Motorcycle Battery: How it Works (Part 1)

Modern motorcycles cannot run without a battery.

Their technology has advanced much over the years.

Finding out about how they work is just as important as choosing one and maintenance.

There was a point in time when a motorcycle didn’t require a battery to start, relying instead on points and condenser ignition system, but now batteries are getting ever more advanced in order provide power to starter, lighting system, electronic ignition (ECU) and coils, riding aids, other electrical and electronic systems and accessories.
It’s the battery that’s powering all those systems at the start and when the motorcycle’s charging system can’t provide enough power for example when the bike is idling for a long time at the traffic lights.

Furthermore, the battery also needs to protect the delicate electrical and electronics by absorbing voltage surges and spikes.
BASIC WORKINGS OF A BATTERY
What exactly is a battery? To put it simply, it is an electrochemical device which converts chemical energy to electrical energy.

A basic 12 Volt (V) battery is made up of:

Six cells that typically produce approximately 2 volts each (depending on type of cells), producing between slightly above 12.0 to 13.2 volts, in total.
Each cell consists of alternatively charged positive and negative lead (Pb) plates i.e. positive, negative, and so forth. The more plates in a cell, the more current (flow of electricity – Amp) and energy capacity (ampere hours – AH).
Insulators that are placed between the individual cells.
The cells are then connected to each other.
Electrolyte (commonly known as battery acid) which is a sulfuric acid and distilled water solution, is added to the flood the plates.
The lead plates react chemically to the sulfuric acid, lead sulfate, while the acid is turned into water which in turn is split into hydrogen and oxygen.
The chemical reaction releases electrons from the negative plates. The electrons (which are negative in charge) flow to the components they need to and return to the battery’s positive terminal and plates. This is what’s known as the electrical current.
The electrolyte will eventually be diluted through discharge i.e. electrical usage.
Charging reverses the chemical process.

TYPES OF BATTERIES
1. Wet cell
Also known as the flooded lead-acid cells battery, it was invented way back in 1859. As the name suggests, the cells are inundated in electrolyte and needs to be checked and topped-up as required from time to time, especially in our hot and humid weather.

When stored in a discharged state, the heavier acid molecules sink to the bottom of the battery, causing the electrolyte to stratify (separating into layers of water and acid). When the battery is used again, most of the current will only flow around this area, wearing out the bottom parts of the plates.
Adios soon enough.
Being filled with liquid also requires the battery to be fixed in an upright position to prevent spillage. While being gradually being phased out as OEM fitment for motorcycles, they are still widely available due to their low cost.
2. Absorbed glass mat (AGM)
The AGM battery is the most common type of OEM fitment nowadays, usually produced by Yuasa for our market.

If you’ve ever replaced your OEM battery to another “maintenance-free” type, especially if it’s from Yuasa or Koyoko, chances are that it’s an AGM.
In an AGM type, the electrolyte is absorbed by a glass fibre mats that sit between cells. The mats greatly reduce evaporation and doesn’t require topping up, consequently. The electrolyte becomes the separator material, allowing the plates to be compressed together, increasing energy density compared to wet cells or gel batteries.
To reduce gas pressure build up in the casing when overcharged or discharged, the AGM battery includes a one-way blow-off valve. Due to that feature, AGM batteries also belong to the group called “valve regulated lead-acid” (VRLA) designs.
Another advantage of the mats is that the electrolyte is held in place and doesn’t slosh around or stratify like in wet cells, which means the battery could be mounted in different positions.
AGM batteries arguably have shorter lifespans since they have higher acid contents to increase standby voltage and lower water loss rate. If your AGM battery shows more than 12.56 V in an open circuit (battery not connected to anything on the bike), it means there’s more acid content. Again, while this is normal for the AGM type, it may not live long.
3. Gel battery
A gel battery, also known as gel cell, is A VRLA battery uses gellified electrolyte. Sulfuric acid is mixed with fumed silica, resulting in an immobile, gel-like mass.

Since there’s no liquid involved, it doesn’t need to be kept upright, electrolyte evaporation is reduced, there’s no spillage and corrosion problems. Besides that, it is more shock and vibration resisitant.
4. Lithium-Ion
Li-Ion batteries are all the rage now, despite not being fitted on a widespread basis due to cost. To describe the functions of a Li-Ion battery requires an entire article by itself!

To surmise, however, the advantages of the Li-Ion compared to VRLAs are mainly substantial weight savings and better cranking pressure (CCA – Cold Cranking Ampere). Cranking pressure denotes how much stored energy is available for cranking up the engine, besides supporting the electronics and electrical systems and accessories.
Disadvantages of Li-Ion?
A discharged Li-Ion battery can’t be brought back to life unlike a VRLA. Additionally, you need to use chargers that are compatible with Li-Ion batteries, although you may also use that charger for VRLA batteries.
That’s it for Part 1, the basics. We’ll cover the subject of maintenance in the next edition.
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FIM to drop MotoGP claiming rule

The FIM will drop the ‘Claiming Rule’ from the MotoGP regulation books next year. The regulation was initially introduced as a measure at preventing factory teams from entering the sport under the guises of a privateer team.
Starting next year, the introduction of spec-ECU and spec-software will separate full factory teams from the privateers. The Grand Prix commission have also agreed to the use of such systems as it has proven to be a more effective way in separating the two team types.
Also announced was a change in Moto2 engines rules. Currently, all Moto2 teams can request to replace one of their spec-engine if they believe said engine has lower performance figures than standard, regardless of reason. This includes aspects such as manufacturing tolerances and assembly differences. However, if the engine replaced is found to be performing up to spec, then the team will loose the current €20,000 deposit paid when such a request is filed.
The deposit amount will be reduced starting in 2014 to help smaller teams on the grid. Instead of €20,000, Moto2 teams will only have to pay a deposit of €7,500. The IRTA however will more than likely keep said deposit if the engine performs accordingly to its specification. In an effort to discourage teams from swapping engines in search of a powerful motor, the €7,500 deposit price will increase to €10,000 for the second engine requested.
More information and details of the regulations can be viewed with this link:
http://www.fim-live.com/en/sport/official-documents-ccr/codes-and-regulations/
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TOC Automotive College introduces new superbike course – Learn to be a qualified superbike mechanic!

TOC Automotive College is a household name in Malaysia for anyone wanting to become an automotive mechanic.
With firmly established courses for cars, TOC Automotive College has now introduced a new course designed for those who would like to learn about superbikes.
The college has partnered with the Malaysian Motorcycles & Scooters Dealers Association to be able to offer its students almost instant employment among the 5,000 members of the MMSDA.
Read on for more information, or click here to register your interest in this course for yourself, or for your children.

Finding a good mechanic to work on your vehicle is one of the hardest things about vehicle ownership. Get a bad mechanic and maintaining your bike can very quickly become a nightmare, not to mention seriously expensive.

Truth of the matter is, it is not easy to meet a qualified mechanic with all the right training. It isn’t only difficult for us as vehicle owners, but even for workshop owners.

It is that vacuum that TOC Automotive College aims to fill, and it has recently taken the first step by signing a partnership with the Malaysian Motorcycle and Scooter Dealers Association (MMSDA). Through this partnership, students who had undergone TOC’s Superbike Technician Course will find almost instant employment among the MMSDA’s 5,000-member workshops. Nothing is worse than not being able to find a job after spending thousands of Ringgit for education.
The signing of this partnership also connects readily with the TOC Bina Bakat (Building Talents) program. TOC understands that there exist individuals who are passionate about automotive technology but are unfortunately unable to bear the costs of education. Hence, successful applicants will undergo training with up to 100% loan until they begin their journey in the workplace.

Adelaine L.K. Foo, CEO and founder of TOC recently said, “Alongside the growth of the four-wheel market, there should be fair competency through improved skillsets given to the motorcycle scene, which also contributes to a large part of the automotive industry.”

“One of the common challenges I have come across which resonates well with me as a parent, is the financial struggle for single parents putting their children through higher education,” she continued. “Through this collaboration, one of our main objectives is to help ease the financial burden and raise the quality of higher education at the same time.”

Chairman of MMSDA, Wee Hong says, “The support of the Bina Bakat Program has increased the opportunity for our industry to have a greater access to quality skilled talents, something which had been lacking before.”
He further added, “MMSDA and TOC share a collective passion and dedication to delivery excellence towards the motorcycle industry. Through this partnership, not only will we see updated and improved facilities for conducive learning but also the increased employment of qualified and skilled technicians with our members and partners.”

The Superbike Technician Course runs for 18 months with 3 levels of academic and career development opportunities. The students will be exposed to real-world experience during industrial training with TOC’s partners during the course.

Adelaine stressed the importance of sending the students out for industrial training, “We can’t have for example a student who graduate with a degree in all expects of automotive engineering or maintenance but has never lifted a single spanner.”

This augurs well for motorcycle owners throughout Malaysia as we will have well-trained and experienced mechanics handling our pride and joy.

Application for the first batch of the Superbike Technician Course is open for its first intake in July 2018. Please visit www.toc.edu.my or www.facebook.com/TOC.edu/ for more information, or click here if you are interested to know more about this course.
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The Weekend Ride – Aunty Aini’s Garden Cafe, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan

Aunty Aini’s is famous for their Rendang and Masak Lemak Cili Api

Located in Kampung Chelet, Nilai, it’s only 10 minutes away from Sepang International Circuit

Many famous chefs have been there including Gordon Ramsay and Anthony Bourdain

Welcome to yet another addition to The Weekend Ride segment brought to you exclusively by Bikes Republic. For this week, our main highlight is shining upon a hidden (but very well-known) gem in the heart of Nilai, Negeri Sembilan. We are of course referring to the famous Aunty Aini’s Garden Cafe.

Located at Batu 16, Jalan Sepang in Kampung Chelet, Nilai, the garden-themed restaurant is quite hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city but is only 8.3km away from the Sepang International Circuit (SIC). A quick hop on your bike after an awesome track day session and you’ll reach there within 10 minutes. CLICK HERE for its exact location on Google Maps.

So what’s so special about this kampung-styled eatery? The restaurant has been around for more than a decade now and the owner / head chef of the garden cafe simply known as Aunty Aini has been developing her recipes ever since she was small. Learning everything from her mother and grandmother, the restaurant specializes in a lot of different food varieties but the village-styled food is what we would to refer to as “heaven on many plates”.

Open for only lunch and dinner sessions (lunch: 11.30am – 2.30pm, dinner: 5.30pm – 10.30pm), people flock here to get a taste of her famous rendang (braised beef, chicken or duck in coconut milk, herbs and spices) and also their Gulai Masak Lemak Cili Api (coconut milk gravy with turmeric and bird’s eye chilli). Check out the video on how Aunty Aini once taught the great (not to mention potty-mouthed) Michelin-star celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsay, on how to cook her famous dish.

There are over 40 different choices under the local menu and almost 30 options for western food lovers but stick to the basics and you’ll fly over the moon. The go-to menu that is always in our order sheet would be their daging salai masak lemak cili api (smoked beef bathed in coconut milk gravy with turmeric and bird’s eye chilli). It is quite literally a festival for the taste buds.

One of our writer’s personal favourite besides the beef is the same spicy coconut milk gravy with mussels. Fat, juicy, delicious mussels paired with that spicy thick gravy is what heaven on Earth is made of and it is sublime. Even TV host and travelling Chef Anthony Bourdain made quite a few pit stops at the cafe to sample their food time and time again. IT’S THAT GOOD, PEOPLE.

Some folks would go for the more non-spicy items that are suitable for children and non-spicy eaters such as the deep fried turmeric chicken or squid which are equally awesome.  There are many vegetable options to choose from to complete the rice-based dish but their fiery sambal belacan and ulam (raw greens) are a must despite how deceptively simple they look. The Western food is not bad either, judging by the photo below.

Looking for the ultimate ‘foodgasm’ after a nice ride out with the guys? Well, head on over to Aunty Aini’s Garden Cafe in Nilai and your tummy will thank you for it. Just don’t forget to take a quick nap or some strong coffee before riding back home! To know more, head over to Aunty Aini’s Garden Cafe Facebook page or their Instagram.
CLICK HERE to take a look at our previous The Weekend Ride article where we covered a very famous eating spot in Penang, Malaysia. Good stuff!
Photo source: Aunty Aini’s Garden Cafe Facebook Page
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REVIEW: Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 – Best street tyre yet?

The Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 is the latest sport street tyre to be produced by the Japanese tyre manufacturer

We went to Spain to test the new Hypersport S22 on some of the latest supersports and superbikes at the Circuito de Jerez

Dry performance and overall wet grip have been further enhanced whilst maintaining long tyre life

It was earlier this month that we flew 15,000km all the way to Jerez, Spain to test out the latest street tyre from a very famous Japanese tyre manufacturer; the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22.
The S22 is a sport tyre option for street use that is the next evolution of the highly-acclaimed Battlax Hypersport S21.

Bridgestone Motorcycle & Scooter Tyres Centre – Malaysia (RM Mart Sdn Bhd or BridgestoneMoto) handed us the golden opportunity to test out their latest sports tyre not just anywhere in Spain, but at the legendary Circuito de Jerez.
Around 45 motoring journalists from around the globe took this chance to test the latest Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 and experience how it reacted on a wide range of supersport and superbike machineries.

Present during the test was the latest 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R which is the first bike in the world to come with the new Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 as standard.
Other models that we were able to test the new tyres with were the all-new 2019 BMW S 1000 RR, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R SE, and the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP.

What’s new about the Hypersport S22?

Well, after the huge success of the Hypersport S21, it seemed that it would be a monumental task for the Japanese tyre manufacturer to come up with the next evolution of their sport street tyre. But guess what?
They succeeded and the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 was born with better grip in both dry and wet conditions that not only offers improved riding performance but also a more enjoyable motorcycling experience to match!

This is all possible thanks to newly-developed compounds from the silica-enriched formulation and pattern with better land-sea ratio. This also improves water drainage, heighten agility, and provide better feedback.
What’s so special about these new improvements?

Let’s look at the new pattern that can be found on both the front and rear tyres, shall we? According to Bridgestone, getting the right feel and feedback especially in wet and rainy conditions has been further enhanced, especially on the tyre’s shoulder thanks to a new land-to-sea ratio.

This means that even when the bike is leaning, you can be confident that there’s enough grip to ensure that you’re safe when tackling corners in the rain (at least, better than what the previous gen S21, which was already good to begin with).
Bridgestone also mentioned that you’re able to carry 15% more cornering speed with the new S22!

The second aspect when it comes to superior wet riding performance is the new silica formulation used in the production of the Hypersport S22. Bridgestone was able to inject 25% more silica (compared to S21) into the rubber due to the use of fine-particle silica.
In other words, you will instantly feel more comfortable riding in the wet since more silica is in contact with the road (more silica = better wet performance and grip).

The last and probably the most important improvement is the new multi-compounds used the construction of both the front and rear tyres.
Three different compounds with five layers and front dual-compound with three layers offer improved dry grip that’s easily maintained at a wider temperature range.

This in turn provides ‘higher levels of sports riding performance’ as the S22 can warm up quickly and operate at its optimum level throughout a bigger temperature scope.
The new resin also offers a longer life which means you don’t have to change them too regularly and burn a huge hole in your wallet.
So, what type of rider can benefit from the new S22?

If you frequently ride your supersport or superbikes on a regular basis (daily use like to and from the office, etc), enjoy sports riding (weekend warrior up and down Genting), or just starting to join track days, the Battlax Hypersport S22 is definitely for you.

The main reason is because of its ability to provide high grip in both dry and wet conditions. This is especially important here in Malaysia where it is hot and humid with regular and unexpected rain almost every week of the year.

They also last longer thanks to the new compounds combination where they are very reliable for everyday use and provide enough grip for some fun in the track.
The tyres work well in providing track-riding pleasure especially for beginners as long as riders don’t push the limit or when track temperatures exceed 55°C (this is rare at Sepang International Circuit but does occur when it gets really, really hot).
How did they perform?

For a sport street tyre, we found out that they warm up exceptionally fast even in super cold condition during out track test at Jerez (it was around 15°C at noon when the sun was out with no clouds in sight).
It was colder in the morning and getting on the brand-new 2019 BMW S 1000 RR in a foreign track was not as scary as initially anticipated due to the fact that the tyres offered optimum grip after just a couple of laps to warm up.

The experience on the BMW was sublime but when the temperature went up, we were able to test it out on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R SE and it offered even more in terms of grip, cornering speed, and braking stability.
That same confidence-boosting feel was again experienced when we went out on the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and the previous gen Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP.

Even with an array of bikes offering different riding characteristics, it was clear how the new Battlax Hypersport S22 provided such a beautiful riding experience (especially when the bikes are properly tuned for that particular circuit). The feel and feedback were precise and constant throughout the day, which is amazing to say the least.

Bridgestone’s state-of-the-art ULTIMAT EYE™ technology has a huge say on how the S22 was developed as it was able to understand how the tyres behave in different riding conditions and work with the data.
The result? Less slippage on the contact patch which also means better grip, each and every time.

So, what’s our conclusion?

The new Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 is indeed a tyre that not only ‘talks the talk’ but also ‘walks the walk’. They definitely did not stretch the truth when they say the S22 offers better grip in different riding conditions even in colder temperatures presented in Jerez.

There are already so many reviews praising the previous generation S21 and with Bridgestone constantly arming themselves with endless data from research and development, they were able to push that performance limit even further with the latest Battlax Hypersport S22.

The S22 is already available in Malaysia and if you’re looking for a set of rubbers that has long life, improved dry grip, and excellent wet riding performance; look no further than this affordable option that is the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 (from RM570 – RM960 per tyre).

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Orange County Choppers files for bankruptcy

According to reports circulating the internet, the owner of Orange County Choppers Holdings Inc, has sought bankruptcy, and has sought U.S. Bankruptcy Court protection for the company’s merchandise with plans to liquidate its assets.
The custom-motorcycle company is operated by Paul Teutul Sr, with his son, Paul Jr, and is based in Newburgh, New York.
It is known that the company listed $1.12 million in assets and $1.44 million in debts. According to U.S. laws, a trustee will be appointed to dismantle the company, sell its assets and distribute the proceeds to creditors.

Orange County Choppers were famous for the “American Chopper” reality show which ended its 10 year run on the Discovery Channel last December. Besides producing amazing bikes, the show was well known for the father and son fights.

Orange County Choppers also built a chopper for the Malaysian Tourism Ministry.
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Ciao Vespino! – Vespa S125 3v i.e. launched at RM12,462.04

Naza Premira Sdn Bhd (Vespa Malaysia) launches sporty new Vespa S125 3v i.e. at RM12,462.04 (OTR).

Authorised Malaysian importer and distributor of Vespa motorcycles Naza Premira Sdn Bhd today marked the debut of its latest offering in the form of the sporty new Vespa S125 3v i.e. during a press launch held in The Garage KL.

The Vespa S125’s arrival is something many of the brand’s fans and purists have welcomed with great fan fare. This being a ‘sporty’ model, the S125 slots below the 155cc-powered Sprint and shares a similar outlook as well, most notable being its square headlamp shape.

This is a new generation Vespa model so it gets treated with the brand’s modern new front fascia that features a new mask with a ‘tie’. Matching that and the square headlamp are the prominent mudguard design and saddle profile, as well as the red-painted shock absorbers and retro-styled instrument panel with chrome surrounds.

A total of five paint scheme options will be available comprised of Toarnima (orange), Roso Dragon (red), Nero Vulcano (black), Monte Bianco (white) and Grigio Titanio (matte grey).

As the name suggests, the Vespa S125 is powered by Vespa’s new air-cooled 124cc four-stroke three-valve single-cylinder single-cam engine primed with electronic fuel injection that makes 11.6hp @ 8,250rpm and peak torque of 10.7Nm @ 6,500rpm. The mill is paired with a CVT automatic box primed with a dry centrifugal clutch and torque server.
The specifications scan posted below should explain the Vespa S125’s technical details in greater light.

Just like its 155cc brethrens, the S125’s 124cc powertrain is optimised for performance, fuel efficiency and low emissions as well. There is a new crankshaft and a pivoted cam axle on the bearings and roller rockers that significantly reduces friction, promising a smoother ride too.

Furthermore, Vespa highlights that this new three-valve motor weigh less than the two-valve unit it replaces, offering a 7.1% power improvement and 10.3% increase in torque. What this translates into as well is a 2.2% increase in speed whilst fuel efficiency is drastically increased by 30% as well.

Available for viewing and booking with authorised Vespa dealers nationwide, the new Vespa S125 3v i.e. carries a nett selling price of RM10,988 without GST or RM12,462.04 OTR inclusive of GST, insurance, registration and road tax.
Said price includes a two-year manufacturer’s warranty plus a one-year AAM Bike Assist membership. On top of that, Naza Premira states that the first 70 units will also get a limited edition decal set too.
Vespa S125 3v i.e. Launch @ The Garage KL

Vespa S125 3v i.e.

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Moto Guzzi V850 X Teased, Launching In 2022?

Moto Guzzi has been busy updating its current lineup with a new range of motorcycles.
Not only revamping its Mandello Del Lario factory, the Italian brand recently celebrated its 100th years anniversary by unveiling the V100 Mandello sport-tourer.
The V100 Mandello is the company most technologically-advanced motorcycle to date.
However, it seems Moto Guzzi does not plan to stop there, instead the Italian firm has just teased an upcoming V850 X set to roll out in 2022.

Looking at the company new direction with the V 85TT and the V100 Mandello, the new motorcycle could also carry a more modern design.
Looking back in October, a test mule was found roaming the street of Italy in a special test livery dubbed to be the next generation V7.
While the company did well to hide some finer details, the photos clearly show the V7 has received a modern touch.
However, the upcoming V850 X could combine the ruggedness of the V7 with the V85 TT off-roading capabilities.
According to reports, Moto Guzzi set up an incomplete website dedicated to the all-new V850 X with a text describing the new model as a “production special”, “technical heir” to the V7.
It also says the V850 X is a “synthesis of different worlds such as the flat track and that of the scrambler.”
The web page has since been taken down since the report went viral.
Nonetheless, Moto Guzzi is confirmed to roll out a couple of new models for 2022, we just not sure what’s the date. Either way, 2022 is set to be an exciting year.
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Husqvarna Plans for Fuel Injected Two Stroke engines in 2018

Two 2018 Husqvarna two-stroke models will feature their fuel injected technology

Husqvarna TE 250i and Husqvarna TE 300i

This just in; Husqvarna is cooking up a couple of their popular two stroke engines with fuel injection technology for the year 2018. With the ongoing trend of gaining more efficiency and power, it is no surprise that the Swedish bike manufacturer is following the steps of their Austrian counterpart, KTM.

According to the famous manufacturer, their new 2018 models, the Husqvarna TE 250i and Husqvarna TE 300i enduro motorcycles will debut the Swedish manufacturer’s fuel injection technology. This means that these two bikes are in the same category as the KTM’s fuel-injected machines next year.
TE 300
As we all know, KTM made a similar announcement in the middle of March. In the announcement, KTM will be applying their new “Transfer Port Injection” technology to three of their popular two stroke models; KTM 250 EPX TPI, KTM 300 EXC TPI and the KTM XC-W TPI for the North America market. CLICK HERE to know more about KTM’s announcement.

Another aspect on why these two manufacturers are opting for fuel injection is to meet with the Euro4 emission regulations. With plans of reviving and gaining more popularity for the two stroke machines, the bikes will not only be suitable for dirt or off-road use but also on the streets as well (if the technology works as efficient as it sounds).
2017 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto
Being a step ahead of the Japanese manufacturers like Honda and Yamaha, Husqvarna and KTM are gaining more and more interest in the European market but since it is still quite early in the year, we wouldn’t be surprised if the Japanese catches on with this particular trend (and you know well how fast and efficient the Japanese are when they get their gears rolling).

So far, there’s no detailed news about this big move from Swedish bike makers but more news and updates will be provided to the masses sometime in the middle of the year. Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more motorcycle updates.
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Triumph plans to cut down workforce due to COVID-19

Looks like the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting everyone hard, including Triumph Motorcycles. According to a recent report posted by MCN, around 400 employees across the globe will be laid off due to sharp downfall of demands for large-capacity bikes, not just Triumph but all manufacturers overall.

Triumph’s headquarters in the UK looks like it might face the bulk of the major restructuring where around 240 staff members, including operations, will be affected. It might seem extreme to cut down such a huge number but like many other establishments across the globe affected by COVID-19, radical moves must be taken to preserve the long-term health of the brand.

Sales of bikes over 500cc across all brands have dropped significantly in the past few months. Major markets in Europe suffer a huge drop as high as 65% and due to the unprecedented nature presented during these hard times, some measures have to be taken.

Currently, Triumph Motorcycles has over 2,500 staff members working worldwide. The combined workforce located at multiple factories has the capability of over 60,000 bikes each year. With so many folks affected financially by the virus, it’s understandable that anyone will do whatever it takes for a better future.

We just hope that this COVID-19 pandemic will pass its course soon so that everything may return to normal, or a ‘new normal’.
MotoGP: Japan Grand Prix CANCELLED

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Is Polaris interested in MV Agusta?

American firm Polaris rumoured to be interested in acquiring beleaguered MV Agusta brand.

Rumours are abound online indicating that American firm Polaris Industries may be interested in acquiring beleaguered Italian motorcycle brand MV Agusta.

Based in Medina, Minnesota, the American conglomerate is no stranger to the two-wheeled industry. It currently owns both the Victory Motorcycles and Indian Motorcycle brands whilst also producing recreational vehicles like snowmobiles, ATVs, and the Slingshot three-wheeler.

But in all fairness, Polaris has been linked with a number of financially troubled motorcycle manufacturers before – it was amongst the top favourite to buy and rescue Erik Buell Racing. However, the firm’s recent acquisition of Brammo and its move to ramp up Victory’s Pikes Peak competition campaign signals its growing interests in sportsbikes.
It is easy to see that Polaris has got the financial means to perhaps save MV Agusta and keep it running for a few years at least. In 2010, Polaris’ total assets were valued at US$1.062 billion whilst charting a nett income figure of US$147.1 million. It definitely has the means to clear MV Agusta’s current €40 million debt, but the story is much more complicated than it seems.

Recent reports out of Italy indicate that the situation isn’t getting better within MV Agusta. Owners the Castiglioni Family – led by Giovanni Castiglioni – are presently in a bitter battle against German firm Daimler and its Mercedes-AMG subsidiary for control over the 20% the latter firm owns in MV Agusta.
Giovanni Castiglioni (Right)
The challenge for Castiglioni here is that if he does manage to raise enough capital to buy out Mercedes-AMG, he would still have to deal with immediate loan repayments as well – loans approved under the secure pretext of Mercedes-AMG owning at least 20% of the marque. (Read our previous report of MV Agusta’s situation here)

With the last bit in mind, it would not be an easy task for Polaris to acquire the MV Agusta marque in full. Its two biggest challenges here are the staunch refusal of the Castiglioni Family in losing its status as the owners of MV Agusta, followed by the brand’s immense financial debts that’s growing by the day.
But, as the old saying goes, where there is smoke, there is a fire. Neither parties – Polaris, Castiglioni and Daimler – have spoken much about the matter, but we honestly reckon the question now at this point is will MV Agusta be rescued or shuttered.
Sources: Visordown / Asphaltandrubber
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Bakat Besi introduces builders and customizers for Malaysia’s ultimate bike build-off

The Bakat Besi bike build-off contest has finalised their selections of 12 bike customizers and constructors in the Peraduan Reka & Bina.
Initiated by R8der, a lifestyle and performance brand under Modenas, six teams will compete against each other to build the best custom Modenas Pulsar RS200, NS200 and V15 motorcycles.
Three ultimate winners will be chosen to take home the grand prize worth RM10,000 plus two years manufacturing contract.

Malaysia’s first ever talent search programme for Design and Bike Engineering that is Bakat Besi has selected the builder finalists for the Peraduan Reka Bina bike build-off. This very unique initiative conjured up by the folks over from R8der, a lifestyle and performance brand from Modenas, is focused on bringing in some of the best local talents and showcasing their skills plus creativity on a national platform. The talent search programme is also aiming to revitalise the local motorcycle customisation industry to create widely accepted modifications and to move away from the negative light created by the “Mat Rempit” phenomena.

A total of 12 builders comprising of six constructors and six customizers have been chosen to work on three of the latest bikes from Modenas which are the 2017 Modenas Pulsar RS200, NS200 and V15.
The constructors’ finalists are:
1. Cilik Motorsport
2. Panji Motor
3. Maju Mega Bike Racing
4. 16 Performance
5. UTM Racing
6. JND Garage
As for the customizers, they are:
1. E One Bikers
2. Eastern Bobber
3. Rusty Factory
4. Own Motor
5. Hungry Ghost Custom Inc
6. Wak Jep

The customizers will be focusing on the overall styling and design of the bikes whereas the constructors will work on fine-tuning and performance aspects of these Modenas machines. A set of six teams consisting of one constructor and one customizer will go head to head to come up with the best custom bikes Malaysia has ever seen.

In total, there will be six bikes these teams will be working on; two Modenas Pulsar RS200, two Modenas Pulsar NS200 and two Modenas V15. The teams have drawn the lots earlier today to decide which bikes they’ll take home and prepare for the head-on battle and bragging rights on who will be ‘the best.’

At the end of the contest, three winners will be selected based on the three individual bike models and the grand prize will be a cash prize of RM10,000 plus two years manufacturing contract. The winners will be chosen based from selections made by a panel of professionals in the industry as well as the general public.

As part of the entire contest, there will a nine-episode video series which will revolve around the process and progress all of these superb builders and customizers throughout their journey in developing one of the best custom Modenas motorcycles in the country.

Another division of the Bakat Besi contest called ‘Reka Sifu’ aka “Design Master” will be focusing on coming up with the best motorcycle concept designs or liveries for the latest Modenas bikes. Similar to the constructors’ challenge above, the winners will be chosen by a selected judging panel and public choice.

To know more about the Bakat Besi: Peraduan Reka Bina bike build-off, head on over the official R8der website or their Facebook page.

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Husqvarna Vitpilen and Svartpilen confirmed for 2017

New Husqvarna Vitpilen and Svartpilen models confirmed for production and will arrive in 2017.

Husqvarna 401 Vitpilen concept
Although this was something that we’ve already long suspected, KTM’s sister brand Husqvarna also broke its silence surrounding its plans for the Vitpilen and Svartpilen. Previewed as concepts previously, production plans for both the Husqvarna Vitpilen and Svartpilen models have been confirmed with Husqvarna reportedly eyeing market entry by 2017.
This revelation was made in the annual KTM AG investors report that was just released. This, along with the KTM brand’s plans to develop a new parallel-twin engine was amongst the things disclosed in the report. (Read about KTM’s new parallel-twin engine development here)
Perhaps this is why KTM AG is opting to fully privatise itself as these annual investor’s reports likely indicates such plans that are otherwise secret amongst other rivalling manufacturers.

Back to Husqvarna, and KTM AG isn’t stating too many details but the report confirms that the first two production machines will be the Vitpilen 401 and Vitpilen 701 twins that are due next year. KTM’s annual report states: “For 2017 the next step will be realized with the arrival of the first two Vitpilen production models.”

				Husqvarna 401 Vitpilen concept

				Husqvarna 401 Svartpilen concept

To refresh your memory, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 concepts was first shown during EICMA 2014. Underpinning the KTM 390 Duke platform – both chassis and powertrain – the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 concept streetbike was also previewed alongside the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 scrambler offshoot as well.

The larger Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 concept, on the other hand, was shown later at last year’s EICMA show instead. Again, this Husky concept is based upon the KTM Duke naked platform, this time on the larger and more power KTM 690 Duke instead.
Like our report on KTM’s new engine development, it is the choice of words it uses in this investor’s reports that signal plenty of things. For instance, the statement of “the first two Vitpilen production models” likely indicates plans to make more variants and offshoots, and perhaps the idea that the Vitpilen model line up will have more than two variants at least.
With this, it is easy to see that KTM AG plans to transform Husqvarna into Europe’s third largest motorcycle manufacturer after KTM and rivals BMW Motorrad by the year 2020.
Sources: Asphaltandrubber / Visordown
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5 Essential Upgrades for Your Bike

Picture from showautoreviews.com

You’ve had your motorcycle for some time and it feels somewhat humdrum.

Or you just want to add a dash of style to show who you are.

Here are 5 essential upgrades you may want to consider for your bike.

You’ve had your bike for a year now from when it was new. You feel that you’ve known its ins and outs by now and it may start to grow a little “routine.” How about spicing things up with these 5 Essential Upgrades for Your Bike?
*NOTE: We’re leaving out the performance bits as road safety is of the utmost importance. Besides that, upgrading or modifying certain hard parts of the motorcycle may void its warranty. Please keep your upgrades street legal.
1. Tyres
Changing the tyres is the easiest way to upgrade your bike’s handling.
The stock tyres may make your bike turn slower, so it’s now time to look for a pair that has a pointy profile. Or if you want more comfort for long distance touring – you fit a set that has softer carcass and/or sidewalls.
Picture from Bridgestone
However, it’s safest to match the type of tyres to the type of your bike, for example, sport tyres for your sport bike, sport-touring tyres for you sport-tourer and so forth.
2. Exhaust
While some riders may agree to do so or otherwise, replacing your exhaust system uncorks the bike’s exhaust symphony. Most motorcycles these days are Euro 4 compliant and sound more like household appliances than glorious mechanized engineering.
Picture from Termignoni
An added bonus may also result in “loud pipes save lives,” although we don’t recommend non-street legal pipes.
3. Luggage
Unless you ride a maxi scooter, it goes without saying that there’s absolutely no useable space in the bike for carrying even a rain suit.
Sport-tourers and adventure-tourers are obviously the easiest types of bikes to install luggage, including a pair of panniers, a top case, tank bag, fairing bags. Mounting choice is limited for sportbikes, generally, but one could always fit a tankbag. Cruisers (non-baggers) look good with leather saddlebags.
Picture from GIVI
Having a good luggage system lets you ride comfortably as you don’t have to lug your stuff on your back despite amounting to only a few items, compared to how much you could actually bring along in your luggage system.
4. Suspension
Even the best suspension on road bikes is compromised to suit different riders, in terms of weight, riding style, riding environment, comfort vs. performance, etc.
Picture from K-Tech
Why not unlock your bike’s handling capabilities by getting the suspension worked on? You don’t have to replace the forks and shock to Öhlins, as you have their internals recalibrated/upgraded with cartridge kits to suit your taste and feel like a star rider.
5. Bling
Accessorize, that’s what!
Add on bits and pieces of CNC jewelry to your ride to set it apart from the crowd. There are endless possibilities here, from the large parts such as handlebars and windshields, to rearsets, lighting systems, seats, to the little stuff such as turn signals, GPS holders, bolt and nut accents, you name it!
Picture from rocket-garage.blogspot.com
Motorcycle manufacturers are now producing and promoting “official” or “factory” accessories these days, pictured in mouthwatering detail in beautiful catalogues. They’re typically pricier than third-party accessories, but they had usually been tested extensively on the manufacturer’s own bikes before being sold to the general public.
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Yamaha To Celebrate The R1 25th Anniversary At Mugello

Yamaha is set to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its iconic sports bike, the Yamaha R1, with a special event at Mugello.

The Yamaha Racing Experience, taking place on 21-22 July, will pay tribute to the R1’s rich legacy.
Mugello Circuit in Italy, renowned for hosting the MotoGP Italian Grand Prix, will serve as the backdrop for this momentous occasion.

Yamaha has enjoyed significant success at Mugello in the past, with riders like Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, and Fabio Quartararo achieving triumphs on Yamaha bikes.
The circuit also holds sentimental value for Niccolo Canepa, who often participates in Mugello track days to prepare for his Endurance World Championship races.

Paolo Pavesio, Marketing and Motorsport Director of Yamaha Motor Europe, expressed pride in honoring the R1’s 25th anniversary. He described the R1 as a game-changer that has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance and innovation, incorporating cutting-edge technology and MotoGP-derived advancements.
Notably, the R1 pioneered the use of a vertically-stacked gearbox in production motorcycles, leading to improved engine design and enhanced performance.

In subsequent years, Yamaha further differentiated the R1 by introducing a cross-plane crankshaft, contributing to its distinct sound and engineering excellence. The 2015 model update embraced the aesthetic cues of the Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bike, coinciding with Jorge Lorenzo’s championship-winning season. The R1M variant also brought MotoGP-inspired electronics to track enthusiasts.
While the R1 has not undergone significant updates in recent years, motorcycle enthusiasts eagerly await news of its next evolution. The
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2018 Triumph Bonneville T100 Black Test & Review

Triumph Bonneville T100 Black

The Triumph Bonneville T100 Black is a blacked-out modern retro.

Smooth power and predictable handling are its best traits.

Unintimidating, easy and fun to ride.

I’ve many biker friends who name their bikes. The majority being guys, their bikes are almost invariably lady’s names: Suzy, Hunny, Becky, Mimi, etc. etc. Some guys named their bikes with masculine names like Butch, The Rock, etc. However, it had never vexed me to name the few bikes I’ve owned, for some reason. Nope. Not even the Ducati 916SP I once had.
Maybe my bikes have never appealed to me beyond the machines they were.
So here came the Triumph Bonneville T100 Black, all blacked-out with a flat black fuel tank, black headlamp nacelle, black fork stanchions, black front fender, black rims, black peashooter exhausts, black engine covers, black side panels, black bench seat, black shock springs, black rear fender. Black, black, black. The only non-black parts were the throttle body shrouds, wheels’ wire spokes, bezel of the blocks, fuel cap.

The colour scheme actually harks back to the days of custom bikes when owners did away with the chrome and polished bits for something more sinister in appearance. Or more punk, if you will. Like the Sex Pistols vs. the early Beatles.
Getting on the T100 Black tells you how simple bikes were back then. Low seat height, narrow profile, handlebar not too wide and not too narrow, upright seating position, comfortable reach to the handlebar, comfortable positioning of the footpegs.

Just like any Triumph, the T100 Black fired up with a soulful vroom and settled down into a smooth idle. Blipping the throttle had some engine vibration through, just enough to let you know it’s alive.
Looking downwards, your gaze meets a pair of beautifully appointed gauges. Unlike those on other Bonnevilles, the T100 Black’s are black-faced, surrounded by silver counters and finished off with chrome bezels. Those bezels are awesomely beautiful especially at night when you ride past one light source after another. The LCD, numbers and needles glow softly (soft, not dim) without blasting photons into your retinas.

The Triumph Bonneville T100 Black felt special as soon as the clutch went out. Again, the throttle take-up was so direct, so smooth, so linear.
Before I go on, please think of something smooth. Butter, margarine, cheese, cream, etc. It doesn’t have to be dairy products, of course.
Okay, let’s move on.

The 900cc HT (for High Torque), liquid-cooled, parallel-Twin engine has a crankshaft spaced at 270o to mimic a 90o V-Twin’s firing order. It pulled the gears so smoothly… that a vision of a glass-smooth lake flashed through my mind. And this was just out of Triumph Motorcycle Malaysia’s showroom. From zero all the way to the top, there wasn’t a single step in the rev range. The bike didn’t stutter or surge at low speeds, either.
Nonetheless, the bike did rush forward when I snapped open the throttle and it pulled hard but it didn’t feel like a dog going after the GDex delivery man.

The suspension was plush enough without experiencing a speedboat ride on land, while stiff enough to have the bike turn quickly to my commands. Just as with other Triumphs, the twin rear shocks and forks were so well calibrated.

I remembered that I still had articles to write that afternoon, but I thought what the heck, let’s just ride a few kilometres further. I kept going from one place to another, the heart telling the brain, just a few more kilometres.
To cut the story short, I got home three and half hours later after riding it around without any destination in mind.
Why? Because it was such a joy to ride the Triumph Bonneville T100 Black. Half of that “trip” was through rush hour traffic, it even rained on me, but I didn’t care. It was pure riding joy. There a giddy excitement to it, like when I took delivery of the very first motorcycle I owned, exactly 30 years ago.
The handlebar is wide enough for good leverage, but it’s also at the correct width allowing you to filter through traffic. If the kapchai in front of you could get through, so could you. Plus, the low seat height made it easy to put a foot down.

Coupled with the light and smooth action clutch, and especially the smooth throttle and engine power delivery, heavy taffic didn’t actually register until I had to recount my experience for this review. The engine’s torque peaks at 3230 RPM, which equals to lots of pulling power to blast past other vehicles quickly to a soul-stirring vroom.
Conversely, I’ve test bikes that had overly heavy clutch pull and snatchy throttle in traffic. If that’s not bad enough, add in brakes that felt so wooden they might as well have been made of wood, and suspension that sent your liver through your mouth when you hit a bump. They did nothing but caused me curse and swear everytime I rode them.
Not so with the Triumph Bonneville T100 Black; it was just a pleasant experience.

Another factor which contributed to the fun was the brakes. The T100 Black may be a classic looking bike, but that front brake is a floating disc. I had a car cut across my lane at one time. Firm pressure on the levers had the bike slowing down immediately. The front brake lever didn’t come to the bar or pulse when ABS activated, instead it became stiffer meaning you could keep on adding brake pressure. It’s really helpful, allowing you to live to offend the offending driver with an offensive gesture in return. (I didn’t do this – it’s a test bike!)
Besides that, the bike is equipped with traction control. It’s always great to have this safety net.

One day, I got on and just started riding. I couldn’t remember what triggered it, but it may have had something to do with someone listed as “Puan Harimau” (Tigress) in my phone. I ended up in Tanjung Malim before I even realized.
I remembered singing aloud to my favourite songs playing through the Bluetooth headset (mostly Judas Priest tunes – they’re British after all). Wind blast was surprisingly bearable. But I was amazed that engine was virtually vibration free at a steady throttle and coming alive when you accelerate or decelerate. At a steady 110 to 130 km/h, a nice, purring vroom accompanies you.

Approaching an F 800 R cruising along, I the rider glancing into his mirror. My first instinct was, “Here we go again.” My right wrist was at the ready and gunned it at the same time he gunned his. He put his head down and so did I. In a flash, I was past him with my left hand waving to him at the side. I saw his head following me through and I glanced at the speedo. 180 km/h and still pulling. I backed off immediately.
Think the Triumph Bonneville T100 “classic bike” can’t run? Think again. Note that I was in sixth gear and didn’t downshift. It was all a throttle roll-on action.

It was a hot, hot day but I was smiling when I rolled into Tanjung Malim. I was whistling happy tunes when I maneuvered the bike around for photographs. A local guy saw the bike and asked if he could take pictures of it. Another guy spoke to me while I was shooting and invited me over to his sundry shop for a drink, on him. He wanted to talk more about the T100 Black away from the sun, he said.

On the return trip, I ignored the signboards pointing towards the highway and stuck to the old trunk road instead. I don’t normally do this on a hot afternoon, mind you.
The T100 Black was a natural on these roads (it felt natural on any road, anyway), whether it was straight or less so. I took it really easy, never going beyond 100 km/h just to savour that beautiful engine, throttle and suspension while enjoying the scenery. I discovered that the engine wasn’t only smooth on acceleration but on deceleration too. It felt like it had a slipper clutch, although it didn’t. Oddly, it was smoother that bikes with slipper clutches.
And hey! I even spotted a glass-smooth lake on the way. Déjà vu.

The Triumph Bonneville T100 bike makes you want to just ride and ride. In fact, one could end up being a motorcycle vagabond, travelling from town to town. It’s just so fun and effortlessly easy to ride that you forget about everything else in the world, yourself included. 100% pleasure, 0% pressure.
I know a few owners who had logged thousands of kilometres, riding to far and away places on their Bonnies. Who knows I might just drop everything one day and decide to ride to nowhere, similar to how Forrest Gump just ran and ran.

I’ve decided to name a bike. The Triumph Bonneville T100 Black has so much character, so much soul it may as well be alive. Well, it did make me feel great to be alive.
I ran through a few names with the word “Black” in them. “Black Beauty” was used by Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia and it was a great name which truly reflects the bike. I thought of “Black Widow,” not the spider but the actress who plays that character but hey, that’s a bit clichéd, isn’t it?
I decided on Black Knight©©©. Black armor on a black (iron) horse.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE

Engine type
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 8 valves, parallel-Twin, 270o crankshaft

Compression ratio
10.5 : 1

Bore X Stroke
84.6 mm X 80.0 mm

Displacement
899 cc

Fuel system
Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection

Maximum power
94 bhp (40.5kW) @ 5900 RPM

Maximum torque
70 Nm @ 3230 RPM

TRANSMISSION

Clutch
Wet, multi-plate assist clutch

Gearbox
5-speed

CHASSIS

Front suspension
KYB 41 mm telescopic forks, 120 mm travel

Rear suspension
KYB twin shocks preload adjustment, 120 mm travel

Front brakes
Single 310 mm floating disc, Nissin two-piston sliding caliper

Rear brake
Single 255 mm disc, Nissin two-piston sliding caliper

ABS
ABS standard, front and rear

Front tyre
100/90-R18

Rear tyre
150/70-R17

FRAME & DIMENSIONS

Frame
Tubular steel trellis frame

Swingarm
Two-sided tubular steel

Trail
104 mm

Rake
25.5o

Wheelbase
1450 mm

Seat height
790 mm

Dry weight
213 kg

Fuel capacity
14.5 litres

PICTURE GALLERY

				Triumph Bonneville T100 Black

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The KTM 390 Adventure is coming for real

Prototype believed to be long awaited KTM 390 Adventure spotted testing.

Its been in the rumour mill since 2014, and there were plenty of speculations surrounding its debut date since. Now, the KTM 390 Adventure looks like it is happening for real.
Image source: MCN
These spyshots published this week by MCN shows what is believed to be a prototype of the long-rumoured model undergoing road tests. With this, we can now finally expect Team Orange to finally join in the small capacity adventure segment with BMW, Kawasaki and Suzuki.
Image source: MCN
The prototype spotted appears to have a carbon fibre front subframe lifted from the 690 Rally Raid model, but it seems unlikely to make the cut for production. Nevertheless, the chassis looks well equipped with WP front forks lifted from the 690 Duke and twin-piston Brembo caliper brakes – single disc all-round.
The 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel sizes suggest a more road-bias setup for now. There’s also a clearly tougher-looking rear swingarm plus an offset rear shock position, with the latter offering easier access and and reduced exposure to dirt and muck flung from the tyre.
Additionally, the prototype’s fuel tank appears to be much larger than the one primed in the 690 Duke. This should also grant the KTM 390 Adventure with some serious long distance abilities whilst the steel trellis rear subframe should add the ability to mount hard panniers as well.

This being a prototype in very early development stage, there’s very little to gauge with its styling, but the windscreen and headstock assemblies appears to comply with KTM’s typical adventure styling traits.
Credible sources speculate that the KTM 390 Adventure will officially bow as a 2018 model alongside the new parallel-twin-powered 790 Duke middleweight. However, some are also speculating that this model could be sold under sister brand Husqvarna instead. Only time will tell.
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Shell Advance Malaysian MotoGP 2014 – spectator side

While the race maybe the main event, it’s the sideshows that makes the local MotoGP different from the one every fans have been following on TV.

And this year as said by some attendees, is one of the most happening MotoGP as the long walk from the Sepang International Circuit Welcome Centre suddenly didn’t feel long enough.

More than 50 booth lined up the whole length of the walk from all the major biking brands to bike related accessories, some for display but most were not only for sale, but came with good deals.
Shell took over the whole Welcome centre previewing their new Advance lubricant made with their Gas To Liquid technology.

Next was Givi put up a very impressive booth with really good deals on their daily lucky draws, people were walking away with helmets and bike boxes, and that’s just for being there. They were also giving away Givi first aid kit free to any visitor that came and show proof of owning a Givi box by showing the key.

Benelli, Kawasaki, Aprilia, Ducati, BMW, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, MV Agusta, KTM were some of the bike brands that took part in the circus.

Best part was that the bike show started at the parking lot itself, it was a beautiful sea of bikes all mix together whole some had their own special slots as arranged by the convoy they came in, Kawasaki, Benelli, Aprilia, Ducati, even Givi had their own convoy.

Security was tight from the gate and they even erected watch towers, must be working well as so far no word about bikes or parts missing.
And according to unofficial numbers (as in not vetted yet) there were about 130,000 spectators that came for the three day event compared to 126,000 the year before. We wont be surprised if those numbers grows more next year.

So there you have it, if you missed the fun then check out the album below for a taste of the event and make sure you don’t miss it next year.
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Electric-powered Mission R and RS debuts

As we have previously reported, the rebooted Mission Motorcycles firm debuted its Mission R and RS production electric sports bikes this month.

Only 40 units of the Mission RS will be built, the figure marking the 40 seconds the firm’s pre-production bike shaved off the lap time set by a petrol-powered AMA Supersports-spec bike at the Laguna Seca Raceway.

The range topping RS variant will be equipped with BST carbon fibre wheels, a WSBK-spec suspension set from Ohlins, rounded off with Moto GP-spec Brembo disc brakes. This justifies its ‘RS’ (race special) nameplate. The firm plans to make the electric sports bike ‘affordable’ as well and will offer the R variant equipped with regular-spec Ohlins suspension, Brembo brakes, and forged alloy wheels instead. There will be other configuration options available in the R including options for the battery packs ranging from a 12kWh or 15kWh capacities besides the 17kWh type.

The Mission R and RS are both powered by an electric motor that outputs 160hp and 162.5Nm of peak torque, capable of reaching a top speed of 241.4km/h. In the range-topping RS spec, the motor will draw power from a 17kWh battery pack that has a claimed maximum travel range of 200 miles (323km).

Another highlight is the use of the firm’s unique MissionOS software on board both the R and RS. The innovative kit provides riders with riding information on the touchscreen dash, as well as Google-powered GPS navigation, a built-in LTE internet connection, and Bluetooth connectivity for an upcoming in-helmet HUD (Heads-Up Display) being developed by Mission.

There is also an iOS and Android mobile device connectivity via Bluetooth available in the Mission RS. This feature gives riders the controls to a stabilised camera mounted in the bike’s nose that is capable of recording on-board footages with data overlay in 1080p HD quality.
The high-tech electric Mission R is priced at US$32,499 for the 12kWh battery option, US$36,499 for the 15kWh baterry, and US$42,499 for the one equipped with the 17kWh pack. The race-ready Mission RS however will be priced between US$58,999, or US$74,999 with the ‘GP Package’ that features Ohlins FGR200 forks with TTX25 internals instead of the ‘normal’ RS’s FGRT types with NIX30 internals.
Check out more at www.mission-motorcycles.com

Mission R

Mission RS
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Kawasaki Ninja 650 Gets Updated For 2021

Kawasaki has just launched the 2021 Ninja 650 for the American market with the Japanese two-wheeler updated the middle-weight sports tourer with updated colours.
The (not so new) Ninja 650 now comes with Pearl Robotic White with Metallica Carbon Grey with a shade of Kawasaki signature Green.

However, the 2021 model retains the 649cc parallel-twin engine that produces 67hp and 65Nm while mated to a 6-speed transmission with a slipper/assist clutch.
Meanwhile, the 2021 Ninja 650 now comes with LED headlights with DRL and a TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity as standard.
Other key features:

41mm telescopic fork
preload-adjustable monoshock
twin 300mm disc with 2-piston callipers (front)
220mm disc (rear)
17″ alloy rims
Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires

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Six facts about motorcycle ABS you should know about (with video)

Here are six key facts you should about motorcycle ABS and why it is so important.

As part of the Global NCAP #StopTheCrash road safety campaign, leading automotive OEM (original equipment manufacturer) Bosch held an exclusive motorcycle ABS demonstration today in the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

If you didn’t know, Bosch and specifically its Two Wheeler & Powersports Division have been supplying various systems to a number of leading bike makers such as BMW Motorrad, Ducati and KTM. Amongst the key systems it supplies is motorcycle ABS (anti-lock braking system).
Here are several facts you should know about motorcycle ABS and why you it is one important factor to consider when purchasing your next bike.

1. Motorcycle ABS grants shorter braking distances
Yes, you read that right, motorcycle ABS does shorten the braking distance on a bike. As you can see in the diagram provided above, a motorcycle travelling at the typical speed of 100km/h stops shorter in a much shorter distance as oppose to one not equipped with ABS.
How this works is rather simple. Motorcycle ABS systems as such designed by Bosch are engineered to provide the best possible deceleration without locking the front wheel. This maintains both stability and manoeuvrability, allowing riders to perform avoidance manoeuvres with ease in the process as well.

2. Motorcycle ABS enhances your bike’s performance
Not only does it make your biker a lot safer, motorcycle ABS suites also help to enhance your bike’s performance further. In fact, without ABS, other notable value-added systems such as Traction Control, Rear-Wheel Lift Mitigation and Hill-Hold Control cannot be fitted into a motorcycle.
Furthermore, Bosch also designs ABS suites for off-road use too. Here, optimum braking performance is achieved by having ABS control range start slightly later than when on tarmac. This then allows the rear wheel to dig in the ground for improved braking whilst front wheel control also grants higher level of deceleration without the destabilising the bike.

3. Motorcycle ABS CANNOT be retrofitted
Though it may sound as simple as ordering the right spare parts from a dealer, the reality here is retrofitting motorcycle ABS is not possible and highly unrecommended. One key reason to this is the fact that ABS systems are linked with the bike’s electronics and ECU amongst others – things that shouldn’t be tampered with.
With that, Bosch highlights the importance of choosing the right motorcycle during purchase. In other words, if the bike you’re planning to buy has an ABS-equipped variant available, it should be your ultimate choice. Though it may cost slightly more, you really can’t put a price on your own safety after all.

4. You don’t need to change your riding style
Another common misconception is that riders must adapt their riding style when upgrading to a bike equipped with ABS. This isn’t true as most motorcycle ABS systems are designed to a point where it only helps you in critical situation.
Nevertheless, Bosch did stress that riders must always remain alert of their situation and surroundings when riding.
5. You don’t need to activate ABS when starting your bike
The answer to this is a simple no. All bikes on sale today that are equipped with motorcycle ABS do not need separate activation processes as they are automatically turned on as soon as the engine is started.

6. It does not add to the bike’s weight
While this may be true early on in the 1990s, the advancement of technology has allowed the modern motorcycle ABS to shrink in size but not in its capabilities.
In fact, the modern day motorcycle ABS system like the ones designed by Bosch features a haydraulic unit that’s no larger than the width of your palm and weighs in at 0.45kg on average, both of which won’t affect the motorcycle’s weight balance when installed.

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Triumph Bonneville Super Hooligan Flat-Tracker

Triumph Bonneville Super Hooligan - Photo credit Pipe Burn

Flat-track racers or inspired customs are unmistakable like this Triumph Bonneville Super Hooligan flat-tracker.

This one was modified for the Super Hooligan class racing.

Art Hartman, the racer who build this bike finds the Bonnie lighter and nimbler.

Flat-track racing may not be popular due to lack of visibility here in Malaysia, but no one could ever forget the experience of watching one of the races. The bikes that race in the series are also unmistakable, such as this Triumph Bonneville Super Hooligan flat-tracker.
If we behold sportbikes are about technology and unobtanium components, we ought to admire flat-track racers for their purity. That purity of form is for one thing – blasting sideways around a dirt oval track at 200 km/h.
Sure, there were other builts that take the form of flat-trackers, including a built kit in the Harley catalogue, but this Triumph looks prettier!

This Triumph Bonneville Flat-Tracker for the Super Hooligan class that you see here was built by racer Paul Hartman.
He had destroyed his Harley-Davidson racebike in a hill climb event and need to build a new Super-Hooligan spec bike. The regulations call for a stock frame and engine of 750cc and up.
Instead of redoing another Harley Sportster, Hartman chose the Triumph Bonneville. He explained that while Harleys are the chosen Super Hooligan racer, it is heavy and has a long wheelbase. However, he found the perfect bike in the Bonnie, since it weighs only 204 kg and the wheelbase is 51 mm shorter than the Sportster’s.
Hartman went to work with a 2006 Bonneville T100, leaving only the ECU and two other parts factory stock, while the rest are race-spec components. There is a lightweight Antigravity lithium battery to save weight. The exhaust is an S&S flat-track unit, intake air is handled by a K&N filter. The anodized black wheels are sourced from Performance Machine. The tanks and seat unit are painted blue to contrast with the black parts, to a stunning result.
Would you turn you Bonnie into something like this? We know we would.
Source: Pipe Burn
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Kawasaki KGO Torq R7 4T Fully-Synthetic SAE 10W-40 API SN and KGO Torq R9 4T Fully-Synthetic SAE 10W-50 API SN Engine Oils Launched

Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. launched the KGO Torq R7 4T Fully-Synthetic SAE 10W-40 API SN and KGO Torq R9 4T Fully-Synthetic SAE 10W-50 API SN engine oils.

Both are 100% PAO-based lubricants.

They also have the latest API SN service grade.

Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. launched two new engine oils in conjunction with the 2019 Malaysian MotoGP. They are called the KGO Torq R7 T fully-synthetic SAE 10W-40 API SN and Kawasaki KGO Torq R9 4T fully-synthetic SAE 10W-50 API SN. “KGO” stands for “Kawasaki Genuine Oil.”
The main difference (and advantage) of the KGO Torq lubricants is that they are derived from 100% PAO base oil.
PAO (poly-alpha-olefin) is made by polymerising alpha-olefin. As such, the American Petroleum Institute (who sets most of the oil standards in use) classifies PAO as Group IV and are 100% synthetic.
By 100% synthetic it means that the oil is made in the lab, rather than refined from crude petroleum. Mineral and semi-synthetic engine oils break down sooner due to free radicals in the base oil. 100% synthetic base oils are thereby made without these free radicals.
thus means that the base oil can be made to specific properties to enhance engine protection, oil longevity, retain sheer resistance, retain oil viscosity under stress and extreme heat, and so forth.
The base oil is then mixed with an “additive package” to tune it to specific properties such as to enhance flow, longer lasting, sheer resistant, ability to retain viscosity despite be subjected to high stress and extreme heat.
Besides being 100% PAO based, the KGO Torq R7 and KGO Torq R9 are of the API SN service grade. The SN service is currently the highest grade.
The KGO Torq R7 and KGO Torq R9 are placed as the premium addition and will be sold alongside the KGO 4T Semi-Synthetic 10W-40 SL and KGO 4T Fully-Synthetic 10W-40 SL launched last year.
The KGO Torq R7 4T SAE 10W-40 API SN is priced at RM 76.00 per 1-litre bottle and the KGO Torq R9 4T SAE 10W-50 API SN is priced at RM 78.00 per 1-liter bottle.
Two other Kawasaki products were launched softly.
First is the Kawasaki Super Long Life Coolant and secondly the Kawasaki Platinum DOT 4 Brake Fluid. Both are OEM products that were filled into new Kawasaki motorcycles before the leave the factory. It means that Kawasaki owners can enjoy and assured of the best quality products that were formulated for their bikes.

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This Basketball Shoe Lookalike Is Actually Furgyan’s Latest Riding Sneakers

Few years ago, riding shoes is built mainly for riding and while it may protects your feet during accident, they are not build for comfort.

Furygan latest riding sneakers is inspired by basketball shoes.
the Get Down sneakers features D30 protection and waterproof membrane.

However, thanks to the advancement of technology there are a host of comfortable riding shoes to choose from, including the type that are wearable on a day-to-day basis.
Meet Furygan latest Get Down riding sneakers introduced for its 2022 riding gear line.

According to the French-based company, the Get Down riding sneakers is inspired by basketball shoes. As a former player myself, there is a similar styling cues on these sneakers especially the ankle high design.
That said, the Get Down is perfect for not just riding but also as a normal day-to-day sneakers. However, it is not recommended to actually put this on for a 1-on-1 or 3-on-3 session on the court as it may be too heavy for the wearer.

Despite the urban appearance, the Furygan Get Down sneaker is equipped with safety component underneath including a polyester mesh panels and waterproof/breathable membrane.
As usual, the Get Down riding sneakers also features D30 protections at the malleolus in addition to the added reinforcements at the heel and toe of the foot.
The new Furygan Get Down sneakers is priced at EUR149.90 (RM680).
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Buck’s guide to border crossing to Thailand with your bike – Part 1

So, thanks to Tuesday being Malaysia Day and you filed in for leave on Monday, that gives you four days to roll around in happiness.
But where to go? Genting? Boring. Cameron? Done that last week. Gunung Jerai? Done that the week before that. Kuala Kelawang? Too short of a ride. Melaka? Ikan bakar again? Kelantan through Gerik? Saving that for next month.
Then how about a trip across the border? No not Singapore, Penang have better food. What I mean is Thailand.

Riding over across the borer is actually easier then you think, so here is my two part Thai border crossing guide, from the paper works to procedures, to where to go, safety, food and some extra tips that I have gathered along the way in my travels there.
It may sound simple to the ones that have done it before, but I know how it feels to be a newbie at this with no one to explain to me to whats actually going on.
First, prepare the documents-
Apart from a valid passport, riding license, make sure your road tax and insurance is good. You will need two copies of your vehicle registration card, the one for the bike you are riding across.
If the vehicle is not under your name, as in your dad’s or friend’s name or company, then you will have to prepare a letter of consent in English, which says you have the authority or approval to ride and cross the border with the bike.
Its a simple letter and a copy of the owner’s identity card if its under your family’s or friend’s name, but if its registered under a company it has to be an official letter by the company complete with company letterhead and chop.
The other set off paper you will need to cross the border with your bike is a Thai vehicle insurance, which you can pick up along the way right before the border near Changlun.
As you get there, near the town of Changlun that is, you will start to notice a lot of money changer stations or stopover along the road. Most of these places especially the big ones also sells the Thai vehicle insurance.

The insurance will be around RM20 along with the service helping you to fill up the “white card” or arrival card, cheap yes but bear in mind that it barely covers anything and just enough to make it legal for you to cross the border. Even if it says it covers up to RM500,000 so best that you play it safe when you get there but more on that later.

Next is the crossing procedure-
As you reach the Malaysian border checkpoint in Bukit Kayu Hitam, look for the bike lane and use that.
You will get to a booth where you don’t even have to get down from your bike. Just pass your passport to the officer inside the booth and you are good to go as soon as he or she passes your passport back.

Ride over slowly across the no man’s land until you reach the Thai side of the border, find a safe place to park your bike and make sure its not obstructing any traffic as the place is heavy with trucks, cars and everything that rolls.
Walk over to the immigration booth and present your passport along with the white card and RM2.
Once you are done then walk over to the custom’s booth and pass them your passport, copy of registration card, letter of approval if the bike us not under your name and the Thai vehicle insurance.
After they pass you the papers back, get it checked by a second officer which they will point to you where to go. The second office may ask to check your bike before approving or approve the papers and pass it back to you straight way. From there you are good to go, riding in the land of tom yum.
Its the same with crossing back to Malaysia, get passport cleared, then customs and cross back to Malaysia. Depending on traffic you can clear the border crossing as fast as 30 minutes or if it’s not your lucky day, I know someone who lined up for two hours.
And thats it for part one of the guide, part two coming soon so keep tuning in to Bikes Republic.

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Akrapovič releases greatest superbike tribute VIDEO of all time!

Akrapovič has released one of the greatest tribute videos for all the 2017 superbike models with their latest aftermarket exhaust line.
In the video, Akrapovič highlighted their latest Evolution line which comes in either carbon or titanium for the selected superbike models.
The amazing soundtrack features the latest 2017 Kawasaki ZX-10R, Yamaha YZF-R1, Honda CBR1000R Fireblade, Ducati 1299 Panigale, Aprilia RSV4, Suzuki GSX-R1000 and BMW S 1000 RR all fitted with some Akrapovič love.

While we’re sitting at our desks in front of the computer or lying in bed scrolling through our phones, we are bombarded with so many things making their way to the viral section of social media. While they’re all for fun, exhaust experts Akrapovič has released a spine-tingling tribute video in what we feel is one of the best made videos of the century.

While we are all too familiar with the world’s top superbikes coming from a variety of top-class manufacturers, Akrapovič has been identified as one of the best ingredients to make these said superbikes to an entirely different riding experience. We like to think of Akrapovič as the #SaltBae of the motorcycling world.

With that salt flick action of the wrist, Akrapovič has bestowed its greatness to the world’s most impressive superbikes found in the video. The bikes mentioned are the latest 2017 Honda CBR1000R Fireblade, Yamaha YZF-R1, Suzuki GSX-R1000, BMW S 1000 RR, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Ducati 1299 Panigale and Aprilia RSV4.

In the tribute video, Akrapovič mentions all of their products for the latest 2017 bike models which are as follows:

Evolution line (carbon) – Kawasaki ZX-10R
Evolution line kit (titanium) – Yamaha YZF-R1
Evolution line (titanium) – Honda CBR1000R Fireblade
Evolution line (titanium) – Ducati 1299 Panigale
Evolution line (carbon) – Aprilia RSV4
Slip-On line (titanium) with optional header (SS) – Suzuki GSX-R1000
Evolution line (titanium) – BMW S 1000 RR

In the world that fast becoming a place where only the best is accepted, the exhaust giant has taken all their time and experience in developing the most sought-after exhausts using their high-skilled craftsmanship and high-tech materials.
Enough about the information and enjoy the video!

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Yamaha Bids Farewell To The FJR1300 With A Special 20th Anniversary Edition

The Yamaha FJR1300 is set to make its final appearance in Japan with a special 20th Anniversary Edition.
According to the Japanese publication Young Machine, the special edition FJR1300 is scheduled to arrive at the dealership in Japan on February 10, 2022.

The European market already bid farewell to the iconic sports-tourer in 2019 with a special Ultimate Edition.
The special edition FJR1300 features black with gold accents, including a special gold FJR 20th Anniversary Edition emblem on top of the fuel tank as well as a gold FJR log painted on the bodywork next to the saddle.

Like the 2019 Ultimate Edition, the anniversary special only features cosmetic changes while the mechanical aspects remained unchanged.
As usual, the FJR1300 comes in two variants, A and AS with the latter is fitted with electronic suspension.

The 20th Anniversary FJR1300 continue to make 144hp @ 8,000rpm and 134.4Nm @ 7,000rpm from its 1,298cc transverse inline-four engine.
The 20th Anniversary Edition FJR1300 AS is priced at JPY1.98 million (RM72k) while the A will cost around JPY1.65 million (RM60k).
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BMW debuts R nine T

BMW Motorrad took the wraps off its brand new R nineT café racer-style naked production model in Munich recently. Made to mark Motorrad’s 90th anniversary, the model features a wide range of customisable exterior parts.

Hoping to tap into the growing café racer market segment, BMW claims that the nineT has a ‘hand-built’ feel, and stands as a canvas for owners to personalise using a wide array of optional parts available. Built using a tubular steel frame, the 222kg bike is powered by the brand’s 1,170cc air-cooled boxer-twin engine that makes 110hp and 119Nm of peak torque. Unsurprisingly, the nineT is driven using a shaft instead of a traditional chain system.

Underneath the retro looks are several modern items. First of which are the inverted front forks from the S1000RR, followed by 320mm brake rotors with four-piston monoblock calipers, and ABS as standard equipment. Customisable parts include the exhaust system courtesy of Akrapovic, and the aluminium tail covers.

The nineT is most likely the last Motorrad model to carry the firm’s air-cooled engine. Check out the gallery below to see more pictures as well as some of the bespoke customisable parts.
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Meaner new 2015 BMW S1000 RR

Revised and uprated, 2015 BMW S1000 RR supersports debuts at INTERMOT with more grunt and bite.

Also making its debut at this year’s INTERMOT show is the revised and revamped for 2015 BMW S1000 RR supersport. On paper, it appears BMW has given this already ferocious supersports even more bite and muscle.

Firstly, the 999cc in-line four-cylinder gains another 6hp to produce 199hp in total whilst weight has been reduced further by 4kg to 204kg (laden). Improved is the mill’s torque generation past the 5,000RPM marker, boasting a peak output of 112.4Nm plus a wider torque plateau between 9,500RPM and 11,000RPM.

The weight loss comes courtesy of a lightened new frame. BMW engineers also took the opportunity at revising the chassis’ geometry via small tweaks, having targeted it all for greater handling and feedback. Also a notable change on the exterior is the signature asymmetrical headlamps that have been swapped around, making this ‘new’ version easily distinguishable.

As far as electronic wizardries go, the new S1000 RR gets ABS as standard, whilst offered as options are two new additional riding modes and Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) semi-active suspension straight off the HP4.

Launch control and pit lane speed limiter functions, plus a cruise control feature are further primed in the optional electronics pack. Fact: this is the first supersports of its kind equipped with cruise control.

BMW will introduce its improved and revised new S1000 RR supersport into markets worldwide starting next year. In the meantime, enjoy the mega galleries we’ve prepared for you below and bask in the awesomeness of this ferocious new supersports.
2015 BMW S1000 RR – Studio
2015 BMW S1000 RR – Action
Source: BMW Press via Asphaltandrubber and Visordown
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Moto2: Danny Kent leaves Kiefer Racing

Image source: MotoGP

Danny Kent recently announced his departure from Moto2’s Kiefer Racing team after a long and difficult time since stepping up to Moto2 last season

“It’s been a difficult period since joining the team and I don’t feel I’m able to reach my potential so I’ve decided to step away.”

“It was breaking me as a person and rider, and I honestly think if the right opportunity comes up I can be fast in Moto2.”

Image source: Crash.net
After missing the last Moto2 #AmericasGP race on Sunday at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Danny Kent recently announced that he’ll be parting ways with Kiefer Racing effective immediately. After a long and difficult experience with no promising results since the 2015 Moto3 World Champion stepped up to Moto2, the 23 year old Brit rider made the announcement via his Twitter account.
The three-part message on his Twitter account is as follows:

1/3. Due to irreconcilable differences I've decided to part ways with Kiefer Racing and the Moto2 Team.
— Danny Kent (@DannyKent52) April 23, 2017

2/3. It's been a difficult period since joining the team and I don't feel I'm able to reach my potential so I've decided to step away.
— Danny Kent (@DannyKent52) April 23, 2017

3/3. I'm still hungry & determined & believe I can be competitive in Moto2. I wish Kiefer Racing the best for the future.
— Danny Kent (@DannyKent52) April 23, 2017

During an interview with MCN, Kent explained how difficult his experience was even since stepping up to Moto2 with the same team that gave him the Moto3 world championship crown back in 2015.
CLICK HERE to read on the day he won the championship at the 2015 Moto3 finale in Valencia, the same weekend Jorge Lorenzo clinched his fifth world title after a long (and controversial) battle with his former team mate, Valentino Rossi.
Image source: MotoGP
“It’s been a long fifteen months with hardly any decent results to show. Last year me and Miguel Olivera were very pretty similar in results, and this year he’s able to fight at the top – and I don’t believe this is only down to him,”
Image source: MotoGP
“But after every practice session we made many changes with the bike and the same problems just kept occurring. I feel I’ve been pushing hard but I’m still over two seconds a lap off and fighting with the bike to be in twentieth.”
Danny Kent after winning the 2015 Moto3 world championship in Valencia (Image source: MotoGP)
He then added “I know the risks and the repercussions from this decision are big but I honestly think it’s the best thing I can do for me. It was breaking me as a person and rider, and I honestly think if the right opportunity comes up I can be fast in Moto2. I hope to find a competitive ride and be at the front and enjoy racing again because I haven’t been enjoying it for a long time.”
Zaqhwan Zaidi and JPMoto Malaysia Moto2 squad back in 2015
This is not the first time a rider has left the Moto2 world championship. Our very own Zaqhwan Zaidi, the 2016 Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) Supersport 600 Champion, left the international-level Moto2 league after only six races with local squad, JPMoto Malaysia. He is currently having great success defending his ARRC title for 2017 with the MUSASHi Boon Siew Honda outfit.

CLICK HERE to know about Zaqhwan’s accomplishments last year when he won the ARRC championship.
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The 2023 KTM RC 8C Sold Out In Just Two Minutes

KTM introduced the track-only RC 8C back in 2021 with all 100 units were quickly snapped up by customers in less than five minutes.

The RC 8C gets reworked engine which now produces 135hp.
Features carbon fiber, GRP and Kevlar bodywork similar to KTM’s RC16 MotoGP racebike.

However, the hype around the specially-built race bike was over the roof and triggered the Austrian manufacturer to come out with a second version for 2023.
Limited to just 200 units, the 2023 model were sold out in a blink with every unit were sold out in just two minutes despite having 100 units more than the first released.
In addition, KTM also bags nearly GBP8 million in the process.

At a glance, there isn’t much to set the 2023 RC 8C apart with the 2021 edition.
Aside from the black finish replacing the orang paint, the 2023 RC 8C continue to feature carbon fiber, GRP and Kevlar bodywork that mirrors the KTM RC16 MotoGP racebike.

Also carried from the original version is the handmade chromoly steel trellis-style frame built by Kramer Motorcycles.
However, the 2023 RC 8C gets reworked engine with LC8c 889cc twin powertrain now makes 135hp from the previous 128hp. This is achieved by equipping a new titanium intake and exhaust valves, titanium connecting rods, larger 48mm throttle body and an increased in compression ratio.

KTM also added new oil cooler and revised the crankcase-balancer shaft while also removing the upper balancer in the cylinder head.
In addition, thanks to a new titanium Akrapovic race exhaust, the 2023 KTM RC 8C tip the scale at just 142kg.

The 2023 RC 8C also gets a revised WP Apex Pro suspension with the firm claimed to improve rider confidence on the track.
Similar to the 2021 RC 8C, the new track bike also allows for a host of adjustment and fine-tuning on both the engine and handling.

That said, the new AiM MXS 1.2 Race dash allows access to the bike’s traction control settings, throttle mapping and engine-braking. The RC 8C triple-clamp offset can also be altered with both the bars and pegs can be adjusted.
Braking is done with a top-of-the-line Brembo Stylema 4-piston radial-mounted callipers regulated via a Brembo 19RCS Corsa Corta master cylinder.
Other notable features include forged alloy Dymags wheels with Pirelli Diablo SC1 slick and GP shift with quickshifter function.
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2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 unleashed – S and Pikes Peak models included

The latest Multistrada family member has been introduced in the form of the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260.
There are three different models available, Multistrada 1260, Multistrada 1260 S and Multistrada 1260 S Pikes Peak.
The now Euro-4 approved 1,262cc Testastretta DVT engine taken from the XDiavel is able to generate 158hp and 9,750rpm and 130Nm of maximum torque at 7,500rpm.

For the year 2018, Ducati has figured out a way on how they can take the super successful Multistrada platform and beef it up to something even more. That resulted in the all-new 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260. The latest addition into the Multistrada family comes in three different versions; Standard, S and Pike Peak.

The biggest update to the 2018 Multistrada 1260 is of course the 1,262cc Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing), L-Twin, four Desmodromically-actuated valves per cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that was only previously available in the XDiavel super cruiser.

The now Euro-4 approved platform is able to generate 158hp and 9,750rpm and 130Nm of maximum torque at 7,500rpm. The 1,262cc engine however has been retuned to make sure that most of its power and torque is readily available as low as 3,500rpm (85% to be exact). This means that the new Multistrada is now a much better machine to be ridden even as a daily bike as it is able to make most of its power at the lower and middle end of the RPM range.

Ducati is able to achieve this thanks to a brand new exhaust header, silencer and air intake system on the 2018 Multistrada 1260. The new updates also meant that the steel trellis chassis had to be redesigned to not only accommodate the new power plant but also offer an overall improvement in riding stability.

Talking about improved rideability, Ducati is also offering the Ducati Quick Shifter (DQS) for up and down clutchless shifting. This particular feature is offered as standard on the S and Pikes Peak models. Another electronic feature is its new Ride-by-Wire system for better throttle response and power delivery which is a bonus considering the new Multistrada has a longer swingarm and wheelbase to make it easier to flick around corners even with a pillion sitting at the back.

Other features include Cornering ABS, the Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL) incorporated in the full LED headlight (available on the Multistrada 1260 S), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Vehicle Hold Control (VHC), semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) Evolution and many more.

The latest DSS system equipped on the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S is elevated even further thanks to a brand new Sachs pressurised damper cartridge fork that’s electronically controlled based on the input collected by the Bosch IMU system. This also means that the new front 48mm fork and rear monoshock is electronically controlled to ensure optimum stability by constantly adjusting the amount of compression and rebound.

Despite of all these new upgrades, the best news that the new Multistrada 1260 carries is the longer service intervals. Future owners can rest easy with its oil change for every 15,000km while the infamous Desmo service should only be done every 30,000km. Not bad, not bad at all.

We will update you on the price once everything has been confirmed by Ducati. For now, enjoy the photos and videos.

				2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260

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2018 Ducati Panigale V4 catches fire in Canada

One particular 2018 Ducati Panigale V4 caught on fire last week in Vancouver, Canada.
The cause is unknown but the rider was riding normally on city streets when the bike was engulfed in flames.
Ducati North America has responded quickly and inspections are currently underway to ensure that this was only one isolated case.

Some worrying news has surfaced itself just recently about one of the most highly-regarded superbikes in the modern era. The technologically-marvelled 2018 Ducati Panigale V4 is all about being the best of the best but one particular machine in Canada was a bit too ‘hot’ to handle.

Based on a report posted by Motorcycle.com, one Ducati Panigale V4 owner in Vancouver, Canada which goes by the name of Nitrouz (a member of DucatiForum.com), recently suffered a horrible tragedy when his brand new Ducati Panigale V4 caught on fire while riding in the street just last week.

Most superbike owners no matter the brand or manufacturer will know about the heat the engines can generate but it’s very unlikely that the heat is strong enough to turn the bike into a huge ball of flame. Unfortunately for Nitrouz, riding on busy streets at moderate speeds somehow led to the fire in which Ducati was quick to respond and provide assurance for the new Ducati owner.

The rider was riding normally on 15 March 2018 when he smelled something burning and was horrified when he looked down and saw flames spitting out (and not the good one that usually comes out from the exhaust pipes).  The rider quickly pulled over before the bike was completely drowned in the fire. Luckily, no one was harmed during the incident.

Ducati North America responded quickly to the owner where they have promised a brand new bike (plus sympathies) to the owner. Nitrouz was thankful for how fast Ducati reconciled the situation in the best possible way. Kudos to Ducati North America for such a fine job.

As for the Ducati Panigale V4, inspections are currently underway and we hope that this is just one isolated case. Orders are piling up for the new Panigale V4 and it’ll be officially launched in the coming months here in Malaysia.
2018 Ducati Panigale V4 expected to arrive in March

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Supercharged Kawasaki Ninja H2 teased again

New and supercharged Kawasaki Ninja H2 will debut at INTERMOT later this month.

The upcoming Kawasaki Ninja H2 get teased once again in the brand’s new promotional video on YouTube.

While the video above pays homage to Kawasaki’s previous generation of big displacement screamers, the key highlight here is the new Ninja H2’s silhouette appearing towards video’s end.
We’ve already seen the brand’s supercharged in-line four, and heard how it sounds. Now, we get an idea of how the Ninja H2 will look like when it debuts at INTERMOT later this month.
Source: YouTube via Asphaltandrubber
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Mechmoto Racing Brings Exciting New MotoGP Experience To Asia

We’ve all seen the usual MotoGP race weekend packages offered by travel companies that include flights, accommodation and a grandstand ticket. Now, thanks to Mechmoto Racing, MotoGP fans have the chance to feel what it’s like to be a team member with their Ultimate GP Racing Experience.

Say goodbye to the standard grandstand pass and say hello to the MotoGP pit wall, team garage and hospitality as you join a MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 team for a whole race weekend.
Indy Sam and Justin McLachlan from Mechmoto Racing in Australia have utilised their MotoGP contacts to offer race fans an ultimate GP experience that is unrivalled.

Mechmoto is a leading motorcycle servicing business based in Queensland Australia that brings MotoGP expertise to the roads. Co-Founder Indy Sam has had a long and illustrious two-wheel career having worked in MotoGP, World Superbike Championship, and the Australian Superbike Championship since the early 2000’s as a mechanic.

With Indy’s experience in these leading motorcycle racing series, not only has he been able to bring that mechanical experience to road bikes in the land down under, but he’s been able to work with MotoGP teams to offer race weekend experiences like no other. “We are race enthusiasts,” says Indy. “And we know what an awesome race weekend experience would be for enthusiasts like us. So with my contacts in MotoGP we can offer an experience that takes the fans right into the heart of the team to feel the excitement and drama up close and personal.”

Limited to only four guests per MotoGP round, the guests will be immersed in unparalleled access with their own personalised official MotoGP paddock pass and personally guided by Indy himself as they experience a race start from the pit wall, pit lane walks, team garage visits, meeting riders, dining in team hospitality, and even joining the team parties. A team may even allow guests to join a debrief.
Currently there are two teams who are part of the Race event package – LCR Honda MotoGP and Gas Gas Aspar Moto2 & Moto3 – discussions are underway to bring in more teams though guests will meet many other teams unofficially during the event.
As a special introduction to Asia based MotoGP fans, Mechmoto Racing is offering over 20% ($4,000) off the package price. More information can be found at http://www.mechmotoracing.com/the-ultimate-gp-racing-experience.
*Article contributed by Ben Potter
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Introducing Project Neptune, A Fairing Kit For The 2021 Triumph Trident!

The 2021 Triumph Trident is set to wreak havoc on the middleweight segment after it was officially launched at the end of last year.
The 660cc triple-cylinder motorcycle is officially Triumph most affordable model coming out of Hinckley.

Nonetheless, for anyone looking to add something different to their Trident, perhaps in the form of a fairing kit, the guys at Arton Works might have something for you.
The Rome-based aftermarket parts designer introduced Project Neptune, a two-stage fairing kit for the 2021 Trident.

Project Neptune comes in two types of fairing; the Neptune S adds a half-fairing to the Trident, while the Neptune R builds on the S-kit to create a full fairing kit for the Trident.

The project was the work of motorcycle design instructor Davide Colombi, who is also the current automotive designer for Ferrari (so he knows what he’s doing).
Arton Works is a company specializing in aftermarket parts for various Triumph models, built to go straight on the bike without unnecessary modification.
Price is yet to be announced, but we suggest that you Arton Works on social media to catch the latest updates!
(source: ArtonWorks)
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