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Moto Guzzi V85 TT Officially Launched at Intermot

Moto Guzzi has formally launched the V85 TT at Intermot.
The bike uses an all-new 850cc engine.
Moto Guzzi also unveiled the bike in a new colour.

Yes, yes, we’ve seen many pictures of the Moto Guzzi V85 TT adventure bike, but you know what? We love it. Moto Guzzi has finally and officially unveiled it at the Intermot show after many months of “leaked” photos and patent filings.

Moto Guzzi Unveils V85 TT Official Pictures

Moto Guzzi has also added a new colour to the model during the launch, together with aluminium side and top cases.

Apart from that the exciting news is the engine. The transversely-mounted 850cc 90^o V-Twin may seem like the one powering the V9 line-up, but it is actually all-new. It features a lighter crankshaft, bigger fuel intakes, bigger valves and pistons with shorter skirts. The changes bring power output to 80 bhp compared to the V9’s 55 bhp.

News is the new serves as a platform for future Moto Guzzi models.

The engine is mounted in the steel tube trellis frame as a stressed member for “exceptional stiffness” (according to Moto Guzzi).

The rear suspension is mounted asymmetrically since the swingarm/driveshaft housing is also asymmetrical on the right side of the bike, which makes it easier to reach the fully-adjustable shock’s settings. The front suspension consists of fully adjustable upside-down forks. There should be plenty of suspension travel, judging from the photos – good for some off-road trail riding.

Moto Guzzi says that the V85 TT is as much function as there is much form. The design harks back to the heady days of the Paris-Dakar Rally in the 80’s when large capacity bikes ruled the dunes of north Africa. The manufacturer also claims that the bike is instilled with lightness, agility and true off-road capabilities.

We do hope to see it on our shores soon. The Moto Guzzi V85 TT should be able to ride the adventure-touring wave if it proves to be any good.

2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Unveiled at Intermot

The 2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has been introduced at Intermot.
It features a host of updates to renew it from the 2016 model.
The front has also been redesigned and there is now a TFT screen.

KTM has also unveiled a couple of new bikes at the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany. New for 2019 are the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT and 1290 Super Duke R.

First introduced in 2016 before the advent of the 1290 Super Adventure S and R, the previous GT was “old tech.” Indeed, the 2016 model didn’t have a TFT screen and the LC8 engine was based on the older 1290 Super Duke R, although it did have excellent WP Semi-Active electronic suspension.

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/2019-ktm-1290-super-duke-gt-spied/

So it’s no surprise that the 2019 1290 Super Duke GT receives many updates.

The 1301cc 75^o V-Twin engine has been revised to produce 175 bhp by using new resonator chambers, titanium inlet valves and engine mapping. There is now Track riding mode in addition to Tour, Sport and Rain.

The traction control system is now lean angle sensitive, while the quickshifter has been upgraded to Quickshifter+.

The WP Semi-Active suspension is retained and still allows the rider to select from Comfort, Street and Sport, besides picking the preload for single rider, single rider with luggage, rider and passenger, rider and passenger with luggage.

There is now a 6.5” TFT screen which displays all the needed data. It is also possible to operate it with just one hand.

The biggest cosmetic update is to the front of the bike, with the signature split LED headlamp and taller windscreen.

The smartphone connectivity feature KTM My Ride is still offered as an option.

2019 Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle, Cafe Racer & Desert Sled launched at INTERMOT

The 2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon is now complete with the launch of the updated Full Throttle, Cafe Racer, and Desert Sled series.
Officially introduced at INTERMOT 2018, all three bikes were inspired by different areas of riding from track racing to off-road riding.
The 2019 Ducati Scrambler range comes with new features such as an updated IMU unit and Cornering ABS as standard.

It comes to as no surprise as Ducati launched the rest of its 2019 Ducati Scrambler range earlier today at INTERMOT 2018 in the form of the 2019 Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle, Cafe Racer and Desert Sled. With the recent introduction of the base 2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon which we tested just a couple of weeks back in Tuscany, Italy, the rest of the range promises to cater to all sorts of riders. (more…)

2019 Triumph Street Twin Launched at Intermot

The 2019 Triumph Street Twin sees the bike upgraded to higher specs.
There is now more power, better handling and new equipment.
Details and new finishing will make the new bike look even classier.

Triumph has launched the updated 2019 Street Twin at the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany.

The present Street Twin is already a fun motorcycle to ride and it’s certainly one of this writer’s favourite motorcycles. Its appeal being its simplicity hence ease of operations and accessibility to a wide range of riders. There isn’t any complaint from riders per se, but one can always do with more power.

ENGINE

The 2019 Triumph Street Twin’s 900cc, parallel-Twin has been massaged to produce 18% more power, raising it to 64 bhp, more specifically.
Maximum torque remains at a punchy 80 Nm.
Maximum revs have accordingly been raised by 500 RPM to 7500 RPM for more flexibility between maximum torque and maximum horsepower.

IT means that you’ll find the bike charging forward anytime you open the throttle without needing to downshift much.
The cam cover is magnesium, while the clutch and its cover have been shaved to er… shave weight.
Apart from these, the crankshaft, dead shafts and balancer shafts have also been lightened.

The clutch has been replaced with a torque assist type to lighten lever effort (it should also soften the engine’s back torque).
One the electronics front, traction control and ABS are standard equipment.

DETAILS/FINISHING

The 2019 version may look outwardly unchanged but look closer and you will find a host of new details.

Braking is now handled by a new Brembo 4-piston caliper for more stopping power.
The forks have cartridge inserts for better handling and feedback.

The cast-aluminium wheels are also new.
A new seat with new material and thicker padding for more comfort.

Classy finishing is abound as seen on the single large speedo, brushed aluminium headlight brackets, paintjob and overall detailing on the engine and other parts.

INSPIRATION KITS

Triumph also launched two “inspiration kits” along with the 2019 Street Twin.

The first, called Urban Ride strips down the standard bike and equips it with a brown seat, black sump guard, fender removal kit, black filler cap and intake covers, waxed cotton pannier and LED signal lamps.

The second kit, called Café Custom, turns the bike into a café racer with Vance & Hines pipes, Fox shocks, rear fender removal kit, black engine covers and LED signal lamps.

2019 Suzuki Katana Unveiled at Intermot

Suzuki has finally unveiled the 2019 Suzuki Katana at the Intermot show.
The new bike blends classic elements of the original with fresh ideas.
The engine is based on the GSX-S1000F and produces 147bhp.

We don’t know about you guys and gals, but we were getting a little exasperated after being teased on and on the new 2019 Suzuki Katana.

We found ourselves yelling, “Oh c’mon! Show us the bike already!” at the screen everytime a new teaser video came on and ending with the Intermot message. We could hardly wait.

Well, the Intermot show now on and Suzuki has made good on their promises to unveil the bike.

The new bike certainly blends some of the most iconic aspects of the Katana with a fresh outlook. For example, the fuel tank’s lines blend in with the seat’s, as well as the knee cutout panels below the tank, the cut beneath the tank, the slope angle and colour of the mini windshield, two-toned seat, the silver paint emblazoned with bold red “SUZUKI” lettering and of course, the Katana logo.

On the mechanical side, the engine is based on the GSX-S1000F naked sportbike’s. That engine itself, on the other hand, was based on the 2005 GSX-R1000. Why choose an engine derived from “older” specs? Because the 2005 engine was long-stroked and had lots more low-down and midrange grunt.

Still, the new Katana’s 999cc inline-Four engine produces 147bhp.

As for electronics, it shares the same suite with the GSX-S1000F’s, meaning it has ride-by-wire throttle, power modes, 3-level traction control, ABS, slipper clutch and so forth.

The lighting system has gone all modern, too, utilizing LEDs all around. The instrument cluster has been taken over by a large single TFT LCD screen.

Now for some reality check. Will Suzuki Assemblers Malaysia bring the Katana to our shores? And how much will it cost? Let’s hope they do!

Millennium Welt Opens New BMW Motorrad Dealership in Kuantan

Millennium Welt now has a BMW Motorrad showroom in Kuantan as well.
It is an addition to their existing BMW auto showroom.
The new facility is set to serve BMW customers in the East Coast Region.

BMW Motorrad Malaysia and Millennium Welt opened doors to a new BMW Motorrad showroom at its existing showroom facility in Kuantan to serve premium motorcycle customers and enthusiasts in the East Coast Region of Peninsular Malaysia.

The launch was held on 2^nd October 2018.

Millennium Welt was appointed by BMW Group Malaysia as its newest representative for the BMW Motorrad brand in Kuantan and the East Coast Region of Peninsular Malaysia, in July this year.

Mr. Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “The East Coast region presents great growth potential for the BMW Motorrad brand and Millennium Welt is a key partner in the Group’s effort to stengthen its position in the region. With over 800 units of motorcycles already delivered year-to-date, an increase of over 24% compared to the same period last year, we are on track to achieve better performance by the end of the year.”

(L-R) Yuen Woon Choon, Owen Riley, and Bryan Wong, Managing Director of Millennium Welt

Last year’s global deliveries across the BMW motorcycle range increased by 13.2%, with a total of 164,153 units delivered worldwide. The growth was reflected in Malaysia, with 1,052 motorcycles delivered, charting a 5% increase in sales performance compared to the previous year.

On the unique appeal of BMW Motorrad to riders in the region, Mr. Owen Riley, Head of BMW Motorrad Malaysia, said, “The East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia offers some of the best terrains and great windy roads that are perfect for motorcycle riding. With a BMW Motorrad motorcycle, it’s never just about getting from one point to another, it’s about Making Life A Ride, seeking that thrill that comes from that unique journey charted by you – and you only.”

Mr. Bryan Wong, Managing Director of Millennium Welt Group of Companies said, “With the opening of the new BMW Motorrad showroom, we are committed to improving our delivery of the premium BMW experience to motorcycle enthusiasts in the region. Since our appointment as the brand’s representative in July, we have had the privilege of witnessing and supporting many customers Make Life A Ride, through not only their passion for riding but also their zest for life, which only motivate us to continue serving our customers better.”

In addition to BMW motorcycles, Millennium Welt Kuantan offers a range of products and services including BMW models and MINI Service. The dealership operates from a 28,000 sq ft showroom facility, capable of displaying up to eight BMW Motorrad motorcycles and five BMW vehicles.

Please visit BMW Motorrad Malaysia and Millennium Welt’s Facebook pages for more information.

The showroom is located at 32, Jalan Teluk Sisek, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang.