adventure motorcycle Archives

MBP Latest T1002V Adventure Bike To Arrive In Europe Soon

QJMotor has been making headlines in the global motorcycle industry over the last few years, particularly via its subsidiary, Benelli and Keeway.

MBP’s is the latest premium brand under Keeway that is owned by QJMotor.
Similar to the Benelli, MBP also has an Italian origin.

Benelli is going strong after the acquisition by QJMotor, with the TRK502 emerging as the most popular ADV bike in its home country, Italy.

Also, thanks to the wide range of models including the upcoming TRK800, TNT500, BKX250 and BKX250 S, the brand will continue to grow its influence with years to come.

That said, QJMotor now wants to carve similar success with Keeway after the brand recently gave birth to a premium subsidiary called the Moto Bologna Passione (MBP).

MBP showcased several models at EICMA last year, but the one that caught our attention is the T1002V adventure-tourer.

Mechanically, the T1002V is fitted with an all-new 997cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 80-degree V-Twin engine that pumps out 95hp @ 7,600rpm and 96Nm @ 6,500rpm. Power-wise, it is on par with the KTM 890 Adventure R and BMW F 850 GS.

Adding to its ADV aesthetic is a set of tubeless wire-spoke wheels and adjustable KYB long-travel suspension. Braking is done via dual front disc brakes at the front and a single disc at the rear paired with Brembo-owned J.Juan callipers.

Similar to QJMotor’s current ADV range, including the SRT800 and TRK800, the MBP T1002V also features a full-colour dash, adjustable windscreen and a center stand.

The T1002V is expected to arrive in Europe early this year.

KTM Brings Minor Update To The 1290 Super Adventure R For 2023

The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R gets a minor update for 2023, focusing on refining the Austrian brand’s flagship adventure bike.

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R gets minor update similar to the 2023 Super Adventure S.
The Super Adventure R makes 160hp and 132Nm of torque.

The “R” nomenclature represents the most ‘off-road’ capable variant of the brand’s big-bore adventure bike, designed to overcome the most extreme terrains.

Coming in new for 2023 is a new 6D lean angle sensor from Bosch, a new WP XPLOR suspension which now features a split cartridge technology in the front fork.

Additionally, the 2023 1290 Super Adventure R gets Bridgestone AX41 tires as standard and a new ‘Turn-By-Turn’ navigation system previously introduced on the 2023 Super Adventure S.

However, the most visible update is the new colour scheme, with the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R donning a more standout white paint job.

Mechanically, the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R features the tried and tested LC8 V-Twin engine that makes 160hp and 138Nm.

Other key features include:

customisable ABS settings
‘Race On’ remote key system
7-inch TFT display
adjustable windshield
LED lights

Chinese-Made Mitt 530TT Adventure Motorcycle To Debut In Europe

Mitt is a Spanish motorcycle company that offers affordable, entry-level machines for young and new riders, mainly in Spain and Portugal.

Mitt to offer the 530TT Adventure motorcycle in Europe by 2023.
The 530TT is the biggest and most powerful motorcycle from the company’s portfolio.

The company can retain its affordable price tag by manufacturing its product in China via Zongshen.

Thanks to its Chinese partnership, Mitt is ready to take it up a notch by introducing the 530TT Adventure motorcycle for the European market.

The 530TT Adventure is the biggest and most powerful model in the brand’s lineup so far, featuring a 476cc parallel-twin engine that makes 47.5hp and 43Nm.

That said, the 530TT Adventure will go head-to-head with the Honda CB500X and Benelli TRK502X. However, it remains to be seen if the 530TT Adventure will feature the typical 180-crank or the modern 270-crank.

Similar to its competitor, the Mitt 530TT Adventure also features a straightforward setup, including a simple ABS, adjustable inverted front forks and adjustable monoshock at the rear.

Completing the adventure looks is a pair of wire-spoked wheels shod with dual-purpose tires.

Other notable features include:

LED lighting
adjustable windshield
full-colour TFT instrument display
crash guard
radiator guard

The Mitt 530TT Adventure will be available in Europe by 2023 and is priced at EUR 7,905 (RM37.1k).

Moto Guzzi To Revive The Stelvio Adventure Motorcycle

For those who able to make it to EICMA last month, chances are you might’ve visited Moto Guzzi’s booth exhibition booth.

Moto Guzzi confirms the Stelvio to make a comeback.
The Stelvio adventure motorcycle is likely to feature the same powertrain as the newly launched V100 Mandello.

If you did, it is likely that you also came across the Italian brand latest teaser that confirms that return of the Stelvio adventure motorcycle.

The Moto Guzzi Stelvio was an adventure-touring type motorcycle that was in production for eight years, running from 2007 to 2016.

Despite proving itself as a capable ADV machine, the Stelvio was going up against a stronger foe at the time including the BMW R 1200 GS and KTM 1190 Adventure.

As a result, Guzzi pulled the Stelvio out of production in 2016 due to lacklustre in sales. Moreover, Europe’s transition to Euro 4 didn’t help the motorcycle to remain relevant at the time.

However, it looks like Moto Guzzi is ready to revive the Stelvio soon as confirmed by a teaser at EICMA.

The special teaser showcased the Stelvio nameplate that sits above a set of wire-spoke wheels.

While Moto Guzzi is keeping a tight lipped over the Stelvio’s comeback, ongoing report suggest that the adventure bike will be equipped with the same mill found in the all-new V100 Mandello sport tourer motorcycle.

That said, the Stelvio is likely to feature a revised 1,042cc transverse V-Twin engine taken from the V100 Mandello. At present, the engine makes 115hp and 105Nm.

Currently, there’s no word regarding the bike’s development and Moto Guzzi has been eerily quiet about the Stelvio following its teaser in Milan. All we can do now is speculate until there is an official word coming from the Mandello del Lario factory.

2023 Voge 900 DS Adventure Bike First Look

You might not be familiar with the Loncin brand, but it is the firm responsible for manufacturing the engine for BMW’s C 400 X, C 400 GT, F 850 GS, F 900 R and F 900 XR.

Loncin rolls out Voge the new 900DS adventure at EICMA.
The Voge 900DS features a similar powertrain to BMW’s F 900 XR, producing close to 100hp and 92Nm.

Loncin and BMW have been working together for years now, similar to CFMOTO’s partnership with KTM.

While it may took a while for Loncin, through its premium Voge brand, to work on its own motorcycle range but the 900 DS adventure motorcycle is officially here.

Using the BMW commissioned engine, the Voge 900 DS is fitted with the same engine as the BMW F900 R/XR, an 895cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin that pumps out 96.5hp and 87Nm.

Power is sent to the rear wheel via a 6-speed manual transmission regulated by an up/down quickshifter as standard.

Similar to its BMW counterpart, the Voge 900DS features a host of electronics including throttle-by-wire system. Information related to the motorcycle can be accessed via a full-colour TFT display.

Other handy features include:

USB port.
cruise control.
heated grips and heated seats.
complete aluminium side and top case.

In addition, the 900DS also features some premium components including fully adjustable suspension, Brembo brakes and dual-channel ABS.

As a standard adventure capable motorcycle, the 900DS is fitted with 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels as standard. While the 825mm seat height is impressive, the Voge 900DS is noticeably heavy at 220kg.

FIRST LOOK: Zero DSR/X Electric Adventure Motorcycle

Electric motorcycle manufacturer, Zero Motorcycles, has pulled the wraps off its first adventure motorcycle, the Zero DSR/X.

The Zero DSR/X is a long-range electric adventure motorcycle.
The DSR/X is capable of hitting 290km city range and 137km highway range.

Coming in new for 2023, the Zero DSR/X features industry-leading Z-Force battery unit, powerful ZF engine and the Cypher III+ operating system that promises to deliver the best riding experience for an electric adventure motorcycle.

According to Zero Motorcycles, the introduction of the DSR/X is to fulfil the customers request of making an electric adventure bike.

“We have invested over 100,000 hours of design to make a model that lived up to our customers’ expectations, while delivering an incredible driving experience, a true mission from Zero Motorcycles,” said Abe Askenazi, Chief Technology Officer, Zero Motorcycles.

Despite its American origin, the DSR/X is injected with European motorcycle DNA.

“The DSR/X is a motorcycle that has European motorcycle culture in its DNA.

“A dual sport motorcycle that meets the needs of riders in the most important motorcycle segment in Europe,” said Umberto Uccelli, Managing Director, Zero Motorrycles Europe.

Thanks to a revamped Z-Force 75-10X engine the DSR/X makes a 100hp and a whopping 225Nm. In addition, Z-Force 17.3 kWh battery offers a city range of 290km and a highway range of 137km.

Meanwhile, DSR/X is built around a completely new perimeter trellis frame that allows for a greater ground clearance, 200mm to be exact. Also, the frame is suspended by an hand-adjustable front fork.

Zero Motorcycles also equipped the DSR/X with new Gates carbon belt drive, specially designed to withstand the massive torque.

In addition, the Zero DSR/X is also the first electric motorcycle to feature state-of-the-art Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control (BMSC) that allows for better stability during cornering and off-road condition.

While in off-road mode, users can disengage the ABS function and the BMSC will autonomously managed the rear grip.

The electronic package also includes Bosch Linked Braking and Bosch Vehicle hold.

Other notable features include:

park mode – low-speed reversing function
level 1 and 2 chargers – requires charging time of 2.5h
compatible with Zero Motorcycles app
Cellular Connectivity Module (CCM)
28L ‘faux’ tank storage

The Zero DSR/X comes in two colour option, Sage Green and Pearl White and is available at a price of EUR27,220 (RM123k).

Lightning Motorcycles Developing New Off-Road Focused Plug-In Adventure Bike

American electric motorcycle company Lightning Motorcycles is working on a new plug-in adventure bike to take on Energica’s Experia.

Lightning Dakar is the first electric plug-in off-road capable motorcycle.
Set to go head-to-head with Energica’s Experia tourer.

The company patent filing recently leaked in China and showcased the upcoming off-road focused ADV motorcycle bodywork.

The company’s founder and CEO, Richard Hatfield, submitted the application to the China National Intellectual Property Administration. Why China? This is because Lightning has a factory over there.

Despite the possibility of coming up against the Energica Experia, Lightning’s upcoming machine is more off-road oriented, which immediately distinguishes it from the Experia, which is fitted with 17-inch wheels.

Lightning also included the term Dakar in the filing, which is most likely to describe the bike’s design language.

Lightning made headlines in 2012 after claiming an electric land speed record of 350km/h with the 200hp LS-218 prototype.

The company proceeded to introduce the production version of the LS-218, named the Lightning Strike Sportster, in 2019, which is currently available for orders from USD19,998 (RM89.1k).

Nonetheless, the upcoming ADV boasts entirely different ergonomics thanks to a taller seat height, upright seating position, longer travel front suspension and rear absorbers.

The motorcycle also features wire-spoke wheels in 21-inch front and 18-inch rear compared to Energica’s 17″ road-biased alloy wheels.

The bike is also equipped with a tall, humped fuel tank, conventional ADV front beak, raised front mudguard and tall (but narrow) windscreen.

While there are no precise details on the performance, it is possible it makes the same 120hp as the 2019 Lightning Strike, with an engine and swingarm that appears identical to the sportsbike.

KTM To Expand The 390 Adventure Range – New Variant Spied

The KTM 390 Adventure was well-received ever since its global introduction at 2019 EICMA.

Despite the success two years later, the Austrian manufacturer actually ran multiple test mules of different designs, one of which includes a rally variant similar to KTM’s 450 Rally.

The test mule features a taller front section, with an instrument console and handlebar-mounted higher compared to the production 390 Adventure.

In the latest development, reports in India suggest that KTM is ready to roll out the production version of the 390 Rally.

The Rally edition is expected to offer better ergonomics, control and balance, especially in off-road conditions.

Spied photos show a taller clear windscreen to enhance riders’ protection against dirt and debris and improve riding ergonomics.

However, major parts appear largely the same as the stock 390 Adventure including the 373cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that makes 43hp and 37Nm.

It is worth noting that the upcoming Rally variants will feature a new off-road mode that was recently introduced on the 2022 KTM 390 Adventure.

Riding on a steel trellis frame, the 390 Adventure utilizes WP APEX 43mm USD front forks and WP APEX monoshock at the rear.

Despite the rugged looks, the Rally editions are expected to maintain the 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels with the option to upgrade to wire-spoke wheels from KTM Powerparts.

Meanwhile, the braking system comprises of ByBre 320mm disc at the front and 230mm at the rear. Bosch dual-channel ABS is offered as standard.

2022 KL Raticosa 500X Debuts In Italy – 48hp, 43Nm

Let’s be honest. The adventure bike segment is booming; hence you see every manufacturer racing to the drawing board trying to create the most appealing ADV machine on the planet.

MV Agusta is among the latest manufacturer making a bold step into the segment by introducing two new adventure machines, the Lucky Explorer 9.5 and Lucky Explorer 5.5, at EICMA 2021.

The Lucky Explorer 5.5 is MV’s strategy in providing a more affordable and accessible motorcycle for the customers.

This is achieved by a joint collaboration with Qianjiang Motorcycle, the same company that owned the Benelli brand.

The 5.5 is powered by the same parallel-twin engine found in the Benelli TRK 502 but with an increased bore and stroke.

Apart from notable brands following the same move, the smaller manufacturer is also moving in the same direction, particularly in Europe and Asia.

The Brix Venturi 500 and Colove 500X are several bike brands that can be easily recognized as Honda’s CB500X clone.

The newest addition to the party is the KL Raticosa 500X, another ADV bike that actually shares the same engine configuration as the Honda CB500X.

This means the Raticosa 500X is equipped with a 471cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that makes 48hp and 43.3Nm.

Despite the similarities, Honda never actually agreed to the cross-sharing platform, but somehow the CB500X engine can be found on more than a few bikes available in the market.

Nevertheless, like every typical adventure motorcycle, the Raticosa 500X features adventure-ready specifications, including a long travel suspension, inverted forks and dual-purpose tires.

The bike also features 19-inch front wheels and 17-inch rear wheels, fully-adjustable Kayaba forks, Kayaba shocks and Nissin callipers.

With a seat height of 820mm and a kerb weight of just 178kg, the Raticosa 500X looks promising to be the next popular and affordable adventure bike in Europe alongside the Benelli TRK 502.

OFFICIAL: MV Agusta To Unveil Two New Adventure Bikes At EICMA

MV Agusta is set to make a return to the adventure bike segment, with two new models set to be unveiled at EICMA on November 23.

The official announcement was made via the company press release shared earlier today.

Interestingly, both models will be available for online pre-booking from November 23.

Meanwhile, the Varese-based motorcycle manufacturer also announced the Lucky Explorer project, a multi-faceted initiative aiming at gathering passionate lovers of rally raid and off-road racing.

“I am excited about the launch of this very special project.

“The Lucky Explorer concept is not just about bikes, it’s about a comprehensive world of emotions, memories, values and a way of being.

“A long-awaited return for all the fans of Made-in-Schiranna, but also a new beginning and a leap into the future: no matter where life takes us, we know where we’re from,” said Timur Sardarov, CEO MV Agusta Motor.

New Patent Leaks Reveal Upcoming Benelli 650cc V-Twin Adventure Bike

Italian motorcycle company, Benelli, is set to unveil a new 650cc adventure motorcycle as confirmed by a new patent filed by its parent company, Qianjiang Motorcycle.

While Qianjiang Motorcycle also runs its own QJMotor brand, the new patent suggests that it will cater to both of the brands.

Interestingly, the leaked images revealed a different take on a middleweight adventure bike, with a shorter windscreen, a single pod LED headlamp flanked by twin DRL (daytime running light), a chunky side fairing and a handguard.

The absence of a signature front beak (similar to Aprilia’s Tuareg 660 and Yamaha’s Tenere 700) also puts the motorcycle on a different design spectrum than other modern ADV machines.

The saddle features a split-seat setup with a big pillion grab rail, a similar aspect found on big ADV bikes such as the iconic BMW GS range.

Meanwhile, the 650cc V-Twin powerplant is underpinned by a new tubular steel trellis frame and is expected to punch out around 70hp, putting it around the same class as the Suzuki V-Strom 650XT.

The bike is also fitted with 19″ front, and 17″ rear spoke tubeless wheels, allowing the motorcycle to tackle both road and off-road conditions.

Despite the lack of further details, we can assume that Benelli or QJMotor will reveal the new motorcycle later this year in EICMA.

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