Since the 1960s, the scrambler quickly gained traction as the idol motorcycle for those seeking both on- and off-road adventure, attracting the likes of many, including the legendary Steve McQueen.
As the scrambler gained more and more notoriety throughout the years, it was only a matter of time before manufacturers began releasing classic remakes of the scrambler. These started arriving, but with tasteful modern technology.
Husqvarna is now in the game; the company owned by BMW unvelied its Concept MOAB at the EICMA 2011 in Milan Monday, which is Husky's "re-interpretation" of the scrambler.
Speaking of the machine's name and origin, Husqvarna says the MOAB can "trace its origins to our models from that period, legendary bikes that are milestones in the history of off-road biking, especially in the U.S. This is one reason for the name MOAB, after the evocative desert in Utah, which every year draws huge numbers of off-road bikers and provides the eerie background for the sets of many cult movies."
Of course, there's all the Husky styling, from the red tank to spacious seat and "simple, stripped-down" frame. The MOAB features a 650c engine on a perimeter frame, and progressive linkage on the swingarm.
The Husqvarna Concept MOAB rolls on 17-inch wheels and semi-knobby tires, making it ready for the off-road, offers high and wide handlebars for nice ergos, and a bulky tank for the legs to hug.
Speaking of the design, Husky says "The overall design effect divides the bike into distinct sections: the tank, seat, the side panel number holders and the exhaust. The lines are fluid but combine to create a decisive form.
"The shape of the tank blends with the seat and rear section, creating a fluidity and immediately distinctive style. This design feature follows the lead of the latest generation of Husqvarna models, such as the concave shape of the front and rear mudguards, and the front number holder. Tradition and high-tech innovation are successfully blended in the details of the new Concept MOAB: the digital instrument panel that is situated in the upper crossbar or the LEDs on the front number holder and the tail-light.
"The color scheme, down to every last detail, both in bodywork and mechanics, is taken from Steve McQueen's immortal H400. The unique form and colors give the MOAB an exhilaration vintage look."
With the Concept MOAB, Husqvarna begins yet another trek in the motorcycle industry, this time chasing the scrambler tradition that has many roots in the US. This comes after Husky unveiled its first-ever street bike earlier this year, the Nuda 900. Ideas are evolving at Husqvarna...wonder what's next?
Showing posts with label Consumer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Consumer. Show all posts
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Consumer Reports: Alternative light bulbs improving
The light bulb aisle isn't as simple as it used to be. From CFLs to LEDs to new halogen incandescents, there are a lot of choices. With new federal regulations about to take effect, it's a good time to consider your lighting options.
New federal rules on energy efficiency take effect in January and start the official phase out of standard incandescent light bulbs. There's no need to hoard them, though. The most popular 60-watt size can be made until 2014. In the meantime, the good news is that alternatives are improving.
Consumer Reports tested light emitting diodes, or LEDs, which use even less energy than CFLs. Testers tried the bulbs in a lab and at home.
"You want a light bulb that's as close to the incandescent. It has warm color. This LED happens to be a lot like that," said tester Kimberly Janeway.
LED bulbs are very expensive and can cost anywhere from $17 for a table lamp bulb to more than $60 for a floodlight, but they can be worth it.
"Even with an LEDs high cost, you can still save $100 or more over its life compared to a standard incandescent," said Consumer Reports' Bob Markovich.
LEDs also last much longer, some as long as 9,000 hours. Incandescents only last 1,000 to 2,000 hours.
"LEDs have some distinct advantages over CFLs. They reach full brightness instantly, and some are also better at dimming," Markovich said.
Not all LEDs are good at distributing light. A Sylvania 60-watt Ultra LED shines most of its light up towards the ceiling, which is not very helpful for reading.
For table or floor lamps, Consumer Reports recommends the $40 Philips Ambient. It's the equivalent of a 60-watt incandescent bulb and claims to last almost 23 years.
For outdoor floodlights, the EcoSmart bulb (Par 38) costs $45 and promises to last even longer.
If you replace an incandescent bulb with an LED, Consumer Reports says it will take four to 10 years before you recoup the costs and start saving. CFLs cost much less and will save you money much sooner.
New federal rules on energy efficiency take effect in January and start the official phase out of standard incandescent light bulbs. There's no need to hoard them, though. The most popular 60-watt size can be made until 2014. In the meantime, the good news is that alternatives are improving.
Consumer Reports tested light emitting diodes, or LEDs, which use even less energy than CFLs. Testers tried the bulbs in a lab and at home.
"You want a light bulb that's as close to the incandescent. It has warm color. This LED happens to be a lot like that," said tester Kimberly Janeway.
LED bulbs are very expensive and can cost anywhere from $17 for a table lamp bulb to more than $60 for a floodlight, but they can be worth it.
"Even with an LEDs high cost, you can still save $100 or more over its life compared to a standard incandescent," said Consumer Reports' Bob Markovich.
LEDs also last much longer, some as long as 9,000 hours. Incandescents only last 1,000 to 2,000 hours.
"LEDs have some distinct advantages over CFLs. They reach full brightness instantly, and some are also better at dimming," Markovich said.
Not all LEDs are good at distributing light. A Sylvania 60-watt Ultra LED shines most of its light up towards the ceiling, which is not very helpful for reading.
For table or floor lamps, Consumer Reports recommends the $40 Philips Ambient. It's the equivalent of a 60-watt incandescent bulb and claims to last almost 23 years.
For outdoor floodlights, the EcoSmart bulb (Par 38) costs $45 and promises to last even longer.
If you replace an incandescent bulb with an LED, Consumer Reports says it will take four to 10 years before you recoup the costs and start saving. CFLs cost much less and will save you money much sooner.
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