Recreation.gov, also called Rec.gov, is your one-stop store for reservations with a 4.9 out of five-star ranking from over 185,000 reviewers. You’ll be capable of see campgrounds and particular person campsites across the U.S. — nevertheless, you will not discover personal campgrounds like KOA on this app. When looking for these campgrounds, it is beneficial that you simply put in your dates first to make it simpler as a result of websites do replenish shortly. A fast tip: use your annual America the Beautiful go whereas reserving campgrounds to obtain a half-off low cost.
This app additionally provides you the permits required for a lot of actions at nationwide parks. Some of those permits are easy to obtain — you pay the price if there may be one, and you will have it. However, bear in mind that some others work like a lottery. For instance, to hike Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park, you may choose the time of 12 months you need to hike and study when the subsequent each day lottery is. When you return to try to get the allow, there’s an opportunity you might or might not get it. This is as a result of the hike is such a well-liked one, and there must be a strict schedule for a way many individuals in a day can do the path. However, if you happen to’re attentive to the lottery schedule, the possibilities of you getting a allow could also be higher.
There’s a brand new participant within the electric motorcycle market. UK-based Maeving has formally arrange store within the US, and it seems to cost up your every day commute with its retro-inspired electrical two-wheelers. Electric bikes have been shaking up the mobility area for a number of years now, and small- to mid-displacement fashions appear to be the candy spot in relation to making fast work of the city jungle.
Maeving’s two-wheelers take this up a notch by including a contact of traditional styling. In explicit, the RM1 and RM1S have been introduced for the US market, and are at present on show on the Bike Shed Moto Co in LA, in addition to the Motoring Club and Coffee in west LA.
So, what makes Maeving’s bikes so particular?
Well for starters, they’re certain to be a focus for onlookers and fanatics of all issues retro, all whereas placing a chord amongst people searching for extra sustainable mobility options. Stylistically, the RM1 and RM1S can greatest be described as a mash-up between a restaurant racer and a bobber. With a sporty stance and a cropped tail accentuated by a floating saddle, the bikes undoubtedly look the half.
Maeving’s paid numerous consideration to element, too, with the fake gas tank that doubles as a storage compartment. The tubing that homes the wires from the battery to the controller additionally seems like a make-believe exhaust system—fairly cool, in case you ask me.
The Maeving RM1 serves because the model’s entry-level providing within the US market.
When it involves efficiency, the RM1 serves because the model’s entry-level providing with a hub motor meting out an approachable 3 kW (about 4 horsepower) of nominal output. The motor peaks out at 4.4 kW, or about 5.8 horsepower, and delivers a prime velocity of 45 miles per hour. Depending on the way you spec it, the RM1 guarantees wherever from 40 to 80 miles on a single cost. Quite a variety of vary of an city runabout. At $6,495 USD, it’s fairly the costly runabout, however it makes up for it with its stylish styling.
As for the RM1S, it’s packing greater than double the facility at 7 kW (9.4 ponies) nominal and 10.5 kW (14 horsepower) max, so not solely is it faster, with a prime velocity of 70 miles per hour, it’s additionally absolutely rather more enjoyable to journey for people craving the efficiency of a small-displacement ICE bike. 80 miles of vary on a single cost can be fairly respectable, contemplating its pretty mild 293-pound weight determine. For double the efficiency of the RM1, you’ll need to fork up fairly a hefty $8,995 USD for the RM1S.
The Maeving RM1S takes issues up a notch with a extra highly effective motor and prime velocity of 70 mph.
Maeving’s plans of entering the US have been circulating for practically a yr now, with the model’s first announcement in March 2023. It was initially eyeing a late-2023 launch, however it appears its entry stateside was delayed by a few months.
Nevertheless, it’s cool to see new gamers within the extremely aggressive electrical bike sport, particularly now that individuals are extra prepared to experiment with all kinds of bizarre mobility choices.
Are you aware of the nice work that UK enhance store TTS Performance is placing out into the world? If you’re, likelihood is wonderful that you’ve got seen the TTS SuperBusa, which is the corporate’s flagship supercharged Suzuki Hayabusa challenge. That absolute beast makes 372 horsepower on the dyno, along with sounding and going just like the meanest factor you might ever have heard.
Although Hayabusa followers may not need to admit it, boosted or not, a store sadly can’t reside on two-wheeled peregrine falcons alone. Thus, TTS Performance crafts and checks quite a few aftermarket efficiency elements for numerous different bikes, which is after all very fortunate for people who personal machines that are not Hayabusas.
Take, for instance, this Harley-Davidson Fat Boy. When it got here to TTS, it had just a few Screamin’ Eagle efficiency mods already nestled neatly within the engine circumstances. The of us at TTS added not solely their supercharger, but in addition some key supporting modifications to ensure all the things works and transmits the additional energy in a usable, steady approach. We’re speaking further oil coolers (together with one which’s neatly tucked away underneath the chin spoiler), an intercooler, a trick clutch with a glass cowl, and extra.
How Much Power Are We Talking, Exactly?
The actual proof within the pudding of any efficiency modifications is, after all, getting the factor on the dynamometer to see what sort of energy it is making. When TTS wheeled this Fat Boy in for testing, it discovered that this explicit boosted Fat Boy makes a formidable 234 horsepower at 5,900 rpm. Torque-wise, it is now outputting 215 pound-feet at 5,300 rpm.
For reference, a inventory 2024 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy makes a claimed 94 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. This one was presumably making a little bit extra energy than that with its earlier Screamin’ Eagle mods, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a formidable factor to see and listen to.
Project Updates
After giving us a peek into the completion of this Fat Boy challenge that it did for a buyer, TTS then takes us on a little bit store stroll to see just a few different tasks which might be underway. One is a Yamaha Niken GT that is patiently ready its flip to get a little bit supercharger magic thrown its approach. We cannot wait to see how that one seems, as a result of it must be fascinating.
One different factor that TTS mentions on this replace is that it is at present searching for a brand new worker for the store. There are extra particulars on the finish of the video, however in the event you’re , have the required abilities, and reside within the space of Silverstone, England, it is best to in all probability test it out and ship them an e-mail.
We’ve had the Moto Morini X-Cape within the store for just a few weeks now. It’s a motorcycle that wants a vacation spot; you may’t simply exit on a lunch trip with one thing like this. It deserves an actual journey, one thing like a LaPaz run or at the least a Backroads Discovery Route. Finally, we broke down and took it for a trip within the San Bernardino Mountains. That may not be what the bike deserves, however that’s what time permits–for now.
If you don’t know what a Moto Morini is, that’s forgivable. It’s an Italian model that was a really large deal in Europe again within the day, however by no means had a lot of a U.S. presence. In the ‘80s, Moto Morini grew to become part of the Cagiva group together with Husqvarna, Ducati and MV Agusta. Subsequently, it went by plenty of possession adjustments to finally find yourself as a part of an Asian funding group referred to as Zhongneng. Now, the corporate maintains its design headquarters in Milan whereas manufacturing is in China.
Mark Tilley on the Moto Morini X-Cape.
The X-Cape is an entry-level journey bike, but it surely’s a gorgeous machine. You can inform that the Italians nonetheless have vital affect–it wouldn’t look misplaced in a Ducati dealership. The worth is your first large clue that it’s no Ducati. The X-Cape has a instructed retail worth of $8299. Right now there’s a deal for $1000 off (or a free baggage set). That places the Morini in the identical vary as a Kawasaki KLR650, and it’s far more of a motorbike. It has first-rate elements; Brembo triple disc brakes, a totally adjustable Marzocchi fork and a KYB shock. The 17/19” wheel combo has spoked rims with double-walls that may settle for tubeless tires. The tires themselves are Pirelli Scorpion Rally semi-knobs with wonderful off-road functionality. The cockpit has a 7-inch pill as its main instrument together with two USB ports and an adjustable windscreen. Our bike had an adjunct aluminum skid plate.
The motor is manufactured by CF Moto. Our bike had an adjunct aluminum skid plate that sells for $220.
When you trip the bike off-road it’s a gasoline. The energy is clean and the Bosch gasoline injection is seamless. It’s not probably the most highly effective journey bike–the motor is a 649cc twin manufactured by CF Moto. It makes about 60 horsepower, which is a lot within the dust. Right now, the ADV world is filled with preposterously highly effective bikes that want traction management and varied trip modes simply to be manageable. The X-Cape occupies that center floor the place refined using aids aren’t particularly helpful. It nonetheless makes sufficient energy to stroll away from KLR 650s and Japanese 600cc dual-sport bikes with ease, but it surely gained’t problem a KTM 690 Enduro or a Husky 701. All of these bikes are singles, in fact, and weigh significantly much less. In the world of twins, the one two bikes we’ve examined on this vary are the Suzuki V-Strom 650 and the Benelli TRK502. The Suzuki has barely extra energy than the Morini, which has noticeably greater than the Benelli.
The anti lock brakes may be disabled simply for off-road. Pirelli tires and Brembo brakes are among the many high-end Euro components that come as customary tools.
Both the Suzuki and the Benelli are far more avenue oriented than the X-Cape. The Morini displays some actual off-road engineering. The using place feels pure and the suspension isn’t half unhealthy. It feels fairly comfortable at low speeds, though it’s arrange a bit of too delicate for a quick tempo. It does have a sure vary of adjustability–way over you’d anticipate for a motorcycle on this worth vary. Overall, it handles surprisingly nicely. The entrance finish sticks and the rear finish slides easily and predictably with out getting scary.
That’s in all probability the best half in regards to the X-Cape. It doesn’t scare you–bodily or financially. The apparent flaw with high-dollar journey bikes is that you simply don’t wish to push the sting–not with a fats, hungry cost e book at residence. The X-Cape sells for the worth of a 125 motocross bike, so you may afford to get a bit of unfastened. We plan on taking the Morini someplace cool within the close to future to see the way it holds up on the lengthy haul, so keep tuned. The take a look at will seem within the March Buyer’s Guide concern of Dirt Bike.
This holiday-season deal features a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card to get began on buying and financial savings.* Don’t miss your probability to offer this worthwhile present to somebody particular in your listing. This deal is rated a median of 4.4/5 stars by verified purchasers.
*To obtain a Digital Costco Shop Card, you could present a sound electronic mail tackle on the time of sign-up. If you have chose to not present a sound electronic mail tackle, a Digital Costco Shop Card is not going to be emailed. Valid just for nonmembers for his or her first yr of membership. Limit one per family. Nontransferable and will not be mixed with some other promotion. New members will obtain their Digital Costco Shop Card by electronic mail inside 2 weeks of sign-up. Costco Shop Cards will not be redeemable for money, besides as required by regulation. Digital Costco Shop Cards will not be accepted at Gas Stations, Car Washes, or Food Court Kiosks. A Costco membership is $60 a yr. An Executive Membership is an extra $60 improve payment a yr. Each membership contains one free Household Card. May be topic to gross sales tax. Costco accepts all Visa playing cards, in addition to money, checks, debit/ATM playing cards, EBT and Costco Shop Cards. Departments and product choice could differ.
**Services are offered to Costco members by third events.
Jonny Weisman from The Ride Shop has done it again! Just when we thought we had seen it all, Weisman shows up with a machine that blows our minds. His latest creation for long-time customer Scott Whittington, who has racing in his blood (his dad competed in and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1979), is a late-’90s/early-’00s KTM 380cc engine put into a highly customized 2023 GasGas 450 chassis. Since the last bike Weisman built us was blacked out and called the “Dark Knight,” we decided to call this one the “White Knight.”
The White Knight has a ’90s KTM 380 motor in a modern chassis.
BUILT FROM SCRATCH
Unlike most builds, this one was done in pieces, mainly because it was not a complete bike to begin with. The main frame, subframe, swingarm and suspension components were all acquired separately. This made the tear-down process easy, but added some stress about proper fitment. With the chassis basically torn down, it was time for specialty coatings. The main frame and swingarm headed off to Condello Customs for a white powdercoat finish, while other miscellaneous bolt-on items would follow once the build started to take shape. The fork and shock also got some specialty coating, but in a bright-red color that popped against the otherwise white bike.
Weisman would work some magic internally on the suspension, installing a Ride Shop KYB conversion in the WP fork with custom valving and a spring setup for Whittington. The shock was valved and sprung to match the front, and a Xtrig preload adjuster was also installed to make quick sag adjustments. Xtrig’s splitdesign triple clamps with PHDS bar mounts are designed to reduce rider impact and now hold the highly modified front fork.
Moto-Master handled all the stopping needs with rotors and a complete factory-level billet brake system.
When Weisman explained the detail of the engine, our brain almost exploded! Combining a late-’90s/early-’00s KTM-anything generally ends in someone being committed to the loony bin. In that era, not many people knew what was actually on the bikes unless you worked at KTM, and even then it wasn’t even that clear.
To make a long story short, Weisman essentially told us this: “The cases on that motor are from a 2001 KTM 380. The cylinder, crank and transmission are all from a 1998, which was a cable clutch. I wanted to go hydraulic, plus the cases were broken internally. I bought the cases not realizing how many differences there were compared to the 1998. The transmission input shaft is a different length, as well as a kickstarter stop for the kick mechanism. The stock cylinder normally has a big resonance chamber on the front. I welded the cylinder up and used a front powervalve cover from a 1996 KTM 250SX.”
With all that completed, he added some white coatings and a Specbolt hardware kit; slapped it all together; bolted it in the frame; strapped in a Keihin carb, custom pipe and carbon fiber Rocket Exhaust silencer; and called it good. Well, there was a lot more details along the way with just about every part, but if we had to put Weisman through the trauma of telling us every detail, we might have had to drive him to the loony bin ourselves.
The list of aftermarket parts used on this build is impressive and high-end. Moto-Master handled all the stopping needs with rotors and a complete factory-level billet brake system. They also made it with a red rear sprocket, matching the build theme and gold racing chain. Dubya USA built the custom wheelset that featured red Haan hubs, stainless steel spokes with redanodized spoke nipples and silver D.I.D Dirt Star rims, all wrapped up in Dunlop MX33 tires. Other companies included on the build are TM Designworks, Rocket Exhaust, Works Connection, IMS Products, Seat Concepts and P3 Carbon, with Rad Custom Designs topping the build off with a custom graphics kit featuring metallic flakes.
THE FINAL PRODUCT
We are extremely lucky that Weisman has very generous customers that not only bankroll these insane builds, but also let us ride them when they are completed, because the White Knight does not disappoint! Surprisingly, it’s very easy to start; you have to put all your weight into kicking it, but most of the time it fired right up. The multi-year combination of the engine parts and the number of modifications afterwards had us worried, but it flat out hauled the mail! The power is a cross between a big 500cc Honda or Kawasaki two-stroke from the late ’90s and a modern-day Yamaha YZ250. When the track is deep and loamy, it likes to be on the revs, but when it’s hard-packed, keeping it in the meat of the powerband by short-shifting, like on a 500, is what works best.
The Rocket exhaust is a thing of beauty.
When he’s not in mad-scientist mode fabricating, Weisman is dialing in suspension for a wide variety of disciplines, including the Sherco factory off-road race team for riders like Cody Webb and Cooper Abbott. Weisman put a lot of effort into making the suspension look wild on the outside with custom coatings, but the work done internally is what impresses us. This machine handles better than most modern-day production-built two-strokes we have tested that utilize the same chassis.
More attention to detail: The swingarm is coated white and makes the red accent parts from TM Designworks, Moto-Master and Dubya USA really pop out. Bling factor on the White Knight is high, but is the overall look for everyone? No, but everywhere we go with it, people comment on it and conversations are started, usually long conversations that 100 percent of the time are positive and end with all parties walking away with smiles on their faces. In our book this makes it another successful build. Don’t worry, we have another build in the works with Weisman and The Ride Shop AZ crew.
A detail shop in Chicago has brought attention to some noticeable paint defects on a 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse with only 144 miles. The inspection by Chicago Auto Pros was shared in a YouTube video, revealing that while most of the exterior of the Mustang looked good, there were some concerning issues with the wheel wells.
What exactly is wrong with this Ford? In the video, Jason Otterness from Chicago Auto Pros first points out a paint chip on the front fascia where it meets the passenger side fender at the wheel well. It’s unclear if this chip occurred at the factory. Moving to the rear, Otterness discovers “boogers” on the lip of the wheel well. These are small pieces of paint that could lead to chips if removed. On the driver-side rear, there is a paint chip on the wheel well lip where it meets the rear fascia. The interesting part is that there is still a flap of paint visibly peeling up from the surface.
The most significant flaw is found in the front wheel well on the driver’s side of the Mustang. Otterness discovers a large air bubble in the paint. While chips can occur after the assembly process, bubbles typically indicate improper surface preparation before painting. Because of the paint issues around the wheel wells, the detailer states that they couldn’t apply paint protection to the car.
Is this an isolated case? It is possible. Motor1 has reached out to both Ford and Chicago Auto Pros for further investigation. A spokesperson from Ford provided the following statement: “With the launch of the all-new Mustang, we made numerous manufacturing improvements to further raise the quality of Mustang and provide owners the best customer experience with their new car. If customers should have a vehicle concern, they should visit their local dealer to have their car inspected.”
Motor1 also contacted Chicago Auto Pros to inquire about any other 2024 Mustang inspections they have conducted, but no response was received at the time of publication. Any new information will be shared as an update.
It has been quite some time since we last saw a new adventure bike in the shop. However, Suzuki has just released the all-new V-Strom 800DE, which is currently the most fascinating bike in the ADV world. Despite not being a V-twin like the V-Strom 1050 or V-Strom 650, the V-Strom 800 is a technologically advanced modern motorcycle. Its motor is a parallel twin with a 270-degree crank, similar to the one found in the GSX-8S naked street bike. Additionally, this version of the V-Strom features a steel frame instead of aluminum, which sets it apart from its predecessors.
Pete Murray and the Suzuki V-Strom 800 in the San Bernardino Mountains.
One of the most significant updates for off-road enthusiasts is that the Suzuki V-Strom 800 shows more commitment to off-road riding compared to its predecessors. The Showa suspension has increased travel and adjustability, as well as improved ground clearance. The electronic features also indicate Suzuki’s attention to detail. Unlike the V-Strom 650 and 1050, which were primarily street bikes without provisions for off-road riding, the V-Strom 800 offers a “Gravel” mode that performs exceptionally well on dirt roads. The traction control effectively limits wheel spin without abrupt engine cut-outs. The motor maintains its power even with higher traction control levels, offering a smooth and controlled experience.
The V-Strom 800DE sells for $11,349.
The V-Strom 800 comes with three levels of ABS, including an “Off” mode. Even when “Off” is selected, there is noticeable front-wheel anti-lock braking in a positive way. The bike also offers three ride modes for power delivery, with “A” as the sport mode and “C” for rain. During testing, the majority of time was spent in “A” mode, which showcased the excellent power output and modulation through the throttle.
The Suzuki V-Strom 800 doesn’t disappoint in terms of power delivery. Its smooth and rev-happy performance is remarkable. Although a direct comparison is needed, Suzuki claims that the V-Strom 800 produces 85 horsepower at 8500 rpm, which may be slightly less than its competitors like the BMW F850GS and the KTM 890 Adventure, but considerably more than the Yamaha T7. The power output is more than sufficient, especially for off-road riding. However, the stock tires are not ideal for serious dirt riding. The Gravel mode allows for some controlled sliding of the rear wheel while providing decent drive. The ergonomics of the V-Strom 800 are more dirt-oriented compared to previous Suzuki models, but there is still a slight riding pocket when seated. The most effective way to shift weight onto the front wheel is by standing and leaning forward, a common feature among ADV bikes. However, accessing the shift lever while standing can be challenging unless the footpeg rubbers are removed and the shifter is adjusted upwards, which is typical for adventure bikes.
Our time with the V-Strom 800 was limited as it is a new model and other publications are eager to test it as well. We quickly found a suitable all-dirt destination to put it through its paces, and you can read all about our experiences in the December 2023 print edition of Dirt Bike.
HONDA TRANSALP 750 COMING TO AMERICA
Honda has announced that the Transalp 750 will be arriving in the U.S. The best part is that it will be priced at $9,999, making it a more affordable option compared to the Yamaha T7, which costs $10,799. The Transalp 750 comes with five ride modes that adjust engine output, engine braking, and antilock braking. It will be available for purchase starting next month.
YAMAHA YZ250F FIRST IMPRESSION NEXT WEEK
The 2024 Yamaha YZ250F at the L.A. Coliseum.
This upcoming week, we will have the opportunity to test ride the 2024 Yamaha YZ250F for the first time. It is one of the most exciting new motocross bikes of the year. Our team had the chance to take some static photos of the bike at the L.A. Coliseum prior to the SMX Finals this weekend. Mark Tilley will even get the chance to ride a YZ250 two-stroke on press day, which should be a thrilling experience.
250 WORLD ALL-STARS
The past two outings for 19-year-old Pennsylvania racer Gavin Towers have resulted in big wins at Loretta Lynn’s and the Ironman Scouting Moto Combine. Photos Courtesy SuperMotocross League
In addition to the main event on Saturday, there will be an amateur class called the World All-Stars. This race will feature competitors from 10 different states and will kick off an action-packed night of racing with an eight-minute-plus-one-lap moto. The World All-Stars races will serve as an exciting prelude to the championship motos of the 450SMX and 250SMX classes. The 250 World All-Stars race will be the highlight of the live pre-race show on Peacock, starting at 6:30 p.m. PT / 9:30 p.m. ET. The entry list for the 250 World All-Stars includes several talented riders from different parts of the United States.
The White Knight, a 2023 GASGAS 380cc two-stroke build, was created by The Ride Shop AZ and Johnny Wiseman. It serves as a rival to the Dark Knight Projexct, which was built by The Ride Shop AZ several years ago. The engine of the White Knight is completely white, the fork tubes are red, and the entire build was done by an ex-factory mechanic who worked for Destry Abbott at one point. In this video, we delve into the details of the build, share our experience riding it on the track, and let you listen to the powerful sound of this 380cc two-stroke at Glen Helen Raceway in Southern California.
In addition to the video where we break down the bike and provide detailed information, we wanted to give our dedicated viewers the opportunity to see it in its raw form. This video is stripped of talking, extra information, and focuses purely on the raw enjoyment of a 2-stroke engine.
The Texas-based hypercar manufacturer, Hennessey, started as a tuning shop and later became a reputable brand with its custom-made model, the Venom F5. Currently, the company is focused on producing the Coupe, Roadster, and track-focused Revolution versions of the Venom F5. However, their attention has already shifted towards planning their next model, which is expected to arrive in 2027 or 2028.
In an interview with Top Gear magazine, John Hennessey hinted that their upcoming vehicle may draw inspiration from the legendary Porsche Carrera GT. While he didn’t provide specific details, the magazine suggests that it could be an analog open-top car, featuring a naturally aspirated engine paired with a manual gearbox. To refresh your memory, the Carrera GT, which preceded the 918 Spyder, was a V10 targa with a manual transmission and no turbocharging.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
