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You don’t need a big-buck, multicylinder rally bike to get your adventure on. These bikes prove it.
You don’t need a big-buck, multicylinder rally bike to get your adventure on. These bikes prove it. (Royal Enfield/)

Even after pandemic-fueled lockdowns (read the Motorcycle Riding Tips – Touring During COVID Pandemic article) were lifted last year, the adventure bike segment continued to break sales records heading into 2023. By most accounts it doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. Which makes sense; after long bouts of cabin fever, everybody just wants to get out and explore uncharted territory. And even if all the big, multicylinder, technology-packed (and increasingly pricey) ADV bikes get all the headlines lately, that doesn’t mean you need all that fandanglery to just get off the grid.

Our list of affordable adventurers prove that capability can be had without breaking the bank, as long as you take ground clearance, suspension travel, and comfort into account. There has never been a better time to get a new ADV bike, and with more choices than ever, you’re sure to find something within your budget.

Simple, rugged, and capable, the Royal Enfield Himalayan continues to appeal to a wide range of riders.
Simple, rugged, and capable, the Royal Enfield Himalayan continues to appeal to a wide range of riders. (Royal Enfield/)

2023 Royal Enfield Himalayan | $5,449

Despite charges of being heavy and underpowered, the Himalayan has been a budget favorite for light-duty off-roading since it hit the US market in 2018. It continues to appeal to fans looking for simple operation, accessibility, and better than average dirt capability to go along with a down-to-earth price tag.

At its core the 2023 Himalayan is unchanged, with a 411cc single handling motivational duties; even though it’s good for just 24.3 hp at 6,500 rpm and 23.6 lb.-ft. of peak torque, the engine will pull you through almost any obstacle in tractorlike fashion. Soaking up the bumps up front is a 41mm telescopic fork with a decent 7.9 inches of travel connected to a 21-inch spoked wheel, while a monoshock holds down the rear end with 7.1 inches of travel. A 4-gallon fuel capacity ensures adventures won’t end too early, and dual-channel ABS provides peace of mind—or can be switched off.

The bike saw just a few updates last year with the new Tripper navigation unit added to the instrument cluster, along with a new seat cushion, new windscreen, and slimmer racks. Otherwise, the Himalayan’s low center of gravity and suspension package continue to deliver a controlled ride that handles varying terrain better than you’d expect, even with its somewhat hefty 439 pounds. A more than adequate 8.6 inches of ground clearance will take you over choppy pavement, dirt roads, and most rocks, and while it has limitations, the Royal Enfield Himalayan still punches well above its weight class.

Related: 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan First Look Preview

The small-bore Versys-X 300’s user-friendly power with upright ergos and light chassis allows for some moderate adventuring.
The small-bore Versys-X 300’s user-friendly power with upright ergos and light chassis allows for some moderate adventuring. (Kawasaki/)

2023 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS | $6,199

Smaller (and a touch lighter) than the Himlayan is Kawasaki’s Versys-X 300, a bike that brings peppy power, stable handling, and upright ergonomics for a wallet-friendly price. Being one of the smallest-displacement adventure-touring motorcycles on the market means the wee Versys is approachable for beginners, but its off-road potential can appeal to riders of all skill levels.

Key to that is the linear, mild-mannered power generated by the two-cylinder liquid-cooled 296cc mill, making the bike easy to handle in low-traction off-road situations. Gearing is short, which is great for negotiating challenging trails, but can be a bit busy when keeping up with faster-paced traffic. A measured 32.3 hp at 11,370 rpm gets you out of most tight spots, though a peak of 16.7 lb.-ft. of torque for a bike that weighs over 400 pounds could be underwhelming at times.

The 7.1-inch ground clearance means you can get pretty adventurous if you’re so inclined,

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By: Andrew Cherney
Title: Best Affordable Adventure Bikes 2023
Sourced From: www.motorcyclistonline.com/reviews/best-affordable-adventure-motorcycles/
Published Date: Mon, 07 Aug 2023 16:58:25 +0000

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BEYOND THE STRIP: Discover the Cultural Gems of Las Vegas

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BEYOND THE STRIP: Discover the Cultural Gems of Las Vegas

Written by Barbara Toombs

Fremont Street in the heart of downtown Las Vegas.

Millions of visitors are understandably attracted to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas’ renowned Strip each year, where world-class resorts, casinos, shows and incredible dining options are the name of the game.

What many don’t realize is that there’s another fascinating side to the Entertainment Capital of the World, headlined by two cultural districts known simply as Downtown and Chinatown.

Downtown Las Vegas (also known as DTLV) is really where this unique desert city got its start. In 1931, construction began on what is now known as the Hoover Dam, attracting thousands of workers to a site just east of the city. To capitalize on this growing workforce, savvy businessmen began building casinos and showgirl venues along Las Vegas’ only paved road at the time: Fremont Street.

Today, DTLV is comprised of three distinct districts. Many visitors to the city are already familiar with one of them: the Fremont Street Casino District, which contains museums, restaurants and bars, as well as the original Las Vegas casinos, including El Cortez, Golden Nugget and Golden Gate. Here you’ll also find the renowned Fremont Street Experience, which debuted in 1995. This pedestrian-only thoroughfare is covered by a canopy of more than two million LED lights and a state-of-the-art sound system that comes to life every night for a spectacular sound and light show called “Viva Vision.”

The Arts District

A popular attraction in this district is The Mob Museum (the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement), which showcases intriguing tales and the age-old dichotomy of good guys versus bad guys. Explore at your own pace, go on a guided tour or uncover museum surprises as part of a group scavenger hunt. Want a literal “taste” of old-school Las Vegas? Plan to dine at Top of Binion’s Steakhouse, perched on the 24th floor of Binion’s Gambling Hall. The restaurant dates back to 1965 when it was known as Top of the Mint, the signature dining spot at The Mint hotel tower. The interior design (and menu – think steak, prime rib, lobster and even Baked Alaska) is a throwback to an earlier era when the mob ran much of Las Vegas, but the real draw is the spectacular view through dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows.

Built in 2002, the Fremont East Entertainment District (FEED) is a six-block area that stretches from Las Vegas Boulevard East to 8th Street and from Ogden Street South to Carson. FEED is pedestrian-friendly, offering diverse street life and many eateries, cafes, bars and lounges, as well as ample shopping opportunities and lively entertainment. A must-see attraction in this district is the Downtown Container Park – a dining, shopping and live music venue made of 45 colorful repurposed shipping containers, all fronted by a two-story, fire-breathing praying mantis who made its original debut at Burning Man. Nearby is the popular Bin 702 – one of many great dining choices in the area – featuring a great selection of beer and wine, as well as a tantalizing choice of charcuterie and cheese, sandwiches and small plates for sharing.

18b sign in The Arts District.

In recent years, The Arts District – or the 18b as it’s also known (a reference to it occupying 18 blocks of Downtown Las Vegas, loosely outlined by Commerce Street, Colorado Ave, Fourth Street and Hoover Avenue) – has been growing in popularity. Its monthly “First Friday” block party and art walk features food trucks and live music, serving as a backdrop for artists showing their works off at a variety of open-air and indoor galleries. These include The Arts Factory, home to over 30 artists and art galleries, and ArtSquare, a hip establishment that houses design stores, designer’s studios, wellness spots, and food and drink outlets. Behind The Arts Factory sits one of many great dining choices in The Arts District: Taverna Costera, serving up delicious Coastal Mediterranean fusion that draws inspiration from coastal Spanish, French, Italian and Greek cuisines and beyond.

Just a couple of miles east of the Strip, along Spring Mountain Road (roughly between Rainbow Boulevard and Interstate 15), lies the city’s amazing Chinatown, which has grown in leaps and bounds over the past two decades. Here you’ll find the largest collection of Asian businesses in Southern Nevada, including a multitude of authentic Asian restaurants, gift shops, a hair stylist, a reflexologist, home decor, an Asian supermarket and the only Chinese bookstore in Nevada.

At Chinatown’s heart is the enormous and ornate Chinatown Plaza, featuring a colorful, dragon-adorned, Tang Dynasty-inspired gate and gleaming

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: BEYOND THE STRIP: Discover the Cultural Gems of Las Vegas
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/beyond-the-strip-discover-the-cultural-gems-of-las-vegas-2023/
Published Date: Fri, 19 May 2023 18:07:14 +0000

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2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe – No Reserve

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2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe – No Reserve

This red 1967 Corvette custom coupe received a complete custom restoration at Springfield Motorsports in Peachland BC, Canada. The build consists of a completely new jig-mounted tube chassis with C4 corvette front upper and lower control arms riding on coilover shocks and power rack & pinion steering. The rear differential is a custom narrowed 9-inch Ford with aluminum Dale Gerry center section with Wilwood disc brakes on all 4 corners. Filling out the wheel wells are custom offset Fikse wheels.

K&S machine in Kelowna, British Columbia took the 454ci engine and machined it to 496ci it is equipped with Comp Thumper camshaft and 800cfm carburetor and it creates a true hot rod sound through the ceramic-coated exhaust. Lee Baxter upholstery created the one-off hand-stitched red leather interior with a rear storage area. It features Vintage Air, Digital gauges, power windows and a leather-wrapped vintage-style steering wheel.

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: 2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe – No Reserve
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/2024-scottsdale-auction-1967-chevrolet-corvette-custom-coupe-no-reserve/
Published Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2023 15:52:01 +0000

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From Hamamatsu to Lisbon: A Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition

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Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition
The Honda CBX 1000 was only in production for four years, but that was enough time for it to leave a lasting impression on the motorcycle industry. First released it in 1978 as a screaming six-cylinder naked superbike, it later faced stiff competition from its stablemate—the equally iconic CB900F. So the Japanese marque redesigned it as a sport tourer, halfway through its tenure.

The updated ‘CBX-B’ had a touring fairing, optional panniers, and Honda’s new-at-the-time Pro-Link mono-shock setup. It was a hair less powerful than before, but that didn’t stop it from becoming a legend in its own right. If you park a CBX and CBX-B next to each other, you could argue that the latter has more presence.

Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition

It’s that mystique that prompted the owner of this 1982 Honda CBX 1000 Pro-Link to buy it. Enamored with the fusion of modern technology and ancient traditions found in Japanese cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, he was on the hunt for a classic motorcycle that embodied that philosophy. When he found the CBX, the sheer brutalism of its six-cylinder engine was impossible to ignore.

“In the eyes of this enthusiast, the engine wasn’t just a mechanical marvel; it was the soul of the motorcycle, much like the heart in a human body,” says Tiago Gonçalves, founder of the Portuguese custom shop, Unik Edition. “This revelation laid the foundation for a transformative project, one that would honor the motorcycle’s origins while infusing it with a new identity.”

Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik EditionRead More

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By: Wesley Reyneke
Title: From Hamamatsu to Lisbon: A Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition
Sourced From: www.bikeexif.com/honda-cbx-1000-restomod
Published Date: Sat, 28 Oct 2023 16:34:54 +0000

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