Trickster: A stunt-inspired TVS Apache RTR 310 by Smoked Garage

With new motorcycles getting bigger each year—and, by extension, progressively more expensive—it might just be up to small-capacity bikes to save the industry. But while Western manufacturers like Triumph and Harley-Davidson have only just started dipping their toes into these waters, companies in the East have made small bikes their bread and butter.

TVS Motor Company doesn’t produce a single bike over 312 cc. But they’re India’s third-largest motorcycle manufacturer, sell around three million units annually, and own Norton. They also helped develop the BMW 310 R and 310 GS—and then put that same motor in the TVS Apache RTR 310.

A sibling to the fully-faired RR 310 sportbike, the TVS Apache RTR 310 is a naked roadster with frenetic streetfighter styling. Its 312 cc single-cylinder mill makes 35 hp and 27.8 Nm, and it features a six-speed transmission, a slipper clutch, ABS, multiple rider modes, and a 5” TFT display. Optional extras include everything from fully adjustable suspension and tire pressure monitors to a full array of IMU-controlled electronic rider aids.

Aesthetically, the TVS Apache RTR 310 is pitched squarely at the young street culture crowd. So when Smoked Garage was commissioned to customize an RTR 310, they leaned into that concept, heavily.

Taking inspiration from stunt motorcycles, the Indonesian custom shop redesigned the RTR with an insectoid look that would make KTM’s designers blush, and nicknamed it the ‘Trickster.’

The first step was to strip the donor bike down to its bones—exposing its trellis main frame and sculpted aluminum subframe. Smoked used modeling clay to work out the RTR’s all-new bodywork, before hand-shaping the final parts out of aluminum.

A new six-liter [1.6-gallon] fuel tank forms the centerpiece of the build, with a ‘hollow’ rear section that adds visual and physical lightness. Two sculpted side panels flank the front of the tank, creating just the right amount of forward bulk to juxtapose the scooped knee indents. Up top, the gas cap sits in a recessed section of the tank, with the bike’s TFT display relocated to just in front of it, leaving the cockpit slightly less cluttered.

A series of side panels and radiator shrouds guide the eye downwards, where a custom-made spoiler abbreviates the bottom section of the RTR. Each part complements the next, giving the whole arrangement a Transformer-esque vibe.

The rear half of the bike is so well put together that it feels like an OEM design. A blank-off plate under the tank’s open section wraps neatly around the front edge of the factory subframe, while the back edge of the subframe tucks into the handmade tailpiece. A skinny, three-piece saddle sits up top.

The tail is capped off with a rear crash bar and a pair of foot pegs, for standing wheelies and other shenanigans. A pair of LED tail lights is embedded out back, tucked up against the bike’s custom-made under-seat muffler.

Moving to the front, Smoked fabricated a one-piece fork guard and brace. Higher up, an LED headlight sits behind a mesh-lined nacelle. New risers and bars finish off the cockpit, matched to the RTR’s stock controls.

Keen eyes will also spot an additional brake lever on the left side of the bars. It controls a second rear brake caliper, making it possible to control wheelies when your feet aren’t on the pegs. Smoked also upgraded the front wheel with a second disc brake, using Tokico calipers all around.

The Trickster’s yellow and silver livery takes cues from one of the stock bike’s colorways and extends to parts like the trellis frame and brake calipers. Just like the RTR’s new bodywork, it’s a bold choice—but one that will likely pay off, given the bike’s target audience.

Smoked Garage | Facebook | Instagram

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Speed Read: A nipped and tucked Triumph Bobber and more

The Triumph Bobber is one of our favorite modern classics—but it could do with having some of its fat trimmed. Sam Wheeler at Motone shows us how, while a garage builder sticks a Triumph Thunderbird motor into a Sprint chassis to build a wild street tracker. On the news front, we look at the 2024 Harley-Davidson CVO Pan America and the new Ducati Desmo450 MX motocrosser.

Triumph Bobber by Motone What would you do if you had unprecedented access to some of the best aftermarket Triumph parts on the market, and your daily runner was a bone-stock Triumph Bobber? Yeah, we thought so.

Sam Wheeler is the proprietor of the UK-based parts company Motone. He picked the Triumph Bobber up a few years ago, when it first came out, as a development platform for new parts. “I liked it so much that it became my daily for a few years, while only partly being used for development,” he tells us.

Before long, the gaudy factory bits became too much for Sam to deal with. So he got to work changing things up—picking parts from the existing Motone catalog while designing new ones for the bike.

The rear light cluster was replaced with a set of Motone ‘Icon’ three-in-one taillights, fitted to a new steel rear guard. The lights were developed specifically for this bike; the tooling alone cost a fortune, according to Sam. The company’s ‘Cutlass’ chain guard was bolted on too, along with a side-mounted number plate bracket.

The seat is another new part from Motone. Sam wanted a nice swooping chopper-style saddle, so he developed one with a 4 mm stamped steel pan. The ‘Ventura’ side covers were made from injected ABS plastic, and feature neat vents that match the fins on the cylinders and the beautiful ribbed crankcase covers.

The engine is also adorned with a new exhaust. Made from pie-cut stainless steel sections with integrated dB killers, they are finished with Webco-style big fin exhaust clamps for a bit of 70s fizz. There’s a shorty front guard, some tasty ‘up-and-over’ bar risers, a Monza-style fuel cap, and so much more.

Sam and the Motone team took the time to improve many different parts, all while using the bike to develop those same parts for mass production. It’s a strictly business-first way of bike building and a fantastic way of having your cake and eating it, too. [Motone]

2024 Harley-Davidson CVO Pan America The Bar and Shield has just pulled the covers off its latest line of touring machines. Amongst them is the Harley-Davidson CVO Pan America—an upgraded version of the Pan America adventure bike with an eye-watering price tag.

Harley-Davidson has been producing CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) models for 25 years, but this is the first time they’ve applied their touch to the Pan America. As with all CVO editions, the most obvious change is the paint job. Finished in ‘Legendary Orange with Raven Metallic and Atlas Silver,’ the CVO Pan America’s livery is somehow both vintage and modern, and will certainly stand out.

The orange piping on the seat is particularly nice, as are the upgraded grips. A CVO 25th Anniversary plaque lives on the fuel tank console insert, with another small CVO graphic on each side of the engine cases. The wheels are the same tubeless spoked items found on the Pan America Special, and the CVO model gets a beefy bash plate.

The rugged aluminum luggage system was designed in collaboration with SW-Motech and is equipped with H-D and CVO badges. An ‘adventure duffle’ is also included with the CVO Pan Am. It is waterproof, hard-wearing, can hold up to 2,440 cubic inches [40 liters] of stuff, and easily attaches to the bike.

The Revolution Max 1250 engine punches out 150 hp and is accompanied by the standard Pan America semi-active suspension system, with H-D’s optional adaptive ride height feature pre-installed. You also get an ‘Advanced Daymaker’ adaptive LED headlight, plus additional fog lamps mounted to the new orange crash bars. A Screamin’ Eagle quick-shifter is also installed for clutchless up- and downshifts.

Starting at an MSRP of $28,399, the CVO Pan America is almost $10,000 more than the standard Pan America 1250 Special. Even if you spec a standard model with spoked wheels and adaptive ride height control, the CVO still demands an additional $6,200 premium.

If it were up to us, we’d pick the standard model, throw some soft luggage from our favorite vendor onto the back, and point the front wheel towards the horizon. [More]

Ducati Desmo450 MX Ducati announced their entry into the world of motocross just last year, but they’ve wasted no time in showing us the bike that Antonio Cairoli and Alessandro Lupino will be competing with in 2024. Get a load of the Ducati Desmo450 MX.

Ducati is scant on the technical details, but there’s a lot we can glean from the official photos. For starters, they have knobbly tires and are painted that iconic shade of Ducati red. There’s Showa suspension front and rear, Galfer brake discs, and a full Akrapovič exhaust.

We see Excel rims, a D.I.D chain, and a Chiaravalli CHT rear sprocket which looks like a piece of fine jewelry, as does the billet engine case. The brake and clutch master cylinders are from Brembo, as are the front and rear calipers.

The race debut for the Desmo450 MX will be in Mantua for the first round of the Italian Motocross Pro Prestige MX1 Championship. The officially-titled Ducati Corse Off-Road team will primarily use the event as a data-gathering exercise—using the time to get to grips with the Desmo450 MX that will go into production in the second half of 2024.

What we don’t know, is whether the engine and chassis are an all-new design from Ducati—or if they’ve bought in tech from elsewhere. But what we do know, is that Ducati are so serious about motocross, that they pulled their MotoGP sporting director, Paolo Ciabatti, to head up the new Ducati Corse Off-Road team.

It’s also encouraging that Ducati has a prototype ready to race so soon after announcing their intentions, rather than teasing the industry for months on end. And now that Ducati and Triumph both have motocross bikes in their catalogs, we’re wondering if more European motorcycle brands will enter the fray. [More]

Triumph 955 street tracker by Chris Forward Neither the Triumph Sprint 900 nor the Thunderbird 900 get much love these days, but one custom builder has just combined them to create one of the wildest street trackers we’ve seen. His name is Chris Forward, and he built this incredible machine in his home garage.

Chris started with a blown 1994 Triumph Sprint, and then sourced a suitable Triumph Thunderbird 900 engine. But before he put the two together, he had Galtec Precision Engineering bore out the cylinders to accept 955 cc Triumph liners, pistons, and cams.

Along with the larger-capacity internals, the engine was upgraded with a custom three-into-one-into-two stainless steel exhaust. This pumps hot air out as fast as the enormous set of Keihin FCR39 carburetors can smash fuel in. (This is certainly not your old man’s Sprint.)

The front forks, yokes, wheel, and brakes are from a Yamaha R1, the latter of which was upgraded with Brembo Goldline calipers. The front guard is carbon fiber and was lifted from a Ducati Monster.

The gorgeous single-sided swingarm and rear wheel came from a Ducati Multistrada, which Chris adapted to fit the Triumph frame. With the hand-made aluminum rear wheel hugger and side-mounted shock absorber setup, it has a seamless OEM look.

The subframe is yet another custom item. It supports a carbon fiber seat unit, that was bonded to a custom-made aluminum fuel tank for a one-piece aesthetic. The seat (made by Lucky Foot Trimmings) perfectly keeps with the flat tracker concept, as does the carbon fiber front numberplate and LED headlight.

Tall, wide bars are bejeweled with Brembo radial master cylinders), a single Daytona Velona speedo, and new grips. Thin LED indicators peek out from behind the front number plate to keep things legal.

With the engine upgraded, the ports flowed, and the head skimmed, Chris now has 110 hp and 91 Nm of torque at the rear wheel. (Removing the exhaust baffle frees up another 6 hp.) With all the weight savings, Chris has knocked the total down to 189 kilos [417 lbs].

Considering that a standard Thunderbird weighs 220 kg [485 lbs] and only pumps out 70 ponies, this should be considerably more fun to ride. Did we mention that it’s quite a looker, too? [Chris Forward Instagram]

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Franken-Beemer: A BMW R60 restomod built from a jumble of parts

One of the enduring charms of old BMW motorcycles is that they are virtually unkillable. Even if, against all odds, you do manage to put one out of commission, chances are you have a connection to someone with the know-how to resurrect it (or you possess the skills yourself). But how many people can construct a functional BMW boxer from a jumble of mismatched parts?

At a glance, this graceful machine looks like a regular, albeit incredibly tasteful, vintage BMW R60 restomod. But it’s actually a Franken-bike of the highest order—pieced together from multiple discarded donor bikes spanning three decades.

It’s the work of MotoRRetro in Sydney, Australia. Run by Vaughan Ryan and Georgio Rimi, the workshop specializes in classic car restorations and modifications, but they also occasionally divert their attention to custom bike building. And when they do, the results are spectacular.

The genesis of this project was the acquisition of a whole bunch of BMW airhead parts from a workshop that was closing down. Picking through the bones, the guys figured that there was enough there to piece together the beginnings of a working motorcycle. The result is a stunning bobber that redefines the term bitsa.

At the heart of the bike are key parts from two different BMW R60 donors. The frame and fuel tank are from a 1960s BMW R60, while the engine block and final drive come from a 1970s R60/5. From there, it gets interesting.

Calling in help from master motorcycle mechanic Giovanni Mariani, the team modified the R60 engine block to accept the crank, barrels, and heads from a 1970s BMW R100. “We machined everything to accept the R100 parts just to confuse OCD trainspotters,” quips Vaughan.

They also converted the transmission from a four-speed to a five-speed unit, all while retaining the R60’s ‘smooth case’ box. That not only maintained the drivetrain’s vintage look, but it left more clearance between the drive shaft and rear wheel, which allowed for a wider rear tire.

The frame itself was trimmed of any fat, then gusseted in key places. And since the frame and engine came from two different eras, the motor mounts had to be remade too.

The front forks are rebuilt 1980s BMW K-series units, upgraded with new Ikon springs. The wheels are R100 snowflake hoops, wrapped in Allstate sawtooth treads. MotoRRetro installed the twin Brembo disc brakes from the K-series donor up front, with custom-made adaptors to mate the discs to the R100 wheel.

At the opposite end of the bike, the R60’s classic plunger suspension hides a pair of Ikon shocks, while the R100’s rear drum brake handles stopping duties.

Sitting atop the frame’s backbone is a heavily modified R60 fuel tank. BMW historians will immediately notice that the tank’s knee pads and storage box are missing, and that its filler neck has been trimmed down and fitted with a flush-mounted gas cap.

MotoRRetro also fabricated aluminum fenders to book-end the bike and finished the bodywork off with a solo seat. A stealthy leather tool bag hangs just below the seat’s custom mounting brackets.

This neo-retro bobber sports a number of modern details, but they’ve been integrated so masterfully that they’re hard to spot. Up front, you’ll find a slick CNC-machined top yoke that hosts a set of handmade clip-on bars. Brand-new Motogadget switches and traditional BMW grips sit side-by-side on the bars.

The headlight bucket is a vintage MZ part, but it hosts a modern Motogadget speedo. Handmade brackets hold the light in place, along with a set of aftermarket mirrors and a barely noticeable pair of Motogadget LED turn signals.

There’s more trickery out back. The taillight is a slim LED strip tucked under the rear fender, and the rear turn signals are equally skinny LED strips that have been embedded in the shock tubes.

Finishing the build off is a set of aftermarket period-correct cases, mounted on custom-made brackets with extra frame bracing. They’re finished in white with black pin-striping, in stark contrast to the rest of the BMW’s piano black paint. Bits like the wheels and engine were painstakingly polished before being painted, giving the machine a better-than-factory feel.

Vaughan not only credits Giovanni for his work on the engine, but is also quick to thank Julian Lopez, Fabio Cevenini, and Gary Vincente for their invaluable help during the project. And what a team they make.

Buttoned up, MotoRRetro’s Frankensteined BMW R60 restomod looks so right, that the uninitiated could easily mistake it for an immaculately restored classic. But to those in the know, it’s an even more special machine—a mash-up of all the right pieces that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

MotoRRetro Facebook | Instagram | Images by (and with thanks to) Andrew Jones

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Spy Shots: 2025 Audi RS5 Avant Plug-in Hybrid Is Just Around the Corner

Exterior – Bold, Captivating, and Strikingly Aggressive

The anticipated 2025 Audi RS5 Avant has just been spotted while performing some road tests. This glimpse into Audi‘s era of high-performance estate cars promises an evolution of the RS legacy that started with the legendary RS2 in the early nineties.

The spy photos reveal a presence showcasing eye-catching flared wheel arches, setting the stage for an exhilarating rivalry with competitors like the BMW M3 Touring and Mercedes AMG C 63 S E Performance.

As the RS5 Avant confidently moves towards the future, it will be built on the Audis PPC platform, which is a high-performance version of the A4`s chassis. The design language remains true to the essence of RS models, featuring outstanding modifications compared to its A5 and S5 Avant counterparts. One standout feature is its flared wheel arches that hide wheels and tires sitting on widened track widths. The rear door skins have been exclusively crafted for the RS5, emphasizing Audi’s dedication to delivering a high-performance masterpiece produced in quantity.

At the front, a sophisticated mesh pattern adorns a set grille while being accompanied by substantial openings housing charge coolers.

The back section of the car is still being worked on. The oval exhaust pipes give it a sporty appeal. They might even add tips within a diffuser-like cover to enhance that look. The width light bar above completes the design hinting at the RS5 Avants’s impressive performance on the road.

Interior Sophistication

Inside the RS5 Avant, there are innovations waiting for you, which is a blend of futuristic functionality and sporty elements.

We are dealing here with a revamp of the design which will include a more extensive central touchscreen interface and fewer physical buttons. The RS5 will have features like sports seats, a distinctive steering wheel, and customized graphics for the digital displays.

While specific details about the interior are still unknown, Audi’s head of Design Marc Lichte’s promise of an aggressive next generation of RS models suggests an interior that combines futuristic functionality with a sporty feel seamlessly. The goal of the RS5 Avant is not to dominate the roads but to provide an immersive driving experience centered around the driver.

Any Power Upgrades Under the Hood?

Underneath its hood the RS5 Avant combines Audi’s expertise in plug-in technology with a 2.9-liter twin turbocharged V6 engine. While we don’t have numbers yet, Audi aims to surpass the RS4 and potentially compete with the BMW M3 Touring`s 503bhp and come close to AMG C63 S`s remarkable 671bhp. By incorporating a plug-in powertrain, Audi demonstrates its commitment to combining performance with sustainability.

Thanks to its Quattro all-wheel drive system transmission and wider track, the RS5 Avant is able to handle the weight of its hybrid setup without compromising its handling prowess. Audi understands that it’s not just about power but also delivering a driving experience compared to its combustion predecessor.

Final Thoughts  – The Future of High-Performance Hybrid Driving

The 2025 Audi RS5 Avant Plug-In Hybrid represents Audi’s dedication to innovation, performance, and sustainability. With its eye-catching design, precision under the hood, and a commitment to a futuristic yet sporty interior, the RS5 Avant is set to redefine high-performance estate cars.

As the automotive industry progresses, Audi takes a step forward by acknowledging the significance of embracing technology while ensuring that enthusiasts can still enjoy an exhilarating driving experience from an RS model.

The RS5 Avant is more than a vehicle, it represents a statement showcasing the thrilling and electrified future of high-performance driving. Fans of Audi and car enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating the unveiling in 2025, awaiting the arrival of a new and promising chapter in the RS legacy.

2025 Audi RS5 Avant Spy Shots

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The 2023 Range Rover Autobiography’s Leap in Advanced Safety Features

The 2023 Range Rover Autobiography stands as a towering example in the world of luxury SUVs, a vehicle that is not only synonymous with premium comfort and exceptional off-road capability but also a beacon of vehicular safety. This model, with its blend of opulence and ruggedness, has become a symbol of what modern automotive engineering can achieve. The Range Rover Autobiography 2023 is more than just a means of transportation; it is a statement of luxury and a testament to the brand’s commitment to safety. With each iteration, Land Rover has consistently elevated the standards of what a luxury SUV can offer, and the 2023 model continues this legacy. It is a vehicle designed for those who seek the extraordinary, where every journey is an experience in itself, enveloped in the finest materials and cutting-edge technology.

As the automotive industry evolves, there is an increasing emphasis on integrating advanced safety features into vehicles, and the Range Rover Autobiography 2023 is at the forefront of this evolution. This model incorporates a suite of sophisticated safety technologies that set it apart in its class. The advancements are not merely incremental; they represent a leap in ensuring passenger safety and comfort. From advanced driver assistance systems to innovative structural designs, the Range Rover Autobiography 2023 exemplifies how luxury and safety are not mutually exclusive but can be seamlessly integrated. This integration is reflective of a growing awareness and demand for vehicles that offer robust protection without compromising on the luxury and performance that discerning customers have come to expect from a brand like Range Rover.

A New Benchmark in Vehicle Safety

The Range Rover Autobiography 2023 is designed with a strong focus on passenger protection, incorporating a host of advanced safety features and driver aids. This is in line with the growing consumer demand for safer vehicles, as well as the industry’s increasing ability to provide sophisticated safety solutions.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

One of the most significant safety advancements in the Range Rover Autobiography 2023 is its suite of ADAS. These systems use a combination of cameras, sensors, and radar to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle and avoid accidents.

Adaptive Cruise Control and Steering Assist

The Adaptive Cruise Control goes beyond the basic function of maintaining a set speed, adjusting the vehicle’s speed in response to traffic conditions. Combined with Steering Assist, it can help maintain the vehicle in its lane, reducing the driver’s workload and enhancing safety on long journeys.

Lane Keep Assist and Blind Spot Monitoring

Lane Keep Assist helps prevent unintended lane departures, a common cause of not at fault car accidents, especially on highways. Blind Spot Monitoring alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, crucial for safe lane changes.

Emergency Braking

The Range Rover Autobiography 2023 includes Emergency Braking, which detects potential collisions and applies the brakes if the driver does not respond in time. This feature is particularly useful in urban environments, where sudden stops are more common.

Structural Safety

The vehicle’s structure plays a vital role in safety. The 2023 model continues Land Rover’s tradition of building robust vehicles capable of withstanding severe impacts.

Rigid Body Structure

The Range Rover Autobiography 2023 has a rigid body structure designed to absorb impact energy and protect the cabin in the event of a collision. High-strength materials are used strategically to enhance occupant protection.

Crumple Zones

Crumple zones are areas of the vehicle designed to deform and absorb energy in a crash, reducing the force transmitted to the occupants. The Range Rover Autobiography 2023 has been engineered with optimized crumple zones for better energy absorption.

Occupant Safety Features

In addition to its strong structure, the Range Rover Autobiography 2023 is equipped with numerous features designed to keep occupants safe in the event of an accident.

Airbag System

The vehicle includes a comprehensive airbag system, with front, side, and overhead airbags to protect occupants from various angles during a collision.

Whiplash Protection

The seats are designed to minimize the risk of whiplash injuries, a common concern in rear-end collisions. They provide adequate neck and spine support, reducing the likelihood of such injuries.

Child Safety

The Range Rover Autobiography 2023 is equipped with ISOFIX points for child seats, ensuring that the youngest passengers can be safely secured.

Technology-Enhanced Visibility

Good visibility is crucial for safe driving, and the Range Rover Autobiography 2023 uses technology to enhance the driver’s view.

360-degree Cameras

The vehicle features a 360-degree camera system, providing a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings. This is invaluable for maneuvering in tight spaces and identifying potential hazards around the vehicle.

Head-Up Display

The Head-Up Display projects important information, such as speed and navigation directions, onto the windshield. This allows the driver to keep their eyes on the road, reducing distraction.

Safety Beyond the Vehicle

Safety in the Range Rover Autobiography 2023 extends beyond its physical features. Land Rover offers various services and programs to enhance safety.

Driver Training

Land Rover offers driver training programs, teaching owners how to safely operate their vehicles in various conditions, particularly useful given the vehicle’s off-road capabilities.

Remote Services

The vehicle includes remote services such as emergency call functionality and stolen vehicle tracking, adding an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

The 2023 Range Rover Autobiography is more than just a luxury SUV; it’s a fortress on wheels, equipped with advanced safety features designed to prevent accidents and protect occupants from injuries. From its robust structural design and sophisticated driver assistance systems to occupant-focused safety features and enhanced visibility tools, every aspect of this vehicle is engineered with safety in mind. Land Rover’s commitment to safety in the Range Rover Autobiography 2023 demonstrates that luxury and safety can coexist, providing a driving experience that is both indulgent and secure. Whether navigating city streets or traversing rugged terrain, drivers and passengers of the Range Rover Autobiography can take comfort in knowing they are in one of the safest vehicles on the road. This blend of luxury, performance, and safety makes the Range Rover Autobiography 2023 a top choice for those who demand the best in all aspects of their driving experience.

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