Tag Archives: sorts

News

Bajaj Is Gearing Up To Launch First CNG Motorcycle

Ever-tightening emissions restrictions are forcing car producers to discover all sorts of alternative power options. Of course, electric power is quick changing into a ubiquitous different to inside combustion. But throughout the realm of the ICE, there are fairly a couple of improvements.

instance of this comes within the type of CNG, or compressed pure gasoline. This is one thing Indian motorbike producer Bajaj has its sights set on, with firm CEO Rajiv Bajaj asserting accelerated improvement of the corporate’s new CNG platform.

So how does a CNG car work? Well, the fundamental concept is that pure gasoline, consisting primarily of methane, is compressed and saved in a tank. As you experience alongside, the gasoline is fed into the engine, the place it mixes with air. This combination of air and gasoline is then ignited equally as common gasoline-powered ICEs.

A notable profit right here is that CNG is touted as a cleaner choice when in comparison with gasoline, because it emits fewer pollution. Rajiv Bajaj explains that with regards to tailpipe emissions, Co2 is down by almost 50 p.c, whereas carbon monoxide drops by round 75 p.c. Furthermore, non-methane hydrocarbons are stated to lower by about 90 p.c. So whereas CNG is on no account a zero-emissions different, it definitely stands as a life-extender for the great outdated inside combustion engine.

Bajaj already produces CNG-powered rickshaws for business use

More than simply decreased emissions, India’s economic system is pushed by effectivity. This means decreasing prices to no matter extent doable, and Bajaj’s CNG bikes hope to supply customers with twice the mileage (successfully halving the associated fee) with each tank of gasoline—one thing that may certainly please the good majority of commuters on a finances.

When it involves the particular timelines of Bajaj’s first-ever CNG bike, nicely, we gained’t have to attend that lengthy because it’s assured that it’ll be prepared for launch throughout the first half of 2024. This is sort of a daring assertion, as the corporate’s preliminary plans eyed a 2025 launch.

Initiatives exploring the usage of different fuels are at all times a superb factor. Sure, electrification has confirmed to be a dependable, long-term answer. But it’s at all times good to have a number of choices.

And whereas CNG isn’t precisely a zero-emissions different, it may lay the foundations for extra superior analysis with the usage of different different fuels comparable to hydrogen and different e-fuels.

News

Volcon’s Stag UTV Has Entered Production and Looks Sick

Electrification is quickly reworking the powersports trade. Recent years have ushered in all kinds of new and exciting innovations leveraging the facility of electrical energy. While EVs are certainly turning into a extra widespread sight on the roads, their presence can be rising within the off-road section, as UTVs, ATVs and dirtbikes all embrace electrification.

Volcon E-Powersports is a reasonably new participant, however as its identify suggests, it’s all about electrical energy. The firm, headquartered in Round Rock, Texas, lately appointed a brand new CEO John Kim. And with the bold purpose of setting the usual within the electrical period of powersports, Volcon has its work lower out, and Kim lately gave a enterprise replace to Volcon’s sellers, suppliers, and buyers.

The Volcon Stag is touted because the quickest electrical UTV on the market

Perhaps the largest replace is the truth that the Volcon Stag UTV has lastly entered manufacturing. Touted because the quickest manufacturing UTV in the marketplace, the Stag is supposed to cater to off-road lovers searching for uncompromising efficiency and practicality.

Moreover, its design has been so well-received that the US Army Corps of Engineers was the primary to obtain a unit for analysis for navy and humanitarian help functions.

Kim said that the corporate will ramp up the manufacturing of the Stag within the coming months, and hopes to realize large-scale supply very quickly. Dealer roadshows for the Stag have additionally commenced in a number of showrooms in Texas to provide demos and check rides to potential prospects.

For reference, the Stag pumps out 125 electrical horses and 265 pound-feet of torque, and comes with an elective Power Boost characteristic and degree 2 quick charging.

Volcon Grunt Evo off-road electrical bike

As for Volcon’s two-wheelers, the Grunt Evo continues to be in full manufacturing, in response to Kim. 

From the CEO’s replace, the longer term appears brilliant. I’m a powerful believer in electrical mobility in all its kinds, particularly within the off-road setting the place instantaneous torque and throttle response reign supreme.

Zero emissions and silent operation are two further advantages that lots of people can recognize, as effectively, particularly now that noise complaints surrounding powersports have change into extra rampant.

News

Kove Moto Will Bring New Middleweight ADV 800X to The US

The middleweight ADV phase is exploding, as there are tons of selections from all types of producers. With bikes just like the Yamaha Tenere 700, Honda Transalp, and Ducati DesertX setting the usual, everybody needs in on the on-fire phase. As such, a variety of new gamers have joined the sport—unsurprisingly, some from China.

And whereas we’ve talked a complete lot about manufacturers like CFMoto and QJ Motor, there’s one more Chinese producer that’s adamant on revving up the middleweight market within the US: Kove Moto.

First making its international debut again in 2022, the Chinese firm has made notable strides within the international market, in addition to competing at Dakar, and it is already arrange store within the US and on the point of launch the model’s new 800X journey bike.

The Kove 800X is able to tackle the middleweight ADV phase head on

The Kove Moto 800X very a lot follows the identical components as the remainder of the middleweight ADV-enduro phase, because it’s rocking a 799cc parallel-twin that dishes out 94 horsepower and 59 pound-feet of torque.

It’s additionally insanely light-weight, with Kove Moto claiming 358 kilos with a gallon of gas within the tank—fairly an fascinating technique to measure weight.

 

The Kove 800X in motion

In the suspension division, the Kove Moto 800X Rally rocks beefy 49mm forks up entrance and a linkage-equipped rear monoshock. With almost a foot of floor clearance, it’s greater than able to dealing with all the things from whoops to jumps to technical forest trails. To high all of it off, the bike has Eco and Sport driving modes, permitting the rider to tailor efficiency to their wants and preferences. And every could be toggled by way of a full-color TFT show.

It goes with out saying that the Kove Moto 800X Rally looks like one specialised little bit of package. And fairly frankly, not all journey riders want that a lot tech. As such, Kove can be introducing the 800X Adventure Pro, which is constructed on the identical structure because the Rally, albeit missing among the fancy bells and whistles just like the Rally’s race ECU, and will get shorter suspension leading to a decrease seat top. For on-road comfort, it will get ABS, traction management, and cruise management. It additionally will get twin disc brakes up entrance and a baggage rack on the rear for extra touring functionality.

The Kove 800X Adventure Pro will get a built-in baggage rack and misses out on the race ECU

Styling-wise, Kove Moto takes a web page out of the Dakar rally rulebook, drawing inspiration from each tried and examined rally replicas, in addition to its personal 450 Rally which it fielded in final 12 months’s race. It nicely and actually seems to be like a race-bred machine, and the Dakar-inspired livery proven beneath takes its aesthetic to a complete new stage. We positive hope this livery can be among the many coloration choices within the US.

The Kove 800X Rally seems to be sick on this Dakar-inspired livery

When it involves pricing and availability, the brand new Kove 800X Rally is about to hit the market in July 2024, and can command a price ticket of $13,999 USD. Meanwhile, the Adventure Pro will retail for $9,999 USD, squarely inside placing vary of the Yamaha Tenere 700 and Honda XL750 Transalp. And whereas the brand new bike’s pricing and specs have but to be posted on Kove Moto’s US website, Gary Goodwin of USA Motortoys, the unique distributor of Kove within the US, advised RideApart that the web site can be up to date quickly.

New gamers within the bike market, no matter the place they’re from, are at all times an excellent factor. They’re residing proof that the bike and powersports trade is alive and nicely, and so too is our insatiable want for journey and exploring the good outside. As expertise continues to advance, we’re seeing increasingly critical contenders from all types of Chinese producers, and Kove isn’t any exception.

Keep your eyes peeled, of us, manufacturers like Kove are absolutely as much as one thing huge.

News

The Awak AK11 Is A Mash-Up Of A Bunch Of Mini-Bikes Nobody Asked For

Chinese motorbike producers function a treasure trove for all types of riders searching for budget-friendly options to mainstream manufacturers. These quirky two-wheelers are additionally excellent for experimental people trying to dip their toes into the two-wheeled world with out breaking the financial institution.

And most of the time, Chinese producers draw inspiration—generally relatively apparently intentional—from big-name manufacturers with regards to the styling and technology of those merchandise. Why re-engineer the wheel? Take Awak, for instance.

A subsidiary of AKMotor beneath the wing of Bashan Motorcycle Manufacturing Co., this fledgling Chinese moto model has simply unveiled the AK11 on the China International Motorcycle Expo, and it is a mini-moto that blends inspirations from a litany of Honda’s classics such because the Dax, Monkey, and Grom.

Seriously, it is like a mish-mash of quite a bit. 

Interestingly, although the AK11 blends styling cues from all these bikes, it leaves room to throw in some styling inspirations from, oddly sufficient, the AK-47? Granted, this two-wheeler is under no circumstances packing as a lot firepower because the rifle, however it definitely has an attention grabbing aesthetic, to say the least.

It has a futuristic aptitude, with its LED headlight, gas tank, and bodywork all built-in into the body. It jogs my memory of the Sachs MadAss 125, a mini-bike I’ve some fond reminiscences with.

 

The AK11 kind of jogs my memory of the Sachs Madass 125. 

Awak claims that the AK11 was crafted with “aerospace-inspired” know-how. Boasting an aluminum monocoque body with an built-in 4.5-liter (1.2 gallons) gas tank, it weighs in at simply 92 kilograms (203 kilos), and integrates nifty options like ABS and LED lights. It’s powered by a 125cc air-cooled engine, and rolls on scooter-sized 12-inch wheels. The value for such a diminutive little bike? 9,880 yuan, or roughly $1,372 USD.

That’s a helluva deal, in case you ask me. 

The chance of the Awak AK11 ever making its approach to the US is slim. But who is aware of, maybe somebody who’s into bizarre mini-motos will discover a approach to ship this little two-wheeler stateside.

If it would ever make it exterior of the Chinese market, likelihood is it’ll be bought as an inexpensive two-wheeler in close by markets akin to Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. After all, inexpensive Chinese-made two-wheelers are a dime a dozen on Southeast Asian roads. But for me, it is simply the look of the factor. Just have a look at it. So bizarre. 

News

Schwalbe’s Green Marathon Bike Tires Are Made Out Of Recycled Materials

Schwalbe has lengthy been an enormous identify within the bicycle tire business, specializing in all kinds of tires for each die-hard mountain bikers and concrete commuters. Apart from tackling the efficiency facet of motorcycle tires, Schwalbe has lengthy had a eager eye on the environmental facet of issues. In an article I wrote for InsideEVs again in February 2023, it was reported that Schwalbe was working on environmentally friendly tires made out of recycled materials. 

Fast-forward one yr later, and Schwalbe has formally unveiled a brand new vary of tires aptly referred to as the Green Marathon. These new bike tires are significantly fascinating as they’re good not just for common pedal bikes, however e-bikes too. Accoridng to Schwalbe, the principle focus of the Green Marathon tires is to scale back microplastics and emissions from tire manufacturing, whereas on the identical time guaranteeing the rubber utilized in them is ethically sourced. The firm goes so far as claiming that the rubber is 100-percent Fair Rubber with a Fair Trade seal. Germany’s Fair Rubber affiliation ensures the welfare of rubber farmers, and is certainly inline with Schwalbe’s imaginative and prescient for sustainability. 

Schwalbe claims that the manufacturing of the brand new Green Marathon tires makes use of 70-percent renewable and recycled uncooked supplies, which leads to a powerful 98-percent discount in dangerous substances. Furthermore, Schwalbe ascertains that its CO2 footprint has been lowered by 34 p.c because of this initiative. 

Indeed, these claims are spectacular on paper, however what does this imply for the tip consumer? Well, in line with Schwalbe, the brand new Green Marathon tires preserve excessive mileage and optimized using efficiency. Furthermore, Schwalbe’s GreenGuard technology ensures enough puncture safety. The manner it does that is with the usage of 100-percent recycled carbon black (rCB) sourced from Schwalbe’s recycling initiatives. As a consequence, this eliminates fossil-based carbon black, whereas guaranteeing the identical stage of high quality and longevity.

The manner this works is thru a long-winded course of overseen by Schwalbe from begin to end. Used tires are collected then shredded into granules that are then processed as uncooked supplies for the manufacturing of recent tires. Schwalbe’s recycling initiatives have garnered the corporate recognition throughout Europe, because it bagged the Eurobike Innovators Prize in 2022 particularly due to its recycling course of. 

With all that being mentioned, the brand new Green Marathon tires is barely the beginning for Schwalbe. As it explains in its web site, “responsbility isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.” As such, the corporate is eyeing steady enhancements on the subject of environmental efficiency. Schwalbe has plans rolling out extra eco-friendly tires throughout all classes no later than 2025, all of which specializing in lowering emissions all through the tire’s total life cycle – all the way in which from manufacturing, utilization, and disposal. 

Motorsport

Bask In Delight As This Old Mercedes Limo Gets Its First Wash In A Decade

This outdated Mercedes-Benz is proof barn finds can are available all kinds of sizes and shapes. Forgotten on the backside ground of a warehouse for the previous decade, it is lastly getting the love and a focus it deserves.

The WD Detailing YouTube channel paperwork the saga of unearthing this deserted 300D limousine that, in line with them, has been sitting within the nook of this industrial constructing for the previous 10 years untouched. Considering the entire mud sitting on the automotive, we do not doubt them. The automotive would not run, clearly, so the group wanted a pair of wheel dollies to get it out and into their trailer.

A full beauty restoration is to ensure that this Rolls-Royce competitor, however first it wants a superb rinse. The WD Detailing group offers the outside and the cabin a radical cleansing to deliver the automotive again to its glory days. In the method they uncover this automotive has been by way of some vital paintwork, with some sections coated in newer shades of black than others. Thankfully a skillful polish is ready to mix the panels collectively efficiently. 

The inside is a little more troublesome to revive, thanks largely to the carpeting, which has begun to flake away and disintegrate. Cleaning it correctly would destroy what’s left, so the WD Detailing group opts for a lighter contact as a substitute, utilizing air and lightweight dabs of cleansing answer to deliver the carpet again to life. It’s not excellent — it will definitely should be changed if a full restoration is the objective — but it surely’s much better than it was earlier than.

The WD Detailing group wraps up by trying to begin the forlorn 300D. Amazingly, the crew is ready to get it operating and idling. Even extra spectacular is the working electrical leveling suspension, one of many earliest of its sort. We suspect it would not take rather more to get this Mercedes again on the street and correctly shifting. 

News

Indian Startup Raptee Energy Set To Unveil New E-Moto In April 2024

Electric motorcycles are taking all kinds of attention-grabbing sizes and shapes, and it goes with out saying that the way forward for the two-wheeled mobility area could be very a lot electrical. With that being stated, we’ve seen numerous new electrical improvements from Indian producers. From utilitarian scooters that concentrate on practicality just like the Ola S1 to performance-oriented machines from Ultraviolette, there’s no scarcity of EV developments coming from the Asian nation.

Raptee Energy is yet one more rising participant in India’s rising electrical motorbike business. The firm lately offered its newest innovation in its Global Investors Meet (GIM) in Tamil Nadu. Here, the corporate showcased an attention-grabbing electrical motorbike that’s anticipated to hit India roads in April 2024. As of this writing, the motorbike doesn’t but have a reputation, so we’ll consult with it merely because the Raptee Electric Motorcycle. During the GIM, Raptee showcased the internal workings of its electrical motorbike by way of a “transparent” show, exhibiting all of the internal workings of the motorbike and the place they’re housed inside the bike.

Raptee Energy claims that the electrical motorbike has some fairly spectacular efficiency with a claimed prime velocity of 135 kilometers per hour (84 miles per hour) and a single-charge vary of 150 kilometers (93 miles). On prime of that, Raptee says that the bike can cost as much as 80 % in simply 45 minutes by way of CCS2 charging stations. While this will not appear to be a lot when in comparison with its western counterparts, it’s value noting that India’s streets are tight, and cities are intently knit. For an exhilarating journey, the Raptee Electric Motorcycle’s motor can rocket the bike from zero to 60 kilometers per hour (37 miles per hour) in simply 3.5 seconds.

On paper, Raptee’s electrical motorbike appears to reflect the specs of 150cc to 200cc gasoline-powered machines – thought of premium mid-size bikes within the context of the Indian market. Raptee Energy is gearing as much as produce the brand new bike in its large manufacturing unit. Situated in Chennai, it spans 4 acres, and would require round 850 million rupees (about $10 million USD) of funding. The new facility reportedly contains an R&D heart for future developments. In complete, Raptee hopes to supply 100,000 items yearly.

As for the launch of Raptee’s electrical motorbike, a number of reviews counsel that we may see this bike within the metallic by April 2024. As of the second, it’s anticipated that the electrical motorbike will command a horny price ticket in order to entice the youthful era of riders. For reference, the Ultraviolette F77, a motorcycle with comparable styling and specs, carries an MSRP beginning at Rs 380,000, or about $4,500 USD.

Motorsport

Nissan Claims the New Armada Surpasses the Land Cruiser

Nissan unveiled several unconventional electric concepts at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, but the journalists in attendance were eager to learn more about the new Armada. Known as the Patrol in many markets, this full-size SUV is considered outdated because its platform dates back to 2010. Fortunately, a next-generation model is on its way, and it promises to be well worth the wait.

Ivan Espinosa, Nissan’s senior vice president of global product strategy and product planning, spoke to CarExpert and revealed that the Armada will be elevated to compete with more luxurious large SUVs. He pinpointed the Toyota Land Cruiser as a direct competitor, confidently stating, “The Armada is much better than the Land Cruiser. Once you drive it, we can discuss it further.”


Technology

The Ultimate Guide To Maximizing Battery Life Across All Your Devices

When it comes to our battery-powered devices, they often come with features that enhance performance or add fun features. However, many of these features can drain our battery quickly, especially those related to boosting speeds. For example, gaming laptops have modes that overclock the CPU and GPU for optimal gaming performance, but this will significantly reduce your battery life.

If possible, enable settings on your device that only boost performance when you’re connected to a power source and turn them off when you unplug. Some modern Windows and MacOS laptops have this option. On phones and tablets, it’s a little trickier as Android and iOS don’t have explicit settings for this. However, they do consider your charging status in certain cases. For instance, they will wait until you’re connected to power before updating your apps automatically.

For other devices, you may need to manually disable power-hungry software features to maximize battery life. Since each product is different, consult your owner’s manual or online documentation for guidance on what to disable.

News

Zongshen to Introduce Retro-Style Cyclone RE650 Motorcycle with Norton Engine

Chinese motorcycle manufacturers are embracing European technology to create affordable high-tech bikes with impressive performance. This trend is evident in the collaboration between Zongshen, a Chinese manufacturer, and Norton Motorcycles, or at least its technology remnants.

In 2020, when Norton Motorcycles ceased operations, the brand had several middleweight 650cc parallel-twin-powered models in development. Although the project was halted after the company was acquired by India’s TVS Motors, Zongshen managed to acquire Norton’s parallel-twin engine technology, based on the front cylinder bank of the company’s 1,200cc V4 engine.

Zongshen has already showcased the engine in other models, including the Cyclone RX650 adventure bike and a larger 850cc version in development. However, the company is now focusing on a new model with retro-inspired styling that could have been part of Norton’s middleweight range.

The upcoming model, likely to be called the Cyclone RE650, is expected to share many components with the Cyclone RX650. It may feature slightly rugged flat-tracker-inspired design elements, including an exposed steel trellis frame for a lightweight appearance. Modern touches such as inverted front forks and LED headlamps will complement the retro look, complemented by wire-spoked wheels.

In terms of performance, if fitted with a 650cc engine, the roadster is expected to offer a maximum power output of 71 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and a torque rating of 42 pound-feet at 7,000 rpm, similar to models like the Yamaha XSR700 and CFMoto 700CL-X. However, if Zongshen opts for the 850cc engine, the power output will increase to 98 horsepower and 59 pound-feet of torque.