Tuesday, 25 February 2025

BMW M4 CS Edition VR46: A Tribute to Racing Legend Valentino Rossi

The BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 is the latest limited edition and it is a wonderful fusion of automobiles and the action-packed world of Valentino Rossi, the famous name in motorcycle racing. It is specially created to mark the anniversary of Rossi’s triumphal career and his birthday at the same time; it can be considered as both – a tribute to an acknowledged master and the manufacturing of a unique opportunity to have a real drive.

The Essence of the Edition VR46

There are two basic versions of the Edition VR46 and both are designed after Rossi: the Sport and the Style. All of them are extremely rare, as only 46 pieces of each version were produced, and they all reflect Rossi’s energy and passion. Nevertheless, the commands generated with respect to mechanics are similar and cannot be considered as the features that give these two applications a distinction in terms of visuals.

Sport: A Splash of Dynamic Color

The Sport model has the Marina Bay Blue metallic as the outside color with emblems that come in the Tanzanite Blue metallic. The main feature of this version is large ‘46’ logos on the sides to stress that this car is one of the forty six produced. These are further complemented by fluorescent yellow accents that run along the roof’s contour, which is something that Rossi is never shy of while racing.

Style: Elegance with a Twist

On the other hand, the Style variant looks sleek and classy due to its Matte Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic color. These “46” logos made out of Frozen Marina Bay Blue metallic appear to be more emblematic and refined. There is also the combination of matte and metallic effects, which creates a contemporary and simultaneously classic interior that can be a great choice for luxury lovers.

Inside the Edition VR46

The interior of both models VR46 looks quite similar and has an energetic and racy design borrowed from the exterior. Carbon fiber sports seats have been designed with Merino leather and also have Sao Paulo Yellow Alcantara on the shoulder area while offering comfort. These headrests also feature a yellow lettering of VR46 which gives this car a quite clear relation to Rossi’s racing career.

Potential newbs can settle for the sports version of this car; it has an Alcantara-wrapped M steering wheel as well as a center console badge branded “1/46,” expressing the uniqueness of the car.

Power and Performance

Mechanically, the Edition VR46 is no different from the M4 CS, the car has a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine under its hood and offers a monstrous 543 horsepower output. This power is transmitted to all four wheels tracking and the car can go from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3.4 seconds. Magnificent work of engineering allows the car to look like Rossi and act like him – speedy, the epitome of excellent performance.

Personal Reflections

Being a car lover, the introduction of the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 made me feel thrilled. I have always admired Rossi’s career and seeing a car that was made for him is truly exciting. The detailed work put into creating such impressive models does not make them just automobiles; in fact, they are extended to glorify one of the most popular racers of all time.

That is why I think that the modern and exclusive concept of the Edition VR46 perfectly fits in the context of car collectibles. The bright colors, beautiful features, and striking power of the artwork proved that this has to be a symbolic representation of Rossi’s personality.

End Note

BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 is a great way to honor Valentino Rossi, paying a worthy homage to a racer in a way that would be understood by car lovers and fans of the racing series alike. To this effect, each model has its own specialty and uniqueness in design, meaning that owning one is similar to owning a piece of art, not to mention an excellent performance. Rossi is still causing sensations in the racing world and the Edition VR46 remains a depiction of his legacy.



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A Sneak Peek into the Future: The New Audi A6 Avant

Audi has just fired up the automotive media buzz with a teaser of the new Audi A6 Avant model it is set to release. It leaves me with utmost joy knowing that this stunning model will get its maiden run on the 4th of March. These merges of power and style keep me looking forward to further details.

Returning to Classic Roots

Still, it is worth knowing that the new model was going to be called A7 Avant. However, Audi decided to return to the calling name customary in the A6 Avant model release. This appears to have been done on purpose not to confuse them with their electric version for clarity to the enthusiasts and any potential buyer who may be interested. Personally, I appreciate this decision. It maintains the brand identity and minimizes confusion, which is important for me in the modern world of automobiles today.

Teasing Elegance and Performance

Generally, Audi has succeeded in giving the new A6 Avant quite a mystery look as it is covered up to where only the light signature of the taillights can be seen. This picture on its own just gives me goosebumps as a car lover. This is as far as Audi would go in ensuring that the new design is described as ‘proclaimed to be both elegant and dynamic,’ an implication of both style and form. Therefore, the given concept implies that Audi is not only interested in exterior and interior design but more in the performance and luxury the company has always provided.

Pioneering Aerodynamics and Technology

They have also suggested that the new model is to unveil some unique aerodynamics as well as the best suspension system. These show that Audi is striving towards the very edge as far as design and operation are concerned. To the best of intents and purposes, these features appeal to one who desires comfort and a good experience, as well as efficiency. I would like to guess what some of these innovations will look like when implemented and the convenience they will bring into the lives of drivers, as every drive is a pleasure.

The Power Under the Hood

The new generation of Audi A6 Avant will retain combustion engines as a tribute to the lovers of traditional powerful vehicles with non-electrified gasoline engines. Well, for this reason, Audi has remained rather tight-lipped about the car and its features, making it even more intriguing. Details of these specific areas will of course go a long way in satisfying the curiosity of many interested individuals like myself, who have an interest in the complexity of these particular engines.

Conclusion

In the context of the A6 Avant’s upcoming launch on March 4, I consider myself to analyze some strategic decisions of Audi. To my mind, Audi is laying the foundation for what will certainly turn out to be a marvelous vehicle by returning to the root with love and embracing the name that turned Audi into an object of desire in the first place, A6. As for me, I have great excitement when it comes to teasers and now I would really like to see how these concepts are rendered into reality, as I have strong faith in Audi’s designers. As it is always mentioned, every little thing counts, and I am looking forward to examining those aspects.

End Note

The next generation of Audi A6 Avant has the potential to be a successful experiment in experiencing traditions and innovations. From my perspective, I am completely enthusiastic about the release of the new A6 Avant and I look forward to seeing it in person. So let’s just wait and expect it to give a great impression, as what Audi has innate in it.



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Monday, 24 February 2025

Westbound Part 2: 10,000 miles Across the U.S. on Ural Motorcycles

10,000 Miles Across the U.S. on Ural Sidecar Motorcycles
Westward: The Journey Begins We decided we would ride into the sun on fully decked out sidecars from the Eastern seaboard of the continent. To test the Urals and ourselves, the trip would be over 2,000 miles west, from the hilly forests of the Northeast, through the endless, flat farmland of the Midwest, and on to our furthest destination from home: Butte, Montana.

We’d bang a left and head south into Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado, stopping at some of the West’s most iconic locations: Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Rocky Mountains, and the Great Salt Lake. Then, we would put together an entire issue from the experience.

10,000 Miles Across the U.S. on Ural Sidecar Motorcycles
Departure morning was exciting and tense, mostly because of the nagging questions inside ourselves and from well-meaning friends and family. As we packed up the bikes, we all wore it on our faces. “What the hell are we getting into?” It was more than one motorcyclist that scratched their head when we told them our ambitions: 10,000 miles in just over a month on Russian sidecars. New territory for us and for most of our readers – sidecar owners are a small bunch. No stress the throttle and open road can’t alleviate, we thought. Our asses settled into their new homes and we began our journey, riding a perfect New England summer day through our backyard and into Vermont.

10,000 Miles Across the U.S. on Ural Sidecar Motorcycles
Our route took us through beautiful roads in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania, through cornfields of Amish country, and into the heartland of America. Even with the throttle wide open, a slight headwind in the prairie land meant a top speed of 65 mph with the Urals.

10,000 Miles Across the U.S. on Ural Sidecar Motorcycles
We mostly refer to these personality traits as charming. To speak in “Zen” terms (since we were en route to Montana, the home of Robert Pirsig), the choice to ride Urals across the country when none of us had embarked on a journey of that scale on any kind of motorcycle was, admittedly, a romantic one. The Ural is aesthetically beautiful and carries everything you’d need for a proper adventure. But we’ll admit we weren’t truly prepared for the level of “classic” thought that was going to be required to parade these battleships around the country.

10,000 Miles Across the U.S. on Ural Sidecar Motorcycles
The first half of the trip – getting there – presented its challenges. Unexpectedly, we found the Ural’s leaving their mark on every gas station we pulled into. Apparently the use of synthetic oil inspires the Russian beasts to cause shrinkage to its seals. Oils gotta go somewhere. We made the decision to keep them topped off and happy until we made it west. Maybe then she’d purge herself of the man-made stuff and we’d be back in shape.

The adventure had begun.

Badlands, South Dakota, on Ural Sidecar Motorcycles
Badlands National Park | South Dakota Our first real scenic destination, the name alone conjures feelings of wildness and intrigue. They are an otherworldly labyrinth of vibrant spires, massive buttes, and deep gorges all carved into the terra firma of the desolate prairie. They’re home to one of the world’s greatest beds of fossils. Ancient saber-toothed cats and giant rhinoceros-like creatures once roamed this godforsaken ground.

Black Hills, South Dakota, on Ural Sidecar Motorcycles
Black Hills | South Dakota Entering South Dakota’s Black Hills and Spearfish Canyon delivered 19 miles of towering pink and grey limestone sprinkled in evergreens and race tracks – the kind that make you drop below the posted 35 mph limits and breath in the entrance to the Great American West.

Devil's Tower, Wyoming. on Ural Sidecars
Devil’s Tower | Wyoming We rose an hour before dawn to make the 36-degree ride to the base of the tower to catch the morning light dance across the massive geologic formation’s anomalous eastern face. It may sound cliché or even hackneyed to say that this place has a peculiar and magnetic energy, but it’s the truth, and as the sun rose, the awe set in. It was a lone monolith rising defiantly from an otherwise vast and open plain. You can sense its lore. It’s not just a place that tells stories of humanity’s ancient inhabitants, but a place that tells stories about the birth of the universe itself.

Devil’s Tower is a 1,267-foot tall igneous rock formation that resides in the The Bear Lodge Mountains in the northeastern corner of Wyoming. President Theodore Roosevelt established it as the first National Monument in 1906.

10,000 Miles Across the U.S. on Ural Sidecar Motorcycles

This article first appeared in issue 22 of Iron & Air Magazine, and is reproduced here under license | With selections by Brett Houle, Gregory George Moore, Michael Hilton & Jason Paul Michaels
Selected photography may include works by Brett Houle, Gregory George Moore, Michael Hilton, Daniela Maria, Jenny Linquist, Becca Skinner, Kevin Bennett, David Mucci



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What is Clipping in Car Audio? Causes and How to Fix

If you are fond of car audio, you should agree that sound reproduction is a magnificent part of your car’s acoustics. But have you ever heard something like an inexperienced and unbalanced sound or even a distortion at high volume? I believe that is leading to clipping—a prevalent problem in car audio systems. In this article, I will educate you on what clipping is, its causes, and how to solve it so that you can be able to listen to clear, quality music in your car.

Understanding Clipping in Car Audio

Understanding Clipping in Car Audio

This is where the amplifier is overpowered to its optimum power output as sound is cut or clipped off at certain frequencies. This leads to distortion where the waveform is flattened towards the peak amplitude values. If this happens, the audio quality is rather low, and you get windy and grumpy sounds, which are not really easy to listen to. Just picture yourself listening to your favorite song only to be disappointed and what you hear is like a tin can being stepped on.

How Clipping Occurs

In technical terms, the audio signals refer to the waveform. If an amplifier dissipates more power than is possible, then it cannot produce the complete waveform pattern. Some of the high points and the low points are ‘cut off’ which distorts the waveform. This occurs because the power supply voltage of the amplifier’s output is unable to follow the peaks of the signal.

Causes of Clipping in Car Audio

Causes of Clipping in Car Audio

This can be attributed to some factors, as pointed out below. This article presents what can lead to it and how you can prevent it in order to have better sound quality.

Insufficient Power Supply

Perhaps one of the leading reasons why clipping occurs is the low power supply voltage. When an amplifier is unable to provide enough power that is required by the speaker, it ends up clipping. This is especially true when using high-quality speakers or speakers with high sensitivity ratings.

Mismatched Components

Additionally, there can be an appearance of another problem: the question of incompatible audio elements. Any time that your speakers require more power than the amplifier on hand can deliver or if the amplifier and speakers have a mismatch in impedance ratings, then it is almost impossible to avoid clipping. It is important to do this since you do not want to realize later that your components are incompatible.

Volume Levels

This is an example that shows that at times it is possible to normally raise the volume too high and this causes clipping. It is common for audio systems to have a specific limit on the amount of sound that they can produce before reaching a distortion point. And this is only natural, but knowing the limits of your system is crucial and it must not be overstepped.

Faulty Wiring

Other causes of clipping include improper or substandard wiring. Sometimes the connections may be weak, hence leading to power failure and thus low power to the amplifier. This problem can be avoided by ensuring that your wiring is correct and well-connected to avoid the issue arising.

Poor Quality Equipment

Another factor that leads to clipping is the use of low-quality or damaged equipment. Various aspects can lead to poor acoustics; these include cheap speakers, bad amplifiers, or spoiled cables.

Tips for Solving Clipping In Car Audio

Tips for Solving Clipping In Car Audio

In fixing clipping, it would require some modification and improvement to reach the desired level. Please follow all the steps below that could be taken to address the problem and also how to fix the clipping issues of your car audio.

Upgrade Your Amplifier

A simple approach exists to acquire a better amplifier model. Your amplifier needs replacement with one that delivers more power because it does not supply proper wattage for the speakers that you desire to use. Selecting an amplifier which matches your system requirements is essential for your setup needs.

Use a Higher Quality Power Supply

This is especially so because the higher the power rating, the cooler it can run, and upgrading the power supply can also help. A good noise supply ensures that your amplifier is well supplied with power, thus minimizing the chances of clipping.

Match Your Components

First and foremost, check on the compatibility of the speakers and the amplifier you intend to use. Check the power rating of the bulbs and their impedance value to avoid any addition or reduction in wattage. This is because the compatibility of these components is very important in ensuring high performance and quality sound.

Adjust Volume Levels

Indeed, often it is enough to reduce the volumes, and it is essential to find a way to make your model operate at its peak performance. Don’t turn the volume too high so as not to overwork the speakers of the music system.

Improve Wiring

Inspect your car’s audio wiring. Ensure that all the cables connecting it are well-fixed and of high quality. If there are any signs of wear or damage on any of them, put them in the bin and get a new one.

Regular Maintenance

Regularly maintain your audio system. Anticipate that the connections physically and electrically are clear, replace any worn-out parts, and make sure that everything in the circuit is operating optimally. The student’s reactions can mitigate many of these audio problems, including clipping.

Personal Opinion

Based on my experience, clipping is something that can greatly destroy the pleasure of enjoying music while in a car. It is admittedly a problem, but a competently solvable one if one has a little knowledge and determination as well as professional carnage. Three of the most crucial aspects, which are important in ensuring that the system produces the best sound quality, include selecting superior quality components and ensuring that the different parts of the system are compatible. As always, the basic lesson here is to know your strengths and limitations with regard to the system you are using.

End Note

Hearing clipping in the car audio can be problematic, but it is not always a permanent situation that cannot be rectified. With these causes having been identified and the respective cures applied, you would be able to enjoy clear and quality sounds every time you go on a drive. In fact, you actually have numerous options to work on when it comes to clipping – could be changing a certain amplifier, enhancing wiring, or even equalizing volume levels. By following the given tips, you are on your way to crafting an audio that will sound good to the last note.

FAQ Section

Is clipping a measure of audio distortion referring to car audio?

Clipping represents the distortion that happens in an overdriven amplifier when it cannot deliver the full waveform of the audio signal, which causes the sound to be rough.

What causes clipping?

Some of the causes of clipping are as follows: The power supply is low working with different impedances; other causes include speakers turning up, working with low-quality wires, or the quality of the equipment used is low.

What should I do if I have a clipping problem in my car audio system?

With the use of amplifiers, you can solve clipping by getting a better amplifier, getting a good power supply unit, using good brand and compatible components, regulating the volumes, getting good cables, and servicing your equipment.

Can I prevent clipping?

Yes, clipping can be prevented through: first, understanding the input/output capabilities of your system; second, using software or hardware of the correct caliber; and finally, ensuring proper maintenance of your audio system.

Do I need a new amplifier to have fixed clipping?

Not always. Thus, if you are replacing your amplifier, there are other factors that might cause clipping that can be fixed, which include inadequate speaker wiring, having the wrong electrical components, or setting the volume levels too high.



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Gorden Wagener, the Chief Designer at Mercedes-Benz: Oversized Screens do Not Represent Luxury

In the vast world of car design, phenomenal luxury has always been sexually connected with high mercantile values. However, this perception is somehow pertinent to the introduction of large screens in the current generation. According to information released by Gorden Wagener, the chief designer at Mercedes-Benz, those are oversized and might not exactly pin down what luxury is in the way we think it is.

Beyond Big Screens

Living in a country that is quite observant of automotive trends, I have realized that today’s generation of cars, especially in the premium segment, comes with large screens. Examples are BMW’s curved dashboard and the Audi, which displays the option of having three screens. Including the Hyperscreen technology that has been adopted by a company like Mercedes-Benz, the Mercedes-Benz EQS of the later models features a 56-inch display.

However, Wagener disagrees with the idea that big screens signify luxury in today’s world. I agree with him. We are able to have such larger and superior displays in our homes. It is rather said that the luxury of mechanisms for every car these days contains a big screen as such. Nowadays, people hurry up to simplify the interpretation of the concept of luxury to something very straightforward, such as relating it to a large size of a product.

Challenges Beyond Hardware

Wagener adds that, unlike most people think, the difficulties of implementing large-screen displays are not related to hardware issues. They are not in the machinery but in the software. As the devices got larger, he and others with similar visions made sure that the content they put on these screens was great. This resonates with me. But it’s not just the fabulous cinemascope picture that was on offer but rather the pedestal on which it was placed. The content provided has to be unique and engaging and should improve the experience of the users.

It will be the facelift year for S Class in 2026, and this new innovation dubbed Hyperscreen will require the input of Wagener. It is not only about having technology in a car but about how to provide the world with entertainment and comfort by using proper software and content.

Personal Take

Unfortunately, luxury, in my opinion, should comprise quite a few senses supplemented with certain added values. The technology factor is well incorporated in luxury products but it should not entirely dominate the entire concept of luxury products. According to this belief, Mercedes-Benz’s strategy of paying attention to content and users is commendable.

End Note

Chaotic as the contemporary world is, it is mandatory for the car industry to redefine the concept of luxury with reference to innovations. It is not uncommon to see companies today sticking to the big screen idea that is quite popular today but they have implemented it today as a luxury. Thus, Mercedes-Benz’s attempt to focus on content and experience rather than size is quite correct. It gives one a good reason to ponder more deeply about what makes a product belong to the luxury level and how this idea can be reinvented in the future.



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Sunday, 23 February 2025

Speed Read: A sparkling Yamaha XS650 chopper and three Harleys

The latest Yamaha and Harley-Davidson choppers, bobbers, and customs
A lone Yamaha XS650 chopper stands against a sea of Harley-Davidsons this week. Following it are a Harley XR1000 flat tracker, a Sportster bobber from Gas&Retro, and a spicy Harley Electra Glide Big Twin chopper from the USA.

Yamaha XS650 chopper by Mike Dodd
Yamaha XS650 by Mike Dodd Two years ago, Mike Dodd of Auckland, New Zealand found himself in possession of a 1982 Yamaha XS650. But there was a small hiccup—it was a complete basket case. Seeing as the bike was already in a thousand pieces, Mike thought the skinny and light XS would be the perfect candidate for a Japanese-style chopper.

The back half of the frame was cut off before Mike welded on a hardtail section from TC Bros and neatened up the frame’s neck gussets.

Yamaha XS650 chopper by Mike Dodd
The rear wheel was polished and re-laced to the stock hub with stainless spokes, while the twin leading shoe drum brake hub from a Suzuki T500 was paired with a 21” Akront rim up front. It’s hooked up to a set of lengthened forks with Harley internals and a custom fork brace.

Custom-made handlebars (with internal wiring) were matched to new levers and Vans x Cult grips. A Lowbrow Customs ‘P-Nut’ tank was bolted on after Mike had relocated the fuel cap to the highest point on the tank to squeeze every drop of fuel in. A Daytona speedometer was mounted at the base of the fuel tank to keep the bars clean.

Yamaha XS650 chopper by Mike Dodd
There are Purpose Built Moto turn signals all around, and a slick tail light mounted on the custom sissy bar. With the rear fender painted gloss black, we’re glad to see Mike chose a wild purple metal flake for the tank. The seat was upholstered by Midnight Upholstery, and sits above an electronics box that houses the battery a Purpose Built Moto control unit.

The Yamaha XS650 engine was reassembled with new rods, a trued and welded crank, high-compression pistons, and a hotter cam. The capacity was bumped to 700 cc, the valve springs were upgraded, and Mike ported the head.

Yamaha XS650 chopper by Mike Dodd
The clutch boss was machined to accommodate an extra friction plate. A set of Mikuni carbs throw fuel into the engine, while hot gasses exit through a handmade stainless steel exhaust system.

As Mike squeezed the build into his spare time, the whole process took two years of painstaking effort. From the shores of Japan to the land of the long white cloud, we’re stoked that Mike stuck to his guns. [Mike Dodd | Images by Brad Longworth]

Harley-Davidson XR1000 flat tracker
Harley-Davidson XR1000 by Laurel Classics Cade Carradine spent his youth dreaming of large-capacity V-twins and always knew that one day, he’d have his own. So when an opportunity to build himself a road-going Harley Davidson XR750 arose, he jumped at it. Armed with an old Chevrolet diesel truck and a healthy dose of stick-to-itiveness, he eventually found everything he needed.

First up, Cade miraculously got his hands on a genuine Harley-Davidson XR750 factory racing frame from 1977. The chromoly frame was all there, but the rear had to be straightened—which he didn’t discover until after the frame was nickel-plated and the engine was in.

Harley-Davidson XR1000 flat tracker
The 43 mm forks are from a Yamaha R6, with twin single-piston Brembos and Barnes brake discs paired with Sunstar rims and fresh flat track rubber. The fork clamps are from Banke Performance, and the headlight is an ex-Chicago police cruiser spotlight that has been ingeniously modified to fit.

The Flanders handlebars are equipped with KustomTech levers, Renthal grips, and small rectangular mirrors, mounted down low.

Harley-Davidson XR1000 flat tracker
The XR750 tank was matched to a Scott Parker replica seat unit, with custom upholstery by Christine LePera. Pacman Jack McCann painted the bodywork a brilliant Chevrolet Super Sport blue and laid down the custom XR1000 vinyls.

A lot of attention was given to the engine. The engine cases and cylinders are from a 1984 model Harley and increase the capacity to 1000 cc. Alloy XR750 cylinder heads from Branch Flowmetrics were paired with matching XR750 rocker boxes, and there’s even an electric starter.

Harley-Davidson XR1000 flat tracker
Twin 38 mm Mikuni carbs on custom mounts feed fuel into each cylinder, with twin Supertrapp exhausts snaking their way out of the left-hand side of the bike. The rear set footpegs are from Storz Performance, and the frame’s rear was slightly modified to accept a pair of Öhlins shocks.

Sitting pretty on a fresh set of flat track tires, this is one of the best Harley street trackers we’ve ever seen. And, incredibly, this is Cade’s first ground-up custom motorcycle. We can’t wait to see what he comes up with next. [Source | Images by Alex Chapman for Hot Bike Magazine]

Harley Sportster bobber by Gas&Retro
Harley-Davidson Sportster by Gas&Retro A few years back, Žiga Petek at Gas&Retro received a call from Italian brothers Marko and Martin Mihael, who had just bought themselves a pair of Harley Davidsons—a Softail and a Sportster. Martin’s bike (the Softail) was put under the knife at Gas&Retro, and the project went so well that Marko then asked Žiga to lend him a hand with his Sportster.

The Sportster had already had a few things done by another custom builder—but it was a bit rough around the edges. Žiga agreed to clean it up and make it look a little more modern.

Harley Sportster bobber by Gas&Retro
The Sporty was disassembled and its frame sent off for blasting and painting. A pair of gold fork stanchions were installed to contrast against the chunky black 16-inch wheels. A short fender, LED headlight, and custom bikini fairing were added to the front end.

Gas&Retro installed a full suite of Motogadget bits, including the speedo, keyless ignition, bar-end turn signals, glassless mirrors, grips, and push-button switches. The master cylinder, clutch lever, brake calipers, and rotors all came from Beringer. A set of black crash bars was bolted on, complete with yellow lens PIAA spotlights; a modification we most definitely approve of.

Harley Sportster bobber by Gas&Retro
The Sportster 48 tank, bikini fairing, and bobbed rear fender were painted in an outlandish black and grey lightning bolt livery by Žiga’s mate, Erik Smrdel. Erik also laid down bright yellow and racing numbers over the side covers, which pair well with the Öhlins rear shocks and the custom Alcantara seat.

The 1,200 cc engine was stripped down and rebuilt with fresh gaskets, seals, Screamin’ Eagle camshafts, and a K&N air filter. The EFI system was ripped out and replaced by a simple Mikuni carb, hidden by a carbon air filter cover. The exhaust system is custom and terminates in an Akrapovič muffler.

Harley Sportster bobber by Gas&Retro
A handmade license plate holder, and three-in-one LEDs from Kellermann, sit out back. The number 77 is Marko’s racing number, and seventy7 is the name of Marko’s new art design studio.

In the three years since Žiga, Martin, and Marko first met, they have become good mates and even race scooters and supermotos together. With plans to build a custom Porsche 356 on the horizon, we’re sure Gas&Retro and the Mihael brothers will team up for another bike soon. [Gas&Retro | Images by Rok Plešnar]

Harley Big Twin chopper with The Gasbox frame by Death Co. Choppers
Harley-Davidson Evo by Death Co. Choppers In the two years that Dan Dellostritto has been running Death Co. Choppers, he’s built over 30 Harley Sportster choppers using frames from The Gasbox. So when The Gasbox developed a new frame for Harley Big Twins, they quickly got a prototype frame into Dan’s hands.

Starting with the eponymous Big Twin frame, the prototype was constructed to accept a five-speed gearbox, with a 32-degree neck that is 3” taller than stock. The frame is also built with Frisco tank mounts and includes a horseshoe oil tank.

Harley Big Twin chopper with The Gasbox frame by Death Co. Choppers
A 1990 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide FLHTC Classic donated its 1,340 cc engine to the cause. It’s fitted with an S&S Super E carb and a set of MCM slash-cut drag pipes. An Ultima 2” open belt primary was fitted, along with high-mid foot controls from Maindrive Cycles.

The 2.1-gallon Frisco tank (painted by Wren Compton) sits nice and high on the frame. Tall Taco Bars from Zombie Performance wear Biltwell Inc. grips, a 1FNGR clutch lever, and a mirror from Pangea Speed. The seat is from Wilder Factory, and the taillight is from JEGS.

Harley Big Twin chopper with The Gasbox frame by Death Co. Choppers
A set of 19F/16R mag wheels were bolted on and wrapped in Shinko Classic 240 tires. The 39 mm forks are six inches longer than stock, locking down that signature chopper style. The rear fender is from Lowbrow Customs, and Unity Manufacturing supplied one of their Tuff Rotors to be squeezed by a Wilwood caliper out back.

Even though Dan’s made Sportsters his hallmark, there’s no denying he’s knocked this Big Twin chopper out of the part. If Death Co. Choppers keep pumping them out looking this clean, things might change. [Source]



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