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News

BMW R 18 Owners, Check Out This Fancy Leather Strap For Your Smartphone

It goes without saying that riding a classic-inspired machine is, as the Gen Z say it, a total vibe. That said, with all the modern technology we depend on in our day-to-day lives, integrating them with the classic styling of, say, a BMW R 18, can be a total vibe-killer. Luckily, the moto industry is full of talented minds that do a great job of concealing these gadgets.

BMW R 18 Owners, Check Out This Fancy Leather Strap For Your Smartphone

Let’s start with something as simple as a smartphone. Everyone has one, as it’s pretty much essential for pretty much everything we do. As it would turn out, it’s also a handy tool to have when riding, as you can stay connected to the world and access important apps like Google Maps or Spotify as you ride. While there are tons of phone mounts in the market, they just won’t cut it if you want to maintain that classic, barebones look. This is where products like this leather panel from Hornig come in handy.

BMW R 18 Owners, Check Out This Fancy Leather Strap For Your Smartphone
BMW R 18 Owners, Check Out This Fancy Leather Strap For Your Smartphone

Hornig is a rather popular aftermarket brand known for its handcrafted accessories and upgrades for a bunch of bikes. This simple yet effective (and expensive) leather panel straps on top of the BMW R 18’s fuel tank, and is essentially a phone mount for hipsters who think stuff like a Quad Lock are just too mainstream.

Hornig’s leather strap has a built-in smartphone pocket with a clear plastic cover allowing you to use your phone as a secondary display mounted on the tank. There seems to be ample room to fit even bigger smartphones, as Hornig says that the phone pocket has a width of 81mm (3.1 inches), a length of 195mm (7.7 inches), and a height of about 12mm (0.5 inches). The strap is offered in two colors consisting of black and brown, and very easily straps onto both ends of the bike’s tank.

As I mentioned earlier, the Hornig tank strap commands quite a premium. For 219.90 Euros, or about $240 USD, it’s definitely a hefty investment for a product of its type.

Motorsport

Mazda Plans to Release “Very Cool” Special Editions of MX-5 Miata

Mazda recently launched the ND3 MX-5 in Japan, indicating that the current generation of this beloved sports car will remain in production for a few more years. Shigeki Saito, the Miata’s Program Manager, stated in an interview with CarsGuide that they intend to keep the fourth-generation model, known as the ND, for as long as possible, while also adhering to various regulatory requirements.

When asked about the release date for the next-generation MX-5, Saito suggested that it won’t be happening anytime soon. He explained that Mazda is in no hurry to replace the current model because electrifying the roadster would compromise its lightweight nature, which is a key aspect of the Miata’s identity. The company prefers to wait until battery technology improves and becomes smaller and lighter before launching an electric MX-5.


Motorsport

The Final Audi TT Special Edition: Beautiful Green Paint and Gray Roof

Audi is bidding farewell to the TT. In February, the company announced that its beloved sports car was nearing the end of its production line, along with the R8 supercar. However, both vehicles are going out in style with a range of special trims, including the new TT Roadster Final Edition.

The Final Edition features Audi Exclusive Goodwood Green Pearl paint, paying homage to the first-generation TT, which offered this color as an option. For the first time ever, the roof is gray, matching the matte gray bumpers and side profile accents. Additionally, this Final Edition model is based on the S Line trim, with 20-inch wheels as standard.

While the previous S Line badges have been removed from the exterior and interior, the Final Edition replaces the standard brushed aluminum accents with carbon fiber. The seats are covered in beautiful Palomino Brown leather, described by Audi as a “modern interpretation” of the original TT’s baseball seats, although the similarities are not immediately apparent.

When it comes to performance, the TT Roadster Final Edition is equipped with a base turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The TT can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds and comes with standard all-wheel drive and magnetic ride control, which lowers the ride height by 0.3 inches.

Only 50 units of the Final Edition will be available in the United States, so interested buyers need to act quickly. The Audi TT Roadster Final Edition is priced at $68,895, including the $1,095 destination fee. Other unique special-edition TT models are available in markets such as the UK, Japan, and Spain.

News

Sidi Boots Exclusively Distributed in the US by Helmet House

Motorcycle boots are essential for our safety when riding on two wheels. Often, we choose boots based on style and comfort without fully appreciating the technology that keeps our feet protected in case of an accident. Sidi, an Italian brand known for its high-quality footwear, aims to establish a stronger presence in the US market through an exclusive distribution agreement with Helmet House.

Helmet House, a reputable distribution company with over 50 years of experience in the motorcycle industry, is responsible for distributing renowned helmet brand Shoei in the US. Now, it adds Sidi to its portfolio, further expanding its offerings. Davide Rossetti, CEO of Sidi Sport, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are super excited about this relationship with HH (Helmet House). We have known the leadership for years, and they are a great team. Their high level of service is a great match with our premium products. Together we are looking forward to building an exclusive relationship with dealers and riders in the USA.”

Helmet House plans to expand Sidi’s dealership network in the US market. The company acknowledges and appreciates the support of loyal partners and enthusiasts who have shown their support for the brand over the years. To browse Sidi’s wide selection of boots for adventure/touring, racing/sport, and off-road/enduro, visit Helmet House’s official website.

News

Hyosung GV125R Introduced in Europe as an Entry-Level Cruiser

Cruisers have always been an integral part of motorcycle culture, captivating riders with their distinctive style and allure. In recent years, manufacturers have been making cruisers more accessible to beginner riders. This trend is not limited to larger displacement bikes like the Honda Rebel 300 or the Kawasaki Eliminator 400, but also extends to smaller displacement cruisers targeted specifically at first-timers in Europe and Asia. One such example is the Hyosung GV125R, a new offering from the South Korean motorcycle brand.

The Hyosung brand has been around for quite some time and has had a presence in the US market in the past. Currently, it continues to cater to the European and Asian markets, regularly releasing new models.

The Hyosung GV125R draws inspiration from American cruisers and features a V-twin engine, albeit with a much smaller 125cc capacity compared to popular models like the Harley-Davidson Sportster. Despite its small engine, the GV125R generates 13.3 horsepower and 10.2 Newton-meters of torque, making it a lightweight option weighing just 182 kilograms with a full tank of gas. It also comes with a five-speed manual transmission.

In terms of suspension, the GV125R is equipped with 35-millimeter inverted front forks with 120 millimeters of travel and a double-sided steel swingarm with a centrally mounted monoshock providing 38 millimeters of travel. The braking system consists of a 270-millimeter rotor and dual-piston, radially mounted caliper at the front, and a 250-millimeter disc at the rear. Dual-channel ABS is standard for added safety.

Visually, the Hyosung GV125R has a muscular cruiser design with faux intakes on the side of the tank, a headlight cowl with a windscreen, and integrated brake-cooling ducts in the front fender. It features a floating passenger saddle, LED headlights, a digital instrument cluster, and even a USB charging port.

Despite its powerful appearance, the GV125R is designed to be approachable for riders of all levels. It has a low seat height of 730 millimeters and a light weight of 182 kilograms. In Europe, it is priced at 4,799 Euros, which is approximately $5,100 USD.

News

Street-Legal Beta RS Model Range Unveiled In US For 2024 Model-Year

Enduro riding is a lot of fun, but many enduro bikes are not street legal. This can be a hindrance for riders who want to experience both on-road and off-road adventures. Thankfully, there are several models available that offer street-legality while still offering excellent off-road performance.

Beta is a well-known brand in the world of off-road riding. The Italian company has a strong track record in both racing and from a consumer perspective. In the US market, Beta has recently updated its range of dual-sports bikes to be street-legal. The range, called RS, was previously known as RR-S and is now available with four engine sizes: 350, 390, 430, and 500.

The new Beta RS models share the same platform as the performance-focused RR models. This means that they offer similar levels of performance and capability, but with the necessary additions to meet street-legal requirements. The models feature a redesigned license plate holder, tail light, turn signals, and rear view mirrors. Despite these changes, their bodywork still maintains the distinct Beta aesthetic inspired by the RR models.

In terms of technology, the 2024 Beta RS models come equipped with redesigned radiators that improve the bike’s turning radius. The saddle has also been redesigned to provide better comfort on longer rides. The front brake and suspension have been updated to offer a smoother ride.

All 2024 Beta RS models come standard with the Trail Tech Voyager GPS, which provides riders with useful information such as total mileage, speed and rev counter, engine temperature, ambient temperature, and battery voltage meter. These bikes also feature electric starting, electronic fuel-injection, and fully adjustable suspension for enhanced performance.

In terms of pricing, the new Beta RS models come at a premium, which is typical for Italian motorcycles. The smallest model, the 350, is priced at $11,499. The 390 version has a sticker price of $11,599, while the 430 and 500 models are priced at $11,699 and $11,799 respectively. The new models can be ordered through US Beta dealers. For more information, interested buyers can contact their local Beta dealer or visit the Beta website.

News

MotoGP: Marc Marquez And Honda Part Ways After 11 Seasons

It goes with out saying that Marc Marquez is destined for the MotoGP Hall of Fame. The Spanish rider has loved plenty of success, and has change into just about synonymous with the Repsol Honda model. While there have certainly been plenty of shuffles in terms of MotoGP racers and their groups, none are as hanging as Marc Marquez’s subsequent transfer.

Marquez and Honda have determined to half methods, marking the conclusion of their affluent MotoGP partnership, which yielded a powerful six world titles over a span of 11 seasons. Marquez’s journey with Honda commenced in 2013, and he made an instantaneous influence, clinching the championship in his debut 12 months and following it up with one other title in 2014.

Marc Marquez Learn For Sight

His true dominance, nonetheless, emerged from 2016 to 2019, the place he secured the championship 4 consecutive instances. Marquez earned a status as a fearless racer who was unafraid to take calculated dangers in pursuit of victory. This partnership between the gifted rider and the high-performance Honda RC213V appeared like an excellent match, with Marquez showing to be an indomitable drive able to harnessing the total potential of this technological marvel of a bike.

Marquez’s profession took a major hit in 2020 when he suffered a severe arm harm, necessitating surgical procedures not solely in 2020 but in addition in 2022. These medical setbacks had a profound influence on his perf ormance on the monitor. In the aftermath, Marquez confronted an uphill battle to regain his former glory, typically grappling with crashes, each in observe periods and through races. Additionally, his latest struggles with the RC213V, the bike that had beforehand been his profitable companion, fueled hypothesis concerning the unsure path of Marquez’s future on the earth of MotoGP.

The hypothesis surrounding Marquez’s future can lastly be laid to relaxation, because it has been formally confirmed that he will likely be making a major transfer. Marquez is about to hitch Gresini, the place he will likely be driving a year-old Ducati. Interestingly, his youthful brother, Alex, can even be a part of the identical group. The settlement between Marquez and Gresini is initially for a one-year period, affording Marquez the pliability to evaluate and decide his path for the 2025 season. Notably, Gresini has secured two Ducati Desmosedici GP23 bikes in preparation for the upcoming 2024 season.

There is a tantalizing risk that Ducati could lengthen a proposal to Marquez, granting him entry to their newest prototype. However, this association comes with a caveat. Marquez’s transfer to Gresini will see him embarking on this new journey alone. Ducati seems to train warning in terms of sharing the intricate particulars of their bike with exterior entities.

Marc Marquez Makes Incredible Comeback With Victory At German Grand Prix

It’s price noting that Marquez had initially aspired to convey alongside his trusted technicians and the close-knit group that has been by his aspect since his Moto2 days. This need underscores the significance of familiarity and continuity on the earth of aggressive bike racing, the place the synergy between rider and crew could make all of the distinction on the monitor.

Autonomous Driving, Electric Vehicles, News

Polestar 4 ‘Chauffeur’ Self-Driving Tech Promised For New EV SUV: What It Can Do

Polestar is planning to introduce Chauffeur, its self-driving technology, to the Polestar 4 electric SUV. Although no specific timeline has been provided, the release of Chauffeur will follow the launch of the EV. Similar to other advanced driver assistance systems, it is likely that Chauffeur will be an optional upgrade and will come at an extra cost. For example, Tesla’s “full self-driving” suite is priced at an additional $15,000, while Ford offers its BlueCruise functionality for $2,100 for three years if selected at the time of vehicle purchase.

On the other hand, the Polestar 3 electric SUV, which is scheduled to start deliveries in 2024, will feature ADAS and autonomous driving technology. Interestingly, the Polestar 3 will not rely on MobileEye’s technology but instead use Luminar sensors, thanks to Volvo’s investment in the LIDAR startup.

The Polestar 4 will be the most powerful vehicle in Polestar’s lineup. The long-range dual-motor version of the car is expected to have a motor with 544 horsepower and 506 lb-ft of torque. It boasts a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds and a range of 438 miles on a single charge. In addition, the Polestar 4 supports 200kW fast charging, features a 15.4-inch central display, and has a unique design element using a camera instead of a rear glass window.

Motorsport

New Kia K3 Compact Sedan Revealed, Could Preview Forte Successor

Update: A Kia spokesperson responded to our inquiry about the K3, saying “Kia US has made no official announcement regarding K3 and has no further comment at this time.”

Kia’s small car lineup in the US has been limited to the Forte and Rio models since they were introduced in the mid-2000s. However, Kia has now unveiled a new small sedan called the K3 for the Mexico market. With Kia renaming and refreshing its US lineup, there is speculation that the K3 could potentially replace both the Forte and Rio models.

In terms of size, the K3 sits between the subcompact Rio and the compact Forte. It measures 178.9 inches in length, making it larger than the Rio (172.6 inches) but slightly smaller than the Forte (182.7 inches). The K3 also offers 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to the Rio sedan’s 13.4 cubic feet and the Forte’s 15.3 cubic feet.

If the new Kia K3 looks familiar, it’s because it shares several design elements with the larger K5 sedan. The headlights framed by Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille and the full-width taillight bar on the rear are reminiscent of the K5. Additionally, the K3 has a “fastback-style” silhouette similar to the K5 and the EV6 electric vehicle.

The interior of the K3 aligns with the rest of Kia’s lineup. It features a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster screen and a 10.3-inch touchscreen that are integrated under a single piece of glass extending from the driver’s side to the center console. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included as standard.

Powering the K3 are two engine options: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and a more powerful 2.0-liter option. The smaller engine produces 122 horsepower, while the larger 2.0-liter engine, exclusive to the GT-Line trim, delivers 150 horsepower. The 1.6-liter engine is available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, while the 2.0-liter engine is paired with a six-speed manual exclusively.

The K3 was initially unveiled in Mexico, where it will be manufactured. However, it remains unclear whether the small sedan will be officially introduced as a replacement for the Forte in the US. Given that Kia has rebranded the Forte as the K3 in markets outside of the US and has recently renamed the Optima as the K5, it wouldn’t be surprising if the K3 eventually makes its way to the US under the same name. More information is expected to be released by Kia in the coming months.

News

New Federal Incentives Encourage EV Battery Recycling In US

The rapid growth of electric vehicles has led many companies to acknowledge that the future of mobility is electric. However, concerns about industry monopolization have emerged alongside the impressive technology and its potential to address various modern challenges.

Currently, China dominates the electric vehicle battery manufacturing industry due to its abundant mineral resources and cheap labor. China also leads in battery recycling technology, with three times the recycling capacity of the United States, according to a report by Energy Portal. The global electric vehicle battery recycling market is expected to grow by over 60 percent by 2028, as reported by Reuters.

In response, the United States aims to capitalize on the growing electric vehicle market. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes a provision called the “Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit,” which offers tax credits for ten years to promote local production of electric vehicle batteries. Recycled batteries also qualify for subsidies if they are recycled within the United States, regardless of their initial place of production.

These incentives enable U.S. electric vehicle manufacturers to accelerate production while reducing their dependence on China for battery supply. This has generated competition in the secondary market for electric vehicle batteries, leading to an anticipated rise in U.S.-based battery recycling technology. For example, Ascend Elements, a battery materials manufacturer, plans to utilize two grants from the U.S. Department of Energy totaling $480 million to construct a new manufacturing facility in Kentucky, scheduled to open in Q4 2024, according to Energy Portal.

Encouraging battery recycling through federal grants has the potential to decrease the country’s reliance on foreign-mined materials. By recycling used batteries and extracting valuable metals, the need for further mining can be reduced, preserving natural resources and lowering costs for consumers.

We have reached out to the U.S. Department of Energy for further details regarding the specific clause in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. As of now, we are awaiting their response and will update this story accordingly.