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retro

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

Harley-Davidson dengan rasminya mendedahkan Harley-Davidson X440 hasil kerjasama dengan gergasi motosikal India, Hero MotoCorp. 

Ini bukan kali pertama Harley-Davidson X440 didedahkan kepada umum namun perkongsian kali ini datang dalam beberapa foto rasmi yang memaparkan secara jelas rupa model baharu itu. 

Pertamanya, X440 kelihatan diinspirasikan daripada beberapa model sedia ada Harley-Davidson terutamanya Nightster menerusi tangki bersegi, panel meter bulat, handlebar lebar dan panel badan yang minimal.

Bahagian lampu depan pula menampakkan tulisan Harley-Davidson sementara lampu isyarat kiri dan kanan pula memaparkan logo kecil Harley-Davidson. 

Bagaiamnapaun, tidak dapat dipastikan apakah jenis skrin yang diguna pakai pada panel meter X440 ketika ini. 

Walaupun dibangunkan Hero MotoCorp di India namun rekaan keseluruhan X440 seakan mengikut acuan sama dengan X350 dan X500 yang dihasilkan QJ Motor di China. Senario itu sedikit sebanyak memberi bayangan ketiga-tiga model ini dihasilkan mengikut lakaran oleh Harley-Davidson sendiri. 

Menurut laporan di India, X440 ini dikuasakan enjin satu silinder 440cc yang dijangka menawarkan 30hp. Namun angka kuasa itu hanya akan didedahkan pada pelancaran rasmi yang dijadualkan pada Julai ini. 

Antara ciri ditawarkan termasuk fork depan USD, ABS dwi-saluran dengan kaliper brek Bybre, rim 18-inci depan dan 17-inci belakang serta kerangka jenis tubular. 

Kami menjangkakan X440 ini akan memberi saingan pada beberapa jenama terkemuka di India antaranya Royal Enfield 350 namun pastinya dengan harga yang lebih premiun.  

Susulan menerima permintaan tinggi, Yamaha dengan rasminya memperkenalkan kit reto khas bagi Yamaha XSR900 di Eropah. 

Terdapat dua kit ditawarkan namun kit ‘Racer’ paling mencuri perhatian ekoran diinspirasikan daripada jentera lumba pada era 70 dan 80an. 

Menurut Yamaha, kit ‘Racer’ itu terdiri daripada ‘headlight cowl’ dan ‘seat cowl’ yang membuatkan rupa XSR900 menyerupai jentera ikonik Yamaha pada zaman dahulu. 

Menariknya, ‘headlight cowl’ depan tersebut mengguna pakai bahan jenis gentian kaca sekaligus menjaminkan ketahanan yang lebih baik untuk jangka masa panjang. 

Sementara itu, ‘seat cowl’ di bahagian belakang pula melengkapkan lagi rupa retro XSR900. 

Menurut Yamaha, kit retro tersebut akan mula dijual secara atas talian dan pengedar rasmi Yamaha di Eropah bermula Jun ini. Dalam pada itu, Yamaha juga menawarkan aksesori tambahan lagi antaranya ekzos Akrapovic, 

Untuk rekod, Yamaha XSR900 merupakan motosikal gaya retro yang diperkenalkan Yamaha pada 2016 sebelum menjalani naik taraf besar pada 2022 dengan enjin CP3 890cc baharu. Enjin tersebut berupaya menghasilkan 117hp dan 93Nm.

Ducati has confirmed that it has no plans to expand its retro motorcycle lineup. Instead, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer is focused on its six-strong Scrambler range. 

  • Ducati latest Scrambler features revised frame, reworked electronics and a new swingarm. 
  • The Icon 800 now available in nine new colours. 

Accoding to the head of Ducati’s Scrambler program, Rocco Canosa,the company was concentrating on the Scrambler to provide a modern motorcycle with a classic flavour. 

The Scrambler range, which was introduced in 2015, was updated in late 2022 with an 800 range that features an updated frame, lean-sensitive electronics, a new TFT dash, and a new swingarm. 

The existing line-up consists of 18-inch front-wheeled uprights, with Ducati no longer selling the enduro-styled 800 Desert Sled, or clip-on clad Café Racer options.

Canosa stated that the Scrambler range was much larger than it appears, with the Icon available in nine different colors. 

“You can choose nine different bikes. It’s not just a matter of color. It’s a matter of personality and style,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Ducati is set to travel across Europe specifically to showcase the new Scrambler range to the masses. 

Nevertheless, Canosa also suggested that Ducati might introduce new models in the future based on customer demand, citing the Nightshift, which was created by looking at how customers customized their Scramblers.

 

Some retro and Scrambler fans may be disappointed by the lack of diversity in the range compared to other brands such as Triumph and BMW. However, Ducati’s focus on Scrambler seems to have been well-received by customers.

The company sold over 60,000 Scrambler motorcycles globally since 2015, making it one of the most successful Ducati models in recent history.

(source: MCN)

Mforce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd unveiled the new WMOTO Gemma 125 scooter model at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023 held at MAEPS, Serdang. 

  • WMoto Gemma 125 is another compact scooter to excites the brand’s lineup in Malaysia. 
  • The retro-style scooter combines modern aesthetics with classic bodywork.

The scooter is now available for purchase at a starting price of RM6,988.00 and comes in two colors, Refined Gray and Special Purple.

The WMOTO Gemma 125 is powered by an air-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 117.3cc, capable of producing a maximum power of 8.31Hp at 7,500rpm, and a maximum torque of 9.3Nm at 6,000rpm. 

The scooter also features a 13 diameter roller rocker that reduces friction, leading to reduced mechanical damage and an extended life of the swing arm and camshaft.In addition, the scooter’s screen panel display features a 3.5-inch TFT type screen, providing clearer and easier-to-read data. A USB charging port is also included in the front compartment, making it easy for riders to charge electronic devices while riding.

The Gemma 125’s lighting system is entirely composed of full LED lights, with the front light featuring automotive-grade LED with a brightness of 50K candela. The headlight’s diamond-shaped design and the rear lights’ retro elements showcase a combination of modern and retro fashion styles.

The scooter also features a Smart Key System or Passive Keyless Entry (PKE), allowing for an automatic start function to activate and deactivate the vehicle. Storage under the seat can accommodate a 3/4 size helmet and personal items.

Mforce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd. offers a two-year manufacturer guarantee or a 20,000 km travel distance (whichever comes first) and an online pure spare parts purchase service for every purchase of the WMOTO Gemma 125.

Triumph, the British motorcycle manufacturer, is set to launch its first affordable, single-cylinder models on June 27 in London. 

  • Triumph-Bajaj partnership set to reveal first bike in London. 
  • According to reports, two models have been caught testing in Europe. 

The retro-styled street bikes have been developed in partnership with Indian manufacturer Bajaj and mark a significant turning point for Triumph, which hasn’t produced an entry-level, single-cylinder bike since the early 1990s. 

The bikes will be available worldwide and will join the current Triumph product portfolio, distributed by the Triumph-led dealer network. 

Two models have been spied on test, a retro-style roadster and a 1960s-inspired scrambler, both of which share the same DOHC single-cylinder engine. 

The launch event will be global, organized by Triumph, and the bikes should be available at dealerships in India from the second quarter of this financial year.

CFMoto has revealed a second version of its Papio minibike series – the Papio XO-2. 

  • The new model features a retro scrambler styling, in contrast to the sporty look of the previous model, Papio XO-1.
  • Powering the Papio XO-2 is the same 126cc air-cooled engine. 

Both models share the same 126cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces 9.4 horsepower and is paired with a six-speed gearbox. While the Papio XO-1 is available only in the US, the retro-styled XO series could be exported to other markets, with an official announcement expected this summer.

*CFMoto Papio XO-1

The Papio XO-2 has a high-mounted front fender, a one-piece seat, and a pillion grab rail, which gives it the look of a 1980s Dakar racer. The handlebars are taller and wider than those on the XO-1, and the footpegs are lower and farther forward, resulting in a more upright riding position. 

The bike has more deeply treaded tires for off-road use, and the bellypan has been removed to add more ground clearance. The twin headlights and mirrors carry the same XO design theme as the XO-1, with an “X” shape hidden inside one headlight and an “O” in the other.

The Papio XO-2 has the same dimensions as the XO-1 in terms of wheelbase, length, and weight, but it is wider due to the longer handlebar and taller due to the more upright riding position. 

CFMoto has been expanding its Papio range rapidly, with the electric version, Papio Nova, already available in China and expected to reach export markets in 2023. The Papio XO-1 joined the lineup last month, and the XO-2 is likely to follow with an official announcement this summer. 

While the export plans for the retro XO models have yet to be announced, they may be unveiled at international shows later this year and could hit markets outside China in 2024.

Kawasaki akan menaik taraf model retro Z650RS dengan fungsi Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) bagi model keluaran 2024.

Naik taraf itu dilaksana bagi memastikan barisan model Kawasaki kekal selamat dan berteknologi tinggi bagi tahun akan datang. 

KTRC bukanlah sistem baharu dan merupakan fungsi standard yang ada pada barisan model Kawasaki termasuk Ninja 650 dan Z650. Susulan daripada pengeluar motosikal mula memperkenalkan fungsi traction control sebagai standard sepertimana ABS, maka tidak hairanlah model Z650RS juga diberi layanan sama. 

Bagaimanapun, sistem KTRC yang ada pada Z650RS ini berfungsi bersama sistem sensor kelajuan dan bukannya dikawal selia oleh IMU sepertimana yang terdapat pada model ZX-10R, H2 dan Versys 1000. 

Dalam pada itu, Kawasaki juga dijangka menaik taraf panel meter analog berkembar Z650RS bagi memuatkan notifikasi KTRC. 

Namun begitu, Kawasaki Z650RS 2024 dijangka mengekalkan enjin parallel-twin 649cc yang berupaya menghasilkan 67hp. 

Praga, the Czech Republic based motorcycle company has introduced the Praga ZS 800. 

  • Praga ZS 800 is limited to just 28 units worldwide. 
  • Priced at GBP75,550 (RM395k) the ZS 800 was built by the same team behind the Praga Bohemo hypercar. 

Claimed to be a modern take on the iconic 1928 Praga BD 500, the ZS 800 – which is limited to just 28 units – is build by the same engineering team behind the acclaimed Praga Bohema hypercar. 

Featuring a chrome molybdenum steel frame and titanium exhaust system including a unique woven carbon wheels, the Praga ZS 800 tips the scale at just 142kg (dry). 

Powering the ultra-limited motorcycle is a 773cc parallel-twin SOHC and 4-valves engine that makes 50hp and 65Nm. Power is fed to the rear-wheel via 5-speed transmission with final chain drive. 

Braking is done via a 200mm hydraulic drum brakes at the front and rear omitting the conventional disc brakes that is commonly found on modern machines. 

The retro features also applies to the suspension with a steel girder fork at the front and a hard-tail suspension at the back. However, both components is supplied by Ohlins. 

According to Praga, deliveries for the ultra-limited ZS 800 will start in mid-2023 with a recommended selling price of GBP75,550 (RM395k).

Barisan model RS keluaran Kawasaki sememangnya cukup popular ekoran pengeluar motosikal Jepun itu mengekalkan DNA klasik yang pernah popular pada era 70an hingga 80an.

Hasilnya, model seperti Kawasaki Z900RS yang diinspirasikan daripada model Z1 kekal popular sejak diperkenalkan.

Populariti Z900RS juga membawa kepada Kawasaki menghasilkan Z650RS dalam usaha menembusi pasaran yang lebih luas terutamanya dalam memikat penunggang muda. 

Kawasaki juga sebelum ini didakwa bakal memperkenalkan Z400RS namun tiada perkembangan lanjut mengenai model itu setakat ini.

Bagaimanapun, laporan terbaru di Jepun mendakwa Kawasaki bakal memperkenalkan sebuah motosikal yang diilhamkan daripada GPZ900R.  Menurut laporan Young-Machine, model tersebut diberi nama GPZ900RS Ninja. 

Dijangka mengguna pakai platform 948cc 4-inline DOHC dengan penyejukan cecair yang sama pada Z900RS, GPZ900RS Ninja menawarkan reka bentuk yang mirip dengan jentera ikonik, GPZ900R yang dihasilkan Kawasaki dari 1984 hingga 2003. 

Bagaimanapun, berbanding enjin 908c empat-silinder yang terdapat pada GPZ900R menghasilkan 115hp dan 85Nm, enjin moden yang digunakan pada Z900RS menawarkan 111hp pada 8,500rpm dan 98Nm. Namun, belum dapat dikenal pasti sama ada Kawasaki akan menala semula enjin tersebut untuk digunakan pada GPZ900RS Ninja.

Tinjaun imej ‘render’ yang dikongsikan Young-Machine juga memaparkan beberapa komponen daripada Z900RS dikekalkan termasuk rim, suspensi dan kerangka.

Untuk rekod, Kawasaki GPZ900R turut dikenali sebagai model terawal Ninja dan turut dipopularkan filem Top Gun yang ditayangkan pada 1986. 

Meskipun pendedahan terbaru ini cukup menarik namun tiada kenyataan rasmi dibuat pihak Kawasaki setakat ini. Namun, mengambil kira dakwaan Young-Machine jarang sekali tersasar selama ini, kami menjangkakan projek GPZ900RS Ninja ini sedang giat dijalankan ketika ini. 

Tiga tahun lalu, sebuah syarikat aksesori motosikal di Jepun, DOREMI Collection pernah menghasilkan kit GPZ900R bagi model Z900RS. – Young-Machine

Something interesting just came across our news desk this week, and it is probably one of the best-looking retro-style motorcycles we’ve ever seen. 

  • Zeths is a motorcycle company based in China. 
  • The ZFR 500 R Avenger is the company’s maiden sports bike. 

Chinese motorcycle company, Zeths has just announced the ZFR 500 R Avenger, a retro-inspired machine that could take us back to the old days’ thanks to its exciting design.

The 500 R Avenger is not only a departure from the firm’s current range of bikes but also the brand’s maiden sports bike in the lineup. 

However, we have to give credit to Zeths for coming up with a motorcycle that is inspired by race bikes from the 70s instead of copying and pasting designs of existing models from other manufacturers.

Also, the ZFR 500 R Avenger looks good and features decent specs, including a parallel-twin 500cc engine, adjustable suspension, single-sided swingarm and even four-pot radial Brembo brakes and twin disc. 

The specs might be standard for a European or Japanese machine, but it is an interesting development for a bike coming from China. 

Nonetheless, it remains to be seen if the bike will ever make its way outside of China. 

Benelli Panarea 125 officially lands in Malaysia as announced by authorized distributor, MForce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd.

  • The Panarea 125 is a neo-retro style scooter that takes design cues from the Vespa lineup. 
  • The scooter is equipped with a 124cc single-cylinder 4-stroke engine. 

According to the official statement by Benelli, the Panarea 125 is a retro-style scooter that combines classic design by modern features.

As a result, the Panarea 125 is fitted with full LED lights and is fitted with an anti-theft magnetic lock system that significantly reduced the probability of theft. 

Mechanically, the Panarea 125 makes 8.44hp @ 7,500rpm and 9.2Nm @ 6,000rpm from its 124cc 4-stroke with electronic fuel injection engine. 

Power is delivered to the rear wheel via an automatic CVT transmission with belt final drive.

The bike is suspended via telescopic fork at the front with 90mm travel and a telescopic oil damped coil spring at the rear. and fitted with a 190mm front disc with dual-piston callipers. 

Despite its retro bodywork, the Panarea 125 is equipped with modern features including a semi-digital meter, full LED light, hazard lights and a kill switch. 

According to MForce, the Benelli Panarea 125 is available for a recommended price of RM6,888. 

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