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cruiser

The CIMA Motor 2023 expo in Chongqing, China, witnessed a remarkable introduction with the debut of the Victoria Simplee V7 motorcycle. 

Amidst a plethora of lesser-known Chinese brands, this new model stands out by carrying the legacy of a century-old German motorcycle manufacturer, Victoria-Werke.

This unexpected resurrection comes after the trademark rights to the Victoria Motorrad brand were acquired by a Chinese company, leading to the creation of the Victoria Simplee V7.

Victoria-Werke, a historic name in the world of motorcycles, originally commenced production in Nuremberg, Germany, in the year 1901. In its heyday, it was considered a prominent player within the German motorcycle industry, sharing the limelight with renowned brands like Zundapp, which has since transitioned its focus to electric bicycles. 

The Simplee V7, true to its heritage, prominently features the historic emblem, which includes an eagle and crowned human head, representing the coat of arms of Nuremberg.

While the historical influences are unmistakable, the 2024 Victoria Simplee V7 is undeniably a product of modern China. Aesthetically, the Simplee V7 represents a unique fusion of retro and contemporary design elements.

It avoids the classic motorcycle appearance and leans towards a neo-retro style. Key features include a prominent LED headlight, a distinctive fairing that extends to enclose the oil cooler, and a robust, bulky tail section.

That said, the Simplee V7 boasts a 700cc air and oil-cooled V-twin engine equipped with Bosch electronic fuel injection. This powerplant generates a modest 43.5hp and 50Nm of torque, attributed to an 82.6-millimeter bore and a 63-millimeter stroke.

On the technological front, the motorcycle incorporates a KYB inverted front fork and preload-adjustable rear shocks. Nissin braking hardware, complete with dual-channel ABS, ensures efficient stopping power. 

Additional safety features include traction control. However, given its relatively low power output and a substantial weight of 223 kilograms, this feature may prove superfluous. The motorcycle also offers a full-color 3.5-inch TFT display and the convenience of a built-in USB charger.

In the Chinese market, the Victoria Simplee V7 has been competitively priced at CNY25,777 that’s equivalent to RM16.7k. 

QJMotor terus mengukuhkan kedudukan selaku pengeluar motosikal China paling aktif dengan pelancaran SRV 700 Flash yang telah dikemas kini bagi tahun 2023. 

Motosikal segmen cruiser itu kini tampil dengan dua varian, dibezakan dengan penggunaan rantai dan ‘belting’. Namun begitu, tidak dapat dipastikan sama ada kedua-duanya akan dipasarkan di China atau salah satu daripadanya akan dijual di pasaran luar. 

Selain daripada kemaskini kecil itu, SRV 700 Flash terus dikuasakan enjin parallel-twin 693cc dengan penyejukan cecair dan suntikan bahan api yang berupaya menghasilkan 76hp dan 65Nm. Enjin tersebut dipadankan bersama transmisi manual 6-kelajuan. 

Bahagian casis pula merangkumi kerangka besi konvensional yang dipadankan bersama fork jenis inverted di bahagian depan dan monoshock tunggal belakang yang diimbangi ke sebelah kanan. 

Ciri moden lain ditawarkan termasuk ABS dwi-saluran dengan cakera brek berkembar depan selain daripada penggunaan rim 16-inci depan dan belakang. 

Dalam pada itu, SRV 700 Flash ini juga didakwa akan menembusi pasaran global lain namun tidak dapat dipastikan sama ada pasaran tersebut membabitkan Malaysia. 

Di China, SRV 700 Flash ini dijual dengan harga CNY39,999 (RM25.6k). 

MForce Bike Holdings dengan rasminya melancarkan QJMotor SRV250 sekitar Oktober tahun lalu bersama-sama dengan dua lagi model, SRK250 dan SRK250RR. 

Meskipun ketiga-tiga model bernadikan enjin yang sama namun SRV250 paling unik kerana tampil dengan reka bentuk ‘cruiser’ sementara SRK250 dan SRK250RR pula lebih agresif sebagai jentera ‘naked’ dan ‘sportsbike’. 

Pada masa sama, ternyata gaya ‘cruiser’ lebih mencuri perhatian kerana motosikal tersebut ternyata popular dikalangan pengguna motosikal di Malaysia. 

Bagaimanapun, tinjauan di laman media sosial mendapati QJMotor SRV250 itu dilihat kerap masuk bengkel. Menariknya, senario ‘masuk bengkel’ itu bukan kerana mengalami masalah sebaliknya kami mendapati rata-rata pemilik membuat keputusan untuk melakukan beberapa modifikasi agar motosikal tersebut tampil lebih unik dan retro. 

@prelovastudio Lambakan QJMOTO. #mforce #qjmoto #prelovastudio #fyp #xyzbca ♬ nhạc nền – C H I L L S O N G 🎧

Perkongsian terbaru oleh akaun Prelovastudio di TikTok mendapati terdapat banyak motosikal jenis QJMotor SRV250 yang dihantar ke kedainya untuk di ‘custom’ supaya tampil lebih menarik. Ada juga yang mengubah gaya menjadi cafe racer, brat, scrambler dan tracker. 

Budaya ‘custom’ di Malaysia sememangnya disambut baik dan motosikal seperti QJMotor SRV250 itu membolehkan pemilik membuat pelbagai modifikasi mengikut kesesuaian. 

Chinese motorcycle manufacturers are capitalizing on the growing popularity of cruisers, and the trend continues with the introduction of a new cruiser model by Benda. 

This latest addition, named the Napoleon, exemplifies Benda’s penchant for bold and unique designs. With its neo-retro styling, including a round headlight and sleek bodywork, the Napoleon stands out in the crowd.

One of the most striking features of the Benda Napoleon is its massive dual-purpose tires, which provide a visual contrast to the bike’s low-slung and streamlined appearance. The cruiser also boasts fork covers that create the illusion of a cantilever front end, although it actually incorporates telescopic forks. The cockpit of the Napoleon features low-slung drag bars and forward-set foot controls, ensuring a riding position that mimics the characteristic hunch of a bobber.

Powering the Benda Napoleon is a 488cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected V-Twin engine, which generates a respectable 50 horsepower. Weighing in at 190 kilograms, it competes in terms of performance with models like the Rebel 500. It should be noted, however, that Benda has not clarified whether this weight refers to the dry or wet weight of the bike.

While the Benda Napoleon is slated to debut in the Chinese market by the end of June 2023, its global availability remains uncertain.  Enthusiasts eagerly await further details, including the pricing of the Benda Napoleon. Its release is eagerly anticipated, with hopes that it will soon become available on a global scale, satisfying the growing demand for unique and stylish cruisers

The Honda Shadow series has been a mainstay in the cruiser market, but in recent years, it has taken a backseat to Honda’s Rebel models. However, Honda is bringing the Shadow back into the spotlight with the introduction of the 2024 Honda Shadow Phantom.

  • powering the Shadow Phantom is the powerful 745cc V-Twin engine. 
  • The 2024 Honda Shadow Phantom now equipped with ABS (optional). 

The Shadow Phantom has received some much-needed updates for 2024. One of the most significant changes is the addition of optional ABS, addressing a previous oversight in safety features. Both the Shadow Phantom and the Shadow Aero models will now feature a rear disc brake, replacing the outdated rear drum brake.

In terms of aesthetics, the Shadow Phantom has undergone a styling makeover. It boasts flashier paint options, gaitered forks, a new headlight cover, and new LED front and rear turn signals. 

The front and rear fenders have been redesigned, with the rear fender notably shorter. However, this modification comes at the cost of a passenger seat, although accessories such as a pillion seat and footrests are available. The new single seat is said to be more comfortable, with a slightly lower height of 650mm compared to the previous two-up seat.

The 2024 Shadow Phantom sheds some weight, with a six-pound reduction attributed to the loss of the seat and the trimmed fender. The non-ABS version now weighs in at 246kg pounds, while the ABS version offsets this weight loss, resulting in a curb weight of 250kg.

Further enhancements include a new handlebar and handlebar clamp, positioning the grips higher and further forward than the previous model. The 14-litres fuel capacity remains unchanged, but the tank-mounted instrumentation has received updates.

Under the hood, the 2024 Honda Shadow Phantom retains its powerful 745cc liquid-cooled V-Twin engine, mated to a five-speed transmission and a shaft drive. The engine now features new machined cylinder-head fins, adding visual appeal and creating the illusion of an air-cooled engine against the matte black engine and exhausts.

The 2024 Honda Shadow Phantom is set to hit global dealerships this month, offering two color options: Deep Pearl Gray Metallic or Orange Metallic.

Perkabaran tentang pembangunan enjin baharu oleh QJ Motor telah pun tular sejak April lalu apabila pengeluar motosikal China itu disahkan sedang menghasilkan enjin dengan konfigurasi V4. 

Bagaimanapun, ketika itu belum ada sebarang pengesahan mengenai jenis motosikal yang akan dikuasakan enjin tersebut di samping sesaran enjin yang akan ditawarkan.  Namun, persoalan tersebut akhirnya terjawab apabila QJ Motor telah pun mendedahkan model dengan enjin V4 itu baru-baru ini di China. 

Berdasarkan gambar yang diperolehi, motosikal tersebut adalah jenis ‘cruiser’ yang akan digerakkan platform 600cc dengan konfigurasi V4. 

Menariknya, ‘cruiser’ tersebut tampak mendapat inspirasi daripada Harley-Davidson Sportster S terbaru namun dengan beberapa perbezaan ketara antaranya reka bentuk tangki, subframe, jarak ‘handelbar’ dengan penunggang dan lampu depan. 

Persamaan tersebut bukanlah satu kejutan apatah lagi QJ Motor dan Harley-Davidson telah pun menjalinkan kerjasama bagi penghasilan model X350 dan X500 baru-baru ini. 

Namun begitu, tumpuan terus terarah kepada keputusan QJ Motor untuk menawarkan platform V4 pada sebuah motosikal ‘cruiser’ yang rata-rata dikuasakan enjin V-Twin dan parallel-twin oleh pengeluar lain. 

Apa pun, kami menjangkakan enjin tersebut akan menawarkan sekitar 70hp. 

Dalam pada itu, kami juga menjangkan Flash 600 V4 bukanlah satu-satunya model V4 yang akan diperkenalkan QJ Motor untuk pasaran global kerana platform tersebut pastinya akan turut disuntik pada model berprestasi tinggi seperti sebuah motosikal naked dan sportbike. 

Persoalannya, bilakah QJ Motor Flash 600 V4 ini akan diperkenalkan secara rasmi? Pendapat kami, model ini akan dilancarkan sekitar hujung tahun ini. 

MBP (Moto Bologna Passione) merupakan jenama motosikal baharu yang telah ditubuhkan pada tahun 2022 oleh Keeway Motor Group yang juga merupakan anak syarikat kepada QJ Motor. 

Meskipun begitu, MBP adalah jenama dari Itali kerana berpangkalan di Bologna, Itali namun dengan kilang pembuatan di China bagi memastikan harga motosikal ditawarkan berada dalam kumpulan ‘mampu milik’. 

*MBP T1002V

Walaupun baru sahaja ditubuhkan namun MBP telah pun memiliki barisan model yang luas bermula dari 125cc hingga 1002cc. Tahun lalu, MBP curi tumpuan dengan melancarkan motosikal cruiser, MBP C650V dan C1002V dan model adventure T1002V.

Pelancaran C650V paling curi tumpuan kerana hadir dengan rekaan bukan sahaja agresif dan moden malah menampilkan elemen retro ala Harley-Davidson. 

*MBP C650V

Dalam perkembangan terbaru, kami difahamkan terdapat kemungkinan bahawa C650V ini akan turut dipasarkan di Malaysia. Berdasarkan pengetahuan kami, MBP bakal menembusi pasaran Malaysia menerusi pengedar rasmi yang akan diumumkan kelak. 

Sejauh manakah kebenaran itu akan dijawab tidak lama lagi. 

Dalam pada itu, MBP C650V tampil lebih  ‘sporty’ dan agresif berbanding Harley-Davidson Iron 883 terutamanya reka bentuk tangki yang dipadankan bersama ‘corong udara’ di bahagian kiri dan kanan.

Tidak lupa juga, C650V didatangkan dengan tayar gempal bersaiz 16-inci dan dipadang bersama rim jenis lidi (wire-spoked). Menariknya, pakej suspensi juga curi perhatian dengan fork depan jenis USD dari Kayaba dan penyerap hentakan berkembar belakang juga dari Kayaba.

Sistem brek pula terdiri daripada kaliper brek axial (berkembar) dari Nissin yang dipadankan bersama caker brek 300m depan dan 240mm (tunggal) belakang. Tidak lupa juga, C650V ini dilengkapi dengan ABS dwi-saluran. 

Sementara itu, MBP C650V ini juga lebih berkuasa berbanding Harley-Davidson Iron 883, dengan enjin V-Twin 647cc itu menghasilkan 68.4hp dan 61Nm. Enjin tersebut pula dipadankan bersama transmisi 6-kelajuan dan menawarkan sistem penyejukan cecair. 

Tinjauan ke bahagian elektronik pula meletakkan C650V jauh mendahului Iron 883, terutamanya dengan kehadiran panel meter TFT 5-inci yang boleh disambung ke telefon pintar, sitem hidup tanpa kunci, serta lampu LED penuh. 

BMW has announced the release of its newest member to the Heritage R 18 family, the R 18 Roctane. 

  • The Roctane is a contemporary cruiser style bike, featuring bagger trim without the front fairing. 
  • BMW describes the bike as “a cruiser, a bagger, and everything in between.”

The Roctane is equipped with mid-rise bars, a painted hard side case, integrated turn signals, blacked-out engine, dark chrome exhaust, and a 21/18-inch wheelset.

The motorcycle design takes inspiration from BMW’s air/oil cooled boxers from the past, with the large boxer engine as the focal point of the bike. 

Metal body panels cover the motorcycle’s exterior, with the standard color being Black Storm Metallic. However, BMW offers options for those who prefer Mineral Grey Metallic Matte or Manhattan Metallic Matte.

With 27-liter bags on each side, the R 18 Roctane is ideal for long-distance rides.

 

Similar to the base model, the R 18 Roctane is powered by a 1,802cc boxer engine, generating 91 hp and 157Nm of torque. 

Despite its classic bodywork, the motorcycle is equipped with modern electronics inlcuding automatic stability control, dynamic brake control, cruise control, torque control assist, dynamic engine brake control, and riding modes, among other electronics features. However, adaptive headlights, hill start control, and reverse assist are optional features for the bike.

The headlight houses an integrated instrument cluster inspired by the 1936 BMW R 5, displaying all relevant information expected of a modern bike. The matte paintwork contrasts with the high-gloss black chassis, adding sophistication to the motorcycle’s look.

Bagi pasaran Malaysia, jenama Lifan mungkin lebih terkenal sebagai pembekal enjin motosikal namun syarikat berpangkalan di China itu juga mempunyai barisan model motosikal tersendiri. 

Untuk rekod, jenama Lifan juga memasuki Malaysia menerusi MForce Bike Holdings yang memasarkan Lifan KPV150 (yang dijenamakan semula sebagai WMoto Xtreme 150i). 

Terbaru, Lifan telah melancarkan motosikal jenis ‘cruiser’ yang dikenali sebagai LF600 di China. 

Menurut maklumat yang diperolehi, Lifan LF600 ini dikuasakan enjin V-Twin 573cc dengan penyejukan air dan suntikan bahan api yang berupaya menjana 58hp dan 55Nm. Meskipun agak berat dengan 233 kilogram namun Lifan mendakwa enjin tersebut mempunyai kuasa yang cukup untuk memacu LF600 mencapai kelajuan maksima sekitar 165km/j. 

Dalam pada itu, LF600 ini juga dilengkapi dengan ciri moden antaranya kaliper brek J.Juan yang dipadankan bersama sistem ABS dwi-saluran. Model ini juga didatangkan dengan fork depan jenis USD boleh laras dengan monoshock di belakang. 

Ciri lain ditawarkan termasuk rim 19-inci depan dan 16-inci belakang, pencahayaan LED penuh dan panel meter digital. 

Indian Motorcycle has revealed the debut of two extremely limited edition motorcycles, the 2023 Pursuit Elite and the Chieftain Elite. Both bikes will be produced in small numbers and available for purchase worldwide.

  • Only 150 units of the Pursuit Elite and 175 units of the Chieftain Elite is produced. 
  • The Indian Pursuit Elite and Chieftain Elite is available for purchase worldwide. 

The 2023 Indian Pursuit Elite will have a production run of just 150 bikes and comes in a Super Graphite Metallic and Black Metallic paint scheme with Shadow Bronze Chrome accents. It is powered by a 1,768cc PowerPlus V-twin engine that delivers a claimed 120.7 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque.

The Pursuit Elite boasts features such as a Fox rear suspension with electronically adjustable preload and a seven-inch touchscreen for managing the suspension. It also has a Bosch inertial measurement unit that governs traction control, ABS, and torque.

The motorcycle is equipped with full LED lighting, a Ride Command infotainment system with Apple CarPlay integration and Bluetooth connectivity, and remote-locking weatherproof saddlebags and top box.

The Indian Chieftain Elite, which will be produced in a run of just 175 bikes, comes in a Super Graphite Smoke colorway with Shadow Bronze chrome accents. It is powered by Indian’s air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 mill, which delivers a claimed 126 pound-feet of torque, and features an Adaptive Pathfinder LED headlight and LED saddlebag lights.

The Chieftain Elite has a seven-inch touchscreen powered by Ride Command, with Apple CarPlay integration and Bluetooth connectivity, and weatherproof, remotely lockable saddlebags.

The Pursuit Elite has an MSRP of USD39,999 (RM176k) in the US, while the Chieftain Elite is priced at USD35,499 (RM156k). Both bikes are expected to be in high demand due to their limited production numbers.

Indian Motorcycle fans will want to act quickly to secure one of these exclusive machines, as they are sure to sell out fast.

BMW is expanding its R 18 range with a new variant called the R 18 Roctane. The Swiss type approval data for the Roctane reveals that it has much in common with the existing R 18 models, but with some notable differences. 

  • BMW is expanding its R 18 range with a new variant called the R 18 Roctane.
  • The Roctane is powered by the same 1,802cc air-cooled Boxer as the rest of the R 18 range.
  • The Roctane has a listed gross vehicle weight rating of 560 kg.

Firstly, the Roctane has an internal model code of “0N61,” which suggests that it differs from the other models with a different form factor or a chassis update. Additionally, the Roctane’s name indicates that it may be a more performance-focused model.

The Roctane is powered by the same 1,802cc air-cooled Boxer as the rest of the R 18 range. The homologation filing confirms the same engine code and peak performance numbers as the other models, with a maximum power output of 67 kW (90 hp) at 4,750 rpm, and 116 lb-ft. (157 Nm) at 3,000 rpm. 

The filing also confirms that the Roctane has the same silencer code as the Classic, B, and Transcontinental models, indicating that it will have the same straight pipes instead of the bulbous fishtail exhaust on the regular R 18.

The Roctane’s wheel sizes (including accessory options) are the same as the other R 18 models. The type approval data makes no mention of suspension, and the braking data only confirms dual front brakes and ABS. However, if the Roctane is indeed a more performance-oriented cruiser, we can expect the suspension and braking to be different from the rest of the R 18 family.

The Roctane has a listed gross vehicle weight rating of 560kg, which suggests that it will not have luggage. This weight is the same as the R 18 and R 18 Classic models, while the R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental models have a higher GVWR of 630kg due to their non-removable cases.

The Roctane’s release date and pricing have not been announced yet. However, with BMW’s reputation for quality and performance, the R 18 Roctane is expected to be a popular addition to the R 18 range.

Kawasaki has announced the revival of its iconic Eliminator series with the launch of the 2023 model. The motorcycle will be available in two trims, Standard and SE, and will sport a classic cruiser design that’s sure to appeal to bike enthusiasts.

  • Kawasaki has revived the Eliminator series with the launch of the 2023 model, which features classic cruiser design elements such as a round LED headlight, chopped fenders, a bulky fuel tank, and a side-slung exhaust.
  • The new Kawasaki Eliminator 400 is powered by a 398cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine, producing a maximum power of 46.9hp.

The new Kawasaki Eliminator 400 features a round LED headlight, chopped fenders, a bulky fuel tank, a single-pod instrument cluster, and a side-slung exhaust. The motorcycle also boasts a partially naked frame and alloy wheels, giving it a sleek and stylish look. The cruiser model is available in two standard colors, Metallic Flat Spark Black and Pearl Robotic White, while the SE variant comes in Metallic Matte Carbon Gray with Flat Ebony.

The Eliminator SE variant also features a headlight cowl, front fork gaiters, and a two-tone seat. It comes with a GPS-compatible drive recorder system and USB Type-C power socket, both of which are water-resistant.

The Kawasaki Eliminator is equipped with telescopic front forks and dual rear shocks, and its braking system comprises a single front and rear disc with ABS. The front wheel rides on an 18-inch alloy, while the rear one is mounted on a 16-inch alloy. The motorcycle has a low seat height of just 735 millimetres, making it one of the most attractive cruiser models.

The new Kawasaki Eliminator is powered by a 398cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine, producing a maximum power of 46.9 bhp at 10,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 37 Nm at 8,000 rpm. It is connected to a six-speed gearbox, and the motorcycle has a fuel economy of 25.7 kmpl. The 12-litre fuel tank gives the bike a range of more than 300 km on a single tank of petrol, as validated by the World Motorcycle Test Cycle (WMTC).

Interestingly, just a few days after the global introduction in Japan, the Eliminator 400 also made an appearance at the Bangkok International Motor Show ’23. The retro cruiser is available for THB224,900 (RM29k). 

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