Only 2 Trucks Can Handle a Truck Bed Pool, and They Both Cost Over $60,000

by Gabrielle DeSantis

As the weather warms up, you’re looking for fun ways to beat the heat. Over the past few years, some pickup owners have observed that their truck beds can easily be converted to pools. Though this might sound like an easy, cheap, and amusing way to stay cool during the summer, it rarely works. However, two models can handle the weight of a truck bed pool: a Ford F-Series and a Ram. But they aren’t cheap.

What is a truck bed pool?

RELATED: The 2021 Ford F-450 Platinum Is More Than a Big Performer

A truck bed pool is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Pickup truck owners place a tarp along the bottom and edges of the truck bed and fill it with water using a garden hose. Add some friends and good music and, theoretically, this should be a quick and easy way to throw a party.

Logically, it makes sense, and over the past few years, many people have tried it for themselves. Truck bed swimming pools have become fairly trendy, even appearing on TV shows. Unfortunately, however, this is one instance where a cool idea is too good to be true.

Why the truck bed pool concept often doesn’t work

The problem with turning your truck bed into a pool is that water is incredibly dense. In fact, according to DualLiner, water is about twice as dense as redwood. One cubic foot of water comes out to 62 pounds, and the average truck bed can hold anywhere from 30 to 80 cubic feet of cargo. This adds up quickly, with even a small truck bed pool weighing approximately a ton. Larger truck bed pools can end up weighing nearly 5,000 pounds — and that’s before you add people.

No matter how powerful the vehicle, most trucks aren’t designed to hold such a significant amount of weight in the bed. Even filling only half the bed with water typically won’t solve this problem. DualLiner evaluated 24 trucks and found that 67 percent couldn’t handle half a bed full of water, while 96 percent couldn’t handle a full bed of water.

Though it seems a truck bed pool should work, automakers build truck beds not to accumulate water. DualLiner points out truck beds have drain holes to prevent damage to the suspension in the event of heavy rainfall.

The only trucks that can handle the weight

RELATED: 3 of the Most Comfortable Pickup Trucks You Can Buy in 2021

If 96 percent of trucks in this evaluation could handle a full bed of water, that means two supported a truck bed pool. The winners are the 2014 Ford F-450 Dually and the 2014 Ram 3500HD Dually. More recent vehicles could also handle the weight of a pool. For example, the 2021 Ford F-350 Lariat has a payload capacity of 6,960 pounds, Cars.com reports. 

Before you rush out to buy one of these vehicles, however, it’s worth noting that even used, they can often cost up to $60,000. By contrast, HomeAdvisor states the average price of installing an inground pool is $51,817. Smaller inground pools can cost as little as $38,685 — almost half the price of some of these pickup trucks.

If you were looking to purchase a truck to use it as a swimming pool, it might be more cost-effective to install an actual inground pool instead. However, if you already happen to own a pickup with a maximum payload capacity that can handle a truck bed pool, there’s no reason not to take advantage of it. Just be mindful of your truck’s suspension.

The post Only 2 Trucks Can Handle a Truck Bed Pool, and They Both Cost Over $60,000 appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

The Kawasaki Z1 900 Fought the Honda CB750 With Sheer Speed

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Much like the original Acura NSX rocked the supercar world, the Honda CB750 moved the whole motorcycle industry. It drove BMW to develop the R90S and sounded a death knell for many British bike brands. But soon, the CB750 had some competition of its own from other Japanese companies. And where speed and power were concerned, the Honda couldn’t keep up with the Kawasaki Z1 900.

The 1972-1976 Kawasaki Z1 900 “was a revolution in…what a motorcycle could be,” Cycle World says

1973 Kawasaki Z1 900 low front 3/4 | Mike Brenner/The Enthusiast Network via Getty Images/Getty Images

By the mid-to-late ‘60s, Kawasaki’s powerful two-stroke models had established the Japanese company’s international reputation. But tightening emission standards meant it needed a four-stroke model, which was initially designed as a 750cc model codenamed ‘New York Steak,’ Motorcycle Classics reports. Why that code name? Because Kawasaki wanted it to be “bigger and better than anything in America,” Iron & Air explains.

Unfortunately, the 1969 Honda CB750’s arrival meant a change of plans. If the ‘New York Steak’ was really going to be the biggest bike, it needed a more impressive engine, Cycle World reports. And that’s exactly what the 1972 Kawasaki Z1 900 delivered.

A close-up of an orange-and-brown 1973 Kawasaki Z1 900's 903cc inline-four engine
1973 Kawasaki Z1 900 engine closeup | Mike Brenner/The Enthusiast Network via Getty Images/Getty Images

The Kawasaki Z1 900, later named the KZ900, has an air-cooled inline-four engine like the CB750. However, instead of being a 750cc engine, it’s a 903cc engine rated at 82 hp linked to a five-speed transmission. That made the Z1 900 not just the most powerful Kawasaki bike up to that point, but the most powerful Japanese motorcycle, period, Gear Patrol and Hagerty report. And it meant the Z1 was extremely fast.

Although the Kawasaki Z1 900 weighs more than the CB750, it’s more powerful. And it broke a production-bike speed record set 25 years earlier by the Vincent Black Shadow. A stock Z1 900 can go over 130 mph, Silodrome reports. Development prototypes reportedly hit “‘about 140 mph,'” Motorcyclist recounts. And a fully-faired example tuned by ‘Pops’ Yoshimura set a one-lap record at Daytona at 160.19 mph in 1973, Iron & Air reports.

The Z1 was so fast that it led to the development of the AMA Superbike class. And its rivalry with the CB750 sparked the Universal Japanese Motorcycle segment. Hence why Cycle World calls it “a revolution.”

They called the Kawasaki Z1 900 ‘the king of motorcycles’

RELATED: The Norton Commando Is an Overlooked Triumph Bonneville Rival

In-period, many riders referred to the Kawasaki Z1 900 as ‘the king of motorcycles,’ Brightside Media reports. But while the bike’s speed was certainly impressive, some of its other parts weren’t quite so much.

Admittedly, the Z1 900 has several advanced features for the period. Besides the optional electric start, it has a front disc brake with dual discs as an option, The Drive and Canada Moto Guide report. An automatic chain oiler was standard as were dual overhead camshafts; up until now, DOHC engines were for race bikes.

RELATED: The Suzuki GS750 Is a Refined and Underrated Classic Bike

However, in some ways the Kawasaki Z1 900 “was the motorcycle equivalent of a muscle car,” Iron & Air explains. The bike wobbled at high speeds, and going fast meant more wear on the chain, rear tire, and rear shocks. And the chassis and suspension couldn’t quite keep up with the horsepower. Superbike racer Reg Pridmore described his tuned race-spec Z1 as “‘making 141 bhp in a 100-bhp frame,'” Motorcyclist reports.

And yet, that’s also a key part of the Kawasaki Z1 900’s appeal. It’s a bit like one of Dodge’s Hellcat models in that sense. No, it’s not necessarily the sharpest bike in the corners. But the thrill of its acceleration and power makes up for it. “‘The fact it was a bit scary was all part of the image,'” MCN explains.

RELATED: The Honda CB550 Is an Overlooked Classic Super Standard

It seems, then, that the Z1 900’s ‘king of motorcycles’ appellation is well-deserved.

This ’70s Hellcat of a superbike is rising in value

Up until a few years ago, the Kawasaki Z1 900 was still fairly affordable. In 2020 a 1973 example sold on Bring a Trailer for $10,600.

The rear 3/4 view of an orange-and-brown 1973 Kawasaki Z1 900 on a walkway in a rocky lawn
1973 Kawasaki Z1 900 rear 3/4 | Bring a Trailer

RELATED: The Kawasaki KZ900 LTD Was the First Power Cruiser

However, prices for pristine examples have risen recently, and will likely keep rising, Hagerty reports. For now, if you want the best Z1 900 on the market, you’ll easily pay over $30K for it. That being said, it’s still possible to find good-condition Z1 900s for less than half that price, Hagerty reports. But if you want a piece of ‘New York Steak,’ you might want to act fast.

Follow more updates from MotorBiscuit on our Facebook page.

The post The Kawasaki Z1 900 Fought the Honda CB750 With Sheer Speed appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Kia Dominates This List of Sportiest SUVs Under $30,000

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Sports cars are great, but they can carry hefty price tags and aren’t always accommodating to passengers and cargo. Though not as agile as, say, a Corvette, some SUVs are surprisingly sporty. Automakers like Mazda and Kia know their consumers want a little more engagement from the SUV driving experience.

And now, three small Kia crossovers appear on a U.S. News list of the 14 sportiest SUVs under $30,000 for 2021. The winners are the Seltos, Sportage, and Soul. But are these vehicles truly athletic enough for a thrill-seeker?

2021 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos is the newest addition to the brand’s lineup, sporting a 175-hp turbo-four engine in the two highest trims. It pairs with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic instead of the standard continuously variable transmission, plus all-wheel drive. U.S. News says the turbo-four offers excellent acceleration, but the shifts are too slow for a dual-clutch gearbox. The engine also occasionally hesitates at slower speeds.

The Kia Seltos has a firm ride, but most reviewers agree the steering wheel provides good feedback. Though the base engine is more efficient, the Seltos’s optional turbo-four still gets decent gas mileage. It’s rated for 25/30 mpg city/highway. 

2021 Kia Sportage

RELATED: 2021 Kia Seltos, Soul, or Sportage: Which Should You Get?

The Kia Sportage comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder capable of 181 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, which gets high praise from Edmunds. However, some critics also say it could use more torque and that the engine feels slightly underpowered.

But the Sportage’s handling is what really makes this compact SUV stand out. It can pull off sharp turns with minimal body roll, aided by its surprisingly firm suspension. Even with that, the ride feels serene and the seats supportive.

If you want to pay a little over $30,000, the Sportage SX Turbo offers a 240-hp turbo-four. It provides better acceleration and feels like a better match for this crossover’s lithe road manners. This trim also includes luxurious extras like a panoramic sunroof, a premium audio system, and ventilated seats.

2021 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul’s best engine is a 201-hp turbo-four, standard on the aptly named Turbo model. It pairs with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic but cannot be paired with AWD like its siblings. Though not as quick, the standard 147-hp engine and six-speed automatic feel sporty as well, some critics say.

Regardless of the engine, each Soul has a tight turning radius and feels solid around corners. However, its small stature also causes it to shake over rough pavement, and the steering lacks feedback. But its compact dimensions make it a useful commuter car with a surprisingly spacious interior.

SUVs that top the list

Unsurprisingly, Mazda vehicles occupy most of the top spots on U.S. News‘ list. The sportiest SUV in the roundup is the CX-5, with a standard 187-hp four-cylinder engine. A 250-hp turbo-four is also on tap, but that model starts at $30,560.

Both engines provide quick acceleration from the get-go, and the transmission feels smooth. Also, the handling is top-notch, with electronically-assisted steering that doesn’t come off as too robotic. Many critics report a stiff ride, but the cabin is still comfortable and quiet.

Starting at only $20,790 and packing a 148-hp turbo-four, the Mazda CX-3 is one of the cheapest options on the list. Though it doesn’t have the stamina of some of its rivals, it boasts the best handling among Mazda’s SUVs. Ranking one spot below the CX-3 is the CX-30, with a 186-hp engine and a nicely balanced ride.

The post Kia Dominates This List of Sportiest SUVs Under $30,000 appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Watch: Chucklehead Spins Then Crashes Brand New Ferrari 488 Pista

by Gabrielle DeSantis

A lot of these supercar drivers must have no experience at all with sudden acceleration. We say that because we continually post videos of these chuckleheads losing control and crashing their half-a-mil supercars. Like this one with an hours-old Ferrari 488 Pista. 

The driver had just picked his Ferrari 488 Pista up from the dealer

Yes, the driver had just picked this Ferrari up from the dealer when this happened. We understand that both the traction control and stability control were turned off. Obviously, this dude wanted to be a hero and thought he didn’t need those aids. 

This happened in the Netherlands. With 710 hp and as lightweight as it is, if you’re going to stab it you need some runway ahead of you and you need to stay into it. We suspect that drivers get spooked when the rear tires break loose and start to torque to one side and they back off. Or, they overcorrect. 

A man cleans a Ferrari logo during the press day | Photo by Thorsten Wagner/Getty Images

That’s when the cameras should be rolling. Once they back off it pushes the rear all of the way around. The end results are like this one, which is a spectacle, but not pretty.

One of the fun features of all Pistas is what’s called “manettino”

Ferrari 488 Pista losing control
Wrecked Ferrari 488 Pista | YouTube

One of the fun features of all Pistas is what’s called “manettino” which means “little switch.” It has settings on a dial the driver can use to change settings in the Pista. So turning the manettino knob switches off all of the driver’s aids if the driver so chooses. The ones this chucklehead needed and should have been using. 

The only good to come from this is that the driver had a chase car filming the whole ugly mess. Once the driver stabs the trigger the car shifts left. Then the driver lifts thinking he’ll correct the slide. Overcorrecting, the Pista goes right-right over a curb and into a chain-link fence. Funtime is now over. 

Correcting right when this lightweight car swings left results in what you see

wrecked red Ferrari 488 Pista after crash
Wrecked Ferrari 488 Pista | YouTube

With the rear tires offering almost no traction, correcting right when this lightweight car swings left results in what you see. If you want to roll out of the hard throttle that might correct it. But overcorrecting and/or lifting is bad news. 

The driver’s side and rear took the main damage. It is hard to tell in the 18-second vid what all was damages. It looks like the chain link fence post punched the windshield. With frame damage, some broken suspension bits, and bodywork galore, this will be a costly repair. 

But if this dude can afford a $450,000 Ferrari then fixing the damage won’t be much of a hit. After all, what’s another $100,000 or so to learn a valuable lesson? Some would call this adventure “priceless.”

The post Watch: Chucklehead Spins Then Crashes Brand New Ferrari 488 Pista appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by