Tag Archives: whole

News

2024 KTM 890 SMT Is Officially On Its Way To North America

Back in April 2023, KTM thrilled many riders and also probably broke a few hearts when it announced the 890 SMT. It looked impressive, but at the time, the intention was for a European release, not a North American one.

International motorcycle manufacturers sometimes have phased international rollouts, so just because a bike isn’t released in your market right now doesn’t mean it won’t happen.

Now that it’s late November 2023, KTM has announced that the 890 SMT is officially headed to North America. The bike has a primarily black and gray color scheme on the bodywork with pops of KTM orange on the wheels and accents.


2024 KTM 890 SMT - Parked

15 Photos

Engine

The 2024 KTM 890 SMT is powered by the same 889cc LC8c parallel twin engine that powers the 890 Adventure R. It makes a claimed 105 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 73.7 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm. Amenities like an up and down quickshifter and cruise control are available as options.

KTM’s goal in bringing back the SMT was to bridge the gap between the 790 Duke and the 890 Adventure R. In short, it’s a KTM crossover, supermoto-style.

Chassis

2024 KTM 890 SMT - Studio - Front Right Low Angle Closeup

The frame is CroMo steel, and the suspension is a fully adjustable WP Apex setup with 43mm upside-down open cartridge front fork and a WP Apex rear shock. Riders get full adjustability at both ends, with 180mm (about seven inches) of travel. 

The 2024 KTM 890 SMT rides on a pair of bright KTM orange 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin PowerGP rubber. Braking is handled by four-piston front brake calipers and 330mm discs on the front and a two-piston caliper and a 260mm disc on the rear.

The handlebars offer a full 30mm (1.18 inches) of range spread across six different positions of adjustability. The fuel tank and single-piece supermoto seat position the rider more deeply into the bike. LED lighting is present all around from the factory.

Electronics and Rider Aids

2024 KTM 890 SMT - Studio - Cockpit View

In the cockpit, the 890 SMT features a five-inch TFT dash that KTM says is both scratch and glare resistant. The bike comes with three standard ride modes: Rain, Street, and Sport, with an option to unlock a Track mode.

Cornering motorcycle traction control (CMTC), cornering ABS, and supermoto ABS come standard, as does Bluetooth smartphone connectivity via the KTMConnect app.

Pricing and Availability

KTM North America has not yet revealed pricing information on the 2024 890 SMT in our market. However, the good news is that it should be available in KTM North America dealers beginning in December 2023, so you should be able to see it in person and ask lots of questions of your local dealer soon.

Motorsport

BMW Unveils AI-Driven Proactive Care Customer Service

BMW is utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to transform its customer service experience. The automotive industry is undergoing a significant shift due to the integration of AI technology into vehicles, improving safety, efficiency, and overall driving experience. BMW is now taking it a step further with its latest offering, Proactive Care, which combines data and AI to empower BMW vehicles to autonomously identify service requirements and anticipate customer needs ahead of time. The initial applications of Proactive Care are already live, with plans for continuous enhancements in the future.

In the past, BMW vehicles have been transmitting service-related data directly to dealerships, facilitating targeted interactions with customers. However, Proactive Care represents a new approach as BMW takes the initiative to reach out to customers. The company is no longer placing the sole responsibility on customers to contact their BMW partner; instead, BMW reaches out to the customers proactively.

What exactly does Proactive Care offer when it comes to servicing? Through data analysis and the recording of customer preferences, the service provides tailored solutions. BMW ensures that customers are informed via their preferred channels, whether it be through the My BMW app, in-car notifications, email, their chosen dealer, or a call from Roadside Assistance.

Furthermore, Proactive Care also enhances the long-term service experience by providing self-help tips and flexible support to ensure uninterrupted mobility. When a workshop visit is necessary, it even suggests the right dealer within the global network. Features such as online appointment scheduling, personalized service videos, and online payment options are also available.

Proactive Care is a global offering that is available for all BMW models equipped with BMW Operating System 7 or later, starting from version 07/2019. To participate, customers need an active BMW ConnectedDrive contract and must register their vehicle in the My BMW app or portal using their BMW ID and contact details.

In other news, BMW recently announced the discontinuation of its heated seats subscription program due to low customer acceptance rates.

Featured

Hyundai Creta Still The Sales Favourite Ahead Of Maruti Grand Vitara In August 2023

The segment, on the whole, witnessed total sales of close to 60,000 units

Compact SUVs August 2023 sales

In August 2023, there were three compact SUVs that registered total sales of over 10,000 units. As seen frequently, the Hyundai Creta was once again the leader of the pack, with close to 14,000 units sold. The segment, too, witnessed an overall month-on-month (MoM) growth of more than 12 percent.

Compact SUVs and crossovers

August 2023

July 2023

MoM Growth

Market share current(%)

Market share (% last year)

YoY mkt share (%)

Average sales (6 months)

Hyundai Creta

13832

14062

-1.63

23.66

41.69

-18.03

13599

Maruti Grand Vitara

11818

9079

30.16

20.21

0

20.21

9235

Kia Seltos

10698

9740

9.83

18.3

28.68

-10.38

6527

Mahindra Scorpio

9898

10522

-5.93

16.93

23.39

-6.46

8974

Toyota Hyryder

4121

3387

21.67

7.04

0

7.04

3116

Honda Elevate

2822

0

0

4.82

0

0

0

Skoda Kushaq

2409

2394

0.62

4.12

6.21

-2.09

2068

Volkswagen Taigun

1943

1908

1.83

3.32

3.37

-0.05

1726

MG Astor

914

954

-4.19

1.56

4.38

-2.82

885

Total

58455

52046

12.31

99.96

Takeaways

Hyundai Creta

  • The Hyundai Creta remains the most popular choice in this segment, with more than 13,800 units sold. However, its year-on-year (YoY) market share went down by the biggest margin, of over 18 percent thanks to new competitors since.

  • With close to 12,000 units shipped, the Maruti Grand Vitara leapfrogged from the fourth spot in July to second place in August, witnessing the highest MoM growth of over 30 percent.

Kia Seltos

  • Over 10,500 units of the new Kia Seltos were retailed in August, making it the final model on this list whose sales crossed the 10,000-unit mark. The Kia SUV’s market share stood at over 18 percent, 10 percent less than the year before.

  • Following the Kia Seltos closely was the Mahindra Scorpio N and Scorpio Classic duo, still listed as one in the sales charts, with nearly 9,900 units sold. Their MoM figures diminished by around 6 percent while both the models cumulatively had a market share close to 17 percent.

Toyota Hyryder

  • The Toyota Hyryder, the Maruti Grand Vitara’s cousin, had a decent outing in August sales as the carmaker shipped 4,000-odd units of the SUV. Its MoM figures saw an uptick of almost 22 percent.

  • Honda dispatched slightly more than 2,800 units of the Elevate SUV in August. While its launch only took place in September (with deliveries starting only after), expect those numbers to rise in the coming months.

  • The Skoda Kushaq–Volkswagen Taigun duo failed to go past the 2,500-unit mark individually. Both the models had a market share of under 5 percent each.

Also Read: Skoda Introduces More Affordable Mid-spec Variants of Kushaq And Slavia

  • With less than 1,000 units sold, the MG Astor took the last spot on the sales chart in August. Its MoM demand dipped by more than 4 percent.

Read More on : Hyundai Creta Automatic

News

Tesla Superchargers made available for free to all electric cars for a day

Tesla celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Supercharger network in Europe by allowing electric car drivers in the UK to charge for free for a whole day.

During this special event, Tesla Superchargers were open to owners of all electric vehicles, not just Teslas. The free charging period lasted from 08:00 to 23:59 BST on Tuesday, August 29th. However, the last charging sessions had to start by 22:59 at the latest.

The European Supercharger network was established on August 19, 2013, in Norway and has since expanded to include 36 countries and 13,000 individual chargers.

This initiative was part of Tesla’s Summer Celebrations, where the company shows gratitude to its supporters and acknowledges their contribution to the growth of the Supercharger network. Currently, there are 9,200 Supercharger devices across Europe.

Starting in November 2021, the European Supercharger network began accepting electric vehicles from other brands. Currently, 15 locations in the UK are participating in a pilot scheme that allows all electric vehicles to use the network.

Recently, Tesla launched its latest-generation V4 Supercharger in the UK, which will eventually be available for electric vehicles from all brands. It features a three-meter-long cable that can supply power at rates of up to 250kW for electric vehicles with a CCS connection. Charging can be activated through contactless card payment or via the Tesla smartphone app, with prices set at 50p per kWh.

Although other charging companies have introduced faster chargers, such as Gridserve’s 350kW High Power unit, a Tesla spokesperson stated that the V4 Supercharger is “futureproof” due to its over-the-air software-update functionality, potentially allowing for even faster charging rates in the future.

The design of the V4 Supercharger is more discreet compared to Tesla’s previous-generation V3 charger. The large aperture design, which was a staple of Tesla’s chargers for three generations, has been replaced by a solid box.

Long-Term Review

Ora Funky Cat 2023 long-term test

Mileage: 3,450

Life with an Ora Funky Cat: Month 4

Just one small part can prevent the whole machine from working – 24 May

It’s frustrating. I can’t insert the 50kW CCS plug into the charging port of the Funky Cat. Let’s try the 43kW Type 2. Nope, same issue: it goes most of the way in but doesn’t click into place, and as a result, the charger can’t communicate with the car.

We’ve already spent half an hour on a beautiful Sunday afternoon trying to find a charger and get enough power for a half-lap of the M25. My patience is wearing thin. I won’t go into detail about my reaction here.

My partner, who is more level-headed than me and less emotionally invested in the situation, takes a calmer and more logical approach. While I hadn’t thought of it, she suggests searching online for a solution.

I assumed that because the Funky Cat is new and rare, I wouldn’t find much helpful information from experienced owners on forums. But luckily, someone else had recently encountered the same problem, and their situation was even more urgent than ours.

“Urgent help needed,” reads the post she found on an EV forum. “I’m on holiday in Cornwall and the pin inside the charging port seems to be locked, so I can’t fully connect any charger. It usually slides into the hole in the charging cable when pushed in. I need to go home on Wednesday and cannot charge!”

Reading this, the idea of me being a bit late for a family barbecue doesn’t seem so important anymore.

This is great information. With this knowledge, we point our phone torches into the port and see the tiny pin causing all the trouble.

One person on the forum had suggested disconnecting the 12V battery to reset the system and clear any issues, but I don’t want to do that because it would reset all the settings to their factory defaults, and I don’t have the necessary socket with me. It’s at home, which is now a 20-minute walk away.

News

AGV Introduces The Redesigned K3 Full-Face Helmet

Italian helmet manufacturer AGV has announced the introduction of their newest helmet, the K3. The K3 is a revival of an older model but features a completely redesigned look and improved performance.

The new K3 model has a more contemporary aesthetic, with contoured lines on the sides and top that give it a sporty appeal. The air intakes at the chin bar and the air inlets on the top of the helmet provide a more streamlined appearance. The facia has been updated to give it a more modern and tour-like look.



 AGV Introduces The Redesigned K3 Full-Face Helmet

The AGV K3 features technical improvements that enhance its performance. The helmet’s thermoplastic shell comes in three different sizes, ensuring a comfortable and customized fit. Its four-density EPS lining effectively absorbs and disperses impacts. The contoured sides of the helmet provide additional protection for the collarbone in case of an accident. The AGV K3 is ECE R22.06 approved, indicating that it meets the latest safety standards.

The interior of the AGV K3 is detachable and washable, with 2Dry fabric that helps keep the helmet fresh. The helmet also has grooves specially designed for eyeglasses, adding to its overall convenience.

When it comes to visibility, the AGV K3 features a clear anti-scratch and anti-fog screen that offers a broad 190-degree field of vision. It also has the XQRS system, which allows for quick and easy screen removal, as well as micro-openings for increased ventilation during city riding. The visor is compatible with the Pinlock 70 anti-fog film, enhancing vision in wet and cold weather. Additionally, it has a drop-down sun visor for sunny days.



 AGV Introduces The Redesigned K3 Full-Face Helmet

The AGV K3 helmet features a micrometric clasp chinstrap, which provides a secure and adjustable closure. This is a significant improvement over the previous model, which had a double-D ring closure, as it offers more convenience. The helmet also has a splash guard that prevents water or debris from entering from the bottom. It is also intercom-ready, making it easy to integrate with communication systems. The size M helmet weighs around 1,500 grams, providing a balance between comfort and safety.

The AGV K3 is available in various fashionable colors, including white, matte black, matte green, red, matte grey, and multiple graphic options. It is available in sizes ranging from XS to XXL, ensuring a perfect fit for riders with different head sizes. The new AGV K3 is priced at 239.95 Euros (approximately $266 USD). Availability may vary by region, so it is recommended to visit AGV’s official website or contact a local dealer for more information.

Gaming, Technology

Using Bluetooth Earbuds with the PS5: A Guide

When it comes to smart TVs, compatibility and connectivity are key. Fortunately, linking your Bluetooth headset or earbuds to your smart TV is a fairly simple process. Just like the PS4, the PS5 offers a similar method. Here’s how:

Make sure your audio device is in pairing mode, which means it’s visible to other Bluetooth-enabled systems. Then, access the Bluetooth menu in your TV’s settings. Your TV should be able to detect the device you want to connect and pair them together.

Once paired, go to your TV’s audio settings and ensure that the sound output is set to your earbuds or headset instead of the TV’s speakers or any other audio device you may use. This way, the audio will directly play through your chosen device. The great thing is that you can still join party chat with your friends using the microphone on the DualSense controller.

While this method is a convenient option for using Bluetooth audio with the PS5, there is another alternative for those who don’t have a compatible smart TV.

News

Meta Threads Launches Android Beta Program: Here’s How To Join

Adam Mosseri, the CEO of Instagram, has announced that several new features are in the works for the Threads app. One of the upcoming features is the ability to edit messages, and Mosseri suggests that this feature may be available for free. In contrast, Twitter requires a subscription for its users to edit tweets.

The most requested feature for Threads is a chronological feed, where users can see posts only from accounts they follow instead of an algorithmically-curated feed. Mosseri confirms that work on this feature will continue over the next few weeks, indicating that it may be offered as an optional format.

Additionally, efforts are being made to introduce hashtags for Threads. Furthermore, users may soon have the ability to switch between two different Threads profiles, similar to how they can toggle between multiple Instagram accounts on the mobile app.

While Threads currently serves as a view-only platform on the web, plans are in place to develop a desktop version as well. Other features under consideration by Mosseri include a dedicated search system, an automatic translation tool, and enhanced privacy controls for comments.

News

Watch the Restoration and Rebirth of a Fire-Damaged Honda CG125

What makes a motorcycle special? It’s not usually about the spec sheet or how rare it is. It’s the sentimental attachment that makes a bike truly special. Maybe it’s your first bike, or maybe it has a connection to someone important in your life. For the woman behind the Autumn Car Playing channel on YouTube, her 1989 Honda CG125 holds a special place in her heart because it belonged to her dad. It’s the bike of her childhood and the one she remembers most fondly.

Unfortunately, her CG125 sat for a long time and was severely damaged in a fire. The CG125 is a popular commuter motorbike sold in various markets around the world. In Europe, it’s often used as a learner bike, while in many Asian and Latin American countries, it’s a reliable everyday commuter. Despite there being many CG125s out there, this particular one held immense sentimental value for ACP, so she decided to undertake a complete restoration.

This timelapse video condenses the full series of the teardown and restoration of the bike into around 10 minutes. If you want to watch the entire process, the playlist is available in our sources for you to view each chapter individually without the fast-forwarding of time.

The restoration process begins with the disassembly of the engine, revealing a sludgy interior and worn-out parts. A complete engine teardown follows, allowing for a thorough cleaning and reassembly with fresh, new parts. Thankfully, ACP has access to a well-equipped workshop, including a large ultrasonic cleaner capable of handling all the engine parts, even the cases.

Once the engine parts are clean, it’s time to polish the exterior to a mirror-like shine. ACP demonstrates the advantage of having proper equipment, making the job much easier. With the engine reassembled using new parts, the focus shifts to the burned-out chassis.

ACP systematically disassembles the chassis, removes the damaged paint, and proceeds to clean, prime, and repaint the frame. The spoked wheels also receive attention, being disassembled, cleaned, respoked, balanced, and fitted with new tires. By the end of the project, the humble fire-damaged CG125 has been transformed into a stylish café racer.

As the video concludes, ACP kickstarts the bike and the completely rebuilt engine and exhaust produce a satisfying sound. The bike of her childhood has been reborn after the fire, making it even more special.

Featured

Experience the Power of a 1,000HP Hennessey Dodge Hellcat in a POV Drive

The Hellcat engine from SRT revolutionized American performance with its supercharged V8 that delivers incredible power, performance, and speed. However, Hennessey takes American performance to the next level, and the 2023 Dodge Challenger Triple Nickel Hellcat Jailbreak with the “H1000” upgrade is no exception. With this upgrade, the power figure reaches an astonishing 1,000 horsepower. In a new video, Hennessey showcases the immense power unleashed when you press down on the accelerator.

The video is shot from a point-of-view perspective, giving you the driver’s experience as 1,000 horsepower is unleashed on straight stretches of road and in tire-shredding smoke shows. The sound adds to the excitement, with constant V8 growls and the incredible whine of the supercharger. Both Hennessey and Dodge are renowned for their ability to create unparalleled performance machines. When Hennessey enhances something as exceptional as the Hellcat, the result is a mind-blowingly fast and spectacular American performance machine.

View All Vehicles For Sale From Hennessey