(date: 2024-01-19 15:57:51)
date: 2024-01-19, from: Cycle World News
Italian custom racing gear specialist, Vircos, will move forward under the new name “REV’IT! TAILORTECH” as of January 2024.
https://www.cycleworld.com/the-wire/rev-it-relaunches-vircos-as-rev-it-tailortech/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-19, from: Cycle World News
The modern motorcycle engine is a masterpiece in thermal management. Parts are heated by combustion and friction, and that heat must be removed. Here’s why and how.
https://www.cycleworld.com/blogs/ask-kevin/how-critical-motorcycle-engine-parts-are-cooled/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-19, from: Cycle World News
Honda’s Ricky Brabec secured his second Dakar Rally win ahead of Hero Motorsports’ Ross Branch and Honda teammate Adrien Van Beveren.
https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-racing/ricky-brabec-wins-dakar-rally-2024/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-19, from: Cycle World News
CFMoto is working on a new semi-active suspension system that utilizes a camera to see the road and feed info to the computer to adjust damping accordingly.
https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-news/cfmoto-camera-based-semi-active-suspension-system/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-19, from: Cycle World News
We tested BMW’s G 310 GS to determine the capabilities of the lightweight adventure bike in the deserts of Southern California.
https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-reviews/bmw-g-310-gs-review/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-19, from: Inside EVs News
The company delivered close to 35,000 electric cars last year.
https://insideevs.com/news/705323/vinfast-ev-deliveries-2023q4/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-19, from: Cycle World News
The Cycle World Podcast is here! In this first episode Technical Editor Kevin Cameron and Editor-in-Chief Mark Hoyer talk about Suzuki’s legendary Hayabusa.
https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-news/cycle-world-podcast/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-19, from: Inside EVs News
There are lessons to be learned from the country which has the biggest EV adoption rate in the world.
https://insideevs.com/news/705338/norway-winter-ev-charging-no-trouble/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-19, from: Cycle World News
Suzuki Motor USA LLC announced it has homologated its brand new GSX-8R sport motorcycle for 2024 MotoAmerica Twins Cup championship competition.
https://www.cycleworld.com/the-wire/suzuki-homologates-new-gsx-8r-motoamerica-twins-cup-roadracing/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-19, from: Ride Apart, Electric Motorcycle News
The low beam reflectors could break in use, which could make it more difficult for a rider to see.
https://www.rideapart.com/news/705074/bmw-r18-headlight-reflector-recall/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-19, from: Inside EVs News
The German e-bike brand wants to appeal to a wider audience with its most affordable model yet.
https://insideevs.com/news/705260/ruff-cycles-lilbuddy-edge-ebike/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-19, from: Inside EVs News
Also, the charging speeds are below par, but on the flip side, the sound system is awesome and the car is “a dream to drive.”
https://insideevs.com/news/705279/tesla-cybertruck-10k-mile-owner-review-range-problems/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-19, from: Cycle World News
Ross Branch made some time on Ricky Brabec on Stage 11, but not enough to turn up the pressure. There’s just one day left in the Dakar Rally 2024.
https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-racing/dakar-rally-2024-stage-11-results/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-19, from: Ride Apart, Electric Motorcycle News
Choose from stainless steel and titanium options, along with homologated and racing configurations.
https://www.rideapart.com/news/705259/triumph-street-triple-new-zard-exhaust/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-19, from: Ride Apart, Electric Motorcycle News
A healthy mix of gas-powered and electric offerings could soon hit the Indian market
https://www.rideapart.com/news/705258/bsa-coming-to-india-2025/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-18, from: Cycle World News
Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, proudly announces a groundbreaking chapter in outdoor access with the OAI awarding two grants dedicated to advancing e-bike trails in Georgia and California.
https://www.cycleworld.com/the-wire/yamaha-empowers-e-bike-communities-with-groundbreaking-outdoor-access-initiative-grants/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-18, from: Inside EVs News
Add plug-in hybrids and the U.S. bought a record 1.4 million rechargeable cars last year.
https://insideevs.com/news/705215/us-plugin-car-sales-2023/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-18, from: Inside EVs News
It’s not as big a problem as you might think.
https://insideevs.com/news/705241/china-evs-energy-grid/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-18, from: Inside EVs News
Himiway has sporty riders in its crosshairs with the launch of a range of new e-MTBs.
https://insideevs.com/news/704902/himiway-ces2024-ebike-showcase/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-18, from: Inside EVs News
For example, why would anyone buy a Model 3 now that the Model Y is less expensive?
https://insideevs.com/news/704886/doug-demuro-ev-tax-credits/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-18, from: Cycle World News
Harley-Davidson has announced returning models for the 2024 model year. Carryovers come from the Softail, Touring, Sport, and Adventure lines, with no changes.
https://www.cycleworld.com/bikes/harley-davidson-returning-models-first-look/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-18, from: Cycle World News
The rise of street-biased, more affordable sportbikes continues with the announcement of the new Triumph Daytona 660.
https://www.cycleworld.com/bikes/triumph-daytona-660-first-look/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-18, from: Cycle World News
For 2024, Husqvarna updates the Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 with revised styling, engines, chassis, and electronics.
https://www.cycleworld.com/bikes/husqvarna-vitpilen-401-and-svartpilen-401-first-look/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-18, from: Inside EVs News
As it turns out, the Model Y is now priced similarly to the Model 3 (Highland).
https://insideevs.com/news/705121/tesla-cut-modely-prices-europe/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-18, from: Inside EVs News
Plus, automakers want full first-year tax deductions back for R&D and Europe will soon require “battery passports” for EVs.
https://insideevs.com/news/705176/critical-materials-150m-broken-chargers/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-18, from: Inside EVs News
No more swiping cards or tags at chargers.
https://insideevs.com/news/705169/gm-ev-connect-plug-and-charge/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-18, from: Kickin the Tires blog
By Seth Eggert, Associate Editor Veteran NTT IndyCar Series driver Marco Andretti is shifting in a higher gear in stock car racing in 2024 with Cook Racing Technologies (CRT) and…
https://kickinthetires.net/nascar/andretti-arca-nascar-cook-racing-tech/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-18, from: Inside EVs News
Extremely cold weather is the cause, but a lot of the issues could have been avoided or rectified ahead of time.
https://insideevs.com/news/705075/uber-lyft-rideshare-electrify-america-charging-ev-disaster-chicago/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-18, from: Inside EVs News
Volvo Cars CEO Jim Rowan doesn’t seem to agree with some of the gloomy predictions floating around.
https://insideevs.com/news/705152/volvo-boss-confident-tremendous-growth-evs/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-18, from: Inside EVs News
Lightweight, quick, and stealthy: three things that make an effective reconnaissance vehicle.
https://insideevs.com/news/704901/french-army-testing-ebikes-emotos/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-18, from: Inside EVs News
Two months after the R1T pickup entered the leasing world, it’s time for the R1S SUV to do the same.
https://insideevs.com/news/705098/rivian-r1s-leasing-open/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-18, from: Ride Apart, Electric Motorcycle News
The new lightweight street bikes have received a comprehensive refresh for the 2024 model-year.
https://www.rideapart.com/news/705081/husqvarna-svartpilen-401-vitpilen-250-launch-india/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-18, from: Ride Apart, Electric Motorcycle News
A fiberglass shell and touring-ready features at a price that doesn’t break the bank.
https://www.rideapart.com/news/705080/nishua-ntx4-evo-touring-helmet/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-18, from: Ride Apart, Electric Motorcycle News
This MT-10 has been overengineered to handle lots of boost.
https://www.rideapart.com/news/705079/purpose-built-moto-260hp-yamaha-mt10-video/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-18, from: Ride Apart, Electric Motorcycle News
2024 will be an action-packed year for the American Motorcyclist Association, with lots of events, activities, and races in store.
https://www.rideapart.com/news/705077/ama-100th-anniversary-2024/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-17, from: Cycle World News
Honda’s Ricky Brabec increased his lead in the Dakar Rally at the end of Stage 10. With two more days left, three riders are within striking distance of Brabec.
https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-racing/dakar-rally-2024-stage-10-results/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-17, from: Ride Apart, Electric Motorcycle News
More tech-laced helmets are planned for the future.
https://www.rideapart.com/news/705070/gopro-acquires-forcite-helmets-australia/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-17, from: Inside EVs News
Honda’s Saloon concept looks like a glimpse into to the company’s future. But as this 2003 concept shows, it’s also a nod to the past.
https://insideevs.com/news/705065/honda-saloon-concept-looks-familiar/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-17, from: Ride Apart, Electric Motorcycle News
Bold and blocky in 125, 250, and 401cc flavors.
https://www.rideapart.com/news/705068/2024-husqvarna-vitpilen-svartpilen-facelift/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-17, from: Inside EVs News
The P275 makes use of high-end components from Bafang, Gates, and Shimano.
https://insideevs.com/news/704898/engwe-p275-ebike-launched/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-17, from: Inside EVs News
Teslas are having trouble charging in the extreme cold, but there’s a myriad of factors that contribute to the problem. Let us help explain.
https://insideevs.com/news/705057/chicago-tesla-stranded-ev-charging/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-17, from: Ride Apart, Electric Motorcycle News
The latest addition to the LEGO Technic 1:8-scale motorcycle lineup is almost here.
https://www.rideapart.com/news/705046/kawasaki-ninja-h2r-lego-technic/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-17, from: Ride Apart, Electric Motorcycle News
RHCP, Jelly Roll, Hardy, and several other bands will take the stage at Veterans Park in Milwaukee.
https://www.rideapart.com/news/705040/2024-harley-homecoming-rhcp-headlines/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-17, from: Kickin the Tires blog
By Seth Eggert, Associate Editor ‘Underdog’ driver Kaz Grala will drive a partial schedule for Rick Ware Racing (RWR) in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2024. The Boston, MA native…
https://kickinthetires.net/nascar/grala-most-2024-cup-season-rick-ware/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-17, from: Herman Bear Blog
I (finally) received my Playdate, after about a year and a half of waiting. To be honest, I’d kinda forgotten that I’d ordered it and was pleasantly surprised when it showed up.
For those who don’t know, the Playdate is a niche handheld gaming console, similar to a Gameboy. It has a black and white screen, and an odd crank on the side. This crank isn’t a dynamo for charging the device, or anything like that. Instead, it’s a fairly novel input controller which can be used in a game mechanic to do things like reel in fish; crank open doors; and control the flow of time.
This seemed like the perfect gaming device for me. Not necessarily because I wanted to play games on it, but because I wanted to make games for it.
I’ve written previously about the power of constraints when building creative products. By having a narrow focus and sometimes arbitrary boundaries it can be easier to experiment and do something novel within this smaller possibility space. With traditional game engines the possibility space is huge. You can build anything from a Pac-Man clone, to a real-time, first-person MMORPG.
The Playdate, by comparison, has a much tighter set of constraints:
On to the learning!
I was completely unfamiliar with the Playdate SDK, and had never coded in Lua prior to this project. All the game engines I’d used before had visual scene interfaces and object hierarchies with attached scripts and attributes. The Playdate SDK, by comparison, has no interface at all, so I had to get down and dirty.
When learning a new language or framework I like to break it down into 2 steps:
Too many novice programmers get stuck in the tutorial phase of learning. The issue here is that the guardrails never allow them to make mistakes. Mistakes are where the learning happens. Instead the tutorials lead them along the happy path the whole way, and in so doing generally teach them very little.
Here’s an analogy: There’s good evidence to suggest that using apps like Google Maps for turn-by-turn navigation can make it harder for someone to learn their way around their city. On the other hand, if instead they check the location of the destination and try to self-navigate they, naturally, become more familiar with that area. They need that friction. They need to actually think about what they’re doing.
Tutorials are the turn-by-turn navigation of learning. It’ll get you to the end of the tutorial, but there’s a good chance you won’t be able to navigate that language/framework/library once completed.
So while I don’t find tutorials useful for learning, what they can do is show me what is possible. I like to watch a handful of them prior to jumping into building just so when I’m confronted with a problem I know what to look for to solve it.
This is like looking at the map prior to heading off on my journey. I don’t know the area, but I have a rough approximation of how to get where I’m going. This doesn’t necessarily have to be a tutorial, I could theoretically read the documentation, but that’s really dull.
After a short bit of scouting I found a great YouTube playlist by SquidGodDev that perfectly illustrated what is possible with the Playdate SDK, and watched about an hour of his videos before continuing.
During my time teaching, one pattern I noticed consistently was new programmers learning a new tool (let’s say a game engine) would bite off way more than they could chew for their first project. Instead of creating a small game about trying to cross a busy road, they’d try to build a multiplayer FPS. This generally broke down pretty quickly since they’d get stuck on one complex problem early on, and after a bunch of spinning, give up entirely.
Instead, having a small scope with a pretty solid definition of “done” is an ideal way to learn. Taking a project from start to finish gives a good overview of the larger picture. In the case of the Playdate, it meant building a small game, publishing it for free, and getting actual people to play it.
I also time-capped it at 4 weeks. I had to have something playable and published before Christmas.
And so I created NIGHT RAID, a game set in World War II where you control an anti-aircraft gun (using the crank), as well as a set of spotlights to hold off waves of Axis bombers, zeppelins, tanks, and a few other enemy types.
There are no levels, just an algorithmic increase in difficulty and a high-score system, which meant that I could focus on learning without spending too much time on level design.
And I did it! And it was super fun! Not only did I learn a great deal about Lua and the Playdate SDK, but also about 1-bit pixel art, animation systems, and optimising code for slow devices. I even tried my hand at sound effects but eventually just bought a big ol’ library of sounds.
By taking the small project from concept to publishing also taught me about distribution methods of Playdate games, and introduced me to the community. There’s a good subreddit and Discord group for Playdate developers, and it’s a niche enough device that the players are actually friendly.
This method of learning isn’t universally good, but I find it great for craft-specific learning. To apply it to carpentry would look something like:
And that’s how I (usually) learn new skills.
This year I’m going to be working on a Playdate game I’ve had in the back of my mind for quite a while. Something something ninja something kitty. Stay tuned!
https://herman.bearblog.dev/how-i-learn/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-17, from: Ride Apart, Electric Motorcycle News
BMW joins the growing list of manufacturers developing micromobility devices.
https://www.rideapart.com/news/704900/bmw-folding-electric-scooter-patent/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-17, from: Cycle World News
The 2023 BMW G 310 GS gets performance tested on the Cycle World Dynojet 250i dynamometer for peak horsepower.
https://www.cycleworld.com/bikes/bmw-g-310-gs-dyno-test-2023/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-17, from: Ride Apart, Electric Motorcycle News
The MoCo could be cooking up a fancy, upgraded version of its popular adventure bike.
https://www.rideapart.com/news/704896/cvo-harley-davidson-pan-america-incoming/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-17, from: Ride Apart, Electric Motorcycle News
Adaptability and versatility lie at the core of the new Nexx X.WED3 ADV helmet.
https://www.rideapart.com/news/704895/nexx-xwed3-adventure-helmet/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-17, from: Cycle World News
A first ride on Royal Enfield’s new 2024 Shotgun model. The new cruiser features custom-inspired styling, upgraded components, and a competitive price.
https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-reviews/royal-enfield-shotgun-650-first-ride/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-16, from: Cycle World News
After a rest day the racers were back at it in the 2024 Dakar Rally with American Ricky Brabec in the lead.
https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-racing/dakar-rally-stages-7-8-and-9-recap/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-16, from: Cycle World News
BMW has been making electric scooters for more than a decade, but has yet to release a full-size electric motorcycle. Patents show it is deep into development on a modular motorcycle platform.
https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-news/bmw-patent-shows-electric-motorcycle-future/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-16, from: Ride Apart, Electric Motorcycle News
Jacopo Cerutti and his Tuareg 660 led the way from Stage One.
https://www.rideapart.com/news/704872/2024-aer-cerutti-aprilia-win/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-16, from: Cycle World News
Harley-Davidson fans, get ready to rock and ride in Milwaukee this summer.
https://www.cycleworld.com/the-wire/2024-harley-davidson-homecoming-festival-feature-headlining-acts-red-hot-chili-peppers-jelly-roll-and-hardy/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-16, from: Ride Apart, Electric Motorcycle News
Pricing in other markets, including North America, will be announced closer to release dates in those markets.
https://www.rideapart.com/news/704861/royal-enfield-shotgun-650-pricing/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-16, from: Cycle World News
With today’s third place, ahead of the Botturi/Yamaha pairing, direct opponents for the final victory, Jacopo Cerutti and Aprilia Tuareg won the 2023 Africa Eco Race.
https://www.cycleworld.com/the-wire/aprilia-tuareg-queen-of-africa/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-16, from: Ride Apart, Electric Motorcycle News
Family and team alike are mourning the loss of an energetic and cheerful instructor who loved motorcycling.
https://www.rideapart.com/news/704850/carles-falcon-dakar-2024-obituary/ Save to Pocket
date: 2024-01-16, from: Ride Apart, Electric Motorcycle News
All motorcyclists might soon be required to wear full-face helmets and gloves every time they ride.
https://www.rideapart.com/news/704724/spain-mandatory-full-face-helmet-gloves-2024/ Save to Pocket