Connect with us

Published

on

Car enthusiasts around the world constantly make modifications to their cars. Some are simply cosmetic, while others can affect the vehicle’s overall performance. In addition, many car modifications are totally legal and harmless, but others might get the car’s owner a ticket and a fine because the modification isn’t actually legal and according to regulations.

If you’re new to the idea of modifying your vehicles, you might be somewhat surprised to learn that some aesthetic upgrades can land you on the wrong side of the law. But, at the same time, many aesthetic and performance upgrades are no problem at all. In this article, we’ll go through the four of the best simple modifications to improve your car’s performance and aesthetics in a legal manner.

Paint Job

The truth is that an obnoxious paint job might be a crime against good taste, but it’s not an actual offense. Usually, you can paint your car or vehicle however you want or get a paint job effect with a vinyl wrap, as long as it doesn’t look like you’re trying to impersonate emergency or police cars.

However, there are a couple of crucial things you should keep in mind with the process of repainting your car. First, it’s a time-consuming process to have your vehicle repainted by yourself, and it might be expensive to have your car repainted by a professional. So, if you decide to repaint your vehicle on your own, check your local pollution ordinances to ensure that you won’t get cited for the paint and chemical fumes.

On the other hand, if you decide to get your car repainted at a professional painting service, check if the company of your selection has all the needed tools and pieces of machinery like a professional Fuji automotive paint spray gun, special paint booth, paint thinners, an acrylic topcoat, clear-coat lacquer, and more, to ensure that the job will be professionally done and in a timely manner.

car paint gun

Suspension Upgrades

As long as you respect the laws and stay within your state’s limits for ride height modifications, an aftermarket suspension system upgrade is entirely legal. Moreover, the right suspension system can be a fantastic way to upgrade your vehicle’s performance. If done right, your car will handle the driving much better, and you can tune the suspension to optimize the vehicle for your way of driving.

It doesn’t matter if you want to press the gas pedal and race or you want to commute a bit more enjoyably; a sound suspension system is a car modification that’s arguably almost always worth the initial investment.

Sports Seats

Car seat upgrades are another popular car modification, regardless of whether you’re a novice racer or you just want to look like one. A brand new set of sport seats always look fantastic, and if you select the right ones, they can be much more supportive and comfortable than your vehicle’s stock ones. The new seats can even help you improve your driving position.

Nevertheless, many racing seat manufacturers caution their

Read More

—————-

By: Automotive Addicts Contributor
Title: 4 Legal Car Modifications To Improve Your Car’s Performance and Aesthetics
Sourced From: www.automotiveaddicts.com/75638/4-legal-car-modifications-improve-cars-performance-aesthetics
Published Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2021 13:35:22 +0000

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.mansbrand.com/2021-velocity-invitational-day-3-update/

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Motor

2022 Honda CRF250RX Review

Published

on

PVLP445QQFBTTOMNJZFUI47SGA

For the 2022 model year, Honda’s enduro-ready CRF250RX ($8,499) gets a thoughtful set of improvements inline with its motocross brother, the CRF250R. Originally introduced for the 2019 model year the RX is positioned alongside the R bike, but instead of motocross racing, the RX is set up for off-road competition. It also lends itself to weekend warriors seeking a fun and capable dirt bike for trail riding yet can also tackle moto duty.

We throw a leg over Honda’s fun and easy riding 2022 CRF250RX dirt bike.
We throw a leg over Honda’s fun and easy riding 2022 CRF250RX dirt bike. (Jeff Allen/)

Editor’s note: The CRF250RX is a non-street-legal motorcycle for use on closed courses or in legal off-road riding areas. We tested the previous version during the 2021 Honda CRF250RX MC Commute Review

The RX effectively replaces American Honda’s tried-and-true 250X trail bike, which was retired a few years ago. This CRF is higher spec compared to the X and doesn’t benefit from a headlight inside the front number plate—so no riding after dark. This 250RX platform boasts a host of modifications that follow along the lines of the CRF250R.

Overhauled for ‘22, the CRF250RX is a competition specification off-road racer designed in parallel with the CRF250R motocross bike.
Overhauled for ‘22, the CRF250RX is a competition specification off-road racer designed in parallel with the CRF250R motocross bike. (Jeff Allen/)

Beginning with the engine, it continues to be powered by Honda’s 249cc liquid-cooled DOHC single with a four-valve cylinder head. The big news is there’s only one exhaust pipe. For a long, long time Honda claimed that dual pipes made for a bike with improved balance. While we don’t dispute its claim, it also made for added expense when replacing two mufflers instead of one.

The CRF250RX is powered by a water-cooled 249cc single. It pumps out 38 horsepower at the Geomax AX81 tire and offers more hill-conquering torque versus the ‘21 version.
The CRF250RX is powered by a water-cooled 249cc single. It pumps out 38 horsepower at the Geomax AX81 tire and offers more hill-conquering torque versus the ‘21 version. (Jeff Allen/)

American Honda gets back to the basics with a more conventional single exhaust terminating on the right-hand side of the vehicle. And, oh boy, does it still bark. The RX has added oomph—especially through the midrange with almost 19 lb.-ft. peak torque. The previous version’s engine package certainly wasn’t lazy, but this thing has more pep in its step. It has noticeably more low to midrange torque. Said torque does the heavy lifting when climbing steep grades. We enjoy that you can just leave it in a gear and lug up hills. The engine is good for nearly 38 hp at the business end of the Geomax rubber.

Honda’s CRF250RX appeals to off-road riders seeking a light and easy handling dirt bike.
Honda’s CRF250RX appeals to off-road riders seeking a light and easy handling dirt bike. (Jeff Allen/)

The powertrain is complemented by a more durable O-ring chain so you don’t have to lubricate the final drive as often as its moto bike. Oddly enough, American Honda recommends that the chain be replaced every 7.5 hours of run time. Realistically, with a few squirts of quality chain lubricant and proper tension riders typically get more durability than the rated usage. When it comes time to do some maintenance, the OE-fitted kickstand certainly makes it easier.

The RX is shod with Dunlop’s versatile Geomax AT81 specification rubber. These knobs are more gummy and perform in a wider range of conditions versus the Geomax MX tires. They do wear out a tad faster however—not a bad thing but something to be aware of.

Honda’s CRF250RX is well put together and boasts premium features including adjustable engine power maps and holeshot start assist.Read More

—————-

By: Adam Waheed
Title: 2022 Honda CRF250RX Review
Sourced From: www.motorcyclistonline.com/reviews/honda-crf250rx-review-2022/
Published Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2023 10:00:02 +0000

Continue Reading

Motor

2024 Kawasaki KLX300, KLX300SM & KLX300R First Look Preview

Published

on

C2EQTTIFH5EOLMMNW2T5PVTN2M

Kawasaki refreshes the looks of its KLX platform.
Kawasaki refreshes the looks of its KLX platform. (Kawasaki/)

From dual sport explorers and supermoto shredders to off-road warriors, Kawasaki whets motorcyclists’ appetite for fun with its beginner-bike-friendly KLX platform.

The KLX300 (which replaced the KLX250) and KLX300SM were both new in 2021, and now these fraternal bikes receive styling/bodywork updates for ‘24 iterations. The KLX300R off-road trail bike receives a new color.

Let’s start with the 2024 KLX300 and KLX300SM.

Lime Green (shown) and Battle Gray KLX300s are available now for $6,199. Cypher Camo Gray (featured in the previous photo) comes in at $6,399.
Lime Green (shown) and Battle Gray KLX300s are available now for $6,199. Cypher Camo Gray (featured in the previous photo) comes in at $6,399. (Kawasaki/)

Both feature a revamped KX-inspired look with updated bodywork that is slimmer to facilitate better movement on the bike—when you’re off the beaten path or slinging the supermoto left and right, you’re going to want the freedom to move around. According to Kawasaki, the radiator shrouds are longer and slimmer; the ends are 25mm slimmer on each side. The two-piece side covers are also slimmed down to further help with rider movement.

Related: 2021 Kawasaki KLX300 First Look Preview

The front fender is redesigned to contribute to the athletic silhouette, while the LED headlight is encased in a slim new front cowl. There are new headlight mount covers to keep the appearance tidy.

Related: 2021 Kawasaki KLX300SM First Look Preview

Plastics surround the KLX300 and SM’s LED headlight.
Plastics surround the KLX300 and SM’s LED headlight. (Kawasaki/)

The rear fender’s taillight is positioned farther forward for a more compact appearance and there’s an updated rear flap that shields the rider from flicked up mud, dirt, or water.

Related: 2023 250cc to 400cc Dual Sport Motorcycles for Sale

Also new for 2024 is the two-toned seat cover which replaces the solid black seat cover of previous models.

A tidy tail end of the KLX300 and SM is now pushed farther forward.
A tidy tail end of the KLX300 and SM is now pushed farther forward. (Kawasaki/)

Powering these machines is the same liquid-cooled 292cc single that we’ve come to know since 2021. It’s fuel injected and has a flat-top piston traveling through a cylinder with a 78mm bore and 61.2mm stroke. Our dyno records indicate an approachable power output of 24 hp and 15.6 lb.-ft. of torque from this mill.

The 2024 KLX300 and SM are 25mm slimmer than their predecessors.
The 2024 KLX300 and SM are 25mm slimmer than their predecessors. (Kawasaki/)

Although the KLX platform shares a high-tensile steel perimeter frame, the suspension, brakes, and wheels are specific to the bike.

Related: 2022 Kawasaki KLX300SM MC Commute Review

The fork is still a 43mm inverted cartridge fork with 16-way compression damping adjustment available, but travel is 10 inches on the dual sport and 9.1 inches on the supermoto.

The looks of Kawasaki’s KLX platform is inspired by its KX off-road line.
The looks of Kawasaki’s KLX platform is inspired by its KX off-road line. (Kawasaki/)

The shock is preload, compression, and rebound adjustable for both models, but again, the travel differs; 9.1 inches for the KLX300 and 8.1 inches for the SM.

The KLX300′s front brake is a 250mm disc and the SM’s is a larger stoppie-triggering 300mm disc. Both feature 240mm rear discs

Read More

—————-

By: Serena McKnight
Title: 2024 Kawasaki KLX300, KLX300SM & KLX300R First Look Preview
Sourced From: www.motorcyclistonline.com/news/kawasaki-klx300-first-look-preview/
Published Date: Thu, 08 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Continue Reading

Motor

2024 Honda Shadow Phantom First Look Preview

Published

on

EX4DVZYNLRGWNOQUI5E6LMLZOI

The 2024 Honda Shadow Phantom hits the V-twin cruiser market with refreshed looks, an updated rear brake, and a new ABS version.
The 2024 Honda Shadow Phantom hits the V-twin cruiser market with refreshed looks, an updated rear brake, and a new ABS version. (Honda/)

American Honda’s rolling out 2024 new motorcycle models. This time it’s the 2024 Honda Shadow Phantom. From fender to fender, this beginner-friendly Japanese cruiser features a number of styling updates to help it stand out on the boulevard.

Related: 2024 Honda Grom First Look Preview

Dealers will have Honda’s updated bobber, the Shadow Phantom, in stock June 2023.
Dealers will have Honda’s updated bobber, the Shadow Phantom, in stock June 2023. (Honda/)

Both front and rear fenders have been reshaped for a more “minimalist” bobber look. Up front, the single round headlight is surrounded by a revised headlight cover. Honda has also upgraded both front and rear turn signals to LEDs.

Related: 2023 Honda Fury First Look Preview

The two-tone tank gives the Shadow Phantom a custom look.
The two-tone tank gives the Shadow Phantom a custom look. (Honda/)

The 41mm telescopic fork previously featured all-black fork tubes and covers, and now the front suspension is dressed up with fork gaiters and matte-finished shrouds.

Then there’s a new handlebar and clamps. These are said to enhance style and comfort, and from the looks of it, it appears the handlebar is slightly less swept-back than the previous model.

Atop the two-tone 3.9-gallon fuel tank is an updated display.

Related: 2023 Honda Rebel 500 First Look Preview

The Honda Shadow Phantom is blacked out from the cylinder head covers to the exhausts.
The Honda Shadow Phantom is blacked out from the cylinder head covers to the exhausts. (Honda/)

The fuel-injected 745cc liquid-cooled engine features machine-cut fins, giving a little more depth and contrast to the blacked-out V-twin. The air cleaner cover is also reshaped.

Related: Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout First Look Preview

Riders who plan on going solo won’t have any qualms with this next update. Honda has swapped out the long one-piece seat for a new single seat and got rid of the passenger pegs. A new passenger seat and pegs are now available as accessories for those who plan on traveling two-up.

Related: Is Honda’s 2021 Rebel 1100 DCT Cruiser a Modern Sportster?

Related: 2021 Honda Rebel 1100 MC Commute Review

It takes two to two-up. A passenger seat and footpegs are available from Honda for those who want to bring a significant other or friend along for a ride on the new Shadow Phantom.
It takes two to two-up. A passenger seat and footpegs are available from Honda for those who want to bring a significant other or friend along for a ride on the new Shadow Phantom. (Honda/)

Another significant update is the introduction of an ABS-equipped Phantom for 2024. Both the ABS and non-ABS versions receive a new 276mm single rear disc brake. Previous Phantoms were equipped with a 180mm rear drum.

Honda pairs the 296mm front disc with a 276mm rear disc, which replaces the 180mm rear drum of last year’s Shadow Phantom.
Honda pairs the 296mm front disc with a 276mm rear disc, which replaces the 180mm rear drum of last year’s Shadow Phantom. (Honda/)

The non-ABS model rings in at $8,399, add $300 for the ABS version. Only the ABS-equipped model will be available in California.

Related: Best Cruiser Motorcycles for Women 2023

The

<p><a href=Read More

—————-

By: Serena McKnight
Title: 2024 Honda Shadow Phantom First Look Preview
Sourced From: www.motorcyclistonline.com/news/honda-shadow-phantom-first-look-preview-2024/
Published Date: Wed, 07 Jun 2023 10:00:01 +0000

Continue Reading

Trending