2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392: Big Hemi Wrangler Reports for Off-Road Duty

Jeep fans have been clamoring for a V8-powered Wrangler for as long as I can remember. The last Jeep to have a factory V8 engine dates back well before my birthdate, so it’s easy to understand the hype behind the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. This vehicle marks the return of a production V8 engine in a Wrangler after nearly 40 years. For millennials and younger Gen Xers, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is the first-ever Wrangler with a standard V8 motor, and what an engine it is.

Hemi V8 Reporting for Duty!

You know Jeep is serious when it chooses the biggest naturally-aspirated Hemi V8 in the FCA family. The 6.4-liter Hemi, also known as the 392, is a technological showcase with an active intake manifold, two spark plugs per cylinder, variable cam timing, hollow intake valves, and piston oil cooling jets. Dodge Charger and Challenger fans know this engine well. It’s even available in the 2021 Durango, so it’s about time Jeep joined the club. 

Capable of producing 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. of twist, the engine churns out peak torque at just above idling speed, and you know what this means, right? Mated to an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic driving all four wheels via a Selec-Trac full-time active transfer case, it means zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and a quarter-mile run in 13 seconds, awe-inspiring for an off-road vehicle. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 won’t look out of place on the drag strip despite having 17-inch Beadlock wheels, 33-inch tires, and a two-inch lift kit from the factory.

“This is the most powerful, quickest, most capable Jeep Wrangler we’ve ever built,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA North America. “The factory lift and abundant low-end torque from the V8 makes the Rubicon 392 the king of the hills, whether rock crawling at low speeds or powering up an incline.”

2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Innovative Hydro-Guide Cold Air Intake

Sure, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 can run with sports cars, but we’re still talking about a Jeep here. Offering 10.3 inches of ground clearance and the ability to go across 32.5 inches of water, Jeep knows it needs to keep the mighty V8 engine breathing no matter the circumstances. The Wrangler 392 has a high-mounted alternator and a rear-sump oil pan to improve the vehicle’s river-crossing abilities. It also has a bespoke Hydro-Guide air intake system with multiple air pathways, a tri-level ducting system, and a one-way drain in the airbox that, according to Jeep, can drain up to 15 gallons of water per minute.

Drawing massive amounts of air via a standard hood scoop (lifted directly from the Jeep Gladiator Mojave), this innovative intake system ensures a steady supply of cold air inside the motor even if a bow wake washes over the hood. And if obstructions like mud, snow, dirt, or debris cover the hood scoop, the engine can still breathe via a secondary air path within the hood.

The functional hood scoop feeds cool air to the 6.4-Hemi engine. Photo: FCA US LLC.

All-Weather & All-Terrain Capabilities

Despite having the heart of an SRT muscle car, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is at its best when the roads turn to mush. The standard MP3022 Selec-Trac two-speed transfer case has four selectable driving modes (4WD Auto, 4WD High, Neutral, and 4WD Low), a 3.73:1 axle ratio, and a 2.72.1:1 low range gear. The Selec-Trac transfer case also allows for neutral or flat-towing.

Meanwhile, the new Off-Road Plus driving mode with dedicated Sand and Rock modes will be useful to conquer demanding terrain. And with a 48:1 crawl ratio, you can climb or go over almost anything.

The Wrangler 392 comes with Tru-Lok electronic-locking Dana 44 axles, a stiffer rear stabilizer bar, and a disconnecting front anti-roll bar for better wheel articulation. Also standard are high-performance Fox monotube shock absorbers, new upper control arms, cast-iron steering knuckles, and larger vented brakes with single-piston calipers.

Since the newest Wrangler 392 sits an inch higher than a regular Jeep Rubicon, the approach angle (44.5 degrees), ramp breakover (22.6 degrees), and departure angle (37.5 degrees) are more than enough to leave lesser off-road vehicles in the dust.

Selec-Speed Control manages speed in “4L” without requiring throttle or brake input. Selec-Speed Control is activated using a button on the dashboard and can be adjusted from 1 to 5 mph via the Electronic Range Select shift control. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Enter The Bronze Age

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 still bears iconic Wrangler design cues with its wide stance, round headlights, and trapezoidal wheel arches. Making it stand out from a standard Wrangler Rubicon is a new grille design, quad exhaust tips, and a bevy of bronze accents, including the decals, those Beadlock-capable wheels, and special interior stitching.

Standard equipment includes a fat-rimmed competition-style tiller, aluminum steering-mounted paddle shifters (the first in a Wrangler), plush leather upholstery with Rubicon 392 embroidery, and an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment screen. The latter features a new off-road menu to display vital data, including GPS coordinates, pitch, roll, altitude, drivetrain power distribution, and more.

2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 interior layout. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Pricing & Availability

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 will arrive at U.S. dealerships in early 2021. Pricing is still forthcoming, but we expect the base MSRP to start between $60,000 to $68,000. The latest V8 Jeep will only arrive in four-door guise, although buyers can specify half-doors while choosing between three roof options like in a standard Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is available in nine exterior colors: Black, Bright White, Firecracker Red, Granite Crystal Metallic, Punk ’n Metallic, Sarge Green Metallic, Snazzberry Metallic, Sting-Gray Metallic, and Billet Silver Metallic, all with a black interior.

Alvin Reyes is an Automoblog feature columnist and an expert in sports and performance cars. 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. 

2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Gallery

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Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

Original article: 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392: Big Hemi Wrangler Reports for Off-Road Duty

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R100XE: The BMW R80G/S evolution we deserve

The BMW R80G/S created a new genre of motorcycling when it first appeared, and is considered an icon today. The ‘GS’ designation is still a staple of BMW’s range, but it’s evolved a lot since 1980—both technologically and visually. By 1987, the R100GS already had a very different vibe to its predecessor, and the modern GS machines carry almost none of the original’s DNA.

Robert Sabel of Roughchild Motorcycles in California wonders what a modern G/S would look like if that wasn’t the case. What if the R80G/S got better… but still looked the same? That was the inspiration behind his latest project—a bike he’s dubbed the ‘R100XE.’

Based in downtown LA, Robert leads a team of four that only works on BMWs, and specializes in classic airheads. Their client on this project was the CEO of a publicly traded tech company who has a deep love for the brand.

“He used to work in a motorcycle shop as a kid and lusted after a Singer-style BMW airhead,” explains Robert. “He currently owns the new R1250GS and an R100GS Paris Dakar. He’s experienced the woes of buying a used bike and difficulties of keeping it on the road. This bike had to be top shelf, safe and reliable, with room to stick his wife on the back.”

“The goal was a ‘continuation’ model of the R80G/S: What if BMW manufactured that bike today? He left all of the design decisions to me—even allowing me to choose the color.”

To the untrained eye, the R100XE looks like a lightly fettled R80G/S with a black paint job. But it’s actually one heck of a sleeper. For starters, it’s not an R80G/S at all… Robert and his team actually started with a 1993 BMW R100R—picked for its stronger motor, and newer mono-shock Paralever swingarm design.

Finding the parts to dress it up like an R80G/S wasn’t hard. Roughchild have been operating in LA for eleven years now, and they had all the necessary parts sitting on their shelves. So the fuel tank, headlight nacelle and front fender are all OEM R80G/S parts.

The subframe’s an R80G/S part too, but it’s been modified to suit the R100R’s main frame. Up top is a custom seat, made to look like the original, but slightly shorter. The rear fender consists of an Acerbis unit, blended with the stock rear fender to offer full coverage.

Roughchild also gave the boxer motor a kick in the pants. It’s been rebuilt and treated to a twin-spark conversion, with a Silent Hektik ignition system.

It’s also now sporting Mikuni VM34 carbs with Uni pod filters, and a brushed stainless steel exhaust from Staintune. There’s a custom sump guard mounted to the stock R100R oil pan, and a nifty lockbox hand-made to sit on top of the transmission.

Next, the BMW needed appropriate running gear. Up front are the forks and brakes from a 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200XE. The adjustable Showa forks were rebuilt to the same length as the factory R80G/S forks, and are held by a set of custom triple trees (from Cognito Moto) that also hold the headlight housing.

The Triumph’s Brembo radial calipers are hooked up to custom stainless brake lines, linked to a brass Y-piece connector. That connector actually comes from a 1966 Porsche 911, and includes a pressure-operated brake light switch. An R80G/S master cylinder does duty on the control side.

Out back is an Öhlins shock with an external reservoir. The wheels are a combination of BMW hubs, stainless steel spokes, and Akront rims in period correct G/S sizes; 21” in front, 17” out back. Aggressive Continental TKC80 tires offer the right balance of on- and off-road grip.

There’s nothing Roughchild didn’t update on this airhead. That classic headlight bucket houses a modern LED light up front, and a GPS speedo from Speedhut, with a custom face, up top. There are also ‘telltale’ LEDs from Kat Dash, Renthal handlebars, and Barkbuster Jet hand guards with integrated led turn signals.

The switches are OEM R80G/S items, rewired to work with Motogadget’s mo.unit blue—a Bluetooth-enabled control unit around which the whole bike is wired. It now runs with a Shorai Lithium-ion battery (stashed under the tank), and a keyless ignition.

Finishing touches include a license plate light and rear turn signals from Rizoma, burly off-road foot pegs and factory R80G/S mirrors. There’s also a Unit Garage canvas saddlebag, attached to a mounting system from KlickFix. And since practicality was high on the list, this G/S has a center stand and crash bars, too.

Robert opted to wrap his client’s build in Jeep’s terrific Rhino Gray color, with a bunch of parts redone in black. It turned out to be a good call, because his client actually has a Rhino Gray Jeep.

By drawing on experience, and mixing together the right parts in the right way, Robert and his crew have built a rugged, good looking and, most importantly, capable classic boxer. Simple and purposeful, the R100XE is a great ‘what if’—an exercise in alternative BMW history, if you will.

Roughchild Motorcycles | Facebook | Instagram | Images by (and with special thanks to) John Ryan Hebert

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Cyber Monday 2020: The Best Online Automotive Deals of the Year

Just like Black Friday, Cyber Monday has become the best day of the year to get great deals online. And with a good part of the world stuck at home this year, it’s no wonder online shopping has skyrocketed and we’re seeing some of the best deals we’ve ever seen this year.

Keep reading for some of our favorite automotive deals available online for Cyber Monday and Cyber Week 2020.

Remember, now is a great time to do a few quick & easy things for your car to get it ready for winter.

Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.

Auto Parts

Advance Auto Parts

Advance Auto Parts is offering 25% Off All Orders with code CYBER25 at AdvanceAutoParts.com.

Advance happens to be our favorite online car parts store. Related: Should You Buy Car Parts Online?

Shop Now

Amazon

Of course, no big sale would be complete without talking about our mighty eCommerce overlords, Amazon. They’re having, as expected, continuing on from Black Friday and having a big Cyber Monday event.

Check out the Cyber Monday Automotive section here.

Related: Should you buy car parts on Amazon?

Auto Anything

Although not as well-stocked as Advance Auto, Auto Anything has a wider selection of customizable interiors and exteriors.

This sale gets you up to 70% off their sale items.

Car Giveaways

Omaze Car & Cash Giveaways

Omaze is offering a HUGE 1,500 extra entries when you enter any contest between 12 am – 6:59 am PT today (Nov. 30). Use code EARLYBIRD1500.

If you miss that, you can still get 750 extra entries for the rest of the day with code BIGTIME750. Here’s a list of all of their car contests currently going on. Our favorites:

• Win the Lamborghini Huracán EVO RWD from Lady Gaga’s 911 Music Video – Enter Here
• Win a Rare 2005 Ford GT and $20,000 – Enter Here
• Win a Custom Jeep Wrangler Rubicon from DeBerti and $20,000 – Enter Here

Giving Tuesday: Even if you don’t manage to enter on Monday, you can get an extra 500 entries to Omaze’s car giveaways on Tuesday (Dec. 1) in addition to updating the total amount raised on their homepage throughout the day.

Cyber Week Continued: Between Dec. 2 – 6 you can still get an extra 300 entries for any experience, plus you’re automatically entered to win $5,000 cash.

80Eighty

80Eighty is giving away 5x entries for their car giveaways. That means for every $1 spent, you get FIVE entries. The current prizes are:

• 800 horsepower Nissan GT-R + $30,000 cash
• Lamborghini Aventador + $60,000 cash

Lighting

Oracle Lighting

Today is the last day to get 15% off site-wide at Oracle Lighting by using the code CYBER15. If you’re in the market for an HID kit, off-road lighting, interior lights, or otherwise, check them out.

Radar Detectors

Escort MAX 360c

Save $70 on the Escort MAX 360c Radar Detector, now $579.95. This is our favorite overall radar detector on the market right now.

Read our review of the MAX 360c here. No code needed.

Escort MAX 360

Save $100 on the Escort MAX 360 Radar Detector – the little brother of the MAX 360c mentioned above. Now $399.

We reviewed the MAX 360 as well, right here. No code needed.

Cobra Road Scout

Save $50 on the Cobra Road Scout, 2-In-1 Radar Detector and Dash Camera Driver Alert System, bringing it down to only $399.95.

This detector was named Runner-Up in our awards for the Best Radar Detectors with Dash Cams.

Tires

Goodyear Tires

Need a new set of tires? Goodyear is having a Cyber Monday sale offering $80 Instant Savings on a set.

The cool part is, this is on top of any additional rebates (which are frequently $150,) so it’ll be easy to save $230 on a new set of shoes for your car.

Shop Now

BestUsedTires.com

BestUsedTires.com is offering $15 off orders of $100 or more for Cyber Monday if you use the coupon code CYBER20 at checkout (Valid 11/30 – 12/02).

Read our guide on used tires here.

Original article: Cyber Monday 2020: The Best Online Automotive Deals of the Year

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Continental Tires Review (2020)

Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.

Continental Review

In Our Opinion:

Continental is an exceptional all-season tire manufacturer for drivers interested in performance, touring, or standard all-season models. While Continental tires are not cheap, they are generally more affordable than Michelin or Goodyear models.

Industry Standing:

Tire Variety:

Affordability:

Customer Satisfaction:

Pros:

Strong industry reputation

Excellent all-season tire options

Company focus on safety and eco-friendly tires

Cons:

Expensive

Limited options for all-terrain tires

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Continental is a well-established tire manufacturer. While Continental tires did not secure a top five spot in our best tires review, it did place in the top 10.

In this review, we’ll examine Continental tires in-depth, including industry ratings, popular models, costs, and more. We’ll also discuss two alternative tire brands to consider if Continental isn’t the right choice for you. You can start comparing tire costs for a variety of brands, including Continental, at TireRack.com.

Continental Tires Overview

Founded in 1915, Continental is headquartered in Hanover, Germany. The brand is the fourth-largest tire manufacturer worldwide, accounting for 12.9 percent of global sales in 2018, according to Statista. It’s held to similar industry regard as Michelin and Goodyear, two top-tier manufacturers.

Though Continental is a German manufacturer, it also has a North and South American headquarters in Fort Mill, South Carolina. The company has a strong relationship with both luxury and daily-driver car manufacturers, making it a popular choice for original equipment (OE) tires. However, Continental also produces replacement tires, auto safety systems, some electronics, and powertrain parts.

Used by luxury brands like Audi, Tesla, and Porsche, Continental produces well-regarded performance, touring, and standard all-season tire models. The brand also has put years of testing and innovation into its tire’s stopping abilities and sustainability.

Continental Industry Ratings

Continental tires, similar to other passenger tire manufacturers’ products, follow an evaluation system created by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This system is called Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG), and it rates tires – except specialized tires – based on their treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance.

Here’s an explanation of the UTQG grading system:

Treadwear: This grade estimates the longevity of your tires. To calculate treadwear, tires are measured against a control tire given a rating of 100. If a tire has a 500 treadwear rating, that means it lasted five times longer than the control. Most passenger tires have between a 300 and 500 treadwear rating, according to data from SaferCar.gov. 

Traction: This grade measures how well your tires “grip” a wet road. Traction grades are given on a scale of AA, A, B, or C. Good day-to-day passenger tires typically receive an A rating. 

Temperature: This grade evaluates a tire’s heat resistance on a scale of A, B, or C. Tires need to withstand different temperatures based on their specialization. Performance tires, for example, usually move at much higher speeds than an all-season tire, and in turn, have higher temperature ratings.

It’s important to note that the NHTSA does not oversee UTQG tests. Manufacturers and independent companies hired by brands are responsible for tire testing and reporting.

Below, we listed a few highly rated Continental tire models and their treadwear, traction, and temperature scores using data from SaferCar.gov.

Continental Tire Model	Tire Type	Treadwear Score	Traction Score	Temperature Resistance
TerrainContact A/T	Light truck/SUV All-terrain	680	A	A
ExtremeContact DWS 06	Passenger All-season Ultra-high performance	560	AA	A
TrueContact Tour	Passenger Standard touring All-season	800	A	A
CrossContact LX	Crossover/SUV Touring All-season	680	A	B

If you want to know more about a Continental tire you already own, you can check the tire’s sidewall for the UTQG grade.

Continental’s Most Popular Tires

Continental tires have been at the forefront of innovation, safety, and quality since the company’s founding in 1871. Though many of its tire models are popular, a few Continental tire models stand out among the rest.

Here are some of the brand’s most popular tires, based on Continental tire reviews and customer satisfaction ratings on Tire Rack:

• Continental TrueContact: A well-regarded all-season passenger tire that handles well in wet, dry, and snowy conditions
• Continental WinterContact Snow & Ice (SI): A cost-friendly studless winter tire made with PolarPlus^TM technology
• Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06: An ultra-high performance tire made for sporty drives that still handles well in snow and slush
• Continental PureContact LS: A grand touring tire designed with Continental’s ComfortRide and EcoPlus technology, making it more comfortable, longer-lasting, and better suited for wet and dry roads

Each of these Continental tires received a 4.0-star rating or above on Tire Rack and has similarly high ratings on other retailers’ sites. 

Continental tire warranties are on par with competitors’ guarantees. The company offers a limited warranty for defective materials that lasts up to six years, which is standard. Its longest tread life warranty spans up to 80,000 miles, which is on the high end for the industry. We also like Continental’s 60-day replacement guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the tires you purchase.

Cost of Continental Tires

Based on our research, Continental tires can range from about $70 to $420 per tire, but more popular models skew upward. For example, a replacement Continental TrueContact Touring tire for a popular commuter car like the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid would cost just over $100. 

Continental tires can be pricey, but they’re not as expensive as Michelin tires. And, at the end of the day, you get what you pay for. Many drivers find a higher price tag to be worth it after considering the company’s rigorous testing standards, quality materials, and tread life warranty.  

Continental Customer Reviews

Cost, reputation, and industry ratings are important factors to consider when purchasing a tire, but customer reviews can give you a better picture of how Continental tires actually perform on the road.

Below, we’ve outlined both positive and negative customer reviews of Continental tires to give you a complete view of the brand’s quality. Overall, Continental tire reviews are positive, with most models receiving high satisfaction ratings from customers.

Positive Continental Tire Reviews

“[The Continental PureContact LS has] top-notch wet weather performance, [is] reasonably quiet, [and has] pretty good handling when dry. A class-leading tire, [it’s a] very safe and predictable tire across many conditions. One tire survived a pothole hit that was hard enough to bend the underlying steel rim without a blowout.” – via Tire Rack

“[The Continental WinterContact SI is] an excellent winter tire, [with] great grip in both winter conditions and dry roads. Tire noise is slightly higher than the OE model, but nothing obnoxious like studded tires… Probably have two more winters left, so the wear is outstanding.” – via Tire Rack

Negative Continental Tire Reviews

“[I’ve only driven this tire] 6,800 miles and it has 25% left (3/32nd). The [ContiSportContact 2] tires are the third brand I’ve had on this vehicle… I have a set of winter tires from Continental, which I really like, but I’ll pass on getting another set of these.” – via Tire Rack

“[The Continental ContiTrac] came as OE on my 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty. They were marginal even when they were new. Horrible wet weather performance, and I live in southern Alabama where we get an estimated average 70 inches of annual rainfall, so this is a huge disadvantage.” – via Tire Rack

Our Final Thoughts on Continental Tires

In our 2020 best tires review, we ranked Continental tires seventh overall and gave it a 4.0 out of 5.0-star rating. Continental tires are an excellent option for all-season drivers and are notably safe in wet and dry conditions. The brand also offers a few reputable winter tires, which may be a good option for drivers looking for more affordability. However, Continental would not always be our first choice for some tire types.

To start shopping for Continental tires, visit TireRack.com

Top Recommendations for Tires

While Continental produces high-quality all-season tires and winter tires, you may be looking for a different specialty model or price point. Other top-recommended brands in our best tires review include Michelin and Cooper.

Michelin: Best Overall

After reviewing every major brand in the industry, we determined Michelin to be the best overall tire company on the market today. As one of the largest manufacturers in the world, Michelin tires are almost synonymous with durability and quality.

Whether you need to fit your truck, SUV, crossover, or passenger car with a new set of tires, specialty or otherwise, you can count on Michelin to have an excellent selection. However, do know that Michelin tires tend to be more expensive than average.

Learn more in our review of Michelin tires, or compare rates for Michelin tires right away at TireRack.com.

Cooper: Most Affordable

If Continental tires are out of your price range, Cooper tires are a smart alternative. While the company doesn’t have the long-standing reputation of other tire brands, Cooper balances affordability and quality quite well. 

The manufacturer specializes in producing replacement tires at much lower prices than the industry average. It also offers decent treadwear warranties, it’s longest hitting the 80,000-mile mark, which is not far off from Goodyear or Michelin.

Read more in our full Cooper tires review, or start shopping for Cooper tires at TireRack.com.

Original article: Continental Tires Review (2020)

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Speed Read, 29 November 2020

An oddball selection this week, with a Ducati x Lamborghini limited edition, an electrified Kawasaki G3, a Super73 e-bike given the BMX treatment by ICON, and a range of pet toys from … Indian Motorcycle. Let’s start with the most conventional news, which is the release of the new Honda Rebel 1100 cruiser.

Honda Rebel 1100 The rumor mill has been in overdrive about this bike for a while, and it’s finally broken cover. The biggest ever Rebel uses a modified version of the current liquid-cooled Africa Twin engine, and if you hate gearchanging, you can specify it with a DCT transmission rather than a conventional six speed ‘box.

On paper it, looks good. Curb weight is a reasonable 487 pounds (220 kilos) and the seat height is just 27.5 inches. Power output is a hefty 87 horses, cruise control is standard, and the price is a remarkable $9,299 for the six-speed manual. That’s $700 less than the Harley Sportster Iron 1200 and over $3,000 less than the ABS version of the Indian Scout.

The downside to the bargain? The styling doesn’t fit the established American cruiser genre, and that’s going to put some buyers off.

Honda knows it too: “Since the Rebel 1100 out performs just about any cruiser, we didn’t fall into the trap of just making it look like grandpa’s sled either. Forget the chrome-and-fringe bling: this Rebel is a whole new take on how a cruiser should look.”

It’s a brave move from Honda. The new Rebel will almost certainly be great to ride, and it’ll have Honda reliability as standard too. But will that be enough to convert image-focused Harley and Indian buyers? We’ll be following this one with interest. [Rebel 1100 product page]

Aaron Laniosz’s electric Kawasaki G3 A year ago, an electric Honda S90 conversion by Aaron Laniosz caught our eye. Built for less than $1,000, it won the global Deus Bike Build-Off competition.

Aaron didn’t rest on his laurels though. “As soon as I finished the S90, I was eager to start working on my second motorcycle,” he reports. “I wanted it to be much faster than the first. And it needed a similarly small frame, because I would be working again in my studio apartment!”

Aaron spooted a 1974 Kawasaki G3 going for $300 on Craigslist for $300, with brand new tires and tubes. He stripped the tank down to bare metal, cut down the rear fender, mounted a pair of Krator handlebars, and fabricated a custom cowl. The foot pegs are also mounted further back on the swingarm, to stretch the riding position.

The brushless DC electric motor is a Chinese-made QS138 with 3000W, widely available for around $500. The programmable Votol EM-150s controller can plug into a computer, to adjust settings such as throttle response—a big step up from the Honda in both power and sophistication.

“The programmable controller gives the bike the feeling of a hod rod,” says Aaron, but the original drum brakes and suspension are a weak link. “Any any speed over 50mph a thrilling feat!”

The 72V, 21Ah battery supplies just enough power for a spirited 25-mile trip, but that might change as Aaron develops the bike further. “It’ll continue to evolve as long as I own it,” he says, “an unfinished hot rod, in contrast to polished and perfect electric motorcycle projects.” Follow Aaron’s progress on his Instagram page.

Treat your pets with Indian motorcycle gifts We see some odd stuff in our inbox, but this one takes the [dog] biscuit. Indian has just released a range of canine-related gifts including bandanas, collars and leashes, plus playtime toys and a feeding bowl set.

There’s even a T-shirt, that staple of the moto industry. Indian has helpfully provided a detailed sizing guide to ensure that your mutt enjoys a flattering fit.

The most creative item in the range is a Pull Toy: a rope attached to a rubber Indian ‘tank’ that has little holes in it for hiding pet treats. Looks like Indian’s commitment to shaking up the American v-twin market knows no bounds.

Ducati Diavel 1260 Lamborghini In a week that finally saw the death of the mighty Yamaha V-Max, Ducati has just extended its power cruiser range. It announced a 630-unit limited edition Diavel, which will be sold for $31,995 in the US. The Diavel 1260 Lamborghini is a homage to the new Lamborghini Siàn FKP 37 supercar, itself a limited edition that will be available in only 63 units.

The hybrid FKP 37 is the most powerful Lamborghini ever produced, with 819 hp on tap, but the mods to the Diavel are mostly cosmetic. The bodywork and air intake on the Diavel have been tweaked to mimic the Lamborghini’s lines, the vehicles are finished in the same paint, and the wheels of both machines share styling cues too.

The two brands are both based in the Emilia-Romagna region, but the connection goes deeper in the financial sense because both are ultimately owned by Audi (and therefore VW).

Every few years, rumors fly about Audi jettisoning its Italian companies, and VW has recently hinted that the group might restructure its Italian subsidiaries. The obvious reason for that would be to spin them off. Which leaves us wondering if the Ducati/ Lamborghini hookup is a way to showcase the synchonicity between the two brands…

Super73-S1 by ICON Motosports The SoCal brand Super73 has sent a jolt through the electric bike scene. Since 2016, they’ve been making rugged little urban cruisers with a range of up to 75 miles and a top speed of up to 28 mph.

The bikes are inspired by the small motorcycles that were popular with West Coast bike builders in the 1970s, and Super73 now has an additional link to the mainstream moto scene: they’ve hooked up with our friends at ICON for a one-off called ‘Chromo Steezy.’

The ICON-modified bike is an S1 model, which means it has a removable 768 watt-hour battery, an LED headlight and brake light, and a rear cargo rack. The design is so minimalist, it’s hard to believe it’s not a vintage pushbike rehash.

The Portland crew have given it an 80s-inspired BMW treatment that goes beyond paint and powdercoating. They’ve moved the BB shell back about three inches, fabricated new head tube and fork dropout gussets, and installed a ‘seat tube.’ The grips are from ODI and the rubber is from Vee Tire Co.

“It’s the feeling of a smooth summertime ride and a fully charged battery,” the ICON guys report. They gave the bike to local rider Chester Blacksmith—watch as he takes us on a tour of Portland and hits all the spots required for a party rockin’ time.

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