Honda CRF250L and Honda CRF250 Rally Recall, Boon Siew Honda Checking if Malaysian Units are Affected

American Honda has issued a recall for a number of models including the 2018 Honda CRF250L and Honda CRF250 Rally.

The issue concerns the transmission.

Boon Siew Honda is currently checking if the Malaysian units are affected.

American Honda has issued a recall for a number of models for issues regarding their transmissions. The recall include the 2018 Honda CRF250L and Honda CRF250 Rally, among others.
According to the circular, the models affected are the 2019 Honda CB300R, 2018 to 2019 Honda Rebel (CMX300), 2018 Honda CBR300R, as wells as the aforementioned 2018 Honda CRF250L and Honda CRF250 Rally.
Only the two CRF250s are being sold in Malaysia among the list.
BikesRepublic.com placed a call to the Malaysian distributor, Boon Siew Honda for further clarifications on the recall. While the Malaysian units may not be affected, Boon Siew Honda gave their assurance that they have taken the initiative to investigate the matter. They shall revert with the answers soon.
According to the American Honda recall, the circlip on the transmission’s main shaft may detach. It will cause gear misalignment should it occur.
The misalignment will in turn cause the transmission to shift into gear while in NEUTRAL during engine start. If the motorcycle is in motion, it may cause the transmission, hence the rear wheel to seize.
Stay tuned.
--Ads--


New Triumph Bonneville range officially launched

Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd officially introduces full range of the new Triumph Bonneville in Malaysia.

Exclusive Malaysian Triumph Motorcycles importer and distributor Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd celebrated the launch of the all-new generation Triumph Bonneville range earlier today.
Present here were Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd’s top-tier executives led by COO Datuk Razak Al-Malique Hussain. Also present here was Marc McConnell, Triumph’s regional export sales manager for Asia Pacific.
The launch saw Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd officially introducing the full range of the new generation Triumph Bonneville modern classic bike. The range consists three core variants starting with the basic Street Twin, followed by the Bonneville T120 and the Thruxton R.
Street TwinFirst in the range comes the entry-level Street Twin variant that has already gone on sale through Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd with a basic price tag of RM55,900 (excluding road tax and insurance costs).
As previously reported, the new Triumph Bonneville Street Twin features a brand new new liquid-cooled 900cc parallel-twin powerplant that develops 54hp and 80Nm of peak torque. The mill is paired with a five-speed transmission that also boasts a slipper clutch feature.

Despite its classic retro outlooks, the Street Twin boasts several modern amenities that is primed as standard. Highlights here include its comprehensive LCD display to complement the analogue speedometer, LED taillight, as well as an under-seat USB charging port.
New from the ground up, the Street Twin has a claimed dry weight of just 198kg, making it 11kg lighter than its predecessor. Triumph further claims that the new liquid-cooled twin-cylinder heart boasts a 36% improvement in its fuel efficiency to match its enhanced power and torque figures.

Furthermore, three custom ‘Inspiration Kits’ are also available for the Street Twin – Urban, Brat Tracker and Scrambler. These kits gives buyers the additional option towards personalising the Street Twin to their desired tastes. Notably, ABS, ride-by-wire and traction control also come primed as standard in the Street Twin.
Bonneville T120 & T120 Black

Sitting in the middle of the range is the new Triumph Bonneville T120 variant that can be had in either standard or in ‘Black’ trims. As its name suggest, the Bonneville T120 features yet another new liquid-cooled eight-valve parllel-twin mill with a larger 1,200cc displacement.
The high-torque mill develops 79hp and 105Nm that are transmitted using a new six-speed transmission primed with a slip-assist clutch as well. Again, ABS, ride-by-wire and traction comes as standard features once more in this mid-range model.
Tipping the scale at 225kg dry, the Bonneville T120 promises dynamic handling capabilities thanks to the presence of 41mm cartridge forks up front that offers 120mm of travel and a pair of Kayaba twin rear shocks with pre-load adjustability and 120mm of travel.
Unlike the basic Street Twin, the Bonneville T120 gets a more extensive features list too. Highlights here include selectable riding modes, an analogue twin-dial instrument display with integrated multi-info LCD digital displays, LED taillight and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) in the headlight, as well as an under-seat USB charger port.
Whilst the standard Bonneville T120 offers a more timeless look and classic stance, the Bonneville T120 Black offers a little more attitude thanks to its darker stance. It comes fitted with blacked-out components and details plus a dark brown leather seat to complete its darker look.
Triumph also highlights that there over 160 accessories available exclusively for the Bonneville T120 range, offering owners a much wider variety of personalisation here once more. Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd will be retailing both with a starting price of RM79,900 (exlcuding road tax and insurance costs).
Thruxton R

Last but not least comes the range-topping Thruxton R variant. The sportiest of the lot is set to offer plenty of performance to match its classic cafe racer styling.
The same high-torque liquid-cooled 1,200cc parallel-twin as found in the Bonneville T120 powers the Thruxton R, but it is tuned to develop a higher output of 96hp and 112Nm of torque instead. Again, the unit is paired with a six-speed transmission primed with a slipper clutch feature too.
Highlights in the features list include things like LED DRLs and taillight, under-seat USB charging port, analogue twin-dial instrument with integrated multi-info LCD displays and selectable riding modes. Also fitted as standard here are ABS, ride-by-wire and traction control.
Besides that, the Thruxton also benefits with two custom ‘Inspiration Kits’ that owners can choose from – Cafe Racer and Track Tracker. Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd is retailing the flagship Thruxton R cafe racer at the starting price of RM91,900 (excluding road tax and insurance costs).
More information can be obtained by visiting the flagship Triumph Motorcycles PJ showroom or by visiting triumphmotorcycles.com.my.
New Triumph Bonneville Range Official Launch @ Seputeh, KL

2016 Triumph Bonneville Street Twin launched in Malaysia

				Triumph Street Twin.

				Photo Credits: Rafique Razak/Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd

				Photo Credits: Rafique Razak/Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd

				Photo Credits: Rafique Razak/Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd

Triumph Bonneville T120 and T120 Black Image Gallery

				Both the T120 and T120 Black are powered by the same 1200cc liquid cooled engine.

				Highlights for the Bonneville T120 and T120 Black are the LED rear lights.

				The Triumph Bonneville T120.

				The only thing differentiating the T120 and the T120 Black are the all-black details and this brown seat.

				Just like the Thruxton R, the detailing on both the Bonneville’s is impeccable.

				The Triumph Bonneville T120 Black.

Triumph Thruxton R Image Gallery

				The beautiful Thruxton R

				The round headlights of the Thruxton R are an obvious nod to bikes of the early 90s.

				The incredible attention to detail and great build quality is typical of modern Triumphs.

				A big powerful engine now made more economical with liquid-cooling and selectable riding modes.

--Ads--


Honda Group Confirms Direction for Motorcycle  Road Racing in Asia and Oceania

Honda Group of Companies in Asia and Oceania confirms their direction for motorcycle racing in the region.

Honda hopes to produce more world class riders and mechanics through their participation.

The program covers almost all racing series in the region.

The Honda Group of Companies in Asia and Oceania confirms their direction to strengthen Honda’s involvement in motorcycle racing in the Asia & Oceania region. The media briefing was held after the qualifying day at the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) at Buriram International Circuit, Thailand.
Honda confirmed it will pursue the challenges of motorcycle road racing in the region with an aim to develop world-class motorcycle riders and team mechanics from Asia. To achieve this goal, Honda is committed to creating a motorsport culture as well as developing the skills of racers and team mechanics throughout Asia.

In line with this commitment, Honda’s motorcycle subsidiaries in Asia including Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and India have been following the regional direction in their operations through a variety of motorsports activities such as establishing the Honda racing school, forming their own road racing teams, organizing local Honda one-make races, and competing in local, national, and international races.
Honda’s young riders and team mechanics continue to broaden their experience and improve their skills through intensive training and by competing in various races for local and national championships. The most promising stars will move up to greater challenges by joining Honda’s racing team for international races namely the ARRC. Outstanding riders and mechanics from Honda’s Asian teams will ultimately have a chance to join Honda’s racing teams for world-class races.

At the briefing, Honda also provided an update on its teams that are participating in the 2018 ARRC. Currently, Honda teams from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and India are competing in the Underbone 150cc (UB150), Asia Production 250cc (AP250), and Supersport 600cc (SS600) classes. They have achieved impressive results, especially in the AP250 class, in which Honda rider Rheza Danica of the Astra Honda Racing Team from Indonesia is set to take the 2018 AP250 rider championship.
Honda also confirmed its participation in the inaugural Asia Superbike1000cc class (ASB1000) at the 2019 ARRC with Honda Asia-Dream Racing, a team for which top personnel from Honda subsidiaries and Honda racing teams across the Asia and Oceania region are being recruited. Former MotoGP racer Makoto Tamada was confirmed as team manager and Zaqhwan Zaidi from Malaysia as team rider. This year, the team finished in 17th place in the Japan Superbike 1000cc class (JSB1000) at the 2018 All-Japan Road Race Championship (JSB) and took 7thplace in the Suzuka 8-hour Endurance Race. In 2019, Honda Asia-Dream Racing will continue to participate in both championships, challenging itself to perform better and finish in higher positions.

With the collaboration of team members from Honda companies throughout the Asia & Oceania region, Honda will strive to deliver the best race results to realize the dream of having a Honda team and riders become a challenger in world-class motorcycle racing.
Representing Honda were Mr. Soichi Yamana, Department Manager of Motorcycle Department, Motorsports Division, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.; Mr. Atsushi Ogata, Director of Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd.; Mr. Ryo Takahashi, General Manager of Motorcycle Business Division, Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd.; and Mr. Makoto Tamada, Team Manager of the Honda Asia-Dream Racing.
--Ads--


Andrea Iannone Switch To Reality TV With Italy’s Dancing With The Stars

Andrea Iannone is set to embark on a new challenge on reality television as one of Italy’s Dancing With The Stars contestants.
The former Aprilia rider is currently serving a 4-year ban after failing a doping test at the 2019 Malaysian GP.

The ban means Iannone is prohibited from competing from anything two-wheels which could have been the primary factor behind his decision on trying something new.
This is the first time a MotoGP rider will be seen as a reality television star after Carl Fogarty famously appeared in ‘I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here’, and Jorge Lorenzo was revealed as one of the finalists of ‘Masked Singer’ in Spain.
Iannone was first hit with an 18-month ban after failing his doping but the sentence was extended to four years after losing his appeal at the Court Arbitration of Sport (CAS) in November 2020.
--Ads--


Norton-Powered Zongshen Cyclone RX6 Breaks Cover

Zongshen officially unveiled its latest model, the Cyclone RX6, the company first motorcycle powered by the Norton 650cc parallel-twin engine.
The RX6 was first sighted in 2019 as a concept before the Chinese manufacturer pulled the wraps at Shanghai Motor Show this week.

The overall look of the RX6 clearly defined an adventure motorcycle, and at a glance, it does bear a resemblance to the previous Yamaha MT-07 Tracer.

According to reports, the RX6 is powered by the Norton 650cc parallel-twin that produces around 70hp and is the same power plant found in yet-to-be-released Norton Altas.
Zongshen also includes a host of the latest electronics, including a full-colour TFT display, adjustable windscreen and keyless ignition.

The bike also features exciting specifications, including:

21L tank
Nissin brake callipers
Kayaba suspension
ABS
Pirelli tires

However, the Cyclone RX6 sits on the heavier side as the bike is quoted at 245kg.
Despite no confirmation, we can assume the motorcycle will be made available in Malaysia soon!
--Ads--


Realize Your Dreams Through TOC Bina Bakat Program

Don’t let money hold you back from your passion.

TOC Automotive College offers an education loan for anyone who wishes to enrol in the Superbike Technician Course.

The TOC Bina Bakat Program study loan means students do not have to pay until find a job.

A good education is lot like using a good umbrella when it rains. It protects you from everything that life throws at you and equips you with the necessary skill to survive situations. A certification program does exactly that and more often than not, lets you indulge in your passion.
TOC Automotive College recently introduced the Superbike Technician Course, a specialist course that aims to equip future motorcycle mechanics with the proper knowledge and certification to secure jobs. The course also aims to address the fact that motorcycle mechanics generally do not have any form of certification or professional training, but rather rely on knowledge handed down by friends or family.
There is an obvious glut in the industry when it comes to certified motorcycle mechanics. In a recent interview with the after sales manager of GB Workshop Idon Pang, it was made clear that the industry lacks “engineers” who are well trained to handle modern motorcycles.
“There is a big gap between current motorcycle technology and the people who are certified to handle and maintain these technologies or make it even better. The gap is very big,” explained Idon.
Working with Certified Technicians: An Employer’s View

The TOC Automotive College aims to address the obvious lack of professional talent in the industry through the Superbike Technician Course. But acknowledging the fact that certification courses can be expensive to pursue, the TOC Automotive College is offering a unique education loan called TOC Bina Bakat Program.
The TOC Bina Bakat program offers up to 100% loan for youths who want to pursue a course at the TOC Automotive College. Youths who qualify for the loan are not required to repay the education loan until the day they secure a job and begin to earn a salary.

Are you interested to pursue your passion in motorcycles, to begin a career that lets you indulge in your passions? Then click here for more information regarding the Superbikes Technician Course and the Bina Bakat education loan program.
So what are you waiting for? If it has always been your dream to work in the motorcycle service line, or to start your very own motorcycle workshop, then this is the perfect platform to get you started on the path to achieving your dreams. Don’t wait, find out more about the TOC Superbike Technician Course at www.toc.edu.my or call (+603) 7960 8833 for more details.
CLICK HERE to know more about TOC’s Superbike Technician Course.

--Ads--


2014 MotoGP – 5 minutes with: Cal Crutchlow

An exclusive chat with Ducati Corse MotoGP team rider Cal Crutchlow ahead of this weekend’s Malaysian MotoGP.

With this weekend’s 2014 Shell Advance Malaysian MotoGP looming, we were trackside on Thursday to speak with Cal Crutchlow of the Ducati Corse MotoGP team.

Form his hopes and aspirations for the weekend, right down to the all-new Ducati Scrambler, we picked his brain for a few minutes and here’s what we manage to get.
Cal Crutchlow (#35)

Share with us your experience of being with the Ducati team this year.
“First of all, it’s (Ducati) a fantastic company. And, it has been a privilege to be involved with the factory team. Although I am disappointed about leaving the team at the end of this year, but this is racing, and this is life. I’m sure they have two great riders for the next two years, and I’m sure they’ll do a great job.”
How has the crash in Australia impacted you? Any injuries?
“No pain, only more heartbreak really. I had no problem because we believe the crash was not our fault. We never did anything different, and we never made a big mistake. It was just unfortunate the situation, we had some problem with the tyres. This is racing you see, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometime you have good years, sometimes you have bad years. I’m not too distraught about it at the moment.”
What are you looking forward to this weekend in Sepang?
“It’s a really difficult track, and it’s difficult for the Ducati as well. But, we will give our 100%. I’m sure we can make a good result. It’ll be a very difficult to be near the podium because of the lack of grip with the track. But I am excited, and again, we will give our 100% and see where we will finish.”
What are your thoughts of the new Ducati Scrambler?
“Yes, I saw it when I was last in the factory. I could’ve done with it when I was going across the grass in Australia last weekend. It’s very special. I love the fact that you can have so many different designs with the bike. Maybe I’ll take one before I leave.”
Which one will you have?
“The off-road one, the Urban Enduro. And, I will take it off road as well. I don’tknow if it’ll work, but I will try!”
Crutchlow’s advise after hearing about last weekend’s superbike tragedy on the Karak Highway:
“I’m sorry to hear that. I think riding safe is one of the main things needed here. I see lot of the guys here weaving in and out of traffic. I always believe that if you want to go fast, you come on the race track. I ride a bike on the road, but not so much because a lot of things can be taken out of your control. So just be aware, be cautious. Learn the skills as best as possible. And of course, enjoy the ride, but you also need to be sensible. Speed limits exist for a reason, and also buy good quality equipment. If you’re riding in jeans and tee-shirt, it does not make you cooler. It looks cooler, but really its not.”
--Ads--


Shadowfax “Crossing the Borders” Ride – Harley-Davidson Group Rides to Vietnam

Shadowfax MC continues their adventures, this time to Vietnam.

The group will cross into Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

More than 30 Harley riders showed up at Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya to send off the group.

Shadowfax MC pushed off for their “Crossing the Borders” ride to Vietnam on the Harley-Davidson motorcycles yesterday.
We chatted with the President of Shadowfax Motorcycle Club, Dato’ Anand in March this year. Dato’ told us that the group is planning to ship their bikes to Japan to ride there this month.

However, the ride to Japan is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. But instead of wasting the time away, a number of members decided to ride to Vietnam.

Speaking to BikesRepublic.com, Dato’ Anand and several of his accompanying buddies told us of their plans. The ride started from Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya at The Gasket Alley. The riders will first cross into Thailand and into Bangkok, Thailand. From there, they will head east into Cambodia and visit Angkor Wat in Siam Riep for two days before riding all the way to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

“We will be visiting the local Harley-Davidson dealerships along the way. It’s a great way to show our goodwill,” said Dato’. “There will also be other bikers who will meet us and ride with us for some distance.”
What about the often-stormy weather these days?

“No problem, we are bikers and we will continue to ride in spite of whatever weather condition,” said Mr. Kumar.
The group will also ride without a support vehile. All the emergency tools and fixes are carried along.

BikesRepublic.com wishes the Shadowfax a safe and fun ride to and back.

--Ads--


This is NOT the 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6

The fake.
Rendered image circulating online alleging to be new 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 isn’t real, but dreams are free, right?

When we first caught wind of this rendering, we were just as excited as you were. However, upon closer inspection, it is sad to note that this is NOT the 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 supersport replacement.
L-R: The fake and the press photo is it based upon.
This rendering is actually based off a press photo of the flagship Yamaha YZF-R1 superbike, but we’ll agree it is one solid effort. The biggest tell-tale signs here were the ventilated brakes and rear swingarm, but we reckon the side-by-side view above would make things clearer.

Though the rendering, which claims to be sourced from Japan, isn’t real, it has got our imagination running wild. The Yamaha YZF-R6 is overdue for a replacement indeed, and we wouldn’t be surprised if the flagship new R1 heavily influences its design.
2016 Yamaha YZF-R6

				2015 Honda CBR600RR

				2016 Kawasaki ZX-6R ABS KRT

More importantly, if Yamaha does make a new R6, it might just prompt rivals Kawasaki and Honda at developing new versions of their respective Ninja ZX-6R and CBR600RR equivalents. We’ve recently reported that the Honda CBR600RR may be axed by year’s end with no replacement in sight just yet.

Back to Yamaha and it appears the firm will continue offering the current Yamaha YZF-R6 as we know it until it is no longer compliant with emissions regulations. Realistically, the chances of us seeing a new generation Yamaha YZF-R6 supersport model is something that remains to be seen.
--Ads--


Engineering Students To Take On The 2024 IOMTT With A 225HP Electric Bike

The University of Michigan’s SPARK Electric Racing Team is ready to take on the Isle of Man TT (IOMTT) challenge with an electric race bike.

SPARK Electric Racing Team to race at the 2024 IOMTT with an electric race bike.
The goal is to create a bike that can hit 300km/h and makes 225hp.

The engineering students from the University of Michigan have been experimenting with their electric bike build since 2013.
They even ended 2022 on a high, taking home second and third place in AHRMA’s Formula Lightning race in New Jersey thanks to an electric race bike called the Atlas.
However, their biggest aim is to compete at the 2024 IOMTT.
 Despite not having the most considerable resources like a full-time race outfit, SPARK is adamant that their next electric bike project has what it takes to compete at the world’s greatest road race.
Meanwhile, the Atlas was a success at the Formula Lightning Race. The bike features a custom trellis frame and can do 0-100km/h in less than three seconds. SPARK’s claimed that the race bike makes 125hp and 119Nm and can hit a max speed of 257km/h.
It also features other top-of-the-line components, including Brembo, Ohlins and Galfer.
However, for the 2024 IOMTT, SPARK is building something even more powerful called the FBS, which stands for “Future Racing Bike of SPARK”.
The goal is to build an electric race bike that makes 225hp 200Nm and can hit a max speed of 300km/h. The target weight is less than 200kg, and can do 0-100 in under three seconds.
--Ads--


BMW Motorrad BoxerCup – BMW R nineT Racer series!

Apparently, there’s a race series out there with a bunch of cool guys and gals racing on the sexy BMW R nineT Racer and it’s called the BMW Motorrad BoxerCup. Its second season will commence in May until September covering seven rounds, mostly in Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, and the Netherlands.

Question: Why haven’t we heard about this regarding the first season (just for this particular editor)?? Well, you get some, you miss some. Anyway, The BMW Motorrad BoxerCup 2020 will be held in conjunction with the International German Motorcycle Championship IDM and there will two races per race weekend.

Think of it as a one-make race series where riders battle it out on the same identical BMW R nineT Racers which have been optimized for racing. We’re talking Wilbers fork and strut, carbon fibre cylinder head covers, Ilmberger rear end and engine spoiler (holy baloney), BOS titanium manifolds and mufflers, Staübli quick-release brake couplings, Wunderlich windshield and frame sliders, BMW Motorrad ABS racing software, Gilles Tolling footrest and race-spec shifter, and Dunlop race tyres.

Another cool fact is that all participants are supplied by one of the most well-known brands in the business, HJC. In other words, the race will be based solely on riding skills as the bikes are identical with no added performance advantage whatsoever. So yeah, this might be one of the coolest one-make races on the planet.

For those who are interested to witness this spectacle, below is the racing calendar for the BMW Motorrad BoxerCup 2020.

22-24 May 2020 – Red Bull Ring, Austria
3-5 July 2020 – Most, Czech Republic
24-26 July 2020 – Schleiz, Germany
31 July-2 August 2020 – Oschersleben WSBK, Germany (confirmation pending)
14-16 August 2020 – Assen, Netherlands
11-13 September 2020 – Lausitzring, Germany
25-27 September 2020 – Hockenheim, Germany

40 Years of the BMW GS (Part 2) – The BMW R 100 GS

--Ads--


Triumph Tiger Sport 660 Price Announced – Rm49,900

Fast Bike Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of the Triumph Motorcycles brand in Malaysia has officially announced the price of the 2022 Tiger Sport 660.
The new middleweight sport touring bike from Hinckley is available from as low as RM49,900 (exclude registration and insurance), making it the most affordable motorcycle in its segment for the Malaysian market.

Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia is also offering an early-bird package whereby customers who purchase the new Tiger Sport 660 will also walk away with selected optional accesories comprising of Triumph’s Connectivity Module, dual comfort low seats, frame protector kits, fork protectors, hand guards, USB charger kit and tank pads.
The early bird package is offered in conjuction with Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia’s 10th anniversary.

Built on the same platform as the Trident 660, the Tiger Sport 660 features the same triple-cylinder engine as its naked sibling and is set to go up against the Kawasaki Versys 650, Suzuki V-Strom 650 and the Yamaha Tracer 7.
Like the Trident, the Tiger Sport 660 features two riding modes, Road and Rain, ride-by-wire with 6-speed transmission, and a slipper/clutch.

Braking is done by twin 2-piston Nissin radial callipers paired to a 310mm disc at the front and a 255mm disc at the rear. It also features dual-channel ABS that’s, unfortunately, can’t be turn off.

Other exciting features include:

41mm Showa USD front forks with 150mm travel
Showa rear monoshock with hydraulic preload adjustable
835mm seat height
17.2L fuel tank
LED lights with self-cancelling indicators
TFT display with My Triumph connectivity
Triumph Shift Assist up/down quickshifter (optional)
heated grips (optional)
under-seat USB charger (optional)
TPMS (optional)

--Ads--


Honda CL 250 And CL 500 Scrambler In The Pipeline?

Firstly, Honda is among the manufacturers that like to share its platform across various models.
For example, the CB500X, CBR500R, and CB500F share the same 500cc parallel-twin engine yet offer entirely different dynamics.
However, among those three models, Honda could be planning to expand the range by introducing a scrambler-style motorcycle, as reported by Autoby.
While there are zero words regarding the claimed motorcycle, Autoby suggests that a CL250 and CL500 scrambler is in the works.

Japanese render artist Shinji Miyakubo also came up with CG renders of the CL250 and CL500 scrambler.
While one could easily mistake the high mounted pipe shown as inspiration from Triumph’s Scrambler range, it is actually a design inspired by the 1965 Honda CL72.

The reimagined CL250 is fitted with all the necessary elements, including a flat saddle, black fork gaiters, high-mounted exhaust pipe and larger alloy wheels.
The visual cues on the CL500 are also visibly similar; however, it gets a twin mounted exhaust in place of the single unit on the CL250.
Interestingly, Autoby claimed that the CL250 could get an official debut at the end of 2022, whereas the CL500 to follow in 2023. A pretty bold claim, eh?
(Source: Autoby)
--Ads--


2020 CFMoto 250SR officially launched in Malaysia – from RM15,800

KTNS Holdings Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of CFMoto motorcycles here in Malaysia, has officially launched its latest 2020 CFMoto 250SR for the Malaysian market. Two variants are up for grabs, the Standard Edition and the Limited Edition.

Design-wise, the CFMoto 250SR’s most prominent feature has to be its front LED headlight design. The super sporty look comes with modern elements like a full-colour TFT display panel that shows RPM, gear position, speed, and even connectivity functions to your smartphone. Two interfaces are available for two riding modes; Sport and Eco (or Rain).

In terms of power plant, the 2020 CFMoto 250SR comes with a 250cc single-cylinder DOHC liquid-cooled engine that churns out 27.5hp @ 9,750rpm and 22Nm maximum torque at 7,500rpm. All that power is sent to the rear wheel via a six-speed manual transmission with slipper clutch for that extra ‘race’ feel.

Weighing in at 165kg (kerb), the 250SR is also fitted with a 12-litre fuel tank. The chassis is equipped with front 37mm telescopic front forks with hydraulic damping, centre rear mono suspension, 292mm front single-disc with radial-mounted four-piston caliper, 220mm single rear disc with single-piston floating caliper, dual-channel ABS and 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels.

If you’re interested in getting one of your own, KTNS Holdings Sdn Bhd has priced it at RM15,800 for the standard Nebula Black model and RM17,800 for the limited-edition Turquoise Blue racing livery (prices excluding insurance, road tax & registration).

Only 30 units of the SE model will be available for the Malaysian market. Each new CFMoto 250SR will come with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty paired with unlimited mileage.

--Ads--


2017 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto announced

2017 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto
Husqvarna 701 Supermoto gets a new engine for 2017.

With the arrival of the new generation KTM 690 Duke naked model this year, it was only naturally that other models based off it would get a similar update. A perfect example of this is the updated 2017 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto.
Avid supermoto fans would already know that this Swedish brand’s supermoto actually underpins the 690 Duke naked bike model from Austrian parent company KTM.

In 2017 form, the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto will adopt the updated 2016 KTM 690 Duke’s 693cc single-cylinder engine. Dubbed as the most powerful production single-cylinder engine in existence, the new mill also meets strict Euro 4 emission standards as well.
More importantly, the new mill offers an additional 6hp and 3Nm of otrque over the engine it replaces, bringing the figures up to 74hp @ 8,000rpm and 71Nm @ 6,750rpm.

The red-line has been raised by 1,000rpm too, whilst a new Keihin fuel injection system has a 50 mm throttle body that makes do without mechanical linkage to the throttle grip, offering riders with true ride-by-wire technology.
Additionally, Husqvarna also opted to keep this new engine’s service interval the same as its predecessor, which is every 6,200 miles – approximately 10,000km.
The updated 2017 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto will make its public debut next week during the bi-annual INTERMOT 2016 show in Cologne, Germany. Sales will likely commence sometime later this year.

By the way, if you’ve the dirt-busting bug has bitten you, check out the 2017 KTM Enduro & Motocross models that was recently launched for the local market earlier this week.
2017 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto

				2017 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto

--Ads--


Between Full Fairing & Naked: This Is Why The Aprilia Tuono V4 Is The Best Of Both Worlds

If you are a thrill-seeking rider, the weapon of choice to tackle corners at the weekends and commute daily to work would either be a full fairing or a naked motorcycle.
As some friends would testify, it is quite normal to end up spending hours at a motorcycle dealer contemplating between the two.

But wait, what if you don’t even need to make that choice, instead you could just enjoy the best of both worlds with the all-new Aprilia Tuono V4 1100?

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/WhatsApp-Video-2021-07-13-at-11.58.11.mp4
Jeya Thevan has owned an Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 for the past two years and acknowledges that the bike has lots of potentials which only some of the most skilled riders can unlock.

“As a rider, you need to adapt to the character of the Tuono 1100, you need to understand its powerband, and once you understand that then the Tuono is a very fun bike.”
The best of both worlds

The Tuono V4 is one of the Noale-based manufacturer best inventions. One that offers a combination of power, technology, good looks and an exhaust system that produces one of the best engine notes, unmatched by anything else in its class.
Any conversation about the Tuono V4 has to begin with its looks, described as a super-naked motorcycle yet fitted with an almost full-fairing like the front end, making it stand out among the crowd.

You can take it on to the track or for a weekend ride to tackle the nastiest curve, or you can treat it as a daily ride.

Not to mention, you can also take the Tuono V4 out for an occasional tour thanks to its upright seating position and handlebar.
The Tuono V4 is one of a kind breed as agreed by Ms Bee of Welly Sg Buloh who is also a superbike champion herself.
“Aprilia bikes is one of the kind in the world especially the Tuono V4 1100 Factory. It’s not an ordinary motorcycle designed for ordinary riders.
“The power is raw, it’s a professional bike, it gives a rider more than it needed. The quote “less is more” does not apply to Aprilia Motorcycle’s performance,” she said.
A very powerful V4 powerplant

The 1077cc 65° V4 engine produces a monstrous 175hp @ 11,350rpm and 121Nm @ 9,000rpm putting it on par with other notable sports bikes.
Despite making 175hp and 121Nm, the new engine meets Euro 5 emission standards; thus, you can ride worry-free without affecting the environment.

Just a little heads up, the Tuono V4 shares the same engine layout used by the Aprilia MotoGP machine, and it offers a host of benefits over an inline-four and a twin-cylinder setup. In other words, you can still go bonkers with the Tuono V4.
Despite being superbike-fast, the Tuono is a comfortable machine on the road and fully loaded with exciting goodies.
Top-notch technological advancement

Thanks to a new and powerful Marelli 11MP ECU, rider aids are more refined, consisting of Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC), engine brake management, traction control, wheelie control, launch control, cruise control, pt limited and six riding modes.
https://www.bikesrepublic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Aprilia-Tuono-Promo-Video.mp4
Despite labelled as “super-naked”, the electronics puts it on par with other full-blown supersports machines.

For those who are not in the loop, every Aprilia’s motorcycle comes with riding modes and just like its track-oriented sibling the RSV4, the Tuono offers three track modes (two of which are customizable).
Tuono V4 versus its rivals

Talking about the Tuono V4, you can’t help but compare it to Ducati’s very own Streetfighter V4.
Yes, it looks exciting and has a luxurious finish, but it cost a lot more. Not to mention the cost of the infamous Desmo Service that most definitely burns a hole in your bank account the moment you reach 30,000km.
Triumph Motorcycles might be up for a challenge with the all-new Speed Triple RS 1200, but like the Streetfighter V4, they are both full-blown naked bikes, great for the weekends and as a daily ride but will not flourish on the track like the Tuono.

As Jeya Thevan so eloquently concludes, “I have owned 3 different Italian bikes, and I can tell you that the belief that the Aprilia is a temperamental bike is a misperception. The current distributor is doing a great job, and I can say that in the two years I have had this bike, I had zero issues.”
Moreover, Aprilia Malaysia always provides excellent support for all of its customers from the brand main service centre in Gasket Alley Petaling Jaya to the ever-popular Welly.
“The rumour of “lack of spare parts, difficult to maintain” has become fake news. Aprilia Malaysia does earn the credit for improving the after-sales,” said Ms Bee.

--Ads--


VIDEO: Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R hitting 17,000RPM on the dyno!

At this point, we all know that Kawasaki Indonesia has been aggressively promoting its upcoming 250cc beast, the 2020 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R. A number of episodes have been released on YouTube giving fans a sneak peek at what the 250cc four-cylinder sports bike is made of, and their latest dyno run is certainly giving us some really good vibes.

WorldSBK Kawasaki factory riders, Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes, recently took the bike out for a spin at Jerez where they had a bunch of good things to say (for obvious reasons, of course). However, this latest clip of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R giving its all on the dyno is certainly a symphony for the ears.

We all know that it redlines at 17,000rpm and the test rider on the dyno made sure that he hit that magical number every time before giving everyone a bit more excitement with some quickshifter action. Yeah, we’re guilty of watching this particular clip more than once (it sounds so good, though!).

Experts online have pointed out that the latest 250cc four-cylinder Ninja puts out a very healthy 45hp, but there are also people saying that the number can shoot up to 60hp. No official news regarding the actual power and torque figures from Kawasaki just yet, but 45hp is already a very good benchmark against other bikes in the 250cc category.

For now, enjoy the dyno run and we hope that the bike will make its way here to Malaysia very soon. As for now, please adhere to the rules set by the Movement Control Order, stay safe and sanitized to fight this COVID-19 pandemic together. We can do this, Malaysia!
MEGA GALLERY: 2020 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R carbon fibre race bike

--Ads--


MotoGP: Franco Morbidelli stays with Petronas Yamaha SRT until 2022

The Petronas Yamaha SRT (Sepang Racing Team) will be retaining their current MotoGP rider, Franco Morbidelli, until the end of the 2022 season. This has been confirmed after both parties signed a new agreement ahead of the first round of the 2020 MotoGP championship in Jerez, Spain, this coming weekend.

According to Dato’ Razlan Razali, Team Principal of Petronas Yamaha SRT, “We are delighted to confirm that Franky will continue with us next year. He is an extremely talented rider and a great asset to the team as we look to build on our rookie season. Franky was always in our plans for the future so it is beneficial for us and him to be able to confirm that he will ride for us in 2021 and 2022 now.”

“Franky has the potential to reach the top step of the podium and this is what we’ll all be working hard to achieve. We have absolute faith in Franky even before this season has started. We are confident that Franky has what it takes to be competitive from Jerez and know that he will develop and mature in all areas through the years ahead. Franky will provide the team with stability and competitiveness and we can’t wait to be back on track!” added Dato’ Razlan.

As for Franco, his comments were “I’m very pleased to be renewing with Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team as we had such a great season together last year, working with a great drive to achieve success. I think it’s important for me to continue with the same team, bike and environment going forward as it feels great to work with them. We all work well together and it’s great fun to work with all the Petronas SRT crew.”
MotoGP: Malaysian round to be decided end of July

--Ads--


Audi boss says Ducati is not for sale

Audi CEO Rupert Stadler debunks rumours suggesting that Ducati is for sale.

It seems that the effects of the Volkswagen Group’s ‘Diesel-gate’ cheating scandal hasn’t gone fully gone away following recent report published by Bloomberg suggesting that the firm may put the Ducati brand up for sale.
The rumour is being fuelled largely by the fact that the Volkswagen Group reportedly has to put aside €18 billion to remedy its scandal. With such a bill to foot, it wouldn’t be surprising if the German powerhouse had to restructure itself and perhaps divest Ducati away as part of it.

However, Audi AG’s CEO Rupert Stadler has been quick to deny this rumour entirely as reported by MCN. If you didn’t know already, parent company Volkswagen Group owns Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A through the four-ringed luxury cars marque that’s also under its reigns – along with other notable brands like Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini.
Reasons behind Stadler’s denial are rather plain to see. To put it simply, Ducati has held its own weight rightly at contributing to Volkswagen Group’s annual profits. In 2015, the storied Italian marque reportedly contributed €702 million in revenue with a €54 million profit figure.

That, along with its efforts at tackling the research and development work towards homologating its line up for Euro 4 compliance only suggests that Ducati will get stronger in the coming years. In other words, Ducati is currently at its strongest form yet – a fitting form indeed for its upcoming 90th anniversary.
However, it is worth noting that Ducati’s efforts only account for 0.3% of Volkswagen Group’s overall revenue structure that’s reportedly valued at a whopping €213 billion. We would not rule out the possibility of VW re-thinking its priorities for the Italian motorcycle brand.
Still, it could’ve been worst. Case in point is the struggle that Volkswagen’s rivals at Daimler and its Mercedes-AMG sub-brand have with the financially unstable MV Agusta marque.

For now, we reckon Volkswagen Group’s wouldn’t do anything to drastic so as long as Ducati continues to flourish and channel healthy sums to the group’s overall figures.
Sources: Bloomberg / Asphaltandrubber / MCN
--Ads--


5 Reason The New CASTROL POWER1 ULTIMATE Should Be Your Go-To Engine Oil

We are not going to lie, there’s tonnes of motorcycle engine oil products available in the market right now. Choosing one is as difficult as choosing a life partner.
So we are here to help you sort out the mess by recommending a newly improved CASTROL POWER1 ULTIMATE engine oil.
You might think that this is just another paid article and we have no choice but to only talk about the good stuff.
Frankly, we can only focus on the good stuff since it’s just so good! No joke, this is some really cool, good stuff right here.
So here are the 5 reasons the new CASTROL POWER1 ULTIMATE should be the go-to engine oil for your bike.

 Excellent Acceleration

Let’s be honest, we always hope that the engine oil we use could at least improve acceleration to some extent, despite it not being meant for that particular purpose.
Well, interestingly enough the Castrol POWER1 ULTIMATE does just that as it has been proven through data to exceed the performance of other lubricants, and this claim has been tested using Honda CBR300 engine over a 30 second full throttle acceleration.

 Excellent Protection

The main purpose of a lubricant is to protect the engine, if it’s unable to do that well we suggest just throw it away (properly of course, never down a drain).
Engine oil  protects engine surfaces, reduces friction and heat when it comes into contact with each other.
Reduced friction ultimately results in less wear and tear of engine parts, resulting in lower cost of maintenance and repairs.
The CASTROL POWER1 ULTIMATE fully synthetic oil provides 50% better wear protection versus industry limits! If that is not cool, we are not sure what is.

 Smooth Riding

When it comes to engine oils, nothing rings truer than the saying, “Good things are not cheap, and cheap things are not good”.
Engine lubricants by any means are not cheap (we are talking about the top quality ones) thus you might feel cheated if the end result is not up to your standard.
But good lubricants are expensive simply because of the amount of research and development that has been poured into developing a particular product, ensuring its end product will perform and provide the necessary protection and performances needed every time, all the time.
With consistent protection and performance in place, you’ll be assured that your ride will be smoother as the CASTROL POWER1 ULTIMATE enables smooth clutch engagement.

 Keeps Engine Cool

Ever wonder why it is easier to breathe in colder climates than warmer ones? Your engine feels the same way too.
The difference of a few degrees results in better performance and fuel efficiency. To the rider, it’s a difference he can feel from the seat, making him more comfortable and worry less about performance and whether the engine is fully protected.
The CASTROL POWER1 ULTIMATE stood against an extreme 12,000km test, hence demonstrating a brilliant temperature control performance.

 Enduring Performance

A good engine oil shouldn’t rob your engine of its power.
A top notch lubricant should have good viscosity and flow properties, to help eliminate frictional losses.
The CASTROL POWER1 ULTIMATE maintains 95% of its original performance after enduring a 48,000km race track durability test, thus showcasing enduring performance capabilities.
The riders will feel that the engine has a better revving especially when the throttle is open.
Now you might wonder, “How much is this going to cost me?”.
Frankly, we think the benefits will outweigh its price tag over the maintenance and repair cost in the long run as well as improved performance and enhanced ride experience by a large factor especially if this engineered liquid is going into the heart and soul of your dream bike.
Last but not least, do remember to check out the CASTROL POWER1 ULTIMATE at your nearest Castrol Bike Point or you can just get them HERE at Castrol Official Store in Shopee.
--Ads--


Ducati Desert X Concept Unveiled at EICMA 2019

The Ducati Desert X concept was unveiled at EICMA 2019.

The sketches were first shown at the Ducati World Premiere.

It’s based on the Scrambler 1100 platform.

The Ducati Desert X concept was unveiled at EICMA 2019 as the manufacturer promised during the Ducati World Premiere last month.
It’s the last day of the show and we wondered if the Desert X was going to be unveiled at all. It finally has and it looks great.
Designed along the lines of the Cagiva Elefant (when Cagiva owned Ducati) and meant as homage to the Paris-Dakar Rally winner, it’s a stunning-looking bike. Ducati will have line of true retro off-roader, should it go into production.
But rather than build a new bike from the ground up, the Desert X uses the Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport (as with the concept) as the platform, along with the Öhlins suspension. As such, it gets the retro scrambler’s thumping 1079cc, air-cooled, 90-degree V-Twin.
The bike does get a lift in ride height courtesy of the longer travel suspension, along with 21-inch front and 18-inch front and rear wheels. Apart from that, there is also a steel luggage rack above the classic taillight and mudguard situated below
Look closer and you’d see that the fuel tank has filler caps on both sides. These are for the front tank, while another filler is located behind the rider for the rear fuel tank.
Other nice bits we can see are the new TFT screen which looks a lot like a max-sized smartphone, taking the place of the map-roller.
But the truly nice feature had to be the headlamps. Instead of having two bug-eyed Cibie-like units, they’re enclosed behind a plastic shroud and surrounded by a ring of LED’s.
According to Asphalt & Rubber, Ducati says that the respond they received is “overwhelming.” That could very much mean Ducati may well consider putting it into production.
--Ads--


Should you buy official imports or grey market bikes?

So you’re thinking of buying a new bike, you have decided on the brand and the model, and now the big question is, do you buy from an official dealer, or do you buy from one of those neighbourhood shops that offer any kind of bike and accessory, but nothing in terms of after sales or warranty claims. It is a big problem but one whose answer is pretty straightforward.
Let’s take a look at the facts first, most grey importers like ABC Motor Sdn Bhd usually have Approved Permits or have friends who have AP’s to import the bikes. There is very little in terms of after sales service and warranty coverage. Though some of these shops belong to families and have probably been sited at the same location for generations; should any of them shut down, you will have no place left to go to claim your warranty because the chances of another shop honouring your warranty is close to none.
Many of us who have went around trying to claim our warranty have heard a lot of this by now, “You tak beli motor dari sini kita mana boleh bagi warranty claim?” (You didn’t buy the bike from us, we can’t honour the warranty). It’s common, predictable and has been the law of the land for many years.
And to make matters worse, it has been that way for decades now, Malaysian bikers never quite had a choice when it came to buying bikes. You either had to buy it from ABC Motor or import it yourself. And that is before we even get to the point of maintaining the bike and such.
Before the variety and professionalism demanded by today’s consumer oriented markets, these shops never had nor needed to have the tools needed to properly maintain your bike. Send in your shiny new Yamaha R1 and it would not be a surprise to see it being serviced next to a Honda EX-5, while you wait under the baking sun as your bike gets worked on. The tools some of these shops use could very well service a WW2 war bike, which means the chances of damaging your bike is actually quite high, especially for sensitive bikes with a load of electronics that need the right tools and computers.
We have however entered a new era and it is called the era of the consumer, your era, our era.
Organisations like Ducati, Kawasaki, KTM, Yamaha, BMW Motorrad, Triumph and even Harley Davidson have all now matured and understand the importance of its customers and go out of their way to take care of them. Not only do they offer brand spanking, never-before-been-molested new bikes, but they even offer superbly well maintained used bikes at a bargain. And psychologically, you know you can trust these guys to know what they are doing with the bike before selling it to you.
These days it is quite normal to hear of a company offering a replacement bike while your bike is being worked on. It is also normal to have state of the art equipment to work on your bike and most importantly, highly trained mechanics who have been trained by the manufacturer itself and who understand the basics of your bike. This is an important fact that often gets overlooked. A highly trained mechanic is equally as important as a highly experienced mechanic.
Next there is the state of the art workshop with all the tools you need and a well stocked warehouse so that you never need to wait for a replacement part. One such workshop we have visited was of Ducati Malaysia at their flagship showroom in PJ. The workshop was flawless, clean, well stocked and everyone was well dressed. The bikes were placed on proper hoists and only one or two mechanics were allowed to work on the bikes to ensure consistency.
Electronics play a big part in modern bikes and this makes the use of proper computers and software extremely crucial. A wrong program is a matter of life and death for a biker, it is something we, as riders all know and accept. But that doesn’t give room to slack and this makes it more crucial than ever to buy and maintain your bike at a proper service centre.
This is typical of a modern service centre but what makes it even more impressive is some of the amenities these service centres offer. Back to the topic of Ducati Malaysia, the flagship showroom in Petaling Jaya boasts a cafe, a boutique and even a gym for members of the Ducati Club Malaysia. Shouldn’t all bike manufacturers be offering such luxuries to its owners? Makes you think doesn’t it?
Now, before you go out and buy that special Ducati Diavel from that shop around the corner, think for a second if it’s worth the drama and the hassle should there be any. Then think of maintaining the bike and what you are going to do while waiting for it. The choice is obvious, always buy official.
Look out for more upcoming stories on why you should be spending money buying official bikes rather than grey market bikes.
--Ads--


2018 KTM 790 Duke launched at EICMA 2017 – Meet “The Scalpel”

The covers have been lifted of the new 2018 KTM 790 Duke earlier today during the EICMA 2017 show in Milan, Italy.
Nicknamed “The Scalpel”, its 799cc parallel twin with 270-degree crank engine produces an impressive 105hp and 85.4Nm of maximum torque.
Other amazing features include lean-sensitive traction control, cornering ABS, launch control, auto-blipper, quickshifter (for both up and down shifts), slipper clutch and many more.

The bike that most KTM fans and other motoring enthusiasts have been waiting for has been unveiled, folks. The all-new 2018 KTM 790 Duke is officially introduced today in conjunction with the EICMA international motorcycle show in Milan, Italy. Dubbed “The Scalpel”, this baby is a much more agile and nimble ‘parkour-loving’ sibling of the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R.

With an all-new radical design heavily inspired by the 1290 Super Duke R, the new 790 Duke sits just right in the middle of its hooligan-crazy big brother and its baby brother, the supermoto-flavoured 2017 KTM 390 Duke.

To know more on the 2017 KTM 390 Duke, CLICK HERE.

Talking about power, the 799cc parallel twin with 270-degree crank engine produces an impressive 105hp and 85.4Nm of maximum torque. With such a compact design integrated within a brand new chassis, KTM claims that their new 790 Duke is one of the lightest middleweight naked bikes in its category sitting just under 190kg fully-fuelled and “Ready to Race”. This in turn promises some impressive levels of performance from such a compact bike.

The brand new middleweight engine designed by KTM is also said to provide all the necessary power and torque from the low to middle range giving an exhilarating amount of acceleration without being too overwhelming to newer riders. Even if things are starting to go south, the electronics will kick in to help save the day.

Features like lean-sensitive traction control, cornering ABS, launch control (YES, PEOPLE. LAUNCH CONTROL), auto-blipper, quickshifter (for both up and down shifts), slipper clutch and many more makes the 2018 KTM 790 Duke one of the most technologically advanced middleweight naked bikes ever built for production use. The all-round WP Suspension package also helps with the 790’s superb handling, keeping riders glued to the road even around the sharpest corners.

The 790 Duke also comes with an IMU (Internal Measurement Unit) that’ll help with adjusting the amount of traction even when the bike is leaning hard in corner to ensure proper traction is always sufficient for the rider. This makes the 790 Duke the first ever middleweight naked bike to feature such a specification.

Moving over to the chassis, the 2018 790 Duke comes in such a compact package that’s it is said to have superior handling and stability. We have had our own experiences on the 1290 Super Duke R and the KTM 390 Duke but looking at the spec sheets, we won’t be surprised if the 790 Duke can offer more. MUCH MORE.

Looks like the 2018 KTM 790 Duke presents a very strong competition in which other competitors should take note off. While the overall package looks, sounds and feels promising, KTM has a monumental task of labelling the bike with the right price.

The 790 Duke is proof that the middleweights are here to stay and they’re out to prove that they’re just as good if not better.

--Ads--


Will Harley-Davidson Continue To Make Sense After 2021?

Let’s find out.
The Milwaukee based motorcycle manufacturer recently rolled out an array of so-called new motorcycles for 2021 from the flagship CVO’s, Street Bob 114 and The Fat Boy.
*2021 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special
However, for someone who stayed 15,081 kilometres from Uncle Sam and had to stay up at 1 am just to witness one of Harley-Davidson biggest virtual launch, the end result was a tad disappointing.
It is not a secret Harley-Davidson is currently in flux, from Rewire to Hardwire before making a considerable u-turn and now shifting back their attention towards their core customers.
*Harley-Davidson Bronx streetfighter
2021 was supposed to be one of the most exciting years for Harley-Davidson when they introduced the all-new and modern motorcycles in the form of (streetfighter) Bronx and (adventure) Pan-America.
Scheduled for 2021, only Pan-America made it while Harley-Davidson under their new boss, Jochen Zeitz, decided to scrap Bronx entirely and other ‘future’ electric bikes.
*Harley-Davidson Pan America 2021
Although it was mentioned that the Bronx project might be revived, we have our doubt.
These two bikes (plus the all-electric LiveWire) could have ‘saved’ Harley’s future with modern design and advanced electronics instead of just ‘updating’ the existing models with more chrome and bling that comes with mouth-watering price tags.
Obviously, Harley’s do not fall under the ‘affordable’ category, nor it has any plan to do so under the new management even though they planned to introduce a 300cc motorcycle with China-based, Qianjiang Motorcycle when they were under the helm of Matt Levatich.
*Harley-Davidson 338R
However, that too seems to go up in smoke as the two parties, was initially rumoured to launch the Harley-Davidson 338R this year.
Nevertheless, it seems Qianjiang went ahead with the plans and might introduced these models under their own brands, QJ Motor.
*BMW G 310 R & G 310 GS
Every other premium brands have started to expand customer demographics by introducing more affordable options through small capacity bikes.
BMW teamed up with TVS and successfully reached out to a wider audience via 310 GS and the 310 R in India and South East Asia, Triumph Motorcycles plans to follow suit with Bajaj Auto.
*Aprilia RS150
At the same time, Aprilia did the same in India and China with affordable 150cc motorcycles and scooters.
*Harley-Davidson Street 750
With HD already pulled the plug on the 883 and the ever accessible Street 750, where do Harley-Davidson new riders coming from?
New riders equal new customers which lead to increase of fortune to ensure a company runs for many more years to come.
We all want Harley-Davidson to succeed as it embodies what motorcycle is all about but the year is 2021 and although not all the time, sometimes things need to change for the better.
The LiveWire seemed like a fantastic sports bike on a battery, the Pan America (albeit heavy) looks like a rhinoceros born off a Transformers movie and this two makes us excited and hopefully, Harley-Davidson will continue to do so soon enough.
--Ads--


MotoGP: Marc Marquez extends Honda contract until 2024!

Image credit: MotoGP

HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) is serious about keeping their star rider, Marc Marquez, tied with them for a very long time as the 2019 World Champion inked a four-year contract extension to race for the Honda factory squad. This means that we will see Marc Marquez on board the Honda RC213V until the end of 2024!

Honda is decisively smart in this matter as there are few who can challenge and give a run for his money in the MotoGP world championship. With 56 victories, 95 podiums, and 62 pole positions since 2013 (and winning six out seven world championship crowns since stepping up to the premier class), Marquez is without a doubt the most dominant Honda rider yet.

According to Marquez, “I am very proud to announce my renewal with Honda Racing Corporation for the next four years. Honda gave me the opportunity to arrive in the MotoGP class with a factory bike in 2013. Since the first year we have achieved success together and I am very happy to continue being part of the Honda family. HRC gives me the confidence to extend this partnership to obtain our common goal and continue our story of success.”

As for Yoshishige Nomura, HRC President, “We are happy to announce that, after the end of the current season, Marc will stay in the Honda family for four more years. We started talking a few months ago, as both parties wanted to stay together and continue winning. Marc started his career in the premier class in 2013 and with him, we have won six of the last seven MotoGP titles. As a unique champion, he deserves a unique deal. I am very confident in this partnership and I wish everyone involved continued success.”

A four-year contract extension is a huge deal as more teams are looking into stepping down to yearly agreements with the cases involving early exits from Johann Zarco and KTM as well as Jorge Lorenzo and Honda. We’re not sure how this will turn out but we’re pretty sure that Marquez will probably soon be the highest paid motorcycle racer of all time. After all, getting someone like him to stay for another four seasons won’t be cheap.
Marc Marquez: I Want the Fastest Bike, Not Easier

--Ads--


MotoGP: Ducati wins in Austrian MotoGP

Ducati ends six-year drought of wins after 1-2 finish in the 2016 Austrian MotoGP weekend.

Last weekend’s Austrian MotoGP heralded several firsts for MotoGP’s own record books. Firstly, MotoGP marked its first modern day outing in the Red Bull Ring (formerly A1 Ring) having last appeared here back in 1997.
More importantly, it also marked the first win after a six-year drought for the scarlet Italian team known as Ducati. Here’s what transpired over the weekend for Round 10 in Speilberg, Austria.
MotoGP

Qualifying saw an all-Italian lockout of the front row led by Ducati’s Andrea Iannone in pole, Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi in second and Ducati’s Andrea Dovisiozo.
The 28-lap race began with both factory Ducati machines being chased down the two factory Yamaha bikes of Rossi and defending world champion Jorge Lorenzo who started from fourth. Alas, it didn’t take long before both Dovizioso and Iannone pulled away using the sheer power available in their red machines.

Dovizioso stole the lead from Iannone for about 11 laps before the latter Italian’s mastery over his tyres gave him the late-stage advantage. Iannone would later win the race with a gap of 0.938 seconds ahead of teammate Dovizioso in second.
Iannone not only scored his first MotoGP race win in Austria, he also scored Ducati’s first race win in six years the last one scored by Casey Stoner in 2010. Iannone also led the first Ducati 1-2 finish scored in a long time as well.

Equally jubilant here too was reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo. The Spaniard vindicated himself after the dismal results from the last two races. Though he still trails Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez with a significant number of points, there seems to be hope still for Lorenzo to clinch the title
Valentino Rossi, on the other hand, settled for fourth place instead after not able to match his pace with the two leading Ducatis and teammate Lorenzo. Nevertheless, both Lorenzo and Rossi benefitted from an injured Marc Marquez who could only settle with a fifth place finish in Austria after dislocating his shoulder over the weekend.

Marquez still leads the championship standings with 181 points, with Lorenzo still in second with 138 points followed by Rossi in third with 124 points.

Moto2

The supporting Moto2 race again saw defending class champion Johann Zarco taking a deserving win. Not only did the Zarco solidify his lead in the Moto2 title race, he also leaves Austria as MotoGP’s most successful French rider in history.

Despite losing the lead early, on, Zarco’s excellent tyre management was on point yet again. By mid-race point, Zarco was able to push his Ajo Motorsports Kalex machine further and reclaim the lead from Italian rider Franco Morbidelli.
Astride the Estrella Galicia 0,0 machine, Morbidelli would eventually settle for second place behind Zarco followed by Spaniard Alex Rins astride the Paginas Amarillas HP40 machine who came in third.

Zarco still leads the Moto2 standings with 176 points, followed by Rins in second with 142 points and Briton Sam Lowes in third with 121 points.

Moto3

Last but certainly not the least was the day’s first and most thrilling multi-bike battle in the Moto3 class. The day’s victory here belonged to Spanish rookie Joan Mir astride the Leopard Racing KTM machine. Mir became the first Moto3 rider to score a race win from pole position in the class since 2015 as well.

For the win, pole-sitter Mir had to fend off the charges of other front-runners including championship leader Brad Binder who finished second. Italian rider Enea Bastianini astride the Honda-powered Gresini Moto3 Team machine broke what would’ve been an all-KTM podium lockdown by finishing third.

South African rider Binder would eventually settle for second place, but the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider retains his lead in the championship standings with 179 points. Binder, who’s bound for Moto2 next season, looks likely to clinch the Moto3 championship this year indeed.

Round 11 – Brno, Czech Republic
With its return into Austria done and dusted, Round 11 is scheduled for this coming weekend in the famed Brno circuit of the Czech Republic from Aug 19 to Aug 21.
Raceday schedule on Sunday starts with Moto3 at 5pm*, followed by Moto2 at 6:20pm* and the premier MotoGP class race at 8:00pm*.
(*Local Malaysian times. Check your local listings for more)
--Ads--


2017 Hesketh Sonnet Cafe Racer Available Soon – Around RM145,000

Hesketh has announced that their 2017 Hesketh Sonnet cafe racer will be available sometime before September this year in the UK market.
Although there is no confirmed price just yet, it is said that the Sonnet will be priced around the £26,000 mark (around RM144,740).
The Sonnet is powered by a 2,100cc American S&S V-twin engine which produces 142hp and 210Nm of torque.

Back when it was introduced last year, the 2017 Hesketh Sonnet cafe racer is said to be arguably one of the most powerful and beautiful cafe racers of all time. Now, the British manufacturer of hand built luxury motorcycles has announced that the Sonnet will be available in the UK market sometime before September with a price said to be around the £26,000 mark (around RM144,740 after direct conversion).

We can see that Hesketh is really taking their time in making the best possible bike they can possibly manufacture considering that their supercharged Valiant SC introduced back in April this year will only be available as early as 2018.
2018 Hesketh Valiant SC
CLICK HERE to check out the monstrous 2018 Hesketh Valiant SC with over 250hp and 300Nm of torque.

Powered by their signature 2,100cc V-Twin power plant obtained by American S&S, the engine which comes together with space-age pushrod actuated valves churns out over 142hp at 6,000rpm and 210Nm of gut-wrenching torque from as low as 3,000rpm.

The 235kg dry weight seems a bit heavy at first on paper but combined with that massive engine, the power-to-weight figure is actually quite impressive. To make sure that all the power is driven down to the rear wheel as efficient as possible, they’ve installed a Rivera Primo six-speed with final “O” ring chain drive plus a Brute Extreme Primary Belt Drive with hydraulic activated clutch system.

In terms of handling, the Sonnet appoint K-Tech suspensions to absorb all that load and power thanks to the USD front fork and rear Bullit Springless Power suspension setup. There’s also the all-round Brembo monoblock package that ensures smooth and controlled stopping power all day, every day.

Putting aside all the specifications, the Hesketh Sonnet custom motorcycle’s biggest pulling factor is how the bike looks even at a standstill. That stance together with smooth yet aggressive facade has an alluring factor that most people will fall head over heels with, even to non bikers. Plus, all that chrome is like pulling moths to the flame. Simply stunning.

The question now is whether there’s a soul brave enough to bring one of these bad boys over to Malaysia. If so, we won’t be surprised if it’ll go around the quarter of a million Malaysian ringgit mark. For now, all we can do is drool ourselves silly looking at the computer screen of the 2017 Hesketh Sonnet which is indeed poetry in motion.
Source: Hesketh UK
--Ads--


MotoGP: Quartararo Demonstrate Yamaha Strength To Secure Win At Doha GP

Fabio Quartararo secured his first win of 2021 after overcoming ninth place at the Losail International Circuit.
The Frenchman showed a similar performance to that of his team-mate, Maverick Vinales, who won the opening round last weekend.

The former Petronas Sepang Racing Team (SRT) rider crosses the finish line ahead of fellow countrymen and Pramac (Ducati) Racing rider Johann Zarco.
Meanwhile, MotoGP rookie Jorge Martin, leading the pack until the final stage of the race, clinched his maiden premier class podium at 3rd.

“I feel like this win gives me much more confidence than the wins from last year as I came from far back.
“In the test, it was difficult and I say woah, because the Ducati are fast in the straight and in the pace and it would be difficult to beat them.
The 21-year-old rider admitted that he was worried when Ducati dominated the qualifying session on both weekends with incredible speed.

However, Quartararo managed to play the YZR-M1 strengths, coming into every turn faster than their rivals.
“Felt so good with the bike. Also turn 8, 9,10 and 15, so it is good that we have great confidence on the front, because all the other riders are riding so fast but sometimes you make an overtake and you don’t know what is going to happen later.
“You know, you feel the front moving, but that’s something we didn’t have last year. I was just going into the corner with no feeling and then just losing the front.
“But with this bike, I felt like I have a little bit more confidence on the front and I feel much more the limit. In the end, this is what I need to go fast. We have it now in Qatar and I’m crossing the finger to have it in all the races,” he added.
MotoGP will resume on April 18 at Portimao, Portugal, a brand new track that hosted the final round of last season MotoGP.
--Ads--


MotoGP: Marc Marquez continues recovery at home

The latest news surrounding Repsol Honda’s MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez is a bit more positive this time around as he was allowed to go home and continue his recovery process there. This is after spending over a week at the Hospital Ruber Internacional in Madrid, Spain following his third surgery on his injured arm as well as an antibiotic course to kickstart the healing process.

 View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Marc Márquez (@marcmarquez93)

Repsol Honda has released a short yet simple statement regarding their world champion, which goes as follows.
Marc Marquez returns home
Marc Marquez’s progress after the surgery performed on December 3 and the start of antibiotic therapy has been deemed satisfactory by his medical team. Today he has been discharged from the Hospital Ruber Internacional to continue his recovery at home, where he will continue with the specific antibiotic treatment.

This is indeed a good sign, and we might be able to see Marquez back in action sooner than everyone thinks. Previously, experts have indicated that his recovery process alone might take up to six months, which also means that Marquez will miss the first seven races of the 2021 championship season.

Our best guess is that they’ll do everything they can to speed up his recovery process before flying him out to Sepang in February for the first MotoGP pre-season testing. There’s a good chance that he might not ride the new Honda RC213V at all, but his presence will certainly be assured. Stay tuned for more updates.
2021 Honda CB500X unveiled in Malaysia – RM36,099

Written by: Sep Irran
--Ads--


MV Agusta appoints new Malaysian distributor

Moto Varese Asiatic Sdn Bhd appointed as new exclusive Malaysian distributor of MV Agusta motorcycles.

Famed Italian motorcycle artisans MV Agusta is finally being re-energised in Malaysia after the brand awarded exclusive distribution rights to a new local firm called Moto Varese Asiatic Sdn Bhd.

Moto Varese Asiatic is a specially set up new subsidiary of conglomerate DNC Asiatic Holdings Sdn Bhd – the same firm that manufactures the Demak motorcycle brand in both Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

A special signing ceremony was held earlier today at the Demak plant located in Banting, Selangor to officially mark Moto Varese Asiatic’s appointment by the famed Italian purveyors of premium, hand-built performance bikes.
Present here were MV Agusta Motor SpA’s Far East country manager Judah Sangaran, DNC Asiatic Holdings’ executive director Ms Hu Ying, as well as newly appointed managing director of the Moto Varese Asiatic firm Muhamad Zamry Abu Samah.

Shortly after the signing ceremony, both Zamry and Judah gave press members insights into the new distributor’s plans for the brand in the local market in 2017. At the top of the list were after-sales services and local assembly (CKD).

Yes, you read that last bit right, DNC Asiatic Holdings are preparing to set up a small CKD operation to assemble MV Agusta models locally in its Banting facility (pictured above). Judah Sangaran was keen to point out that plans are being drawn out to locally assemble all – yes, ALL – available MV Agusta models in Malaysia.

Both Judah and Zamry clarified that the operation will assemble bikes using parts shipped in from MV Agusta’s Italian manufacturing facility. They also added that there are no plant to use local contents in this operation just yet.

Judah also did stress that MV Agusta models assembled locally by DNC Asiatic Holdings are meant exclusively for the Malaysian market only. He further added, “With this, you can expect to see the number of MV Agusta models grow on Malaysian roads throughout 2017.”

In the sales and after-sales department, Moto Varese Asiatic managing director Zamry highlighted plans of opening the firm’s first dedicated sales, service and spare parts (3S) centre located in Batu Caves. This new one-stop facility is slated to open its doors sometime in the first quarter of 2017.
“We’ll start by opening our new and exclusive Batu Caves 3S centre first before expanding further. After which, we intend to establish two more centres as such by end of next year, one in the Peninsula’s northern corridor and the other in the southern corridor,” added Zamry who is also a renowned veteran in the local bike industry.

Besides that, Moto Varese Asiatic aims to improve after-sales services further by carrying out a series of ‘Special Services Campaigns’ in the first six months of operation. Included here were a series of promotional activities to enhance the MV Agusta ownership experience for both new and existing owners.

At present, Moto Varese Asiatic did not release any revised pricing schemes for the MV Agusta models it will distribute. We can likely expect this, and perhaps the launch of several new models, once its Batu Caves centre is launched early next year.

--Ads--


Shark Helmets on Sale at the Spartan Concept Store, Sunway

Two models of the Shark Helmets available at the Spartan Concept Store, Sunway are currently on offer at great discounts.

The Shark S700-S full face helmet retailing between RM840 to RM880 is at 35% off.

The Shark Speed-R Carbon Series 2 is at 40% off.

Great news for all Shark Helmets fans and enthusiasts! The Spartan Concept Store located in Sunway is offering two of their full face helmets at discounted prices; the Shark S700-S and Shark Speed-R Carbon Series 2. The S700-S retailing between RM840 to RM880 is on offer with a 35% discount and the Speed-R Carbon Series 2 comes with a 40% discount.
The Shark S700-S

The S700-S is an extremely versatile helmet that started out life as a suitable choice for those looking for their first full face helmet at an affordable price. Equipped with a drop down sun visor, it’s more user-friendly and easy to operate even while riding on the bike.

With an aggressive design, the helmet is constructed using injected thermoplastic resin with an approximate weight of around 1,685grams (size large). Together with multi-density internal shock absorbers and dual position optimised ventilation, the S700 is both tough and comfortable.

The S700-S also comes with Pinlock shield on its 2.2mm anti-scratch face shield with a quick release face shield system for ease of replacement or cleaning. While we’re on the subject of cleaning, it also has removable and washable liner that can be removed and cleaned easily after a long and sweaty day of riding.
The Shark Speed-R Carbon Series 2

Once the top of the line helmet from Shark, the Speed-R Carbon is still considered by many as one of the most comfortable and stylish helmets available in the market to date. Looking at the overall design (especially that double-blade spoiler) shows signs of great performance and aerodynamics which have been tested in wind tunnels.

Constructed with carbon aramid fibre and multiaxal glass fibre, the intermediate oval shaped helmet is super lightweight and strong as well. There are two shell sizes available to cater to most head sizes and shapes and we’re confident you’ll find one that just nice at the Spartan Concept Store, Sunway.

Inspired from the track, it also features quick change anti-fog and anti-scratch face shield which is readily-equipped with MaxVision Pinlock system. The Speed-R also comes with a drop down internal sun visor for ease of use but if you prefer to use your own glasses, the liner comes with Shark Easy Fit to accommodate your eyewear.

Widely considered as the best ‘bang for the buck’ helmet with superior levels of comfort and safety, you can’t go wrong with the Speed-R Carbon Series 2. Together with a 40% discount offered by the Spartan Concept Store in Sunway, all the more reason to get one today!

--Ads--


KBS MiniGP Academy trainees committed for racing success

The first week of the KBS MiniGP Academy started off with quite a huge turnout as young and eager talents in the two-wheel motorsports industry showcased their skills. 40 of these talented young riders were handpicked to join the program where their month-long intensive training will commence at the Tangkak Racing Track located in Johor.

Every weekend, these selected bunch of riders will need to attend and complete the syllabus in order to improve their skills off and on the track. The program also provides specific racing gears for Malaysia’s future of two-wheels motorsports racing to show their commitment to developing this particular division that has been thriving in the past few years.

Several classes were conducted for these junior riders with the hopes that they’ll become professional motorsports athletes and further cementing the Malaysian name in the world of motorcycle racing. These include communication training, handling of media, racing ethics, and many more.

Providing a complete start-up platform is a key goal of KBS (Ministry of Youth & Sports) in order to fully develop these young talents into respected Malaysian motorsports icons of the future. The program is also intended to be a step-up platform for them to gain as much knowledge, skills, and support from different parties, locally and internationally.

It’s definitely good to see the government’s involvement into the grassroots of motorsports here in Malaysia which many have said to be neglected in the recent past. With amazing examples from the likes of Hafizh Syahrin, Malaysia’s first MotoGP rider, and Azlan Shah, ARRC’s first Asian Superbike Champion, we know for a fact that Malaysians are talented. Our hope is that programs such as this can help to direct them towards reaching their goals of motorsports racing. Kudos, KBS!
PETRONAS Yamaha SRT Principal Dato’ Razlan Razali: Many Told Us Fabio Quartararo was the Wrong Choice

--Ads--


MotoGP: Michael Dunlop will test Suzuki factory bike for Sepang winter test

15-time Isle of Man TT winner Michael Dunlop will be joining the MotoGP Sepang winter test this Sunday.
Dunlop together with Toni Elias, Josh Waters and Sylvain Guintoli will throw down some laps on the Suzuki GSX-RR MotoGP machine.
Suzuki is giving the opportunity to Dunlop as thanks for winning the 2017 Isle of Man Senior TT race on board the latest Suzuki GSX-R1000R.

Malaysians are well aware of the world’s most dangerous motorcycle road race of all time that is the Isle of Man TT. While we are familiar with some of the high profile riders like John McGuinness and Guy Martin, getting any exposure from the race series or its riders is pretty difficult.

This coming weekend is going to the first official MotoGP winter test of 2018 at the Sepang International Circuit and we hear that there will be a few additional riders apart from the usual MotoGP riders. For the Suzuki ECSTAR factory team, they will be bringing in 15-time Isle of Man TT winner and living legend, Michael Dunlop.
Image source: MCN
The Suzuki MotoGP factory team will be bringing their full line-up of riders from all sorts of race series. Apart from the usual test rider that is Sylvain Guintoli, MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Toni Elias and Australian Superbike Champion Josh Waters will be throwing down some laps on the ever-developing Suzuki GSX-RR MotoGP machine.
Image source: MCN
Isle of Man TT racer Michael Dunlop apparently got the offer to try out the Suzuki GSX-RR machine as thanks from the manufacturer for winning the Senior TT race last year on board the all-new Suzuki GSX-R1000R road bike with full factory support.
Image source: Ultimate Motorcycling
To know more about Dunlop’s win from last year’s TT race, check out the link below.
Isle of Man TT 2017 – Michael Dunlop wins Senior TT on board new Suzuki GSX-R

Some news have been going around that the MotoGP winter test invitation for Dunlop is to help persuade the 28 year old Northern Irish racer to continue his road racing career with Suzuki. So far, there’s no confirmation on whether Dunlop will continue with Suzuki or make his move to other teams for 2018.
Image source: MotoGP
I guess we will only know for sure after the MotoGP winter test this coming weekend. One thing is for sure, Suzuki will make it a bit more difficult for Dunlop to leave especially with this Suzuki GSX-RR ‘thank you’ offer.

Stay tuned as we will bring you more coverage on Dunlop as well as the MotoGP winter test in Sepang from 28 to 30 January 2018.
Additionally, you can also check out who was last year’s top dog during the 2017 MotoGP Winter Test in the link, below!
MotoGP Winter Test 2017 – Vinales Fastest in Sepang

--Ads--


CONFIRMED: Gresini Racing Agrees Two-Year Deal With Ducati

Gresini Racing will return to 2022 MotoGP as an Independent MotoGP Team with Ducati as the manufacturer of choice.
Team Gresini also confirmed the full Italian line-up for next season with Fabio Di Giannantonio (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) and Enea Bastianini (Avintia Esponsorama) as the main rider.
The agreement will see Team Gresini will compete in the 2022 and 2023 MotoGP season with a Desmosedici machine.
According to Gigi Dall’Igna, Ducati Corse General Manager, the possible agreement was met at the end of last year with (now deceased) Fausto Gresini.
“We’re incredibly happy to have reached this agreement with Gresini Racing for the next two MotoGP seasons. We had laid down the foundations of a possible agreement with Fausto already at the end of last year and we would like to thank – from the bottom of our hearts – his family for carrying this project forward with us.
“Gresini Racing has been an especially important institution in MotoGP for many years and we are confident this partnership, which can count on two very talented riders such as Enea and Fabio, will be of great satisfaction for all parties involved,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nadia Padovani, Team Principal and of owner of Gresini Racing, expressed her gratitude towards Ducati.
“It’s a very emotional moment for each of us. In previous months, our efforts merged with a strong emotional push to shape the future of Gresini Racing, and now are immensely proud and happy to make the official announcement. It is a project born out of continuity and based on values upon which Fausto built this amazing institution.
“My thank you goes first and foremost to Carmelo Ezpeleta for making sure we never felt alone during these months, to Ducati for trusting our projects, to Flex-Box who joined us in this new challenge as title sponsor and obviously to Fabio and Enea: I’m sure they will give their best to wave the Gresini Racing banner high.”
(source: MotoGP)
--Ads--


2018 Ducati Monster 821 unveiled – Now with TFT display!

Ducati has revealed their latest 2018 Ducati Monster 821 as a sneak preview for all Ducati enthusiasts.
As part of the model’s 25th anniversary, the new 821 is heavily inspired by the first ever Monster 900 as well the powerful Monster 1200.
The new 2018 Monster 821 features a TFT display and Ducati Safety Pack which includes Bosch ABS, Ducati Traction Control and selectable Riding Modes.

The first of five new Ducati models for 2018 has been unveiled, folks. The red Italian manufacturer from Borgo Panigale has unveiled their latest 2018 Ducati Monster 821 in conjunction with the model’s 25th anniversary.
1992 Ducati Monster 900
The updated Monster 821 is heavily inspired by Ducati’s first ever Monster 900 which was introduced way back in 1992. This new model promises improved performance, riding agility as well as overall experience for any rider in the high-performance naked motorcycle segment.

Inspirations were also taken from their most powerful Monster as well; the Monster 1200. The overall shape, design and other highlighted features have been adopted into the 821 which makes the new Monster super sleek but aggressive at the same time. These new features include a brand new racing-inspired silencer and headlight design.

Going into the future, the 2018 Monster 821 now carries the futuristic TFT display that will show all important information including a gear indicator and fuel level. Those who want to take their 2018 Monster 821 to a whole new level can opt for the Ducati Quick Shift up/down and the Ducati Multimedia Systems which will now be available as extras for the new Monster.

The liquid-cooled twin-cylinder Testastretta engine has been further refined to offer better overall performance and friendliness to all riders new or experienced. Punching out a total of 109hp at 9,250rpm and 86Nm of max torque at 7,750rpm, the new 821 promises nothing but excitement.

Taking the whole package even further, the latest addition into the Monster family features some Ducati Safety Pack goodies such as Bosch ABS, Ducati Traction Control and Riding Modes to name a few. At a push of a button, the 821 allows for three different riding experiences to ensure that the ride is always safe and exciting.

The 2018 Ducati Monster 821 will be available in three different colourways; Matte Black, Red and the iconic Ducati Yellow which will only be available for the 821 and no other models.

Ducati will be unveiling the rest of the new 2018 line up during this year’s EICMA Milan Show beginning of November. Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more updates.
To know more about the 2018 Ducati Monster 821, CLICK HERE.
--Ads--


Royal Enfield 650 Twins With New Colours For 2023

Indian motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield has recently announced a refresh of its established 650cc twin-cylinder range. The Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650, which have become successful platforms for the brand, are set to receive new paint jobs for 2023.

The Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 gets ‘blacked out’ for 2023.
the twin also features new switchgear, LED headlamps and comfier seat.

Royal Enfield first announced the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 at EICMA last year and has since reaffirmed its commitment to the 650cc twin-cylinder range. Before the Super Meteor 650, the brand had launched the Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650, which will both receive new paint options for the upcoming year.

The Interceptor 650, which currently offers Mark 2, Sunset Strip, and Canyon Red colour options, will now have two new “blacked-out” colours – Black Ray and Barcelona Blue. Meanwhile, the Continental GT 650’s existing colours of Mr Clean, Dux Dulux, British Racing Green, and Rocker Red will be joined by two new colours, Slipstream Blue and Apex Grey.

Apart from the new colours, the 2023 paint options for both the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 will feature new switchgear, LED headlamps, enhanced seat comfort, and a USB charging point. The “blacked-out” variants of the motorcycles with new colours will also come with “blacked-out” engine and exhaust components, as well as cast alloy wheels and tubeless tyres as standard.

Royal Enfield’s 650cc twin-cylinder range has proved to be successful for the brand, with the new refresh likely to attract even more attention from motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.
--Ads--


RK gifts free chain + more to Malaysian delivery riders

Being a frontliner during the Movement Control Order (MCO) is a tough job, including delivery riders who have been working tirelessly to make sure that people are fed when stuck at home. With more and more orders coming in during the lockdown periods, motorcycle maintenance is more important, and here’s how RK South Asia Sdn Bhd showed their appreciation to these #DeliveryAbang heroes.

Together with their partners, these delivery riders were gifted with a complimentary Heavy Duty RK Seal Chain Kit installed to their beloved bikes free of charge to help endure countless deliveries and long mileage, which is crucial during the MCO and CMCO period.

These delivery riders were completely surprised when RK together with their partners gave them their products for free as a token of appreciation for all of their hard work. Fellow riders from a number of companies were gifted not just with a new chain set, but also other useful items such as:

RK-428KLO Seal Chain Kit
RK 428 Front and Rear Sprocket
RK limited Edition Cub Prix T-Shirt
RK Washable Face Mask
Alpinestars Reef Glove (courtesy of Alpinestars Malaysia)
Shoei Arm Sleeve (courtesy of Shoei Malaysia)
Gesel Heinz 10w40 Fully Synthetic Lubricant Oil (courtesy of Sinar Puncak Sdn Bhd)

These riders were chosen at random as RK placed orders from different apps throughout the duration of two days. After convincing the riders that it was not a prank and they were genuine to offer these things for free, the folks got to work by replacing the chain set, engine oil, and offering other useful products like gloves and arm sleeves. #GoodGuyRK

--Ads--


Suter withdraws from Moto2

Famed Swiss-based race bike builder Suter Racing officially announced its withdrawal from the World Moto2 championship via its official Facebook page recently.

In its announcement, the firm confirmed that it would not be applying for a Moto2 constructor’s license for 2016.
For 2016, the firm did announce that all of its efforts would be concentrated on the development of the Mahindra Moto3 machine whilst supplying a range of parts for various outfits and factories in said junior class.
Suter’s withdrawal was a move many had expected after the firm declined to reveal as to how many bikes it would have supplied in the Moto2 class for 2016. This year saw just two bikes line up the Moto2 grid in the Qatar season-opener.
Suter has had several high points in the class starting with its three consecutive constructors’ titles won in 2010, 2011 and 2012, followed by one riders’ title claimed by Marc Mar quez in 2012. Despite this and several strong performances in 2014, the switch to Kalex bikes en masse by most teams was inevitable, leading to Suter’s decline and eventual resignation from the Moto2 class next year.
2016 will see just three constructors remain in Moto2, with the bulk of it comprised of Kalex bikes (26 entries in total) other alongside independent constructors Tech 3 and Speed Up.

Suter’s exit is in part down to its performance, however this is also a strong sign of the strong conservatism reigning within the paddock. It is more or less a clear case of most teams seeing other teams winning and trying to copy their success by acquiring the same, of not similar, equipment.
Another interesting thing to note here is how exactly will organisers and commercial rights holders Dorna intend to resolve the situation since the Moto2 class was conceived with the creation of a diverse environment in mind. A good reminder of that was back in 2010 when the class was held for the first time and saw up to 14 constructors that entered and scored points.
Sources: Suter Racing Facebook via Asphaltandrubber
--Ads--


Start ‘Em Young: Husqvarna, GASGAS Introduces Balance E-Bikes For Kids

In a bid to foster the next generation of young riders, renowned motorcycle manufacturers Husqvarna and GASGAS, both under the Pierer Mobility group, have unveiled their latest innovation – balance electric bikes for kids.

These cutting-edge two-wheelers aim to accelerate the learning process and instill essential riding skills in children as young as three years old.
The introduction of balance bikes has revolutionized the way kids learn to ride on two wheels.

By removing the pedals, these bikes allow children to focus solely on mastering the art of balance, body positioning, and throttle control, without the added complexity of pedaling. As a result, kids can develop a solid foundation for their riding journey, making the transition to regular bicycles or motorized motocross bikes much smoother.
The GASGAS MC-E 1.20 balance bike stands at the forefront of innovative design. Crafted around a TIG-welded aluminum frame, this electric off-roader is built to withstand the rough and tumble of kids’ outdoor escapades.
The bike features three power modes, catering to beginners as well as more experienced riders. With an 80-millimeter suspension travel from the Manito J-Unit Machete fork, youngsters can explore various terrains with confidence. Additionally, hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power for enhanced safety during their adventures.

Following suit, Husqvarna’s EE 1.20 balance bike takes elegance to new heights with its signature clean white colorway. Like its GASGAS counterpart, it offers three power modes, ensuring a gradual learning curve for kids. In the lowest setting, the bike limits speed to a manageable 16 kilometers per hour, which can be increased to 32 kilometers per hour in Advanced mode as young riders gain confidence.
The Husqvarna balance bike is designed for children up to 12 years old, boasting a minimum inseam of 60 centimeters to instill confidence with both feet planted firmly on the ground. With a Manitou J-Unit Machete fork and hydraulic disc brakes, this balance bike promises a safe and smooth riding experience.

Both the GASGAS MC-E 1.20 and Husqvarna EE 1.20 serve as pivotal stepping stones in nurturing the passion for riding in young enthusiasts. Not only do these balance electric bikes offer an exhilarating experience for kids, but they also promote essential skills that lay the foundation for future elite riders.
As these young riders grow and develop, they will have gained invaluable riding expertise, setting them on a path towards becoming the next generation of skilled cyclists and motocross champions.
--Ads--


LiveWire To Launch The S2 Del Mar In Q2 2022

LiveWire will soon expand its current range of electric motorcycles with the LiveWire Del Mar,  joining the already available LiveWire One.
Harley-Davidson CEO Jochen Zeitz officially said that the first LiveWire S2 middleweight electric motorcycle would roll out in Q2 of 2022.

According to reports, the S2 will pack serious power density and feature an integrated inverter and an onboard charger.
Moreover, it will also utilize LiveWire proprietary and scalable Arrow motor architecture.
Interestingly, LiveWire will also introduce the S3 lightweight two-wheelers soon and share the same but scaled-down version of the Arrow architecture.
The LiveWire S3 will be produced in partnership with Taiwanese scooter manufacturer KYMCO.
While further details remain scarce, the S3 could also be the company first electric scooter.
However, these are just speculation, but the prospect of Harley-Davidson having an e-scooter in the company portfolio would seem preposterous a few years ago.

Nonetheless, all we know for sure is that LiveWire has partnered with KYMCO in the development of the S3 lightweight motorcycle.
--Ads--