All posts in “Rides”

Stay protected during your ride with the AI-1 Airbag Vest from Klim

Gearing up properly for a motorcycle or bicycle ride with the boys is something one should take seriously. Unlike inside a vehicle, there is no durable frame and shell in between you and the road. The AI-1 Airbag Vest from Klim presents a solution that can likely save your life in a crash or a major wipeout. Also, it doesn’t even make you look like a clown.

Accidents can happen even to professional riders. Thus, even the basic stuff such as helmets, jackets, elbow/knee guards, gloves, and others can make a difference. What the AI-1 Airbag Vest promises is reliable and real-time adaptive protection for your back and chest.

Klim is partnering with In&motion and using the latter’s DPP system. In the event of a crash, the sensors and advanced algorithms determine the exact moment to deploy. In fact, the tech analyzes the user’s position at a rate of 1,000 times per second.

If the data indicates that the rider is falling due to various supported scenarios, the airbag will fully inflate in less than 60 milliseconds. Although it is optional, users are encouraged to allow the company to collect data. All information gathered will be used to improve the algorithm.

The AI-1 Airbag Vest weighs only 3.3 lbs and is reusable up to three times. After that, Klim might need to service it to replace the gas inflator module. The materials are breathable and the fit is ergonomic. You can wear it standalone, under your jacket, or even with a backpack (with some limitations).

Learn more

Images courtesy of Klim

Jacob & Co is making only 9 examples of the Fast & Furious Twin Turbo watch

Jacob & Co makes some of the world’s most intricate and luxurious watches. What sets them apart from their contemporaries is the avant-garde designs of their timepieces. Moreover, the intricate details that go into each one are remarkable. Their most recent release is a tribute to a long-running movie franchise. The Fast & Furious Twin Turbo lives up to name with its automotive theme.

This watch does not only boast a high level of luxury you associate with the brand. The features it packs are likewise impressive. According to Jacob & Co, it’s the first time four sophisticated complications are packed together. There’s a monopusher chronograph, a twin triple-axis tourbillon, and decimal repeater.

Many experts point out that the latter is a grueling task for any watchmaker to handle Moreover, this makes the Fast & Furious Twin Turbo a very special 832-component model. Generating the horsepower behind the scenes is a Jacob & Co JCFM05 manual movement with a 50-hour power reserve.

It is an awesome expression of high watchmaking for the elite and fans of the films. The visuals on the semi open-work dial show a lovely lady holding two checkered flags with two iconic vehicles ready to race. Meanwhile, Super-LumiNova coats the indices and hands for superior low-light visibility.

Then there are the two triple-axis tourbillons flanking the power reserve indicator which looks like a fuel gauge. The Fast & Furious Twin Turbo sports a 57 x 52 x17 mm titanium and carbon case with a curved sapphire crystal.

The exhibition caseback lets you view the caliber in action. Finishing it off is a black leather strap with a titanium deployant buckle. Jacob & Co is only making 9 examples of the Fast & Furious Twin Turbo to commemorate the release of the ninth film in the saga.

Buy – $580,000

Images courtesy of Jacob & Co

POC reveals that its Kortal Race MIPS helment packs NFC technology for emergencies

Among the activities that saw a remarkable surge amid the pandemic is cycling. People wanted to travel and also find new means of working out. Thus, you, a bicycle, some buddies, and the open road or trails equal to exciting times. To cater to the booming market for cycling-related gear, POC introduces the Kortal Race MIPS helmet. Trust us, you better not skimp out on quality and performance when it comes to protection.

Accidents happen on the road and trail. Even if you have all the experience and skills to be good on a bicycle, wipeouts, crashes, and other unwanted situations can still happen. As such, A good cyclist always checks their ride, equipment, emergency kit, and protective gear.

Founded in 2004, Swedish brand POC Sports understands what snowboarders, skiers, and cyclists want and need. Their Kortal Race MIPS packs all the features one needs to enjoy their rides. Striving to always be on top of innovation, its new helmet is NFC-ready.

Dubbed the twICEme NFC Medical ID, it lets users store their important medical information as well as emergency contacts. This will allow first responders to quickly access the crucial details in the event of a serious accident.

The product page reads: “Complete protection for trail and enduro, the Kortal helmet provides lightweight, extended protection and a seamless fit with goggles.” POC also highlights that the Kortal Race MIPS is certified for use with e-bikes.

If you were wondering, MIPS is short for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. Just like how our body protects our brain, it reduces rotational forces during impact. The Koral Race MIPS also has strategic vents that keep you cool but does not compromise the helmet’s durability.

Buy – $250

Images courtesy of POC Sports

The 2021 McLaren Elva Gets a Windshield

The McLaren Elva track machine is the brand’s lightest supercar, but it’s missing something: a windshield. Designed for race days and track days only, the Elva is meant to be driven with a helmet and…

The post The 2021 McLaren Elva Gets a Windshield first appeared on Cool Material.

Is It Weak Sauce To Call The Cops After a Car Accident (Or Just Keep It Moving?)

Getting into an accident is no joke. It could be a traumatic experience for some people. It is a hassle for sure; something you want to avoid.

However, as the saying goes, accidents happen. There are just things in life that no matter how careful you are or what you do, it still happens. You just need to deal with it. So how do you deal with a car accident?

You must be at least prepared regarding what you should do if ever you got into an accident, be it a minor or major one. Some of the basic things you should do are collect evidence like pictures or video of the accident, a picture of the physical damages to you and your car, the other parties’ contact information, and seek medical attention.

The next thing that most people would wonder when encountering accidents is whether to call the police or not. Should you involve the cops or just deal it amongst yourself and move on?

Check out the pros and cons of each decision and find out if calling the cops is weak sauce or not.

Option 1: Don’t Involve the Cops

Many would think that not calling the cops and reporting the accident would be the best option. Why? Because it is more convenient. Calling the cops will also be equivalent to wasting time; most people would prefer not to spend so much time handling the accident, especially if it is just a minor one.

It might be the more convenient choice, but it being the best one is debatable. The biggest disadvantage of not involving the cops is that you won’t have a police report which is required when you file a claim with your car insurance provider.

This option is said to be a risky choice since, without the police, you would be putting all your trust in the other driver. Who can truly say that they would not go back on whatever verbal agreement you two came up with?

It is easy to get their contact information and just communicate with them on how to handle compensation. However, it is also easy for them to ignore your calls or run away from their responsibilities.

Option 2: Call the Cops

Most states will actually require or recommend calling the cops when you got into an accident. It does not matter whether you attained injuries in the said accident or not. You should call the police.

However, police involvement can make the situation feel much more of a hassle and can be stressful. It can take some time before the police get to the scene. It will also take some time for them to assess the accident. There will be a lot of talking and sometimes there would even be arguments and fights.

Although it might not sound like a good option thinking about those things, several advantages and benefits would draw you to call the cops whenever you get involved in a car accident.

First, cops will settle arguments. Accidents are a heated situation. Not all people can keep their cool when their car collides with another. It can be messy especially when fighting over who is at fault.

This type of dispute can be difficult to resolve by yourself. With the help of the police, they will investigate the incident and come up with an unbiased opinion on who should be held responsible. This will help the victim build a case if ever they intend to file one.

The second benefit would be the investigation itself. As an individual, you can collect your own evidence to help you when filing a claim with your insurance provider or when filing a case. You take pictures and gather personal information of the other parties. But the evidence indicated by the police would be official and would hold more weight in paper and court.

They will create an official accident report indicating what happened which you will need for several reasons. As repeatedly mentioned, a police report is one of the requirements when filing an insurance claim to help you with expenses in repairing your car.

Just in case a major accident occurred and you wish to sue the other driver, you would need to acquire all the evidence you can get to build your case. An official police report about the accident will certainly help any Greenville car accident lawyer in building a case for their client. The report would be detailed and clear compared to witnesses’ retelling of the accident.

Lastly, calling the police will give you protection. When it comes to settling disputes, it can escalate quickly and get out of hand. With authorities on the scene, you have the assurance that no more harm will come to either party. Any aggressive actions shown by anyone will be controlled by the cops.

Police in the scene will also be an additional witness to the accident. This might come in handy when you file an injury claim. There are times wherein injuries are not visually visible right away and will surface a few days after the accident. If that happens, it will be hard to prove that your injuries were indeed from an accident and not from an unrelated incident.

So to sum it all up, calling the cops does not make you a weaksauce. It just makes you a responsible individual who would rather seek help from the authorities than risk any more damages that would cause more problems.

They are right when they say it’s “better to be safe than sorry.” No matter what is the extent of the accident, you can always report it to the police and ask for their assistance. If you opt not to call them, you should be prepared for the possible consequence that it entails.

Despite the additional “inconvenience” there may be from calling the cops, the advantages make up for it

Bussink GT R Speedlegend

Let’s say you’ve grown tired of the run-of-the-mill supercar, and you want to trounce your neighbor’s Ferrari. If you have enough coin and were fast enough on the draw, you might have been one of…

The post Bussink GT R Speedlegend first appeared on Cool Material.

Plasma Custom shows us how to craft a truly vintage motorcycle

We know you love restorations and modifications or “restomods” as enthusiasts call it. You can’t deny that people back then really had refined tastes in designs. It’s difficult to say otherwise when many renowned shops still prefer to embody the timeless aesthetics of the past. To show you a good example, take this recent build from Plasma Custom and its absolutely retro profile.

These days, modern motorcycles are classified into different types according to their specifications and silhouettes. In the meantime, the man behind this old-school ride – Alessandro Rotaro – manages to create a fully functional machine that embodies the early days of motorized two-wheeled transport.

The first steam-powered and eventually fuel-powered motorcycles started off as bicycles. Clever engineers repurposed these so users can alternate seamlessly between the engine and pedals. This vintage beauty from Plasma Custom manages to keep the feature intact albeit with some modern add-ons.

The lack of fairings will affect its aerodynamics, but this motorcycle is a showpiece of classic design. There’s also a hint of steampunk vibe that comes from the 80-mm Pyrex cylinders that act as the fuel tank. Aluminum brackets keep it securely in place as it sits between the top two steel frame tubes. Even the 350-cc engine matches the theme with its old-fashioned look.

They even repurposed a swimming pool ladder into an under-slung exhaust pipe. Plasma Custom goes for a blue frame with white tires for its vintage bike project. There is currently no word If others will be made. Still, it’s not exactly a big problem as we just want to see what they come up with next.

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Images courtesy of Plasma Custom

7 Environmentally-Friendly Vehicles To Consider in 2021

Transportation plays a huge part in polluting our planet, and that’s why more and more people are eager for alternatives. In answer to that, many car manufacturers worldwide – whether it’s Tesla, BMW, or Kia – are now producing environmentally-friendly vehicles.

They are green, comfortable, fast, and they even look like regular cars – so you won’t even have to search for garage door service & repair in Omaha (or in any other area) to widen your garage door.

In this article, you will find the seven most “green” vehicles for every budget and every need – from full-electric options to hybrids, from Tesla to Toyota. Read on and discover your perfect environmentally-friendly car.

Tesla Model S

The number one spot on our list goes to the Tesla Model S. This EV is kind of like everything you could ever want in a car packed into one incredible model. The fact that it is electric doesn’t mean that it is slow or boring. In fact, it can go from 0 to 60 mph in just over 2 seconds.

Moreover, it comes with autopilot technology and can even drive itself with no one behind the wheel. The Model S P100D also has a 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack that allows the car to travel 335 miles per charge. This makes it one of the best environmentally-friendly vehicles in the world.

BMW i8

The BMW i8 is a two-door sports car that can reach speed up to 155 miles per hour. It’s only available as a hybrid, which allows it to work perfectly all the time. Even though this may not seem like a very environmentally friendly option, this car has an excellent fuel economy of around 69 mpg, depending on the model. That means you can drive longer distances without having to worry about charging the battery pack. On top of that, if you want to be able to diagnose common car issues without having to go to a mechanic, you should check out OBD2 scanner reviews.

As we mentioned earlier, this car needs both gas and electricity to run. It comes with a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine and an electric motor that gives the car a total output of 357 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. As this model has been the world’s top-selling plug-in electric sports car, manufacturers may call it “a classic in the future.”

Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is one of the most popular models on our list. It comes with all the bells and whistles that you might expect from a luxury car, and it was one of the world’s top-selling electric cars until 2019 (when Tesla Model 3 came).

It has an EPA estimated fuel economy of around 112 mpg depending on the model and goes from 0 to 60 mph in under 10 seconds. The car can be charged to 80% capacity within 30 minutes when plugged into a fast-charging station. Even though this vehicle is considered one of the top-selling models, it costs around $31,000, which is below average for an electric car.

Kia Niro EV

The Kia Niro EV is Kia’s first-ever electric vehicle, and it is very impressive. It comes with a strong lithium-ion battery pack that allows it to go a total of 238 miles per charge. This electric vehicle goes from 0 to 60 mph in under 8 seconds. It has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 50 mpg, which means you can drive around the city without worrying about finding a charger for a while.

It also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, which makes it a lot easier to use. The 2021 Premium Kia Niro EV costs around $47,000, but you can find older models at a much lower price.

BMW i3

The BMW i3 is one of the few cars on our list that uses a combustion engine, but it is still considered environmentally friendly. The reason for that is an electric motor that the vehicle uses to get power from the battery and then turn it into torque.

The battery pack allows the car to be able to go up to 100 miles per charge. The BMW i3 takes only 4.4 seconds to get from 0 to 60 mph, which is impressive for an electric car. This model is also not very pricey for a hybrid – the starting price is around $44,000.

Subaru XV/Crosstrek Hybrid

The Subaru XV/Crosstrek Hybrid is specifically designed for the people who want a sporty and fun way of driving around town, but they also want it to be green. This hybrid with an all-wheel-drive system comes with a 2.0-liter boxer engine. It also has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 30/34 mpg city/highway, which is pretty high for an SUV.

According to the official information, the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid comes with the EyeSight® driver assist technology which is said to reduce rear-end crashes with injuries by monitoring traffic movement and optimizing cruise control. This model is one of the cheapest cars on our list – MSRP starts at $35,345.

Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius has been around for over 20 years and remains one of the most popular hybrids on the market today. If you love driving around in style and comfort, but you also want your car to make the world a little greener, then this model is for you.

It is available in many different versions, so you can choose one that fits your needs best. Toyota Prius comes with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor that gives it an output of 100 kW (182 PS). This combination allows the car to go from 0 to 60 mph in less than 10 seconds. It has a tremendous fuel economy of 54 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway.

A Final Note

Cars are one of the worst things that could have happened to our environment. However, just like power plants and plastic bags, they serve our needs, and humanity is not ready to give them up just yet. After all, cars offer us the comfort of fast and pleasant transportation – and all that while socially distancing, which is extremely important in 2021.

Fortunately, as technology evolves, car manufacturers are able to present us with environmentally-friendly vehicles. Depending on your needs and budget, you can find just anything on the market: from a classic like Toyota Prius to a luxurious option like Tesla Model S. Choose something you like and hit the road without worrying about the environment.

Convercycle Quickly Converts From Unassuming Bicycle to Cargo Bike in Seconds

When it comes to city living, there’s no better way to get around town than with a bicycle. It’s faster than walking, easier to park than a car, and you don’t have to deal with…

The post Convercycle Quickly Converts From Unassuming Bicycle to Cargo Bike in Seconds first appeared on Cool Material.

The Flowcamper Casper Offers Modest Off-Road Capacity For A Motorhome

A Volkswagen isn’t really ideal when it comes to tiny house living or camper vans. But German-based Flowcamper turned the modest Volkswagen T6.1 into a comfortable tiny house and outfitted it with all the home essentials you need for the outdoors with the Flowcamper Casper.

Those who prefer small motorhomes with enough off-road capacity can benefit from this spruced-up vehicle. It comes with an all-wheel-drive and a variety of engines of your choice. It has an abundance of Nordic spruce for the interior to transform it into a modest camper van.

The Flowcamper Casper comes outfitted with an L-shape kitchen that offers plenty of storage. It even has a 30-liter refrigerator, a sink with pressurized water, and a stove. The water system in the kitchen conveniently also makes up your outdoor shower. Now when it comes to sleeping or sitting areas, Flowcamper retained two of the rear seats with seatbelts to create a four-passenger seat. Those two seats also fold out to accommodate a large twin bed.

If you need more space, a ladder directs you to the pop-top roof where you can turn it into an extra sleeping space or lounging area. Flowcamper also offers the option of adding a rooftop tent. Meanwhile, the rear end of the Volkswagen is kept open for more storage or as a mini garage for all your outdoor gear.

The Flowcamper Casper is fully customizable. You can add electricity using solar panels or batteries and upgrade the chassis for more fun adventures.

Learn More Here

Images courtesy of Flowcamper

Vagabund Moto V15 BMW R9T

We love the motos that come out of Austrian builder Vagabund Moto’s shop because they take something already great and make it stratospheric. They recently unveiled the V15 (their 15th project) that was built for…

The post Vagabund Moto V15 BMW R9T first appeared on Cool Material.

This Suzuki Misano Concept boasts a tandem two-seat setup just like on a motorbike

Known for its powerful superbikes such as the Hayabusa and Katana, many often forget that Suzuki also manufactures automobiles, ATVs, and more. Perhaps as an exciting reminder, the renowned Japanese brand unveils the Misano concept. This open-top automobile draws inspiration from its two-wheelers with a splash of Italian design behind its sporty silhouette.

The two-tone exterior gives it a classy profile with a sleek aerodynamic form built for speed. Still, what makes the Misano concept unique is the seating arrangement. This barchetta measures 157 inches long, 69 inches wide, and 39 inches high. Technically, there is enough room for a side-by-side configuration.

Instead, Suzuki is going for a tandem position just like the way two people ride on a bike. As you can see, the two seats are located on the left section of the roadster. We also learned that this car drops the traditional steering wheel. In its place is a yoke just like on a motorcycle.

You might have noticed that on the rear – just below the Suzuki badge – are the letters “IED.” These stand for Istituto Europeo di Design Torino. In fact, the Misano concept is the thesis project of 24 students hailing from countries such as Spain, Italy, Turkey, India, France, Belgium, and Lebanon.

Pirelli is one of the sponsors for this exciting collaboration with Suzuki in an attempt to combine the experiences of driving on two into a four-wheel platform. As such, this explains why the designers are going for a tandem seating setup. No official word on the powertrain, but sources claim the Misano concept is an all-electric machine.

Learn more about it

Images courtesy of Suzuki

UK-based Viritech says the Apricale will be the world’s first hydrogen hypercar

With all the buzz surrounding all-electric supercars and hypercars eventually dominating the scene, some of us are forgetting about another source of clean energy for automobiles. Experts are quick to point out that hydrogen fuel cells were considered the next big thing. Still, with many renowned brands opting to go with batteries instead, it’s facing an uphill battle. Viritech wants to change that perception with the Apricale.

Doing our own research, sources indicate that hydrogen fuel cells are currently not as feasible as batteries. First off, there is the issue of safety due to its highly combustible nature. This means refilling stations are few as supply is likewise low.

Also, its mass production processes far from being eco-friendly. Viritech still hopes to introduce the Apricale as the world’s first hydrogen hypercar. The company clarifies that it plans to match the popularity of battery power in order to address climate change.

“With an F1-derived engineering culture, focussed on agile innovation and the creation of valuable, licensable IP, our business model is to design, prototype, test, and license our technologies to global OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers,” the firm said in a press release.

Virtitech is targeting an output of 1,100 horsepower but is not sharing other specifications for now. Images show beautiful aerodynamic curves and a gullwing door configuration for the Apricale. In one of the photos, there’s also a truck trailer that’s possibly also running on hydrogen fuel cells.

The manufacturer plans to build only 25 units of the Apricale which will sell for $2 million each. Buyers can expect to receive their hydrogen hypercars before 2023 ends. On the other hand, with the rate that battery systems are innovating, alternative sources of energy are now playing catch up.

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Images courtesy of Viritech

Hermès and Rolls-Royce craft the bespoke Phantom Oribe for a Japanese billionaire

Rolls-Royce is already a notably exclusive label, but it will never stop those who want to take that distinction one or several notches higher. A Japanese entrepreneur and art collector, Yusaku Maezawa, is thinking along those lines when he expressed his desire to own a one-off automotive showpiece. The Luxury automaker gladly obliges the billionaire with the help of Hermès to craft the Phantom Oribe.

Roll-Royce Bespoke lead designer Michael Bryden shares his opinion regarding this extravagant project. He said: “Phantom Oribe is a fusion of East and West, ancient and modern, serenity and exhilaration. It is always a pleasure when a client brings us a bold, clear, and imaginative vision. There is a great thrill in seeing it realised so perfectly.”

For those who might be wondering about its namesake, Rolls-Royce is drawing upon a traditional Japanese style of pottery. It does so by way of the two-tone coat that mimics the visual profile one can see on the ceramics we indicated earlier. This adds a timeless aesthetic the owner will love since he also collects Oribe pieces.

They’re calling it MZ Oribe Green and cream which surprisingly looks stunning on the upscale sedan. Teams from Hermès and Rolls-Royce are sharing their talents to handcraft the sophisticated interior. Images of the cabin show a beautiful combination of Enea Green leather with the French fashion house’s “Toile H” canvas accents.

You will also see open-pore royal walnut wood panels with intricate cutouts for the speakers. Passengers can also admire the hand-painted gallery installation of Hermès’ iconic horse motif. According to Rolls-Royce, the theme of the Phantom Oribe matches Maezawa’s private aircraft. This reminds us that money can really make a man happy.

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Images courtesy of Rolls-Royce

Hookie Co. Triumph Bobber Orca Black Edition

Hookie’s muscular Bobber Orca gets a slightly different look thanks to a Black Edition with a black and grey fuel tank cover that matches the rest of the modded Triumph Bobber wonderfully. Of course, as…

The post Hookie Co. Triumph Bobber Orca Black Edition first appeared on Cool Material.

Penny Pelican: CW&T gives us a custom electric bike to help haul cargo

You might be wondering what type of machine a Penny Pelican is. Without images, we bet nobody could figure out the what’s behind the name. CW&T does not want to keep us in suspense as it supplies the images and details about this weird-yet-interesting concept. This pedal-powered contraption is apparently an electric bike with unique capabilities.

The problem with regular bicycles is the limited cargo space. Sure a backpack is a convenient solution, but it does not allow you to haul bigger items. Another option would be a bike trailer, but CW&T likes to think outside the box.

Therefore, they’ve come up with a mechanical chimera of sorts, which we now know as the Penny Pelican. Hey, it might look like someone just cobbled some spare parts and slapped them on one of the toughest equipment containers known to man.

It’s funny because a huge section of the electric bike is actually a Pelican Hardigg transport case. The size of the military-grade cargo box can fit up to two people (awkwardly we suppose). On the rear is a freewheel hub with pedals. This drops the need for a gear and chain assembly.

Meanwhile, the front wheel houses a 1,000W electric motor with enough power to push the Penny Pelican up to speeds of 23 miles per hour. Using muscle power alone when there’s something heavy aboard is not our idea of fun. Thankfully, we can let the batteries help out in these situations.

Please note that its odd configuration means pedal power can only take you up to 4 mph, which is embarrassing. As such, just take advantage of the electric motor and save your stamina for an emergency. When you need to park and take a breather, just deploy the double-leg kickstand to keep the Penny Pelican electric bike upright.

Order yours – $8,000

Images courtesy of CW&T