To say Volkswagen Group had a fantastic 2023 can be an understatement. With 9.24 million vehicles delivered by its many manufacturers, shipments grew by 12 % over the earlier yr. But it isn’t simply because demand was stronger; VW had an enormous backlog of orders brought on by provide bottlenecks surrounding the coronavirus pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
But with a lot of the logistical points solved, the automotive conglomerate was capable of pump out much more vehicles. Deliveries grew in all of the VW Group’s most vital markets, and Western Europe was the most important area, with 3.27 million autos (+21 % YoY). China was proper behind with 3.24 million vehicles (+2 %), adopted by North America with 0.99 million models (+18 %).
The Honda CRF450X has a legendary reputation in off-road endurance racing. Since its introduction in 2005, the CRF450X has dominated races like the SCORE Baja 1000, Baja 500, and 24 Hours of Glen Helen. Despite being sold as a quiet and friendly trail bike, the CRF450X has proven itself as a formidable race machine.
Over the years, there have been two generations of the CRF450X. The original version remained relatively unchanged, while the current version, introduced in 2019, underwent significant updates. However, despite these differences, the CRF450X’s fundamental character as a trail bike remained the same. To transform it into a race-ready machine, modifications are required.
A WELL-TRAVELED ROAD
The Honda CRF450X’s success is rooted in a collective knowledge shared among various racing teams. This knowledge has been accumulated over decades of racing in Baja. Riders like Bruce Ogilvie, Johnny Campbell Racing, Ox Motorsports, Team SLR, and Champion Adventures have developed a network of expertise specific to the CRF450X and Baja racing.
Colton Udall, who has been involved in successful Baja teams as a rider and bike builder, offers a way for average riders to tap into this wealth of information. He recently teamed up with Nic Garvin and Ciaran Naran to race the 10 Hours of Glen Helen on a modified 2023 Honda CRF450X. This race provided an opportunity to test the bike’s performance in conditions similar to Baja.
Nic Garvin and Ciaran Naran at the 10 Hours of Glen Helen
TRANSFORMATION INFORMATION
In the past, transforming the CRF450X into a race bike involved swapping parts from the motocross version. However, Colton Udall’s approach is different. He utilizes a surprising number of stock OEM parts, including the head, crank, and piston. Some aftermarket parts, like the Vortex ECU, are also used to enhance performance. Colton has developed his own mapping for the ECU with the help of Kristian Kibby.
To comply with racing regulations, Colton modifies the coolant outlet system and installs a Pro Circuit T4 exhaust. The airbox is also modified to improve airflow and facilitate filter changes.
In terms of the chassis, Brandon Peterson at AHM Racing takes care of the modifications. The fork receives revalving and slightly stiffer springs. The rear suspension undergoes more significant changes, including a shockshaft replacement kit and a custom linkage designed to improve performance and feel.
Other modifications include using a smaller fuel tank, installing a Scotts steering damper with a BRP top clamp, and adding aftermarket footpegs and levers.
RACE DAY LIVE
The modified CRF450X proved its performance during the 10 Hours of Glen Helen race. With the same basic build, Nic Garvin achieved speeds of up to 109 mph in Baja. For the race, the bike used the same gearing as Baja—14/52.
Although the bike was completed just before the race, it performed admirably. Colton, Nic, and Ciaran started in third place but dropped to the back due to an issue with the exhaust mount. They managed to make their way back up to fourth overall, a remarkable feat considering the bike was a stock test bike just days before the race.
Project X is a product of years of racing experience. Colton Udall is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and helping riders access the necessary parts to build and race their own CRF450X. For more information, visit ChampionAdventures.com.
In 2023, electric cars have come a long way. Tesla, Rivian, and Hyundai now produce sleek and modern electric vehicles. However, a few decades ago, electric cars looked quite different, like the small Comuta Car featured in this video.
If you enjoy watching DIY YouTube channels, you may be familiar with Simone Giertz’s Cheese Louise. This vehicle is a Sebring-Vanguard CitiCar, the company that originally designed it. The Comuta Car shown in this video was made in the early 1980s by a different company that purchased the original company’s design assets.
So why are we talking about a car on RideApart? It’s because someone decided to swap a bike engine into this Comuta Car. YouTuber Vasily Builds purchased the car with the intention of replacing its electric motor with a Suzuki Hayabusa engine.
Vasily drove seven hours each way to pick up the Comuta Car in West Virginia. He bought it from a 90-something-year-old guy who is still involved in motorcycle mechanics and has a passion for DIY automotive projects.
The first video in the series shows Vasily getting the Comuta Car back home, testing its stock electric motor against a Honda Acty kei truck, and starting to figure out how to fit the Hayabusa engine in the car. The frame of the Comuta Car is made of aluminum, and Vasily will need to make some modifications to accommodate the engine swap.
The Hayabusa engine is a liquid-cooled, 1,298cc inline four-cylinder unit that originally produced 175 horsepower and 102 pound-feet of torque. Vasily hasn’t mentioned how he plans to handle shifting with the swap. His main focus in this video was figuring out how to mount the engine in the rear of the car and make the necessary frame and suspension modifications.
Since Vasily is switching from electric power to gasoline power, he will also need to find a place for a fuel tank. Although he mentions the Hayabusa being in poor condition, it’s not clear if he will use its fuel tank or find an alternative solution.
One challenge is the weight difference. A Gen One Hayabusa weighs around 549 pounds, while the Comuta Car weighs about 1,400 pounds. Even with the removal of the electric motor and batteries, it’s uncertain how much weight will be saved and if it will be enough to offset the weight of the Hayabusa engine and other additional parts.
We don’t know the final outcome of this project, but Vasily has other build series on his YouTube channel if you want to see more of his work. He has a passion for swapping motors in various vehicles, from bikes to cars to boats. It will be interesting to see how this Comuta Car transformation progresses.
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