Being a motorcycle accessories specialist, it is only natural to find innovative ways to showcase your products to the public. The goal is not only to sell, but also to create a memorable experience that people will talk about. That’s exactly what the folks at SW-Motech France had in mind when they built a custom bike following the rules of the King of the Baggers Championship.
Baggers aren’t as popular in Europe as they are in the US, so SW-Motech France saw this as an opportunity to challenge themselves. They started with a 2022 Harley-Davidson Road Glide ST and collaborated with partners from various areas of the motorcycle performance parts industry in Europe. Vincent Arnoult of Parts Europe and Drag Specialties provided guidance on the engine build and parts recommendations. Christophe Roussilhes of suspension specialist PFP Öhlins, Etienne Bocard of brake specialist Beringer, and Antoine Arcaro of tire specialist Metzeler also contributed to the development of the project.
10Photos
The build highlights include several engine modifications such as an S&S 131 cylinder and piston kit, a new camshaft, valves, reinforced springs, roller rocker arms, injectors, and an S&S oil pump. Overall, the team estimates that the bike now produces 46% more power than the stock unit, with over 140 horsepower at the rear wheel (up from the claimed 97 horsepower) and an increase in torque from 160 newton-meters to 216 newton-meters.
The transmission received upgrades as well, including a Barnett Scorpion reinforced clutch kit and a 7-gear Baker gearbox. Other performance enhancements consist of an Öhlins FGR 250 superbike fork, Öhlins HD 044 rear shocks, Slyfox machined aluminum 17-inch wheels with Metzeler Racetec RR slicks, an Alloy Art machined swingarm, a Beringer brake and clutch system, and a BS lithium battery. The team also removed the ABS from the bike as part of the build.
The project was unveiled at the High Side Ride Festival in France in May 2023 with the help of French WSBK racer Lucas Mahias. The bike was kept a secret until the unveiling, adding an element of surprise for Mahias. He took the bike for hot laps, wheelies, and entertained the crowd with his skills. SW-Motech France plans to showcase the completed King of the Baggers project bike at other shows throughout the season in Europe.
To extend the battery life of your MacBook Pro, it’s best to allow the MacBook to manage power consumption and distribution. Fortunately, newer versions of macOS have built-in features that can help optimize your battery’s performance.
Click on the Apple icon located in the top-left corner of the screen, then open System Preferences (or System Settings in macOS 13 Ventura and newer).
Scroll down the left-side menu of the Settings window and select Battery.
In the Battery Health section, click on the Info (i) icon to access a pop-up menu.
Enable the toggle switch next to Optimized Battery Charging.
When Optimized Battery Charging is activated, your MacBook will start learning your usage patterns, such as the times of day when you use it the most. Using this information, it will automatically regulate battery charging during specific periods to minimize strain and reduce chemical aging. It’s normal for your MacBook to occasionally pause charging at 80% because this indicates that the optimized charging feature is functioning as intended.
People are discovering innovative and creative ways to travel the world. With advancements in technology and affordable used cars, we now have the opportunity to build our dream campers and hit the road with everything we need. While some may prefer luxurious motorhomes, others find joy in converting a Japanese crossover into a smart camper. One example is Nate and his dog Bobby, who don’t need a million-dollar RV to explore and be happy.
For his overlander, Nate uses a 2005 Honda CR-V as the base. The second-generation CR-V is a robust and durable SUV with a boxy shape that provides enough interior space to transform it into a cozy living area. Nate, a videographer and photographer, aimed to create a camper that can sleep one person and accommodate all his professional equipment, as well as a comfortable spot for his dog to sleep.
Despite its small size, it’s impressive that this CR-V camper includes a fridge. Nate has installed an electric cooling box below his bed, which is connected to the vehicle’s electric system. He has even added extra insulation to reduce energy consumption and keep his drinks cooler.
To keep such a small space organized, Nate has maximized storage with various drawers. He uses a plastic three-drawer storage organizer and many smaller plastic drawers hidden in different spaces under and around the bed. Bobby, his dog, has his own spot on the front passenger seat, where he sleeps and enjoys the view through the windshield. Finally, Nate has installed a small diesel heater with an integrated exhaust pipe underneath the vehicle.
If you’re considering a life on the road for the next few months with your old SUV, you may be wondering about necessary upgrades and potential difficulties. Nate can provide answers to almost all your questions in the video at the top of this page, where he reviews his 2005 CR-V camper.
In today’s world, there are numerous user-friendly ways to learn how to ride a motorcycle. Unlike the past, where one would simply jump on a bike and start riding, newer motorcyclists now have it much easier. In addition to easy-to-ride scooters, there are various other motorcycle-like devices available, some of which have more than two wheels.
One such example is the X-OTO, a scooter that aims to revolutionize urban mobility. At first glance, it may appear to be a typical scooter with training wheels on the rear, but it is much more than that. This three-wheeled scooter is driven by an electric motor mounted on the front wheel and features X-OTO’s patented leaning technology, allowing it to lean like a traditional two-wheeler. This unique design combines the stability of a trike with the agility of a two-wheeler, making it quite intriguing.
One advantage of the X-OTO is that it lowers the barriers to entry for new riders. In California, where the company is based, this scooter doesn’t require a motorcycle license to operate due to its three-wheeled configuration. However, it’s important to check local rules and regulations in other states and countries to ensure compliance.
The scooter is equipped with a powerful 4,000-watt (5.3 horsepower) motor mounted on the front wheel. With good traction, it can reach a top speed of 45 miles per hour, making it suitable for neighborhood and urban riding. The X-OTO features two removable batteries with a combined capacity of 4.3 kilowatt hours. The claimed range is an impressive 90 miles, although achieving this mileage may require gentle acceleration.
In terms of pricing, the X-OTO is considered quite expensive, retailing at $7,499 USD. It is not intended to replace daily drivers but rather serves as a unique and quirky three-wheeler option in the market.
The 1960s was a transformative decade in many ways, and it was no different for the world of motorcycles. While British manufacturers were losing ground to the rising influence of Japanese motorcycles, the 1960s still produced some iconic bikes that are remembered fondly today. This article takes a look at 15 such motorcycles from the 1960s that made an impact on the industry and continue to be celebrated.
Updated July 2023: This article will be periodically updated to include any interesting, classic models from the 1960s that may have been missed.
Motorcycle standing in front of brick wall facing right.
The Triumph Bonneville T120 is often considered the most iconic motorcycle of the 1960s. It built upon the reputation of its predecessor, the original Speed Twin from 1938, under the guidance of Edward Turner. Known for its style and performance, the Bonneville became synonymous with motorcycling in the 1960s. While it wasn’t the best handling bike, it was fast and attractive, leading to the development of the Triton café racer – a combination of a Triumph engine with a Norton ‘Featherbed’ frame. The Bonneville name was inspired by Johnny Allen’s record-breaking runs at the Bonneville Salt Flats in a Triumph-engined streamliner in 1956.
Vintage scooter in front of an industrial area, facing right.
If British motorcycles were associated with Café Racer and Rocker culture, the Vespa Allstate Cruisaire was the epitome of the opposite lifestyle embraced by the Mods. These riders preferred scooters over motorcycles, and Vespa was the go-to brand for them. The Allstate Cruisaire was Piaggio’s attempt to break into the American market. Sold exclusively by Sears, this Vespa model became popular all around the world and is still recognized for its stylish design and practicality.
131961 Honda CB77
Mecum
Honda CB77 Super Hawk in red
The Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, particularly Honda, had a significant impact on the industry in the 1960s. The Honda CB77, also known as the Super Hawk, was a prime example of this influence. With its twin-cylinder, 305cc engine producing 28 horsepower, the CB77 offered exceptional performance and reliability. The introduction of a tubular steel frame improved the bike’s stability and allowed it to reach speeds of 100 mph, on par with larger British motorcycles. The CB77 was a testament to the changing tides in the motorcycle industry, as Japanese manufacturers began to challenge the dominance of British motorcycles.
121961 Harley-Davidson Sprint C
Dmitry Pavlovsky
Classic motorcycle in museum.
The Harley-Davidson Sprint C was an interesting addition to this list. It wasn’t necessarily a groundbreaking or iconic motorcycle, but it represented a significant shift for Harley-Davidson. In the 1960s, the American motorcycle manufacturer faced tough competition from Japanese manufacturers in the lightweight motorcycle segment. Instead of investing in new designs and development, Harley-Davidson decided to import and re-brand an existing motorcycle. The Sprint C was an Aermacchi motorcycle that was re-badged and sold by Harley-Davidson. While it didn’t have the same level of success as its Japanese counterparts, this move showed that Harley-Davidson was willing to adapt to changing market dynamics.
The Ducati Scrambler was a response to the demand for road-going scrambler-style motorcycles. The Berliner Corporation, a U.S. distributor, recognized this market and convinced Ducati to build a road-going scrambler model. The resulting Ducati Scrambler, based on the Diana model, offered both 250cc and 350cc versions. It featured a bevel-drive single-cylinder engine and became massively popular in the U.S. market. While it wasn’t a dedicated off-road model, the Scrambler played a significant role in Ducati’s success in the U.S. and set the stage for the brand’s future achievements in the 1970s and beyond.
101963 BSA Gold Star
bringatrailer.com
Vintage motorcycle parked in front of windows, facing right.
The BSA Gold Star had a long history before the 1960s, but it was in 1963 that this British icon came to an end. Outdated technology and discontinued parts contributed to BSA’s decision to discontinue the Gold Star. However, its timeless design and vintage character make it a popular choice for motorcycle enthusiasts looking for classic rides. The Gold Star’s reputation for British charm and quality craftsmanship lives on.
The Ducati Mach 1 was a powerful single-cylinder motorcycle that became popular for its performance. With its 27.5 horsepower, the Mach 1 was the fastest 250cc road motorcycle of its time, reaching top speeds of just over 100 mph. It was equipped with all the features that enthusiasts of the era desired, including clip-on handlebars, rear set foot pegs, a racing single seat, and excellent performance and braking capabilities. The Mach 1’s success was further solidified by its victory at the Isle of Man TT races in 1969.
There are few ways to showcase a car’s performance and its driver’s ability as with Drifting. An ideal drift car has a good weight distribution between the axles and rear-wheel drive, which usually translates into a front-engine setup. To start drifting, the driver intentionally makes the car’s rear end get loose, something known as oversteer, and then utilizes the tools at his disposal i.e. steering wheel, accelerator, and brakes to keep the rear wheels in a constant power slide while he negotiates corners and direction changes around a track, without losing control.
It’s like walking a tightrope where everything looks fine as long as the balance is kept, and if that goes, things turn sour quickly. Initially used as part of the odd racing driver’s arsenal to take on corners, drifting went on to become a sport that was first popularized in Japan, around the 1970s. A couple of decades later, in the 1990s, it also started to gain traction Stateside. It has been said that drifting is a tire manufacturer’s dream and based on how the sport is judged, on how well a driver drifts his or her car it’s easy to understand why.
It’s no longer a gimmick to help a racing driver out of a pickle on a particular corner in a given race, but the entire race itself is now done while drifting and tires burn quickly and with flair, shown by the spectacular clouds of smoke they leave behind. Since it was first popularized in Japan and Toyota has found incredible success in the sport with a few of its models over the years, in this article we’re going to go over some of these cars that made history in the hands of drift pilots.
The sixth-generation Toyota Mark II Grande (X80) had a small displacement naturally aspirated inline-six engine and a rear-wheel drive setup. A good recipe for a drift car, except for the fact that it didn’t make enough horsepower to maintain a powerslide and drift with it.
Original Toyota Mark II X80 Engine Specs
Engine Code
1G-FE
Layout and displacement
2.0-Liter (121.3 cu in) Inline-six
Power output (1-st gen)
133 hp @5,600 rpm and 129.9 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
Power output (2-nd gen)
138 hp @5,600 rpm and 136.5 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
Power output (3-rd gen)
158 hp @ 6,200 rpm and 147.6 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
This engine received the 1G-FE code and was introduced by Toyota in 1988. Despite its low power output, it eventually got some factory upgrades for its second and third generation, but most importantly, after-market upgrades particularly with the use of turbochargers to really turn this platform into a drift machine.
9Toyota Chaser X90
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima via Wikimedia
The Toyota Chaser X90.
The fifth-generation Toyota Chaser, the X90, was made from 1992 to 1996. It had captivating looks that come from a time when beautiful sedans were at their peak, the X90 had a version with a big Ace up its sleeve, or in car terms, under the hood.
1JZ-GTE OEM Specs
Engine code
1JZ-GTE
Layout and displacement
2.5-Liter (152.7) twin-turbocharged Inline-six
Power output
276.2 hp @ 6,200 rpm and 267.9 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
Some trims of the Chaser X90 came equipped with the turbocharged 1JZ-GTE engine which was much more powerful out of the factory and soon became a drifter’s favorite dream.
8Toyota GR86
Toyota
A rearview of a 2024 Toyota GR86 TRUENO Edition.
Said to be the perfect drift car from the factory and available today, the Toyota GR86 is an affordable sports car with a starting MSRP of $28,400 that stays true to JDM drifters roots since it has:
Front engine and RWD configuration.
It’s light weighing only 2,811 pounds wet on the base model.
It has a 6-speed manual transmission on the base and Anniversary Edition.
It has an oversquare boxer engine from Subaru with a bore and stroke of 94.0 mm x 86.0 mm, helping it achieve higher revs.
Comes with a Torsen limited-slip differential.
Toyota GR86 Engine Specs
Engine
2.4-Liter (146 cu in) naturally aspirated 4-cylinder boxer
Power Output
228 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
Torque
184 pound-feet of torque @ 3,700 rpm
The GR86’s naturally aspirated boxer engine also helps keep the center of mass down and the GR86 delivers great handling. With just enough power on tap, this little Japanese sports car is extremely enjoyable and precise, making it a very good drifting machine in the hands of a competent driver.
One of the most recognizable names of the Japanese carmaker, the Toyota Supra is, for the lack of a less cliché expression, the stuff of legends. It first went into production in 1978 with the international name Celica Supra. The original Celica Supra came Stateside equipped with a smooth 2.6-Liter (156 cu in) inline-six engine.
Power output was low for today’s standards at only 110 horsepower @ 4,800 rpm and 136 pound-feet of torque @ 2,400 rpm, but performance numbers were reasonable for the time. 0-60 MPH took 11.2 seconds, and it had a top speed of 110 MPH. It was a front engine and RWD car and seated 4 passengers. It didn’t take long before its drifting potential would be recognized with a few after-market performance upgrades.
Current Generation Toyota GR Supra Engines Specs and Performance
Engine
2.0-Liter turbocharged inline-four
3.0-Liter turbocharged inline-six
Horsepower
255 hp @ 5,000-6,500 rpm
382 hp @ 5,800-6,500 rpm
Torque
295 lb-ft @ 1,550-4,400
368 lb-ft @ 1,800-5,000 rpm
Drivetrain
RWD
RWD
Transmission
8-speed automatic
6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
0-60 MPH
5.0 seconds
3.9 seconds
MSRP
$44,640.00
$53,600.00
But the most popular models used for drifting were the Mark III and Mark IV which was introduced Stateside in 1993 and came with the twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE engine. The 2JZ-GTE was a 3.0-Liter (183 cu in) inline-six that made 320.5 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 325.5 pound-feet of torque @ 3,600 rpm for the American and European market models. The 2JZ-GTE engine is recognized for strong reliability and after-market parts soon became available to make it a very strong drift car.
Today the GR Supra comes with two available engines, an improved and modern design, along with driving dynamics and performance that live up to the name that meant and continues to mean so much to Toyota.
6Toyota AE86
The Toyota AE86 is such a timeless classic that Toyota is playing around with the idea of bringing it back with a hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine. Dubbed the AE86 H2 Concept, this car made waves at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon. Professional racing driver Masahiro Sasaki takes it for a spin around the test track and seems to thoroughly enjoy himself if the video below is any indication of that.
AE86 Engine Specs
Engine
1.6-Liter (97 cu in) inline-four
Horsepower
128 hp @ 6,600 rpm
Torque
109 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm
The original AE86 was very light at only 2,006 pounds. With its RWD setup and easy handling, it quickly became a favorite among drift enthusiasts. It had a 5-speed manual transmission, vented front disc brakes at the front and drums at the rear, and a small naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that was strong enough to take on some performance upgrades without too much hassle. It had a 0-62 MPH time (0-100 km/h) of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 121 MPH.
5Toyota Soarer
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima via Wikimedia
A third-generation Toyota Soarer on a parking space.
Initially released in 1981, the Toyota Soarer became a known figure in the drifting scene with its third generation which debuted in 1991. The model of choice was the one equipped with the same 1JZ-GTE 2.5 liter inline-six turbo engine found on other Toyota models such as the Chaser X90 with an output of 276.2 hp @ 6,200 rpm and 267.9 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm. The sturdiness of the internals of the engine and ease of customization and availability of parts made it easy for it to be set up for drifting.
As a reference, the original Toyota Soarer from 1981 had three engine choices.
A 2.8-Liter naturally aspirated inline-six that made 168 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 173.5 pound-feet of torque @ 4,400 rpm.
A 2.0-Liter turbocharged inline-six that made 143 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 155.5 pound-feet of torque @ 3,000 rpm.
A 2.0-Liter naturally aspirated inline-six that made 125 horsepower @ 5,400 rpm and 123 pound-feet of torque @ 4,400 rpm.
A blue Toyota Altezza seen from behind at a parking space.
The Toyota Altezza is known outside of Japan as the Lexus IS. The Altezza was launched in Japan in 1998 and in 1999 it went to Europe under the Lexus name as the IS200. And just one year after that, in 2000, it reached Stateside as the Lexus IS300 which was only available with the 3.0-Liter inline-six naturally aspirated engine.
However, the Altezza drifters really loved was the one equipped with the notorious BEAMS engine which is an acronym for Breakthrough Engine with Advanced Mechanism System. This engine featured variable valve timing and an 8,000 rpm redline. Mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, it produced 207 horsepower @ 7,600 rpm. This version of the Altezza RS200 had an ideal 50/50 weight distribution from the factory and, of course, RWD.
3Toyota GT86
Toyota
fronr 3/4 view of a red 2017 Toyota GT86
Featuring a 2.0-cylinder naturally aspirated boxer engine from Subaru mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the Toyota GT86 was a simple and fun sports car. The little coupe set a world record for drifting a few years back by drifting constantly for 102.5 miles.
Toyota GT86 Engine Specs
Engine
2.0-Liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder boxer
Horsepower
200 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
Torque
151 pound-feet @ 6,400 – 6,600 rpm
This record has been beaten since then, but any Toyota that can have its tail out for 100+ miles at a time deserves to be on this list.
2Toyota Cresta JZX100
The Toyota Cresta JZX100 had a well-balanced RWD chassis with a long wheelbase making it easy for the driver to throw the rear around. It used the 1JZ-GTE 2.5-Liter turbocharged engine seen on Soarer and Chaser above on this list. The combination of these factors made it a no-brainer for drifting.
The last generation of the Toyota Cressida saw some use from drifters with its 190 horsepower 3.0 liter naturally aspirated inline-six engine. This 4th-generation Cressida made from 1989 to 1992 checked all the right boxes for drifting, except maybe for its 4-speed automatic gearbox, although it could be left on ‘L’ or ‘2’.
1989 – 1992 Toyota Cressida Engine Specs
Engine
3.0-Liter inline-six
Horsepower
190 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
Torque
187 pound-feet @ 4,400 rpm
The Cressida’s chassis was predictable, and the engine was powerful enough to allow drifting from the factory. Nonetheless, not unlike many cars on this list, engine swaps, and other performance upgrades were common to increase its drift capabilities.
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