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sport touring

LS2 has added a new sport-touring helmet called the Advant X Carbon to its collection. LS2’s products cater to riders worldwide with their vast helmet selection.

  • The brand offers low-cost alternatives, providing reasonably priced helmets with features often seen in premium versions, making safety accessible to all.
  • The Advant X Carbon is a premium-featured modular helmet with a flip chin bar that can move 180 degrees, making it ideal for both urban and open-road riding. 

The carbon fiber shell of the Advant X Carbon ensures light-weight build that decreases fatigue during extended rides, weighing approximately 1,550 grams, depending on size, with variance of about 50 grams. The helmet has received ECE R22.06 approval, which represents the most recent safety standard reassuring riders of its effectiveness.

The helmet has excellent external ventilation with two small air vents on the upper half of the helmet that allow fresh air to circulate effectively. A large air inlet is located on the chin bar, improving ventilation and providing a cool and pleasant ride.

The visor of the helmet is UV-protected, safeguarding the rider’s eyes from harmful sun rays, and comes with a scratch-resistant coating ensuring good visibility and durability, making it a reliable choice in different weather conditions. The visor is also compatible with a Pinlock film to provide anti-fog protection.

The Advant X Carbon incorporates a multi-density EPS liner that provides superior impact absorption. LS2 has designed the padding with laser-cut precision, ensuring a precise and comfortable fit for the rider. The padding is lined with a hypoallergenic treatment and is removable and washable to enhance hygiene and comfort over extended periods of use for the rider.

The newest touring helmet from LS2 comes with a steel micrometric quick-release clasp that ensures a secure and easy closure system. The chin guard features a strengthened strap that enables simple up and down adjustment. Additionally, the helmet has an emergency removal mechanism to ensure that in the event of an accident or emergency, medical personnel can remove the helmet quickly and propitiously.

The Advant X Carbon is a premium helmet that offers riders comfort, sophistication and safety. It further enhances LS2’s reputation as a reliable helmet manufacturer that offers quality, accessibility and unprecedented customer service.

BMW Motorrad has set the stage for an exciting reveal, dropping a teaser image on May 30, 2023, leaving fans eager to uncover the identity of the new bike. Speculation is rife that the highly anticipated model to be unveiled on June 6 is none other than the M 1000 XR.

  • BMW latest teaser confirms the arrival of the high-powered M 1000 XR. 
  • The M 1000 XR spotted at the 2023 IOMTT. 

The teaser image features a black-and-white profile, depicting a stylized drawing that unmistakably bears the distinct XR appearance and prominently displays the iconic M logo on the tank. With such clear visual cues, it comes as no surprise that enthusiasts are placing their bets on the M 1000 XR.

Adding fuel to the fire, BMW Motorrad accompanied the image with a caption inviting followers to guess the forthcoming surprise and announcing the unveiling time as 5 p.m. CEST on June 6. The hashtags #MakeLifeARide and #NeverStopChallenging further amplify the anticipation surrounding the announcement.

In a remarkable coincidence, the 2023 Isle of Man TT commenced on May 29, and BMW is participating with a factory effort. Renowned riders Peter Hickman and Josh Brookes, alongside the FHO Racing BMW team, are racing factory-outfitted M 1000 RRs in both the road racing and British Superbikes series.

Fueling speculation further, a video captured Peter Hickman performing a test run at the Isle of Man TT, presumably astride the forthcoming M 1000 XR. Several up-close photos of the highly anticipated machine have also emerged, tantalizing fans who eagerly await its official unveiling.

The introduction of the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello caught much of the world’s attention because it’s not just another motorcycle but also represents the brand’s bold move into the 21st century.

  • The Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello is available in two variants, base and S-spec.
  • Features 1,042cc transverse 90-degree V-Twin engine that makes 115hp and 105Nm @ 3,500rpm.

This is because the V100 is the first Moto Guzzi motorcycle to feature semi-active suspension, 6-axis IMU, cornering ABS, quick-shifter and a liquid-cooled engine.

It is the first Moto Guzzi with everything modern, and we are surprised that the V100 Mandello even has an adaptive aerodynamics package.

During the recently concluded Moto Guzzi World Days 2022 festival, the 2023 V100 Mandello was the star of the show, with Moto Guzzi accepting pre-orders for the new bike.

That said, the V100 will come in two trims, the base model and an up-spec S trim. The base V100 Mandello goes for EUR15,749 (RM72k), while the S-spec is priced at EUR18,249 (RM83k). 

Both trims run on the same 1,042cc transverse 90-degree V-Twin engine that makes 115hp and 105Nm @ 3,500rpm. In addition, the engine is also 103mm shorter than the one found in the V85 TT. 

Nevertheless, as a sport-touring machine, the V100 Mandello still sport the classic element of a Moto Guzzi.

The V100 Mandello offers a smooth ride during accelerating and decelerating on par with a bike with a chain drive, thanks to a lower positioning of the drive shaft.

It also features a 17.5L fuel tank and a large saddle comfortable for riders and pillion.

However, to increase comfort, the V100 is equipped with adaptive air deflectors located at the front fairing, which extend to different degrees depending on the riding mode and bike speed.

According to Moto Guzzi, air deflectors can reduce wind disturbance by up to 22%.

On top of the already impressive package, the S-trim gets Öhlins semi-active suspension, traction control, three engine maps, three engine braking, quick-shifter, heated grips, Moto Guzzi multimedia package and a smartphone connector.

 

All-electric and mile-munching new Experia model sees Italian electric bikes brand Energica baiting the sport-tourer crowd.

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Upgraded 2022 Modenas Dominar D400 reportedly set for local introduction middle of this year.

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2022 CFMoto 650MT is now available locally, packs new 5-inch TFT dash, priced from RM31,500.

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  • It’s sport-tourers for Part 2 of the Top Motorcycles for the Touring Season.

  • Sport-tourers are fast bikes that are also practical.

  • The appeal of sport-tourers are practicality, comfort and some good speed.

In Part 1 of Top Motorcycles for the Touring Season, we’ve covered dual-purpose bikes. (Please click here for the article.) If you could recall, dual-purpose bikes are called such since they could be ridden on both the road and off-road.

In Part 2 here, let’s take a look at sport-tourers, motorcycles that combine the speed and handling of sportbikes with the practicality of touring and dual-purpose motorcycles.

LIGHTWEIGHT

There aren’t specific lightweight sport-tourers in the sub-400 to 500cc segment. In this case, we could call any bike a sport-tourer unless they are dual-purpose bikes such as the Kawasaski Versys-X and BMW G 310 GS. Case in point is the Kapcai Touring Malaysia group who equip their Yamaha Y15ZRs with large GIVI top cases and go touring. Another great example is Anita Yusof who toured around the world on a Yamaha FZ150i. Let’s proceed to the middleweight section.

MIDDLEWEIGHT

There are so many bikes that occupy this segment but we’ve picked a few.

DUCATI MULTISTRADA 950

The Multistrada 950 was born from Ducati’s decision to introduce a range of bikes that are more affordable and accessible to a wider range of riders. Consequently, the 950 is bereft of high technologies such as the semi-active suspension and single-sided swingarm of its 1200cc and 1260 brothers. But that only means that the 950 is lighter and a joy to ride without needing to think about setting the electronics.

Engine type Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, 90o V-Twin
Displacement 947 cc
Maximum power 111 bhp (83 kW) @ 9000 RPM
Maximum torque 96 Nm @ 7750 RPM
Seat height 840 mm
Dry Weight 205 kg
Fuel capacity 20 litres
KAWASAKI VERSYS 650

The Versys 650 has gone through many cosmetic changes with each generation, although the engine and hardware stayed the same. The current model’s design follows the distinctive look of all current Kawasaki motorcycles. The 648cc parallel-Twin is torquey and has enough grunt up top for a spirited run. The windscreen and bodywork protect the rider from windblast well enough while the long-travel suspension is comfortable for most applications. Speaking of the suspension, it features a remote preload adjuster and the seat height isn’t too tall for most riders. There are plenty of cargo solutions in the market for this bike.

Engine type Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, parallel-Twin
Displacement 649 cc
Maximum power 68.4 bhp (51 kW) @ 8500 RPM
Maximum torque 64 Nm @ 7000 RPM
Seat height 840 mm
Kerb weight 214 kg
Fuel capacity 21 litres
MV AGUSTA TURISMO VELOCE 800

The Turismo Veloce 800 came about when AMG pumped in some capital into MV Agusta, and signaled a small but significant change of direction in terms of product development and features. Hence, the Turismo Veloce was the first MV Agusta to feature a fully LCD instrument panel which includes all the pertinent data. Scrolling, instead of rummaging, through the menus was also thankfully painless. The suspension was also made suppler and the Lusso model includes large-size panniers. MV Agusta had also managed to get rid of the snatchy throttle. The bike still looks beautiful after a couple of years.

Engine type Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-Triple
Displacement 798 cc
Maximum power 110 bhp (81 kW) @ 10150 RPM
Maximum torque 80 Nm @ 7100 RPM
Seat height 850 mm
Dry weight 191 kg
Fuel capacity 21.5 litres
SUZUKI V-STROM 650 XT

The V-Strom 650’s engine has been in circulation for more than 15 years and it’s more popular than its 1000cc brethren. It’s because the 650 has a smoother and more linear power. Compared to the Kawasaki Versys 650, the V-Strom 650 is larger hence wider and longer seats. The suspension is also rather plush. It goes by carrying out its duties quietly to stage of being blamed as “bland.”

Engine type Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, 90o V-Twin
Displacement 645 cc
Maximum power 66.6 bhp (49 kW) @ 8800 RPM
Maximum torque 60 Nm @ 6400 RPM
Seat height 835 mm
Wet Weight 216 kg
Fuel capacity 20 litres
YAMAHA MT-09 TRACER

The Tracer is the sport-touring version of the MT-09 naked bike, hence it is light, fast and quick on its feet. The bodywork does an adequate job of keeping wind off the rider’s torso, while the large-sized LCD panel is lifted from the Super Tenere. The long-travel suspension is quite soft.

Engine type Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-Triple
Displacement 847 cc
Maximum power 114 bhp (84.6 kW) @ 10000 RPM
Maximum torque 87.5 Nm @ 8500 RPM
Seat height 845 – 860 mm
Wet Weight 207 kg
Fuel capacity 18 litres

HEAVYWEIGHT

We’ve come to the top of the crop. These are the Concordes should we compare them to airliners.

BMW S 1000 XR

With the engine derived from the S 1000 RR superbike, the S 1000 XR is BMW’s weapon to attack the big bore sport-touring segment. It’s got everything here including the ESA semi-active suspension, ride modes, traction control, and panniers. That inline-Four is an ultra-flexible power unit: It’ll pull hard from just below 60 km/h in sixth gear all the way to its top speed without batting an eyelid.

Engine type Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-Four
Displacement 999 cc
Maximum power 165 bhp (121 kW) @ 11000 RPM
Maximum torque 112 Nm @ 9250
Seat height 840 mm
Wet weight 228 kg
Fuel capacity 20 litres
BMW R 1200 RT

For a little bit more character compared to the uber machine S 1000 XR, the R 1200 RT fits the bill nicely. It shares that same wasser-Boxer of the R 1200 GS which means torque everywhere. The RT is also well-appointed in its instrumentation and creature comforts, as well as the suspension which is again similar to GS’s. Those large panniers are… er… large and you could fit almost anything in them.

Engine type Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, Boxer-Twin
Displacement 1170 cc
Maximum power 125 bhp (92 kW) @ 7750 RPM
Maximum torque 125 Nm @ 6500 RPM
Seat height 805 – 825 mm
Wet weight 274 kg
Fuel capacity 25 litres
DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1260

Ducati launched the Multistrada 1260 to compete with the other monsters in the segment. (As if the 1200 wasn’t fast enough.) Well, it wasn’t about speed, said Ducati; they fitted the 1262cc DVT engine from the XDiavel to address the flat spot at 5500 RPM of the 1200 DVT engine. Surely enough, there’s an 18% torque increase at that RPM. The swingarm has also been lengthened by a significant 48mm for more stability when carrying a passenger and cargo. The S model includes a bi-directional quickshifter, Ducati Link App and electronic suspension as well as colour-coded luggage.

Engine type Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, 90o V-Twin
Displacement 1262 cc
Maximum power 156 bhp (116.2 kW) @ 9500 RPM
Maximum torque 129.5 Nm @ 7500 RPM
Seat height 825 – 845 mm
Dry weight 209 kg
Fuel capacity 20 litres
KAWASAKI 1400GTR

The GTR found massive popularity in Malaysia and the world over. It’s fast – having an engine derived from the Ninja ZX-14 has that effect – yet comfortable. The seating position is neutral behind that large nose and tall screen. There is plenty of storage space, too.

Engine type Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-Four
Displacement 1362 cc
Maximum power 153 bhp @ 8800 RPM
Maximum torque 138.3 Nm @ 6200 RPM
Seat height 815 mm
Wet weight 313 kg
Fuel capacity 22 litres
KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT

Dubbed “The Missile” during its launch, this bike is the epitome of leaning towards sport in the sport-touring equation. Its super-powered by the engine of the 1290 Super Duke R, punching out 173 bhp and 144 Nm of torque. But what makes the 1290 Super Duke GT such a great bike is how the bike “assists” you in becoming a better rider through the power mode, traction control and semi-active suspension strategies. But it isn’t all about speed on the GT as it’s equally docile when ridden at sane speeds in urban settings. This is one bike for riders who wish to get there quickly and have more time to enjoy himself.

Engine type Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, 75o V-Twin
Displacement 1301 cc
Maximum power 173 bhp (129 kW) @ 9500 RPM
Maximum torque 144 Nm @ 6750 RPM
Seat height 835 mm
Wet weight 228 kg
Fuel capacity 23 litres

 

  • Helmet HJC RPHA 70 ini merapatkan jurang antara helmet sukan sepenuhnya dan helmet touring.
  • Ianya telah dibina berdasarkan prinsip helmet HJC RPHA 11.
    Ringan, selesa, selamat, pada harga yang hebat.
  • HJC Helmet Malaysia juga telah memperkenalkan beberapa buah model yang lain selain dari model RPHA 70 ini – TEKAN SINI untuk melihatnya.

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  • The HJC RPHA 70 bridges full sport and touring helmets

  • It is built upon the HJC RPHA 11’s principles

  • Lightweight, comfortable, safe, at a great value

  • HJC Helmet Malaysia have also introduced other models besides the RPHA 70 – click here to see more

It’s probably needless to say that motorcycle helmets have come a long, long way to where they are now. But along with that progress, helmets have become sub-divided into many categories for different uses. Gone were the days when a rider could almost wear just one helmet for every application (off-road riding notwithstanding).

Nowadays, you’d have specific helmets for the track, sport-touring, adventure-touring, touring, sport classics, cafe racers, customs, urban riding, and everything else in between.

We’ll pick the first two.

A race helmet should ideally be light, stable at high speeds, and snug-fitting. Comfort is relative, as a race helmet should hold tight to the wearer’s face and head, lest it moves around when blasting down SIC’s back straight at top speeds.

A sport-touring helmet, on the other hand, should provide all-day comfort, good ventilation and also good stability at high speeds. The emphasis for sport-touring helmets is comfort, something which is a compromise in racing helmets.

Courtesy of womenridersnow

Bridging that gap is never easy, as the resulting helmet is more often than not compromised for either spectrum. So how? You need both.

Or do you?

Built on the solid foundations of the HJC RPHA 11 race helmet (see here for more), the HJC RPHA 70 seeks to bridge those two concepts into one complete high performance package.

As with the RPHA 11, the RPHA 70’s shell is made from a what HJC calls their “Premium Integrated Matrix Plus (PIM+)” material, which consists of carbon fibre, Aramid, fiberglass and Kevlar; resulting in a lightweight but strong shell. The EPS has different densities around the helmet.

Traces of the RPHA 11’s design philosophies are evident in the RPHA 70’s tall chinbar, aerodynamic shell design, optically correct 2D faceshield with the centrally-located lock (which it shares with the RPHA 11), and interior paddings, in addition to the cheekpads that are extractable in emergencies.

Sport-touring features include the internal drop-down sunshield and large vents on the chinbar and crown (top of the head). The are deep cutouts for the ears, closed off by padding. Remove those pads and you have yourself built-in velcro pads to attach your Bluetooth speakers (I really welcome this).

The cheekpads are thick and tall. There are eyeglass “pockets” on both sides – spectacles wearers will welcome this. The crown pad is also thick and seems to float a couple of milimetres above the inner EPS lining.

Our first opportunity to sample the RPHA 70 was during the ride to Penang to cover the BMW Motorrad Nightfuel event (click here for our coverage and pictures). We rode a myriad of bikes including three variants of the R nineT, S 1000 R naked sportbike, K 1600 GT tourer, and G 310 R lightweight roadster. That means we rode on more bikes without fairing for wind protection.

The BMW S 1000 R was fast! You’d drone along at 60km/h in sixth gear, hit the throttle and you’re suddenly flying at 180km/h. But there was no wind protection. This was where the RPHA 70 showed its mettle. It stayed stayed stable without wobbling around, nor did it felt like ripping our heads off when we turned to the sides. Besides that, it resisted lifting and diving

Sep was testing the BMW G 310 R all the way into Penang (with top speeds close to 170km/h) and he reported the RPHA 70 being stable, too.

The HJC RPHA 70 is also relatively quiet at high speeds even without earplugs, which meant that I didn’t have to turn up my Bluetooth communicator’s volume to full blast, and it’s definitely a pleasant experience with earplugs in.

The sunshield dropped down and retracted quickly when activated via the switch at the bottom of the left chinbar. As with the main faceshield, the sunshield is optically correct, which means it won’t give you headaches from bad vision. My only gripe with the sunshield is that the bottom edges drop ever so slightly when its up, although Sep didn’t encounter this problem.

Airflow through the Advanced Channelling System (ACS) can be described as good and satisfactory. Air entering through the chin vents is directed upwards to the faceshield. A secondary and smaller chin vent directs airflow straight to wearer’s chin and mouth (the switch is on the inside). With the top central vent open, the wearer could feel a cooling stream of air moving past his crown.

We had encountered some rain on the way into Penang, and we thought we’ve come through the worst.

On that same evening, we rode from our hotel at Gurney Drive to the event ground next to the new Penang Bridge, when we got hit by the heaviest rainstorm we’ve ever encountered. There wasn’t even time to close the vents but thankfully, no water got through and the faceshield remained clear as we’ve installed the anti-fog lens which came in the box.

We’ve since donned the helmet everywhere we went, including riding around the city in all weather conditions and times of the day. As with most fullface helmets, the air inside could get a little stuffy on scorching hot days but all one needs to do is crack open the faceshield a little or, just ride faster.

Back to the subject about track usage: Not only does the HJC RPHA 70 comply to the ECE R22.05 standard, but it is also approved by the FIM. Approval by the FIM means the wearer could use the helmet for FIM-sanctioned racing events. That’s unprecedented, as most if not all, FIM approved race helmets are without built-in sunshades.

So, there you go. A real two-in-one helmet at one great value.

Features:

  • Advanced PIM+ (Premium Integrated Matrix Plus) construction: carbon fiber, Aramid, carbon-glass hybrid fabric for enhanced shock resistance
  • Anti-fog smoke tinted sunshield deploys quickly
  • RapidFire system for quick, tool-less faceshield removal and installation
  • Emergency cheek pads removal
  • Multicool interior with advanced anti-bacteria fabric provides enhanced moisture wicking and quick drying
  • Crown and cheek pads are removable and washable
  • Anti-fog lens prepared shield
  • Includes anti-fog insert lens
  • Glasses-friendly EPS design
  • ECE 22.05 and FIM approved

PICTURE GALLERY

 

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