Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen

Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (SRT) enters their third successful season in MotoGP with Franco Morbidelli and Valentino via virtual team presentation today.

Petronas SRT recorded stellar performance in 2020. Morbidelli finished the season as vice-champions in the premier class after accumulating 158 points, while Fabio Quartararo, who moved to the Yamaha factory team this season, finished 8th last year with 127 points.

The two secured six wins last season and helped the team clinched Top Independent Team and Top Independent Rider.

For 2021, Morbidelli will join his mentor and 8-time world champion, Valentino Rossi, to continue the team effort to battle out the world championship title.

Rossi will carry the “Factory-spec” Yamaha YZR-M1 while Morbidelli will continue with his reliable “A-spec+” machine that has proved fruitful last season compared to the ever-established factory bike.

Meanwhile, Razlan Razali expressed his desire to keep pushing for the upcoming season.

“We are proud to represent Malaysia and PETRONAS on the world stage in MotoGP for a third season as PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team.

“We are looking forward to the season ahead, eager to give Franco and Valentino the best opportunity. For Franco, it’s a fabulous opportunity to achieve even better things than his stellar season in 2020. For Valentino, we’re hoping the new team will give him the best opportunities to harness his talent and expertise.

“2020 was an incredible year for us, but we are mindful that there are always areas where we can improve. We expect another tough fight on track over the season ahead and we will be pushing at every step to support Franco and Valentino and ensure they have all the tools at their disposal,” he said.

The CFMOTO brand is undeniably getting bigger and bigger, especially in Malaysia, with its wide range of 250cc up to 650cc motorcycles.

The 250SR quickly gained attention when CFMOTO launched the motorcycle in Penang back in 2019, with the brand already making its mark previously with the 400NK and 650MT.

During the launch, CFMOTO informed us that the all-new 700CL-X would also arrive in Malaysia in 2021 before it was put on hold due to the current pandemic Covid-19.

Nevertheless, it is rumoured that the new cafe-racer-type machine will reach shores at the end of 2021.

When it was unveiled at 2019 EICMA, three variants were on display: Heritage, Adventure, and Sport with the motorcycle powered by a 693cc parallel-twin engine that punches around 74hp and 68Nm of torque.

The 700CL-X boast with variety of features which includes:

  • 41mm KYB USD front forks (fully adjustable)
  • Rear KYB single shock (preload & rebound adjustability)
  • Retro-looking front LED headlights (all-round LED lighting system)
  • 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels + Pirelli MT60 RS tyres
  • Slipper clutch
  • Selectable riding modes, cruise control + LCD dashboard
  • Continental ABS

Although no official price has been revealed, we expect it to be sold at around RM30,000 to RM35,000, which we think is an excellent price for a motorcycle that packs with all the latest goodies.

Petronas Sepang Racing Team (SRT) team principal Datuk Razlan Razali admits the main challenge for the upcoming 2021 MotoGP is to make Valentino Rossi competitive again.

The 42-year old Italian will be the oldest rider on the grid when the new season kickstart in Qatar.

“Our challenge is to get him back on the podium. We hope with the new environment where it’s a bit more relaxed and with a great atmosphere present, he can settle down fast.

“He has this certain aura around him. The first time when I met him, I got goosebumps. I was starstruck when we sat down,” said Razlan.

Rossi swap places with the much younger Fabio Quartararo at Petronas SRT with the Frenchman went the opposite way to partner Maverick Vinales at the Yamaha factory team.

Meanwhile, Rossi will race the new season with his former protege Franco Morbidelli, who is currently the most successful rider who graduated from the VR46 academy after securing 2nd place behind world champion Joan Mir last season.

Rossi and Morbidelli will spearhead Petronas SRT title challenge this season.

It looks like Kawasaki is next in line to adopt the radar assisted adaptive cruise control with the 2022 H2 SX after BMW R 1250 RT, Ducati Multistrada V4 and the recently launched KTM 1290 Super Adventure S.

Kawasaki inked a deal with Bosch over the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) back in 2019, including the adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning system, and rear blind spot monitoring setups.

However, in a statement, Kawasaki suggests that they haven’t set a date for the introduction of the ADAS system.

Nonetheless, it looks like Kawasaki already has the answer with the 2022 H2 SX that was recently caught testing with the fancy radar.

Based on the images shown, the H2 SX had the front headlamp revised to accommodate the Bosch radar sensor, although there is no significant styling change to the overall design.

The system is much like the Multistrada V4, R 1250 RT and 1290 Super Adventure S, enabling adaptive cruise control and blind-spot detection.

The adaptive cruise control operates by detecting and reading the front vehicle and makes necessary adjustments to the motorcycle distance and speed.

While the radar is visible on the Ducati, BMW and KTM, Kawasaki managed to “hide” it via a cleverly sculpted cover.

However, the recent spied photo does not reveal the rear radar, which usually sits below the rear light unless Kawasaki has a way of hiding it.

Recent reports also suggest Kawasaki will introduce a radar-equipped Versys 1000.

The authorities will only consider lifting the inter-district and interstate travel when close to 80 per cent of the population has been vaccinated for Covid-19, says Health Director-General, Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham.

“Once 70% of the population have been vaccinated, we may then consider reopening borders,” he said.

The government decision to lift the travel ban on Dec 7 last year resulted in outbreaks in “green states”.

“We saw on Dec 7 when the government allowed interstate travel the infection spread to other states.

“Those who were from red zones travelled to green zones, such as Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan,” said Dr Noor Hisham.

Meanwhile, Malaysia is in discussion with other nation to allow cross-border travel after reaching herd immunity.

“Countries are discussing if we can allow cross-border travel after we have reached herd immunity.

“We are also looking at whether those who have been vaccinated are still required to undergo quarantine when entering a country,” he added.

(source: NST)

The next generation Bajaj Pulsar 250 is in the pipeline, with the India automaker is seen testing out the production-ready motorcycle.

Rumoured to be based on the same 250cc powered the Dominar 250, reports in India suggest that the Pulsar 250 will carry an all-new design input and will not follow the current Pulsar 200.

We can assume the Pulsar 250 to adopt the latest specs in terms of full LED lighting, dual-channel ABS, and fully digital meter in terms of features.

Nonetheless, the 250c variant is expected to maintain some features from the 200, such as the alloy rims and rear hugger.

The 248.7cc single-cylinder DOCH liquid cool engine produced 27hp @ 8,500rpm and 23.5Nm @ 6,500rpm and paired to a 6-speed transmission with assist & slipper clutch.

The all-new Pulsar 250 is expected to be launch this year.

(source: BikeWale)

BMW Motorrad Malaysia welcomes two new addition of cruiser and superbike for the local market with the R 18 Classic and the S 1000 RR.

Compared to the First Edition model, the R 18 Classic comes with additional LED headlights and electronic cruise control as standard.

The Classic also packs a tall windshield, pillion seat and saddlebags, which significantly improve not just riding comfort but also practicality.

Nevertheless, R 18 Classic maintains the monstrous 1,802cc boxer engine capable of producing 91hp and 158Nm at 3,000rpm and a maximum speed of 180km/h.

The variant also features BMW Motorrad Integral Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Automatic Stability Control (ASC), three riding modes (Rock, Roll and Rain), engine drag torque control (MSR), Dynamic Brake Control, Keyless Ride system, reverse gear, adjustable clutch and handbrake levers.

The R 18 Classic is available in only Black Storm Metallic and priced at RM154,500.

Meanwhile, BMW Motorrad Malaysia also welcomes the latest generation S 1000 RR.

Like the previous generation introduced in 2019, the latest also comes with the M Package as standard consisting of the M carbon wheels, M sport seat, and M lightweight battery.

Nonetheless, the World Superbike derived litre bike maintains its formidable 999cc 4-inline engine capable of producing 207hp at 13,500rpm and 113Nm at 11,000rpm.

Like every latest BMW Motorrad model, the S 1000 RR also comes with the latest BMW ShiftCam Technology that offers a smoother engine delivery at low and high rpm.

Other notable features:

  • four riding modes – Rain, Road, Dynamic and Race, complete with the Riding Mode Pro
  • Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
  • ABS Pro
  • Dynamic Damping Control (DDC)
  • Hill Start Control
  • HP Shift Assistant Pro
  • 6.5″ TFT display with BMW Motorrad Connectivity

The latest generation S 1000 RR is available at the price of RM121,500.

Individuals found guilty of breaching the Movement Control Order (MCO) will now be fine RM10,000 compared to the RM1,000 fine previously imposed.

Meanwhile, companies and organizations will be liable to a maximum fine of up to RM50,000.

The new rule is according to the new Emergency (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 gazetted yesterday.

Covid-19 patients or close contact personnel may also be instructed to wear a tracking device for easier monitoring under the new ordinance.

The new rules will come into effect on March 11.

Nicky Hayden to be inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America later this year, four years after his death.

His best achievement was becoming the 2006 MotoGP World Champion with Hona, which had to be decided in the final race of the year in Valencia.

Nicki Hayden

Hayden accumulated 252 points to emerge champion, with Valentino Rossi 2nd and Loris Capirossi third in the standings.

The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, in a statement, says that apart from emerging as world champion, Hayden also broke Rossi winning streak.

“The Kentucky Kid was best known for winning the 2006 MotoGP World Championship, breaking Valentino Rossi streak of five straight titles. Hayden emerged in 1997, winning the inaugural AMA Horizon Award in recognition of his flat-track prowess.

“In 1999, he was named AMA Athlete of the Year after capturing the AMA Supersport title, and his first Grand National win.

“Three years later, he became the youngest ever winner of the AMA Superbike Championship, including the 2002 Daytona 200.”

The American rider will be inducted into the hall of fame on September 29th as part of the 2021 class of inductees for the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.

Hayden was involved in an accident after being hit by a driver while cycling alone near Rimini, Italy.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nicky Hayden (@nicky_hayden)

He cycled briefly with friends Denis Pazzagini early afternoon, which was proven by his last Instagram post that day before deciding to continue all by himself.

He suffered a traumatic brain injury due to the accident and died five days later.

The highly-anticipated 2021 Aprilia RS 660 is heading to Malaysia soon after making wave worldwide since its launch last year.

We understand that the all-new motorcycle will arrive sometime between March and April this year after doing some digging. However, what catches our attention is that at a promotional price of RM6X, XXX is expected to be introduced.

The motorcycle was due to launch last year. However, due to the ongoing pandemic Covid-19, it had to be postponed to 2021.

Focused on delivering a more exciting riding pleasure into the rider’s everyday life, the RS 660 comes fitted with 659cc twin-cylinder engine (parallel-twin) that produces a very respectable 100hp at 10,500rpm and 67Nm at 8,500rpm. This is further amplified thanks to its dry weight of only 169kg.

Controlling all this power was tasked to its Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) electronics suite, which consists of an advanced inertial six-axis navigation system similar to the one found on the RSV4.

The APRC includes traction control, wheelie control, quickshifter, cruise control, engine braking and mapping, and adjustable ABS.

Other notable features include:

  • Ride-by-Wire engine management
  • Six-speed manual transmission with Aprilia Quick Shift (AQS) up and down
  • Five riding modes (Road and Track, three fixed and two customisable)
  • Front KYB 41mm stanchion fork (preload & rebound adjustable)
  • Rear aluminium asymmetric swingarm with adjustable monoshock
  • Dual 320mm front disc brakes with Brembo radial callipers
  • Single 220mm rear disc + more

KTM has dropped the cover on the new 1290 Super Adventure R with the enduro focused motorcycle that now meets Euro 5 standards and a wide range of upgrades.

According to KTM, the 1290 Super Adventure R was built solely by focusing on the ability to move on the most inaccessible terrain in a simple and intuitive way.

The redesigned 23L fuel tank improves agility and provides a lower centre of gravity and an improved riding feel in all conditions.

KTM also applies changes to the steering head which was moved back by 15mm, and the engine was rotated forward by 2°, and the die-cast open-lattice swingarm was lengthened.

The handling and comfort also improved with a renewed WP XPLOR 48mm suspension at the front that guarantees a travel of 220 mm and WP PDS fully adjustable shock at the rear.

The 1290 Super Adventure R now packs with advanced electronic packages as standard, consist of a new six-axis inertial platform, Traction Control, stability control, ASB off-road, four riding modes (RAIN, STREET, SPORT and OFFROAD), easily accessed via a 7″ TFT display.

The motorcycle is powered by a Euro 5 approved KTM LC8 V-Twin engine that produces 160 hp at 9,000rpm and 138 Nm of torque at 6,500rpm.

For 2021, the model features two separate radiators; instead of the single unit on the previous model. Meanwhile, the redesigned air ducts help reduce the amount of hot air hitting the rider’s legs.

Thanks to the renewed air filter box, riders can easily access the air filter by simply removing four screws.

The all-new KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is available at EUR19,850 (RM97,413).

Triumph has updated the entire Bonneville range with the T100, T120, Street Twin, Speedmaster and Bobber.

Whereas other manufacturers decided to kill off specific models due to Euro 5 regulations, the British marque decided it is the best time to update their Modern Classic line.

Not just to meet Euro 5 standards but also to introduce a series of upgrades.

Triumph T120 and T120 Black 2021

For 2021, Triumph updated the 1200cc High Torque twin-engine to meet the Euro 5 standards, and what you get is more responsive and lower emissions.

According to Triumph, the T120 has been specifically tuned to deliver high torque and delivers 80PS at 6,550rpm and 105Nm at 3,500rpm.

The engine mass has been reduced significantly by using a lighter crankshaft, optimised clutch, and balancer shafts, all of which have reduced inertia and the overall weight of the bike.

The use of new aluminium wheels helps the bike to weight 7kg less than the previous model.

The T120 is available in three colour scheme; Jet Black, Cordovan Red and Silver Ice, Cobalt Blue and Silver Ice with a hand-painted gold lining.

Meanwhile, the T120 Black is available in Jet Black or Matt Jet Black and Matt Graphite with silver coach lining.

Triumph T100 2021

The 900cc High Torque engine now produces 10PS more than the previous T100 due to the engine tweak to meet Euro 5, while the bike has also shed 4kg in weight.

The use of a new crank and aluminium wheel rim contributed to the significant weight loss.

The motorcycle also gains other upgrades with revised cartridge forks, Brembo twin-pot brakes, traction control and ABS systems.

Triumph T100 is available in three colours – Lucerne Blue and Fusion White scheme, single tone Jet Black option, Carnival Red and Fusion White.

Triumph Street Twin 2021

For 2021, the Street Twin received comfort upgrades with a 10mm thicker seat and new foam padding for a more comfortable ride.

The 900cc High Torque twin-engine retains all the power but now meets Euro 5 requirements, producing lower emission and excellent fuel efficiency.

The motorcycle now achieves incredible torque from low down, right through the rev range for thrilling acceleration anytime it’s needed, with 65PS peak power arriving at 7,500 rpm and with 80Nm peak torque 3,800 rpm.

Triumph also offers a Gold Line limited edition model of the Street Twin limited to only 1,000 units worldwide.

It features a Matt Sapphire Black paint scheme with Triumph heritage logo and hand-painted gold lining.

Triumph Speedmaster 2021

The Speedmaster also received extensive upgrades with the 1200cc Euro 5 engine producing 77hp and 105Nm.

Triumph claimed that 90 per cent of its torque is available up to 5,750rpm.

The new Speedmaster also gain better handling thanks to new 47mm Showa cartridge forks replacing the 41mm KYB found on the previous model.

To better suit a long-distance ride, the Speedmaster also received an 11mm thicker pillion seat.

Triumph Bobber 2021

The Bobber received beefy suspension via 47mm non-adjustable front forks, while the new Euro 5 engine now produces 105Nm and 77hp.

Triumph also ditched the 9L tank and opted for more range via 12L tank, which Triumph claimed to achieve 33 per cent more range than the previous Bobber.

The new generation Bobber comes in three colour options, Matt Storm grey and Matt Ironstone, Cordovan Red and classic Jet Black.

More to come..

Triumph will also reveal the 2021 Scrambler 1200 XC and XE and Street Scrambler on the 13th and 20th of April.

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