2 Ultra-rare Harley-Davidson motorcycle models

Rare MotorBikes At present, it is almost certain that automotive enthusiasts around the world know Harley-Davidson as an American leading motorcycle brand, which has presented so many reliable motorcycle products since it was founded in 1903 until now.

The Harley-Davidson Model-J Package Truck was basically a commercial load-carrier used to deliver supplies and parts. (Picture from: ClassicMoto.rs)

However, the following 2 (two) models of motorbikes made by the Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer were previously unknown to many fans, so they can be categorized as super rare models. What model it is, let's see them below;

1. 1916 Harley-Davidson Model-J Package Truck

The first motorcycle was the Harley-Davidson Model-J Package Truck which was produced during 1912 to 1916. As quoted from RideApart, at that time the motorcycle model was made for commercial-purposed vehicle, at the time only Harley-Davidson has; even used as the operational vehicles of postal operator in the United States.

The Harley-Davidson Model-J Package Truck consists of a classic motorcycle unit, and a cargo container mounted on a sidecar chassis. (Picture from: ClassicMoto.rs)

Besides that, the Harley-Davidson Model-J Package Truck is also used by ice cream, candies traders, and many other to bring their goods to rural areas that have poor road access. As You can see, the Harley-Davidson Model-J Package Truck was built on the concept of a motorcycle that had a special box-shaped sidecar for carrying goods. However, the large sidecar can also be removed, so that the motorbike can still be used alone for a more relaxed journey.

Recently, the Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer carried out a restoration on the package truck's motorbike. As the result, the Harley-Davidson Model-J Package Truck returns to its heyday appearance consisting of one (classic) motorcycle unit plus a box-shaped sidecar painted under special pale blue color on the body with white wheels. In 2020, Bonham has auctioned off the Harley-Davidson Model-J Package Truck with an estimated price of US $45 thousand or equivalent to Rp. 616 million.

2. 1951 Harley-Davidson WRTT

It is said that Harley-Davidson first introduced the W-Series in 1936 at which time the United States was rising from adversity. As reported from Silodrome, the American motorcycle manufacturer launched the W-Series by using the largest engine volume of that era and to this day with six major variants, the W, WL, WLA, WLC, WLD, and WR.

1951 Harley-Davidson WRTT was specifically intended for road racing which necessitated the installation of a front brake. (Picture from: MotoSaigon.vn)

The WR model was the racing version, and is easily found in several classic motorcycle races today, turn out the 1951 Harley-Davidson WRTT rarely seen amongst them, due to this model was produced in limited numbers at that time. The WRTT was specifically intended for road racing which necessitated the installation of a front brake, and had a number of other modifications including a close ratio 3-speed gearbox, they were often fitted with 19 inch wheels and road racing tires as opposed to tires intended for use on dirt ovals.

1951 Harley-Davidson WRTT appeared in a representative Tourish Trophy racing model under a special orange finish. (Picture from: Silodrome)

Until now not much was known about the remaining population of this model, so many creative fans are trying hard to revive this model. Finally, one of these 1951 Harley-Davidson WRTTs successfully restored, and was set up for auction at Bonhams back in 2020. The mentioned motorbike appeared in a representative Tourish Trophy racing model under a special orange finish. In addition with a minimalist body, the motorcycle also powered by a 740 cc V-Twin engine that could be driven up to 160 kph.

1951 Harley-Davidson WRTT is powered by a 740 cc V-Twin engine that could be driven up to 160 kph. (Picture from: MotoSaigon.vn)

The 1951 Harley-Davidson WRTT also featured a very rare MR3 Linkert carburetor, a Jack Tracey windscreen, a single seat plus a chin pad. Furthermore, this motorbike got racing livery number 82 which was used by several famous racers such Joseph Holoubek and Harland Zobel. After being restored, this super rare motorbike was auctioned with estimated prices ranging from US $ 60,000 - $ 70,000 or equivalent to Rp. 823 million - Rp. 960 million. 

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops....... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RIDEAPART | RIDING VINTAGE | CYCLEWORLD | SILODROME | MOTOSAIGON.VN ]

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BYD launches its YanWang luxury EV marque along with U9 supercar

New BEAST Recently, BYD, one of the leading automakers from China was launched its newest luxury car brand, named YangWang. At the time, the Chinese brand also exhibits an electric-powered supercar named YangWang U9, which is expected to be a rival of the European supercars, and also to attract deep pocket consumers.

The YangWang U9 supercar is claimed capable to accelerate from zero to 100 kph in just 2 seconds. (Picture from: Jalopnik)

With the emergence of this new supercar figure, it shows that China's automotive technology is indeed developing very rapidly. The proof is that this YangWang U9 supercar is claimed capable to accelerate from zero to 100 kph in just 2 seconds. Extraordinary! This is reasonable, bearing in mind that BYD is one of the largest battery and electric car manufacturers in China, even in the world.

The YangWang U9 large-sized C-shaped LED headlights, which is like connected directly to the ventilation above the hood. (Picture from: Otomotif-SindoNews)

Now through its luxury EV brand, YangWang which has a unique tagline of "Bridge of Time and Space" to described its images, as they tried to embody into design language, then transformed into a real-car named the YangWang U9. In our opinion, its appearance looks like a cross between the McLaren P1 and Sin R1, coupled with its two-door's style looks very sporty and futuristic. What do you think?

The YangWang U9 large-sized C-shaped LED headlights also made the car appeared like an F1 car with the ventilation on the fender also made stands out. (Picture from: Otomotif-SindoNews)

At the front, there're large-sized C-shaped LED headlights, which is like connected directly to the ventilation above the hood. Besides that these headlights also made the car appeared like an F1 car with the ventilation on the fender also made stands out. Meanwhile, at the back, the YangWang U9 has massive fins and a diffuser.

The YangWang U9's rear has a uniqueness of the transparent fin that sticks out of the rear glass that similar like to Lamborghini engine cover, coupled with the super wide LED lights. (Picture from: Otomotif-SindoNews)

While on the side, there are black accents next to its air intakes, as if creating a two-tone black and yellow feel. Another uniqueness is the transparent fin that sticks out of the rear glass that similar like to Lamborghini engine cover, coupled with the super wide LED lights at the back also impress the luxury and distinctive design of a supercar.

The automaker is claimed the YangWang U9 capable to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 2 seconds. Only 0.1 seconds slower than its compatriot rival named GAC Aion Hyper SSR. Unfortunately, BYD did not disclose the power output, but the car manufacturer claims that they use a technology called "Yisifang" to drive its 4 electric motors. 

BYD also presented another car will be produced soon, ie. a plug-in hybrid off-road SUV named the YangWang U8. (Picture from: Jalopnik)

Interestingly, this supercar is not just a concept car or study design on the paper. However, it is completely ready to be produced and sold. The price itself is very affordable for the size of a supercar, around US $145,340 or approx of Rp. 2.2 billion. Not only that, on the same occasion, BYD previously also presented another car will be produced soon, ie. a plug-in hybrid off-road SUV named the YangWang U8. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JALOPNIK | CNEVPOST ]

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Let's say hello to Dee, our ultimate companion from BMW

New ICON Technological advances that have developed very rapidly lately can make something that initially only exist in the fictional world then be realized to the real world. As an illustration, in the past we could only see the figure of Herbie (a cutie 1963 VW Beetle that can talk) or KITT (a smart car with a number of capabilities because supported by advanced technology) only through a movie or television.

The BMW iVision Dee concept is a fully electric vehicle empowered by empathetic technology and future-forward design. (Picture from: TopGear)

And now such a kind of car is getting closer to reality, after BMW Group presented its newest concept car called the BMW iVision Dee Concept at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023 held in Las Vegas on January 4, 2023. While DEE stands for Digital Emotional Experience, and through this concept car, BMW intends to show the potential of digitalization which can turn vehicles into a smart companion.

The BMW iVision Dee (on the left) posed along with the legendary 1963 VW Beetle 'Herbie' (on the middle), and the KITT (on the right) at the CES 2023 in Las Vegas. (Picture from: Caricos)

Judging from its design, this futuristic concept car intended to be a preview of the next generation of BMW electric-powered vehicles to be released in 2025. Or in other words, this concept car is likened to a window to see into the company's Neue Klasse architectural platform. Overall this concept car has a design similar like BMW production cars that came out in the 80s to 90s for example the BMW 8 Series E31 and there are also some design cues that take from the M1.

The BMW iVision Dee (on the right) posed along with its predecessor concept of the 2021 BMW iVision Circular (on the left). (Picture from: Caricos)

In appearance, the BMW iVision Dee Concept is a mid-size sedan featuring the "peeled down design language," which will likely be seen three years from now on the BMW i3 sedan. Furthermore, this iVision Dee Concept adopts a harmonious blend of traditional and fresh futuristic styles as seen on a kind of BMW's kidney styled front grill design, dual headlights, and of course the distinctive Hofmeister Kink curves.

The BMW iVision Dee's front fascia looks very similar to the BMW iVision Circular Concept that was launched in September 2021. (Picture from: id.Motor1)

Interestingly, the styling of this concept car's front fascia looks very similar to the BMW iVision Circular Concept that was launched in September 2021. Where the BMW iVision Dee Concept is depicted with short overhangs highlighting the packaging benefits of a special electric car platform by maximizing the length of the wheelbase for a more spacious cabin.

The BMW iVision Dee adopts a harmonious blend of traditional and fresh futuristic styles as seen on a kind of BMW's kidney styled front grill design, dual headlights, and of course the distinctive Hofmeister Kink curves. (Picture from: BMW.co.uk)

Furthermore this conceptual EV has a clean side profile with no door handles or mirror caps, along with minimalist wheels painted yellow to match the body accents. While, the rear of the concept car is also unique in that its base taillights are mounted high, while the bumper takes up most of the rear.

As part of the welcome scenario, an avatar image of the driver can be projected onto the side window of the BMW iVision Dee concept car. (Picture from: TopGear)

Even the BMW emblem has been simplified, and look like a white sticker, with the headlights and grille blending together to create a "physical icon." According to the Munich-based brand, this is possible thanks to E-Ink technology which is able to combine a physical and digital forms onto a uniform surface that can change its appearance, while allowing it to change colors instantly (offered up to 32 different colors) like a chameleon. Wow, that's great this car can change colors!

The futuristic Head Up Display (HUD) on the windshield of the BMW iVision Dee is operated by BMW Mixed Reality Slider technology. (Picture from: BMW.co.uk)

And the BMW iVision Dee Concept still has another interesting features, ie an ability to interact and communicate with the occupants inside the cabin, where this car can express moods and bring up facial expressions and even talk like a friend. As part of the welcome scenario, an avatar image of the driver can be projected onto the side window. Maybe this interesting feature is far better than the one in the cutie Herbie or even the KITT.

The BMW iVision Dee's rear is also unique in that its base taillights are mounted high, while the bumper takes up most of the rear-section. (Picture from: BMW.co.uk)

As You can see inside, all conventional buttons and switches have been removed, nor is there any sign of the iDrive controller that is commonly found in today's BMW car models. Instead, there's an advanced technology called BMW Mixed Reality Slider coupled with touch-sensitive sensors on the instrument panel to control a large head-up display (HUD) that spans the entire width of the windshield, in which there are five selectable modes that allow the driver to choose how much content to display on the HUD.

The BMW iVision Dee capable to change the exterior color up to 32 different colors by using a sophisticated technology called E-Ink. (Picture from: BMW.co.uk)

On the steering wheel, as unconventional as the rest of the car. The steering wheel has vertical touchpoints (BMW calls them "phygital") to control content projected onto the windshield by the expansive HUD. BMW says this advanced HUD will be implemented on its first production EV model in 2025 which is built based on the Neue Klasse architecture. Furthermore the windows can be dimmed to “drop reality out” and make the interior feel more immersive.

Unfortunately, not all details about the BMW iVision Dee Concept that is revealed yet, and another additional ones will be released later this year, when the German automaker shares some of the actual technical specifications, such as its powersource, drivetrain and others. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BMW.CO.UK | BMWBLOG | BIZCRAST | TOPGEAR | CARSCOOPS | ID.MOTOR1 ]

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Honda e:N2 Concept revealed in Shanghai

New EV Honda Motor Company as one of the major players in the world's  automotive industry seems to be very serious about working on the automotive market in China. And recently the Japanese giant automaker introduced its newest electric-powered concept car, called the Honda e:N2 Concept at the 5th China International Import Expo in Shanghai, China held in November 2022.

The Honda e: N2 Concept is made by combining elements of maximum driving sensation and combining the feeling between the driver into one with the vehicle.. (Picture from: NMAA)

As we already know, this new electric-powered concept car is the second of the e:N Series, which is known a special brand of Honda's electric-powered vehicles (EV) for the Chinese domestic market. Previously, in April 2022, the Japanese autmaker introduced its first series, the Honda e:N1 Concept. So, for the Honda e:N2 Concept is made by combining elements of maximum driving sensation and combining the feeling between the driver into one with the vehicle.

The appearance of the Honda e:N2 Concept is very futuristic with a glossy black color.. (Picture from: NMAA)

The exterior design of this concept car is both sharp and dynamic as can be seen from the body lines and the selection of car body colors that feature metallic elements. Meanwhile for its interior design is kept simple, bringing comfort to passengers and the driver. There is also a digital-based cockpit equipped with Honda Connect technology. 

Toshihiro Mibe posed along with the Honda e:N2 Concept and its development team. (Picture from: SindoNews)

Unfortunately so far the details of its drivetrain specifications have not been revealed yet. Information on when the product will be sold has not been further informed by the Japanese manufacturer.

The appearance of the Honda e:N2 Concept is very futuristic with a glossy black color.. (Picture from: SindoNews)

According to Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President and Representative Executive Officer of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., the Honda e:N2 Concept continues the basic values of the company products which prioritize driving pleasure. While in China, Honda will continue to present electric-powered vehicles in line with the growing market demand for electric-based vehicles to support people's mobility.

As for the global, Honda has already announced its plan to launch up to 30 electric-powered cars by 2030, with production volumes reaching 2 million units annually. In addition, the Japanese automaker is also trying to achieve carbon neutrality for all its product lines and company activities by 2050. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HONDA GLOBAL | CARSCOOPS ]

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BMW focuses on sustainability and luxury through the iVision Circular

Go GREEN With so many environmental issues that continue to become a global trend todays, inevitably the world's industry players, especially the automotive industry, continue to seek new breakthroughs in production which are then raised as a solution approach to address future challenges related to this issue.

The BMW iVision Circular is a four-seat compact EV focused on sustainability and luxury, with its design using 100 percent recyclable materials, even including the battery pack. (Picture from: BMW.co.id)

Generally efforts were then made to try to use environmentally friendly recycled materials which were then processed in such a way that they could be used in the vehicle production, and coupled with the use of electric motor propulsion. This is what many automotive industry players, such as the BMW Group, have done.

The BMW iVision Circular takes a unique approach from today's BMW language featuring with the brand's kidney styled front grill design remains, headlights embedded in a series of grilles at each corner, while unique LED accents appear elsewhere on the grille. (Picture from: OtomotifKompas)

Recently, the famous German automaker introduced its newest electric concept car called the BMW iVision Circular which is made from recycled materials at the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) Mobility 2021. At the largest vehicle exhibition, the company has consistently shown its focus on fighting global climate change, in which sustainability and CO2 emission reduction targets as well as concrete steps and concepts to achieve these goals.

The BMW iVision Circular makes its debut at the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) Mobility 2021. (Picture from: BMWBlog)

As you can see, the BMW iVision Circular is a four-seat compact EV projected to launch in 2040. This car focuses on sustainability and luxury, with its design using 100 percent recyclable materials, even including the battery pack. The automaker company said that the battery made of the "recycled materials" would allow it to achieve a much higher energy density, without depleting valuable resources.

The BMW iVision Circular also featured with the windshield and roof creating a single piece that is pulled along the length of the vehicle, and the slender spoked wheels harmonize with the design of the headlights and grille. (Picture from: idMotor1)

Design-wise, the BMW iVision Circular takes a unique approach from today's BMW language. The brand's signature kidney grille remains, with headlights embedded in a series of grilles at each corner, while unique LED accents appear elsewhere on the grille. It then continues on to the windshield and roof creating a single piece that is pulled along the length of the vehicle. 

The BMW iVision Circular's interior uses a unique mix of materials and applies what BMW calls "new joining techniques". (Picture from: OtomotifKompas)

On the legs, the slender spoked wheels harmonize with the design of the headlights and grille, while the rear adopts a similar style with a single LED light bar. While its interior, as you can see the cabin of the BMW iVision Circular uses a unique mix of materials and applies what BMW calls "new joining techniques".

With the BMW i Vision Circular, the BMW Group is looking ahead to a compact BMW for the year 2040 that is focused squarely on sustainability and luxury. (Picture from: idMotor1)

For example, 3D printing on the dashboard, reduces the use of glue and creates a unique one-piece design with embedded crystal materials. Then, instead of the traditional touch screen in the center of the dashboard, the information system is located above the instrument panel at the bottom of the windshield.

“BMW has applied circularity to its vehicle concept from the start when designing the BMW iVision Circular. That is why this visionary vehicle is full of innovative ideas that combine Sustainability with an innovative and inspiring design aesthetic and we call this approach Circular Design,” explains Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BMW | BMW.CO.ID | BMWBLOG | ID.MOTOR1 | ]

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A unique unusual Ferrari driven by Honda's drivetrain

Unique ONES When you first see this unique car, maybe you will shake the head while asking what car is this? It is not surprising, when there are those who feel astonished by the appearance of this one car modification. Yup, this is the 1981 Ferrari 308 GTBi powered by Honda K-Series engine, or in other words, this is an unusual fusion of an Italian retro supercar and an easily modified Japanese drivetrain.

Here's the StanceWorks 244 GTK is built based on the Ferrari 308 GTBi and was modified in such a way by StanceWorks, including by swapping its engine to the Honda K-Series. (Picture from: SpeedHunters)

Then who is the mastermind behind the unusual modification of the Ferrari 308 GTBi powered by the Honda K-Series engine? He is Mike Burroughs, an automotive activist, infuencer, who is also known as the founder of the automotive website StanceWorks, and this uniquely modification result car was then reintroduced under the name StanceWorks 244 GTK.

The StanceWorks 244 GTK is featured with body kit parts in the form of a splitter, side skirts, bolt-on over fenders, diffuser and big-sized rear wing. (Picture from: MotorTrend)

As quoted of SpeedHunters, this controversial project originated from the complications that had to be faced by Burroughs in maintaining the distinctive originality for his Ferrari 308 GTBi. For example, it is difficult to get spare parts, if any, the price is relatively high. Then it was from here that he started to consider several engine options until he finally chose the Honda K-Series which he thought was very reliable, which combined power potential, abundant spare parts, and easy maintenance.

The StanceWorks 244 GTK's front-fascia is then sweetened by the presence of two square sized Hella lights. (Picture from: MotorTrend)

In short, the Ferrari's default 2,900 cc V8 engine was swapped to an inline 4-cylinder drivetrain with a capacity of 2,400 cc coded K24A2 of the Acura TSX. Then those engine is transversely installed inside the engine bay, which is then followed by a series of high-performance parts to boost its power, ranging from installation of a firm transverse engine mounting, low-profile valve cover of Skunk2, up to the Garrett G42-1200 turbo injection.

Mike Burrough of StanceWorks posed along with his creation, the StanceWorks 244 GTK (in the background) at the Sema 2022. (Picture from: MotorTrend)

With the such drivetrain changes, so the pipes are automatically upgraded by the using aluminum ones to keep the temperature optimally. Besides that, its cooling system is also maximized thanks to the CSF radiator, plus two large sized ventilations on its carbon fiber made hood.

The StanceWorks 244 GTK is powered by an inline 4-cylinder K24A2 coded drivetrain with a capacity of 2,400 cc of the Acura TSX. (Picture from: MotorTrend)

Then what about performance, under standard conditions combined with a 6-speed manual transmission system, the K24A2 unit can deliver a power output of up to 200 hp at 6,800 rpm and a torque of 166 lbs/ft at 4,500 rpm. However, the unit that is carried by the StanceWorks-built 308 GTBi has a performance of up to 1,000 hp or 800 hp more than the standard proportion. Then the potential for that much power is channeled to the rear wheels through Quaife QKE8J 5-speed sequential gearbox.

The StanceWorks 244 GTK's inside featured with a racing cabin layout completed with two Sabelt bucket seats. (Picture from: MotorTrend)

Meanwhile for its body sector, the Ferrari 244 GTK is supplied with body kit parts in the form of a splitter, side skirts, bolt-on over fenders, diffuser and big-sized rear wing. The appearance of the front-fascia is then sweetened by the presence of two square sized Hella lights.

The StanceWorks 244 GTK also has big-sized diffuser and rear wing coupled with Rotiform five-spoke wheels with high-performance Nitto tires that fit nicely on all the axles. (Picture from: MotorTrend)

Furthermore, to support the weight of the body, the H&R suspension springs and custom coilovers are believed to provide improvements in terms of handling and cornering speed of the car. While for the legs, it uses Rotiform five-spoke wheels and is wrapped in high-performance Nitto tires that fit nicely on all the axles.

This unusual modified car that was worked on by StanceWorks for almost 2 years, initially yellow and then turned white, was shown off to public for the first time at the CSF Radiators booth at the SEMA 2022 held in November, 2022. If you want to see the entire work process of this car starting from scratch until now, all of them is presented in the Stanceworkworks Youtube channel. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STANCEWORKS | SPEEDHUNTERS | MOTORTREND ]

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