Monthly Archives: January 2016

2015 Yamaha YZF-R1 & R1M First Ride Review

2015 Yamaha YZF-R1 & R1M First Ride Review

Cars, , , ,

Seventeen years after Yamaha reinvented the literbike class with its original YZF-R1, the Tuning Fork brand pushes the performance envelope further with its 2015 R1 ($16,490, ‘M’ version $21,990). Engineered for competition, Yamaha raises the bar of what riders and racers expect from a production Superbike.

SEAMLESS INTEGRATION OF EVERY COMPONENT

There’s a whole lot to love about the new R1: the thrilling performance of the still crossplane crank-equipped, but more oversquare Inline Four engine, the planted, corner speed-loving chassis and the class-leading electronics package. Yet the most impressive feat is the seamless integration of every component of the motorcycle. It all works in unison on the redesigned R1, allowing fast laps to come at relative ease.
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2015 KTM 250 XC-F vs. Yamaha YZ250FX Comparison Review

2015 KTM 250 XC-F vs. Yamaha YZ250FX Comparison Review

Cars, , , , , , , , , ,

Until recently, KTM lived alone in the category of closed course off-road race bikes, and that makes it pretty easy to dominate. The idea isn’t rocket science, take a motocross bike and slightly tweak it to handle the rigors of off-road racing. Picture GNCC-style race courses that favor a motocross machine more than a trail bike.

The KTM XC line is all about producing bikes that can handle a wide range of terrain and the Austrian marque does it well. Now Yamaha has thrown its blue hat into the KTM-ish world of closed course off-road race bikes with the all-new YZ250FX, providing a bike that can do it all – from trail riding to motocross. If a 250 four-stroke bike that can enjoy a day trail riding, compete in GNCC style off-road racing and then rip up a motocross track is on your radar, you now have two excellent choices.
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2015 KTM 390 Duke First Ride Review

2015 KTM 390 Duke First Ride Review

Cars, , , ,

KTM is doing big things in the on-road market right now, one of which is expanding its selection of smaller displacement bikes. Not long ago we got our first taste of the smallest street-going powerplant KTM is offering in the States, the 373cc Single that is shared in the RC390 and 390 Duke, when we tested the RC model in Italy.

I said it then and I’ll say it again – small bikes are serious business and serious fun. The sporty ergos of the RC390 may not be for everyone though, so KTM offers a more comfortable and upright riding position with the similarly-powered Duke. KTM shipped a select group of media outlets to Thailand for its Duke It! Press event to get a taste of the soon-to-be-available in the US 390 Duke along with its smaller and bigger siblings.
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2015 BMW S1000RR First Ride Review

2015 BMW S1000RR First Ride Review

Cars, , , ,

BMW preemptively answers its Superbike competition with its updated-for-2015 S1000RR (starting at $15,500). Employing new hardware highlighted by an all-new frame, more powerful version of its class-leading 1000cc Inline Four and up-spec HP4-derived electronics, the Bavarian machine dodges punches from its recently updated rivals.

ENGINE

Over the years the S1000RR has developed a reputation for the visceral, time-bending performance of its 999cc Inline Four and the updated version continues to leave us in awe. Although engineers have done an admirable job of easing the punch of its 14,000 rpm powerband, the S1000RR continues to feel like it employs the ‘fastest’ engine in the class.
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2016 Suzuki RM-Z250 First Ride Review

2016 Suzuki RM-Z250 First Ride Review

Cars, , , ,

A Big List of Updates

Some manufactures now share the styling and base foundation of their 250Fs and 450Fs. It means they only have to make one style of plastic, as many of the components cross platforms and, if the frames are similar, it saves on manufacturing costs. KTM and Yamaha both do this, and we’re guessing Suzuki is moving in this direction for 2017 as well, with the RM-Z450 rumored to be much different next year. This could explain why the 2016 RM-Z250’s styling didn’t change, but probably will be updated in 2017.
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2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S First Ride Review

2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S First Ride Review

Cars, , , , , , , ,

Riders seeking a heavyweight do-it-all street bike should pay attention to Ducati’s Multistrada 1200 ($17,695). Already one of the stronger performing motorcycles in the Italian company’s lineup, the updated Multi features a carefully enhanced version of the Superbike-derived 1198cc L-Twin and fresh electronic solutions to deliver a superior riding experience.

The ’15 Multistrada may only appear to be a minor facelift from the outside, however, underneath its beaky Ducati Red bodywork (or Iceberg White colorway available on the up-spec $19,695 S model) the majority of the components are of new design (aside from its key-less fob-type ignition that we’re still not fans of). Starting with the engine, Ducati continues to advance the dynamics of its tried-and-true 1098/1198 twin-cylinder engine platform by fitting a variable valve timing hardware inside the cylinder head dubbed Desmodromic Variable Timing.
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ARCH Motorcycle KRGT-1 First Ride Review

ARCH Motorcycle KRGT-1 First Ride Review

Cars, , ,

The devil is in the details.It starts with the horns of the downdraft induction system perched above the headlight, twin funnels shoving an overabundance of air down the throat of an insatiable 2032cc V-Twin. It rattles in your bones when the monster mill fires to life, and through the vibrations in the bars and pegs you know this is no ordinary beast. You hear it in the snarl of its exhaust, a deep, menacing growl, speaking in tongues only motorcyclists truly understand. It ends in the red slit of an LED frenched into the aluminum rear cowling, the wink of a taillight all that cars see as you go blowing by.
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2015 KTM 250 SX-F Factory Edition First Ride Review

2015 KTM 250 SX-F Factory Edition First Ride Review

Cars, , ,

The KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition has warmed the hearts of riders for the past four years and now 250F lovers can get a trick Factory Edition machine from KTM, as 2015 marks the first year the Austrian brand has released a 250 SX-F Factory Edition. A bonus to the release of Factory Editions is they are a reliable preview of what the KTM SX-F models will be for 2016. In fact, we’d bet all the money in your bank account that the 2016 KTM SX-F models will be almost identical to the Factory Editions, minus the graphics and a few of the bling items.
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2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 First Ride Review

2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 First Ride Review

Cars, , ,

The Kawasaki Versys 650 has gained a strong following since its 2008 introduction in the United States and abroad. In 2012 Kawasaki brought forth a larger-displacement variant, the Versys 1000, to the European market. American riders would have to wait until the 2015 model year for the big Versys, where it arrives alongside its 650 sibling with both models having been restyled and updated.

We spent the day riding the Versys 1000 LT around the island of Sicily to see if it will be a hit like the 650.Straight away, we noticed the brick-like fascia of the previous iteration has been updated to a more sharp and sportier mug that echoes other sporty Kawasaki models. The restyle not only makes for a more appealing shape but it also has a function.
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Samsung Galaxy TabPro S review: Hands-on with another Surface rival with Window 10

Samsung Galaxy TabPro S review: Hands-on with another Surface rival with Window 10

Wearables, , , , , , , , ,

It’s that time of year again and CES 2016 is in full swing with more new technology than you can shake a stick at. It looks like Samsung is taking on Microsoft’s Surface with its own Windows 10 tablet. Here’s our Samsung Galaxy TabPro S hands-on review from Las Vegas.

The idea of the product, according to Samsung, is combining a laptop and tablet into one device to offer productivity on-the-go. This category, normally called convertibles or hybrids, has been around for a long time but Windows 10 is helping to make them better.
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Haier Ultrabook hands-on review: Haier’s first 12mm thick Ultrabook boasts 4G connectivity

Haier Ultrabook hands-on review: Haier’s first 12mm thick Ultrabook boasts 4G connectivity

Wearables, , , ,

During CES 2016 at Las Vegas, Chinese company Haier announces a plethora of new gadgets including the 12mm thick Haier Ultrabook, a fanless laptop that also offers 4G connectivity. But with so many ultrabooks being announced at this years CES event, is it enough to make it stand out from the crowd? We went hands-on with the Ultrabook at CES 2016 and here’s what we thought.
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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

Alcatel OneTouch Fierce XL review: A Windows 10 Mobile phone not from Microsoft

Alcatel OneTouch Fierce XL Hands-on review: A Windows 10 Mobile phone not from Microsoft

Wearables, , , , , , , , , , , ,

We’ve gotten used to Microsoft being the only maker of smartphones running Windows but it seems the launch of Windows 10 Mobile is changing that. Here’s our Alcatel OneTouch Fierce XL hands-on review from CES 2016.

With so much dominance from iOS and Android in the smartphone market, we were beginning to wonder whether any partners would make Windows phones ever again. It appears that they were just waiting for Windows 10 to arrive in order to give it another shot.
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HP 255 G4 review: a budget 15in laptop that's a good all-rounder if you're on a very limited budget

HP 255 G4 review: a budget 15in laptop that’s a good all-rounder if you’re on a very limited budget

Computers & IT, , , , , , , , ,

The 255 G4 is a budget 15in laptop with a 2.2GHz quad-core AMD accelerated processing unit (APU), a processor that includes integrated graphics – like Intel’s Core series chips, only Radeon-branded and potentially more powerful than Intel HD Graphics counterparts.

PRICE

The sweet spot for a good laptop with a tolerable display, quick components and respectable build quality is still around £500/$750 or more. If that’s more than you’d rather pay, there are plenty of options below £300/$450 such as this AMD-powered HP laptop for £269.99/$395, supplied for review by Ebuyer. And since there’s £30/$45 cashback (at the time of posting), it’s an even more affordable £239.99/$360. The part code, which ensures you’re buying the configuration reviewed here, is P5T27ES#ABU.
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Withings Go review: Hands-on with the cheap e-ink activity tracker

Withings Go review: Hands-on with the cheap e-ink activity tracker

Wearables, , ,

Wearables are big, not literally, at CES 2016 and Withings has launched its cheapest activity tracker yet. Here’s our Withings Go hands-on review.

PRICE AND DESIGN

At just £49/$74, the Withings Go is seriously affordable and it’s not just the price that’s small here. The Go is a tiny little activity tracker featuring a round e-ink screen.

We like the cute and fun design which is available in five different colours: black, blue, green, red, yellow. It can be worn in different ways including as a watch, clipped where you choose, or just hidden away in apocket.
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2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 First Ride Review

2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 First Ride Review

Cars, , , ,

“It’s more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow…”

We’ve all heard that familiar adage a time or two, usually intoned by a veteran rider to a less experienced comrade. And there’s a lot of truth behind the aphorism. I certainly couldn’t argue against it during my first ride aboard the 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3.

Running in top gear pinned, chasing the bike ahead on a curvy mountain road. Leaned over and arcing through a sweeping bend, trying to carry maximum corner speed. Curling up into full tuck before the next corner, inching closer to the leader. The little R3 screams at full power as I glance down at the dash… 89 mph. The backroad strafing continued at Northern California’s Thunderhill Raceway, where we logged a spirited afternoon session on the short track. Sure, it’s no R1, but the 320cc R3 delivers a lot of fun at a $4990 price point.
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2015 Ural cT Review

2015 Ural cT Review

Cars, ,

It’s Fun, I Want One, and so do You.

After riding a motorcycle for a quarter century, I thought I knew how to ride. And then I had to drive around Northern Washington in (on?) a burnt-orange-painted Ural cT sidecar rig. I discovered I’m not as good a rider as I thought I was.

For one thing, it didn’t want to go straight – it needed constant correction. It also didn’t turn like a motorcycle – at least not until the sidecar would come up off the ground in tight turns. Then it would countersteer, but only until the third wheel touched down and turned the great orange contraption back into a… what? It’s not a car. It’s not a motorcycle.
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2015 Ducati Monster 821 Comparison

2015 Ducati Monster 821 Comparison

Cars, , , ,

Ducati’s Monster appeals to riders with an attitude. This all-new 821 version ($11,495) aims to up the ante with a more powerful, and now liquid-cooled, 821cc L-Twin. Sporting an array of electronics including traction control, adjustable engine power modes and ABS, the new Monster targets more advanced thrill-seeking riders with an Italian twist.

When it comes to looking good naked, Ducati knows how to flaunt its stuff. But in our mind the ’15 Monster has taken a step backward visually. The biggest eye sore is the extensive use of plastic, perhaps added to help hide its new cooling plumbing. We do, however, appreciate its always smiling front end with ultra-bright LED-headlight and exposed forward portion of its trellis frame.
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2014 Suzuki SFV650 Comparison

2014 Suzuki SFV650 Comparison

Cars, , , , ,

Though its SV650 and Gladius moniker may have changed, Suzuki’s SFV650 ($7699) has long been a staple motorcycle in the Japanese company’s lineup. Featuring a tried-and-true 645cc liquid-cooled V-Twin housed inside a lipstick red tubular steel chassis, the feisty SFV is a great solution for riders looking for a fun, affordable street bike.

Despite being the oldest design, we’re still fond of certain styling elements of the SFV, in particular its sleek exhaust and petite nose. Admittedly though, we wish it offered more modern-looking (and functional) hardware like an inverted fork, radial-mount front brakes and an updated instrument panel.

“The body lines and looks are a little dated, but it’s the only bike in this test that still has an analog tach,” states Colton. “I really like to visibly see where it’s at in the rpm range rather than read the data bars [on the Ducati and Yamaha]”.
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2015 Yamaha FZ-07 Comparison

2015 Yamaha FZ-07 Comparison

Cars, , , , , ,

If fun and affordability are atop your purchasing checklist then take a spin on Yamaha’s all-new FZ-07 ($6990). Powered by a playful 689cc Parallel Twin that inherits Yamaha’s signature crossplane crankshaft design, the FZ offers the ideal blend of torque and amusing character making it a blast to rip around town.

Being the new kid on the block can have its advantages, and the Yamaha’s fresh face is one of them. True, its appearance is a tad utilitarian, but we prefer its understated, purposeful shape to that of the bulky-looking Ducati and older Suzuki. Although the FZ employs a nice bright LED taillight its headlight is more old school with a halogen bulb compared to the night riding-friendly and fully LED-equipped Monster.
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2016 KTM 125 SX & 150 SX Two-Stroke First Ride Review

2016 KTM 125 SX & 150 SX Two-Stroke First Ride Review

Cars, , , , ,

MotoUSA just got back from Crawfordsville, Indiana where we had the chance to ride all the new 2016 KTM motocross bikes, including the all-new 125 SX and 150 SX two-strokes on the Ironman Raceway Motocross track. The new 125 SX and 150 SX have lost some serious weight and gained power. Thankfully KTM continues to push two-stroke technology, helping solidify the future for these small cubic centimeter screamers. 125s offer outstanding power-to-weight ratio, low cost and simplicity, which is great for young riders, those on a budget or riders who just simply love to ride a screaming two-stroke.
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2015 Harley-Davidson Freewheeler First Ride Review

2015 Harley-Davidson Freewheeler First Ride Review

Cars, , , ,

Most riders bracket the term “motorcycle” with air quotes when referencing three-wheelers, yet these models continue to grow in popularity. Can-Am’s Spyder has made the most inroads within this peculiar three-wheeled segment, but Harley-Davidson’s Tri-Glide trike has served as the sole V-Twin production option from a major manufacturer. Now for the 2015 model year, The Motor Company expands its three-wheeled offerings with the all-new Freewheeler.
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https://www.cycleworld.com/2014/09/19/2015-harley-davidson-freewheeler-first-ride-three-wheeler-motorcycle-review-photos-specifications/

2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2 First Ride Review

2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2 First Ride Review

Cars, , , ,

Kawasaki emphasizes its position atop the sportbike world with the re-introduction of a classic: the Kawasaki Ninja H2 ($25,000). Like its predecessor did 40 years ago, the H2 showcases the latest in engineering and manufacturing technologies born from the might of Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The H2 is designed to be the fastest, most high-tech production motorcycle on the road. So Kawasaki invited us to Southern California’s Auto Club Speedway, cutting us loose for 20-something laps to find out if the supercharged H2 lives up to the hype.
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2015 Beta 480 RR vs. Beta 430 RR Race Edition Comparison Review

2015 Beta 480 RR vs. Beta 430 RR Race Edition Comparison Review

Cars, , , ,

The 2015 model year brought many updates to Beta’s four-stroke off-road machines, making the bikes lighter and improving overall handling. The Italian marque also introduced four new engine sizes for 2015, all with different power characteristics aimed to please a wide range of riders. One 2015 engine update is adding fuel-injection to 350 RR (the remaining off-road Betas still drink through a Keihin carburetor), but the biggest changes were reduced engine displacement for the 430 RR Race Edition (previously a 450) and 480RR (previously a 498). Even though the new 430/480 models have less displacement, Beta assures us that the horsepower and torque is the same as the 2014 models they replace, thanks to new cam and exhaust designs. After a few months of riding these two bikes, we can attest that neither is lacking power!
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2015 Beta XTrainer 300 First Ride Review

2015 Beta XTrainer 300 First Ride Review

Cars, ,

The much-anticipated 2015 Beta 300 XTrainer (Crosstrainer) is here, ready for American enjoyment, and MotoUSA just spent some time enjoying the downsized off-road machine. Beta wants it known this is an entry-level dirt bike, not a trials bike on steroids, or dirt bike modified to perform like a rock hopping trials bike. While the XTrainer’s main purpose is entry-level riding, the bike’s size and engine character make it a solid choice for more extreme off-road terrain riding. The Beta XTrainer is 15% smaller overall and weighs about seven pounds less than the Beta 300 RR, the Italian firm’s true full-sized enduro off-road bike.
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Lenovo Y Gaming Surround Sound Headset Review

Lenovo Y Gaming Surround Sound Headset Review

Audio & Video, Wearables, , , , , , , , , ,

I never would have expected Lenovo to deliver a gaming headset ─ let alone a good one ─ but here we are. The company’s $59 Y Gaming Surround Sound headset is a surprisingly sleek peripheral whose impressive audio output is complemented by some neat-looking LED lights. The headset is lightweight and cozy enough to handle a long night of gaming, and it works equally well over USB or headphone jack. Despite a clunky companion app, the Y Gaming headset is an excellent choice for those seeking immersive sound on a budget.
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https://www.tomsguide.com/us/lenovo-y-gaming-headset,review-3316.html

2016 Aprilia RSV4 RF First Ride Review

2016 Aprilia RSV4 RF First Ride Review

Cars, , , ,

No other brand has had more World Superbike racing success in recent memory than Aprilia with its V-Four-powered RSV4. Since its release six years ago, this Italian-built Superbike has been one of the most coveted rides for SBK’s top competitors, netting three championships in the hotly contested globe-trotting series. For 2016, Aprilia fine-tunes its Superbike flagship via internal engine updates,  revised chassis and updated electronic strategies with its limited-edition and Ohlins suspension-equipped 2016 RSV4 RF ($21,999) .
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2015 Suzuki GSX-S750 First Ride Review

2015 Suzuki GSX-S750 First Ride Review

Cars, , , , ,

Suzuki brought out the big guns to Austin, Texas for the first ride press introduction of its 2015 GSX-S750. The VIP guests included American Suzuki’s President, Takeshi Hayasaki, as well as its most famous American brand ambassador, former GP champ Kevin Schwantz. The latter would lead us during our group ride through his local Texas backroads, including a couple parade laps on the nearby Circuit of the Americas. Unfortunately, Mother Nature didn’t get the memo and dumped rain off and on during our entire ride, but we’ll get to that in a minute…
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How to Upgrade to Windows 10 From Windows 7 or 8

How to Upgrade to Windows 10 From Windows 7 or 8

Computers & IT, Phones, , , , , ,

Windows 10 is the best PC operating system yet, with a powerful new Start menu, a UI that switches between and touch and mouse-friendly modes, the Cortana digital assistant and a host of other improvements. If you’re already running a legitimate copy of Windows 7 or 8, you’re eligible to upgrade for free. Running an OS upgrade takes a little time but not much effort or expertise — when you’re done, you’ll have the most powerful Windows yet, with all your programs, settings and data still in place. Here’s how to upgrade to Windows 10.
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https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/how-to-upgrade-windows-10

2016 BMW R1200RS First Ride Review

2016 BMW R1200RS First Ride Review

Cars, , ,

BMW Motorrad has enjoyed great success with its Inline Four and Inline Six engine platforms, but the tried-and-true Boxer Twin remains the Bavarian marque’s signature engine design. BMW continues to develop the Boxer range and expands its lineup with the all-new R1200RS.

BMW has a long history of sport-inspired R series models. The original RS hails back to the mid-70s, but the last S-model designation dropped out of the Boxer lineup with the 2007 R1200S. And while the HP2 Sport carried the Boxer sportbike torch alongside the S1000RR for a time, it fizzled out as well.
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2016 Husqvarna FC 250, FC 350 and FC 450 First Ride Review

2016 Husqvarna FC 250, FC 350 and FC 450 First Ride Review

Cars, , , ,

Husqvarna held the world press intro for its 2016 motocross line at Maryland’s Budds Creek motocross track. At no time during our Budds Creek trip did Husqvarna reference KTM, its parent company, which might not seem weird until you find out the how similar the two brands really are. Decoding Husqvarna’s very calculated answers to our questions revealed just how close the 2016 Husqvarna MX bikes are to the 2016 KTM SX-F models. And after reading between lines, comparing spec charts and analyzing photos of the two brands, the Husqvarna and KTM are even closer than we first thought.
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