The Nexx XG200 Is One of the Coolest Dual-Sport Motorcycle Helmets Around

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Unlike driving cars, motorcycles require a ton of gear to ride safely. While the Schott Perfecto leather jacket might be the most iconic bit of kit, the motorcycle helmet has the highest potential to be cool. The Portuguese-made Nexx XG200 motorcycle helmets are among the coolest dual-sport motorcycle helmets on the market. 

The Nexx OffRoad Tracker Dual-Sport Motorcycle Helmet | Nexx

While many people love vintage motorcycle helmets, they simply aren’t safe enough to justify wearing. Nexx has taken many of these vintage motorcycle helmet designs and modernized them enough to make them safe while still staying funky and stylish. The newest dual-sport motorcycle helmet offering is the Nexx XG200 Offroad Tracker, and it looks so good you may want to buy a bike just to get this helmet. 

What is the Nexx XG200 Offroad Tracker

Nexx is one of the last standing motorcycle helmet makers that still manufacturers 100 percent of their helmets in Europe. Much like the American manufacturing market, most EU makers have exported their labor to less regulated markets to pay workers lower wages. Nexx has very proudly kept all of its production in Portugal to maintain its stellar quality control. 

Silodrome reports that the newest member of the Nexx XG200 model family has come, and it is the Offroad Tracker. If you are familiar with Nexx, you know that while these vintage-style dual-sport motorcycle helmets aren’t the only thing Nexx does, they are the coolest. 

Not only are these dual-sport helmets the coolest Nexx product, but they also might be one of the coolest dual-sport motorcycle helmets, period. 

The shell of the Nexx XG200s is made from their patented X-MATRIX 2 material. This proprietary compound comprises fiberglass, 3D organic fibers, high-performance organic fibers, biaxial fiberglass twile, and organic fibers. All that to say, these motorcycle helmets are pretty damn tough. 

What size motorcycle helmet should I get? 

The new Nexx OffRoad tracker against a white background. This is one of the coolest dual-sport motorcycle helmets on the market.
The Nexx Off-Road Tracker Dual-Sport Motorcycle Helmet | Nexx

The sizing of a motorcycle helmet matters as much as the quality of the materials. If you get the wrong size motorcycle helmet, it can be as dangerous as not wearing one in the first place. Because of this, Nexx offers two different shell sizes across six overall helmet sizes. 

Helmet sizing is so important that Nexx offers XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL. Instead of simply filling a one-size-fits-all shell with padding to fit different head sizes, Nexx makes a smaller shell and a bigger shell. 

Inside the Nexx XG200 Offroad Tracker motorcycle helmet, you’ll find an industry-standard impact-absorbing EPS layer and a padded liner that utilizes “X-Mart Dry” technology. To keep things fresh, the liner is completely removable and washable, and it has a drying rate twice as fast as normal cotton. 

Coolest vintage-style dual-sport motorcycle helmet

It is no secret that Nexx designed the XG200 series to look like the 70s and 80s enduro and dual-sport motorcycle helmets. This vintage style mixed with these modern compounds gives riders the vintage motorcycle vibe while keeping their heads screwed on tight in the event of a spill. 

The Nexx XG200 Offroad Tracker helmet can be adjusted in several ways for a more comfortable and secure fit. It has a two-position peak, chin ventilation, top ventilation, a soft anti-sweat, and anti-allergic fabric inner lining, and it’s fastened with a standard double-d ring buckle.

Luckily, being stylish and safe doesn’t cost an arm and a leg in this case. The Nexx XG200 Offroad Tracker costs $399.95, which in the motorcycle helmet market is pretty reasonable. This is doubly true considering how many uglier motorcycle helmets are out there for similar money. Nexx has hit the nail on the head here. From aesthetic design to functionality, the Nexx XG200 is right in the sweet spot.

RELATED: What’s the Difference Between a Motorcycle Helmet and an Auto Racing One?

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Do You Need Expensive Off-Road Suspension for Your Truck or SUV?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Just like street cars, a good set of shocks and springs can make or break your modified off-road rig before you even get the chance to break it yourself. It’s one of the most popular mods for an off-roader out there, and it’s not just for aesthetics if done correctly. There’s a lot of mysticism surrounding the real-world benefits of off-road suspension, and now it’s time to talk about it.

Donut Media says no, with an asterisk

Minimal gains for suspension mods | Donut Media

Now, normally when I write something like this I struggle with visual aids. I can’t show you with my eyes and hands what I’m talking about. Fortunately, James Pumphrey and Donut Media did the hard work for me, because they’re just good like that. Effectively what Donut did was compare off-road suspension setups and nothing else. Convenient, right?

In their video, the group compared a Toyota Tacoma with a $700 lift kit and suspension, and one with $3,200 of the same hardware. The vehicles are represented by the lines, with the stock on the left, the mid-tier Taco in the middle, and the pricey one on the right. Evidently, their $3,200 in suspension didn’t get them much further, and the middling suspension failed to perform. However, I should note that the mid-tier team’s spotter work was, by their own admission, spotty.

Where should you put your money instead?

A modified SUV participates in an off-road rally in Russia
Wading through the muck | Yelena Afonina via Getty Images

So, clearly, a whole car’s worth of off-road suspension can only get you so far. About eight feet father. Why? Tires. That’s it. No film trickery, nothing. Good old-fashioned tires should be where you put your money before even contemplating dropping that money on suspension. Just like a performance street car, tires are everything. More grip means you won’t spend time hanging off of rocks spinning wheels like the Donut crew.

Moreover, tires are going to (generally) be a whole lot cheaper than a full off-road suspension upgrade. There’s also one other benefit to tires that I’ve neglected. No, you won’t have the cool-guy lift, but that’s a good thing. Get some tires and learn first. Go do some easy trails with a spotter and work on that most important modification: your driving skill.

Off-road suspension can be worth it if done properly

Off-road suspension seen on a modified truck
A Toyota modified with off-road suspension | Roland Weihrauch via Getty Images

That said, eventually, off-road suspension is a must if you’re going to get serious about things. You’ll need the ground clearance it provides one day or another. But know that, as Donut so kindly illustrated, you won’t be getting your money’s worth without some rubber.

Sure, the lift is more fun to look at, but you’ll get so much more fun and savings out of doing things properly and fitting some solid tires first. So, in summary, make sure you’ve done the prerequisite tire and driver mods before getting suspension going. Or, do tires and suspension all in one go for maximum off-road cool points.

RELATED: The Best Beadlock Wheels for Your Truck

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Honda Kills NSX: Ends With a Butt-Kicking Type-S Finale

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Acura is ending production of the fabled NSX. But not without a final flourish. Since its debut in 2015, it has been Acura’s flagship. But demand has been weak for the flagship Acura-especially over the last couple of years.

Only 350 NSX Type-S cars will be built

2022 Acura NSX Type-S tease | Acura

So it was expected that the end was coming soon. But the NSX will go out with a Type-S model that is sure to please. Only 350 will be built, with 300 remaining here in the US where the NSX is made. 

Full details won’t be out until Pebble Beach arrives in about two weeks. But we do know some things and can speculate on others to give a better idea of what the Type-S will be. The current twin-turbo V6 packs 500 hp with three permanent magnet synchronous motors. In total, the NSX packs 573 hp with 476 lb-ft of torque. 

The Type-S will surely be a combo of weight reduction and more power. Carbon fiber bits will help the weight. Aerodynamics will surely be tweaked. The power will probably be increased with both more boost and more powerful electric motors. The current motors put out about 36 hp each. And it will be all-wheel-drive.

The NSX Type-S should be insane

2022 Acura NSX Type-S tease doing smoky burnout
2022 Acura NSX Type-S tease | Acura

While the current NSX is quick as heck, with what is expected to come on the Type-S, this will surely be an insane mid-engine beast. Current specs are listed at 0-60 in 3.1-seconds, and finishing the quarter-mile in 11.2-seconds. The top speed is just shy of 200 mph. 

The best year for second-generation NSX sales in the US was 2017 when 581 were built. Since then the numbers have tapered off significantly. In 2018 the production dropped to only 170 NSX produced. For 2019, a slight uptick to 238 cars were sold. In 2020 Acura sold only 128 NSC cars. Total production worldwide is about 2,500. 

The previous generation NSX was built longer and sold far more. But it was still a very limited-production vehicle. From its debut in 1990, Acura sold 9,000 cars through 2007. 

The second-gen NSX was always in the background

2022 Acura NSX Type-S rear shot
2022 Acura NSX Type-S tease | Acura

The second-gen NSX never got any legs, even when it debuted at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. That was the year Ford’s GT was also introduced, and while the NSX was expected to be the star of the show it was overshadowed by the GT. Acura was hoping to get a bump from its exposure at that show. It didn’t happen. 

But maybe this NSX Type-S will make up for its many years in the background. The NSX is an amazing vehicle and going out like this will only make it more exciting and desirable in the future.

RELATED: The Fastest Acura NSX in the World Isn’t That Much of an NSX

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4 Best Inverter Generators for Camping and Tailgating

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When it comes to camper supplies, one of the most important things you can’t miss on your checklist is a power source. Whether you’re camping or tailgating, you need a generator that will provide enough power for all your devices without running out of fuel too quickly. Here, we will discuss four inverter generators and how they work. 

What are recreational inverters generators?

A Honda generator under a yellow umbrella | Stephan Schulz/picture alliance via Getty Images

Inverter generators are a popular alternative to conventional portable generators. They provide many of the same features but differ from traditional models in that they run quieter and at a lower voltage. They are typically an alternative to those who enjoy camping or tailgating but want more than the 12 volts of power offered by a traditional portable generator.

Inverter generators differ from conventional portable generators in that they convert the electrical current into AC. While this may sound like a minor detail, it’s really crucial for powering devices that require AC. These generators can power household appliances and devices, which are typically 120 volts AC. Appliances that can be charged include electric stoves in case you want to make dinner while out camping.

The four best generator options

According to Consumer Reports, the best recreational inverter generators are the Honda EU2200i, the DeWalt DXGN 2200, the Echo EGI-2300, and the Ryobi RYi2322VNM.

Honda EU2200i

This generator is fuel-efficient and can be used for a variety of recreational activities. Its lightweight, compact size is perfect for camping and tailgating. Additionally, it is less noisy and quiet at a distance of 23 feet, which is a plus if you choose to run it overnight. The EU2200i found at Honda Power Equipment can run for up to 10 hours, delivering 1800 watts, and retails at $1,100.

DeWalt DXGN2200

The DeWalt generator is a popular choice because it’s quiet and powerful. It can run for up to 10 hours at a 50% load or five hours on 100%. The DeWalt is a little heavier than the Honda EU2200i generator, so you may not want to carry this one around with you too much. It retails at $650, according to Home Depot.

Echo EGI-2300

This model by Echo is fairly quiet in terms of dB rating, making it perfect for running at night or while camping. It also delivers power smoothly and handles power surges well. The main difference from the rest is that the Echo will only run for up to seven hours on a full tank, so be sure not to overdo it. Its retail price is $850.

Ryobi RYi2322VNM

This generator is perfect if you’re looking for an inverter that has a fuel gauge. It also delivers power smoothly and handles surges well. It has a gasoline capacity of 1.2-gallons and an output of 1800 watts.

The only downside to this option is the sound, which you can hear from a distance of 23 to 50 feet. So, you can expect some disturbance if you use it at night. The generator goes for $629 at Home Depot. 

Safety rules when using recreational inverter generators

When using recreational inverters generators, there are several safety rules you need to follow. One is never to place the generator indoors when using it because it could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. However, when outside, protect the generator from rain and snow, which may cause permanent damage.

Remember to always use a ground fault circuit protector in case of an accident or electric shock, so you don’t get electrocuted. Also, as part of your safety, ensure you store gasoline in a safe place with the fuel cap on tight and out of reach of children. Lastly, check the engine oil and ensure it’s in good condition to prevent overheating.

With these safety precautions in mind, you can enjoy your camping trip or tailgate without worry!

RELATED: 5 Best Portable Generators According to Consumer Reports

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