Installing photo voltaic panels in your roof will make your private home extra power environment friendly and scale back your energy payments, however that isn’t the one approach a roof can do these items. Instead of photo voltaic panels, an alternative choice an individual may have can be to make the roof on their dwelling a cool roof, with the “cool” on this occasion referring to the precise temperature of the roof. A conventional roof, notably in summer time, traps warmth and might attain temperatures of round 150 levels Fahrenheit. As you may count on, that warmth then comes into the house, inflicting your air conditioner to work extra time to attempt to fight it. Having a cool roof combats this phenomenon in an enormous approach.
A cool roof is often so much lighter in colour and made from supplies that may mirror photo voltaic rays slightly than take in them. These roofs can redirect that warmth elsewhere and never have it stick with your private home as a lot, and on these notably scorching summer time days, that 150-degree quantity may very well be decreased by over 50 levels, leading to far much less utilization out of your air conditioner.
Of course, for those who plan to utterly cowl or solely redo your roof, then maybe it’s worthwhile to make the change to photo voltaic panels. Having a cool roof nonetheless has its advantages, particularly aesthetically for those who like having a white or lightly-colored roof, however photo voltaic panels can be a extra environment friendly long-term possibility.
The collector’s marketplace for classic or basic bikes has gone by way of the roof in recent times. And nowhere extra so than within the subject of Harley-Davidson. Being one among America’s oldest producers in steady manufacturing has given the model an unequaled cachet and ensured that values have risen steadily. It helps that Harley-Davidson’s historical past has a number of clearly outlined bookmarks, such because the introduction of the primary V-Twin engine and the following arrival of the Knucklehead, WLA, Sportster, Panhead and Shovelhead.
All of those, in addition to some later fashions, make up nearly all of collectible fashions from Harley Davidson. That’s our focus for immediately, as we take you thru some H-D bikes each collector desires of proudly owning. Some are low cost, some are dear, however all are 100% iconic!
In order to provide the most modern and correct info attainable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with www.motorcyclespecs.co.za and www.mecum.com.
With authenticity an essential consider immediately’s motorbike tradition, these trendy classics can hint their lineage to legendary heritage machines
10Harley-Davidson XLCH Sportster
Price Guideline: $8,000-10,000
Bonhams
By the Fifties, British bikes have been murdering home-grown American bikes by way of efficiency and gross sales, in addition to being rather more compact and dealing with infinitely higher. Dealers have been demanding a motorcycle that would compete on equal phrases, so Harley hit back with the Sportster in 1957. Outwardly, the Sportster had a totally new engine however, in precise truth, it was a flat-head Model Ok with overhead valve cylinder heads grafted on, fitted right into a Model Ok chassis. The unique displacement of 883cc will ring a bell with a lot of immediately’s Sportster homeowners.
Sales have been sluggish, nonetheless, and sellers despatched Harley again to the drafting board to provide one thing lighter nonetheless and extra sporty-looking, with a smaller gasoline tank and bobbed fenders. The relaxation is historical past because the Sportster turned Harley’s longest-running mannequin, remaining in manufacturing till 2022. It’s a collectible because of its significance in Harley Davidson’s historical past.
Performance Specifications
Displacement
883cc
Engine Type
V-Twin
Frame Type
Steel tube
Max Power
60 Horsepower
Max Torque
55 pound-feet
(Specs sourced from www.motorcyclespecs.co.za)
9Harley-Davidson XLCR
Price Guideline: $12,000-14,000
Mecum
The café racer, as outlined by British motorcyclists, was a stripped-down manufacturing bike, with model, lightness, and efficiency uppermost in thoughts. Now, with one of the best will on this planet, a Harley-Davidson can solely be described as a heavy piece of apparatus, and that features the Sportster, upon which the XLCR relies.
A inventory Sportster, fitted with a bikini fairing, single-seat, racing tank, and dropped handlebars was by no means going to be something however a inventory Sportster with some racy-looking goodies bolted on and was no sports activities bike, regardless of the identify. But there’s no denying that the XLCR looked great, even when it bought solely round 1000 examples a yr for the three years of its existence. It was additionally one of many only a few manufacturing unit café racers, a number of a long time earlier than the Triumph Thruxton introduced the model again into trend.
Performance Specifications
Displacement
997cc
Engine Type
V-Twin
Frame Type
Steel tube
Max Power
68 Horsepower
Max Torque
60 pound-feet
(Specs sourced from www.motorcyclespecs.co.za)
8Harley-Davidson Servi-Car
Price Guideline: $14,000
Mecum
In order to outlive the Great Depression, Harley-Davidson was determined to extend gross sales and the ingenious engineers got here up with the Servi-Car, a three-wheeled, practical utility vehicle. It was focused on the automotive service business, being designed to help in roadside breakdowns and even for delivering automobiles to prospects. A tow-bar fitted to the entrance meant that the Servi-Car could possibly be towed behind the automotive being delivered after which ridden again to the dealership by only one particular person, saving money and time. It additionally discovered a prepared viewers in small companies, who used it for deliveries and as cell vendor autos. The idea lives on immediately within the type of the Tri Glide mannequin.
Performance Specifications
Displacement
750cc (45cu.in.)
Engine Type
V-Twin
Frame Type
Tricycle
Max Power
25 Horsepower
Max Torque
N/A
(Specs sourced from www.motorcyclespecs.co.za)
7Harley-Davidson Electra Glide
Price Guideline: $15,000-20,000
Mecum Auctions
The basis of the fully-dressed Harley touring bike that’s such a mainstay of manufacturing immediately. The Electra Glide was nonetheless technically a Panhead, however the model was utterly totally different. Harley tackled head-on the aftermarket suppliers promoting touring equipment by the bucket load to Panhead homeowners to make them extra sensible for long-distance journey. The FLH (‘H’ for Highway) obtained a 12-volt electrical system and a bigger (5-gallon) gasoline tank in addition to a “King of the Highway” possibility package deal. It included laborious saddlebags, a detachable windshield, a baggage rack, and loads of chrome embellishment.
It additionally obtained electrical beginning, which could sound quaint immediately however, on the time, it was an enormous leap ahead: it was solely about that point that the Japanese began becoming electrical begin to its small-displacement fashions. Whereas, the British and the remainder of the European business took one other ten years to begin excited about it.
This heavyweight is restricted to only 1,750 items worldwide
Performance Specifications
Displacement
1,200 to 1,340cc
Engine Type
V-Twin
Frame Type
Steel tube
Max Power (1,200cc)
58 Horsepower
Max Torque
70 pound-feet
(Specs sourced from www.motorcyclespecs.co.za)
6Harley-Davidson WLA
Price Guideline: $18,000
Dmitry Pavlovsky
In the pantheon of legendary Harley-Davidson models, the WLA won’t have as a lot forex because the famed Knucklehead. But it’s simply as essential within the common historical past of the corporate because the 70,000 or so produced throughout World War 2 ensured the prosperity of the corporate after the struggle had ended. Not to say, being essential within the rise of biker tradition post-war, as returning GIs would purchase surplus WLAs and customise, or ‘bob’ them.
The WLA was powered by the most recent improvement of the flathead engine, with greater compression – though nonetheless solely 5:1 (permitting the usage of poor high quality gasoline). It was extensively adopted by the U.S. armed forces, in addition to being exported in massive numbers to Russia, UK, and South Africa. Today, any WLA – in customary navy trim or ‘bobbed’ – is turning into more and more essential to collectors.
Performance Specifications
Displacement
750cc (45cu.in.)
Engine Type
V-Twin
Frame Type
Steel Tube
Max Power
25 Horsepower
Max Torque
N/A
(Specs sourced from www.motorcyclespecs.co.za)
5Harley-Davidson VR1000
Price Guideline: $20,000-30,000
Iconic Motorbike Auctions
Evidence of Harley’s new-found success and drive got here within the type of the startling VR1000. Racing sells, so we’re informed, however Harley didn’t take the simple route and concentrated solely on flat-track racing. No, the intention was to enter the American AMA Superbike championship.
To do this, a new 1,000cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 135-horsepower engine mounted in an aluminum twin-spar body was conceived and inbuilt adequate numbers to qualify for the sequence. However, regardless of work commencing in 1991, the VR1000 didn’t seem till 1994, by which period it was underpowered in comparison with its rivals. The idea soldiered on till 2001 and was then dropped. But it confirmed that Harley-Davidson was ready to look severely at liquid cooling, as the following mannequin proved, and immediately, the VR1000 is a a lot sought-after mannequin.
Performance Specifications
Displacement
1,000cc
Engine Type
V-Twin
Frame Type
Steel tube
Max Power
135 horsepower
Max Torque
N/A
(Specs sourced from www.motorcyclespecs.co.za)
4Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead
Price Guideline: $60,000
Bring A Trailer
In 1936, the valves within the V-Twin engine modified to an overhead place, versus the earlier side-valve designs. The EL was additionally the bike that started the custom – amongst Harley fans, no less than – of naming the engines and, by extension, the entire bike, after the form of the valve cowl designs. The ‘Knucklehead’ was the distinctive result and the engine was a leap forward by way of efficiency.
It featured hemispherical combustion chambers and the facility output was a big enchancment at 40 horsepower. 61 cubic inches at first, however then a 74 cubic inch (1,200cc) model appeared in 1941. Despite the superior engine, the EL nonetheless had a foot clutch, hand shift, and a left-hand brake lever. The final motorbike designed by the unique staff of the Davidson brothers and William S. Harley, a Knucklehead Harley is vastly worthwhile immediately and, some preserve, one of the best Harley ever!
According to specialists, the Harley Davidson XR750 is the most successful racing machine (on two wheels or 4) ever produced. After all, between 1972 and 2008, the XR750 received 29 of the 37 AMA Grand National Championships, profitable extra races than another in AMA racing. In the late Nineteen Sixties, the AMA modified the foundations for racing, permitting Japanese and British bikes to compete on a stage taking part in subject with Harley-Davidson’s KR mannequin. Harley’s response was the XR750, powered by a modified model of the Sportster engine, with overhead valves. It won’t be notably uncommon, however its competitors success and significance within the historical past of Harley-Davidson ensures it a spot on any record of collectible Harleys.
Performance Specifications
Displacement
750cc
Engine Type
V-Twin
Frame Type
Steel tube
Max Power
N/A
Max Torque
N/A
(Specs sourced from www.motorcyclespecs.co.za)
2Any Single-Cylinder Harley-Davidson Model
Price Guideline: $200,000-up
Dmitry Pavlovsky
As an extension of the above, all early Harley-Davidsons have been powered by single-cylinder engines. Harley launched its first V-Twin engine in 1907, however few have been bought earlier than 1910 (nearly all of manufacturing to that time being of 500cc single-cylinder fashions). Having stated that, manufacturing numbers within the early years have been minute (solely 37 bikes inbuilt 1907, for instance), so even the truth that early bikes will not be V-Twins makes little to no distinction by way of their worth immediately. Largely pushed by their rarity, which sadly means that only a few will ever be ridden. As an indivisible aspect of Harley-Davidson’s historical past, nonetheless, there is no such thing as a doubting the significance of the single-cylinder Harley fashions.
Performance Specifications
Displacement
440cc
Engine Type
Single Cylinder
Frame Type
Bicycle-type
Max Power
N/A
Max Torque
N/A
(Specs sourced from www.motorcyclespecs.co.za)
1Harley-Davidson ‘Strap Tank’
Price Guideline: Up To $1 million
Mecum
Given that the overwhelming majority of very early Harley-Davidson fashions are purchased as investments and definitely to not journey, then what collector wouldn’t need what’s, on the time of writing, the most costly motorbike ever to be bought at public sale? In 2023, a 1908 Harley-Davidson ‘Strap Tank’ mannequin bought for $935,000 when auctioned by Mecum at its Las Vegas sale. It was one among solely 450 bikes manufactured in 1908 by H-D and, undoubtedly, one among solely a handful to outlive, making it extremely uncommon and certainly one thing of a holy grail to collectors.
Even the truth that the motorbike had been utterly restored and had subsequently misplaced all of its unique patina didn’t have an effect on the sale value. To illustrate this, an analogous mannequin from 1907, when the corporate manufactured solely 37 bikes, in utterly unique situation, bought for ‘only’ $715,000 a couple of years earlier. There is not any accounting for style!
Not solely does this Jimny ditch its roof, it may even seat extra passengers than the usual road-going Maruti SUV
When it involves guided excursions of the wild, nationwide parks and sanctuaries make use of purpose-specific automobiles to ferry across the vacationers. Usually, they may use modified variations of an previous Mahindra Thar or Bolero, or perhaps a Maruti Gypsy, altered for extra visibility and further passengers. Now, there’s a brand new selection of car for a forest safari in Rajasthan – the Maruti Jimny.
Images of this chop-top Jimny surfaced on-line because of Harvijay Singh Bahia, a rally-enthusiast, on his social account. He was in a position to spend a while with this new safari car, which remains to be being examined earlier than being deployed into use to ferry round vacationers at nationwide parks. Let’s see every thing that’s been modified for the aim.
Spot The Differences
The most evident change is that the Jimny has no roof and solely the A-pillar and windscreen stays. It has been fitted with an additional row of seats mounted on the tailgate, performing as a perch for higher visibility whereas exploring the wilderness. Additional wooden and metal constructions may be noticed throughout to strengthen the chopped-up Jimny and supply structural rigidity underneath load. Some of the brand new framework across the physique additionally incorporates steps for simpler ingress and egress, particularly for the third row.
What may appear to be rollover bars are merely chunky seize handles for the perched row of seats on the again. This Jimny not affords any safety from the weather, not even any home windows.
Based on the halogen headlamps and metal wheels, we recognized that this safari car relies on the base-spec Maruti Jimny. However, it does get a singular paint job in a shade fairly near navy inexperienced, which isn’t out there in the usual mannequin.
Jimny Powertrain
The Maruti off-roader is just out there with a 1.5-litre petrol engine (105 PS/ 138 Nm) with 4WD as commonplace. It does get the selection of a 5-speed handbook or a 4-speed computerized transmission. You can learn our first drive impressions of the 5-door Jimny right here.
We’re curious to know the way these modifications have an effect on the trip high quality of the Jimny, particularly in comparison with the tried and examined Gypsy and jeeps. So, for those who’re among the many fortunate individuals who will get to go for a safari on certainly one of these, do share your expertise within the feedback part under.
In 2022, Bugatti lastly chopped off the Chiron’s roof to create the Mistral. An achingly beautiful roadster, the open-top hypercar is proscribed to 99 items, the primary of which can be delivered this yr. If you are not among the many unique patrons, now’s your probability to purchase one. But it’s going to value you.
While the unique prospects agreed to pay the princely sum of about €5 million plus taxes, the construct slot on Mobile.de instructions a considerable premium. It’s out there for €8,539,900. The internet value is an eye-watering €7.9 million, so nonetheless €2.9M greater than the unique sticker value. After factoring in taxes, you are taking a look at spending roughly $9.3 million at present change charges.
From an internet of LED lights draped in your automotive, to an precise ornamental tree on the roof, be sure you have fun responsibly
The vacation season brings a singular alternative to unfold cheer in numerous methods, and for some that features the participation of their automotive as effectively. Transforming your car right into a cellular celebration of the Christmas spirit could be a pleasant expertise. However, it is essential to stability creativity with security to make sure that your festive spirit does not compromise highway security or trigger unintentional harm to your automotive.
The Joy of Decorating Your Car for Christmas
Decorating your automotive for Christmas isn’t just about including a festive contact; it is about sharing the enjoyment of the season wherever you go. Whether it is driving by way of your neighborhood or just parked at your office, a well-decorated automotive can convey smiles and unfold vacation cheer.
Importance of Balancing Creativity with Safety
While adorning, it is important to contemplate the protection of your self, passengers, and different highway customers. Here are some ideas in regards to the kinds of strategies you possibly can try to the varied precautions you possibly can take with every of them:
Festive Light Display
Using LED lights to create a festive define in your automotive may be mesmerizing. Opt for colourful, battery-operated LED lights to stipulate your car, including a glowing contact to its look.
Safety Tips:
Ensure the lights are securely hooked up, use lights that do not impede the motive force’s view, and select energy-efficient choices to keep away from draining the automotive’s battery.
Use automotive-safe tape or clips to connect the lights. Ensure they’re firmly in place to forestall them from falling off whereas driving.
Do not place lights close to the motive force’s line of sight. The brightness shouldn’t be distracting to the motive force or different highway customers.
Holiday-Themed Car Magnets
Removable holiday-themed magnets can add a playful and festive contact with out the permanence of different decorations.
Safety Tips:
Choose high-quality magnets which might be robust sufficient to remain put however received’t harm the automotive’s paint.
Place magnets on flat, clean areas of the automotive. Avoid putting them on curved surfaces the place they may simply come off. If that have been to occur whereas driving, it might be hazardous to different highway customers.
Wreath on the Grille
A basic Christmas wreath on the entrance grille brings a standard festive spirit to your car.
Safety Tips:
Secure the wreath effectively, making certain it doesn’t impede airflow to the engine and is created from weather-durable supplies.
Use artificial supplies as they’re extra sturdy and fewer prone to shed components.
Use sturdy ties or automotive-grade fasteners. Regularly test that the wreath is securely hooked up.
Choose a wreath that’s proportional to the scale of the grille to keep away from obstructing headlights or security sensors.
Window Decals and Paint
Festive decals and short-term paint on automotive home windows provide a artistic option to show vacation spirit.
Safety Tips:
Apply decorations solely on rear home windows (not the rear windscreen) to keep up visibility and use supplies which might be simply detachable with out residue.
Check native legal guidelines relating to window decorations, as some areas have restrictions on window obstructions.
Decals shouldn’t be flashy or luminescent as they may distract different drivers, particularly at night time.
A Roof-Top Christmas Scene
Creating a mini Christmas scene (lookup diorama) in your automotive’s roof may be an attention grabbing show. One can connect a light-weight Christmas tree and embody components like a Santa Claus and reindeers.
Safety Tips:
Ensure the decorations are light-weight. Heavy objects can have an effect on car dealing with.
Consider the aerodynamic influence. Bulky decorations can improve drag and gasoline consumption.
Use robust, secure ties or straps to safe the show that would depart no residue when eliminated. Regularly test that it stays safe.
Be conscious of the full peak of the automotive with the rooftop ornament, particularly when passing below low overhangs or bridges.
Incorporating security into your festive automotive decorations ensures that you would be able to have fun the vacation season joyfully with out compromising security. By following the following tips and concepts, you possibly can creatively embellish your automotive and unfold vacation cheer, all whereas making certain the protection of everybody on the highway.
The BMW M3 Touring is a combination of a high-performance sedan and a spacious wagon, allowing owners to carry more cargo. German publication Sport Auto had the opportunity to test the wagon’s speed on the 12.8-mile version of the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Driver Christian Gebhardt completed the lap in 7 minutes and 34.39 seconds.
For comparison, BMW did an official lap of the M3 Touring around the ‘Ring with driver Jörg Weidinger. He completed the 12.8-mile layout in 7 minutes and 30.3 seconds. The longer 12.94-mile version took 7 minutes and 35.060 seconds, setting a new record for wagons on the famous track. It’s worth noting that the asphalt was partially damp during the record lap, suggesting that Weidinger could have achieved an even faster time under ideal conditions.
Roof helmets have been around since 1993, and has become quite popular among motorcyclists thanks to its unique, rounded look that’s a fusion of modern and retro styling. The French brand is celebrating its 30th anniversary by unveiling the newest version of one of its most popular helmets, the Boxxer 2 modular helmet.
The very first Roof Boxxer helmet was launched all the way back in 1995, and it gained popularity thanks to its style and practicality. The helmet featured a modular design with a chin bar that flipped open 180 degrees. This meant that it got completely out of the way of the rider, while at the same time providing the helmet with an unmistakable aesthetic. Fast-forward to 2017, and Roof introduced the Boxxer Carbon, a much lighter, more performance-oriented lid of the same design and look.
As for the Boxxer 2, one glance is all it takes, as it’s clear to see that it’s an evolution of the Boxxer marque. Roof has tried its best to keep the helmet’s styling intact, and indeed, it has done this all while updating the helmet’s technology to meet the exacting parameters of the new ECE R22.06 standard. Like before, the helmet retains its dual P/J homologation, which means it’s approved for road use with the chin bar both open and closed.
The Roof Boxxer 2 features a fiberglass shell which now gets a new FleXLocker system for locking it in the open position. The result is a lightweight helmet, considering the fact that its modular, tipping the scales at 3.5 pounds (1,600 grams). It’s interesting to note that while other helmets tend to gain weight after conforming to the 22.06 standard, the Boxxer 2 has managed to keep its weight identical to its predecessor.
On the inside of the helmet, the Boxxer 2 gets a removable and washable Silent Lining interior complete with antibacterial treatment. As the name suggests, the inner liner has been designed specifically to offer comfort and an extra quiet ride. The lid also comes with extra cushions so you can adjust the thickness, and cheek pads of varying thicknesses are also available as options from the brand. The lid gets a clear anti-scratch visor with an anti-fog screen, and is intercom-ready.
In terms of pricing and availability, the Roof Boxxer 2 modular helmet is offered in three solid colors consisting of black, gray, and red, as well as a selection of graphic options. The helmet comes in sizes ranging from XS to XXL, and carries a suggested retail price of 499 Euros, or about $536 USD.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
