Tesla Model S Refresh: Range Increases, Styling Updates & a Weird Steering Wheel

Well lah-dee-dah, the refresh of Tesla’s Model S is here. I’d like to sound more impressed, but Elon has been going on for so long about what’s going to be in the “new” car that it’s hard for me to be jumping up and down, all enthusiastic about this. So, now that the real car is finally here, what do you get? Let’s get down to the facts, shall we?

Car Guys vs. Tech Guys

The problem with Elon Musk is that he’s a tech guy and not a car guy. And tech guys, and their companies, have a bad habit of announcing the revolution, telling you what it will contain, and telling you the date said revolution will come. THEN they alter the contents, change the dates around, monkey with the contents even more, announce a delay to the revolution, and change a few more details before announcing yet another delay. 

By the time the product – whether it’s a game or a word processor or, in this case, a car – hits the streets, it’s difficult to keep up that enthusiasm, let alone keep your facts straight. That said, here is what you can find on the refreshed Tesla Model S.

The “Refreshed” Tesla Model S

The top-of-the-line sedan from the EV revolution’s corporate standard-bearers is, to put it mildly, fantastic. Really, apart from the high-tech gizmos synonymous with Tesla, it’s hard to tell the Model S apart from any other luxury sedan out there. And believe me, that is a very Good Thing. The Model S works. It works in the same way a Porsche, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz does for the discerning buyer. And for an EV to simply work is still an achievement to many people.

The “refresh” (sometimes called mid-cycle refresh) is typical for automotive manufacturers, and Tesla follows this tradition. There’s a nip here and a tuck there on the exterior. Tesla is finally dealing with some design issues that should have been taken care of shortly after the Model S rolled out in 2012. They’ve tightened the back end and have a more integrated diffusor, but the real work has been done at the front. Gone is that blunt, slab-like “grille” that just didn’t look good. Now the nose features a much more attractive bumper and grille.

As important as that is, that’s just the side dish, the potatoes, if you will, to the real meat. It’s a lot of what you can’t see that will make a much more significant impact. For a start, there’s an uprated powertrain that can now get you 520 miles on a single charge. Those updates will also get the Model S from a standstill to 60 mph in under two seconds. Tesla says the updated powertrain makes it the “fastest accelerating production car ever.”

That might be true, but I bet some engineering guys in Germany and Japan and Italy may have their own take on that statement.

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Tesla Model S Variants

The new Tesla Model S starts at $79,990 for the Long Range dual-motor version. That will get you 412 miles of range. If you’re willing to spend $119,000 for the new Plaid powertrain with more grunt, you’ll only have 390 miles, but the trade-off being you’ll get that sub-two-second zero to 60 time. The Plaid+ version seems to get you all that performance and 520 miles of range. That guy will set you back at least $139,000.

Both the high-performance Plaid and Plaid Plus versions are said to top out 200 mph. The Long Range version will top out at a more reasonable 155 mph. Tesla says the Plaid versions should be able to do five times as many quarter-mile runs as previous Model S sedans, although that exact number is not stated.

Near as I can tell, an older Model S could do around three drag pulls before things went wonky. This upgraded ability will go some way to assuaging the fact that the Porsche Taycan can seemingly do drag runs all day long until you run the batteries flat.

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Video Games & Steering Wheels

The updated Tesla Model S also comes with an infotainment system that’s powered by a chip capable of 10 teraflops of processing power, allowing passengers to play games like The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077. Why is this important? Who knows, who cares. Elon has spoken.

They’ve set screens here and there and made things even cleaner and more Nordic-looking. Still, it’s pushing the limits of sterility and function over a human-centric design. The biggest deal in the interior is the new steering yoke. Tesla has decided to get all sci-fi and do away with the traditional steering wheel and give us a butterfly yoke right out of K.I.T.T. or some other cartoon.

Refreshed Tesla Model S interior layout.

This is a prime example of tech bros solving a “problem” only they see and giving us a solution we didn’t ask for. With all his stunted emotional development, Elon most likely thinks this is the coolest thing since light up gaming headphones. The in-car video games are one thing but ask anyone who has driven with both a traditional steering wheel and a butterfly setup. Ask them which one works best for real-world driving. You’ll see why the initial reaction to Elon’s latest design move has howls of derision.

Have you ever seen the in-car footage of an F1 or Indycar trying to wheel itself into the garage? The poor driver is feebly trying to get a grip on some portion of the wheel to turn it more than a quarter of the way around. I can only imagine what will happen when somebody tries to parallel park the Model S or try to maneuver through a tight, urban parking garage using a yoke. I heard that Elon now says the yoke steering will only be an option for what it’s worth.

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. 

Original article: Tesla Model S Refresh: Range Increases, Styling Updates & a Weird Steering Wheel

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Van Rentals: What to Look For

Sometimes in your business life, a car — even a big one like an SUV — just won’t do the trick. At times, only a van rental will do, and that means you have to know your stuff. If you don’t rent vans often, it can be hard exactly to know what to look for. This handy guide should put you on the right track. Here are the top things to look for in any good van rental:

Large and Well-Built Cargo Space

The cargo space is the paramount consideration. You don’t just need a big empty space with lots of cubic feet to store those goods in. There is more to look for. For example, is the cargo space equipped to tie down the cargo and secure it in place? Does it include any side storage like nets or separate compartments? Is it easily accessible from both the side and the rear? What is the total weight capacity? Pure cargo volume is not everything.

Strong Suspension and Smooth Ride

When you’re loading a van rental up with cargo, you need to be sure that it has a good suspension system that will maintain a smooth and comfortable ride. This isn’t just beneficial to the cargo, but also to you as you won’t get spasms every time you go over a bump in the road. A rocky suspension will only serve to make the rear cabin unstable and unsafe for your cargo.

Driver and Passenger Comfort

Vans have come a long way, and a van rental no longer means hours of uncomfortable seating with no kind of infotainment or other technology. Modern vans are replete with mod cons like air conditioning, supportive and comfortable seating, touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and much more.

Van Rental – Make the Right Choice

Think before you rent. A van rental is not a decision to take lightly. Study the specifications of the van before you rent, and the results won’t disappoint. Never forget that the world of vans has changed. These are now machines of technology, comfort and convenience. Get the right one and take advantage of the many recent innovations in the van world.

The post Van Rentals: What to Look For first appeared on Automotorblog: Daily news on cars and motorcycles.

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Glamster: Lucky Cat’s Sportster drips with Japanese style

Remember the Sultans of Sprint drag race series in Europe? The man behind this brilliant idea was Séb Lorentz, who runs the Lucky Cat Garage with his partner, the artist and restoration specialist Laurence Chatokhine.

The drag racing is on hold for the moment, for obvious reasons, but Séb has a solid background as a talented custom builder. So he and Laurence have kept themselves busy spinning wrenches and spraying paint.

The latest build to roll out of their workshop in Chartres, 90 km southwest of Paris, is this very classy 1994 Sportster called ‘Glamster.’ And yes, that’s a reference to the retro-styled Shoei lid: the top-flight Japanese helmet manufacturer helped to make this build happen.

At first glance, Lucky Cat’s Sportster is a street bike with custom bodywork and a slightly tuned engine, but there’s a lot more going on under the hood.

The iconic V-twin has been completely refurbished inside and out. There’s a special graphite grey paint for the cases and polished covers, but the real work is inside. And the goal was to create the most torque possible: “For street bikes, that’s where the fun is—in our opinion!” says Séb.

He’s used a 1250 kit from Hammer Performance, with iron-lined, aluminum-finned cylinders and forged pistons. These are combined with ported heads and Buell M2 cams, with an S&S Super E carb sucking air from a classic and rare S&S ‘Two Throat’ air filter. (“It’s genuine new- old-stock, mounted via a one-off Gasbox bracket.”) A Motogadget speedometer is hidden behind the air filter to keep it discreet.

Séb has also replaced all the fuel and oil lines with racing-spec Vibrant Performance black braided hoses, hooked up with black AN fittings. Ancillary updates include a Dynatek 2000i single-fire ignition system and a Daytona oil pump (with reworked engine venting) to keep the engine running cool.

The exhaust is a raw stainless steel 2-into-1 from the Californian company Bassani, with stepped headers and a reverse-cone megaphone muffler. “It’s loud, but not too much for a street bike nowadays,” says Séb unconvincingly.

He’s ditched the belt drive and used a traditional 530 chain setup, via a conversion kit from Lowbrow. There’s also a Speed Merchant billet sprocket cover, with a custom chain protector, and the engine bolts have been upgraded to polished stainless items from Diamond Engineering.

The hardest part of your typical Harley build is getting the top line low enough, because the engines are so tall. Séb has nailed it by using a Harley KR750 flat track racer tank; it’s around 60 years old, and resembles a typical Trackmaster tank. Capacity is not the strong point, so there’s also a Mooneyes emergency tank holding just over a quart, nestled by the right-hand rear strut.

Other mods include a shorty front fender from Lowbrow Customs and a modified ‘Cutlass’ café seat from Airtech Streamlining.

On the left side is an unusual fiberglass saddlebag originally made by Buco for Cushman scooters; it’s finished off with a painted race number, but also carries a Motone polished taillight and the license plate.

Lucky Cat have chosen the wheel sizes to ramp up the chopper vibe without losing the ‘traditional custom’ flavor. The flanged alloy rims are 21 inches at the front and 18 at the back, fitted with an Avon Speedmaster MK2 [F] and a chunky Coker Diamond 4.50 [R].

There’s Brembo braking all round, with a four-pot caliper and floating rotor leading up front, and the Showa fork has been shortened a little to level out the stance.

Séb knows where to find the good stuff, and he’s finished off the build with narrow stainless bars and risers supplied by Fork Co in Japan.

Look closer and you’ll spot other trad custom details like a Biltwell Whiskey throttle, a Bates headlight, polished KustomTech hand controls, Motone mini switches and a heart-shaped Lowbrow mirror. There’s even a custom printed (and gilded) ‘Glamster’ points cover from La Fabrique 3D.

The most unusual aspect of the bike is the paint finish, which is a modification of the ‘aventurine’ lacquer technique—known as Nashiji in Japan. “Using a traditional gilding technique for a modern classic helmet was our first creative idea,” Laurence reveals. “Then we thought adding a matching custom bike would be a nice accessory.” And so the partnership with Shoei was born.

Laurence applied the gilding technique to a Glamster helmet, using a classic Urushi red lacquer base. It’s topped with 24-carat gold flakes and powder—mixed using a traditional method involving honey. The flakes and powder are then blown through lengths of bamboo. “A long process, but the best to create the desired effect,” she says.

While Laurence was gilding the Glamster helmet, Séb was finishing off the bike assembly. They decided that the color should be different. “As with your clothes, we don’t think your helmet should be the same color as your bike!” The paintwork is inspired by the ‘Magicar,’ a legendary top fuel dragster from the sixties. It took a combination of 15 different gold flake types to get a close color match.

Unlike most brand collaborations, this Sportster is not destined to spend the rest of its life in a showroom. It’s Laurence’s personal ride (when she’s not piloting her nitrous-injected dragbike).

“It’s small, rather fast, low, narrow, quite nervous and quite uncomfortable,” Séb freely admits. “But it’s also kinda sexy to watch and fun to ride… and that’s just what she wanted!”

The Lucky Cat Garage | Facebook | Instagram | Shoei Europe | Images by Cyril Casagrande

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2021 Buyer’s Guide to Ironman Tires: Reviews, Costs, & More

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

Ironman Review

In Our Opinion:

Ironman tires are a good option for the daily commute. If you’re not looking to heavily alter your car’s drive and need a product in an affordable price range, Ironman offers a few reputable all-season and all-terrain models. However, the company is not our go-to choice for specialty or performance-focused tires.

Industry Standing:

Tire Variety:

Affordability:

Customer Satisfaction:

Pros:

Very affordable

Good all-season and all-terrain models

Part of Hercules Tire and Rubber Company

Cons:

Limited tire choice

No tread life warranties

Below average tread wear

Not best for winter and snow tires

3.3

Ironman tires are one of the better budget-friendly options on the market. Though the tire manufacturer does not have a wide range of products, it does have a few reputable models. 

In this review, we’ll discuss which Ironman tires offer the best value, the company’s current industry standing, the cost of Ironman tires, and more. Purchasing a cheaper tire poses some risk, so it’s best to be well informed before making a decision.

After researching the top-rated tire manufacturers in the industry, we detailed the best tires and brands in our comprehensive review. Check out the article to find your next set of tires, or start comparing prices from a variety of brands, including Ironman, at TireBuyer.com.

About Ironman

A part of the Hercules Tire and Rubber Company, Ironman Tires was established in 1952. Hercules is currently headquartered in Findlay, Ohio. Though Ironman does not boast the same industry reputation or technological innovation as big-name manufacturers, the company still manufactures affordable tires suited for everyday driving.

Ironman produces passenger, SUV, winter, and light truck tires, though it has less selection than other companies. Ironman does not provide original equipment (OE) tires for any manufacturer at this time.

The big pull for Ironman tires is their price point. Compared to brands like Michelin or Goodyear, Ironman offers cheap tires – depending on the size and model, some Ironman tires cost less than $50. However, unlike other affordable tires, such as Cooper tires, Ironman tires will not last as long nor perform quite as well.

Ironman Tires Industry Ratings

Most, though not all, Ironman tires are graded based on an evaluation system created by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This system is called Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG), and it grades tires – except specialized tires – based on their treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance.

Here’s an explanation of the UTQG grading system:

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

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

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

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

Below, we detail a few popular Ironman tire models and their treadwear, traction, and temperature scores using data from SaferCar.gov.

Ironman Tire Model	Tire Type	Treadwear Rating	Traction Rating	Temperature Rating
Ironman All Country A/T	Light truck/SUV All-terrain	460	A	B
Ironman RB-12	Passenger All-season	440	A	B
Ironman iMove Gen2 SUV	SUV/Crossover All-season	420	A	A
Ironman Radial A/P	Light truck/SUV All-season	400	A	B

 

When stacked up against other all-season models, Ironman tires perform slightly below average. For example, the Cooper Evolution Tour is a comparable all-season tire to the models listed above. It holds a 580 to 600 treadwear rating, depending on the speed rating.

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

Most Popular Ironman Tires

Ironman’s most popular tires are a few basic all-season and all-terrain models. They are best suited for drivers looking for a simple, low-cost tire without a large emphasis on performance or specialty. In short, they get the job done.

Here are some of the most popular Ironman tires:

• Ironman RB-12: A very affordable all-season tire designed for an even wear and good grip on wet roads
• Ironman All Country A/T: An all-terrain tire with decent-sized tread blocks, a buttress tread design for improved traction, and moderate sipes
• Ironman GS906: A standard all-season touring tire featuring a symmetric tread pattern and improved rolling resistance for better fuel efficiency and traction in all conditions
• Ironman iMove Gen2 A/S: A high-performance all-season tire with an asymmetric tread pattern and several design features to increase water evacuation and decrease noise (though it may not be the best winter tires for snow and ice use)

Unlike other tire brands, Ironman does not offer tread life warranties with its products. However, it does offer a Limited Protection Policy for the first five years after initial purchase. If your tire has any defects in materials or workmanship during this period, Ironman will replace the tire so long as you have proof of purchase. This warranty only applies to original buyers – if you buy a car with a set of Ironmans on it, they won’t be covered by the protection policy.

Cost of Ironman Tires

Ironman tires are a solid option for drivers looking for a budget-friendly tire without many bells and whistles. Using data from Tire Rack, the average Ironman tire costs between $85.08 to $165.45. Based on this average, a new set of Ironman tires would only cost between $340.32 and $661.80 total.

According to TireBuyer.com, inexpensive tires cost between $50 and $150 per tire. However, the cheapest tires don’t always mean the best value tires. Alongside initial cost, drivers should also consider how long a tire lasts. As we mentioned, Ironman tires do not come with tread life warranties, but most tend to last around 40,000 miles. This is below the 50,000-mile industry average.

Here are some example costs of Ironman tires from TireBuyer.com:

• Ironman GS906: $43.99 to $82.99 per tire
• Ironman RB LT: $112.99 to $128.99 per tire
• Ironman iMove Gen2 AS: $44.99 to $128.99 per tire
• Ironman All Country CHT: $111.99 to $157.99 per tire

Ironman Tire Reviews & Ratings

Ironman tires are not lauded with many superlatives or industry awards, but they have positive customer reviews and ratings. Upon reviewing multiple tire retailer sites, most Ironman tire models hold a 3.5-star rating or above. Most customer reviews praise the tires’ affordability, low noise, and comfort.

Here’s what customers have to say about Ironman tires:

Positive Ironman Tires Reviews

“The [Ironman All Country A/T] tires have performed better than I anticipated, and [I’m] very happy with the wet and snow performance of these tires. [I] went off-road with them recently and the sidewall held up great on rocky terrain. Overall, 10/10 would definitely recommend and buy again in the future.” – Chris via TireBuyer.com

“Great set of [Ironman All Country M/T] tires … [I] went out on a limb with my tire guy selling these to me. No M/T is quiet, but these are very reasonable. Good lugs for mud terrain and sand, great pulling power.” – Chase via TireBuyer.com

Negative Ironman Tires Reviews

“The roar on these [Ironman RB SUV] tires is unbearable/unbelievable. Their noise supersedes my radio [without] any conversation inside my SUV. They had to have slipped by quality control, because I refuse to believe they were made this bad intentionally.” – Floyd via TireBuyer.com

“Do not buy [Ironman iMove Gen2 SUV] tires if you plan on driving in snow. Not safe. While you drive, it feels like you are on ice the entire time. These tires should be summer tires only.” – Johnson via TireBuyer.com

Our Thoughts on Ironman Tires: 3.0 Stars

Ironman tires are a fine choice for car owners looking for a simple, no-fuss model in an affordable price range. The company’s all-season tires and all-terrain tires receive positive customer feedback and are more reputable than other cheap tires on the market. However, tire quality often correlates to tire price, so don’t expect superb performance from Ironman tires.

Our Top Recommendations for Tires

If you’ve decided that Ironman tires are not the right fit for you, we recommend looking at some top-rated tire manufacturers. In our industry-wide best tires review, we named Michelin the Best Tires Overall and Cooper the Most Affordable. Both companies produce excellent tires to meet an array of consumer needs.

Michelin Tires: Best Tires Overall

Michelin is our first choice for a reason. We like the company’s impressive product range, long-lasting tread life warranties, and quality focus. While Michelin makes more expensive tires, they will last for years (and miles) to come.

To find the right Michelin tire for you, visit TireBuyer.com.

Cooper Tires: Most Affordable

Ironman tires are cheap, but Cooper tires are cheap and high-quality. Though Cooper models are not as affordable as Ironman tires, they offer better tread life warranties and workmanship, so they’ll likely need to be replaced less often. Cooper also offers a much larger selection of tires.

To find the right Cooper tire for your vehicle, visit TireBuyer.com.

Original article: 2021 Buyer’s Guide to Ironman Tires: Reviews, Costs, & More

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Speed Read, 31 January 2021

The Swedish electric bike company Cake takes on poaching in Africa, and Triumph cranks the Speed Triple up a notch. Plus we look at a custom Ducati Scrambler 1100 and Indian FTR 1200, and a new whip from the creative director of Super73.

Cake Kalk AP The Swedish electric bike manufacturer Cake has just joined forces with the Southern African Wildlife College in South Africa, to form the ‘Electric Bush Bike Anti-Poaching Coalition.’ It’s exactly what it sounds like: an initiative that uses electric bikes to combat poaching.

Anti-poaching units in Southern Africa have recently been using dirt bikes as patrol vehicles, mainly because they can reach remote locations where roads are virtually non-existent. But keeping them fueled is an issue, and they’re noisy too, making it hard to sneak up on poachers. That’s where Cake comes in.

They’ve developed a spin-off from their flagship Kalk model: the Kalk ‘AP.’ And they’ve partnered with the solar power company Goal Zero, to develop charging stations that can keep the electric bikes charged when off the grid.

The Kalk AP is much the same as the regular Kalk, but with a few differences. It rolls on wider 18” hoops with chunky off-road tires, and there’s extra sealing on the suspension and drivetrain components.

The forks have been changed from air to conventional spring for easier maintenance, and the drivetrain software has been fine-tuned for the job in hand. All the ‘plastic’ bits, like the fenders, are made from a natural fiber reinforced ‘bio composite’ material, and there’s a detachable LED headlight too.

Cake are selling a limited run of 50 Kalk ‘AP’ models as a special charity bundle. $25,000 buys two Kalk APs and one charging station—you get one bike, and the other bike and the charging station get shipped off to the Southern African Wildlife College. [Cake Kalk AP]

Indian FTR 1200 by Tank Machine When the team at Tank Machine were tasked with customizing a brand new FTR 1200 S for an Indian dealer in Paris, they did the sensible thing: they dug into their own stash of parts. Tank Machine specializes in designing plug-and-play parts, and have a healthy selection of bits for the FTR—so they mixed some bolt-ons with a handful of bespoke finishes, et voilà!

Dubbed ‘Over-Track,’ this FTR 1200 ramps up the stock bike’s tracker vibe, adding a dose of racetrack style. Add-ons include the new headlight plate, fork protectors, rear wheel covers and swingarm-mounted license plate system. Up top are new ProTaper bars, new grips and a set of bar-end mirrors.

The turn signals are particularly slick. The front pair are LEDs embedded in a set of bolt-on radiator guards, and the rear pair sit flush with the bodywork.

The seat upholstery is custom, and features red stitching to complement the custom paint and anodized forks. Tank Machine added pair of IXRace MK2 slip-ons too, and ceramic coated the whole exhaust system black. It’s one of those clever builds that relies on tasteful changes without going overboard—but makes a massive impact. [Tank Machine]

Ducati Scrambler 1100 by Gasoline Motor Co. The Ducati Scrambler 1100 is a bit of an anomaly. A ‘Scrambler’ only in name, it’s better described as a naked retro naked roadster—a concept that the crew at Australia’s Gasoline Motor Co. have pushed to the maximum here.

Gasoline’s take on the big, v-twin Scrambler is a masterclass in subtlety. Sure, the paint job’s loud, but the fabrication takes a second glance to really appreciate. Most of it’s happening at the back, where Gasoline built a new tail and seat unit, and a two-in-one box muffler that exits under the tail.

The muffler design and position are inspired by the iconic 2003 Ducati 999R. Best of all, Gasoline did all of this without wrecking the subframe, so that the owner can swap back to the original bench for carrying a pillion. Other hand-made bits include the headlight nacelle, and a license plate bracket that mounts off the swingarm.

Gasoline also installed CNC Racing rearsets, new LED turn signals and glassless bar-end mirrors from Motogadget. Then they nudged the speedo to sit dead center, because the offset on the stock mounting system didn’t sit well with them.

Lastly, Gasoline wrapped the Ducati in a hot-rod livery that mixes satin, gloss, matte, glitter, metallic, gradients and patterns. Shop boss Jason Leppa calls it “an infuriating mix that is somehow pleasant on the eyes.” [Gasoline Motor Co.]

The new Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS The bug-eyed Triumph Speed Triple has a cult following, but the British marque has made it even better for 2021.

The outgoing ‘1050’ model was no slouch, but the updated 1200 RS features an all-new 1,160 cc triple-cylinder motor. It’s good for 178 hp at 10,750 rpm, and 125 Nm at 9,000 rpm—in a package that weighs just 436 lbs (198 kilos).

That makes the power-to-weight ratio 25% better than before, but the changes to the Speed Triple go deeper than just a simple power boost and diet. Triumph’s reduced powertrain inertia to improve engine pick-up, bumped up the redline to 11,150 rpm, and redesigned the slip and assist clutch. Despite being bigger, the new motor’s actually lighter, and more compact, than before.

Other changes include a new cast aluminum frame, and tweaks to the geometry and ergonomics. The ‘RS’ designation means top-shelf parts, so this particular Speed Triple gets fully adjustable Öhlins suspension, and sculptured Brembo Stylema brakes.

It also has a comprehensive electronics package, with everything from a quick-shifter to a six-axis IMU to assist ABS and traction control, multiple rider modes, and smartphone integration via Triumph’s own app.

Visually, the Speed Triple 1200 RS is a lot sharper too. Triumph have stuck to the angular twin headlight vibe, but the whole arrangement feels more focused. The overall vibe is slightly more aggressive than before, and Triumph have also dropped the usual two under-seat exhaust mufflers: it’s now a single burly, low-slung unit.

No one ever accused the Speed Triple of being boring—but this new version is faster, rowdier, better looking and lighter. Our bet? It’ll not only live up to its name, but also push the Speed Triple mythos even further. [Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS]

Super73 S2 by Chris Nelson Super73 have nailed the formula for small, accessible and fun e-bikes. Their S2 is a $2,695 pedal-assist unit with an aluminum frame, 20” wheels and a top speed of between 20 and 28 mph, depending which mode it’s in. And with its throwback mini-bike vibe, it’s a looker too.

This S2 belongs to Super73’s creative director, Chris Nelson, who’s customized it as his ideal Long Beach runabout. Yes, this is a custom e-bike… and it’s rad.

Up front, Chris slipped in a chunkier front-end from another Super73 model, dropping the forks slightly to maintain the S2’s ride height. Then he raided the company’s R&D department for a set of knobby tires that they’re working on. He also added a new set of bars with Biltwell Inc. grips, and a powerful Baja Designs Squadron LED headlight.

The biggest visual change is the fuel tank-styled battery: it’s moved from up top to within the frame. There’s now a full-length custom saddle resting on top, upholstered in leather and a gripper fabric by Saddlemen, complete with gel inserts. Other bits include a set of Crank Brothers pedals, fenders from other Super73 bikes, a custom-made cup holder and a Tiger bike lock.

It’s a slick build, wrapped in an even slicker paint job: a high gloss green-grey shot by a local hot rod painter. [Super73 S2 | Images by Garrett King]

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