Sunday 30 September 2018

Custom Bikes Of The Week: 30 September, 2018

The best cafe racers, scramblers and bobbers of the week
A wild BMW R nineT from Onehandmade, the CROIG Instagrammers get their mitts on a Street Cup, and the Bultaco Pursang from Easy Riders goes up for auction.

Triumph Street Cup cafe racer by CROIG
Triumph Street Cup by Croig If you are one of the millions of two-wheeled enthusiasts addicted to the ’Gram, you’re probably following @caferacersofinstagram. Run by David Chang and Andy Blashko, the feed has been a hotbed for custom cafes since its inception. But the ‘Motosota’ duo don’t just create content for social media—they get their hands dirty building bikes, too.

The latest creation to roll out of their shop is a fully-faired take on the Triumph Street Cup. Working with Triumph’s American mothership, the duo was limited on time—but was given keys to the accessories castle. A wish list was quickly submitted.

Triumph Street Cup cafe racer by CROIG
New Fox shocks have been fitted, a Vance & Hines high-pipe exhaust was secured, and the tail has been tidied, too. But the prettiest bits here aren’t the factory bolt-ons.

Working with a replica fairing for a CB350, team Croig needed to shave bits here and there to have everything line up just right. (The work around the lower engine looks absolutely spot on.) The brackets holding that fabulous glass in place also had to be fabbed up, but the mounting was kept nice and tight. [More]

BMW R nineT cafe racer by Onehandmade
BMW R nineT by Onehandmade In the custom world, not even a masterpiece is safe from revision. Tastes and trends change, and sometimes a build just needs that extra ten percent to take it from great to godly.

Three years ago, Wes called Onehandmade’s Beemer ‘one of the sharpest we’ve seen.’ It recently got a redux and man, it may now be the best. Period.

The lucky client who bought this bike has an even luckier son, who’d expressed interest in riding the beast. (No kidding?) But that meant revisions, to make it a touch easier to get on with.

BMW R nineT cafe racer by Onehandmade
The clip-ons up front were swapped for a set of bars mounted to a newly bolted up triple clamp, to neutralize ergonomics, and the old twin-pod filters have been binned in favor of a custom made singular intake that doesn’t interfere with knees in the breeze. An all-new exhaust, made of titanium, has also been welded up for a more raucous bark. And the girder look was adopted up front via a set of aluminum fork covers.

Aside from the front end, the biggest (and best) change aesthetically is the move to the M Power paint scheme. I dug the previous raw look, but the new white, blue and red livery classes this thing up incredibly well. [Onehandmade Facebook]

1969 BSA Thunderbolt flat tracker by Zoe David
Zoe David’s BSA Thunderbolt We’re all familiar with the addictions of moto-life around here. For most of us, all it took was that first hit: maybe a blast through a farmer’s field or maybe, like Normandy’s Zoe David, breathing life back into a dead machine.

Since resuscitating a 1954 Peugeot 155, the Frenchwoman has gone on to cement her moto-junkie status with this 1969 BSA Thunderbolt. It now sees equal time running around city streets and getting sideways on the flat tracks of Europe.

1969 BSA Thunderbolt flat tracker by Zoe David
Part bitsa-restoration and part unencumbered beauty, Zoe built the BSA into the bike she wanted. Which is why it rides on matched 19-inch wheels for the dirt oval, but also has an impeccably lacquered Spitfire tank. Forme et fonction are of equal import. Following that same theme, the original subframe has been replaced by new one modeled on a Trackmaster design.

Zoe also opted to rebuild the Thunderbolt’s original forks, while shaving near three inches off their height. Braking is now handled by a 1967 Triumph drums, and the muffler was once clamped to a Norton P11. Those changes helped her qualify for her first race at Wheels and Waves and notch a win at Dirtquake in UK. [More]

Custom Indian Scout Sixty by Motoshed
Indian Scout Sixty by Motoshed Like us, you’re probably waiting for news of Indian’s productionized FTR 1200, due to be revealed tomorrow. Meanwhile, feast your eyes on this long ‘n’ low custom Scout Sixty from MotoShed of Swansea, Wales.

The concept for ‘Roadrunner’ came from the desire to see what an under-seat exhaust would look like on the Scout. And those two new seat-warmers were by far the most complex part of this project.

Custom Indian Scout Sixty by Motoshed
Most of the wiring spaghetti, plus the battery and ECU, typically reside where the new cannons sit. So everything had to be redone, and re-routed. Peek a few inches south of the new Rizoma foot controls and you’ll see where most of that stuff now hides, highlighted by the blue hue of a Dynojet Power Vision CX performance tuner and data monitor module.

Custom Indian Scout Sixty by Motoshed
For the Scout’s new (and handmade) bodywork, MotoShed tapped CW Engineering. The nacelle, front fender and rear hugger (acting as a heat shield for the pipes) were all rolled from new sheet metal.

Custom Indian Scout Sixty by Motoshed
Suspension has been upgraded and ground clearance has increased too. This gives Roadrunner a lean angle befitting its more aggressive vibe, while still appearing factory fresh. It’s a tasteful build on a capable bike. I only wonder what stops a rider first: blown eardrums or roasted rump? [More]

The Easy Rider 1968 Bultaco Pursang
The Easy Rider 1968 Bultaco Pursang When you think of Peter Fonda and Easy Rider, the bike that undoubtedly occupies your grey matter is Captain America, the iconic chopper crafted by Cliff ‘Soney’ Vaughs. But before Wyatt and Billy hopped on their hogs and headed east, they met at La Contenta Bar in Taos, New Mexico. And Wyatt was riding this 1968 Bultaco Pursang.

This is the very bike that was used during the shoot. When filming wrapped, it was hustled back to its owner, and it stayed there.

The Easy Rider 1968 Bultaco Pursang
Recently the bike was restored and is now offered in ‘film used condition,’ which is fancy speak for saying it’s been refreshed—but not too much. Now it’s headed to auction, along with some other rare celebrity bikes, at this year’s Barber Fest next week.

Expectations are that this 250 MKII will find a new home for around US$60,000 to US$70,000. That’s a hefty sum, for sure—but it pales in comparison to the seven figures that ol’ Cap’n would fetch. And this one won’t shudder at a corner, either. [More]

The Easy Rider 1968 Bultaco Pursang



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Saturday 29 September 2018

2018 VW Passat Review: Fun, Fuel Efficient & Simple

When buyers are looking for a new sedan, they might think about the the top-selling Toyota Camry and popular Honda Accord. But the German-born Volkswagen Passat is usually forgotten about. It gets overlooked because it’s not flashy, but it is efficient, and does nearly everything well.

This week, we drove the top-trim 2018 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T SEL Premium.

What’s New For 2018

A 2.0-liter four-cylinder TSI powerplant replaces the previous 1.8-liter engine. A new GT trim level debuts featuring the V6 engine, 19-inch wheels, and a sport-tuned suspension. Base models can now add optional driver aids like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking.

Features & Options

The 2018 VW Passat 2.0T SEL Premium ($31,650) comes standard with automatic headlights, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40-split folding rear seats, Bluetooth connectivity, a five-inch touchscreen, one USB port, and an auxiliary audio jack.

The SEL Premium also comes with 18-inch wheels, power-folding mirrors, a power-adjustable passenger seat, driver-seat memory settings, leather upholstery, and automatic wipers. The SEL Premium also adds a Fender audio system, a separate ski pass-through for the 60/40-split rear seats, an automated parallel-parking feature, and a lane departure warning system.

Total MSRP including destination: $32,500.

For 2019, the Passat starts at $25,295 with a destination charge of $895. The SE R-Line, shown here, begins at $29,995.

Interior Highlights

The interior of the 2018 VW Passat is one of its strong points. Material quality is high, the fit and finish is top rate, and there’s extra legroom in back. The trunk’s capacity of nearly 16 cubic feet is at the top of the segment. We sank into the heated front seats and got comfortable quickly with the six-way power adjustments. The only complaint is the use of hard plastics in this upper trim.

The controls are easy to figure out and use. We didn’t need to spend 20 minutes messing with them. However, the touchscreen is on the small side, and we think it sits too low along with the climate controls. 

The SEL is more expensive but it does get standard automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a moonroof. It comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and the dual-zone automatic climate controls made our time in the Passat more comfortable. Visibility is excellent too. The park distance control and rearview camera kept us from hitting things this week. 

2018 VW Passat GT interior layout.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs

The Volkswagen Passat’s turbocharged 2.0-liter produces 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque. It’s coupled with a six-speed automatic that sends power to the front wheels. EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 25/36 city/highway and 29 combined.


We got close to 30 mpg for the week, and that was with driving at altitude, pressing hard on the pedal going up I-70. Every day.
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Driving Dynamics

Driving a sedan is not typically an enjoyable experience, but the 2018 VW Passat is higher on the fun-to-drive meter than most. The new turbo engine is impressively smooth with enough power for all situations. The other impressive part is the fuel mileage. We got close to 30 mpg for the week, and that was with driving at altitude, pressing hard on the pedal going up I-70. Every day.

The six-speed automatic matches the smoothness of the engine, and with the Tiptronic and Sport modes, it’s perfect for driving enthusiasts.

The ride is on the firm side, which is a good thing if you do any driving in the mountains or on tighter roads. The suspension isn’t dialed-in like that of a sports sedan, but it does give the driver confidence. The Passat’s ride and handling is composed enough overall, especially through the curves. 

We checked out the adaptive cruise control system and found it maintains a normal distance. It even brakes and accelerates in a sensible manner. The Lane Keep Assist was a little obtrusive at times, but did its job. The collision warnings are too touchy, especially when turning left onto streets with parked cars.


Driving a sedan is not typically an enjoyable experience, but the Passat is higher on the fun-to-drive meter than most.
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Conclusion

Overall, the 2018 VW Passat shines as an especially comfortable and quiet commuter. If you regularly take long road trips, it will get you there without too many stops for gas. It’s efficient but the SEL Premium trim can be pricey.

Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy

2018 VW Passat Official Site.

Photos: Volkswagen of America, Inc.



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2019 Genesis G70 Racks Up Features But Easy On Price

  • The 2019 Genesis G70 offers two engines and six different trim levels. 
  • A special manual transmission Sport package is available starting at $34,900. 
  • As Genesis begins making more headway in the luxury car market, how will they stand up? 

Genesis, the Hyundai sub-brand that is to the Korean automaker what Lexus, Acura, and Infiniti are to their Japanese parents, just announced pricing for its G70. The 2019 Genesis G70 is aimed squarely at competitors like the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Unlike those heavyweights, the G70 costs about as much as a minivan.

Look, I’m going to be right up front here: The Genesis G70 is a very good car, but no one is going to be pining for it like a long lost love 50 years from now. Competence only gets you so far. It gets you loyalty and devotion, but it rarely gets you love.

Then again, competence can earn you lots of sales.

Trim Levels & Engines

The 2019 Genesis G70, which has been on sale in its home market for a while, is now available in the United States. You get your choice of two engines. Either a 2.0T inline four-cylinder turbo, or a 3.3T V6 twin-turbo mill. If you go with the 2.0 four-banger, you get your choice of six liberally equipped trim levels, starting at $34,900.

Trim levels include Advanced, Elite, Prestige, Dynamic, Sport, and Sport M/T.

The 3.3T plant gets four trim levels, plus two limited-production Special Edition models, all starting at $43,750. These are tagged as Advanced, Elite, Prestige, and Sport. The limited-production 3.3T packages are called Dynamic Special Edition and Design Special Edition. Yes, that’s pretentious, but if you’re angling for the perspective Mercedes or BMW driver, a little pretention is probably called for.

For some reason, Genesis is limiting the production on these to only 400 units.

Well, at least “limited” is not just a sticker they slap on the bumper.

Exterior features include LED daytime running lights and heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals. Photo: Genesis Motor America, LLC.

Point Blank Performance

Power-wise, the engines are pretty impressive. The 2.0T four-cylinder turbo puts out 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque. That’s a lot of muscle squeezed from a half gallon of displacement. The 3.3T is similarly impressive, with 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft. of torque on tap. Thank you Genesis.

Across all the trim levels, there’s a lot of overlap in terms of features. So let’s just look at either end of the G70 spectrum.

At the low end (and I’m using that term relatively here), the 2.0T Advanced RWD comes with Shift-by-Wire technology, held up by a MacPherson strut front and a multi-link rear suspension. The power-steering system is rack-mounted and motor-driven. Wheels are 18-inch alloys with Michelin all-season P225/45R18 tires. An eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters and rev match is available.

The brakes are ventilated, of course.


The 3.3T is impressive, with 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft. of torque on tap. Thank you Genesis.
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Interior Comforts & Tech Treatments

The interior features stainless steel front door sill plates, dual automatic climate controls, a 12-way power driver’s seat (including four-way lumbar), and an eight-way power passenger seat. Perforated leather wraps the tilting and telescoping steering wheel and shift knob. The front vanity mirrors are illuminated and have sliding sun visors.

There’s also a front map and pin light (not sure what that is). The rear seat is a 60/40 split-folding deal. Audio, cruise, and phone controls are located on the steering wheel.

There’s a rearview camera with parking guidelines and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with HomeLink. Leatherette seating surfaces, rear folding armrest with cup holders, and a Bluetooth hands-free phone system are included. Multimedia? Tons: HD Radio, seven-inch color LCD multi-information screen, two front USB ports, and another one in the rear. There is even Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Remember, this is lowest level of stuff (and there’s even more yet). You get all of this on a 2019 Genesis G70 starting right around $35,000! Well, tack on another $995 for destination, but still.

And There’s More . . .

The 3.3T models add stuff like a multi-plate type limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, dual exhaust, a sport-tuned suspension, alloy pedals, and full LED headlights. And the Genesis logo approach lights too (show offs!). Along with the navigation, there is something called the “front passenger seat walk-in device.” No, I don’t know either.

But there is also a high-zoot Lexicon 15-speaker audio system with Quantum Logic Surround and Clari-Fi Music Restoration Technology.

Price Range

The aforementioned 2.0T Advanced RWD starts at $34,900 with the Dynamic AWD Launch Edition running $52,250 at the top of the mountain. In the middle of the range are the 3.3T Advanced RWD and AWD at $34,750 and $45,750 respectively.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz

2019 Genesis G70 Gallery

Photos & Source: Genesis Motor America, LLC.



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Friday 28 September 2018

2019 Subaru BRZ: Still Lacking Power, But Still Good Enough

  • Nice as it would be, the 2019 Subaru BRZ does not see a horsepower increase.
  • But maybe that’s okay? There are lots of other things to love about this new Subaru.   

Subaru is upping the ante with the introduction of the 2019 BRZ. More power right?! No, just kidding. Instead of tooling around with the 2.0-liter Boxer engine, Subaru decided a limited edition trim was enough.

The new “Series.Gray” includes wheel upgrades, a new paint color, and blacked-out exterior badges.

2019 Subaru BRZ Breakdown

The base BRZ Premium comes with LED headlights, power door locks and side mirrors, rear vision camera, engine immobilizer, and keyless entry. The Premium model adds a welcome lighting system to greet you when approaching the vehicle. Dual USB ports, a 6.2-inch touchscreen audio display with eight speakers, and Bluetooth capability are standard across the range.

Don’t forget the leather steering wheel, and leather accents for the door trim, shifter, and center console.

All in all, not bad. The 2019 Subaru BRZ Premium starts just under $26,000. In truth, I would pay more in exchange for a more powerful and responsive Boxer motor. For the money, the Limited trim offers better value for $28,000 and change. It adds LED fog lights, keyless access with push-button start, Alcantara seats with leather-trimmed bolsters and heating, courtesy lights, and an illuminated vanity mirror for passengers.

Standard on the Limited is Subaru Starlink. It comes with a larger seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system supports SiriusXM radio and a voice-activated navigation system.

2019 Subaru BRZ. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.

By The Numbers

Also standard is the 4.2-inch display screen next to the tachometer. It provides information about the steering angle, oil and coolant temperatures, and lateral G-forces. There is also a stopwatch function so you can measure your lap times, which we assume won’t be blisteringly quick given the lack of power.

But for $1,195 more, the Limited can be optioned with the Performance Package. That adds Brembo brakes with four-piston front and dual-piston rear calipers, SACHS shock absorbers, and new 17-inch black alloys. This package is only applicable to manual models. Sadly, there is no power upgrade.

New for 2019 is the exclusive Series.Gray trim in khaki gray paint, different 17-inch black-finish alloys, and blacked-out exterior badges. The interior gets red stitching, frameless rearview mirrors, and a combination meter visor. Only 250 Series.Gray models are allotted for the 2019 model year with prices starting at $30,140.

And no, you can’t get a more powerful engine in this trim either.

2019 Subaru BRZ Series.Gray. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.

Enough! How Does It Drive?

Same as before, and unsurprisingly similar to the Toyota 86. Look, if you are considering the Toyota 86 or Subaru BRZ, you aren’t exactly looking for balls-out power and acceleration, right? You buy these cars for the sporty driving experience, and not for the boundless rush of torque from the motor. Compared to the Mazda MX-5, the Subaru BRZ is more accurate and more precise, although it is less forgiving than the Mazda.

Do it right, it will blow your mind. Do it wrong, however, and you might end up in a ditch.

Seriously now, both the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ are excellent in the hands of an experienced racing driver. Of course, you need to get the six-speed manual when shopping in this category. Unless you don’t enjoy driving (then it’s perfectly okay to get the automatic).

More About That Engine

Powering all trim levels of the 2019 Subaru BRZ is the familiar 2.0-liter Boxer-four that produces 205 horsepower. Peak torque of 156 lb-ft. comes between 6,400 and 6,800 rpm. The automatic variant gets five less horsepower and a smidgen less torque. The new Subaru BRZ also comes with a TORSEN limited-slip differential to make the most of the close-ratio manual gears.

Now, it’s not as if the BRZ (and the 86 for that matter) is screaming for more power. It’s how the chassis feels it can handle more than a measly 200 horsepower. The car feels quick but you need to squeeze the throttle to get the adrenaline rush.

Maybe a BRZ STi is in the works? Probably not.

Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.


Do it right, it will blow your mind. Do it wrong, however, and you might end up in a ditch.
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The Verdict

Despite the absence of a tuned engine, the 2019 Subaru BRZ is still good enough. The funny thing is the 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF (yes, the one with the folding metal roof) feels faster than the BRZ. This is despite the MX-5 having a SKYACTIV motor with only 155 horsepower.

But when it comes to precision, agility, and a fun-to-drive demeanor without spending crazy amounts of cash, the new Subaru BRZ is still worthy of consideration.

Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine. 

Photos & Source: Subaru of America, Inc.



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I.D. Buzz Cargo: VW’s New Mystery Machine For The New Age

  • The I.D. Buzz Cargo has a range of more than 340 miles according to Volkswagen. 
  • The 230V socket provides power for tools and other equipment without an additional generator.
  • When is VW going to release it? They didn’t exactly say . . . 

Volkswagen has this on again, off again thing in going with the reboot of their bus. You know, the Type 2, the hippie bus. They’ve gone through several iterations with this guy. All of them would be produced. But none of them ever were. However, VW says this one is for real.

It’s called I.D. Buzz Cargo. What is this? A cartoon character?

Building A Mystery

Well, it is kind of cartoon-ish looking, what with that snub nose and permanent smile on its face. And those huge expanses of bodywork on the sides are just begging for a Mystery Machine paint job. But if you put all that aside, you can see VW is serious with this thing. As they flatly state, the I.D. Buzz Cargo “has the potential to write history as one of the most advanced light commercial vehicles.”

That’s a big claim, but does VW have the specs to back it up?

The Buzz Cargo, like other vehicles in VW’s I.D. line, is entirely electric. The Buzz Cargo aims to be the urban delivery vehicle in the coming years – at least for smaller stuff, like packages from Amazon. Think of it as the “last mile” delivery vehicle from Tesla, if Tesla were one of the largest automakers on the planet.

VW I.D. Buzz Cargo. Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Payload & Storage

This concept (yes, it’s just a concept for now, but VW says they’re going to make it, honest, cross their hearts, pinky swear!) shows the path the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles division will take. Clocking in at 198.7 inches long, 77.8 inches wide, and 77.3 inches tall, the Buzz Cargo aims to be small on the outside – perfect for urban environments – while being big on the inside – perfect for hauling.

The rear overhang extends about four inches over the vehicle. Maximum payload is 1,760 lbs., or about the all up weight of a Lotus Elise.

The interior cargo space includes a shelving system, so there’s no sliding door on the driver’s side. The front doors and sliding door open electrically, via a sensor, which will come in handy. Essentially, the I.D. Buzz Cargo recognizes authorized persons via a digital key sent to the van by smartphone.

The I.D. Buzz debuted at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. “The Volkswagen brand’s big electric offensive begins in the year 2020 with a completely new vehicle architecture,” explained Dr. Herbert Diess at the time, Chairman of the Board of Management for Volkswagen. “That is when we will be launching an entirely new generation of fully connected, all-electric vehicles to the market.” Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Autonomous Capability

Instead of two single seats up front, there’s a driver’s seat and a double bench-seat on the front passenger side. The middle section of the bench folds down, serving as a work space with an integrated laptop. If the driver is using the automated “I.D. Pilot” mode, work can even be done on the move, since the I.D. Buzz Cargo aims to be fully autonomous. The driver can activate the Level 4 autonomous mode by pushing on the steering wheel for a few seconds. The steering wheel then retracts into the instrument panel.

Once in autonomous mode, the driver’s seat turns 15 degrees to the right in order to work better with that laptop. While on the move, they can handle bills of lading and paperwork, and all that other stuff delivery people have to sort through.


Think of it as the last mile delivery vehicle from Tesla, if Tesla were one of the largest automakers on the planet.
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Augmented Reality

Important information projects onto the road in 3D via an Augmented Reality heads-up display. The information remains in the driver’s line-of-sight, allowing them to concentrate on road conditions. An integrated tablet controls the infotainment and climate functions. The main driving controls are located on the steering wheel.

The rear view mirrors are gone, replaced by cameras projecting images onto small screens in the cab of the I.D. Buzz Cargo.

VW I.D. Buzz Concept interior layout. Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Does The I.D. Buzz Cargo Deliver?

Other nifty distinguishing features include the new solar roof. This photovoltaic system generates enough power to extend range by up to 9.3 miles per day. The longer this thing is in the daylight, the further it can drive, which should make fleet managers happy.

Add all this up and combine it with the I.D. Buzz Cargo’s 340 mile range, and you have a very usable option for urban delivery services. Of curse, the question, yet again, is will VW be serious this time. I bet they are. After the diesel-gate scandal, VW has invested in EVs big time. And they’re smart enough to realize there is plenty of money in the commercial sector.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz

Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.



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Street Thrasher: The XT 600 gets the supermoto treatment

The Yamaha XT 600 gets the supermoto treatment from Bad Winners
No list of retro enduros is complete without the noble Yamaha XT 600. Manufactured for almost two decades until 2003, it ticks all the important boxes: basic, versatile and reliable.

But what if you’re not looking for a trail weapon per se? The XT 600 makes a pretty rad supermoto too, if executed just right. And Walid, from Parisian shop Bad Winners, sure knows how to design a motorcycle.

The Yamaha XT 600 gets the supermoto treatment from Bad Winners
He didn’t set out to customize an XT 600. “The XT picked me,” he tells us. “I had it in the workshop for three years—I got it from a client who had to leave town for a job in Australia.”

“But I didn’t want to ride it as it was. I had this clear idea for an air-cooled supermoto—an old-school supermoto from the 90s.”

The Yamaha XT 600 gets the supermoto treatment from Bad Winners
The Yamaha in question was a 1991-model XT 600 E with a mere 13,000 km on the dial. And since it belonged to a client, Walid had previously serviced it—so he knew it was in good nick. With no fix-ups needed, he could move right on to the fun stuff.

But first, he had to take the XT’s stance from trail bike to street thrasher. On went a set of 17” Excel hoops, laced up to the original Yamaha hubs, and now wrapped in Dunlop’s Sportmax Mutant supermoto tires.

The Yamaha XT 600 gets the supermoto treatment from Bad Winners
The Yamaha’s OEM Nissin brakes were deemed good enough, so they were simply upgraded with stainless steel lines.

Moving to the suspension, Walid trimmed 80 mm off the front forks, and equipped them with stiffer springs. The rear was upgraded with a new YSS shock, also with a harder-than-stock spring. “I didn’t want to have a smooth trail bike,” was Walid’s reasoning.

The Yamaha XT 600 gets the supermoto treatment from Bad Winners
Even though the motor’s internals were left alone, it was treated to a new coat of black. Two Keihin CR35 carbs were installed, along with open filters to replace the old air box.

The exhaust headers were custom built in stainless steel, and terminate in a TEC muffler. (Yes, they’re wrapped, but Walid says it’s because they generate too much heat.)

The Yamaha XT 600 gets the supermoto treatment from Bad Winners
Cosmetically, the XT 600 shed all of its stock bodywork. Walid retrofitted the fuel tank from a Yamaha RD250, and fabricated a set of ‘shoulders’ to drastically alter its shape.

“The inspiration is from the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto,” he explains. “When you look at it from behind, the lines are like a bodybuilder’s shoulders: massive. I wanted that same shape for the XT.”

The Yamaha XT 600 gets the supermoto treatment from Bad Winners
They’re functional too; each side is covered with a mesh screen in front, with stealthy LED headlights and turn signals hiding inside. The fuel tank’s capped off with a Yamaha XJR1300 gas cap.

The XT’s tail section received an equally radical reworking. Rather than a simple cut-n-loop job, Walid ditched the entire subframe and started from scratch.

The Yamaha XT 600 gets the supermoto treatment from Bad Winners
The new arrangement cuts a much more aggressive contour, with side panels and abrupt rear fender that are welded on rather than bolted on. It’s a curious move, but Walid tells us he simply wanted as few bolts visible as possible.

There’s a new leather-covered seat up top, and a neat compartment underneath for electronics. In there, you’ll find a small Lithium-ion battery, and a new loom built around a Motogadget m.unit control box.

The Yamaha XT 600 gets the supermoto treatment from Bad Winners
The cockpit features Renthal bars and grips, Motone switches, and a teeny tiny Motogadget speedo mounted up on the bars. The front’s finished off with a custom-made number board and fender combo.

No supermotard is complete without some bright coloring—and no Bad Winners bike is complete without a sharp livery. Walid originally wanted to use a similar design to one of his previous builds, but when he couldn’t make it fit the tank contours, he started playing around with it.

The Yamaha XT 600 gets the supermoto treatment from Bad Winners
Once he’d settled on the dazzling scheme you see here, he handed the tank over to Aerografik to lay it down. The rest of the XT’s parts were finished in either blue or black.

This former trailie now looks fun, aggressive and ready to eat the streets. But even though Walid built it to his taste, he won’t be enjoying it for long. As is the curse with building custom bikes for a living, it’s already for sale.

Somebody please buy it before we do.

Bad Winners | Facebook | Instagram | Photos by Guillaume Petranto

The Yamaha XT 600 gets the supermoto treatment from Bad Winners



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