Motorcycle news, Motorcycle reviews from Malaysia, Asia and the world

KTM 990 RC R Incoming!

Ever wondered why KTM has not produced another fully-faired road-going sportbike since the RC8 ended production post 2010? It was because the CEO of KTM thought that sportbikes are getting too fast and they wanted to be responsible for rider safety. Yet, they produced the absolutely mad Super Duke supernaked. Well, nevermind that because here comes the KTM 990 RC R sportbike for the streets!

That is the great news because the RC 8C was a limited run unit for the track only, to the consternation of many KTM fans. On the other hand, the KTM 990 RC R sportbike is fully confirmed by KTM themselves, with Riaan Neveling, Head of KTM Global Marketing issuing a statement:

“The KTM 990 RC R is a groundbreaking innovation for those who live for the thrill of cornering. It’s for those who lean close to the road, almost brushing their knees, and then push the limits, dragging elbow to the tarmac on the racetrack. This bike offers power and prestige without the exorbitant price tag. At last, we can unveil our KTM 990 RC R and introduce a truly exceptional motorcycle to dealerships in early 2025, fulfilling the anticipation of countless riders and race enthusiasts. Our DUKE Range and other Street products have garnered a loyal following for their distinct character; we believe the KTM 990 RC R will quickly attain cult status because it excels at the two things it was designed for so remarkably well.”

Although the prototype (and rider) here wears a dazzle camouflage, the bike’s shape is strikingly similar to the KTM RC16 MotoGP race bike, and that of the RC 8 R’s, too. Hence a fuel tank designed to provide great support while cornering. Peeking through the fairing is part of the steel trellis frame, mated to a curved swingarm.

While there is not much technical details, it is not a full monty sportbike as the numbers suggest. “990” should mean the new bike shares the same engine as the KTM 990 Duke R. What that means is 126 hp and 103 Nm of torque.

Still, the bike looks lithe and we hope for a favourable power-to-weight ratio, although do not hope to chase down 200hp, 1000cc superbikes.

The KTM 990 RC R will be revealed in 2025 so cross your fingers and start saving now.

US Seeks to Ban DJI Drones

First Huawei, then ZTE, followed by TikTok, and now the US seeks to ban DJI drones.

According to the New York Times, DJI is already on the US Department of Defence’s watchlist, “DJI is on a Defense Department list of Chinese military companies whose products the U.S. armed forces will be prohibited from purchasing in the future.”

The saga goes back as early as 2021, when the U.S. Treasury Department put DJI on a list of companies suspected of having ties to the Chinese military. DJI was also allegedly complicit in the surveillance of a minority group.

Back to 2024, Congress is now aiming to put DJI on the Federal Communications Commission Covered List. Companies on this “blacklist” cannot operate on the country’s communication infrastructure. Huawei and ZTE are among those listed.

The bill called Countering CCP Drones Act has already received bipartisan support in Congress, citing national security risks. The bill was introduced by Congressperson Elise Stefanik (Republican – New York), which pointed out security vulnerabilities uncovered by researchers.

On the other hand, DJI continues to deny the allegations, saying “The lawmakers driving this legislation continue to reference inaccurate and unsubstantiated allegations regarding DJI’s operations.” They have also refuted claims that DJI is a Chinese military company.

The bill has experts and enthusiasts up in arms as it would cause DJI drones to be useless in the US. The major contention among them is that no other company makes drones of the same quality and with the same features.

We have to add that the US Government is also looking in steps to curtail the import of Chinese-made cars, specifically EVs.

Kazakhstan MotoGP Postponed due to Heavy Flooding

The Kazakhstan MotoGP has been postponed due to heavy flooding in the country.

A freak weather system had caused unprecedented flooding across Central Asia, while Kazakhstan was particularly heavily affected by flash flood in many parts of the country. Reports state that some 119,000 people were evacuated from the affected areas. Seven souls were lost due to the disaster.

As such, the FIM, IRTA, and Dorna Sports felt that it would be irresponsible and insensitive to carry on with the MotoGP round slated for 16 June 2024. “As our utmost priority, MotoGP sends our condolences and support to the people of Kazakhstan and all those affected by the flooding in Central Asia. We hope the nation, region and communities affected can recover as soon as possible.”

The organisations have not revealed the substitute track, nor when they will return to the Kazakhstan MotoGP.

It was due to be the Sokol International Racetrack’s debut in the world of MotoGP. The 4.495km circuit was designed by the same engineer and circuit designer, Hermann Tilke, who had also designed many new circuits globally, including the Sepang International Circuit. Sokol had hosted many international racing events and has many events for this year.

2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Arrives in Malaysia

We have saved the best for last, and it is the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R which was also launched in Malaysia.

One can only use superlatives to describe the bike, being the most bonkers among the Orange Team. It still deserves “The Beast” moniker despite not holding the title of the most powerful supernaked. This is one serious motorcycle that will leave your brain struggling to catch up after you have whacked the throttle fully open.

In any sense, the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R represents the apex of 30 years of the Duke, hence getting a total revamp.

Highlights of the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R

The LC8 V-Twin engine’s capacity gets bumped up from 1301cc to 1350cc.
New camshafts, along with 4mm bigger throttle bodies kick maximum power to 190 hp at 10,000 RPM and 145 Nm of torque, from 177 hp and 140 Nm.
The frame was tweaked for better stiffness and flex characteristics by using thicker diameter tubes but with a thinner wall.

Up front are 48mm WP APEX Open Cartridge forks with full adjustability.
At the back is a WP APEX monoshock with separate oil and gas reservoirs, and also fully adjustable.
Front brakes consists of Brembo MCS master cylinder, with twin 320mm floating discs, and twin Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers.

New, 5-inch bonded glass TFT screen, which provides access to ride modes and the connectivity suite.
There are 3 standard ride modes, namely SPORT, STREET, and RAIN.
There are 2 optional ride modes: TRACK and PERFORMANCE.

The most apparent update is the bike’s styling, which the 990 Duke also shares.
Centred around a new headlamp cluster, the bike is made to look even more masculine, even beastlier than before.
The DRL and headlamp’s intensity varies automatically according to ambient light.

The new bodywork also allowed a 1.5-litre increase in fuel capacity, now totalling 17.5 litres.
KTM quoted the bike’s dry weight at 200.5 kg
The recommended selling price for the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R is from RM 151,300 (not on the road).

2024 Yamaha MT-15 Offered in Two New Colours

The 2024 Yamaha MT-15 is offered in two new colours.

Just like its bigger 2024 Yamaha MT-25 brethren, the two new colours are called Midnight Black, and Midnight Cyan. It goes to show how production is streamlined by sharing the same colours for two models.

The Yamaha MT-15 is another of Yamaha’s popular motorcycles hence its ubiquity on Malaysian roads. It serves as the replacement for the FZ150, by going one up in the performance and styling aspects.

Speaking of performance, the MT-15 is powered by the 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-valve engine shared with the NVX scooter and Y16ZR. Its main feature is the variable valve actuation (VVA) which ensures good low-end and midrange torque with high maximum horsepower.

Other aspects of the 2024 Yamaha MT-15 remains the same such as the 10-litre fuel tank, and 133kg weight.

The recommended retail price is RM 12,498, excluding registration fees and insurance. As usual, buyers will receive an exclusive Yamaha disc lock worth RM 100.

2024 Yamaha MT-25 Arrives with New Colours

Another Yamaha motorcycle to receive a cosmetic makeover is the 2024 Yamaha MT-25, now with two new colours.

The MT-25 is another popular Yamaha model in Malaysia and can be seen almost everywhere. Along with the Y15ZR, one MT-25 will flash by every few minutes or so. So much so that it almost seems as if the MT-25 is the sole 250cc naked motorcycle on our roads!

Owners cite the bike’s futuristic design, which draws inspiration from its bigger MT-09 cousin, such as the multi-faceted headlamp unit that looks not unlike a Transformer’s face. Besides that is the midrange-heavy engine for easy riding and brisk roll-on acceleration.

Apart from the new colourways, all other aspects of the 2024 Yamaha MT-25 remains completely unchanged. The engine, frame, rear bodywork, right down to the wheels and tyres are shared with the fully-faired YZF-R5. As such, the now-familiar 249cc, parallel-twin, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine still produces 35.4 hp (26 kW) at 12,000 RPM and 22.6 Nm at 10,000 RPM. As we mentioned earlier, this engine has never been about peak power, but emphasises tractability and smooth throttle response.

The two new colours are Midnight Black, in addition to Midnight Cyan. The recommended selling price is RM 23,998, without registration fees and insurance.

As usual, buyers will receive an exclusive Yamaha disc lock worth RM 100.