La Vita in Verde: An Aermacchi 250 restomod from Austria

Italy boasts some of the most storied marques in motorcycling, many of which are still prolific today. But the annals of Italian motorcycle history are also littered with companies that didn’t quite stand the test of time—like Aermacchi.

If you don’t know the story yet, Aermacchi was an aircraft manufacturer that started producing motorcycles after World War II. US readers will know the name, because Harley-Davidson bought half of the company in 1960, and started selling rebadged Aermacchis stateside. You’re looking at a 1961 Aermacchi Harley-Davidson 250 Sprint, masterfully reworked by Christian Schwarzenlander at ExesoR Motorcycles in Austria.

Christian picked the Aermacchi for this restomod project, specifically because he’d been itching to do something with a rare Italian classic. “The style of the 60s single engines and the pure design of this era is unmistakable,” he tells us. “I always played with the thought of one day building an Aermacchi.”

“But it is getting harder and harder to find an affordable Aermacchi nowadays. Some of them have been modified as classic race bikes, and some of them stand fully restored in private collections.”

Christian scoured the internet and stumbled across the 1961 250 Sprint by chance. It was in a terrible state and the price was far too high, but since they’re so hard to track down, he bought it.

Luckily there was a client funding the project; unusual, since Christian usually prefers working on bikes just for himself. It helped that the client was also an old friend—and that he gave Christian the freedom to do whatever he wanted with the Aermacchi. And we’re glad he did, because the end result nails that elusive balance between classic restoration and tasteful customization.

The first job was to bring the ratty donor’s engine back to life. That was done within three hours, leaving Christian very optimistic about the rest of the project. But as it turns out, the single cylinder power plant was one of only a few parts on the bike that was in usable condition.

And that’s not saying much either; Christian had to do a full top end rebuild, because “some idiot drilled holes through the exhaust port and replaced the header bolts with wood screws.”

There was more resto work lurking elsewhere. The frame needed a solid amount of grinding and sand blasting before it could be repainted. And the OEM fuel tank, a part that Christian was insistent on retaining, was almost too far gone.

“It was catastrophic,” he says. “After I removed three layers of paint and several millimeters of filler I saw the disaster: big dents on ever side. After welding in a new filler neck for a Monza-style filler cap I took the tank to my friend at I-Flow to prepare the tank and do the paint job.”

There was not much to work with on the original seat either, so Christian repaired the seat pan, shaped new foam and had it covered in suede. It’s attached to the bike via a stunning hand-made stainless steel subframe.

Smaller bodywork items that could be rescued were cleaned up. But other parts were rusted beyond redemption, and had to be reproduced—like the quirky engraved aluminum frame blank-off plates. Christian also commissioned master fabricator, Bernhard ‘Blechmann’ Naumann, to build a new cover for the electrics box on the right side of the bike.

Christian also re-laced the stock hubs to new 18” shouldered aluminum rims, wrapping them in fresh Heidenau rubber. The front forks were stripped and refurbished, while the rear shocks were swapped out for a set of aftermarket units.

Up in the cockpit are a set of clip-ons that came with the bike, along with a new headlight, speedo and grips. Lower down, Christian restored the original exhaust header, and fitted it with an internal dB killer.

Small thoughtful details abound on this charming Aermacchi. There’s a little tool box on the left side of the bike, made with the modified valve cover from an old Dnepr. And the bike is sprinkled with drilled details and subtle custom touches.

“Many parts could not be saved,” says Christian. “In total more than 50 parts were custom made, and more than 20 original parts were modified.”

It took Christian 250 hours, spread out over 13 months, to button this one up. But the hard graft was clearly worth it. Resplendent in a lush green paint job that’s earned it the moniker ‘Verde,’ it’s about as cute as rare Italian classics get.

ExesoR Motorcycles | Facebook | Instagram | Images by Hermann Pillichshammer

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5 Symptoms and Signs Your Battery Needs Replacing

Are you having trouble starting your car? Does your interior light flicker when you start the engine? Do you hear strange sounds coming from your engine compartment when your car is running?

If so, it might be time for a new battery.

In this post, we’ll discuss five common symptoms of a battery that needs to be replaced. We’ll also provide tips on how to prolong the life of your battery.

So, if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time for a new battery! Read on to know more.

Replacing Car Batteries

It’s common for car batteries to last between two and five years. However, extreme weather conditions, short trips, and infrequent use can shorten a battery’s lifespan. So, it’s safe to say that you should know the signs that indicate it’s time for a new battery.

To make the best decision about your car battery, it’s important to know the different types of batteries available as well as their benefits and drawbacks.

• Flooded lead-acid batteries are best for long life and high discharge rate but require more maintenance than AGM or gel batteries.
• AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries are best for deep cycling and have a higher discharge rate than flooded lead-acid batteries but may not last as long.
• Gel batteries offer the best vibration resistance and can be used in any position without leaking, but they have a lower discharge rate than AGM batteries.

Now that we’ve gone over the different types of batteries, let’s discuss the five symptoms that indicate it’s time for a new battery.

Sign #1: Your Car Doesn’t Start

One of the most common symptoms of a dying battery is that your car won’t start. If you turn the key and nothing happens, it’s likely an issue with your battery.

This can be caused by a number of things, including a dead cell in the battery, corrosion on the terminals, or simply a loose connection.

If this is the case, you’ll likely need a jump start to get your car going. But if you find that your car won’t start even after a jump, it’s time for a new battery.

To jump-start a car battery, follow the steps below:

1) Remove the negative (-) terminal from the battery.

The first step is to remove the negative terminal from the battery. This is usually the black one. Find the right size wrench to loosen the bolt and then remove the terminal. If there’s any corrosion on the terminals, use a wire brush to clean them.

2) Determine if the battery can hold a charge.

To test if the battery can hold a charge, use a voltmeter to test the voltage of the battery after it’s been charging for at least four hours. If it’s below 12 volts, it needs to be replaced.

If it’s above 12 volts, the battery is good and you can move on to the next step.

3) Attach the positive (+) terminal to the battery.

Once you’ve determined that the battery can hold a charge, it’s time to attach the positive terminal. This is usually the red one. Again, use the right size wrench to loosen the bolt and then attach the terminal.

Make sure the connection is tight to avoid any sparks.

4) Jump-start the car.

Now, it’s time to jump-start the car. Make sure the other car’s engine is running before you attempt to start yours. Once both cars are running, disconnect the jumper cables in reverse order from how you connected them.

Sign #2: Your Engine Cranks Slowly

2018 Mercedes-AMG G65 Final Edition

If you turn the key and the engine takes a long time to crank, it’s another symptom of a battery that needs to be replaced. This is usually caused by sulfation, which is when the lead sulphate crystals build up on the plates in the battery.

Over time, these crystals will prevent the battery from holding a charge and starting your car. So if you notice sulfation on the battery, it’s time for a new one.

Another cause of a slow-cranking engine is a weak alternator. The alternator charges the battery while the car is running. If it’s not working properly, the battery will slowly lose its charge and eventually die.

If you think your alternator might be the problem, take your car to a mechanic to have it checked.

Aside from a slow-cranking engine, another symptom of a weak alternator is dim headlights. If you notice that your headlights are dimming or flickering, it’s a sign that the alternator isn’t charging the battery properly.

Sign #3: You Hear a Clicking or Humming Noise When The Engine Is Running

If you hear a clicking or humming noise when the engine is running, it’s another symptom of a battery that needs to be replaced. This noise is usually caused by a loose connection between the battery terminals and the cables.

To fix this, do the following:

1. First, turn off the engine.
2. Next, remove the negative (-) terminal from the battery.
3. Then, clean the terminals and cables with a wire brush.
4. Once you’ve done that, reattach the terminals and make sure they’re tight.
5. Finally, start the engine and see if the noise is gone.
6. If the noise is still there or if you notice any other problems, take your car to a mechanic to have it checked out.

Sign #4: Your Car Won’t Start in Cold Weather

If you try to start your car in cold weather, and it won’t start, it could be because of a dead battery. Cold weather can make it harder for the battery to turn over the engine.

If you think the battery might be the problem, do the following:

1. First, turn on the headlights. If they’re dim or flickering, it’s a sign that the battery is weak.
2. Next, try to start the car. If it takes a long time for the engine to crank or if it doesn’t start at all, the battery is probably dead.
3. If you think the battery might be the problem, take it to an auto parts store to have it tested. They can tell you definitively whether or not you need a new one.

Sign #5: You Notice Fluid Leaking From the Battery

If you notice fluid leaking from the battery, it’s a clear sign that the battery needs to be replaced. This fluid is usually acid, and it can damage your car if it’s not taken care of.

To properly clean up the leak, do the following:

1. First, turn off the engine and remove the negative (-) terminal from the battery.
2. Next, use a rag or paper towel to clean up the acid.
3. Once you’ve done that, inspect the battery for any damage. If you see visible damage, it’s best to replace the entire battery.

FAQs About Car Battery Replacement

How often should I replace my car battery?

Most car batteries will last for about 3-5 years. However, if you live in a hot climate or frequently drive short distances, your battery may not last as long. If you notice any of the signs listed above, it’s best to take your car to a mechanic to have the battery checked.

How much does it cost to replace a car battery?

The cost of a new battery will vary depending on the make and model of your car. However, most batteries will cost between $50 and $100.

Can I replace my own car battery?

If you’re comfortable working with tools and willing to follow instructions, you can replace your own car battery. However, if you’re not sure what you’re doing, it’s best to leave it to a professional.

What should I do with my old car battery?

Most auto parts stores will recycle your old battery for free. However, you can also take it to a local recycling centre.

Why is my car battery dying so fast?

There are a few reasons why your car battery might be dying faster than normal. One reason could be that you’re frequently driving short distances. This can cause the battery to drain faster because it doesn’t have time to fully charge.

Another reason could be that you live in a hot climate. Hot weather can cause the battery to overheat and shorten its lifespan.

What are the best car batteries?

The best car batteries are ones that are designed for your specific make and model of car. However, some good universal options include the DieHard Gold Battery, the Optima RedTop Battery, and the Odyssey PC1500 Battery.

Conclusion

If your car won’t start or you notice any of the other signs listed above, it’s likely time for a new battery. Luckily, replacing a car battery is a fairly simple and inexpensive process that most people can do on their own. However, if you’re not comfortable working with tools, it’s best to leave it to a professional.

Do you have more questions about car batteries? Feel free to contact us any time. We’d be happy to hear from you and help in any way we can.

The post 5 Symptoms and Signs Your Battery Needs Replacing appeared first on Automotorblog: Daily news on cars and motorcycles.

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Speed Read, May 29, 2022

We’re kicking off with a pair of very different Hondas this week: a slick CX650 from Bulgaria, and a ferocious CB750 from Texas. Plus a GSX limited edition from Suzuki France, and a stunning Ducati 750 F1 Bol d’Or replica.

Honda CX650 by Tossa R Customs based on the Honda CX500 are two-a-penny, but we don’t see many using its CX650 big brother. That’s a shame, because the 673cc variant is a considerably sportier bike, with 25% more power and a much broader torque curve.

This elegant café racer from the Bulgarian workshop Tossa R amps up that sporting vibe, with upgraded suspension to match.

Shop boss Assen Zahariev deliberately avoided researching previous CX builds, preferring to start with a clean sheet. The major work includes a front end swap using Yamaha R6 forks, plus dual brake discs and floating calipers.

The exhaust system has been terminated just under the V-twin engine, lightening the visuals at the back. An airy subframe reveals the new rear monoshock, which sits just behind a pair of free-flowing air filters.

The new tail unit also introduces a clear line running from the back through the cylinder heads and header pipes, accentuating the hunched-forward stance. And to add visual balance, the rear wheel has been fitted with lightweight moon discs.

It’s a clever trick, and a very modern look for the CX650. If your appetite is whetted, contact Tossa R in Sofia for your own version—they are planning to build a series of these bikes. [Via]

Suzuki GSX-S950 R by AD Koncept The French arm of Suzuki has a track record of producing cool ‘specials.’ A few months ago, they released a kit for the GSX range to celebrate winning the Endurance World Championship. And at the recent French GP, they released a limited edition GSX-950.

We’re not sure what this bike is meant to commemorate, but it’s probably not Suzuki quitting the MotoGP championship at the end of this season.

There will be fifty ‘R’ examples of the GSX-S950 built, and the workshop behind the scheme is AD Koncept of Pons—a well-regarded carrosserier moto. AD Koncept have raided Suzuki’s parts bins and accessory catalogs, and made a few discreet further upgrades.

There’s an Akrapovič muffler, a new seat cowl, a radical headlight cluster, and new carbon fiber composite body panels. The whole shebang is finished off with a new black-and-gold paint job.

The cost for this work is entirely reasonable: a €1,550 ($1,670) premium over the price of the regular GSX-S950. We reckon these will be snapped up, and they’ll probably hold their value well in coming years. [Via]

Honda CB750 by Tyson Carver The classic Honda CB platform makes for some of the prettiest customs to be found, but let’s be honest—many of those bikes are all show and no go. This machine from Texan Tyson Carver is very different though, with a Bill Benton drag racing frame and a seriously hot-rodded motor.

Tyson builds the occasional custom in a workshop in his back yard, and this one was a commission from a fellow enthusiast. The client had seen the first bike Tyson built—another CB750, way back in 2013—and wanted a “classic approach with high end parts.”

Those parts are certainly high end. The genuine race frame now cradles an engine bored out to 915 cc and fed by Mikuni RS 34mm carbs. The internal upgrades were handled by the specialist Cycle X, and Tyson has fitted a free-flowing 4-into-1 exhaust system to make the most of the new-found power.

After modifying the frame to make engine access easier, Tyson grafted on the front end from a 2010 Suzuki GSX-R and a longer swingarm—taken from a CB550. (It’s hooked up to new Öhlins shocks.)

The tank remains original, albeit resprayed, and there’s an aftermarket seat and tail unit for an old-school café racer vibe. An ARD magneto housing is another vintage touch, but after finding that the innards were toast, Tyson swapped them out for a Dyna electronic ignition and new coils.

A more visible, modern edge comes from new clip-on bars, an LED headlight, and a concealed Motogadget mo.unit box for the electrics.

“I have ridden stock CB750s and this thing is a beast in comparison,” says Tyson. “The engine will straight up scare you—it revs like an F1 car!” What we wouldn’t give to see (and hear) this machine screaming down the quarter-mile. [Via]

Ducati 750 F1 Bol d’Or tribute We spotted this incredible endurance racer tribute a few days ago when it first popped up for sale. Not surprisingly, it’s sold already, with the price listed as $18,900.

The bike was built by South African Johann Keyser, who runs the Moto Motivo workshop in Raleigh, North Carolina. It started life as a 1993 Ducati 900 Supersport, which Johann upgraded with the engine and wheels from a 2005-spec 1000SS.

The tank was imported from Japan, and comes from a 1989 750 Sport. The seat unit, however, is an original Ducati 750 F1 seat. The beautifully integrated full fairing is a well-chosen aftermarket item, and the titanium exhaust was made by StradaFab.

Whoever bought this bike has got a great deal. It’s a superbly crafted build, without the lapses of taste you often see with replicas. And it’ll no doubt be enormous fun to ride.

We’re talking Panigale V2 money here, but even so, we’d struggle to choose between a new Ducati and this. [Via]

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Lil’ Red Sled: A custom Honda Cub Trail 55 from Colorado

The legendary Honda Super Cub is known for being the world’s most produced vehicle, and the poster child for Honda’s most memorable ad campaign. But it was also responsible for spawning multiple trail-focused variants. They’re known the world over; as the Hunter Cub in Japan, the humble postie bike in Australia and the Honda Trail in the USA.

Perry Wilson of Studio 35ive, based out in Fort Collins, Colorado, is one of those ‘nice people you meet on a Honda.’ A photographer by day and a garage builder and general fabricator by night, he’s taken inspiration from the Asian custom scene to build this 1961 Honda C105T Trail 55.

“I wanted a classic look and feel,” says Perry, “with inspiration coming from the scramblers and trials bikes of the era. Every inch of the bike has been customized, and not a single bolt remained untouched.”

Starting with a rusted-out $100 swap meet special, Perry built the whole bike in his garage using both traditional and modern fabrication techniques. By employing the use of CAD programming and 3D printing, he was able to make some very unique parts.

Most will notice that the swooping front guard and fairing have been removed, since Perry stuck to the tried and true method of weight reduction to improve performance. He went even further by trimming the pressed steel frame of countless brackets, and even cutting, welding and smoothing as many stamping seams on the bike as possible.

The rear mudguard is the factory item that Perry modified himself. It now kicks up at the end, keeping in tune with the trials bike vibes.

Replacing the front headlight is a custom rack that Perry designed in CAD and then 3D printed. It matches the rack on the back of the bike, which was made using the same techniques. Perry used a material called PLA+, and reports that in all his time using it, he’s found it to be plenty strong and durable.

Where Perry utilized his CAD and 3D-printing knowledge the most was in the mounting hardware for the new stem and handlebars, which are from a mountain bike. By adapting certain parts, and after a long process of trial and error, he ended up with a setup so slick, you’d be forgiven for not even noticing it. Proof of a job well done by a skilled fabricator.

Dual brake levers, a thumb throttle, and new grips and bar-end mirrors adorn the handlebars. Perry chose to set up the controls this way for ease of use, since the thumb throttle and semi-automatic transmission make it more approachable and fun.

“The idea was that anyone who has ridden a bicycle can ride this bike and be comfortable, with no learning curve” he explains.

The 50-plus-year-old engine was tired, so a brand new Chinese-made 125 cc unit was ordered on Amazon and bolted straight in. Perry reports that while it doesn’t have the highest top speed, it does have double the horsepower of the original! (I’m sure you, dear reader, are also wondering why all motorcycle engine work can’t be this simple.)

The new engine features a semi-automatic four-speed transmission, with three forward gears and one reverse. We can think of many times a reverse gear would have saved us a lot of effort, especially out on the trails.

If you’ve ever had a 60s or 70s Honda, you’ll know that the rear shock absorbers are basically just chromed spring holders. Perry thought the same, so new shocks were bolted on to smooth out the bumps on the trails that he obviously plans to rip down.

The original wheel hubs were able to be saved but the spokes and rims were rusted beyond repair. Shinko SR241 tires are wrapped around the fresh rims.

A red and cream color scheme was chosen to keep in line with the classic theme, and was laid down by Jeff Painter (yes, that is his real name) in Naples, Florida. Bryson Lunger, also of Florida, is the guy behind the hand pin-striping and lettering. The seat was made by Perry himself out of white birch and marine fabric, and is removable to allow access to the fuel tank.

The leather side bag (that matches the seat nicely) was found at a local Target store. Perry simply 3D-printed some brackets to clip it to the frame.

“I wanted this bike to be an example of the idea that you don’t have to be a massive shop or designer to make something unique,” explains Perry. “This was the every-person’s bike. Cheap, fun, reliable… and customized by people just like me.”

Studio 35ive Instagram | Images by Perry Wilson

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Pegasus: Bad Winners’ Royal Enfield GT 650 drag bike

There’s hardly a business that hasn’t been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in some way. The Parisian custom shop Bad Winners knows all about it—they’ve had to navigate health regulations, lockdowns and supply chain issues. And they very nearly didn’t get to finish this brutal Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 drag bike.

The build was originally commissioned by Royal Enfield Europe near the end of 2019, and was meant to compete in the popular Sultans of Sprint race series. But when all events were suddenly canceled, Bad Winners founder Walid Ben Lamine got the call to put the project on ice.

Uncertainty loomed for more than a year, until news surfaced of a ‘ghost edition’ of the annual Wheels and Waves festival in Basque Country. With the full event unable to go ahead, a handful of insiders were getting together to keep its spirit alive, and Bad Winners was invited.

Walid welcomed the news, but he was also anxious; Wheels and Waves was just months away, and there was much work to be done. With all hands on deck, the crew finally buttoned the Enfield up just 8 hours before it had to do duty on the infamous Punk’s Peak road, almost 500 miles away.

It’s clear that they didn’t cut any corners though. Dubbed ‘Pegasus l’Étalon Noir,’ which roughly translates to ‘Pegasus the Black Stallion,’ this Continental GT is all business. Low, long and lithe, it’s a beguiling mix of carbon fiber and performance upgrades.

It’s no show pony though. Lurking under the hood is an 865 cc big bore kit from S&S Cycle in the US, complete with an upgraded camshaft, Carillo connecting rods and a reinforced clutch. S&S reworked the cylinder heads too, and supplied Bad Winners with a two-into-one exhaust and a programmable ECU.

Bad Winners swapped the air box for a pair of velocity stacks, and rewired the Enfield from scratch. And they plumbed in a nitrous system from Nitrous Express too.

Since this bike’s primary objective is going fast in a straight line, Walid and co. decided to extend its wheelbase. They started with the stock swingarm, stretching and bracing it with new chromoly steel sections.

The OEM twin-shock arrangement is gone too, replaced by a single Öhlins unit. Bad Winners fabricated a new upper shock mount and subframe, along with extended foot peg mounts to set them as far back as possible. They’re fitted with custom pegs, controls and linkages.

The wheels are aluminum items from Dymag, and are wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC2 tires. A full Beringer brake set handles stopping duties.

Up top is a full complement of custom carbon fiber body panels. Bad Winners first designed the whole body with CAD software, then 3D-printed prototype parts. Those prototypes were used to make the final carbon fiber parts, which include the front number board, tank cover and tail piece.

Fuel is stored in a custom-made aluminum reservoir mounted under the ‘tank.’ Accessible via a hole in the carbon cover, it holds less than half a gallon—enough for 1/8th mile race runs.

Bad Winners stripped the cockpit down to the bare essentials. Up front is a Koso speedo, flanked by Renthal clip-ons and grips, and Beringer levers. This bike doesn’t need to be street legal, so it’s not kitted with any lights or turn signals.

Like most race bikes, the Continental GT wears its sponsor logos proudly. But unlike most race bikes, it’s not plastered in bright colors—Bad Winners kept things monochrome, wrapping the raw carbon fiber in a high gloss lacquer.

Pegasus l’Étalon Noir lives up to its name; a mythical creature designed to carry thunderbolts for the gods. We’re sure Walid is counting the days until Sultans of Sprint is back on the calendar, and he can start burning through those Pirellis.

In the meantime, if you’d like to see this menacing Royal Enfield in the flesh, it’s just been unveiled at the Bike Shed Show in London.

Bad Winners | Facebook | Instagram | Images by Pictures and Motion Studio

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