SlashGear • 19th July 2024

How Yamaha Went 'Ladies Only' To Try To Get Women Into The '70s Motorcycle Scene

In 1977, Yamaha launched the Passol with a mission to get more women on the road. With women's needs in mind, Yamaha designed the Passol to be affordable, compact, and easy-to-use. Running on an automatic transmission, the scooter had a low seat height (680mm), a lightweight frame (45kg), and an overall cute appearance with color options. Aside from this, Yamaha made the Passol with thoughtful design considerations for the female experience, such as its iconic "step-through" layout which helped...

SlashGear • 27th June 2024

What Does YZF Stand For On Yamaha Motorcycles?

With so many random letters that manufacturers shove into the names of their products, it can almost seem like it's not worth learning what they mean. After all, many of them are only for decorative purposes and don't really impact one's use of their products or services. However, there's a case for knowing the meaning behind the letters that come with motorcycles, especially when they represent key features that can help you choose the right one for you.

SlashGear • 25th June 2024

What Years Did Kawasaki Make The MT1 & KV75, And How Fast Were They?

Known for its compact design and chunky 3.50-8 2PR tires, the Kawasaki MT1 motorcycle was launched in 1971. With its small size and ability to fold in transport, the MT1 was a bike meant to be stored easily in car trunks and go on adventures — almost like an electric bike or scooter way ahead of its time. In 1976, Kawasaki renamed the bike to KV75, a name it carried until its last year of production in 1980.

SlashGear • 23rd June 2024

4 Ways To Keep Your Motorcycle Helmet Smelling Fresh

Part of the joys of riding include the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. But you know what doesn't have to be part of it? The eye-watering stench of a dirty helmet. If you've already seen our tips for motorcycle detailing, you're probably on track to making sure your bike runs well and looks great. However, you need more than just a nice-looking motorcycle for a truly comforta

SlashGear • 23rd June 2024

What Was The Last Year For The Harley-Davidson Factory Sidecar?

Harley-Davidson's history has long been tied with the United States military. In World War II, for example, it produced one of the most iconic military motorcycles to date, the Harley-Davidson WLA. In 1916, several of its motorcycles and their sidecars were also used as vehicles to transport machine guns during the Mexican Excursion. It's one of the many little known facts about Harley-Davidson: The iconic brand is credited with pr

SlashGear • 19th June 2024

How Quick Is The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 And What's Its Top Speed?

Husqvarna has dipped its feet across a variety of industries throughout its centuries of operations. While the Swedish company is popular for its powerful power tools and gardening equipment, Husqvarna's origins began with hydropower facilities and weapons manufacturing. After a short period of being owned by BMW in 2007, it is currently being run by Pierer Mobility, a German holdings company that also handles other motorcycle

SlashGear • 9th June 2024

Yamaha TW200: What The 'TW' Stands For & How Fast These Bikes Can Go

There's a reason why the Yamaha TW200 is one of the most beloved motorcycles out there. First of all, the TW200 is a Yamaha motorcycle you can likely afford, with the 2023 and 2024 models holding a base price of $4,899 and $4,999, respectively. On top of that, the bike has been around for decades and consistently tops all sorts of "best of" lists. However, many people actually don't know what the "TW" stands for.

SlashGear • 30th May 2024

3 Ways Motorcycle Earplugs Keep You Safe On The Road

While the sound of a powerful motorcycle engine can make any biker's heart flutter, the same isn't necessarily true for everyone else. In some cases, motorcycles that are too loud can cause unexpected problems for the person riding it (or even unsuspecting people nearby). Aside from the roar of your motorcycle, you'll be exposed to plenty of different types of noise during your rides.

SlashGear • 21st April 2024

Everything To Know About SEGA's Shadow The Hedgehog Motorcycle

During uncertain times in human history, the sweet call of nostalgia can induce a calming effect for people looking to heal their inner child, especially when it comes to video games. After all, video games represent both the joy of childhood and the feeling of simpler times.

SlashGear • 14th April 2024

5 Maintenance Must-Haves For Your Yamaha Motorcycle

Among motorcycle manufacturers out there, Yamaha is known to have some of the lowest maintenance costs in the market. However, their overall performance and reliability are still hinged on how well you drive on the road and how you care for them between rides. Because of this, if you want to avoid the dreaded death wobble on your Yamaha motorcycle, you'll need to commit to following a proper maintenance schedule.

SlashGear • 25th November 2023

Everything You Need To Know Before Buying A Used Motorcycle

From our office cubicles to our houses, many of us are trapped in boxes of different sizes for most days. It's no wonder that many people are craving the feeling of adventure and life on the road. Unfortunately, rising gas prices and automobile maintenance fees make it difficult to make the dream road trip happen. Thankfully, there's another way to do it with motorcycles.

SlashGear • 29th October 2023

The Easy Hack Motorcycle Riders Will Want To Know When Parking On Uneven Ground

While there are many advantages to riding on two wheels, there is one problem that plagues motorcycle riders everywhere: parking. While there are many things that every new motorcycle rider should know, parking is an inevitable part of the motorcycle riding experience.

SlashGear • 3rd August 2024

Here's What The Warning Lights On Your BMW's Dashboard Mean - SlashGear

While BMW has generally been considered a reliable brand in its 100-year history, some stats sing a different tune. Certain models tend to have high repair costs and need attention more frequently than other vehicles. Thankfully, you can avoid the pitfalls of hefty repair fees by paying attention to the warning lights found on your BMW's dashboard.

SlashGear • 2nd August 2024

What Do Car Dashboard Lights Mean? Your iPhone's Camera Can Tell You

Whether you're a new driver still learning the ropes or a seasoned one who has more than one car, there's always the possibility that your vehicle's dashboard has a warning light you've never seen before. While most drivers probably know what the common dashboard warning lights mean, some cars have mechanisms that are a little more complicated than others.

SlashGear • 24th June 2024

The Mini Honda City Turbo II That Has Never Made It To The US

In many ways, the Honda City Turbo II felt like something straight out of a fever dream. When it was first launched in Japan in 1983, the sporty hatchback was a small car, at 3.42-meter length and 1.62-meter width, that had big dreams. It could clock in at a maximum speed of 109 mph and accelerate to 62 mph in an estimated 8.6 seconds. While that was reasonably fast at the time, its size and speed wasn't the only thing that made it st

SlashGear • 18th June 2024

Two Of The 1989 Batmobile's Most Iconic Features Were Inspired By These Fighter Jets

Among the many original TV and movie cars that have had an impact on our global culture, Batman's Batmobile is one that has truly made a dent. While it has undergone many iterations throughout the years and remakes, the Batmobile has a few key characteristics: It's black, sleek, and comes equipped with all the latest technology.

SlashGear • 3rd June 2024

How Fast Is The New Porsche 911 Hybrid?

With more than 60 years of history, the Porsche 911 has stolen the hearts of car lovers for generations, gracing walls of would-be sports car owners before they're even old enough to drive. However, in 2024, Porsche has proven that it's not done with innovating its classic cars and made waves by announcing the first hybrid Porsche 911 model.

SlashGear • 22nd April 2024

What To Know Before Recharging Your Car's A/C At Home

With the summer heat and the anticipated high temperatures approaching, it's unsurprising that keeping your car's air conditioner working properly is high on your to-do list. For people who spend a lot of time on the road, air conditioner quality can make or break how comfortable your everyday driving experience will be.

SlashGear • 1st April 2024

Tips & Tricks For Cleaning Your Car's Steering Wheel

Maintaining a car takes a lot of effort, especially when you use it regularly. From tire changes to replacing shocks and struts, setting up a good maintenance routine is necessary to make sure you avoid accidents and get more years out of your vehicle. However, one part of the car that we don't usually give the same care and attention to is the steering wheel. Because it's one of your car's primary touchpoints as a driver, your steering wheel's health is an important component of your overall dr

SlashGear • 16th March 2024

4 Reasons Why Some Cars Are More Likely To Be Stolen

For the average American, cars represent many things, like freedom, mobility, and the dream. Because of this, it can cause a lot of stress and frustration when it is stolen. Unfortunately, this happens more often than you think. "Approximately one motor vehicle is stolen every 32 seconds, which adds up to more than one million vehicles stolen last year," said David J. Glawe, President and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

SlashGear • 15th March 2024

5 Tips To Prevent Your Car From Being Stolen

In 2023, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) sounded the alarm on the rising incidence of car theft in the United States. Citing that over a million Americans became victims of car theft in 2022 alone, the NICB cautions that this is the first time it has happened in over a decade. In fact, the NICB also shared that the state of Illinois even experienced a whopping 35% increase in reports in the same year.

SlashGear • 9th March 2024

3 Types Of Documentation You'll Need If You're Ever In A Car Accident

There are critical questions that you should ask right after a car accident, such as if anyone is hurt or if you need to get away from what could potentially be a safety hazard. After all, if anyone looks like they're in bad condition or their life is at risk, it's best to call an ambulance or 911 first to make sure first responders are mobilized as soon as possible.

SlashGear • 2nd March 2024

What To Do If You Car Ends Up With Chipped Paint

Have you ever taken a moment to really look at your car and were horrified to find paint chips you've never seen before? You're not alone. Unfortunately, paint chips can happen to even the most careful car owners, and they can be due to honest mistakes, natural wear and tear, or even things that are beyond your control. Cars experience chipped paint for a variety of reasons, such as the wea

SlashGear • 1st March 2024

6 Reasons Why Your Car's Paint Is Chipped

Cars can mean many things to different people. For some, it can be like a collectible you keep in your garage and bring out for special occasions. For others, it can be a trusted companion that you take with you for all of life's adventures. Regardless, keeping your car running (and looking) great takes some commitment, especially when it comes to its paint.

SlashGear • 11th February 2024

Here's How Hyundai's 'Active Air Skirt' Could Help You Get More Out Of Your EV

Because electric vehicles are still relatively new technology, there are still a lot of problems that manufacturers are trying to overcome, especially when it comes to range and durability. Despite the various improvements in EV technology made throughout the years, range anxiety remains a key pain point for existing and prospective EV owners.

SlashGear • 11th February 2024

Here's Why Your Car's Tires Are Wearing Unevenly

Wheels have been around since the beginning of human history. Since the earliest recorded wheel in 3500 B.C., it has come a long way from being made of stone, leather, and metal. Through the years, we've collectively used wheels for machines of every kind, especially for transportation. Initially, these wheels were met with a lot of durability issues, especially with exposure to the elements and impact on the less developed roads.

SlashGear • 28th January 2024

5 Tips To Keep Your Pet Comfortable During Long Drives

For a growing number of people, pets are treated like family, and we do our best to give them a great life. With some animals living up to several decades at a time, it's unsurprising that some of them become lifelong companions for pet lovers.

SlashGear • 2nd December 2023

5 Reasons Why Proper Tire Alignment And Rotation Is So Important

Whether you're driving a traditional car, an electric vehicle, or even a hybrid, there are some maintenance requirements that every driver should know about. Aside from learning about how to take better care of your engine, car owners also need to remember to manage the health of their tires.

SlashGear • 26th November 2023

Why Bacteria May Be A Key Part Of The EV Revolution

Despite numerous advances in electric vehicle (EV) battery technology, it's still a massive point of contention on an EV's actual carbon footprint. Additionally, batteries also fulfill one-half of the equation when it comes to the pain point of EV charging and affect range anxiety, one of the key limitations many existing EV owners have to deal with.

SlashGear • 24th November 2023

After Over 25 Years, Switzerland Will No Longer Give Electric Cars Tax Breaks. Here's Why

On Nov. 8, the Swiss Federal Council announced that it would no longer be issuing an exception for its import duty on electric vehicles starting January 1, 2024. Since its introduction in 1997, electric vehicles have been exempted from the 4% import duty on vehicles for passenger or goods transport weighing no more than 1600 kg under the Automobile Tax Ordinance (AStV).

SlashGear • 20th November 2023

3 Essential Tips For Maintaining Your EV Home Charging System

According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC), there are 157,556 electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) ports in the United States as of November 2023. Among EV charging levels, over 120,270 or 77% of the existing charging ports are Level 2 EVSE, which can take up to 10 hours to reach 80% capacity. While electric vehicle (EV) charging methods are definitely improving with time, the reality is that EV charging remains a pain point for drivers. Although faster EV chargers have been inve

SlashGear • 15th November 2023

Eco-Friendly Engines: How Car Manufacturers Are Going Green

These days, consumers are a lot more picky about how their purchases reflect their values. In 2023, McKinsey and Company shared how consumers cared about sustainability and how they've proven it with their wallets. A joint study with Nielsen studied five years of U.S. sales data from 2017 to June 2022, revealing a clear and material link between environmentally friendly claims and consumer spending through disproportionate growth.

SlashGear • 22nd October 2023

The 5 Most Important Questions To Ask When Buying A New Car

In 2021, Forbes shared that 97.1% of households in the United States had at least one vehicle. With rising interest rates and inflation, Reuters claims that the average age of U.S. cars and light trucks is 12.5 years. For some people, car ownership can be one of the biggest purchases they'll ever make in their life, next to buying a home.

SlashGear • 7th October 2023

The Intelligent AWD System In Infiniti Cars: Balancing Sportiness And Safety

In 1985, Japanese Nissan automotive launched its luxury brand Infiniti, which targets premium drivers in the United States. Since then, Infiniti has also expanded to international markets, such as China, Taiwan, and the Middle East. Known for its integration of the newest technology with its cars, especially when it comes to safety, Infiniti offers features such as 360 cameras, blind-spot monitors, and so on.

SlashGear • 27th August 2023

Electric Car Charging Speeds: Why They're Still A Pain Point For Owners

Despite evolving technology and increasing affordability, electric vehicles have yet to take over our roads. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the share of total electric car sales versus all car sales in the United States only increased from 0.2% (2011) to 4.6% (2021).

SlashGear • 19th August 2023

The Hidden Carbon Footprint Of Electric Vehicles

For years, cars have been regarded as an environmental nightmare. Through every stage of its lifecycle, cars carry an environmental and social cost with impact that is difficult to truly quantify. For example, cars require a resource-intensive production process, which involves mining and the production of materials like metals, rubber, and plastic.