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2024 marks a significant milestone for sportbikes as it commemorates 40 years since Suzuki introduced the revolutionary GSX-R template that still serves as the foundation for modern sportbike design.

  •  New patent application from Suzuki suggests that changes are on the horizon for the GSX-R1000, focusing on enhancing its aerodynamics.
  • The current GSX-R1000, largely unchanged since its introduction as an all-new model in 2017, is due for an update.

This revamp aims not only to improve its competitiveness in the showroom but also to meet the latest Euro 5 emissions limits, which caused the model to be withdrawn from the European market at the end of last year due to noncompliance.

Suzuki’s recent patent application reveals the company’s continued commitment to technological advancement for its superbike lineup, despite a waning interest in racing. The patent showcases an innovative fairing concept, promising to enhance cooling efficiency and minimize drag. Although the application lacks detailed bike renderings, the engine and frame shapes align with those of the GSX-R1000.

The proposed improvement focuses on optimizing airflow into the radiator, located just behind the front wheel. By refining the passage between the upper side of the front fender and the lower surface of the nose fairing, Suzuki aims to eliminate the common issue faced by conventional faired bikes. These motorcycles typically feature a void beneath the nose, necessitated by the fork’s movement. Unfortunately, this void allows some airflow that should be directed to the radiator to instead be drawn through the gap.

While the GSX-R1000 impressed upon its launch in 2017, it now lags behind its main competitors, particularly in terms of aerodynamics. Many of its rivals have adopted MotoGP-inspired winglets, for instance.

Additionally, the current engine configuration fails to comply with Euro 5 standards, adding further impetus for an update. In 2019, Suzuki submitted patent applications for an upgraded computer-controlled variable valve timing system, intended to replace the purely mechanical, centrifugal VVT present in the current model. Such an enhancement would undoubtedly aid in achieving emissions certification.

Yamaha is set to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its iconic sports bike, the Yamaha R1, with a special event at Mugello.

  • The Yamaha Racing Experience, taking place on 21-22 July, will pay tribute to the R1’s rich legacy.
  • Mugello Circuit in Italy, renowned for hosting the MotoGP Italian Grand Prix, will serve as the backdrop for this momentous occasion.

Yamaha has enjoyed significant success at Mugello in the past, with riders like Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, and Fabio Quartararo achieving triumphs on Yamaha bikes.

The circuit also holds sentimental value for Niccolo Canepa, who often participates in Mugello track days to prepare for his Endurance World Championship races.

Paolo Pavesio, Marketing and Motorsport Director of Yamaha Motor Europe, expressed pride in honoring the R1’s 25th anniversary. He described the R1 as a game-changer that has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance and innovation, incorporating cutting-edge technology and MotoGP-derived advancements.

Notably, the R1 pioneered the use of a vertically-stacked gearbox in production motorcycles, leading to improved engine design and enhanced performance.

In subsequent years, Yamaha further differentiated the R1 by introducing a cross-plane crankshaft, contributing to its distinct sound and engineering excellence. The 2015 model update embraced the aesthetic cues of the Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bike, coinciding with Jorge Lorenzo’s championship-winning season. The R1M variant also brought MotoGP-inspired electronics to track enthusiasts.

While the R1 has not undergone significant updates in recent years, motorcycle enthusiasts eagerly await news of its next evolution. The

Toni Elias, the renowned MotoGP race winner and Moto2 champion, has announced his retirement from two-wheel racing. The decision comes after securing a respectable fifth-place finish in the Road America Superbike race on June 4, 2023.

Elias, known for his impressive record of 17 grand prix victories across multiple classes, including 125cc, 250cc, Moto2, and Racing, is particularly remembered for his remarkable triumph over Valentino Rossi in the 2006 Estoril race.

This win marked Elias’ first premier-class rostrum and stood as the last MotoGP victory by a satellite rider until Jack Miller’s triumph in 2016.

After struggling to secure further wins in the 800cc MotoGP class, Elias transitioned to the newly formed Moto2 category in 2010 and clinched the championship title in its inaugural season with Gresini. Despite returning to MotoGP with LCR Honda, Elias failed to make a significant impact and spent the next few seasons accepting temporary MotoGP rides between his Moto2 commitments.

However, Elias experienced a remarkable resurgence when he moved to the United States in 2016. He made a victorious debut in MotoAmerica and went on to claim the championship title in the following season.

Elias continued to compete in MotoAmerica, finishing as the championship runner-up in 2018 and 2019 while riding for Suzuki. His final full campaign took place in 2020, followed by sporadic appearances in races before signing with Team Hammer/Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki for the 2023 season.

After securing a fifth-place finish in the recent race, Elias emotionally announced his retirement on live television, referring to it as his “last dance.” He expressed his gratitude to Chris Ulrich, John Ulrich, Team Hammer, and all those who had supported him throughout his career. Elias acknowledged that his return to racing did not meet his expectations but expressed his appreciation for the enjoyable moments in his final race.

With his retirement, Elias leaves behind an illustrious career that saw him compete at the highest level of motorcycle racing and make a lasting impact on the sport. Fans and fellow riders alike will undoubtedly remember his fierce battles on the track and his significant contributions to the MotoGP and Moto2 championships.

CFMoto merupakan antara jenama motosikal dari China yang cukup serius dalam membangunkan jentera berkualiti dan berprestasi tinggi. 

Kerjasama dengan KTM termasuk di Kejuaraan Dunia Moto3 menjadi bukti komitmen yang ditonjolkan CFMoto dalam mengukuhkan jenama itu di pentas antarabangsa. 

Menariknya, beberapa model yang diperkenalkan antaranya 250SR, 700CL-X, 650MT, 800MT dan terbaru 450SR bingkas mencuri tumpuan di pasaran global.

Bagaimanapun, terdapat perkembangan menarik yang timbul mengenai CFMoto apabila jenama itu dilaporkan bakal memperkenalkan jentera ‘superbike’ dengan enjin 1000cc tidak lama lagi.

Perkara itu disahkan menerusi paten enjin yang telah difailkan pada Jun tahun lalu dan hanya baru-baru ini akses kepada maklumat tersebut dibuka kepada orang ramai. 

Paten tersebut mendedahkan  jentera ‘superbike’ itu akan bernadikan enjin 4-silinder dengan konfigurasi V4.  Lebih menarik, dokumen terbabit menyebut enjin V4 itu akan menawarkan 204hp. 

Ada yang mendakwa enjin tersebut dibangunkan daripada jentera prototaip KTM RC16 di MotoGP. Bagaimanapun, penilaian kami selepas melihat paten tersebut, ternyata platform itu langsung tidak menyerupai enjin yang dihasilkan KTM sebelum ini. Malah, paten tersebut difailkan di bawah nama CFMoto semata-mata bukan nama rasmi hasil kerjasama dua belah pihak.

Oleh itu, kami dijangkakan enjin 1000cc dengan konfigurasi V4 ini adalah hasil kerja tangan CFMoto sendiri tanpa sebarang bantuan luar.

Buat masa ini kami difahamkan, enijn V4 itu akan diguna pakai pada dua jenis model, sportbike dan naked. 

Difahamkan, model naked itu juga akan membuat penampilan sulung sekurang-kurangnya lewat tahun ini namun, belum ada sebarang perkembangan mengenai model ‘sportbike’ tersebut. 

Apa yang pasti, kemunculan jentera ‘full-fairing’ dengan enjin 1000cc V4 dari CFMoto itu akan berlaku tidak lama lagi sekaligus memberi saingan kepada jenama motosikal Jepun dan Eropah. 

*QJMotor SRK 1000 RR

Selain CFMoto, satu lagi pengeluar motosikal dari China, QJMotor sedang membangunkan jentera sportbike 1000cc hasil kerjasama dengan MV Agusta. Mengguna pakai enjin dan chasis daripada MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR, model itu juga dijangka akan dilancarkan sebagai model 2024.

The day that we thought could never happen has arrived as Suzuki has officially announced the discontinuation of the iconic GSX-R1000 superbike in Japan and Europe. 

  • Suzuki to stop producing and selling the GSX-R1000. 
  • Strict emission standards in Japan halted the development of the GSX-R1000. 

2021 Suzuki GSX-R1000R

The announcement came at the back of Alex Rins’ heartfelt win at the 2022 MotoGP season-finale in Valencia. 

The end of the GSX-R1000 is as expected, considering the Hamamatsu factory decided to pull the plug from its racing initiatives, including MotoGP and EWC, to pursue other non-performance-oriented objectives.

Despite the sad news, the GSX-R1000 will continue to be on sale in very few markets, including in North America and the Philippines. However, we expect a similar decision to take place in both regions soon.

As previously reported, the most significant factor in play for the GSX-R1000 discontinuation is Japan’s strict emission standard. 

That said, perhaps Suzuki didn’t see it fit to update the GSX-R1000 despite the firm already updating the Katana, Hayabusa, GSX-S1000, GSX-S1000GT and the V-Strom 1050. 

Nonetheless, a Japanese publication, Young-Machine, suggest that this might not be the end of the iconic superbike as a report back in August claimed that the Japanese marque is already working on a new high-performance engine for the next-gen GSX-R1000. 

However, before we wait for that to happen, the GSX-R1000 will be laid to rest for now. 

MV Agusta CEO confirms that a new F4 superbike is in the works, and it will be an ‘ultra-premium’ halo model.

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New BMW M1000RR 50 Years M special celebrates half a century of perhaps the fastest and most powerful letter ever in the motoring world.

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Lightly refreshed 2022 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory is now available in Malaysia from RM169,900, packs 217HP, GP-style aero and increased torque.

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Viral dashcam footage shows two bikers crashing into each other after a failed lane-filtering attempt, and one of them blames the car driver. Who’s really at fault?

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MV Agusta F4 LH44 limited edition special (44 units only) inspired by Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton enters RM Sotheby’s auction with no reserve!

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Ducati Motor Holding celebrates yet another good year after closing off 2019 with a total of 53,183 bikes delivered to customers around the globe (which is a slight increase of 179 units from 2018) but what’s even more impressive is that 8,304 units of those sold are from the Ducati Panigale range, making it the world’s best-selling superbike! (more…)

  • The 2018 BMW S 1000 RR is considered the pinnacle of superbikes born and bred by BMW Motorrad.

  • The latest evolution has gained many awards including wins at the Isle of Man TT.

  • With 199hp and BMW’s latest electronics package, any superbike enthusiast will fall head over heels for this German masterpiece.

Let’s get one thing straight. People buy, own, adore superbikes for their super sexy looks, balls-off-the-wall performance, and the crowds they gather every time they’re parked in a public area or blasting down the front straight in Sepang. There are many to choose from in the Malaysian market today and the one that remains to be one of the most popular has to be the BMW S 1000 RR. (more…)

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