-to-have gadgets come with a base price of $11,999.
The Blue And White Option
Husqvarna
A studio photo of a Husqvarna FS 450 for 2024
The biggest competitor to KTM for the wildest bike is, who else but the KTM-owned Husqvarna. Both of their line-ups for 2024 seem to be aiming at each other’s throats. In the world of off-road bikes, this is the best news someone can hope for. Husqvarna’s FS 450 for 2024 seems more than upgraded and ready to take on the KTM’s 450 SMR.
Although the spec sheet reads the same, a keen motorcycle fan knows that the bike, and the company that makes it, is more than just a list of parts. Husqvarna and KTM do not make the same motorcycles. They are however, in this case, equally priced.
Among the many Chinese motorcycle manufacturers, CFMoto is highly regarded in the industry. The company has partnered with Austrian giant KTM and manufactures 790 engines for KTM. CFMoto also offers its own versions of the KTM 790 Duke and Adventure known as the 800 NK and 800 MT, or Ibex 800 in the U.S. market.
In addition to establishing a presence in North America, CFMoto has recently released several new models in China, including the 450 NK. This lightweight naked bike is based on the existing 450 SR model, which is marketed as the 450 SS in the U.S.
The standout feature of the 450 NK is its engine. This sportbike boasts a 449cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crankshaft. This configuration delivers a powerful sound and similar power delivery to a 90-degree V-twin, resembling Yamaha’s 700cc motorbikes. With 50 horsepower at 10,000 rpm, it is expected to offer impressive performance comparable to the 450 SR.
From a design perspective, the 450 NK features a modern look with sleek, angular bodywork that enhances its athletic appearance. It is equipped with modern technology, including a full-color TFT display, full LED lights, and a lightweight aluminum swingarm. Thanks to its lack of fairings, the 450 NK is even lighter than the acclaimed 450 SR, weighing just 175 kilograms. This makes it one of the lighter twin-cylinder naked bikes on the market.
Like all CFMoto models, the 450 NK comes equipped with premium components sourced from established OEMs in the industry. For instance, it features an inverted front fork and link-type monoshock suspension from KYB, Brembo sub-brand J.Juan’s radial four-piston caliper and dual-channel ABS for brakes, and Bosch’s electronic fuel-injection system. The bike also offers smartphone connectivity with Bluetooth and navigation capabilities.
Considering the positive reception of CFMoto’s NK range in Asia and Europe, it is highly likely that the 450 NK will be exported to other markets. In China, it is priced at 28,580 Yuan, which equates to around $3,980 USD. If it reaches Europe and the U.S., it is anticipated to retail for approximately $5,000 USD.
# Corvette E-Ray Behind-The-Scenes Video Reveals Elaborate Photo Shoot
It’s no secret that automakers invest a significant amount of time and effort into capturing the perfect photos of their new cars. While some official launch photos may seem hastily done, in general, the process involves more than just finding a cool spot and snapping some pictures. The official Instagram account for the GM Design studios recently shared a behind-the-scenes look at Chevrolet’s photo shoot for the 2024 Corvette E-Ray, revealing the elaborate setup and attention to detail involved.
One of the locations for the shoot was a winding road through a forest during the day. But simply driving on a dry road wasn’t enough for the E-Ray. A truck was brought in to wet the surface with water, and a smoke machine was used to add atmosphere. The video footage shared on Instagram gives a glimpse into the actual shoot and showcases the resulting official images.
Another location for the shoot was at night, and while it doesn’t appear as elaborate as the daytime shoot, the road is clearly wet, suggesting the use of water to enhance the visuals.
It’s important to note that the Corvette E-Ray is a significant vehicle for Chevrolet. It is the first Corvette to feature an electrified powertrain and all-wheel drive, making it the fastest-accelerating model in the Corvette lineup. Given its significance, it comes as no surprise that extra attention was given to capturing stunning images of the E-Ray.
This behind-the-scenes look at the Corvette E-Ray photo shoot raises curiosity about what the next Corvette trim, rumored to be the ZR1, will bring. Based on aggressive-looking camouflaged prototypes and a leaked report, the ZR1 is expected to be the most powerful and fastest production Corvette to date, with up to 850 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged version of the 5.5-liter DOHC V8 engine.
In conclusion, the Corvette E-Ray photo shoot showcased the dedication of the GM Design studios and the meticulous effort put into capturing stunning images of this special Corvette variant. As we await the debut of the next Corvette trim, it’s exciting to anticipate the elaborate photo shoot that will accompany its introduction.
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