Enthusiasts all around the world have a great fondness for the Honda Civic Type R. However, while many of its hot hatch rivals, such as the Volkswagen Golf R, offer all-wheel drive, the plucky Civic still sends all its power to the front. While Honda engineers have done a great job in making it perform well, many people are eager to see an all-wheel-drive Civic in action.
Devin Niemela, a YouTuber, took it upon himself to make this happen. The video featured here is a comprehensive 25-minute compilation of the extensive 2021 Civic Type R project, where the car was converted to AWD. This project was no small feat, as there are a total of 65 videos dedicated to the build on Niemela’s YouTube channel. In addition to these, there are numerous extra clips showing the car in various stages, along with background information, engine builds, and transmission builds, making the project even more impressive.
… [image of AWD Honda Civic Type R Build]
… [image of AWD Honda Civic Type R Build]
… [image of AWD Honda Civic Type R Build]
But that’s not all. This isn’t just an all-wheel-drive Type R; it’s an astounding 800-horsepower Type R, thanks to a K24 engine swap. The engine was rebuilt after a failed timing sprocket destroyed the top end, but considering the custom fabrication that went into the all-wheel-drive conversion, this setback was a relatively easy fix. The front subframe and differential from a Honda CR-V were used for the AWD conversion. After a significant amount of cutting and welding, the AWD Civic came to life.
Remarkably, this is actually the third phase of the black Civic’s life. It was originally involved in an unknown collision that left it severely damaged. Devin purchased the car and rebuilt it as a “normal” Type R, extensively tuning it while still using front-wheel drive. Repairing the crushed metal and twisted frame rails was no small undertaking.
This build deserves nothing but respect. The only thing left at this point is an LS swap. Imagine the world’s first V8-powered AWD Civic Type R – now that has a nice ring to it.
If you enjoy doing things yourself, you’re probably familiar with the challenges of making something work just right. But when it all comes together as planned, the satisfaction is unbeatable.
Overcoming the challenges in your projects depends on various factors. For instance, a simple carburetor rebuild is not as complex as syncing carbs on a flat 12.
Anyone following the Turbo Hayabusa Hybrid Volkswagen Rabbit Caddy Pickup build series on the Rich Rebuilds YouTube channel knows it’s an incredibly intricate project. Months of hard work have gone into getting the truck to perform just as envisioned.
After months of hard work, the video finally showcases the VW Caddy running under turbo Hayabusa power. The engine sounds impressive, with Rich noting that it sounds nearby even when it’s a quarter mile away. Although loud in the video, its real-life volume isn’t entirely clear.
While there are still some tasks remaining, the project is closer to completion than ever before. The setup includes an electric motor for low-speed maneuvering and a mid-mounted turbo Hayabusa engine for combustion power in the pickup bed.
The build involved various modifications such as:
a Chevrolet C10 radiator with dual 10-inch fans in the truck bed
a Tesla water pump
air shocks
a Pingel auto-shifter (ongoing work)
a CityEL steering wheel
an intercooler setup with a 3D printed connector in the truck bed
a power brake pump up front
black-painted Saab 9000 wheels for a stealthy appearance
a side inlet and outlet for the turbo and exhaust respectively in the truck bed
In the next video, Rich aims to have the entire project fully completed and performing as intended. It’s definitely an exciting prospect!
By far the biggest mystery surrounding the hotly anticipated Corvette ZR1 is the type of engine Chevrolet’s engineers intend to install. In late October, an eagle-eyed person with access to the GM Parts Catalog stumbled upon an LT7 listed as a turbocharged eight-cylinder mill with a 5.5-liter displacement. Well, that’s no longer the case because the database has been updated to show an entirely different LT7, one that GM had back in the 1980s.
Discovered by a member of the Corvette Forum, the LT7 now appears as a 4.3-liter V6 diesel. Coincidentally, or perhaps not, there was an oil-burner with this displacement between the 1982 to 1985 model years. Engineered for front-wheel-drive cars, this diesel enabled the 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera to return 28 miles per gallon in the city and 41 mpg on the highway for a combined 33 mpg. It was also offered in the Buick Century, Chevrolet Celebrity, and the Pontiac 6000 during the same model years.
However, we’d reckon 85 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque wouldn’t be enough for the Corvette ZR1. But why is the Corvette now listed as having a diesel V6 instead of a gas V8? Well, to show GM has a sense of humor is one logical explanation. The cat is probably out of the bag anyway, so why not do some damage control by replacing the true identity of the new LT7 and have fun along the way?
Many would argue a diesel has no place in a mid-engine supercar, although Audi would beg to differ with its R8 V12 TDI concept. A diesel would make more sense in the long-rumored Corvette SUV but in the age of electrification, a high-riding ‘Vette would have a gas engine assisted by an electric motor to deliver the necessary low-end torque.
Diesel engines have largely fallen out of favor anyway in the wake of the Volkswagen Group’s messy Dieselgate scandal. There are more chances of seeing the rumored twin-turbo hybrid Zora than a diesel Corvette, which would surely upset purists more than the E-Ray or the already confirmed fully electric model.
Are you the type of rider who’s thought to yourself that the Yamaha Ténéré 700 is quite appealing, except it’s a little taller than you’d like? If you’re a shorter rider, then that could be you. More specifically, if you’re a shorter rider in Europe, then Yamaha Motor Europe was clearly thinking about you when it introduced the 2024 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Explore.
It’s a more touring-oriented version of the T7—and it’s one that also offers reduced suspension travel and a lower seat height to improve accessibility for more road-oriented riders. The combination of a 21-inch front and an 18-inch rear wheels remain, as does the skid plate for your off-road explorations.
Engine
Like other members of the T7 lineup, the 2024 Yamaha Ténéré 700 is powered by Yamaha’s liquid-cooled, dual overhead cam, 689cc parallel twin CP2 engine. It makes a claimed 54 kilowatts (about 72.4 horsepower) at 9,000 rpm and 68 newton-meters (about 50 pound-feet) of torque at 6,500 rpm. Bore and stroke are 80.0mm by 68.6mm, and compression ratio is 11.5 to one. This engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox fitted with a quickshifter from the factory and uses a chain final drive.
Chassis
The frame on the 2024 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Explore is a steel tube double cradle unit. Suspension-wise, you’ll find a revised 43mm KYB front fork setup which offers 190mm (7.4 inches) of wheel travel—a full 20mm (almost 0.8 inches) less than what’s found on the standard T7.
In the rear, you’ll find a KYB shock absorber with an increased spring rate and a remote adjuster. It offers 180mm (just over 7 inches) of travel, which is 20mm (almost 0.8 inches) less than the regular T7. This shock absorber, Yamaha says, offers strong comfort and control characteristics even when it’s laden down with gear on a big tour.
The combined suspension adjustments also enable an 860mm (about 33.85-inch) seat height, which is 15mm (almost 0.6 inches) lower than the standard 875mm (34.4 inch) seat height of the standard T7.
Brakes consist of a dual two-piston 282mm disc setup in front and a single 245mm disc setup in the rear.
Additional Features
The 2024 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Explore features a higher, wider windscreen from the factory, which Yamaha says increases surface area by a full 50 percent over the screen found on the standard T7 for better touring protection. You’ll also find a quickshifter fitted from the factory on the Explore.
A 5-inch full color TFT display comes standard on the Explore, as do mounting brackets for your choice of side cases. Please note that side cases themselves do not come standard on the Explore, but you can add soft panniers or hard aluminum cases as available accessories from Yamaha if you like.
Full LED lighting, a USB socket, and a 16-liter fuel tank also come standard on the 2024 T7 Explore.
Dimensions
Wheelbase is 1,590mm (about 62.6 inches). Length is 2,350mm (about 92.5 inches), width is 905mm (about 35.6 inches), and height is 1,500mm (about 59 inches). Minimum ground clearance is 225mm (about 8.85 inches). Yamaha lists curb weight of the T7 Explore as 211 kilograms, or just over 465 pounds.
Pricing and Availability
42Photos
Yamaha has only announced the 2024 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Explore for sale in European markets, where several other T7 variants have already been released. Many of those have not been released outside of Europe, and it’s not clear whether they ever will be.
Pricing and exact timing of availability has not yet been given. If you live in Europe or the UK and are interested in getting your hands on a T7 Explore, your best bet is to reach out to your local Yamaha dealer for answers to your questions.
If you live in a non-European market and are interested in the T7 Explore, we’ll be sure to keep you updated with information if this model is released elsewhere.
The price of installing an electric fireplace in your home can vary greatly depending on the type and quality of the unit. According to Fixr, the national average cost of electric fireplace installation, including the unit and the electrician’s services, is $750.
While this figure might not sound too extreme, there are scenarios where homeowners can spend up to $10,000 for a custom-built fireplace that requires additional electrical work, tiling, and masonry. In fact, Dreifuss Fireplaces reveals that the cost of a commercial-grade electric fireplace, before installation, can approach $20,000.
Apart from the installation costs, prospective electric fireplace owners should also take other factors into consideration. While it’s obvious that electric fireplaces will raise your electricity bill, there are additional hidden expenses that can contribute to the overall cost of ownership over time. So, if you’re planning to purchase a fireplace for your new home, here are some key factors to keep in mind.
In the United States, vans may not be a popular vehicle choice, but they certainly catch the attention of the aftermarket scene elsewhere in the world. German tuner Irmscher is back with a new van based on the Opel Zafira, and this time it’s limited to just 100 units, making it even rarer than a Ferrari F40.
This modified van, known as the Irmscher is3 Black Phantom 2.0, boasts a dark and menacing appearance, thanks to its detailed body kit and revamped chassis. It serves as a reminder that vans don’t have to be boring. Up front, the Opel features a revised front fascia with a newly integrated spoiler lip. Along the sides, the van showcases new side skirts and rear side skirt extensions that draw attention towards the back of the vehicle. At the rear, Irmscher adds a functional rear spoiler and a wider rear apron that gives the van a more athletic look by partially obscuring the tires. The body kit has undergone extensive testing, including wind tunnel sessions.
Irmscher elevates the van’s aggressive look with gold or black accents. In the photo above, you can see the gold accents on the new lip spoiler, grille, and lower bumper opening. The color also extends along the sides of the van, just below the windows, while a bold graphic pays homage to the brand’s heritage.
Underneath, the Opel is equipped with 20-inch “Hydra Star” wheels that are finished in black. Thanks to the chassis enhancements, the van sits lower than the stock version, creating a more streamlined appearance. Unfortunately, the tuner did not provide specific details about the modifications made to the chassis. As for performance, the van retains its stock engine and is available with various diesel engine options from the factory.
Irmscher plans to produce only 100 units of the Black Phantom 2.0. Interested buyers can purchase it directly from the company or one of its partners. Over the years, Irmscher has customized numerous vehicles, including a Tesla Model Y. In the case of the Model Y, the tuner added a body kit to give the electric crossover a more aggressive look, featuring new front and rear bumpers, a rear diffuser, side skirts, and upgraded wheels.
Jaguar is bidding farewell to its iconic F-Type model with the limited edition Type ZP, marking the end of 75 years of combustion-engined Jaguar sports cars. Inspired by the ‘Project ZP’ E-Types that raced at Le Mans in the 1960s, this special edition will be offered as both a coupé and a convertible.
Only 150 units of this final edition will be sold worldwide, with 10 reserved exclusively for UK customers.
The Type ZP will join the F-Type 75, which was unveiled last year, for its last year of production. Both versions come with unique features that set them apart from the standard model, which now only comes with a 296bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. The special editions offer a choice of a 444bhp or a 567bhp supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine.
All three engines will be retired next year as Jaguar prepares to reinvent itself as a fully electric luxury brand by 2025. The F-Type will be joined in retirement by the XE, XF, E-Pace, and F-Pace models.
One of the standout features of the Type ZP edition is the hand-painted white racing roundel on each door, paying homage to the Le Mans racers. Additionally, two color options are available, both inspired by the Le Mans racers. One features gloss blue paint with red-and-black leather upholstery, while the other offers gloss grey paint with blue-and-brown leather upholstery.
Both color variations include gloss white grille surrounds to match the roundels on the doors, which contrast with the gloss black brake calipers and exterior trim pieces. ‘ZP Edition’ badges can be found on the front wheel arches.
A recently captured video shows Ferrari’s ongoing development of a new supercar, with distinct features hinting at a V12 engine that will most likely power the successor to the 812 Superfast.
The test mule, captured on public roads, emits a delightful engine growl enhanced by its unique tailpipes and throaty exhaust note. The camouflage wrap conceals the modified Roma body, which has a longer nose design to keep the powertrain hidden.
Motorcycle makers of every type and brand have undergone tremendous transformations to go along with their constantly-evolving inventory. An inventory that not only must change to go along with the demands of the consumers but to match the new regulations that are being required. Plus, as new technology becomes available, it is expected by the buying public to be included in the latest model of their favorite bikes. Otherwise, they may switch brands. This supply and demand cycle is constant for all the players within the industry, regardless of how big the nameplates are.
American motorcycle icon Harley-Davidson is no different. Many beloved models have come and gone, and like Geoffrey Chaucer once famously said, “All good things must come to an end.” While some staple models like the Road King and Fat Boy remain in production, others could use a comeback.
Pulling data directly from Harley-Davidson, as well as reputable news sources, historical archives and reliable reviewers, we’ve put together a list of HD motorcycles that deserve a second chance.
Updated September 2023: Harley-Davidson is one of the most well-known names in the motorcycle industry, but even so, there have been a few models that, for one reason or another, the company has decided to discontinue. Riders like us do not entirely agree with their decision, though, which is why we have decided to refresh this list of great bikes that need to make a comeback.
One of the most surprising models on this list is the Iron 883. Ever since its debut in 2009, the Harley-Davidson Iron 883 instantly became a favorite of the Sportster class. It was light, easy to ride, affordable, very customizable, and gave off a sense of urban-ruggedness that many beginner riders gravitated towards. So when it was announced that Harley-Davidson would be closing the book on the Iron 883, it marked the end of an era that certainly gave the competition a run for its money.
Just like its little brother, the Iron 883, the Iron 1200 went from common to commodity in 2021 when Harley-Davidson discontinued the Sportster. It was also around this time when Harley announced that it was “revolutionizing” its Sportster lineup, marking the beginning of the Sportster S and Nightster, both coming equipped with the new liquid-cooled Revolution 1250cc and 975cc engines. While both the Iron 883 and Iron 1200 had their time in the sun, they lasted long enough to become fan favorites.
Low. Slick. Smooth. Comfortable. During the Softail Slim’s tenure in Harley-Davidson’s Softail class, it quickly gained popularity as one of Harley-Davidson’s more “chill out” motorcycles. Basically a skinny Fat Boy, the Slim’s low seat and floorboards gave it a relaxed riding position. It was simple, strong, and lean. Now, the chances of finding one available are also poor.
This motorcycle had a bobbed rear fender, skinny front tire, forward controls, raked and widened front forks, and a 1,340cc Evolution V-Twin engine. By 1999, the Dyna Wide Glide was upgraded with an air-cooled Twin Cam 88 with 1,450ccs. By 2007, the Wide Glide got an even bigger upgrade with the fuel-injected Twin Cam 96 engine before it briefly went on hiatus in 2008 following the release of the 105th-anniversary edition. The Wide Glide returned in 2010, receiving yet another engine upgrade in 2012 with the Twin Cam 103 engine boasting 1,690ccs. Granted that this motorcycle has come back before, it’s not outside the realm of possibility that Harley-Davidson could do it again.
Model Highlights
Extremely popular model, with big fanbase
Custom chopper looks straight from factory
5V-Rod
1999 – 2017
Harley-Davidson
Engine
Four stroke, liquid-cooled, 60° V-twin
Capacity
1250cc
Power
109 hp
Torque
77.19 ft-lb
There is probably no other Harley-Davidson model with a cult following like the V-Rod. What makes this motorcycle so unique is the low seat, fat rear tire, hidden gas tank under the seat, and the 1250cc liquid-cooled Revolution engine developed in collaboration with Porsche engineers. Fair to say that this bike is a perfect hybrid of muscular drag strip performance and artistic aggression on the streets. While the V-Rod was undoubtedly one of Harley-Davidson’s most unique models in its cruiser class, one of its biggest obstacles was not following the new Euro 4 regulations.
In Harley-Davidson’s diverse lineup, no model embodied class and old-school charm with modern stylings better than the Softail Deluxe. Fans of the Deluxe appreciated its heavy use of chrome, white-wall tires, and fender design reminiscent of a 1957 Plymouth Belvedere. The first original Softail debuted in 1983 before evolving into the Deluxe. From there, it enjoyed a 37-year residency in Harley-Davidson’s portfolio before seeing its final year in 2020.
Model Highlights
Heavy use of chrome and white wall tires for nostalgic look
The beginner-friendly Street series was such a popular model for individuals with zero riding experience, that Harley began implementing the Street 500 and Street 750 into its riding courses. There probably is no other model in Harley-Davidson’s portfolio that is as user-friendly as the Street Rods, ideally meant for local and city riding, many beginner riders who started on this model have since moved on to bigger and greater bikes. Just like the other members of the Street family (Iron 883, Iron 1200), the book was closed on this line of entry-level bikes to make room for the new Sportster series.
Model Highlights
Beginner-friendly option in Harley fleet
Utilized in Motorcycle training schools
Best utilized in city environment
8Dyna Switchback
2012 – 2016
Harley-Davidson
Engine
Four stroke, Twin Cam 103
Capacity
1690cc
Power
76 hp
Torque
98.8 ft-lb
Harley-Davidson is not outside the realm of creating motorcycles that embody the best of both worlds. One model that stands out from the crowd was the short-lived Dyna Switchback, this motorcycle results from taking the touring aspects of the Road King and configuring them around the Dyna frame. This touring-capable Dyna was nick-named the “Road Queen” as it was seen as a gender-friendly model that allowed female riders to enjoy the comfortable touring seat, windshield, and hard saddlebags of the Road King without the weight and bulkiness.
Model Highlights
A touring-capable Dyna
Hard saddlebags as standard
Shared features with the Road King, without the added weight
A distant relative of the Switchback, the Sport Glide first emerged onto showroom floors in 1983 as a distinctly unique model unlike anything else previous Harley riders were familiar with before halting production in 1993. The Sport Glide re-emerged twenty-five years later as a more modernized take on the Softail/touring hybrid concept. The bike included some hard saddlebags, a mini batwing fairing that could be removed at the rider’s will, and a Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine.
Model Highlights
Modern take on the Softail / Touring hybrid
Mini batwing fairing included
Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine
10VR1000
1994 – 1995
Mecum
Engine
Four stroke, 60° V-twin
Capacity
1000cc
Power
135 hp
Torque
100 ft-lb
The one thing that Harley-Davidson has never been known for was engineering and producing fast superbikes, which all changed in 1994. The company decided that it wanted to compete with the best bikes in the world on the AMA superbike racing circuit. The team tasked to build the bike, Harley-Davidson Skunkworks, started from scratch by moving away from everything the company had ever made. The 1000cc V-twin engine had dual overhead cams, fuel injection, and was water-cooled, which was all new to Harley. The bike never won a race on the AMA superbike circuit, but it had so much potential that it needs to be brought back as a street machine for you all to enjoy.
Model Highlights
Harley’s attempt to compete in the Superbike racing circuit
Fuel injected and water-cooled, unlike other Harley models of the time
Despite high aspiration, never won a race
11Blackline
2010 – 2013
Harley-Davidson
Engine
Four stroke, 45° V-twin, Twin Cam 96
Capacity
1584cc
Power
72 hp
Torque
92 ft-lb
The Harley-Davidson Blackline was the fourth model designed to be a part of the Harley-Davidson Dark Custom series. The counterbalanced, twin-cam V-twin engine is air-cooled and can push out 72 horses and between 89 and 99 pound-feet of torque. What made these bikes so special was not the performance or the power but the look. They were designed with unique, eye-catching paint straight from the factory.
Model Highlights
Custom paint look out of the factory
Powerful, fast engine full of torque
12Tour Glide
1981 – 1987
Mecum
Engine
Four stroke, 45° V-twin
Capacity
1338cc
Power
70 hp
Torque
69 ft-lb
Touring bikes are made for one specific function, which you can surely guess just by the name. The Harley-Davidson Tour Glide was no exception. It was built to travel in style from one end of the country to the other. It had an air-cooled 1338cc V-twin engine paired with a five-speed transmission that could pump out 70 horsepower (in later models). It came with a rear trunk, passenger backrest, lockable saddlebags, storage compartments, and dual front disc brakes.
Model Highlights
Built to compete with Honda’s GoldWing in the touring market
Rear trunk, lockable saddlebags and other storage compartments.
Dual front disc brakes
13CLE Classic Sidecar
1979 – 1980
Mecum
Engine
Four stroke, 45° V-twin
Capacity
1337cc
Power
58 hp
Torque
n/a
Many people who have ridden these trikes claim that they are too hard to navigate and turn, which is why they were not produced for much more than a year or two. With the technology today, though, a sidecar alongside a touring bike that has a passenger seat (with a backrest and some lockable saddlebags) could not only allow you to travel in style with a friend, but with a man’s best friend as well.
Model Highlights
Proved to be difficult to maneuver
With retro motorcycle popularity on the rise, these bikes are much sought-after.
Sidecar can be handy for passengers of all kinds
14Topper
1960 – 1965
Mecum
Engine
Two stroke, single cylinder, reed valve
Capacity
164cc
Power
9 hp
Torque
n/a
The H-D Topper is another motorized two-wheeled vehicle that you may not know Harley-Davidson built at one time. A moped designed to get you around town in style. It is the only scooter that the company has made to date. It was offered with a 164cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine. Today it would be best to build the Topper with electric motor, along with some other features that are available today.
Model Highlights
Harley’s attempt in the scooter market
Perfectly suited for modern city market, with an electric motor
FAQ
Q: Is Harley Iron 883 good for beginners?
Yes. The Iron 883 has been the motorcycle of choice for many novice riders thanks to its size, handling, and affordability.
Q: Is the Harley-Davidson Breakout discontinued?
Yes. The Breakout ran as part of Harley-Davidson’s softail inventory from 2012 to 2020.
Q: Why did Harley-Davidson get rid of the V-Rod?
While the V-Rod was certainly one of Harley-Davidson’s unique models in its cruiser class, one of the biggest obstacles it faced was that it did not follow the new Euro 4 regulations. Also, sales and interest in the bike began to drop in its last few years, eventually prompting HD to end its production in 2017.
Q: Is the Sport Glide a touring bike?
While the Sport Glide does have features often found on many of Harley-Davidson’s touring models (stock saddlebags, mini-batwing fairing), it is still considered part of the softail class.
Q: What is the Harley-Davidson Switchback?
The Harley-Davidson Switchback was part of the brand’s Dyna line that featured many elements from the standard Road King touring model (hard saddlebags, windshield, floorboards) but built around the Dyna structure. Nicknamed the “Road Queen”, the Switchback was very popular among female riders that were eager for more touring capabilities, but did not want to have to deal with the bulkiness of the Road King that is more often favored among larger male riders.
Radford Motors has made a significant impact in the field of coachbuilding with the successful introduction of its first Type 62-2 personal commission car during the prestigious Monterey Car Week. The highlight of the event was the Type 62-2, a custom project where Shashi Reddy, the car’s owner, closely collaborated with Radford’s design team. This unique creation combines contemporary aesthetics with a rich motor racing heritage.
As a tribute to the Jaguar D-type XKD 606, which won the 1957 Le Mans 24 Hours race, a deep blue finish was chosen for the exterior. The silver lower portion complements the silver-painted wheel center and rim, creating a contrast to the black brake calipers.
The interior of the car is equally impressive, showcasing meticulous attention to detail. From the satin chrome mirror for the switch bezels and jewelry to the contrasting textures of silver pearl nubuck and semi-aniline leather, every aspect exudes luxury and elegance.
Shashi’s attraction to the Radford Type 62-2 was not only based on its high-performance capabilities but also on its one-of-a-kind design. As someone with a passion for collecting exquisite cars for over twenty years, Shashi found the aesthetics of the front nose and rear clamshell particularly compelling. Each Radford Type 62-2 offers owners the opportunity to design a vehicle that reflects their personal taste, right down to the smallest detail. With no two cars ever being the same, Radford provides not only a bespoke driving experience but also a chance for each owner to make a distinct personal statement.
