When considering purchasing a small appliance, it’s important to weigh the option of getting a full-sized appliance instead. While they may be more expensive initially, full-sized appliances can be more cost-effective for frequent travelers or those who travel in large groups. Luxury camper van owners, for example, may find that larger appliances are worth the investment.
If you’re certain that you’ll have a need for compact appliances in the long term, the next thing to consider is your budget. Sometimes it’s worth spending a bit more on trusted brands or ones that come with extended warranties. This can be especially important if you plan on taking your small appliance on your travels, as it’s best to have coverage or access to authorized repair centers wherever you go. After all, constantly replacing a frequently breaking appliance can end up being more expensive.
Depending on where and how you plan on using your appliance – whether it’s at a campsite with solar panels, in your car, or in different countries with varying plug types – you’ll need to think about how to power your device. Investing in voltage converters or plug adapters is a good idea if you plan on charging your appliances outside of your vehicle. Additionally, battery-powered appliances can be a great backup during power outages.
Lastly, it’s important to check the size and weight specifications of your chosen appliance. Whether it’s meant to be integrated into a semi-permanent spot in your RV, stored in a regular vehicle, or occasionally brought on a flight, make sure it complies with any size or weight restrictions that may apply.
When it comes to manufacturing, deciding whether to design a completely new motorcycle or revamp an existing model can be a difficult decision. For Royal Enfield, the challenge lies in creating a successor to one of their most beloved bikes. On one hand, they need to incorporate new technology to stay relevant, but on the other hand, they must be cautious not to ruin the qualities that riders already love about the bike.
The team at Royal Enfield, led by Mark Wells, took on this challenge with the new Himalayan. They are aware that riders have an emotional connection to their bikes, so any changes must be made carefully. The goal is to make improvements that riders will appreciate without losing the essence of the original Himalayan.
Royal Enfield is set to unveil the new Himalayan on November 7, 2023, at EICMA. Leading up to this announcement, they have been building anticipation among fans worldwide. In early October, Royal Enfield released the first official image of the new bike. In addition, prominent moto traveler Itchy Boots has been showcasing the new Himalayan in a video series as she rode through the Himalayas.
Now, Royal Enfield has created a short film documenting the final test of the new Himalayan. Test riders and Enfield staff participate in a relay test, riding the bikes from Enfield’s manufacturing facility in Chennai to Umling La, the world’s highest motorable mountain pass at 19,024 feet above sea level. This challenging journey tests the capabilities of the new Himalayan in various terrains.
While specific details about the new Himalayan are not yet available, Royal Enfield confirms in the video that the engine is a new 452cc single-cylinder design, producing a claimed 40 horsepower. The focus is on enhancing power, suspension, and overall riding experience for existing Himalayan 411 fans. Ultimately, the success of the new Himalayan will be determined by the riders’ feedback once they get their hands on it.
If you’re excited about the new Himalayan, share your thoughts in the comments below.
When you hear the term “e-bikes,” what comes to mind? It can vary depending on who you ask. For many people, it refers to electric bicycles that have electric motors as pedal assistance, without eliminating the need for human pedal power.
However, it’s not uncommon to hear people mistakenly use the term “e-bikes” when referring to electric motorcycles. While they are clearly incorrect, their reasoning is understandable. After all, traditional motorcycles are often referred to as “bikes.” So, the confusion isn’t entirely unfounded.
But now, the Court of Justice of the European Union has officially ruled that electric bicycles do not fall under the category of “vehicles” as defined by the EU. On the other hand, motorcycles are certainly considered vehicles. This means that, by legal definition in at least one part of the world, e-bikes are not classified as motorcycles.
The Case at the Court of Justice
On October 12, 2023, the EU Court of Justice made a judgement in a case involving a cyclist who was riding an electric bicycle in Belgium in October 2017. The cyclist was involved in a collision with a car and later passed away from injuries sustained in the accident. The question at hand was whether the e-bike should be considered a “vehicle” under the law, which would require it to be insured like other road-going vehicles.
The electric bicycle in question had a motor that provided pedal assistance and had a boost function, but the boost would only work if the rider initially used human power to get the bike moving.
Prior to this ruling, the legal definition of a “vehicle” did not specify whether it had to be powered solely by mechanical means. However, with this new ruling, the European Parliament will amend the definition of “vehicle” to mean “any motor vehicle propelled exclusively by mechanical power.” This amendment will come into effect on December 23, 2023.
While this precedent could have implications for future cases within the European Union, it remains unclear how it might impact other parts of the world. Nevertheless, if you’re someone who cringes when others use the term “e-bike” to refer to an electric motorcycle, you now have an interesting fact to share.
Big Barn Find Reveals Matching Dodge Charger Hidden Under Dirt for Decades
It’s amazing to think that there are special cars out there collecting dust in barns and garages across the United States. One such discovery includes a unique assortment of vehicles, including a 1968 Dodge Charger 440 R/T and several models from Ford’s Edsel brand. In addition, there are glimpses of a Chrysler New Yorker Sedan, Chevrolet Corvair, and the first-generation Dodge Charger.
Let’s focus on the ’68 Charger 440 since it’s the car we get the best look at. The video tour begins at five minutes and 20 seconds. This particular car is numbers-matching, meaning it still has its original engine and transmission. The body, fender, and trunk tags also display the correct numbers.
While there are some positives, this Charger needs a lot of work before it can hit the road again. The engine is seized, and the three-speed automatic gearbox requires a rebuild. The interior is in need of a complete restoration. There is even a hole in the floor behind the driver, and the center of the trunk floor needs replacing.
The body of the car is also in rough shape. There are various dents and dings, and rust can be found along the lower side sills, along with a hole in the body on the passenger side. A full repaint is necessary, and some of the windows are missing.
Bringing this Charger back to life would be a significant undertaking, but with enough time, patience, and energy, it could be done.
Moving on to the other cars in the barn, the Edsels and other vehicles appear to be in better shape, at least on the outside. However, they are covered in a thick layer of dust. Additionally, stray cats have made the barn their home, which has prevented mice from causing damage but has unfortunately turned an Edsel Pacer convertible into a litter box. It’s not a pleasant sight.
For those unfamiliar with the brand, Edsel only existed from 1958 to 1960. These models were positioned above Ford and roughly on par with Mercury in the Blue Oval’s hierarchy. The vehicles featured unique styling but shared certain elements with Ford and Mercury vehicles. Unfortunately, buyers were not interested, leading to the discontinuation of the brand.
The 2023 Geneva International Motor Show is not being held in Geneva, Switzerland, but rather in the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center in Qatar, which is located 2,900 miles away. This is the first Geneva International Motor Show after a three-year hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic. However, there will still be a separate event in Geneva next year.
Many big players in the automotive industry are attending the auto show in Qatar’s capital, including Audi. Audi has chosen this event to host the public debut of the 2024 Q8. The German luxury brand has displayed the high-performance version called the SQ8, which comes with a powerful twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine. This engine produces an impressive 500 horsepower and 568 pound-feet (770 Newton-meters) of torque.
Remember when you first learned to ride a bicycle? How did it happen for you? Did you have a bike in your family that you learned on, or did a neighbor have one, or did you learn in some other way? For many of us, learning to ride a bike was not something we did in school. And most of our friends didn’t learn in school either.
But wouldn’t it have been cool if we did? Even if we didn’t continue riding later in life, learning to ride a bicycle can teach us important skills. Balance is obviously one of them, and it’s a massive help if you ever want to ride a motorcycle in the future. Hand-eye coordination is another skill learned through biking. And simply finding a way to enjoy the outdoors in a way that resonates with you is an invaluable life skill, no matter your age.
Recognizing these benefits, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA and All Kids Bike partnered to launch two new programs in collaboration with Los Angeles Unified School District schools. With the support of a $100,000 grant from Yamaha, All Kids Bike implemented their Kindergarten Learn-To-Ride PE programs at 74th Street Elementary and Virginia Roads Elementary.
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In addition to providing new Strider bikes, helmets, bike racks, instructor bikes, teacher training, and curriculum, the All Kids Bike and Yamaha teams also invited some of Yamaha’s star two-wheeled riders to join the handover. Champions like Eli Tomac, Ryan Villapoto, Damon Bradshaw, and Brian Lopes went to the playground to help these kids experience two-wheel riding for the first time.
“You never forget when you learned to ride a bike, and I’ll never forget seeing how excited these kids were when we showed them the fleet of shiny new bikes and gave them their first ride. We’re here to raise awareness for the All Kids Bike program and to get people excited about bringing this program to more schools in Los Angeles and across the country,” said Eli Tomac, a two-time Monster Energy AMA Supercross 450MX champion, four-time Pro Motocross 450MX champion, and the 2022 Motocross of Nations winner.
“Riding bikes is one of the most fun things you can do when you’re a kid, and it’s also a really important skill that gives you confidence and a sense of freedom you just can’t get any other way,” he concluded.
The All Kids Bike program was launched in 2018 with the simple goal of offering children across America the opportunity to learn to ride bicycles in school. With support from the Strider Education Foundation, the program aims to help all kids achieve this goal. To further this mission, the program introduced a new and inclusive Learn to Ride program designed to assist middle, high school, and adult learners with developmental disabilities in learning how to ride a bike.
When you imagine a Jeep, chances are you picture a vehicle with a rugged and boxy design. This iconic aesthetic is set to continue, as stated by Jeep Avenger designer, Daniele Calonaci.
In an interview with Top Gear, Calonaci affirmed, “While many companies are embracing a more crossover style, Jeep will remain rooted in its boxy design.”
When you think of sporty V-8s, the Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, and Chevrolet Camaro instantly come to mind. These cars are often the first choice for anyone looking for a V-8 powered car, and for good reason. They offer excellent performance, have powerful V-8 engines, and are iconic in pop culture.
However, if you are looking for something more exclusive and unique, there are plenty of other V-8 sports cars that often go overlooked. These cars range from European sport sedans to underrated sports car icons and sleeper cars. Here are 10 V-8 sports cars that you may have overlooked but definitely shouldn’t.
We have compiled this list of underrated V-8 sports cars by consulting specialist sites like Edmunds, Car and Driver, and Motor Trend.
The 2003 Jaguar S-Type R was designed to compete with the Mercedes E55 AMG and the BMW M5. It had a powerful engine that offered impressive acceleration. Although it wasn’t as quick as its German rivals, the S-Type R provided exceptional track performance while still maintaining a comfortable ride.
Specifications
Engine
Supercharged 4.2-liter V-8
Engine Output
390 horsepower and 408 pound-feet
Transmission
Six-speed automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
0-60 MPH
5.3 seconds
Top Speed
155 MPH (Electronically limited)
What set the Jag apart was its suspension, which offered improved cornering and performance without sacrificing comfort.
92003 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG
Top Speed 155 MPH
The 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG was powered by a 5.5-liter V-8 engine producing 362 horsepower. It offered impressive performance and was considered one of the most gorgeous cars of the early 2000s.
Specifications
Engine
5.5-liter V-8
Engine Output
362 horsepower and 376 pound-feet
Transmission
Five-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
0-60 MPH
4.9 seconds
Top Speed
155 MPH (Electronically limited)
It featured advanced driver-assistance technologies and a stunning design that made it a worthy competitor to its German counterparts.
82011 BMW 550i
Top Speed 155 MPH
The 2011 BMW 550i was equipped with a powerful twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine. It offered impressive performance and came with a host of standard equipment. It was a great option for those looking for a powerful and well-equipped sports sedan.
Specifications
Engine
Twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8
Engine Output
400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet
Transmission
Six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
0-60 MPH
5.1 seconds
Top Speed
155 MPH (Electronically limited)
It offered optional extras that enhanced its performance and styling, making it a great choice for enthusiasts.
The 2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was equipped with a powerful 5.7-liter V-8 engine producing 310 horsepower. It offered strong performance and had a distinct and iconic design.
Specifications
Engine
5.7-liter V-8
Engine Output
310 horsepower and 340 pound-feet
Transmission
Four-speed automatic or six-speed manual
Drivetrain
RWD
0-60 MPH
5.0 seconds
Top Speed
160 MPH (Electronically limited)
It was known for its performance and had a unique and iconic design.
62014 Lexus IS F
Top Speed 170 MPH
The 2014 Lexus IS F featured a 5.0-liter V-8 engine producing 416 horsepower. It offered impressive performance and had a unique and aggressive design.
Specifications
Engine
5.0-liter V-8
Engine Output
416 horsepower and 371 pound-feet
Transmission
Eight-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
0-60 MPH
4.6 seconds
Top Speed
170 MPH
It offered impressive performance and a striking design, making it a standout option in the sports car market.
52006 Maserati Coupe
Top Speed 177 MPH
The 2006 Maserati Coupe was a stunning machine. It featured a Ferrari-made V-8 engine and had a striking design that made it a worthy competitor to its German rivals.
Specifications
Engine
4.2-liter V-8
Engine Output
390 horsepower and 333 pound-feet
Transmission
Six-speed manual
Drivetrain
RWD
0-60 MPH
4.8 seconds
Top Speed
177 MPH
It combined Italian styling and horsepower with a responsive transmission and adaptive suspension.
The 2006 Pontiac GTO was powered by a 6.0-liter V-8 engine producing 400 horsepower. It offered impressive performance and was often compared to much more expensive vehicles.
Specifications
Engine
6.0-liter V-8
Engine Output
400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet
Transmission
Four-speed automatic or six-speed manual
Drivetrain
RWD
0-60 MPH
4.7 seconds
Top Speed
178 MPH
It offered impressive performance and had a unique and distinct design.
32017 Chevrolet SS
Top Speed 180 MPH
The 2017 Chevrolet SS was a performance sedan that offered impressive power and a sleeper car design. It was powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine, delivering a whopping 415 horsepower.
Specifications
Engine
6.2-liter V-8
Engine Output
415 horsepower and 415 pound-feet
Transmission
Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
0-60 MPH
4.7 seconds
Top Speed
180 MPH
It was a perfect blend of power and luxury, offering a thrilling ride experience.
22008 BMW M3
Top Speed 193 MPH
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