Category: Auto

When it comes to motorcycle security, few things are more important than having a reliable and robust lock to protect your investment. The LITELOK X1 MOTO is an impressive addition to the world of motorcycle security, designed to offer peace of mind with its combination of lightweight construction and exceptional strength. After testing it out in real-world conditions, here’s a detailed review of the LITELOK X1 MOTO.

Design and Build Quality:

The LITELOK X1 MOTO stands out for its innovative design and material choices. Unlike traditional U-locks or chain locks, the X1 MOTO utilizes a composite material that blends steel, carbon fiber, and other high-strength components. This not only makes it more resistant to cutting and attacks but also significantly lighter than comparable locks of similar security levels.

The lock features a unique flexible, yet sturdy frame that allows it to be wrapped around various anchor points on your bike, giving you flexibility in how you secure your ride. It’s available in both 16mm and 19mm thickness versions, with the thicker one offering increased security for more premium bikes or high-risk areas.

The lock mechanism itself is robust and feels smooth in operation, with a weatherproof design that keeps out dirt and moisture. The keyless PIN code option is a nice touch for those who prefer a bit more convenience when securing their bike.

Weight and Portability:

One of the standout features of the LITELOK X1 MOTO is its relatively light weight, especially considering its security capabilities. Weighing in at around 2.6 kg (5.7 lbs), it’s easy to carry or attach to your bike while riding. This makes it far more portable than many other heavy-duty motorcycle locks, making it a great option for those who don’t want to deal with the burden of a bulky, cumbersome lock. It comes with a mounting bracket, allowing you to securely carry it on your bike when not in use.

Security Features:

The LITELOK X1 MOTO is designed to meet the highest standards of security for motorcycle locks. With a sold-secure gold rating, this lock offers high-level protection against common theft methods like cutting, picking, and grinding. The internal steel core provides substantial protection against attacks with power tools, while the flexible outer coating makes it harder to break.

The lock features anti-pick technology, and its double locking mechanism offers an additional layer of security. Whether you’re parking your bike in a crowded city or leaving it overnight in a high-risk area, this lock provides a solid deterrent against theft.

The fact that it’s approved by leading insurance companies adds a sense of reliability, especially for those who are concerned about insurance claims in the event of theft.

Ease of Use:

The LITELOK X1 MOTO is incredibly easy to use, thanks to its user-friendly lock mechanism and flexible design. The keyless PIN code option allows you to secure and unlock the bike without fumbling for a key, though it’s important to remember your code or carry a backup just in case. The combination of security and ease of use really sets this lock apart from many others that require multiple steps or keys to operate.

In terms of flexibility, the lock can be used to secure various parts of your bike, whether it’s through the wheels, frame, or an anchor point. The flexible yet strong design means you can find a way to secure your bike in just about any scenario, and the lock isn’t rigid, so it’s easier to maneuver around objects.

Weather Resistance:

The LITELOK X1 MOTO is built to withstand the elements. With a weatherproof coating, it resists rust and corrosion, even when exposed to rain or humidity. This makes it ideal for outdoor use, especially for riders who live in areas with frequent weather changes or coastal environments where rusting can be a concern.

Price:

The LITELOK X1 MOTO is positioned as a high-security, premium motorcycle lock, and while it is more expensive than traditional locks, its price is justified by its advanced materials, security features, and lightweight design. For those looking for a top-tier security solution, the price is in line with the value it offers, providing great protection without the hefty weight of other premium options.

Final Thoughts:

The LITELOK X1 MOTO is an excellent choice for motorcycle owners who want a lightweight yet highly secure lock that’s easy to carry and use. It strikes the perfect balance between protection, portability, and convenience, offering an innovative design and materials that outperform many traditional locks. Whether you’re securing your bike in high-risk areas or just want added peace of mind, this lock offers strong, reliable security without the weight and hassle of bulkier alternatives.

Rating: 9/10

The LITELOK X1 MOTO offers a great combination of security, portability, and ease of use, making it a top choice for modern motorcycle riders. Its slightly higher price point may be a consideration for some, but its effectiveness and convenience justify the investment for riders serious about securing their bikes.

The 2024 BMW R1300GS is a bold leap forward in the legendary GS series, offering both seasoned adventurers and new riders a thrilling blend of performance, comfort, and technology. As someone who has ridden a variety of adventure bikes, the R1300GS has left a lasting impression with its improved engine, enhanced features, and refined handling. Let’s dive into the details of this new release.

Design and Aesthetics:

BMW’s R1300GS carries forward the iconic design of its predecessors, with the same rugged yet refined look that adventure riders have come to love. The bike features a more streamlined and aggressive aesthetic, but it still maintains the signature GS feel. The larger, more robust front beak, updated bodywork, and distinctive LED lighting system give it a modern, purposeful appearance.

The size of the R1300GS is impressive, but it’s still manageable, thanks to careful ergonomic design that balances comfort and confidence on any terrain. The seat height is adjustable, making it accessible to a wide range of riders, though it may feel a bit tall for those who are shorter in stature.

Engine and Performance:

One of the most significant changes with the 2024 R1300GS is the engine. BMW has introduced a new 1,300cc inline-2 engine that is both more powerful and more refined than its predecessor. The new engine delivers around 135 horsepower, a noticeable increase from the previous generation, making it more responsive and capable, whether you’re on highways or tackling challenging off-road conditions.

The engine is paired with a quick-shifter for seamless upshifts and downshifts, enhancing the riding experience and reducing the need for clutching. The throttle response is smooth and precise, which, combined with a significantly improved power delivery, provides an exhilarating yet manageable ride.

The Ride Modes — including Rain, Road, Dynamic, and Enduro — allow the rider to tailor the bike’s performance to match road conditions. The Enduro Pro mode, in particular, is ideal for serious off-road adventuring, providing excellent throttle control and traction management.

Handling and Comfort:

BMW has made strides in refining the suspension system. The new Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) allows for on-the-fly adjustments based on riding conditions. Whether you’re navigating tight, technical trails or cruising on open highways, the suspension keeps things smooth, and the ride quality is excellent.

Despite its larger engine, the R1300GS feels surprisingly agile. The bike handles well, even at low speeds, and the new geometry makes it more stable in corners. Off-road, it feels planted and confident, with a level of handling that’s hard to beat in the adventure touring segment.

Comfort is where the R1300GS shines. The ergonomics are spot-on, with an adjustable seat height and handlebars that allow for a customizable fit. The heated grips and seat are a welcome touch for long rides, especially when temperatures drop. The bike is also equipped with a large fuel tank, offering impressive range for those long-distance adventures.

Technology and Features:

The 2024 R1300GS is packed with cutting-edge technology that makes it a leader in the adventure bike category:

• BMW Motorrad Connected: The bike features a fully integrated 7-inch TFT display, which is bright, clear, and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. The system pairs seamlessly with your smartphone, offering navigation, calls, and music controls right at your fingertips.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: A standout feature for long rides, this system maintains a safe distance from vehicles ahead and can adjust speed as needed. Combined with the lane change assist and automatic emergency braking, it makes highway cruising safer and more comfortable.
• Cornering ABS Pro and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC): These systems enhance safety, especially when cornering or riding in slippery conditions. Whether you’re on the street or tackling rough terrain, the R1300GS offers superior control.
• Smart Key: The bike features a keyless ignition system, which is convenient for riders who prefer not to fumble for keys while wearing gloves or handling gear.

Off-Road Capability:

BMW has maintained the R1300GS’s reputation as one of the best off-road touring bikes on the market. The Enduro Pro Mode allows for advanced off-road capabilities, with fully adjustable suspension settings and improved traction control for various terrains. The larger tires and more refined suspension ensure that the bike remains stable and comfortable, whether you’re navigating rocky trails or gravel paths.

The bike’s ground clearance and robust skid plates also contribute to its durability when taken off-road, offering riders the confidence to tackle challenging environments without fear of damaging the bike.

Fuel Efficiency and Range:

With the 1,300cc engine, the fuel efficiency of the R1300GS is impressive, considering its power. Expect around 40-45 MPG on average, depending on riding style and terrain. The large fuel tank offers a range of 200+ miles per tank, which is excellent for long-range touring and remote areas where fuel stations may be scarce.

Final Thoughts:

The 2024 BMW R1300GS is a stunning evolution of the iconic GS series. It strikes the perfect balance between power, technology, comfort, and off-road capability. Whether you’re exploring vast highways, winding mountain roads, or technical trails, the R1300GS delivers an unparalleled riding experience. It’s a bike that can take on anything, from long-distance touring to hardcore off-roading, with ease.

If you’re looking for a top-tier adventure motorcycle that offers versatility, cutting-edge technology, and superior performance, the 2024 BMW R1300GS should be at the top of your list.

However it has not been without it’s problem. The inability to get OEM luggage till next year is a pain. But BMW has apologized by allowing a massive discount for those who are willing to wait.

Rating: 9.5/10

The only potential downsides are the premium price tag and lack of OEM luggage, but given the bike’s performance, versatility, and advanced features, it’s well worth the investment for serious riders.

Hello everyone one and welcome to my first report on the 2017 Chevy Volt. Over the first month of ownership I’ve been formulating my opinion of the Volt. I should add some information of other cars I have been driving recently. I am coming off of a 2013 Nissan Leaf. The family has a 2013 Chevy Volt plus the 2013 Toyota Prius that is also part of this long term review. To start off, the Volt is definitely different from the Leaf that I was driving but after a couple of days of use it has become extremely comfortable car to drive.

Overwhelmingly, the 2017 Volt is a fantastic car that will fit into many people’s lives and probably was one of the most functional mass-market electric cars a US manufacturer has produced in recent years.. It is a shame the 2019 was the last year for this car. It’s mix of electric and gasoline make it a great option or ares of the country where the electric car infrastructure has not matured.

I think we are still a few years away from having good electric infrastructure in the US to be as convenient as gas – at which point it will become more convenient to use all electric. Sure, almost every house, building and structure has an electrical outlet which can charge on level 1 or 2 (and the 2017 Volt does both levels of AC charging), meaning you wake up every morning with a full 53 mile “tank” of electricity. But to finally close the convenience gap of gasoline and frankly beyond, pure electric cars need to be outfitted with high power DC chargers and long range batteries which are not here yet.

As a former pure electric car owner, there were a lot of times I had to modify my plans to go everywhere I needed to go on my Leaf’s 50 mile range. It was virtually impossible to travel to my parents’ house and back in a single day. They did not have a level 2 charger so I could only use level 1 charging which would have required an overnight stay to have enough charge to get home. The Leaf was suffering from substantial battery degradation and the battery replacement cost more than the value of the car. Which eventually culminated in the purchase of the Volt.

Speaking of the Volt, every morning when you wake up with the 2017 Chevy Volt can be ready to go with a 53 real miles of EV usage, which is a significantly more accurate estimation than the Leaf provided. If you have a huge commute (over 25 miles), you can opt to charge at work and drive 53 miles of pure electric back. Some people will never finish the tank of gas that comes with their Volt. In fact that is what I have been doing for this first month. I have a charging station at work which allows me to charge for free. As such I charge there most of the time with only occasionally charging at home on the weekends.

The best part of the Volt is when you need to take the “off the beaten path” and switch into gas, the Volt does so elegantly and seamlessly. The internal combustion engine kicks in and you get a very respectable 42 miles per gallon and over 400 miles of total range. Chevy should be applauded for their efforts in building a car that makes the transition to electricity 100% totally painless for just about anyone.

Chevy has somehow fit two separate powertrains into a mid-sized car and still has respectable room in the trunk and back seat. The car also performs as well as any sudan. The EV acceleration will get you to highway speeds in under 7 seconds while lugging a dormant ICE powertrain along for the ride. The acceleration will surprise and delight you if you’ve never driven electric and the sports mode make the car more responsive and fun to drive.

Chevy has also toned down the “look at me, I’m a weird EV” factor in the 2017 Volt design. The 2017 Chevy Volt looks a lot like other sporty mid-sized cars The interior is also extremely nice, highlighted by the captive touch center console display which works great with Android Auto. The seats are comfortable, there are cup holders where they need and the inside experience is fantastic. I would also like to point out that the internal cabin space for the rear seat has improved over the 2013 model.

So far the Volt has performed better than anticipated. There are a few bells and whistles that I miss from the Leaf but that is to be expected since I moved from the top of the line to the middle range entry but where it counts there has been only improvements. The improved range, comfort, and handling out way the gimmicky 360 camera views that were only used in rare occasions.

Finally, what has it cost to operate the Volt for the first month? NOTHING. That’s right I have not had to send any money on the Volt in the first month of ownership. All the electricity I have used has come from free charging stations. Additionally, I still have about nearly a full tank of gas which the dealership provided when I bought the car. As ongoing cost go this is great.