Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Danilo Petrucci’s 2022 Dakar Plans In Jeopardy After Positive Covid-19 Test

Things are not going so well for ex-MotoGP rider, Danilo Petrucci at the moment.

The former Ducati and KTM MotoGP racer suffered a bone rupture during his Rally Dakar training in mid-December 2021 which stop him from doing any heavy training.

Nevertheless, the Italian rider carries on with other forms of fitness training at home.

While Petrucci remains hopeful to heal in time, the 31-year-old Italian is hit with another drawback. This time, his PCR test result came back as positive on December 30, 2021.

The test is part of 2022 Dakar strict Covid-19 protocols within the nation of Saudi Arabia.

The Italian is currently in isolation but will undergo another PCR test later to check whether the first result was a false positive.

However, if the second PCR test result remains unchanged, Petrucci will be unable to take part in the 2022 Dakar Rally.

According to the 2022 Dakar Covid-19 protocols, every participant must test negative before boarding planes to Saudi Arabia and then test negative again before they are allowed to join the event bubble.

Piaggio And Zongshen Working On A New 150cc Scooter Engine

The collaboration between Piaggio and Zongshen has proven fruitful in China.

Zongshen is currently Piaggio biggest motorcycle partner in China and has since helped the Italian brand expansion in Asia by assembling the company motorcycle range including Aprilia.

In the latest report by Chinese publication Mega China Motor, Piaggio and Zongshen have worked together in developing a new 150cc scooter engine that could soon make its way to Asia and Europe.

The new powerplant is designated the G150S and makes 15hp and 14.9Nm.

Interestingly, the G150S is compatible with a host of modern features including keyless starts, silent start and idling stop, similar to the one available on the Yamaha NMax and Honda Vario.

The new motor is likely to be introduced in upcoming scooters scheduled for launch in 2022.

(Source: chinamotorworld)

400cc Inline-Four Engine Is Currently Under Development In China

Chinese OEM manufacturer, Colove, is currently working on a 400cc inline-four engine.

The new powerplant potentially could trigger a rise of small-displacement supersport in China.

Interestingly, while the golden era of Japan’s four-inline makes around 60hp (Honda CBR400RR, Kawasaki ZXR400 & Yamaha FZR400), the powerplant built by Colove makes 74hp @ 13,500rpm and 44Nm @ 12,000rpm making it the most powerful 400cc ever built.

According to reports, its larger bore and shorter stroke (59mm X 36.5mm) allows the engine to rev higher than its 400cc ancestors.

Apart from the impressive figures, the new engine is tangible evidence that the Chinese motorcycle industry is evolving at a rapid pace.

The latest reports also suggest that the new engine could make its debut as early as 2022.

Nevertheless, the Chinese motorcycle market already has a long list of bikes ready to make its way to Europe and Asia with the likes of CFMoto, QJMoto, Benda and Zontes.

(Source: Bennetts)

Yamaha Bids Farewell To The FJR1300 With A Special 20th Anniversary Edition

The Yamaha FJR1300 is set to make its final appearance in Japan with a special 20th Anniversary Edition.

According to the Japanese publication Young Machine, the special edition FJR1300 is scheduled to arrive at the dealership in Japan on February 10, 2022.

The European market already bid farewell to the iconic sports-tourer in 2019 with a special Ultimate Edition.

The special edition FJR1300 features black with gold accents, including a special gold FJR 20th Anniversary Edition emblem on top of the fuel tank as well as a gold FJR log painted on the bodywork next to the saddle.

Like the 2019 Ultimate Edition, the anniversary special only features cosmetic changes while the mechanical aspects remained unchanged.

As usual, the FJR1300 comes in two variants, A and AS with the latter is fitted with electronic suspension.

The 20th Anniversary FJR1300 continue to make 144hp @ 8,000rpm and 134.4Nm @ 7,000rpm from its 1,298cc transverse inline-four engine.

The 20th Anniversary Edition FJR1300 AS is priced at JPY1.98 million (RM72k) while the A will cost around JPY1.65 million (RM60k).

WorldSBK: BMW Rectify M 1000 RR Mid To Top-End Power Issue

BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team is putting a high expectation to challenge for race wins during the opening round of the 2022 WorldSBK Championship.

BMW suffered a lacklustre campaign in the 2021 season despite stepping up the game with an all-new BMW M 1000 RR replacing the S 1000 RR.

The M 1000 RR is a limited-edition homologation special developed specifically to achieve success on the track but it wasn’t a big step forward as hoped in 2021.

Team riders, Tom Sykes and Michael van der Mark struggled to bridge the gap with the Yamaha R1M, Kawasaki ZX-10RR and the Ducati V4 R.

Despite the shortcomings, BMW Motorrad says it has identified the major issue which is the mid to top-end power.

Furthermore, the addition of 13-time race winner, Scott Redding will boost the team chances of making a huge impact in the opening rounds.

“We’ve got two or three areas where we’ll focus on really hard over winter.

“The development guys are working on that already and we know that first test we’ll do, we’ll show those steps and those gains will have been made.

“We can really say that we’re going to give both riders a bike that can win races from round one,” said team principal, Shaun Muir.

Upcoming Royal Enfield Scram 411 Caught Testing In Production Form

Royal Enfield is edging closer to launching the all-new Scram 411, as the model was caught testing in production form in India.

Essentially a road-biased version of the current Himalayan, the Scram 411 holds a huge significance.

Despite carrying most of the same underpinnings from the Himalayan, the Scram 411 is built for riders who prefer riding on the tarmac.

The Scram 411 misses out on a tall windscreen and the signature Himalayan front that depicts an adventure motorcycle.

It also features a new handlebar, redesigned tail to accommodate a different taillamp and rear indicators.

Other changes include revised front and rear mudguards, a single-piece saddle and a new circular headlamp.

Nevertheless, the Scram 411 will retain the same 411cc single-cylinder air-cooled SOHC engine that makes 24.3hp @ 6,500rpm and 32Nm between 4,000-4,500rpm. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a 5-speed transmission.

Royal Enfield is expected to announce the official launch date soon.

Yamaha E01 And E02 Enters Production, Slated For 2022 Launch

Yamaha has confirmed that the E01 and E02 electric scooter concept revealed two years ago in Tokyo will be headed for production.

Yamaha first unveiled the E01 and E02 at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show as a concept model.

Two years went by without any news, which triggered many to question Yamaha’s commitment towards electrifying its motorcycle range.

However, back in May this year, patent images have revealed a production-ready version of the E01 electric scooter followed by the E02.

In the latest development, Yamaha has announced its 2022 production plans for the European and Asian markets which will include the E01 and E02.

The E01 is an electric scooter equivalent to a 125cc motorcycle while the E02 is similar to a 50cc scooter.

Further details remained unknown at this point in time but E01 and E02 are likely to have a power output of 11kW (15hp) and 4kW (5.3hp) respectively.

One Moto Electa Electric Scooter Launched In India – 150km Battery Range

Imagine an all-electric Vespa, which is the easiest summary of the latest product by British brand, One Moto.

While the majority of electric scooters and motorcycles tend to feature modern design, the Electa on the other hand took a different approach.

Its round headlamp, curved footboard, and classic-looking body panels resemble the Vespa range to some extent.

It also features a circular instrument cluster that can be connected to the smartphone via an app that allows owners to access geo-fencing and maintenance alerts.

However, the most impressive feature of the Electa is its battery range of 150km contributed by a 72V45Ah removable lithium-ion unit.

Despite the classic look, the Electa can reach a respectable max speed of around 100km/h.

The company also claimed that the Electa is capable of carrying a capacity of 150kg.

FortNine Just Reminded Us How Awesome The 1990 Honda CBR250RR Was

If you tend to go on YouTube to check out our reviews (hopefully) on the latest motorcycle in Malaysia, a certain channel called FortNine might have popped up your recommended watchlist from time to time.

Here’s a secret, we are also a fan of the Canadian-based YouTube channel too!

Anyway, recently FortNine via its host, Ryan F9 talks about the legendary 1990 Honda CBR250RR and its glorious 16-valve, inline four-cylinder engine. Which you can check out below:

Codenamed the MC22, the quarter-litre motorcycle was sold between 1992 and 1996 in the Japanese market and makes 45hp @ 14,500rpm and 23.5Nm @ 11,500rpm.

However, the most impressive feature of the CBR250RR is it 19,000rpm redline, with a 20,000rpm limiter.

As Ryan F9 brilliantly puts it “the CBR250RR is Honda’s gift to the world”.

Why you asked? Well, it has the coolest sound ever produced and you can hit the redline while in a McDonald’s drive-thru. No joke.

The amazing sound is all thanks to the bike gear-drive cams.

However, the bike function well thanks to a combination of 16 half-size Tequilla glass that works together with four-tiny pistons, including small Keihin carburettors to ensure the fuel and air mixture runs well.

Secondly, Honda did well to depict the CBR250RR as a smaller Fireblade thanks to the amazing decals and livery.

Nevertheless, as Japan lifted its license restrictions to bikes under 250cc, the demand begins to decline which resulted in the MC22 being shifted to other parts of the world.

Despite the not so happily-ever-after ending, the MC22 is still regarded as one of the coolest bikes ever produced by Honda and if you have one sitting in your garage, perhaps it’s time to take it out for a spin again as we are about to say goodbye to 2021.

What other way to welcome the new year other than redlining it in front of the your favourite mamak’s?

MotoGP: Claudio Calabresi Is Pramac Ducati New Team Manager

Pramac Ducati has formally announced Claudio Calabresi as the new team manager, taking over from Francesco Guidotti.

Guidotti shocking move to KTM has open the door for Pramac Ducati to hired Calabresi as his replacement and promoted former GP winner, Fonsi Neito from Rider Coach to Sports Director.

Pramac was quick to established themselves as a title challenging satellite team with the likes of Jorge Martin tand Johann Zarco.

Zarco briefly led the world championship before finishing the 2021 season at fifth overall.

Zarcon and Martin combination also contributed to a total of eight podiums and five pole positions.

Speaking to the press, Pramac boss, Paolo Campinoti praised the arrival of Calabresi who has also been Pramac MotoE’s team manager since the start.

“Claudio’s growth within our team is the testimony of the esteem and confidence I have in him, and I am convinced that after three seasons as Team Manager in MotoE he will be up to this new and important challenge.

“We can’t wait to start this new adventure together, certain that Pramac Racing will be one of the top teams in the MotoGP and that next season will bring great satisfaction. The close collaboration with Fonsi will also guarantee us solid skills and experience from a sporting point of view,” he said.

Meanwhile, Calabresi expressed his desire to help the team ahead of the 2022 season.

“Now a new chapter opens for me, where curiosity, passion and experience will be at full disposal of the team, with the greatest commitment to remain one of the most competitive teams in MotoGP,” he added.

Pramac will continue to field Zarco and Martin ahead of the upcoming season starting with Sepang test in February.

WorldSBK: Honda Abandon Öhlins And Brembo Set Up Ahead Of 2022 Season

Honda has decided to abandon Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes set up for the upcoming 2022 season.

Instead, the big technical change will see HRC to put their faith on Showa’s suspension and Nissin brakes.

HRC did a test with Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge for in Jerez for comparison and after the assesment, the team decided to equipped the CBR1000RR-R with an entirely “Made in Japan” components.

The team previously relied on Öhlins and Brembo until last year but due to the disappointing result, HRC decided it’s best to apply some major changes ahead of next season.

More importantly, Showa boast an important experience in the WorldSBK with Kawasaki while Nissin already equipping the BMW Motorrad machine.

Free Service For Flood-Affected Yamaha Owners In Klang Valley

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) is offering free service for flood-affected Yamaha owners in Klang Valley via its Yamaha Cares campaign.

According to HLYM, the campaign begins today (27th December) until 31st December 2021 at every Yamaha service centre and authorised dealership.

Below is the list of official Yamaha authorised dealership that’s involved in this campaign:

However, HLYM is requesting that all flood-affected owners make an appointment first before dropping by the nearest service centre.

“Be advised to make an appointment before making your way to the service centre.

“Other than free service, we are also offering free engine oil replacement, free gear oil, free oil filter, free air filter and free spark plugs,” said HLYM in a statement.

Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen

Danilo Petrucci’s 2022 Dakar Plans In Jeopardy After Positive Covid-19 Test

Piaggio And Zongshen Working On A New 150cc Scooter Engine

400cc Inline-Four Engine Is Currently Under Development In China

Yamaha Bids Farewell To The FJR1300 With A Special 20th Anniversary Edition

WorldSBK: BMW Rectify M 1000 RR Mid To Top-End Power Issue

Upcoming Royal Enfield Scram 411 Caught Testing In Production Form

Yamaha E01 And E02 Enters Production, Slated For 2022 Launch

One Moto Electa Electric Scooter Launched In India – 150km Battery Range

FortNine Just Reminded Us How Awesome The 1990 Honda CBR250RR Was

MotoGP: Claudio Calabresi Is Pramac Ducati New Team Manager

WorldSBK: Honda Abandon Öhlins And Brembo Set Up Ahead Of 2022 Season

Free Service For Flood-Affected Yamaha Owners In Klang Valley

Ducati Dirt Bike Project Announced

Touratech Offers An Array Of Accessories For The New BMW R 1300 GS

Royal Alloy Youth Edition Launched – From RM12,800

14-Year-Old’s Joyride Ends In Fatal Motorcycle Collision

Daewoo To Make A Comeback With Electric Motorcycles

Female Rider Becci Ellis Sets New Top Speed Record On A 350HP Suzuki Hayabusa

Bridgestone Rolls Out New Battlax Hypersport S23

YADEA E8S Pro Electric Scooter Now Available In Malaysia – RM5,999

Ducati Rolls Out Panigale-Powered Ducati Multistrada V4 RS

CFMOTO Goes Electric With Company’s First Dirt Bike

EU Court Of Justice Ruling Redefines E-Bikes

Honda’s Next-Gen Gold Wing Features Auto-Adjusting Windscreen

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