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We call ourselves fearless and adventurous, but when it comes to writing a check we’re a hive mind of groupthink and tightfistedness. Cheap motorcycles scare us, which stands to reason. But if fun-loving Caifornians in the ‘60s hadn’t taken a flier on small, affordable bikes, who knows what would have happened to the American motorcycling landscape? Risk, even on the salesroom floor, is also part of the ride.

Much of what we love about riding is all about minimalism, the wind in our face, nothing on the bike or in our pockets that doesn’t make life more fun, etc. Cost considerations are often part of that minimalist charm. And minimal prices are the point of entry for most new riders. Better for a novice rider to get a new motorcycle than add wrenching and troubleshooting to their limited résumé.

Related: Best Affordable Used Motorcycles for New Riders 2022

So we’ve come from the entertainment of the Top 5 Most Expensive Motorcycles 2022 to an informational look at the five least expensive motorcycles on sale. Some carry a bit of risk and unknown reputation, some not. But if you pull the trigger, you get a brand spanking new ride, with dealer papers and everything. And you get the (relative) peace of mind of a maintenance-free way to enjoy riding for a few seasons.

CFMoto 300NK: $3,999

The CFMoto 300NK patrolling gritty, urban American environs.
The CFMoto 300NK patrolling gritty, urban American environs. (CFMoto/)

For a country with a ridership that far surpasses any Western nation, you’d think Chinese motorcycles would get the benefit of the doubt. Two-wheeled transportation is still a practical affair in much of the country. But Chinese-made motorcycles are sometimes eyed with suspicion. Quality, dealer support, and fair (or unfair) reputations are all lingering question marks in the American market. But that price tag…$3,999. That’s just $200 more than a Honda Grom 125 ABS.

Founded in 1989 and based in Hangzhou, China, CFMoto makes side-by-sides and ATVs as well. And the CFMoto 300NK (Naked) gets you 29 hp at 8,750 rpm from a liquid-cooled 292cc single-cylinder engine fed through Bosch EFI. It pulls 18.7 pound-feet at 7,250 rpm with six speeds to heave its 333 pounds around. By all accounts, it’s a light, supercapable commuter. And it’s got a 5-inch TFT. And it has, on paper, quite a US dealer network. C’mon America, roll those dice.

Benelli TNT 600: $5,999

The Benelli TNT 600 putting down some liter-beater smoke.
The Benelli TNT 600 putting down some liter-beater smoke. (Benelli/)

No one is claiming the Benelli TNT 600 is a “liter-beater” in the classic sense. But ask yourself, how many 600cc four-bangers are left in the marketplace? Honda’s naked CB650R still sports a pipe quartet, as does the sport-centric Suzuki GSX-R600. The CB650R lists at $9,299, with the GSX-R600 coming in at $11,499. The TNT 600? A mere $5,999. You can’t really compare the TNT 600 to the Gixxer, but the CB650R is an apt comparison. With $3,200 separating the two, the only question is: Who is Benelli in 2022?

Related: Best Budget-Friendly Beginner Motorcycles

Benelli was acquired by Chinese company Qianjiang Motorcycle in 2005. While some Benellis are still made in Pesaro, Italy (the Leoncino 500 and the TRK 500), the TNT 600 and TNT 135 wear the “made in China” badge. Assuming you don’t mind your motorcycle sharing the same origin as everything else in your house, you get 67 hp at 11,000 rpm and 35.4 pound-feet torque at 9,000 rpm. Weight has come down a bit, now settling at 459 pounds dry. That’s a bit more than the Honda CB650R, which also outclasses the TNT 600 in terms of ponies at 81. But as long as you don’t care which liter you beat, this Benelli might be for you.

Royal Enfield Himalayan: $5,299

The Royal Enfield Himalayan has been providing entry-level adventure fun since 2017.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan has been providing entry-level adventure fun since 2017. (Royal Enfield/)

Don’t think the Himalayan is a true adventure bike? Plenty of ADV riders aren’t really ADV riders, either. They don’t need a beast of a 900cc twin (or triple) rig that also can’t fight its way through sand whoops with dirt acrobatics. What they do need is an

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By: Anders T. Carlson
Title: Top 5 Cheapest Motorcycles 2022
Sourced From: www.motorcyclistonline.com/story/reviews/top-5-cheapest-motorcycles-2022/
Published Date: Mon, 19 Dec 2022 17:34:30 +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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