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Most recently published stories in Wheel.
The Beast
The beast. It was early in the 1970s and I was the geeky kid at school. You know the one that carried a briefcase instead of backpack. The occasional saving grace that kept me from complete social isolation was my brother. Six years my elder and a biker. He would, when the mood strike him, pick me up outside the gates of my all boys secondary school on his motorbike. This was not just any bike, this was "the beast." A full on cafe racer from the 1960s, these were the days before the Japanese had taken over. Before fiberglass fairings and disc brakes and engines the size and weight of a small house. A Triumph 110, the precursor to the Bonneville although any resemblance to the factory model had long since past. The 650cc engine had been fitted with 11-1 compression pistons that made kick starting it a risky art form. Twin carbs and a two into one swept up exhaust. Four leading shoe front brakes that left the front wheel spokes no longer that a large match stick. Twin leading shoe brakes on the back and an aluminum five gallon fuel tank. Clip-ons and rear sets forced the rider into a near prone position hunkered down with his chest embracing the tank. The whole sight was a vision of black and silver, aluminum and chrome with just one nut on the front wheel painted red as a highlight. Like I said, a classic 60s cafe racer. Dad said, "Son one say that bike will kill you." He could not have been more wrong.
By kelvin matchett7 years ago in Wheel
10 Most Expensive Car Brands to Fix. Top Story - November 2018.
There are certain cars that mechanics make their livings off of. The most unreliable cars you should never buy are often the ones that mechanics see in their shop on a regular basis, and will typically be the ones mechanics will warn you against purchasing.
By Riley Raul Reese7 years ago in Wheel
Will We Ever See Steam-Powered Cars?
During the Victorian age and throughout the early 20th century, steam-power was the crowning glory of the transportation industry. Although trains and boats powered by steam were the stars of the show, steam-powered cars were on the verge of becoming the go-to mode of personal transport. Alas, time and circumstances prevented them from reaching their full potential at the time. As you know, internal combustion engines overtook the world around the same time, which eventually rendered external combustion engines obsolete. For the longest time, steam carriages, steam engines, and other steam-powered vehicles were nothing more than nostalgic novelties. The fact is that steam power has a number of advantages over external combustion, so the subject of bringing back steam-driven personal and commercial vehicles pops up often. Is it a good idea? Does it even hold any weight? Well, you can't decide that without a comprehensive list of pros and cons.
By Dr. Ethan Levi7 years ago in Wheel
Most Expensive Cars to Maintain
It should come as no surprise that the most expensive cars to buy are typically the most expensive cars to maintain. If you are a fan of luxury vehicles, you understand that these expensive cars come with more than just an expensive price tag. There are many different factors that go into basic maintenance and repairs on any vehicle, and if your taste is for something more high performance, the money you will spend might be a little more.
By Bill Shaffir7 years ago in Wheel
Should You Include Amazon Alexa in Your Car?
If you were around in the 80s and 90s, you might recall the cellular car phone. At the time, you may have thought it was the coolest, smartest, most futuristic gadget imaginable. Of course now, like many things we reflect back upon and analyze, this bulky, awkward invention is obsolete, and arguably ridiculous, in the minds of millennials and beyond.
By Patricia Sarkar7 years ago in Wheel
Things You Didn't Know About Police Cars
What are the top careers that kids want to go into when they grow up? Well, you have your astronauts, veterinarians, firefighters...and, of course, police officers. TV shows, cartoons, books, and even documentaries can't give you all the interesting details about police departments, cops, and the vehicles they drive in though. The things you didn't know about police cars may break your past self's heart, but it will give the little kid inside of you a better understanding of the most important piece of equipment law officers are equipped with.
By Nicola P. Young7 years ago in Wheel
Prius Should Be Banned
“If you can park it and not look back at it as you’re walking away, you bought the wrong truck.”—Unknown. I believe that diesels aren't just for men, but for everyone. Everyone should be out there driving diesels and only diesels. I believe it's time we finally get rid of all those pesky energy saving cars such as the Prius. Not only are Prius drivers slow, their cars always smell. I have evidence for this claim. Every time I get into one at work, they smell like old battery acid and lonely men. In order to make the roads less wimpy, we need to make these pathetic cars illegal.
By Jordyn Sorensen7 years ago in Wheel
Things You Didn't Know About Fisker
Henrik Fisker is a Danish designer living in Los Angeles, CA. He is responsible for designing famous cars, such as the Aston Martin DB9 and the BMW Z8. He co-founded the car company Fisker Automotive in 2007, and revolutionized the industry for electric vehicles. With this success though, it's important to consider that the auto industry is always changing, and there is a lot of money involved in the game. For Fisker, it has been somewhat of a bumpy road. However, each time the car company has faced challenges, they’ve managed to come back strong. Here are some things you didn’t know about Fisker and their journey from the beginning until today.
By Morgan E. Westling7 years ago in Wheel
10 Cheapest Cars in the World
"Cheap is expensive," is a saying that's been known to apply to many things. Hiring a cheap contractor to fix your home, for example, often will cost more in extra repairs. Buying cheap boots for fall weather will often mean that you'll only wear them for a year.
By Buddy Brown7 years ago in Wheel
