Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen

Harley-Davidson fans have something new to get excited about as the company’s upcoming CVO Street Glide 121 has been unveiled in new certification filings in Australia. 

  • The 2024 CVO Street Glide to feature extensive styling.
  • The new generation motorcycle is powered by a new 121 cubic inches powertrain. 

The bike features a substantially reworked batwing fairing with a squared-off LED headlight and a more modern, aerodynamic look.

Other changes include a new front-fender design with innovative wheels, floating brake discs, and larger side cases topped with speakers. 

The CVO Street Glide’s main draw is likely to be its engine, with “121” badges denoting its capacity in cubic inches, and the anticipated employment of the variable valve timing system for better emissions. 

While still largely air-cooled, the bike has a big cooler sitting in a blacked-out piece of bodywork just ahead of the motor. 

Meanwhile, Harley-Davidson is also expected to launch a similarly updated CVO Road Glide later this year.

(source: Cycle World)

Italy’s two-wheeled market has reported a significant upswing in Q1 2023, with March alone recording impressive sales figures for both scooters and motorcycles. 

  • Italian motorcycle market recorded a surge in sales for the month of March 2023. 
  • BMW R 1250 GS, Honda Africa Twin and Benelli TRK 502 continue to dominate the market. 

According to the National Association of Cycle Motorcycle Accessories (Confindustria ANCMA), the country’s two-wheeled market posted a 26.7-percent spike in March, translating to growth of 27.6 percent in Q1 2023.

In March, scooter sales amounted to 17,777 units sold, representing a 31.5-percent increase, while motorcycles recorded 18,221 new registrations, reflecting a 25.8-percent boost. The surge in sales has been welcomed by dealers, who are looking to build on the growth gained at the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023.

The Confindustria ANCMA has also broken down the top-selling motorbikes in Italy for March 2023. Moto Morini’s X-Cape 650 adventure bike made it into the top ten list with 283 units sold, followed by Honda’s NC750X with 303 units moved.

Meanwhile, Yamaha’s Tracer 7, Moto Guzzi’s V7, and Yamaha’s Ténéré 700 round out the top ten, with Honda’s new CB750 Hornet cracking the top five with 401 units sold.

The top three places go to the Honda Africa Twin, BMW R 1250 GS, and Benelli TRK 502, respectively, with Italian consumers registering 674 Africa Twins, 621 R 1250 GSs, and 600 TRK 502s throughout March 2023.

Harley-Davidson has made headlines once again with the launch of its new X 500 roadster, just weeks after unveiling the X 350 and “leaked” spy shots of the Hero MotoCorp-developed 4XX.

  • The X500 is the result of a partnership between Harley-Davidson and Chinese brand QJ Motor.
  • The motorcycle is based on the Benelli Leoncino 500.

Sharing many components with the Leoncino, the X500 boasts a 500cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, producing 47hp and 46Nm, as well as a steel tube frame, 50mm USD fork, offset monoshock, and 17-inch alloy wheels. However, the X500 sets itself apart visually with its neoteric styling, taking cues from the Harley-Davidson XR1200X.

The bike’s features are minimal, including a monopod semi-digital instrument console with a digital inset and dual-channel ABS as the only electronic aid.

The only notable departure from the classic Harley-Davidson aesthetic is the integration of rear indicators with the tail lights.

With a kerb weight of 208kg, the X500 is a heavy machine that promises to deliver the signature Harley-Davidson riding experience while appealing to a wider global audience.

Honda all-new lightweight naked motorcycle, the CB750 Hornet is now officially available in Thailand. 

  • The 2023 Honda Hornet 750 features an all-new engine.
  • Equipped with ride-by-wire and Honda Selectable Torque Control. 

According to reports, the Honda Hornet CB750 is priced at THB319,000 (RM41.2k) and is available in two colour options; Graphite Black and Pear Glare White. 

Powering the Hornet is a 755cc parallel-twin engine producing 92hp and 75Nm. The engine features a 270-degree crank that allows the engine to provide a feel similar to a V-Twin configuration. 

In addition, the two cylinders is coated with nickel-silicon carbide, a feature inherited from the firm’s CBR1000RR-R while the Unicam system is similar to the CRF450R motocross machine.

Meanwhile, the engine is wrapped around an all-new steel diamond frame which Honda claimed to weighs only 16.6kg which is 2kg lighter than the frame on Honda’s CB650R.  According to Honda, the Hornet 750 is equipped with a 15.1L fuel tank and with a fuel consumption rate at 23km/l, this means that the bike could go up to 340km. 

The Hornet also gets Honda’s patented ‘Vortex Flow Ducts’ designed to evenly distribute air into the airbox. According to Honda, the air ducts boost the bike’s throttle response.

Electronically, the Honda Hornet 750 gets ride-by-wire, which offers three pre-mapped riding modes; Rain, Standard and Sport. However the fourth mode, is fully customisable by the rider.

The motorcycle is suspended by Showa’s SFF-BP 41mm USD forks with 130mm travel at the front and a preload-adjustable shock absorber with Pro-Link swingarm at the rear. Other notable features include auto-cancelling indicators, 5-inch TFT display, Honda Smartphone Voice Control System (available for Android and iOS). 

The Triumph-Bajaj partnership has been progressing steadily over recent months, and it seems that a new bike is on the horizon. A recent video posted on YouTube by The Fat Biker has given us the clearest look yet at a Triumph Bajaj test mule being tested on roads in India.

  • The test mule is seen with alloy wheels instead of wire-spoked wheels shown last year. 
  • Reports suggest the all-new motorcycle is likely to break cover towards the end of 2023. 

The bike is believed to be a 400cc machine, with a neutral and upright seating position and mid-mounted foot pegs. It features cast wheels (19-inch up front and a 17-inch in the rear), high-mounted fenders front and rear, and an underslung exhaust with a dual-tipped canister mounted low on the right side. LED lighting is present throughout the bike, and the speedometer is analog.

While it’s not yet clear when the new Triumph-Bajaj bike will be formally revealed, bike press in India believes it will happen later in 2023. 

The upcoming bike is expected to directly compete with other scramblers like the Royal Enfield Scram 411, the Yezdi Scrambler, and the Honda CB350RS.

With eight months to go until the formal reveal, enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting more information about this exciting new offering from the Triumph-Bajaj partnership. Stay tuned for more updates on this upcoming model.

In 2021, KTM made waves with the debut of the 890 Adventure and 890 Adventure R, effectively rendering the existing 790 Adventure lineup obsolete.

  • KTM and CFMoto teamed up to bring the up-spec KTM 790 Adventure R. 
  • The KTM 790 Adventure R to feature new chassis and styling.

However, the Austrian OEM has since revived the base model 790 Adventure in 2023 as a budget-conscious alternative to its big-bore cousin. Now, KTM and CFMoto are partnering on a project to bring back the up-spec 790 Adventure R.

According to type-approval documents filed in China, the KTM and CFMoto partnership plans to revive the 790 Adventure R with new chassis and styling accommodations. The prototype image included in the documents confirms that the off-road-biased variant will sport robust 48mm WP XPLOR suspension, a high-mounted front fender, and aggressive semi-knobby tires.

While the filings don’t indicate the model’s performance figures, we anticipate the R trim to retain the standard model’s 94 horsepower and 87Nm of torque. However, without its windshield and a KTMR2R sticker plastered to its front panel, the project looks very much in progress.

As such, KTM and CFMoto could still make changes before the 790 Adventure R returns to the market.

The 790 Adventure R is expected to set itself apart from the base model 790 Adventure and the 890 Adventure R with its off-road-biased features. Given previous iterations of the 790 Adventure R and the existing 890 Adventure R, adventure riders can expect a capable and rugged machine.

KTM’s decision to partner with CFMoto for production could also make the resurrected ADV more affordable for adventure riders. The Chinese manufacturer’s experience in production and cost-effective processes could help keep the price competitive.

Overall, the 790 Adventure R’s return is exciting news for adventure riders looking for a more budget-friendly, off-road-capable bike. While we await an official unveiling from KTM, the type-approval documents provide a tantalizing glimpse into what riders can expect from the revived model.

Ducati has issued a recall for select 2023 Diavel V4 models due to a faulty passenger foot peg issue. The problem, which could cause the passenger to lose their foot support suddenly, increases the risk of a crash or injury.

  • a total of 145 units of the new generation Diavel V4 is affected by the recall. 
  • The affected models were produced between February 16 and March 30, 2023.

Ducati North America identified the issue as a production defect on the part of the supplier of passenger foot pegs. The company notified the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the problem on Thursday, April 13, 2023.

According to the recall notice, up to 145 examples could be impacted by the issue.

Ducati has already distributed recall campaign instructions to its North American dealerships. The letter instructs service departments to inspect the batch stamping on the underside of each passenger peg. If the unit bears a “K22” code, dealers will replace the component free of charge.

However, right-side passenger pegs (PN.46520942AA) and/or left-side passenger foot pegs (PN.46520952AA) not designated within the “K22” batch will not be replaced.

The recall is a precautionary measure taken by Ducati to ensure the safety of its customers. The company advises owners of affected motorcycles to take their vehicles to a Ducati dealership as soon as possible for inspection and repair.

Aprilia has revealed two new limited-edition bikes at the 2023 MotoGP round at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, last weekend. 

  • The special edition models features top-of-the-range components. 
  • The RSV4 and Tuono gets striking graphics and colour scheme. 

The RSV4 Factory Special Edition and Tuono V4 Factory Special Edition feature striking liveries that incorporate white, red, blue, and silver text. 

The RSV4 Factory Special Edition boasts a 1,099cc V4 engine with 217 horsepower, while the Tuono V4 Factory Special Edition comes with a 1,077cc V4 that produces 175 horsepower. Both bikes feature a six-axis 11MP ECU, full ride-by-wire throttle, and the Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) operating system. 

They also come with six customizable ride modes, three of which are for track use and three for road use. The bikes get a full semi-active Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension, Brembo Stylema brakes, and forged aluminum wheels. 

Additionally, all lighting is LED, and the team worked to refine the aerodynamic design and optimize rider comfort. 

These limited-edition bikes will be available in North American dealerships in May and June 2023.

British motorcycle manufacturer Triumph is set to expand its range of motorcycles, with recent trademark applications suggesting the company has even more ambitious projects in the works.

  • Triumph is working on several new models as confirmed by latest trademark applications. 
  • The Hurricane nameplate is well known back in the 70s. 

According to reports by Cycle World, Triumph has filed trademark applications for “Hurricane,” “Adventurer,” and “Street Tracker” in multiple countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.

The name “Hurricane” is well-known to Triumph enthusiasts, as it was used on the iconic X-75 Hurricane motorcycle in the 1970s. It is likely that Triumph will use the name for a new model with similar styling and mechanical layout to the X-75. 

Triumph also applied for the name “Adventurer,” which has been used in the past on a twin-cylinder scrambler and a cruiser. However, the company is likely to use the name for an adventure bike given its current range of adventure models.

Finally, the trademark application for “Street Tracker” suggests that Triumph is developing a bike in this style, although the use of “Street” in the name raises some questions. It is possible that Triumph will use the name for a model based on its Street Triple, or that it will be used for the new Bajaj-built, single-cylinder retro models that are due to be launched later this year.

While Triumph has a history of holding onto trademark rights for historic names, the recent changes to US trademark law mean that companies are only meant to register names they genuinely intend to use soon. 

Triumph’s expansion into new markets, including motocross and electric motorcycles, as well as its plans to develop a range of entry-level single-cylinder bikes in India, suggest that the company has big plans for the future.

(source: Cycle World)

HJC Helmets has collaborated with DC Comics once again to produce a new graphic for its RPHA 11 Pro Series lineup, this time featuring the infamous Batman villain, Two-Face. 

  • RPHA 11 Pro comes with a HJ-26 shield that offers 95% UVA and UVB protection.
  • The RPHA 11 Pro helmet is available in sizes ranging from XS to 2XL.

The RPHA 11 Pro helmet was originally created by HJC for the racetrack and is now a solid option for a sport full-face helmet that meets DOT and ECE 22.05 standards. Its shell is built with Premium Integrated Matrix (PIM) construction, which combines carbon and carbon-glass hybrid fabrics to create a lightweight, comfortable, and shock-resistant helmet.

The RPHA 11 Pro comes with a HJ-26 shield that offers 95% UVA and UVB protection, tear-off posts, and a dark smoke tinted shield. The removable interior features glasses grooves, MultiCool fabric with Polygiene antibacterial treatment, and is both moisture-wicking and quick-drying.

HJC’s MotoGP-derived ventilation channels, Emergency Kit cheek pads, and Rapid Fire shield replacement system are all standard on the RPHA 11 Pro. Additionally, all interior and exterior parts are replaceable, including the exterior vents, chin curtain, breath deflector, gear plate set, cheek pads, and headliner, as well as the shields.

The RPHA 11 Pro helmet is available in sizes ranging from XS to 2XL. The pricing for the Two-Face graphic in the US is $629.99 (RM2.7k). While HJC helmets are sold worldwide, not all graphics may be available in all markets. Interested buyers are advised to contact their local authorized HJC retailer for pricing and availability.

CFMOTO has recently launched its 800NK sport naked streetfighter at the Makina Moto Show, one of the biggest motorcycle shows in the Philippines. This new model has been making headlines with its impressive specs and features.

  • the naked motorcycle features KTM’s LC8c 799cc parallel-twin engine. 
  • the 800NK is equipped with KYB suspension, full-colour TFT and J.Juan brake callipers. 

Powered by a KTM-acquired 799cc 285-degree parallel twin, the 800 NK produces 100.8 horsepower and 81Nm of torque. With a top speed of 220 kilometers per hour, it’s a lightweight middleweight, tipping the scales at just 185 kilograms.

The Philippine-spec model of the 800NK comes equipped with KYB adjustable suspension in the front and rear, J.Juan calipers and brake masters, and a large eight-inch full-color TFT panel for its gauge cluster that includes smartphone pairing as one of its features.

According to CFMOTO, the Philippine market will only get one trim level of the 800 NK, and the model that the country gets has all the top-shelf stuff. Priced at PHP488,800 (RM38.6k), the 800 NK is one of the best values in the market compared to its other rivals.

The launch of the 800NK has made big waves at the Makina Moto Show, where CFMOTO has showcased its latest offering to many eager Filipinos. With its impressive specs, features, and affordable price point, the 800 NK is expected to be a game-changer in the motorcycle market.

In a dramatic turn of events at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Alex Rins secured a thrilling victory in the Grand Prix after forcing Francesco Bagnaia into another crash.

  • Alex Rins claims LCR Honda’s 100th podium in MotoGP. 
  • Fabio Quartararo snatching first podium of the season. 

The race started with Bagnaia making a brilliant start and holding off Rins into turn one. However, the factory Ducati team’s luck was short-lived as Jorge Martin and Alex Marquez clashed, resulting in crashes for both riders.

Meanwhile, Jack Miller made a significant move up the order to position himself in third, closing in on Rins and Bagnaia. However, Miller’s charge ultimately ended as he crashed out of the race on lap seven. As the race progressed, Bagnaia continued to lead despite pressure from Rins, with Quartararo in third position.

However, just like in the previous Sprint race, Bagnaia made another crucial error, crashing out of the Grand Prix on lap 14, allowing Rins to take over the lead. Luca Marini then blasted past Quartararo with eight laps remaining, showing the immense speed of his Ducati. But Rins managed to control the gap and secure his victory, just his third race for Honda.

The race witnessed three crashes in short order as Takaaki Nakagami kicked things off before Brad Binder and Joan Mir joined him. Maverick Vinales showed good pace, making overtakes on Binder and Miguel Oliveira to secure a position in the top ten.

The COTA Grand Prix provided fans with plenty of action and drama, with Rins emerging as the ultimate victor. Bagnaia, on the other hand, will need to regroup after another Grand Prix crash.

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