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Vintage Elegance Meets Modern Performance: The CB750F Café Racer Build

This is the story of a Honda CB750F café racer, a motorcycle that almost didn’t get to see the light of day. The owner, Stan Chen, had to endure an eight-year ordeal before he could even begin working on the bike, and he even had to involve the police.

Stan’s journey with this 1975 Honda CB750F started with the intention of making some simple café racer modifications. He took the bike to a friend’s workshop, and the list of modifications quickly grew. After a year, very little progress had been made, and Stan’s friend stopped answering his calls.

Fast forward six years, and Stan decided to report the bike as stolen at the police station since all previous attempts to retrieve it had failed. He didn’t expect much to come of it. However, to his surprise, the police officer went to the workshop and made Stan’s friend return all the bike’s parts.

The engine breathes through Keihin CR29 carbs with K&N filters and boasts a four-into-two exhaust system custom fabricated by Johnny Nguyen at Upcycle Moto Garage. The CB750F now sits lower and more purposeful with upgraded running gear, including vintage Yamaha alloy wheels, Pirelli Sport Demon tires, and a Beringer disc brake at the front.

The front forks have been lowered and re-fitted into Cognito Moto yokes, and the twin shocks have been replaced with a custom mono-shock setup, complete with a 6-inch swingarm stretch. Custom bodywork includes an aluminum fuel tank and tail section, with a minimalist taillight and a reservoir for the oil storage under the tail bump. The bike has been rewired with a simpler harness controlled by Motogadget.

The cockpit features a PIAA headlight, Motogadget speedo, custom clip-ons, Posh Japan grips, and Beringer clutch and brake controls. The front brake is connected via a custom hose from Spiegler. The bike also has discreet LED turn signals from Morimoto and stylish rear-set foot controls from Cognito Moto. The color scheme is simple and striking, with powder blue, white striping, and a touch of red on the saddle.

November 1, 2023
Evolution of the Honda Prelude: Which Generation Stands Out?

The Honda Prelude is a popular two-door coupe that has undergone several generations, each with its unique design. Let’s take a look at these generations and see which one is considered the best looking.

1. First Generation (1978-1982): The original Honda Prelude made its debut in 1978. While it shared some components with the Honda Accord, it had an improved chassis designed to offer a sportier driving experience. This generation set the stage for the Prelude’s legacy.

2. Second Generation (1982-1987): The second generation of the Prelude introduced a wedge-like profile, which would become an iconic design element. It featured a pointy front fascia with pop-up headlamps, which many enthusiasts still adore. This generation reinterpreted the coupe style for the ’80s.

3. Third Generation (1987-1991): The third generation continued the design evolution of its predecessor. While it maintained a boxy overall look, some of the sharp creases from the second generation began to soften in this iteration.

4. Fourth Generation (1991-1996): In 1991, Honda abandoned the concept of sharp lines, giving the entire body a smoother appearance. However, the placement of the cabin, the thin front end, and the large rear section still maintained recognizable links to the first-generation model.

5. Fifth Generation (1996-2001): The fifth generation, released in 1996, is a favorite for many enthusiasts. It combines the softness of the ’90s with some crisp design cues from the ’80s, making it a well-regarded generation. This generation was the last before the Prelude’s production ended in 2001.

Now, the Honda Prelude is making a return, at least for the Japanese market. The new concept retains the coupe body style but features a cabin placed farther forward and a departure from the general shape of previous models. While the classic generations have their unique appeal, the new Prelude concept signals a fresh start for this iconic nameplate.

November 1, 2023
Honda’s eMTB Concept: The Future of Electric Mountain Bikes

The Tokyo Motor Show, now known as the Japan Mobility Show, is all about the future of transportation. Honda, a major player in the automobile industry, showcased various concepts and products related to the future of mobility. They emphasize the idea of dreams turning into reality with their booth’s theme, the Honda DREAM LOOP. While autonomous cars and flying vehicles were the highlights, there was one intriguing addition: an eMTB (electric mountain bike).

The Honda e-MTB Concept, as per the press release, is described as “the mountain bike that offers more FUN in nature.” Unfortunately, the provided information is quite limited. By examining the images, it’s evident that the design of this concept bike shares visual similarities with the Honda RN01 DH bike, which never made it into production.

This resemblance is likely due to the influence of Honda’s power sports team on the design. Notably, the eMTB features a swingarm shape and shock placement reminiscent of the RNO1, although the ebike uses a cast aluminum swingarm. The unique frame and swingarm are constructed using thin-wall aluminum casting technology employed in high-performance motorcycles. Together with the distinctive frame design, they aim to blend functionality and style.

It’s essential to remember that this is merely a concept, so there’s uncertainty about how much of it will make it to production, if at all. What makes the eMTB concept even more interesting is the mobile charging station showcased at the Japan Mobility Show. Honda provides limited details about this, but it appears to house their new Mobile Power Pack e:, which seems to be a high-capacity energy storage unit. The lid of the Power Pack e: container even includes a small toolset for trailhead adjustments. While this unit may not charge the bike any faster than a regular outlet, it could prove incredibly useful for recharging during extended ebike adventures in remote areas, such as multi-day trips while camping.

In the rapidly evolving world of electric mobility, innovations like the Honda e-MTB Concept and its associated mobile charging station are paving the way for exciting possibilities. These developments show how Honda is considering more than just vehicles and is exploring solutions to make electric mountain biking and other electric-powered adventures more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

While the eMTB itself is in the concept stage, the concept of mobile charging stations may well become a practical addition to the world of electric biking, offering greater convenience to riders exploring the great outdoors. The Japan Mobility Show highlights the exciting path that the future of mobility is taking, driven by dreams and innovation.

October 31, 2023
Exploring the Multiverse: A Concept from Hollywood to Physics

The multiverse is a concept known from Hollywood movies and physics. It can be puzzling for those encountering it for the first time. We usually think that each person in our universe is unique. However, the multiverse idea challenges this belief. It suggests there’s someone exactly like you somewhere in the universe, but their life might be different.

There are Earth-like planets, and it’s possible for every human to have one duplicate. Scientists find this idea intriguing. It has the potential to change the way we understand space.

In the early days of studying the universe, many questions were unanswered. For example, scientists like Alan Guth used the inflation theory to explain the universe’s expansion. According to this theory, the universe expands, creating more universes, similar to the Big Bang. This process continues indefinitely.

Dark energy holds many mysteries. Initially, it was thought that the universe’s expansion might stop, but it keeps expanding. Accepting the multiverse concept could help solve some of these mysteries.

In the field of physics, the multiverse relates to dark energy, string theory, and eternal inflation. Currently, it exists mainly as a mathematical concept. Whether it exists in reality can only be determined through observation.

October 30, 2023
The Radford Family’s Lavish Dubai Anniversary Trip

Sue Radford, a mother of 22 children and grandmother to 14 more, has shared that she is on another holiday, this time visiting Dubai with her husband, Noel. The Radford family is well-known for their reality TV show, “22 Kids & Counting,” and they often share their vacations and staycations on social media, drawing both attention and criticism for their numerous trips.

The couple recently celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary, having tied the knot in September 1992. Sue posted videos on Facebook, documenting some of the attractions and activities they have enjoyed during their Dubai trip.

In one video, Sue, wearing a scarf wrapped around her head, mentions that they have arrived in Dubai and are about to go on a camel ride. She is joined by Martin, who shares their plans for dune buggy bashing in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Another video provides a tour of their hotel room, highlighting amenities such as a coffee machine and minibar. Sue mentions that they won’t be using the minibar due to the high cost of snacks, like crisps, which are around £8.

The couple also visits the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower and a top tourist attraction in Dubai. Noel, who admits to disliking heights, comments that being so high up makes his legs feel “a little bit funny.”

This holiday is the latest in a series of vacations for the Radfords, who often face criticism for the frequency of their trips. Last month, they enjoyed a “lovely weekend away” in their motorhome shortly after returning from a luxurious Florida vacation. Their staycation followed their 18th vacation in 20 months, during which they spent an estimated £60,000 on a three-week trip to Florida.

In a video update, Sue Radford acknowledges their hectic schedule and the need for a “recharge,” especially following the arrival of their daughter Millie’s new baby girl, Elodie-Jade. Their granddaughter is seen happily playing in a video shared on social media.

Sue mentioned that they took the weekend to recharge and play games, recognizing that their fans may be getting tired of their motorhome vlogs. She also hinted at a potential family excursion during the October half term, seeking input from their followers on which site they should visit.

The Radford family continues to share their adventures, both at home and abroad, with their large and growing family. While their frequent trips garner attention, they also provide moments of relaxation and bonding for the family.

As they document their travels, they remain a source of interest and inspiration to those who follow their journey, offering a glimpse into the joys and challenges of raising a large family.

October 30, 2023
Samsung’s Odyssey OLED G9: The Ultimate Gaming Display

Samsung, the well-known tech company, has come up with a fantastic gaming monitor, the Odyssey OLED G9. It’s one of the best monitors you can get for gaming, and it has some surprising features. This monitor is huge, measuring 49 inches diagonally. It’s like having two 27-inch monitors side by side. At first, I thought it might be too big and impractical, but after spending time with it, I was blown away by its productivity and gaming abilities. It’s hard to go back to a regular ultrawide monitor after using this.

The design of the Odyssey OLED G9 is impressive. It’s a metal design with a sleek silver frame. The previous version had a bulky plastic back, but this one is much more manageable on a desk, thanks to the slim frame and a slight curve. One cool feature is the CoreSync ring, which has RGB lighting around the stand. It adds a nice touch, especially in dark rooms, but it’s not very bright, so you won’t notice it much in well-lit spaces.

The monitor comes with a sturdy metal stand, but it doesn’t offer a lot of adjustment options. You can change the height a bit and tilt it slightly, but that’s about it. However, Samsung includes a VESA adapter, which lets you mount the monitor for more flexibility.

The Odyssey OLED G9 has all the right ports for your devices. It has full-size HDMI and DisplayPort ports, which is great because it means you don’t need special cables. It also has a Micro HDMI port. The only downside is that it has three USB-C ports, which might not be ideal since most peripherals still use USB-A.

Now, let’s talk about the most important thing: the screen quality. The Odyssey OLED G9 delivers an amazing image with fantastic color coverage and accuracy. In SDR mode, it covers 100% of sRGB, 98% of DCI-P3, and 95% of AdobeRGB, which are some of the highest numbers you can find. The color error is low, making it great for color work.

It’s also a great gaming monitor in terms of performance. It has a 240Hz display with low response times, which makes games incredibly responsive. It also supports variable refresh rates with FreeSync Premium Pro, no matter what graphics card you have.

However, keep in mind that this monitor demands a lot from your PC because of its high resolution. It’s almost as demanding as 4K, so you’ll need a powerful PC to make the most of it.

However, with some effort, you can make the most of the 32:9 aspect ratio. Samsung Multi View allows you to split the screen to show different sources. This is especially useful for streaming while gaming, as you can have your game on one side and your stream information on the other.

The monitor also runs on Samsung’s Tizen OS, which means you can access streaming apps and more. You can even connect a controller or a keyboard and mouse via Bluetooth. It’s a versatile monitor that goes beyond just gaming.

October 30, 2023
A New Era of Sport-Touring: The BMW M 1000 XR Roars to Life

BMW has unveiled its new 2024 M 1000 XR, which is touted as the lightest and most powerful cross-over motorcycle in the world. This new bike is designed to meet the highest demands, whether you’re riding dynamically on winding roads, embarking on long-distance journeys, or hitting the track.

The M 1000 XR is the third model in BMW Motorrad’s M lineup, joining the ranks of the M 1000 RR superbike and the M 1000 R roadster. With the M series, BMW is catering to customers with high expectations for performance, exclusivity, and individuality.

The heart of the M 1000 XR is its powerful 4-cylinder in-line engine, based on the M RR engine. It boasts an impressive peak power output of 201 horsepower at 12,750 rpm, which is 31 horsepower more than the 2024 S 1000 XR. The engine also delivers a maximum torque of 83 lb-ft. at 11,000 rpm. It can rev up to 14,600 rpm, providing substantial power for high-performance riding.

Significant improvements in acceleration and pulling power, especially in the range from 10,000 to 12,000 rpm, make the M 1000 XR a true powerhouse. A shorter secondary gear ratio and revised gear ratios in 4th, 5th, and 6th gears contribute to increased rear-wheel pulling power in all gears. The M 1000 XR also features BMW’s ShiftCam technology for varying timing and valve lift, enhancing power delivery across various riding conditions.

The intake system has shorter intake runners for optimized air charge at high engine speeds. The M 1000 XR is equipped with a full E-throttle system, making it responsive and adaptable to different riding situations.

For the exhaust system, BMW developers aimed to increase power and torque delivery while reducing weight. The M 1000 XR features a lightweight exhaust system with two three-way catalytic converters and a titanium rear muffler with a carbon end cap.

The M 1000 XR’s engine offers significantly improved riding performance, boasting quicker acceleration and more pulling power. In tests, it has shown impressive acceleration times, such as 7.4 seconds to reach 124 mph, outperforming the S 1000 XR by 1.3 seconds. This bike is designed to be equally capable on the track and for everyday street riding.

The M 1000 XR offers various riding modes, including “Rain,” “Road,” “Dynamic,” “Race,” and “Race Pro 1-3.” These modes cater to different riding scenarios, from everyday commuting to high-performance track riding.

It also features the latest generation of Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and a DTC wheelie function, both supported by a 6-axis sensor. These systems enhance safety and performance during acceleration and control wheelies, ensuring a more dynamic and secure riding experience.

Additionally, the bike includes Shift Assistant Pro for quick gear changes without using the clutch, Launch Control for perfect race starts, Pit Lane Limiter for maintaining precise speeds in the pit lane, and Hill Start Control Pro for easy starts on inclines.

The bike comes equipped with lightweight forged aluminum wheels as standard. Additionally, the M Carbon wheels, available as an option, are even lighter, contributing to improved acceleration, braking, and handling.

A notable feature is the Brake Slide Assist function, which is especially valuable for track riders. This feature allows riders to brake drift into corners with a controlled slide. The system limits rear wheel brake pressure through the ABS Pro system while controlling rear wheel slip through engine drag torque control. Riders have significant influence on the drift behavior through handlebar force, making this an essential feature for track enthusiasts.

The M 1000 XR is equipped with a modern instrument cluster featuring a large 6.5-inch TFT display. It offers a range of customizable screen displays to provide riders with essential information. The instrument cluster ensures excellent readability under various lighting conditions, enhancing user-friendliness.

The display also incorporates a start-up animation with the iconic M logo. As a part of the M lineup, this bike boasts a host of advanced electronic rider aids and safety features, including an OBD interface for the M GPS Datalogger and M GPS Laptrigger.

October 28, 2023
Is the BMW R 12 the Future of Cruiser Motorcycles?

Images of the new BMW R 12 cruiser motorcycle have surfaced following the completion of its homologation process in Australia. This model appears to be a smaller sibling to the established BMW R 18 cruiser, although BMW has not yet officially confirmed its existence.

While the image quality is not ideal, it offers a first look at the R 12 cruiser. It retains the rear shape of the R 18, but the handlebars are flatter than those typically seen on a cruiser. The BMW R 12 cruiser takes design cues from Harley-Davidson, particularly its smaller models. It is expected to weigh 229kg, slightly heavier than Harley’s Nightster at 216kg. The cruiser’s 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels feature tires with the same dimensions as Harley’s Nightster, Street Bob, and Softail.

The R 12 will be powered by a 1,170cc boxer engine, the same one found in the existing R 12 NineT scrambler-style naked motorcycle, producing 95bhp and 81lb ft (110Nm). The R 12 is also expected to feature dual front discs with ABS and EBV.

While the R 12 has a slightly longer wheelbase, its weight is expected to be almost identical to the R 12 NineT. BMW has yet to confirm the R 12’s existence, and no information is available about its release date or when it will be available in dealerships.

Considering BMW’s recent R18 model, a smaller and more efficient engine would likely offer more performance per unit displacement. The R nineT engine is more powerful and has only slightly less torque than the R18’s massive 1,800cc engine. Additionally, the R nineT engine is more flexible and could be optimized for more low-end torque with some ECU tuning. Using a smaller engine would also result in a lighter and more compact motorcycle, which could make the BMW cruiser more competitive in its class.

October 26, 2023
The Stylish Yamaha XSR900 GP: A Mix of Retro Aesthetics and Modern Features

Yamaha, the renowned motorcycle manufacturer, has unveiled a new bike, the Yamaha XSR900 GP, that’s turning heads. It’s a blend of classic and modern design, making it one of the most striking factory-made motorcycles we’ve seen.

Yamaha doesn’t have as many modern classic models as brands like Triumph or Royal Enfield. But they’ve been actively involved in the custom build scene through their ‘Yard Built’ initiative. This has produced several exceptional custom Yamaha bikes.

The XSR900 GP is reminiscent of a high-quality custom build rather than an off-the-shelf bike. It’s based on the ‘DB40’ prototype Yamaha showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year. The production version retains the stunning design and adds practicality for the street.

Yamaha’s rich history in motorcycle racing plays a significant role in the XSR900 GP’s design. The manufacturer has a strong legacy with riders like Giacomo Agostini, Kenny Roberts, Wayne Rainey, Max Biaggi, and Valentino Rossi. The iconic Yamaha Deltabox chassis, introduced in the 1982 YZR500 OW61 Grand Prix bike, is still used in several Yamaha motorcycles today, including the XSR900.

The XSR900 GP draws inspiration from Yamaha’s Grand Prix racing heritage and the 80s and 90s boxy aesthetic. The attention to detail is remarkable, from visible fasteners on the half-fairing to a small rectangular LED headlight. The cockpit features clip-on handlebars and a relocated digital display within the fairing. Tubular fairing stays with beta pin bolts, a first for Yamaha production bikes, add to the vintage appeal.

The XSR900 GP’s eye-catching livery is reminiscent of Wayne Rainey’s 1990 YZR500, with red and white colors, yellow ‘number boards,’ and silver finishes for the chassis and swingarm. Yamaha has paid close attention to how the graphics align with the front fork angle.

Beneath the striking bodywork, the XSR900 GP is essentially an XSR900 but with frame tweaks and a reinforced swingarm to accommodate the sportier clip-ons. The riding position is set up to be spirited but not overly aggressive, with higher clip-ons, a thicker seat, and adjustable foot controls. It inherits the XSR900’s KYB suspension, Brembo front brakes, ABS, and electronic rider aids. New switchgear and bar-end mirrors enhance its appearance, and it rides on rotary-forged aluminum wheels with Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires.

The XSR900 GP uses the same 889cc triple-cylinder engine, offering 117.4 hp and 93 Nm of torque. Yamaha claims it has a higher top speed and better acceleration due to the aerodynamics of its fairing. The radiator’s air ducts aid in heat dissipation. The XSR900 GP will be available in two color options: ‘Legend Red’ and ‘Power Grey.’ Buyers can also opt for lower fairings, a different license plate holder, a tinted screen, and an Akrapovič exhaust system.

October 26, 2023
Discover the Unique Paintwork of the 2024 Triumph Stealth Edition Motorcycles

Triumph is introducing the 2024 Triumph Stealth Edition lineup, featuring eight custom-style paint finish motorcycles in their Modern Classics series. These bikes display unique tank designs with hand-painted finishes that transform with changing lighting conditions. The custom paintwork transitions from a base layer of metallic Silver Ice to dark-to-light Sapphire Black graphite, followed by a translucent tinted lacquer topcoat, creating a dramatic effect. The eight models are the Bonneville Speedmaster in red, the Bobber in purple, the T100 and T120 in blue, the Speed Twin 1200 in red, the Speed Twin 900 in green, the Scrambler 900 in orange, and the T120 Black in a matte silver finish. These limited edition models are expected in dealers in spring 2024.

The 2024 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Red Stealth Edition offers an intense red design that complements its performance and torquey 1200cc Bonneville engine. It features a 1200cc high-torque Twin engine and a 47mm Showa cartridge fork, providing great maneuverability and control. The base price for this model starts at $14,595.

The 2024 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Purple Stealth Edition displays a deep and vibrant purple color. It boasts 78 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm and features a 16-inch fat front wheel and chunky 47mm front fork. The starting price for this model is $14,595.

The 2024 Triumph Bonneville T100 Blue Stealth Edition offers a torque-rich, low-inertia 900cc engine with 64 hp at 7,400 rpm. It features high specification cartridge front fork, twin rear shocks, and 32-spoke wheels. The starting price for this model is $11,745.

The 2024 Triumph Bonneville T120 Blue Stealth Edition features a vibrant blue finish and modern capability. It comes with a 41mm cartridge fork, preload-adjustable twin rear suspension units, and twin Brembo front brake calipers with ABS. The starting price for this model is $13,495.

The 2024 Triumph Bonneville T120 Black Stealth Edition is distinguished by its matte silver finish and premium blacked-out details. It offers a 1200cc Bonneville engine, creating a head-turning choice for riders. The starting price for this model is $14,295.

The 2024 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 Red Stealth Edition displays a vivid candy red paint finish. It features a 1200cc Bonneville Twin engine with 99 hp at 7,250 rpm and a distinctive exhaust sound. The starting price for this model is not provided.

The 2024 Triumph Speed Twin 900 Green Stealth Edition is a rebranded version of the former Street Twin, now known as the Speed Twin 900. It offers a rich green tank design and incorporates features such as Brembo front brakes, two riding modes, ABS, and switchable traction control. The starting price for this model is $10,645.

Triumph’s James Wood mentioned that these limited edition models have a dramatic aesthetic and deep, rich finish that varies with changing lighting conditions, giving each bike a unique look. Triumph dealers are now accepting orders for these models.

October 25, 2023