Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen

India has been making headlines the past few months as the country struggles to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

As of April 28, the country recorded the highest ever spike of 360,960 new Covid-19 cases and 3,293 deaths within 24 hours.

The considerable spike resulted in hospitals and health institution facing an extremely short supply of oxygen, a necessity in treating Covid-19 patients.

As industrial oxygen is a key component in manufacturing, several of India’s motorcycle and auto manufacturers announced the decision to shut down their factory for a few days to divert the use of liquid oxygen to battle Covid-19.

Last week, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs announced a ban on the use of industrial oxygen from April 22 to ensure zero restriction on the movement of medical oxygen.

Key players such as Honda India and Bajaj Auto are manufacturers who announced a temporary shutdown of their manufacturing plant.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor lands another eagerly-awaited scooter, the 2021 Yamaha NVX with Y-Connect.

For 2021, Yamaha NVX comes in two new exciting variants, Standard and ABS, with the two is priced at RM8,998 and RM10,998, respectively.

The previous generation NVX found popular standing among many Malaysian motorcyclists, with thousands of these model already reached customers across the nation.

The 2021 NVX features a new LED headlight with a bigger and bolder shape than the previous generation.

 

 

However, the most significant upgrades take us to the Y-Connect capability that allows your smartphone to connect to the NVX. This feature allows you to get the latest information relating to the engine oil change, fuel consumption, service reminders and the last location of the motorcycle.

At the core sits a new 155cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled SOCH with VVA capable of producing 15.4PS @ 8,000rpm and 13.9Nm @ 6,500rpm.

Other exciting features include:

  • new LCD digital display with Y-Connect app
  • full LED headlight and 12 compact LEDs at the rear
  • 12v DC socket
  • **Stop & Start System
  • **Smart Key System
  • **Rear suspension with sub tank
  • **Single channel ABS
**only available with ABS variant.

Yamaha also claimed the new NVX capable of reaching 200km range thanks to a bigger 5.5L tank.

The Standard are available in Red and Cyan, while the ABS variants are available in Platinum SE and GP Blue.

VR46 has secured a place in the premier class after agreeing a full MotoGP entry starting 2022.

Valentino Rossi’s team will compete in the 2022 MotoGP with Tanal Entertainment Sport & Media and Saudi Aramco as the main sponsor for the period 2022-2026.

Tanal Entertainment Sport & Media is the holding company of HRH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Abdullah Al-Saud.

“In 2022 the VR46 Team will debut in the MotoGP class together with Tanal Entertainment Sport & Media with Saudi Aramco as the new Main Sponsor for the period 2022-2026.

“VR46 will debut as ARAMCO Racing Team VR46 with the support of other important sponsors of the world scene.

“Saudi Aramco, a company already heavily involved in Motorsport and F1, will therefore enter the 2022 MotoGP World Championship with VR46 Team,” said Tanal Entertainment Sport & Media in an official statement.

According to the official statement, the collaboration between VR46 and Tanal Entertainment Sport & Media will also extend beyond the race track.

“Tanal Entertainment Sport & Media and VR46 Team that aim to communicate important projects, developed following the previous sponsorship agreement for the 2021 sports season, with their partners.

“Shared strategies and vision, a summary of a mutual sharing of objectives, led to the extension of this partnership by signing this important five-year agreement: an extended joint-venture between Tanal Entertainment Sport & Media and VR46 Team which also presents the activation and management of communication.”

Despite no confirmation regarding which bike will the team race with next season, the bike used to show the team graphics was a Yamaha M1.

Early this year, Triumph Motorcycles unveiled their latest’ streetfighter’, the 2021 Speed Triple 1200 RS.

However, a few months later, the motorcycle has reached our shores via Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Triumph Motorcycles in Malaysia.

If you’re in the market for a very muscular roadster that can deliver high levels of performance both on and off the track together with a stunning design, the new Speed Triple 1200 RS should be highly considered.

Starting with the design, you can instantly tell that this is indeed a true Triumph roadster that combines smooth lines, sharp and aggressive features that’s very well-proportioned. What defines the 2021 Speed Triple 1200 RS are the new LED headlights with DRLs, compact bodywork and tail unit, carbon-fibre mudguard, colour-coded belly pan, and those black 17-inch aluminium V-spoke wheels.

A host of other premium finishes like the graphics and branded handlebar clamp further amps up the RS-ness of the new Speed Triple 1200 where customers can choose to have it in either Sapphire Black (with red and silver graphics) or Matt Silver Ice (with sliver and yellow graphics).

All the exterior features highlight the star within its all-new lightweight mass-centralised chassis, which is the also new 1,160cc inline-three DOHC liquid-cooled engine that punches out 177.5hp at 10,750rpm and 125Nm of torque at 9,000rpm. Tuned with a slightly higher redline, Triumph claims that this beauty sounds like a beast thanks to new intake and exhaust systems.

In other words, it’s the most powerful and best sounding Speed Triple yet.

Developed using the brand’s knowledge and experience in Moto2, the new Speed Triple 1200 RS’s engine is 7kg lighter and produces around 30hp more compared to the previous-gen model. This also translates to a 25% improvement in the power-to-weight ratio thanks to the brand’s know-how in cutting its wet weight down to an impressive 198kg (15.5-litre fuel tank included).

Other noteworthy specs include:

  • New six-speed transmission + new slip & assist clutch
  • 5-inch TFT screen
  • Five riding modes (including Track Mode)
  • New Triumph Shift Assist quickshifter (up & down)
  • Cornering ABS
  • Switchable Optimised Cornering Traction Control
  • Enhanced front wheel lift control
  • Full keyless system
  • Fully-adjustable Öhlins suspension (Öhlins NIX30 upside-down front forks + Öhlins TTX36 twin tube rear monoshock)
  • Brembo Stylema brakes (320mm front discs + radial monobloc callipers, 220mm single rear disc + twin-piston calliper)
  • Metzeler Racetec RR K3 tyres
    Dedicated Speed Triple accessories + many more

The 2021 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS is priced at RM99,900 (excluding road tax and insurance).

Retired three-time MotoGP world champion, Jorge Lorenzo, praised his former Repsol Honda team-mate, Marc Marquez, after his comeback at Portimao.

The sixth-time MotoGP champion finally returns to the track after 265 days due to a broken right arm sustained in the 2019 opening round in Jerez.

Marquez clocked the third-fastest time in FP1 before qualifying P6 and finished the race at seventh place despite the long layoff.

He also managed to place himself within the Top 3 at Turn 1 during the early stage of the race.

Marquez, also the only Honda rider, managed to remain on his bike while Pol Espargaro, Takaaki Nakagami and Alex Marquez crashed during free practice and race day.

“About Marc Marquez, more than his speed, I was even more surprised by his return, after nine months from a super complicated injury, possibly the longest injury in motorcycle history, and he has returned to race MotoGP without any fear of hurting himself again, having scares and taking risks to achieve an incredible result.

“He is from another planet,” said Lorenzo on his YouTube channel.

Nonetheless, Lorenzo thinks the 28-year-old will take some time before returning to his best.

“It may take a while until he is back to being the top Marquez of 2019 and there are also new younger rivals, such as Quartararo at 21, Mir at 22, Bagnaia 24. But I have no doubt that Marc will win races and fight for the world championship again, perhaps this one as well,” he added.

Loncin is another respected Chinese brand that has been around for years.

Their capabilities in producing a proper engine resulted in BMW Motorrad tying up a deal with the Chongqing-based company to produce an engine for the new F 750 GS, F 850 GS, including the C 400 X and C 400 GT.

Recently, Loncin unveiled their own updated version of their popular retro-styled motorcycle, Voge 500AC.

To our surprise, the updated model bear a resemblance to the newly introduce Triumph Trident 600.

Not exactly a direct copy; instead, the Voge 500AC is tangible proof that the current demographics (significantly younger riders) are in love with a retro-styled motorcycle.

Benelli Leoncino 500 and CFMoto 700CL-X are one of many Chinese made retro-styled motorcycle built to attract younger customers.

The updated Voge 500AC retains its 471cc parallel-twin engine (a similar powerplant found on the Honda CB500X) capable of producing a healthy 48hp @ 8,500rpm and 47Nm @ 7,000rpm. Loncin also claimed the motorcycle capable of reaching a top speed of 160km/h.

Despite all the similarities mentioned, the Voge 500AC does come with commendable features, which include:

  • dual-channel ABS
  • fully adjustable KYB inverted fork and mono-shock
  • full-colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity
  • Nissin callipers mated to a 298mm and 240mm front and rear brake disc

The Loncin Voge 500AC is currently available in China for CNY34,980 (RM22,100), while its competition, CB500X and the Benelli Leoncino 500, cost more than that.

The Loncin Voge 500AC might sound like an air-conditioned product, but it has the looks and certainly the features to become a proper motorcycle to compete against the rest in its segment.

Six years after the first generations, the Suzuki GSX-S1000 returns in 2021, with all the latest upgrade.

For 2021, the GSX-S1000 received major styling, electronic and engine upgrade.

Styling

The overall look of the new all-new GSX-S1000 now stands out with the futuristic overlapping hexagonal LED headlight at the front.

According to Suzuki, a part of creating a futuristic look, these new hexagonal lights display a wider and brighter light.

 

The motorcycle also displays a sleeker and slim silhouette that continues from the 19L tank to the tail.

 

Electronic

The 2021 GSX-S1000 boast a host of riding aids which includes:

  • new ride-by-wire throttle
  • Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS)
  • Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS)
  • Suzuki Clutch Assist
  • Traction Control with five modes
  • Digital LCD dash

Suzuki also threw in a quickshifter system as standard.

Engine

Despite the apparent styling updates, the most extensive upgrades focused on the 999cc engine.

Now Euro 5 compliant, the 2nd-gen GSX-S1000 offers 150hp @ 11,000rpm compared to the 143hp found on the 2015 model.

The new motorcycle also received a new intake, new exhaust camshaft, new valve springs, clutch and airbox.

The Ducati Panigale V4 is a beast on and off the track with its 214hp and 124Nm.

Despite the fact that it already boasts a monstrous power, the wonderful people at Ducati decided that there is no such thing as enough power. This brings us to the Bologna-based motorcycle company latest product, the Panigale V4 Racing Accessories Kit.

The kit features a variety of racing-oriented components, including an Akrapovic Titanium Full Race Exhaust that increases peak torque and horsepower by six per cent.

Not only that, but the full-system exhaust also shed 5.4 kilograms off the V4.

However, the installation of the race exhaust requires an update on the engine mapping.

Moreover, the racing kit also offers an assortment of carbon fibre components, including a swingarm cover, clutch cover, chain guides, crankcase protector, and many more.

The looks of your V4 will look even more menacing with Rizoma mirror plugs and a tail tidy.

 

For those who are interested, the Panigale V4 Racing Accessories Kit will only cost you around USD8,200 (RM33,700).

(source: motociclismo)

CFMoto has officially launched the all-new 800MT adventure touring motorcycle at the Shanghai Auto Show.

While product launches involving Chinese manufacturers tend to be overlooked, the 800MT is one you should look out for.

Despite made in China, the 800MT is powered by the same 799cc LC8 parallel-twin engine found on the KTM 790 Adventure.

CFMoto and KTM have been working together since 2011, with the Chinese manufacturer responsible for producing a few of the Austrian small-displacement motorcycles consisting of Duke 125, 250 and 390 in China.

This puts the CFMoto 800MT as a legit contender in the adventure-touring segment.

While the 790 Adventure offers 95hp and 88Nm max torque, the revised LC8 engine delivers 94hp and 78Nm.

Nevertheless, the 800MT comes with decent spec, including a KYB suspension and J.Juan radial callipers. The 800MT is not shy of electronics either, as it comes with a cornering ABS, traction control, ride-by-wire and riding modes.

The question is, will it arrived in Malaysia? After doing some digging, expect the CFMoto 800MT to arrive at the local showroom sometime in 2022.

It is always interesting to find manufacturers taking a different approach in promoting their current motorcycle range.

KTM, for example, just launched an 890 Duke Tech 3 MotoGP Replica Edition with only 100 units of these bad boys produced exclusively for the French market.

The Tech 3 MotoGP Replica edition is based on the standard 890 Duke but injected with a fancy get-up consist of a MotoGP paint job, a belly-pan, Akrapovic exhaust system and a pillion seat cover.

However, it still runs with the powerful 889cc LC8 parallel-twin engine capable of producing 115hp and 92Nm found on the bone stock 890 Duke.

Surprisingly, despite being an ultra-rare machine, the limited-edition machine cost just 1,300 Euros more than the standard 890 Duke. In our book, that is a great deal!

Unfortunately, these limited-edition motorcycles are only available in France, the home base of Tech3 who are currently competing in MotoGP with KTM headed by Herve Poncharal.

Reliability aside, Chinese motorcycle manufacturer is good in one thing, developing an affordable small displacement bike for new riders.

That is exactly what Lexmoto (another Chinese motorcycle brand) is doing in the UK as they recently launched the all-new LXS 125 for the European market.

LXS 125 is a fully faired motorcycle that features the latest design and technology and is priced at EUR2,499 (RM12,366).

What you get are an excellent 10L fuel tank, full-LED lighting and a fully digital instrument.

Surprisingly, the LXS 125 also comes with (a rather unappealing) under-tail exhaust, which we think could have been designed better.

Despite powered by a small 125cc single-cylinder, water-cooled engine, it still churns out a healthy 13.6hp @ 8,750rpm and can achieve a top speed of 110kmph.

Suspension is handled by a telescopic fork at the front and a single shock absorber at the rear, while braking is done by a dual petal disc (front) and a single disc at the rear.

Dorna and Yamaha have put pen to paper which will see the continuity of NMAX as official MotoGP paddock scooters beyond 2021.

According to the official statement, Yamaha will supply the newly updated 2021 NMAX 125.

Yamaha has been MotoGP official scooter supplier for all teams in the paddock since 2005 and will continue to do so for years to come.

Dorna received a total of 25 units of Yamaha NMAX 125 prior to last weekend MotoGP.

Director Marketing and Motorsport, Yamaha Motor Europe, Paolo Pavesio, expressed his excitement over the new deal.

“Yamaha has been the official supplier of scooters to Dorna Sports and the FIM MotoGP World Championship since 2005 and we’re proud that this partnership will continue in 2021.

“Yamaha will provide a fleet of the updated NMAX 125, a scooter that, with excellent agility, easy stability, generous inbuilt storage capacity and its sporty Yamaha DNA, has been a bestseller in both Europe and Asia and is a perfect fit for the demands of the MotoGP paddock,” he said.

Meanwhile, Managing Director of Dorna Sports, Pau Serracanta, also shared his perspective on the latest agreement.

“We’re very happy to continue our longstanding agreement with Yamaha and for them to remain on board as the official scooter supplier of the Championship. Yamaha supply quality, reliable scooters for Dorna staff to use in the MotoGP paddock and make the logistics of running the world’s fastest motorcycle World Championship that much more efficient.”

The Yamaha NMAX are also among the popular scooters in Malaysia despite only available with a 155cc engine.

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