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The Most Reliable 4×4 You Can Buy In 2024

Summary

  • The 2024 Lexus GX is a dependable off-roader with a better J.D. Power reliability rating than some other 4×4 – 89/100.
  • Luxury meets functionality with the Lexus GX – showcasing consolation, energy, and rugged functionality in a single neat bundle.
  • Equipped with a robust twin-turbo V-6, the Lexus GX presents spectacular off-road functionality with trendy know-how options.

Reliability and off-roading go hand in hand. One of crucial metrics of a 4×4 is how properly it’ll maintain up over time, particularly contemplating you’re most certainly going to place it below loads of pressure, hitting trails and obstacles. You’ll need to know that you simply’re not going to get stranded within the wilderness due to some foolish mechanical difficulty.

While rugged simplicity and reliability typically go hand in hand, the automotive with the best reliability rating in 2024 is definitely a luxurious SUV. The midsize, trail-hunting Lexus GX exhibits off the Japanese automaker’s legendary dependability. You can have consolation and functionality multi functional neat bundle.

We check out all the small print behind the reliability of the Lexus GX, uncovering how a lot it prices to keep up and the way typically it’ll want a serious restore. We additionally clarify simply what makes it such a succesful off-roader, from its unbelievable powertrain to its trendy know-how.

In order to provide the latest and correct info attainable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from Lexus web sites and different authoritative sources, together with J.D. Power, Car And Driver, and CarBuzz.

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2024 Lexus GX Is A BOLD New Take On The Luxury Off-Roader Formula

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The Lexus GX Scores 89 Out Of 100 For Quality And Reliability

The Lexus GX enters a whole new generation for the 2024 model year, with updates to simply about every thing. One factor that hasn’t modified, although, is that it is extremely succesful and dependable. It’s been round simply lengthy sufficient that we will get sense of simply how dependable it’s.

Reliability

J.D. Power is a superb supply for reliability info. The web site makes use of the opinions of verified house owners to assign scores to vehicles. The 2024 Lexus GX has been round simply lengthy sufficient that house owners have had a possibility to get a really feel for the midsize SUV and simply what number of points it has.

On J.D. Power, the 2024 Lexus GX scores higher than any other 4×4 in terms of reliability, with a rating of 89 out of 100. Even although the Lexus GX was turning into severely outdated in the direction of the top of the earlier era’s life cycle, house owners have been nonetheless praising the SUV for its reliability, with it persistently scoring above 80 out of 100.

Warranties

Maintenance and restore prices for the brand new 2024 Lexus GX 550 aren’t going to be obtainable till it’s had a while available on the market. Most house owners have but to even hit their first service. Instead, we’ll give attention to what assurances Lexus offers you on their off-road SUV to offer you some peace of thoughts.

Lexus beats most different luxurious producers when it comes to their warranties. The restricted guarantee on the Lexus GX is obtainable for 4 years or 50,000 miles. Their guarantee on the powertrain covers any points for six years or 70,000 miles. On prime of this, Lexus presents one yr or 10,000 miles of complimentary upkeep, which means your first service is roofed by the automaker.

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Lexus’ Luxury Off-Roader Starts At $64,250

A front 3/4 action shot of a 2024 Lexus GX
Lexus

The Lexus GX isn’t the most cost effective midsize luxurious SUV, however it isn’t the most costly both. It is available in quite a lot of completely different trim ranges which supply differing ranges of each consolation and functionality.

A New Generation Of GX

The Lexus GX is among the model’s oldest and most revered nameplates. It’s been hailed for its off-road potential which finely blends with loads of luxuries. The earlier era was in dire want of an replace, which is why we welcome the brand new GX 550 with smiles and open arms.

The 2024 GX 550 rides on a very new platform, the identical body-on-frame platform because the Toyota Sequoia and Toyota Tundra. It ditches the V-8 from final yr, which can upset some, however it positive factors a extra highly effective twin-turbo V-6. Its boxy design aligns it with the new Land Cruiser, making the hyperlink between mainstream Toyota and luxurious Lexus clear. The GX slots in completely between the full-size LX and the smaller TX.

Lexus GX 550 Trims

Model

Starting MSRP

Premium

$64,250

Premium+

$69,250

Overtrail

$69,250

Luxury

$77,250

Overtrail+

$77,250

Luxury+

$81,250

(Source: Lexus)

The 2024 Lexus GX has two completely different sides. One model of the midsize SUV is a luxurious on-road cruiser that may carry you and your passengers in model. The different is a rugged luxurious off-roader that comes fitted with every thing you’ll want to overcome nearly any terrain.

If you’re in search of a giant, succesful SUV that you simply’re going to maintain on the highway more often than not, then the Luxury spec might be the very best suited to you. If you’re somebody who’s going to frequently hit the off-road, the Overtrail+ mannequin will be had for the very same value however with a extra rugged look and higher functionality, on the expense of the third row and a few luxuries. CarBuzz goes into extra element relating to the differences between each trim level.

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A 349 Twin-Turbo V-6 Powers Every Lexus GX

2024 Lexus GX Engine
Lexus

One of the most important adjustments to the Lexus GX for the brand new era comes with the brand new powertrain. While many fanatics shall be unhappy to see the V-8 go, the brand-new twin-turbocharged V-6 makes extra energy and is extra environment friendly. It will not be as raucous as a V-8, however a minimum of it isn’t an inline-four.

Performance

Engine

3.4-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V-6

Transmission

10-Speed Automatic

Horsepower

349 HP

Torque

479 LB-FT

Driveline

4WD

0-60 MPH

6.2 Seconds

Towing Capacity

9,096 LBS

(Source: Lexus and Car And Driver)

While the earlier era of the GX made 301 horsepower, the current GX 550’s blown V-6 makes 48 more horses. It comes matted to a 10-speed computerized transmission as normal and options four-wheel drive. PrimeSpeed’s personal Chris Chin has driven the GX 550 and praises this powertrain and transmission combo, amongst different issues.

Compared to its rivals, the GX can also be fairly spectacular. It will not be the quickest in its class, with different luxurious midsize SUVs being faster to the 60-mile-per-hour mark. However, the Lexus GX is all about functionality. Its most towing capability of 9,096 kilos outclasses mainly each different automotive within the midsize luxurious SUV phase.

Off-Road Capability

The 2024 Lexus GX is constructed to deal with something, particularly when had in both of the Overtrail trims. These fashions include 18-inch wheels and 33-inch all-terrain tires. This offers these fashions 8.86 inches of floor clearance. Its method angle is 26°, its departure angle is 22° and its breakover is 24°.

On prime of its wheels, the GX 550 within the off-road trims options an aluminum skid plate, a crawl operate, and an adaptive suspension system. On prime of this, the GX options selectable drive modes optimized for various terrains. The switch case on the GX 550 means that you can go into the low-range gearset with out locking the middle differential. It additionally encompasses a system referred to as the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System that means that you can disconnect the entrance or rear anti-roll bars independently to enhance stability.

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The 2024 GX’s Interior Is Everything You Would Expect From A Lexus

Interior of a 2024 Lexus GX Premium
Lexus

The Lexus GX is a dependable, highly effective, and spectacular off-road SUV. One of the primary promoting factors of any Lexus, nevertheless, is their luxurious cabins. The GX 550 delivers this in spades, with an inside that may compete with some other luxurious SUV available on the market. Its lengthy checklist of ordinary options is paired with a long list of optional extras.

Comfort

The boxy design expressed on the surface is adopted via within the inside. However, whereas the outside is rugged and tough, the inside exudes opulence. Faux- or real leather-based covers all of the seats within the GX. In the Luxury or Premium trims, the GX will be geared up with a 3rd row of seating in addition to second-row captain’s chairs.

Front-row seats are heated and ventilated as normal. On luxurious fashions, these seats are 10-way energy operated and have a built-in massaging operate. The leather-based steering wheel is heated on each trim aside from the bottom mannequin.

Technology

A 14-inch infotainment display is normal within the 2024 Lexus GX 550 alongside a 12.3-inch digital gauge show. The digital gauge show will be reconfigured to point out an array of data based mostly in your preferences. A ten-speaker stereo system is normal, however a 21-speaker Mark Levinson encompass sound system is non-obligatory.

On prime of the lengthy checklist of tech options which can be normal, you may equip your Lexus GX with a heads-up show and a digital key fob. A panoramic view monitor is normal on each mannequin, however the off-road trims characteristic a multi-terrain monitor as properly.

Kia Carens Scores 3 Stars In Global NCAP Yet Again

This rating follows a worrying 0-star grownup occupant safety rating for an older model of the Carens MPV

The Kia Carens has been crash-tested in Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) once more and it got here out with the identical 3-star security score. In reality it has been crash-tested twice since its first GNCAP rating in 2022. Two totally different variants of the MPV have been examined, one was manufactured in December 2023, which received a 3-star score, and one other which received manufactured in May 2023, which solely scored 1 star from GNCAP. Here is an in depth report of each crash checks.

Adult Occupant Protection

Frontal Impact (64 kmph)

Protection

Impact Points

Kia Carens – May 2023

Kia Carens – December 2023

Driver Head

Good

Good

Front Passenger Head

Good

Good

Driver Neck

Poor

Weak

Front Passenger Neck

Good

Good

Driver Chest

Marginal

Adequate

Front Passenger Chest

Good

Good

Driver Knee

Marginal

Marginal

Front Passenger Knee

Marginal

Marginal

Driver Tibias

Adequate

Adequate (Left) & Good (Right)

Front Passenger Tibias

Adequate (Left) & Good (Right)

Good

Bodyshell Integrity

Unstable

Unstable

The December 2023 Carens had a greater efficiency within the crash check as a consequence of one easy cause. The seatbelt restraints of the May 2023 Carens weren’t adequate to carry the motive force and passenger in place, leading to a better probability of extreme damage in a frontal crash. 

Also Read: Kia Carens EV Confirmed For India In 2025

Due to this cause, the May 2023 Carens received 0 out of 34 in grownup occupant safety (AOP) leading to a 0-star AOP security score. However, this concern was mounted within the December 2023 Carens, and it scored 22.07 out of 34, leading to a 3-star AOP security score.

Side Impact (50 kmph)

Protection

Impact Points

Kia Carens – May 2023

Kia Carens – December 2023

Driver Head

Good

Good

Driver Chest

Good

Good

Driver Abdomen

Good

Good

Driver Pelvis

Good

Good

In the aspect influence checks, each the May 2023 and December 2023 variants of the Carens received good total safety.

Side Pole Impact

The aspect pole influence check was not performed for both variants of the Carens.

Child Occupant Protection

Kia Carens Frontal Impact

Parameters

May 2023 Kia Carens

December 2023 Kia Carens

Dynamic Score

23.92/24 factors

24/24 factors

CRS Installation Score

12/12 factors

12/12 factors

Vehicle Assessment Score

5/13 factors

5/13 factors

Total

40.92/49 factors

41/49 factors

Frontal Impact

In the case of the 18-month-old baby dummy, the kid seat was mounted rearward and was in a position to present full safety to the top. In this check, the Carens received 8 out of 8 factors. For the 3-year-old baby dummy, the kid seat was additionally mounted going through rearward and supplied virtually full safety. Here, the Carens scored 7.92 factors out of 8.

Also Read: Hyundai-Kia Set To Localise EV Battery Production, Partner With Exide Energy

Meanwhile, the December 2023 Carens improved for full safety for each kids dummies for a full 8 factors, and this incremental change is essential to bump up the Kia MPV’s baby security rating up from 4 to five stars.

Side Impact

The baby restraint system supplied full aspect influence safety in each instances, for each variations of the Kia Carens MPV.

Overall Scores

While the May 2023 Carens did get 4 stars in baby occupant safety, because of the 0-star grownup occupant safety score, its total security score got here down to simply 1 star. The December 2023 Carens, however, scored 5 stars in baby occupant safety and three stars in grownup occupant safety, leading to an total 3-star crash check security score. However, in case of each these variants, the bodyshell integrity was rated unstable, which suggests they’ll’t stand up to any additional impacts.

Also Read: Check Out The Kia Sonet HTE (O) Variant In These 7 Images

This rating highlights the identical reality as soon as once more: the variety of airbags is just not the deciding issue for a safer automobile.

Kia Carens’ Safety Kit

Kia

The Kia Carens comes with 6 customary airbags and in addition will get many customary security options like ABS with EBD, digital stability management (ESC), car stability administration (VSM), brake help, hill maintain help, all-wheel disc brakes, a tyre strain monitoring system (TPMS), and rear parking sensors.

Variants & Price

Kia Carens

The Kia Carens is available in 10 broad variants: Premium, Premium (O), Prestige, Prestige (O), Prestige Plus, Prestige Plus (O), Luxury, Luxury (O), Luxury Plus, and X-Line. It is priced from Rs 10.52 lakh to Rs 19.67 lakh (ex-showroom), and is a rival to the Maruti Ertiga, Toyota Rumion, and Maruti XL6.

Read More on : Kia Carens on road price

BMW M Team WRT returns to Bathurst.

Munich. BMW M Team WRT has a rating to settle with the Bathurst 12 Hour (AUS) – and is again in 2024 for a second shot at victory with the BMW M4 GT3. The Belgian group competes on the opening spherical of this season’s Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC), on the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit, with two automobiles and 6 BMW M works drivers. Valentino Rossi (ITA) is again in Australia, one 12 months after making his debut there. Joining him behind the wheel can be Raffaele Marciello (SUI), for whom this can be his first race in BMW M Motorsport colors.

 

Roughly one 12 months in the past, BMW M Team WRT’s first race as an official works group ended with fourth and sixth place. A strong begin, however not what the bold group from Belgium had hoped for. They now have one other likelihood to problem for victory with the BMW M4 GT3 on the legendary 12-hour race at Bathurst. Boosting their probabilities of success are two sturdy crews of BMW M works drivers.

Sharing the driving duties within the #32 BMW M4 GT3 are Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts (each BEL). The similar trio got here residence fourth in 2023, narrowly lacking out on the rostrum. In the #46 BMW M4 GT3, Valentino Rossi and Maxime Martin (BEL) are one other established duo. New to the group is Raffaele Marciello, who can be racing for BMW M Motorsport for the primary time at Bathurst.

Quotes:

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “The Bathurst 12 Hour is a spectacular event to start the year with, and we are delighted to field another strong line-up in Australia in 2024. Together with BMW M Team WRT, we enjoyed many fantastic successes in our first season. Unfortunately, we were denied a Bathurst podium. We obviously want to make amends for that this time. With our driver line-up, I believe we are in an excellent position to enjoy a strong race. I am particularly looking forward to seeing Raffaele Marciello in a BMW M4 GT3 for the first time.”

Vincent Vosse (Team Principal BMW M Team WRT): “What an event to kick off our second season with BMW M Motorsport! We are very much looking forward to returning to Bathurst; this will be our third start there. After taking victory on our debut, we were unfortunately unable to challenge for first place again last year. We are now back for another shot with a fantastic squad of drivers.”

Raffaele Marciello (#46 BMW M4 GT3): “Bathurst is a very special place for me – the perfect first race with BMW M Motorsport. I love the circuit and have come very close to winning on a few occasions. Unfortunately, it has never quite worked out so far. However, I believe I have a good chance to change all that this year with BMW M Team WRT. WRT is one of the best teams in the world, and my team-mates Maxime and Valentino are extremely quick. Sharing the car with Vale is very special for me. I watched him in MotoGP when I was a kid.”

Top marks for the brand new ID.7: 5 stars within the Euro NCAP security score

The new ID.7 from Volkswagen has obtained the highest rating of 5 stars within the famend Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) security check. This places the all-electric limousine among the many best-rated fashions of 2023 within the total rating by the unbiased European check organisation. With its five-star score, the ID.7 joins the ranks of the opposite ID. fashions which have additionally obtained the best award.

The Euro NCAP security evaluation relies on the leads to 4 classes. The ID.7 achieved the perfect end result within the ‘Occupant safety for adults’ class with a score of 95 per cent. Likewise, the ID.7 achieved glorious outcomes for ‘Occupant protection for children’, ‘Protection of unprotected road users’ and the driving force help techniques accessible as normal.

Good marks due to driver help techniques
Alongside occupant safety, Euro NCAP additionally examines how effectively computerized emergency braking techniques can defend susceptible highway customers equivalent to pedestrians and cyclists within the occasion of an impending collision. The testers moreover connect nice significance to different normal help techniques. The ID.7 Pro has the next techniques on board:

  • Oncoming car braking when turning and swerve assist
  • Driver Attention Monitor and Driver Alert System
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
  • Travel Assist, Lane Assist and Emergency Assist
  • Memory perform for Park Assist
  • Autonomous Emergency Braking Front Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Monitoring
  • Park Assist Plus together with Park Distance Control
  • Side Assist, Rear Traffic Alert and exit warning system
  • Area View together with rear view digital camera system
  • Dynamic Road Sign Display

Another know-how that each ID.7 in Germany has on board is Car2X. This permits the car to speak with different autos and the site visitors infrastructure to change details about native hazards.

All the check particulars are publicly accessible at www.euroncap.com.

2023 Hyundai Verna vs Skoda Slavia vs Volkswagen Virtus: Global NCAP Scores Compared


All three sedans have achieved a 5-star score in both adult and child occupant protection, but two of them have one big advantage in the form of a better rating for the bodyshell

Hyundai Verna vs Skoda Slavia vs Volkswagen Virtus crash test comparison

The Global NCAP has been responsible for crash testing many India-specific models for nearly a decade. Although it will stop conducting crash tests from 2024 with the introduction of the Bharat NCAP, it recently released the results of the made-in-India Hyundai Verna. It was the first made-in-India Hyundai to receive a 5-star score.

To compare the results of the Hyundai Verna with other popular sedans in its segment, we looked at the Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus. We considered their base variants. Here are our observations:

Overall Scores

Parameter

2023 Hyundai Verna

Skoda Slavia

Volkswagen Virtus

Adult occupant protection

28.18 out of 34 points (5 stars)

29.71 out of 34 points (5 stars)

29.71 out of 34 points (5 stars)

Child occupant protection

42 out of 49 points (5 stars)

42 out of 49 points (5 stars)

42 out of 49 points (5 stars)

All three sedans have achieved a 5-star rating in both adult and child occupant protection. However, the Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus have a slight advantage in terms of their bodyshell rating. The Hyundai Verna has matched the German sedans in terms of points in child occupant protection.

Hyundai Verna airbag

Only the Hyundai Verna comes with six airbags as standard. However, all three models have standard safety features such as 3-point seatbelts and electronic stability control (ESC).

ADULT OCCUPANT PROTECTION

Hyundai Verna Global NCAP adult occupant protection resultHyundai Verna result

The Verna achieved a 5-star safety rating in adult occupant protection, scoring 28.18 out of 34 points, slightly lower than the German sedans’ score of 29.71 points.

Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia Global NCAP adult occupant protection resultSkoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus result

Frontal Impact: The German sedans provided good protection to the head, neck, driver’s thighs, and co-passengers’ legs. The chest region of both front passengers received adequate protection.

The Verna also offered good protection to the driver and passenger’s head and neck. The driver’s chest received a “marginal” rating for protection, while the passenger’s chest received “good” protection. The driver and passenger’s knees showed “marginal” protection.

Volkswagen Virtus Global NCAP side impact

Side Impact, Side Pole Impact And ESC: In the Verna, the head, abdomen, and pelvis were rated as “good,” while the chest had “adequate” protection. The German rivals provided good protection to the pelvis area, while the head, chest, and abdomen areas had adequate protection.

Hyundai Verna Global NCAP side pole impact

In the side pole impact test, the Verna provided good protection to the head and pelvis, “marginal” protection to the chest, and “adequate” protection to the abdomen. The curtain airbags fitted for the side impact pole test met the required protocols. The Slavia and Virtus showed good protection for the head, neck, and pelvis area, but marginal protection for the chest.

All three sedans met the fitment rate requirements for ESC, and their performance in the test met Global NCAP’s newest requirements.

Also Read: Skoda Slavia And Skoda Kushaq Starting Prices Reduced This Festive Season

CHILD OCCUPANT PROTECTION

The Verna scored 42 out of 49 points in terms of child occupant safety, matching the German sedans.

In the Hyundai sedan, the child seat for the 3-year-old provided full protection during the frontal impact. The child seat for the 1.5-year-old dummy also offered full head protection.

Skoda Slavia Global NCAP frontal offset

In the Slavia and Virtus, the 3-year-old and 18-month-old dummies were seated on rearward-facing ISOFIX seats, providing complete protection during frontal and side impacts.

Bodyshell Integrity

The last and most significant parameter in the GNCAP crash test is the bodyshell integrity. The Slavia and Virtus received a rating of “stable” and were capable of withstanding further loadings, while the new Verna’s bodyshell was deemed “unstable” in the front offset crash test.

Also Read: These Are The 5 More Affordable Cars In India With ADAS

Takeaway

While all three models perform well in the Global NCAP crash tests, the German models have a slight edge over the Hyundai Verna. This is due to slightly better points in adult occupant protection and the stability of their bodyshell. However, the Verna stands out for offering six airbags as standard and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in its higher variants. It is expected that more Hyundai cars will perform well in future crash test assessments, as the brand has made six airbags a standard offering across its Indian lineup.

Read More on: Verna on road price

The Unpleasant Truth About iPhone Repairs

In a recent blog post, iFixit has revealed an important aspect of iPhone repairability that was previously overlooked. The repairability score, traditionally based on physical design, did not account for Apple’s software-based parts pairing.

In essence, when a part is replaced on an iPhone 14, it connects to Apple’s servers to verify whether the repair has been authorized. This verification is only granted if the replacement part was acquired directly from Apple. Even if the part is an authentic Apple component from a recycled phone, it will not be validated.

What happens when a part is not validated? The consequences vary depending on the specific component. As reported by iFixit in October 2022, a non-validated replacement screen would still function but with certain features disabled, such as True Tone and Auto-Brightness. Additionally, a warning message would notify the user about the possibility of the screen not being genuine. When it comes to the battery, a warning message would appear and access to battery health and statistics menus would be disabled. The front-facing camera, on the other hand, would cease to function entirely, while the rear cameras would continue operating normally but display a warning message about using non-genuine parts during phone startup. The logic board, due to its serial number not matching the other components, would trigger various “genuine parts” warnings.

109MPH HONDA CRF450X PROJECT: THE WRAP

The Honda CRF450X has proven to be the most successful off-road racer in the west, with numerous victories in events such as the SCORE Baja 1000, Baja 500, and 24 Hours of Glen Helen. However, it is not known for being a particularly fast motorcycle, and Honda doesn’t even classify it as a race bike in its stock form.

The Honda CRF450X has enjoyed its success due to a combination of its reliable performance and good handling at high speeds, as well as the modifications made by skilled individuals who have transformed it from a trail bike into a competitive racing machine. One such person is Colton Udall, who recently teamed up with Nic Garvin and Ciaran Naran to compete in the 10-Hours of Glen Helen on a stock 2023 Honda CRF450X test bike. In order to prepare the bike for the race, Udall had to make several modifications, including adding CRF450R parts such as the intake valve springs, intake rocker arm, right side radiator, and camshaft (which required some additional machine work).

Colton Udall on the Dirt Bike Project X

Udall also incorporated aftermarket parts into the CRF450X, starting with a Vortex ECU and his own custom mapping. He also developed a coolant outlet kit, installed a Pro Circuit T4 exhaust system for weight reduction, and had the bike’s suspension modified by Brandon Peterson at AHM Racing. The modifications included revalving the forks, using stiffer springs and a DLC coating on the lower tubes, and replacing the shock shaft with a larger diameter shaft from AHM. Other additions to the bike include an IMS 2.4-gallon fuel tank, Scott steering damper, IMS footpegs, and Works Connection levers.

Colton, Nic Garvin and Ciaran Naran

The modifications made to the Honda CRF450X proved successful, with Nic Garvin reaching speeds of 109mph in a previous event with a similar setup. During the 10-Hours of Glen Helen, the team faced some challenges, including a faulty exhaust mount that required pit stops for repairs. Despite these setbacks, they were able to work their way up to fourth overall, an impressive feat considering the bike was a stock test bike just days prior to the race.

The noteworthy aspect of this project is that it is not experimental or exclusive. Anyone can build and race a similar bike. Colton Udall is happy to share his knowledge and provide information on where to obtain the necessary parts. For more details, you can contact him through Championadventures.com.

THE LAST CZ

Mike Young on the 1991 CZ 125 MX

While I may not be an expert on CZ motorcycles, I have a deep respect for the brand. Although I have never owned one myself, I did have the opportunity to test a CZ bike back in 1991 when I was a relatively new member of the Dirt Bike team. At the time, CZ had re-entered the export market with motocross bikes after the Soviet Union’s dissolution. I tested a liquid-cooled 125 two-stroke model with a case-reed, power-valve motor, which seemed to be a cutting-edge motocross bike for that year.


Unfortunately, the bike was not ready for the western market and performed poorly during the test. Many of the fuel system’s gaskets and O-rings disintegrated upon exposure to American gasoline, leading to the project’s cancellation. The bike was returned, and the test never made it to print. Two years later, CZ was purchased by Claudio and Gianfranco Castiglioni of Cagiva, but their plans for the brand never materialized, and CZ went out of business in 1997. As far as we know, the 1991 test bike was the only one imported to the U.S., and the photos taken during the shoot are the only evidence of its existence. I believe Chris Hultner took the photos.

SCARY PHOTO SHOOT DEPARTMENT

On another note, I stumbled upon a photo from a KTM shoot featuring Mike Young. In the photo, I can be seen after Mike refused to ride over a razorback in Ritchie Canyon, claiming it was too dangerous. The actual experience was even scarier than the photo shows. Ritchie Canyon was known for intimidating newcomers, and I was considered a local rider. After the demonstration, Mike successfully crossed the razorback and declared it easy. Chris Hultner captured both of us in the photo, and as a playful jab, I chose to use the shot of myself instead of Mike in the test. I still bring it up whenever I have the chance.

BIG RACE WEEKEND

This weekend is host to several exciting races. Firstly, it’s the Fourth of July Weekend, which means it’s time for RedBud. Notable riders like Chase Sexton and Justin Cooper will be participating in the event, and you can catch the live action on the Peacock app. Here are the broadcast details:

BROADCAST TEAM
Play by Play: Jason Weigandt
Analyst: James Stewart
Reporter: Jason Thomas
HOW TO WATCH
Saturday, July 1
Pro Motocross Championship: Race Day Live
Peacock @ 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET
Pro Motocross Championship: RedBud National [LIVE]
Peacock @ 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET
Monday, July 3
Pro Motocross Championship: RedBud National Replay
CNBC, NBCSports.com, NBC Sports App
11 p.m. PT [Sunday] / 2 a.m. ET

Additionally, the 2023 World Supercross series kicks off this weekend. U.S.-based fans can watch the series live and on-demand through WSX.TV, with access to the WSX Pre Show available for free. There are three pass options available: Freemium (limited access to WSX Championship content), Pay-Per-View (direct streaming of races), and Champ Pass (access to all 2023 WSX Championship races).

Finally, the Tour de France is also starting this weekend (also available on Peacock).

That’s it for this week. See you next time!

–Ron Lawson