The major manufacturers are constantly mining the custom scene to produce stylish new motorcycles, so it’s getting harder for riders to choose between stock and custom. New bikes are looking better than ever—and they mostly perform well right out the box, too.
But custom still trumps stock in many ways, and some riders prefer the simplicity of older machines to the tech wizardry of contemporary motorcycles. This steezy Honda Dominator from HB-Custom in Germany is physical proof—because the owner sold his modern bike to make space for the build.
The man behind HB-Custom, Holger Breuer, fills us in: “The customer had already had a bike from me, a Honda CB900, and was very happy with it. I presented to him the idea of a cool and very light street tracker as an alternative to his Husqvarna 701 Vitpilen.”
“It took just five minutes, and he decided to sell his 701 and we started the project.” Holger sourced a 1992 Honda NX650 Dominator, dragged it into his workshop in Husum, and got cracking.
Since the Dominator was set to replace a perfectly fine stock machine, it had to be reliable. So the motor got torn open, and rebuilt with new pistons and valves. Holger also installed a Mikuni TM40 carb, fed by a K&N filter.
The engine looks good enough to eat off, with a mix of gloss black and clear finishes. It’s capped off with a custom built two-into-one exhaust system (yes, the single cylinder NX650 has dual exhaust ports).
Holger brought the Honda’s electrics up to date too, with a full rewire around an Axel Joost Elektronik B-Box. (It’s a small control box, similar to Motogadget’s popular m.unit).
As for the chassis, Holger kept the suspension stock, but dropped the front a touch. Then he swapped the Dominator’s wheels for a set of street friendly 17” hoops, wrapped in Continental TKC80s.
The brakes are original too, but they’ve been updated with Brembo discs and a Magura HC1 front radial master cylinder.
The Dominator originally came with some distinctly 90s rally-style bodywork, but that’s all gone now. You might recognize its new fuel tank though—it’s from a Yamaha XT500, modified to sit on the Honda frame.
Just behind it is a brown leather seat, sitting on a custom built subframe with a simple kicked-up loop at the back. Tying everything together is a pair of hand-shaped aluminum side covers, and high-mounted fenders at both ends.
Holger did a neat job with the cockpit too. You’ll find high and wide Magura handlebars, new switchgear, brown grips to match the seat, and a tiny digital Motogadget speedo.
It’s discreetly mounted just in front of the bar clamps, and even includes a small dash with the requisite dummy lights.
Out front is a super bright LED headlight from Koso, and there are Kellermann turn signals all around, with the rear pair doubling as taillights.
Holger’s client is quite conservative, so he called in help to visualize not only the final livery, but also the actual lines of the build itself. Himora Motors came to the party, kicking out multiple designs and revisions over several weeks. The client finally settled on this striking white, green and gold combination—proving that he has exceptional taste.
The bike actually looked more radical at first, because the design called for a white frame. The frame had already been powder-coated when Holger got the call to change it to black, so it had to get stripped and redone.
But that was the only hiccup, as Holger recalls. The rest of the project went off without a hitch, taking roughly 90 days to complete. After all, Holger’s original concept was straightforward: “Build a bike for an urban environment—light, strong and cool looking.”
The cars have been revealed for the upcoming 2020 Formula One season and as usual, everyone has their opinion as to which is the best looking. Unfortunately, you don’t get points for looking good but that doesn’t stop them making some stunning looking machines. We take a look a some of the best looking F1 cars of 2020.
Haas VF20
Haas didn’t have much to shout about last year and that could be the case again. They have retained their under-performing driver line-up of Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen but at least they have a good looking car. The actual physical design of the car may not look anything special but the way the colour scheme has been applied brings it to life. The mixture of red, black and white is a classic combination which looks great on the circuit. The nose cone looks much better than some of the other efforts too.
AlphaTauri AT01
The team formerly known as Toro Rosso have taken full advantage of their change of sponsor to completely change their livery. The result is a dramatic black-and-white look which takes branding to the extreme. It is a little garish at first glance but once your eyes become accustomed to it and start to notice how the design details of the car work together with the matte paint job, it really grows on you. Some serious work has gone into this skin and the designers certainly earned their payday on this one. Let’s hope it runs as good as it looks.
Williams FW43
Okay, there may be a bit of a sympathy vote going on here. Williams hasn’t had much to cheer about in recent years and they begin this season as rank outsiders to win the constructor’s championship in the F1 betting. But at least this year they have a car that will look great in everyone else’s mirrors. The British team will head to the grid draped in red, white and blue and while it feels a little like they are attention-seeking here, the design is actually really cool. The paintwork is very bold with some great design cues such as the two-tone halo, black skirt and components. And there is some smart use of the title sponsor’s branding.
Much of the core architecture of the FW42 remains which will worry fans hoping for a turnaround in the team’s fortunes in 2020. But that might not be a bad thing. It just depends on how many of that car’s weaknesses have been addressed over the winter. But still, it is one of the best-looking cars we have seen in recent years and Williams fans finally have something to feel good about.
Close but no cigar
Renault was heading to the top of our list with their stunning looking RS20 which was appeared with an all-black paint job which had everybody drooling. Unfortunately, they then revealed that the race car would revert back to a yellow and black design. The news was greeted with collective groans from fans who were excited by the prospect of seeing their shadow-like machine ghosting around Melbourne in March.
AAA is a household name in the travel and insurance industries, but is membership worth it to access AAA auto insurance? We think the coverage included for free in the membership, as well as member discounts, make AAA a strong choice for shoppers.
Availability
90
Customer Service
90
Affordability
80
Coverage
80
Industry Standing
90
Online Experience
80
Pros
Membership discounts
Lifetime guarantee on repairs at AAA Direct Repair Shops
Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.
According to AAA (American Automobile Association), there are currently 58 million AAA members throughout the U.S. and Canada. The company has built a name for itself in roadside assistance and insurance over the course of over 100 years. But is AAA auto insurance worth becoming a member?
We researched the best auto insurance companies and rated them based on factors like affordability, online experience, and more. We looked at ratings and customer reviews, then went through the process of obtaining a quote to give you an unbiased look at AAA car insurance.
Keep reading to learn more about AAA car insurance, or fill out the form below to get quotes from providers in your area.
AAA Car Insurance Coverage Options
AAA offers a number of perks to members, but this barrier to entry may deter potential customers from purchasing AAA auto insurance. To become a AAA member, you must pay a membership fee of $50–$100 or more per year, depending on the tier you choose. However, if you’re willing to pay for membership, then you can take advantage of insurance benefits and discounts.
Take a look at the types of car insurance policies available through AAA. Keep in mind coverage options could vary based on your AAA region.
Liability Insurance: For accidents you cause that damage another driver’s vehicle or property or cause bodily harm.
Collision Coverage: For damage to your vehicle in an accident.
Comprehensive Coverage: For damage caused by weather, theft, vandalism, and other non-collision related incidents.
Loan/Lease Gap Coverage: Covers the remaining balance of your loan if your vehicle is totaled.
Pet Protection Coverage: For injury or death of a pet caused by an accident in your vehicle.
Personal Injury Protection: For medical expenses and lost wages as a result of an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Covers outstanding costs if the third-party lacks enough auto insurance or if the damage is caused by a hit-and-run driver.
Medical Payments: For medical bills or funeral expenses as a result of an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Custom, Electronic, and Extra Equipment Coverage: For specialized parts or parts not installed by the manufacturer.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Insurance: For damage to your vehicle and injury caused by a motorist with no auto insurance or poor insurance coverage.
Car Rental Coverage: Covers your rental vehicle up to a certain limit. However, regular AAA membership comes with rental car discounts from partner companies.
Rental Reimbursement: Covers rental car costs if your vehicle is in the shop for covered claims.
But what about roadside assistance? One of the advantages of AAA membership is roadside assistance (towing, key lockout service, fuel delivery, and other standard services) is included with your membership. Be aware, though, your available roadside services are dictated by your membership tier: AAA Basic, AAA Plus, or AAA Premiere. When you purchase a higher tier, you are allowed more roadside services per year.
Pet and custom equipment coverage are nice additions to the standard suite of AAA car insurance policies, but we took off points for the lack of rideshare insurance policies.
How Much Does AAA Auto Insurance Cost?
Three of AAA’s insurance providers are Automobile Club Group, Auto Club of Southern California Insurance Group, and CSAA Insurance Group. According to AAA auto insurance reviews, the companies’ insurance prices are average or better in comparison to other popular insurance companies. To give you an idea of what that means for your budget, in 2019, the average cost of comprehensive, liability, and collision auto insurance was $1,548, according to The Zebra.
The cost of your insurance policy will differ based on the information you provide, such as your age, gender, vehicle mode, and driving record.
If you’re concerned about additional membership fees, remember some types of coverage, such as roadside assistance, are already covered under membership. So, you don’t have to pay for add-on coverage as you might with other insurance companies.
Fortunately, you don’t have to become a member to get a free, direct quote from the website’s quote engine. We felt the quote process can be difficult and time consuming if you don’t already have a user account.
If you’re adding a teen driver to your policy, ask AAA about discounts for good students and safe driving.
Get Exclusive Member Discounts
AAA members have access to several discounts, such as:
Discounts for good students and safe drivers
Pay-in-Full discount for paying premium in full and on time
Multiple product discounts for home or life insurance bundles
Discounts for households with AAA auto insurance for two or more vehicles
Education and occupational discounts based on where you work or go to school
Comprehensive coverage discount for authorized theft prevention and recovery devices
For safe driving discounts, you can use the AAADriveTM tool in the mobile app. This tool allows you to track your speed, level of distraction, level of fatigue, and other risk factors through your phone. The safer you drive, the more you’ll save.
In our research, we did see some differences in discounts across regions. Check with your nearest AAA location or call for more information.
Triple Check Helps You Save Even More Money
If you want more information on your coverage and the most savings possible, we recommend AAA Triple Check. A representative is available to go over current or potential insurance coverage to help you better understand your policy, even if it’s with a different company. They’ll also work with you to ensure you get all of the appropriate discounts.
AAA Claims Process & Customer Service
AAA Accident Assist makes filing a claim easy. Either fill out a claim online or call the AAA Accident Assist hotline. If you were in an accident, Accident Assist will dispatch roadside assistance to tow your vehicle and initiate your claim right away.
AAA customers can schedule repairs at their local mechanic or use a AAA Direct Repair Shop. We like how you don’t have to wait for a claims adjuster when you schedule repairs at a AAA Direct Repair Shop. AAA will also guarantee your vehicle’s repairs for the life of the vehicle, taking the guesswork out of common repairs. You can search for one of these facilities online through the AAA website.
The Direct Repair Shop Program takes away a lot of the hassle and stress of getting repairs. The standards for these shops are high, which means vehicles are repaired by rigorously trained mechanics.
One of the elements of AAA customer service we dislike is the inconsistency from region to region. Some regional AAA websites, for example, allow you to manage claims online or get faster quotes, while other regional sites don’t offer the same options. Though this may not affect individual customers, it is a downside for the company as a whole.
AAA Reviews
It can be difficult to judge AAA car insurance reviews online, because different regional branches may use different providers and services. This can also cause some confusion with customers who believe their insurance comes directly from AAA.
While we think AAA’s regional knowledge is one of its core strengths, this can also make it difficult for shoppers who want to get a more general idea of AAA auto insurance.
We looked at BBB ratings for some of AAA insurers and auto clubs, and here’s what we found:
CSAA Insurance Group: A-
The Automobile Club Group: A+ (accredited)
AAA Auto Club South: A+
AAA Automobile Club of Southern California: A+
AAA East Central Automobile Club: A+
These high BBB ratings are an indicator of responsiveness and transparency. But, the number of complaints for these clubs varies quite a bit, and so do the complaints themselves. We noticed issues ranging from slow claims service to issues with policy cancellations.
Conclusion: Best Membership Perks
AAA auto insurance is a good value for those willing to purchase a membership, and we believe member discounts and other membership protections positively outweigh the cost of AAA membership. We also rate AAA highly in regional expertise for its customer service from local agents.
As for the negatives, AAA customers should be aware their insurance policy is administered by a regional insurer rather than AAA itself. Customers may also have difficulty finding policy information or entering information for a free quote, as the AAA website has some limitations.
Want to see what’s available in your area and find your price? Get a free quote by filling out the form below.
As a household name, Progressive offers auto, motorcycle, and RV insurance in all 50 states. The company sells unique coverage options in addition to its standard suite of products, but price inconsistencies and customer service experience may deter drivers. We’ve named Progressive “Best Online Experience” because of their many online tools that make getting accurate quotes easier than ever.
Availability
95
Customer Service
70
Affordability
70
Coverage
80
Industry Standing
95
Online Experience
90
Pros
Online Experience
Usage-based plans available
Safe driving reward discounts
Teen/student discounts
Special coverage options (roadside assistance, rideshare coverage, etc.)
Cons
Rate increases/higher premiums
Average customer service ratings
83
Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.
Auto insurance is an absolute necessity for every driver, regardless of how confident you are in your driving skills. If you’re shopping for insurance, then you’ll have many major players to choose from. We researched the best car insurance companies and evaluated their coverage options, prices, claims processes, customer satisfaction, and other factors.
Progressive is one of the most well-known insurance companies in the U.S. Read our Progressive auto insurance review and learn more about the highlights and concerns Progressive customers have in 2020. Then, fill out the form below to get a quote.
Progressive Auto Insurance Coverage Options
According to data from the Insurance Information Institute, 77 percent of drivers purchase comprehensive coverage and liability insurance, and 73 percent of drivers also purchase collision insurance. There are many more types of auto insurance plans, and Progressive auto insurance includes extra coverage options drivers may not easily find elsewhere.
Progressive car insurance plans include:
Liability: Cover medical bills, lost income, legal fees, and damaged property in the event that you hit someone else.
Comprehensive: Protect your vehicle from fire, theft, vandalism, animals, weather, and broken glass.
Collision: Progressive covers repairs and replacements to your vehicle in the event of a collision, regardless of who is at fault. Collisions can include other cars, trees, or obstacles.
Uninsured/Underinsured Bodily Injury: Cover medical expenses if you are injured by an uninsured driver.
Uninsured/Underinsured Property Damage: Repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled if the at-fault driver has little or no insurance.
Medical Payments: Protect yourself and any passengers, regardless of fault, with medical and funeral expense coverage. This also includes coverage if you are in another person’s car or you are hit as a pedestrian.
We also like the following coverage options from Progressive:
Rental Car Reimbursement: If your accident is covered, Progressive will also pay up to $50 per day for a rental.
Loan/Lease Payoff: This gap insurance option helps you pay for the remaining balance of your loan if you total your vehicle.
Complementary Pet Coverage: Progressive auto insurance covers your vet bills up to a certain amount if your pet is injured in a collision.
Custom Parts and Equipment Value: CPE coverage insures items you add to your vehicle, such as GPS or custom wheels, up to a certain amount.
Roadside Assistance: Towing is provided for free to the nearest mechanic (within 15 miles). Drivers also get lock-out service, flat-tire change, fuel delivery, and more.
Rideshare Coverage: Unlike some plans that only extend coverage to Uber and Lyft drivers once they’ve accepted a ride, Progressive covers rideshare drivers while they’re waiting for a customer.
Customers can also bundle their auto insurance with their home property insurance and save an additional five percent on their auto insurance.
How Much Will You Pay for Progressive Car Insurance?
Progressive auto insurance is popular for its discounts and rewards for safe drivers.
Adding teenagers to your plan can drive the cost up significantly, but putting them on their own plan can even increase that rate by 365 percent. With Progressive, households can add teen and student drivers to their plans without too much penalty. College students with good grades are entitled to generous discounts, which makes Progressive a nice option for younger drivers.
Progressive also offers two major savings programs:
Snapshot®: Track your driving habits and get discounts for safe driving and how often you drive. Some states offer an automatic discount for participation.
Deductible Savings Bank®: Get $50 put into a “deductible bank” every time you complete a six-month policy term without an accident or violation. This bank can then be used to pay the next deductible.
While the Snapshot program seems like an obvious money-saver for confident drivers, customers have reported on the Better Business Bureau the tracking device used to monitor driving habits is very sensitive and perhaps a bit unfair. Customers have reported increased insurance rates with the tracker.
Overall, your insurance premium will depend largely on your place of residence, age, gender, vehicle, and driving habits. We think if the price is your main concern, then there are more reasonable options. This is backed by customer satisfaction survey results from J.D. Power.
Safe driving can earn you a discount on your Progressive auto insurance. Track your driving on their Snapshot mobile app.
Unique Quote Engines
Progressive offers multiple quote engines. In our experience, the quote process takes no more than five minutes and gives multiple pricing and plan options with deductible estimates.
You can also use the Name Your Price® tool to enter your budget and get plans based on how much you are willing to pay. First, you will need to provide your basic information so that Progressive can find coverage that suits you. Then, you may use the tool to enter your desired premium amount. Progressive will provide plans within your price range.
Because Progressive markets itself as more affordable than its competitors, its website also offers a tool to compare rates with other car insurance providers. Enter your information as you normally would for a free quote and see Progressive’s plans and rates. Then, click on the compare rates tool to get a listing of similar plans and prices from other providers. Progressive is confident its plans are competitively priced.
Progressive Claims Process & Customer Service
Customers have two options when filing a claim: get repairs or receive payment. Either way, customers can easily make a claim through the mobile app, online, or by calling the number for the claims department.
Once the claim is made, an inspector will come to evaluate the damage and write up an estimate for the cost of repairs. You will either receive payment directly or your claims representative will schedule repairs through a network repair facility. You will be responsible for the deductible.
Claiming a total loss, however, is a different process. If repairs would cost more than the value of your vehicle, then an inspector will determine your vehicle is a total loss. This process requires more paperwork, but you will be paid for the value of your vehicle.
Though the claims process is an easy one, Progressive auto insurance reviews are lackluster when it comes to customer service and claims settlements. Progressive ranks well below competitors like USAA, GEICO, Nationwide, and Farmers in customer claims satisfaction. Customers have reported unfair claim denial and rated their claim representative’s servicing as just average.
Online Service
Online service has grown in importance as we manage a greater number of our accounts through apps and online portals. Progressive’s app is a one-stop shop for making claims, checking your policy, and getting assistance in emergency situations.
With the app, you can:
Report a claim
Get a free quote
View coverage for all drivers
Request roadside assistance
Shop for Progressive products
Send photos of vehicle damage
Get status updates on claims and repairs
Pay bills using a credit/debit card or checking account
Additional highlights include the ability to use Google or Apple Pay and offline viewing of your insurance ID card. The app is secure and encrypts all personal information for a safe experience.
Progressive Reviews
Progressive’s online platform makes it easy to enroll in auto insurance, and the marketed discounts provide a strong incentive to purchase coverage. We like Progressive’s online experience and coverage options, but sometimes customers may feel mislead on rates and what is actually covered.
Here are some Progressive auto insurance reviews from real-life customers.
“Online insurance. You can only expect so much. This is a business working to a high level of efficiency. I got what I expected – fast and easily update-able policies, lots of notifications, low prices, and great service.” – Benjamin B. on Trustpilot
“Progressive have a lot of publicity, but their auto insurance prices are high. I was with them for a year, because it has good accessibility in their online platforms. When I applied to other insurers, I realized [Progressive’s] costs were high. Now, I have insurance with a better offer, and I pay less than half.” – Gabriel R. on Trustpilot
“Your robot customer service rep was spot on, no repeating myself. Transfer to actual person was quick and smooth.” – Anonymous on ResellerRatings
Customers shopping for car insurance should beware of rate increases and quote inaccuracies, as Progressive car insurance reviews mention instances of rate changes.
Conclusion: Best Online Experience
Based on our research and Progressive auto insurance reviews, we found Progressive offers coverage for riskier drivers, including teens and students, which is a major benefit for some households. Easy enrollment and account management is made possible with an excellent online experience. However, with average claims experiences, customers may not receive the coverage they expected.
To get your personalized quote from Progressive, fill out the online form.
Want to see what’s available in your area and find your price? Get a free quote by filling out the form below.
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 was designed for everyday use.
Despite the practicality, the 2.0-liter engine can hit 60 in 4.3 seconds.
Inside, drivers can choose between the three different AMG display styles.
Mercedes-AMG calls the 2021 GLA 45 the performance SUV to suit any lifestyle. You can take it hot lapping at your local track, drive up into the mountains with all your gear, and still pick up the kids from school. The 2.0-liter engine is the most powerful series-produced four-cylinder turbo in the world, cranking out 382 horsepower. And with an AMG all-wheel drive system putting all that power to the ground, it’s a hard vehicle to say no to.
What Is The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45?
So, what is this thing? Is it a lumpy wagon, or is it a little SUV; or is it a big hatchback-esque deal or what? I’ll tell you what it is: it’s fast. At certain speeds, shape and design and “what it is” are kind of beside the point. And Mercedes-AMG has squeezed the bajeebers out of this little guy’s plant. It can haul the mail as well as haul people and stuff.
“The new GLA 45 is not only significantly more dynamic, but also more practical in everyday use than its predecessor, thereby ensuring its appeal to a dynamic, leisure-oriented target group,” explained Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
Oh no, it’s fast and practical!
2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45. Photo: MBUSA.
2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45: Under The Hood
We don’t doubt Mercedes-AMG when they talk about practicality, but let’s take a look at that engine a little more closely since that is the main event of every AMG model. The GLA 45 is powered by a newly-developed, M139 2.0-liter engine, which scoots the GLA 45 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. That’s not hypercar fast, but, c’mon, that’s still pretty quick. The top speed is electronically-limited to 155 mph, which is a shame. I wonder how fast it would top out at if you uncorked it?
The other thing I’m curious about is engine life. Merc has wrung a lot of power out of those two liters by cranking the boost way up. Yeah, I know, this is Mercedes, and they are always very reliable (and hand-built in the case of an AMG), but I still wonder.
Officially, however, Mercedes notes the traverse mounting of the four-cylinder, meaning the turbocharger and the exhaust manifold are now at the rear (on the side of the firewall when viewed from behind) with the intake position at the front. Mercedes-AMG goes on to say this configuration allows for the flattest possible, most aerodynamically advantageous front section design. Furthermore, the arrangement allows for air ducts with shorter distances and fewer diversions, both on the intake and exhaust side.
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 features a special, two-stage fuel injection system. In the first stage, the piezo injectors supply fuel to the combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 200 bar. In the following stage, there is additional intake manifold injection happening via solenoid valves. In total, the electronically-controlled fuel supply has an operating pressure of 6.7 bar, according to Mercedes-AMG. Photo: MBUSA.
Turbo & Transmission Tech
Of further note is the new twin-scroll turbocharger of the GLA 45. The shaft of the compressor and turbine wheel is mounted on anti-friction bearings, minimizing mechanical friction all around. The turbocharger has a maximum speed of up to 169,000 rpm with a maximum charge pressure of 2.1 bar. See what I mean about them boosting things WAY up?!
Anyway, that engine is hooked to an eight-speed AMG dual-clutch transmission with a standard Race-Start function. Power is moved from there to an AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system with AMG Torque Control. That Torque Control system, as described by Mercedes-AMG, includes two electronic multi-disc clutches, each of which is connected to a rear axle drive shaft. The design means power can be sent not only front to back, but also selectively between the left and right rear wheel.
Lastly, the new Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 also comes with a trick exhaust system that lets you choose the sound signatures. They range from “harmonious and discreet” to “dynamic and sporty.”
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 uses a McPherson strut design up front and a four-link setup at the rear with three transverse control arms and one trailing arm. The GLA 45 makes use of new aluminum components underneath to reduce unsprung mass. The AMG Ride Control system comes with three suspension control modes, just to make sure things are all smooth with no fuss, no muss.
Stopping is handled by four-piston front calipers on 13.8 x 1.3 discs, and single piston 13.0 x 0.9 discs out back. If you go with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package, you’ll get six-piston calipers and 14.2 x 1.4 in discs at the front. If you need more stopping power than that, get an anchor and some chain.
The interior of the GLA 45 is all German and logical and wrapped in “leather” (okay, actually that MB-Tex stuff that’s just like leather).
All the tech stuff is part of the, a-hem, MBUX infotainment system (MBUX? Please change that awful name Mercedes!). The AMG-specific displays aim to give the driver a more appealing presentation with high-resolution 3D graphics. There are two displays under one shared glass cover that blend into an attractive widescreen cockpit. The display has three styles: Classic, Sport, and Supersport for the instrument cluster.
The “Supersport” mode has a central, round rev counter and other info goodies like a gear speed indicator, Warm-up, Set-up, G-Meter, RACETIMER, and Engine Data. There’s also voice control if you don’t want to actually touch screens or swipe this way and that.
If you opt for the AMG Track Pace package, track days become a lot more fun. Or at least, they get drowned in a lot more data. The software is part of the MBUX system, and monitors more than 80 vehicle-specific data points like speed and acceleration. Lap and sector times are displayed, as well as the respective difference from a reference time.
Pricing & Availability
Pricing has yet to be announced, but expect the GLA 45 later this year. Yes, it might be hard to figure out at first glance, but I bet five minutes behind the wheel of the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 will clear up any confusion, and right quick.
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. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
A nitrous-fueled Indian Scout racer in Siberia, the first Yamaha Yamaha FZX750 we’ve featured, a classy Monster from Revival Cycles, and what appears to be a two-stroke Suzuki Katana … but isn’t.
Yamaha FZX750 by Barracuda Moto We’ve never featured a Yamaha FZX750 Fazer on EXIF in past: it’s one of the more obscure bikes out there, and not particularly suited to customization.
Despite a long production run from the early 80s to the mid 90s, relatively few were made, and were chiefly notable for their carburetor setup: four downdraught Mikunis concealed by the tank, which had a design akin to the V-Max.
This scrambler comes from the Italian company Barracuda, and is a showpiece for their universal-fit parts. The FZX750 has aged amazingly well: the tank and side panels could almost be from a 21st century design.
There’s a new subframe and seat unit, and Barracuda have replaced the F16/R15 mag wheels with bigger spoked hoops shod with Metzeler Karoo tires.
The cockpit is all new, with Barrucada bars and mirrors, and the standard rectangular headlight has been swapped out for a classic circular lamp with a compact wind deflector above.
It’s a quite remarkable transformation. If you can find an FZX750 going cheap in your local classifieds, and you’re an adept home builder, it’s a build you could replicate without breaking the bank. [Barracuda Moto]
An Indian Scout ice racer in Siberia When we first featured this Indian Scout drag bike from Brice Hennebert of Belgium’s Workhorse Speedshop, it became one of the most popular bikes of 2019.
After a stint in the Sultans of Sprint race series, ‘Appaloosa’ has been reconfigured for the frankly nutso ‘Baikal Mile’ ice sprints in Siberia. With specially prepared 1/8-mile and 1-mile ice tracks, teams are attempting to set speed records alongside stunt riding, drifting, and drag racing events.
“The feeling is crazy,” says Brice. “It’s a bit like going racing on the moon. There’s absolutely no reference point … it can be -40°C at night and -20°C during the day.”
Dunlop SportSmart Mk3 tires have been hand-fitted with hundreds of studs, a task that took Brice’s mechanic, Dorsan, four days of work. To limit engine cooling, the ‘mouth’ of the fairing has been closed off with a new carbon fiber nose cap and smaller cooling intakes have been added to the side fairings.
There’s also a new Nitrous Express NOS system and an Öhlins steering damper to keep Appaloosa stable at the higher speeds targeted.
The Scout will be ridden by Sultans of Sprint founder Séb Lorentz (above left), who is a very brave man indeed. We wish him and Brice the best of luck.
Ducati Monster M750 by Revival Cycles We tend to associate Revival Cycles with extreme, high-end builds—such as the incredible titanium-framed ‘Birdcage’ BMW. But the Texas shop is equally capable of tweaking and refining more prosaic machinery, such as this lovely 1999 Ducati M750.
The owner had already had the frame powder-coated, and swapped in a Ducati SportClassic front end, an Öhlins shock and CNC-machined rearsets. Revival fabricated new mounts under the fuel tank to locate a Motogadget m.unit, an Antigravity 8-cell battery, and a MOSFET style reg/rec from Rick’s Motorsport Electrics. They also squeezed in the factory ignition coils, horn, and starter solenoid.
A full custom wiring harness was built from scratch, Motogadget Mini switches were fitted to LSL bars, and a Hypermotorad top triple clamp was adapted to fit the Monster/Sport Classic front end. The seat pan and foam were reworked to fit the fuel tank and frame much better than the factory pieces, and the reworked seat was upholstered in a simple black leather design.
Revival have also refinished the engine and belt covers, and rebuilt and rejetted the Keihin FCR flatslide carburetors to suit the Termignoni high exit dual exhaust. The final job was a repaint in Porsche’s Graphite Blue, with a custom gold Ducati logo in the Atari font on the fuel tank. Just lovely. [Revival Cycles]
Yamaha RZ250R by Chibaac At first glance, this bike had us completely confused. A two-strokeKatana? How can that be? On further investigation, it turns out to be a custom based on the mid 80s RZ250R, the first roadgoing bike to feature Yamaha’s ‘Power Valve System’ (YPVS)—a variable exhaust valve. It also had a wide double-cradle frame, weighed just 145 kilos, and pumped out a very healthy 43 horsepower.
The Japanese builder (and owner) is known simply as Chibaac, and he’s obviously very talented. He’s used air-cooled Katana parts for the front cowl, side cover, and fuel tank, and given the headlight a center strip like the new Katana.
The top triple and forks are from an Aprilia RS125, and the seat/tail unit is from a Yamaha YZF-R6—which is a surprisingly good match for the modified Katana tank. On the mechanical front there’s a modern aftermarket ignition system, and the engine breathes through a new Keihin PJ38 carb.
A long, square swing arm is from a Yamaha TZR250, the rear shock is an Aprilia RS1000 unit, and the wide 18-inch wheels are from a Harley-Davidson Fat Bob.
It’s a curious but very creative mix of parts, and we bet this little ripper will be great fun at the traffic lights Grand Prix. [More]
