In the 1990s and early 2000s, street trucks were all the rage. These customized pickups featured low-to-the-ground suspensions, large wheels, and eye-catching custom paint jobs. Toyota is tapping into this trend with its new concept vehicle, the 2024 Tacoma X-Runner Concept, which will debut at the 2023 SEMA Show.
Toyota already offers tough versions of the 2024 Tacoma, such as the Trailhunter and TRD Pro trims, which are known for their off-road capabilities. However, for this year’s SEMA build, Toyota’s research and design teams wanted to explore a different direction. By introducing a sporty pickup, they hope to gauge consumer interest in reviving the street truck concept.
Parked on the street, you wouldn’t realize that this vehicle is actually a stealth camper. From the outside, it appears to be a plain, white van commonly used by plumbers, electricians, and delivery drivers around the world. However, once you step inside, you’ll discover a fully equipped living space complete with a kitchen and bathroom.
This particular van is a 2004 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with a mileage of 229,000. Remarkably, it was converted into a camper for less than $10,000. In a comprehensive tour presented on Sharrieff Fareed’s DualEx YouTube channel, every aspect of the conversion is showcased, including some innovative features that enhance the cozy living space.
The CIA has specific security protocols for its annual Pedometer Challenge, as outlined by Greg (CIA rules only allow the use of first names), the coordinator of the challenge. The agency has a list of pre-approved devices that are not connected to the internet and have been cleared by security for step counting. This includes specialized pedometers for CIA personnel with disabilities.
The challenge involves teams of eight to ten people who aim to reach a specific number of combined steps in order to progress to the next round. Each level of the challenge requires increasingly higher step counts. This year, the theme of the challenge was “Battle of the Bands,” and the team names were clever puns such as “Red Hot Chili Steppers.” Surprisingly, despite working for the CIA, the competition relies on the honor system for submitting step counts.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the winning team this year was Team Buttsteak, who won for the third consecutive time with 7,550,224 steps. Team 2 Much Stepz 4 U came in second place with 6,516,821 steps, and Happy Feat secured third place with 5,779,997 steps. The name of Team Buttsteak is now engraved on a trophy displayed at the CIA’s gym in Langley Field House.
Can-Am recently revealed its three-wheel street vehicles for 2024 and provided more news about its upcoming return to the world of motorcycles. The Can-Am Origin will be an electric dual-sport bike, and it will have an all-street companion called the Pulse. It now looks like we will see the first of Can-Am’s new bikes before the end of the year. Here are a few tidbits direct from BRP, Can-Am’s parent company:
Looking Ahead: EV Introductions, including Can-Am Pulse and Origin Electric Motorcycles
BRP has announced the upcoming launch of new electric categories, including the return of Can-Am on 2-wheel motorcycles with the all-electric Can-Am Pulse and Origin. The product development team is making solid progress, and the construction of the plant in Querétaro is well underway. Can-Am plans to release all specs of these two models and start taking orders next summer, with the first Can-Am motorcycles expected to hit the road before the end of 2024. In the meantime, the team is conducting testing in all possible usage conditions. Early feedback from test riders is that both of these exciting new models deliver a powerful, smooth, and thrilling riding experience.
Can-Am Origin It looks like Can Am will be offering a 50th anniversary edition to commemorate its original run of 1974 dirt bikes. The first Can-Ams will arrive before the end of 2024. The street version will be called the Pulse
Triumph will continue to provide engines for the Moto2 racing series until 2029, as announced by Dorna, the organizer of MotoGP. Since the 2019 race season, Triumph’s 765cc triple engine has been the sole powerplant for Moto2 bikes.
The 765cc engine, originally introduced in the updated Street Triple in 2017, has proven to be reliable and powerful both on the street and on the track. It continues to be used in the current generation Street Triple motorcycles.
The extended contract with Triumph as the exclusive engine supplier for Moto2 is a testament to the engine’s performance and durability. Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer of Dorna, praised Triumph’s contribution to the Moto2 series, stating that it has successfully bridged the gap between the Moto3 and MotoGP classes.
In the future, the Triumph Moto2 engine’s performance will be enhanced through updates, including a new transmission expected to be introduced for the 2025 season. Details about the new transmission have not been disclosed, but it is anticipated to be a “racing gearbox” that could potentially offer improved speed and acceleration.
Steve Sargent, Triumph’s Chief Product Officer, expressed confidence that the new racing gearbox will significantly improve on-track results for riders. The engineering team is already working on improvements for gear selection and testing parts based on this year’s Moto2 races.
The current tuning of the Triumph Moto2 engines allows them to produce 145 horsepower, with a recent increase in rpm. The engines now rev up to 14,400 rpm compared to the previous limit of 14,000 rpm. For enthusiasts who want a taste of the Moto2 experience, Triumph offers the Street Triple RS Moto2 Edition, which features the same engine found in the race bikes, as well as high-end suspension and precision handling components from Öhlins and Brembo.
When riding a motorcycle on the street, especially during hot summer weather, it can be tempting to forgo some essential gear. Fortunately, many motorcycle gear and equipment manufacturers create urban gear that keeps you cool and comfortable without compromising on protective features.
Ixon, a French gear and equipment specialist, has recently released the Hopper riding sneakers. These sneakers are made entirely of breathable and lightweight textile fabric, making them almost indistinguishable from casual sneakers. However, they also feature reinforcements that make them durable enough for daily rides. The upper portion is made of a durable and abrasion-resistant Cordura fabric, which incorporates Ripstop technology and neoprene inserts for comfort and elasticity.
In addition to their abrasion-resistant exterior, the Hopper sneakers also have heavy-duty reinforcements in key areas such as the toe, heel, and malleolus. The interior features a mesh lining, foam-formed collar, and an elastic instep and lace-up closure for a secure and comfortable fit. These features make the Ixon Hopper certified as personal protective equipment (PPE) according to the EN 13634:2017 standard.
The Ixon Hopper combines functionality with style. Its casual design makes it suitable for both on and off the motorcycle. While it provides ample comfort and protection for urban rides and short trips, it is recommended to wear more heavy-duty gear for longer rides outside the city. Overall, the Hopper is a solid choice for daily riders in search of lightweight motorcycle-approved sneakers.
As for pricing and availability, the Ixon Hopper is available in Tactical Green and all-black color schemes. It can be purchased in sizes ranging from 39 to 47, with a retail price of 149.99 Euros (approximately $164 USD). Pricing and availability may vary by region, so it is recommended to contact your local gear retailer for confirmation. For more information, you can visit Ixon’s official website linked below.
When riding on the street, it’s always ideal to wear clothes from head to toe – but not just any clothes. Motorcycle-approved gear is obviously built to take a hit, very much unlike the super comfy and stylish jeans from Uni Qlo, that are sure to tear the instant they make contact with the asphalt. Having said that, gear makers of today have riding gear that’s nearly indistinguishable from everyday streetwear.
Take, for example, Italian brand Spidi, and its newest pair of pants. Spidi has built quite a reputation for itself over the years with its race-oriented apparel. However, it also has a wide selection of gear that caters to road, adventure, and touring riders. Its newest Supercharged pants present themselves as a lightweight option in the touring space. To get this out of the way, no, Spidi’s Supercharged pants don’t come with any superchargers whatsoever. Surely, if they did, you wouldn’t even need to ride your motorcycle, as you’d probably be better off running to your destination.
Jokes aside, what Spidi’s newest pants aim to do is to supercharge your riding experience by providing you the best of both worlds when it comes to safety and comfort – its nondescript styling is just a bonus. For starters, they’re made of reinforced textile fibers with four percent elastane stretch for durability and flexibility. They are made of high tenacity Tactel material, which is noted for its remarkable abrasion resistance. Furthermore, the trousers are made of Superfabric, which is very resistant to ripping, cutting, and penetrating. These trousers have a fitted cut and pre-formed knees for a more natural and comfortable fit.
On the inside, Spidi’s Supercharged trousers include height-adjustable CE Warrior knee protectors that fulfill the EN 1621-1 level 1 impact protection standard. They also provide CE Warrior Lite hip protection that meets the same EN 1621-1 level 1 standard. The pants are embellished with 3M reflective material for increased visibility. As a result of all of this, the pants have received Certification EN 17092-3:2020, class AA, indicating their compliance with the highest safety and protection standards.
In terms of features, the Spidi Supercharged pants provide easy storage choices with three front pockets, one of which has a zipper for enhanced security. A zippered rear pocket provides additional storage. The pants include a metal clasp and belt loops for a secure, adjustable fit. Furthermore, there’s a rear attachment meant expressly for connecting the pants to a jacket. With these useful features, the Supercharged pants are well-suited for touring as well as regular riding.
The Supercharged pants come in a single color: anthracite, which has a subtle and sophisticated style. This adaptable color scheme makes it simple to mix and match with different riding gear. The pants are available in sizes ranging from 28 to 40 (US), accommodating a wide range of body shapes. The Supercharged trousers cost €199.90 (about $223 USD). All that said, it’s important to remember that pricing and availability may differ based on your location. For the most up-to-date information, I recommend visiting Spidi’s official website or contacting your local gear retailer.
If you’re looking for a superbike performance that’s designed for the street, you may have to turn to one of the incredibly powerful hyper-naked motorcycles available in the market today. However, it’s important to note that labeling a bike as “street-focused” with close to 200 horsepower is quite absurd. Nevertheless, these bikes cater to the needs of power-hungry enthusiasts.
Among the most iconic and popular models in this segment is the Ducati Streetfighter V4. Available in three variants globally, the Streetfighter V4 takes all the race-ready features of the Panigale V4 and offers a more practical package for street use. It’s important to note that the Streetfighter V4 is one of the most powerful street bikes in the world. Now, Ducati has taken it to the next level by introducing a new Sport package for this hyper-naked beast.
In the Sport package, Ducati has made the Streetfighter V4 even more performance-oriented. It includes lightweight, billet aluminum tank caps, brake and clutch levers, and handlebar counterweights. These additions not only enhance the aesthetics but also provide slight adjustability and stability. However, the highlight of the Sport package is undoubtedly the Akrapovic exhaust system.
Ducati offers two options for the exhaust system in the Streetfighter V4 Sport package. The first option is an underbelly system that replaces the stock muffler. It offers a weight reduction of 800 grams while keeping the noise relatively low. The second option is a full-titanium setup for those who want the loudest possible sound. This setup increases power and torque by six percent and sheds 5.5 kilograms of weight. The exhaust system features a twin tail exit setup, a race-derived polyester air filter, and a custom race map to optimize performance with the new exhaust system.
In addition to the Sport package, Ducati also offers a range of carbon-fiber components for customization purposes. These include front and rear fenders, a TFT display cover, tank cover, seat cowl, winglets, and even a license plate holder. While Ducati claims that these components reduce weight and marginally improve performance, it’s worth noting that many people opt for them mainly for the sporty look they bring to the bike.
If you’re an experienced street rider who wants to try off-roading but is unsure how to start, this video from MotoTrek offers some great tips. In the video, off-road instructor Dusty Wessels provides basic but useful advice to help you feel more comfortable exploring the unpaved roads and improving your off-road riding skills.
The first tip is to invest in a good set of dual sport tires. While you can opt for more hardcore off-road tires if you’ll only be riding off-road, it’s advisable to choose tires that can handle both off-road and street riding. Modern tire technology plays a crucial role in improving the performance of the tires on different surfaces, so read reviews and take advantage of the current advancements in tire technology.
The next important aspect is body positioning. Standing up on the pegs gives you better control and stability off-road. This technique allows you to redistribute your bike’s weight when encountering obstacles and lowers the center of gravity. It also provides a clearer view of the path ahead. Additionally, bending your knees slightly into the tank and loosening your grip on the handlebars allows you to flow with the bike, use gentle inputs for steering, and maintain traction more effectively.
When riding off-road, it’s important to focus on smooth and gradual motions. Apply the brakes smoothly with a rear brake bias, use gentle throttle inputs, and make smooth turns. Gradual inputs make a significant difference in off-road riding. It’s crucial to gain practical experience and practice your off-road skills. While watching instructional videos and reading about off-road riding is helpful, nothing beats actually getting out there and riding.
If you’re a beginner and concerned about damaging your expensive adventure bike, consider starting with a dirt bike. Dirt bikes are designed for off-road riding and are more forgiving in case of falls. Overcoming mental obstacles is also important. If you’re worried about bike damage, ride a smaller bike that’s meant to be dropped until you gain confidence. Invest in boots with strong ankle support to alleviate concerns about ankle injuries. When you’re less stressed about peripheral concerns, your skills will improve more quickly.
According to a recent statement, a spokesperson from Gates Ventures denies any knowledge of inappropriate questions being asked during the screening process in their 15+ years of operation. They confirm that no job offers have been rescinded based on such information.
The security company named in the report is Concentric Advisors, accused of conducting these alleged applicant assessments. In response, Concentric Advisors states that while applicants may provide such information voluntarily, they never requested those details. The Wall Street Journal, however, claims to have reviewed documents, including one that describes a consent form for a “behavioral assessment” covering previous drug and alcohol use. The document states that the assessment would help determine the applicant’s “suitability for employment.”
The core concern revolves around the potential violation of employment laws if such questioning did occur. Concentric Advisors asserts compliance with pre-employment screening regulations and an internal email leaked to Gates Ventures employees reportedly indicates that the company was unaware of any such questions being asked.
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