Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Kove Cobra 321 Breaks Cover In China – 40hp, 27.1Nm.

Kove is likely to become a household name in a few years particularly after the company successfully partake in the 2023 Dakar Rally by fielding three bikes.

Kove begins the 2023 calendar year with an all-new naked roadster.
The Cobra 321 makes 40hp and 27.1Nm from its 321cc parallel-twin mill.

Since the brand also sets out to compete in the 2023 SSP300, the Chinese motorcycle manufacturer is looking serious to make itself global despite only made its global debut at the 2022 EICMA show.

In another move, Kove recently expanded its range of motorcycles by introducing the Cobra 321. As the name suggest, the naked roadster features a 321cc parallel-twin engine which Kove claimed makes 40hp and 27.1Nm.

Interestingly, the 321cc mill resembles to that of the Yamaha MT-03 and R3. That said, it is likely that the Kove-build engine was develop with reference to the Japanese powertrain.

Power is then delivered to the rear wheel via a six-speed manual transmission.

Housing the engine is a steel tubular frame linked to a single-sided swingarm, a feature commonly found in bigger and high-performance road bike.

Other notable features include a full-LED lighting, 17-inch front and rear wheels, inverted front forks and a rear monoshock (preload adjustable).

Stopping power comes from a front and rear disc brakes equipped with ABS paired to an radially-mounted Nissin callipers.

HJC Unveils New I71 With ECE22.06 Ratings

Thanks to Europe’s latest ECE22.06 regulations, HJC were motivated to update its current range of helmets.

HJC adds the new i71 to its range of ECE22.06-approved helmets.
The i71 replaces the previous i70 sport-touring helmet.

As a result, HJC replaced the long-running CS-15 with a new C10 while also introducing new models including a new RPHA range and the retro-styled V10.

The latest to join the lines of HJC new range is the i70 full-face helmet.

Replacing the i70, the sport-touring helmet not only meet the latest ECE22.06 certification but also features revised shape, reworked air vent for better air flow and additional air duct a the chin bar to help improves aerodynamics.

Also the newly advanced polycarbonate shell offers better protection as a result from the more rigorous testing including energy attenuation, penetration resistance and chin strap structural integrity.

As a sport touring helmet, the i71 also features a drop-down sun visor. According to HJC, the new sun visor provides a 3-position option for the rider to adjust the sun shield forward thus delivering ideal sun visor protection.

Also, the i71 comes with three shell sizes throughout the six available sizes to help optimise weight and comfort.

Interestingly, despite a major reworked to replaced the i70, the i71 still retains the same affordability thanks to its EUR229.90 (RM1,075) price tag.

Ultraviolette Unveils F99 Factory Racing Platform

Indian electric mobility company, Ultraviolette made headlines when it introduced the futuristic-looing F77 roadster which subsequently blew the brand awareness.

Interestingly, Ultraviolette does not plan to stop there, instead the company made another bold step at this year’s India Auto Expo by unveiling the F99 factory racing platform.

Despite its race-ready bodywork, the F99 borrows much of its design from the road-legal F77. However, while the F77 features the standard 60V system, the F99 boast a 120V powertrain.

Thanks to the bigger and more powerful mill, Ultraviolette claimed that the F99 makes 65hp and able to hit a max speed of 200km/h.

Ultraviolette also fitted the F99 with MotoGP-inspired winglets on the side fairings and rear tail. As a track-only machine, the F99 also replaces the headlamp with a face plate to improve aerodynamics.

Other notable components includes a carbon fiber bodywork and a single-seat configuration.

According to Ultraviolette, the F99 marks the company intentions to enter a race in the coming years.

MotoE: Ducati Begins Production Of V21L Race Bikes

Ducati has officially begin the production of the V21L electric motorcycles that is set to compete at the 2023 MotoE World Championship.

Ducati is the official MotoE supplier for the 2023 season replacing Energica.
The Ducati V21L will be used by competing teams for the MotoE World Championship.

The Italian motorcycle company enters a new chapter in 2023 after they were signed as the new MotoE race bike supplier replacing Energica.

The Ducati V21L were unveiled last year after undergoing rigorous testing by a number of riders including Dcuati’s Michele Pirro, Chaz Davies and Alex De Angelis.

However, the V21L itself marks a big step for the Borgo Panigale outfit as they enter a new world of electrification and at the same time promoting sustainability and clean energy.

“The start of production of the Ducati MotoE is a historic moment for our company, which with this project is thoroughly studying the technologies of the future for the world of motorcycling,” said Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati.

He also lamented how the V21L will also marks the firm’s ambition towards building an electric road bike that delivers similar excitement to the current petrol powered machines.

“It is an important area of experimentation, in which we are investing to build know-how, so that we will be ready when battery technology should allow the creation of an exciting electric road bike with the weight, performance and range that enthusiasts expect from a Ducati.

“We are therefore embarking on this new adventure with the aim of developing the people and skills within the company to shape what the character of a future Ducati electric road bike might be.

“The MotoE project represents a decisive step for Ducati to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions on the product side, alongside research into synthetic fuels (eFuel) that can reduce the total CO2 emissions of internal combustion engines to zero.

“Environmental sustainability is something that all individuals and all companies must consider a priority if the delicate balance of the planet is to be preserved,” he added.

Fans of MotoE will get a closer look at the Ducati V21L race bike at Jerez Test between 6-8 March and Barcelona on 3-5 April.

MotoGP: Monster Energy Yamaha Ready To Take On The 2023 Season

Monster Energy Yamaha has officially unveiled its latest livery ahead of the 2023 MotoGP season.

The official unveiling ceremony was done in Indonesia during Yamaha S3 Dealer Meeting.

Joining the glitzy event were Yamaha MotoGP team boss Lin Jarvis, Yamaha President Yoshihiro Hidaka, Yamaha MotoGP team director Massimo Meregalli and two lead rider, Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli.

While the Yamaha M1 still features Yamaha’s iconic blue, the fairing and nose cone of the 2023 race bike now features a distinctive dazzle-camo paint scheme.

According to Yamaha the 2023 livery is designed by legendary helmet designer, Aldo Drudi.

“I always felt our previous bike was the most beautiful and clean in the racing world, but now you will notice it’s a little bit more aggressive.

“A little bit younger. You can see some camouflage feel and this is not by accident. The [livery] has been designed by one of the top designers in our world, Aldo Drudi in Italy, and the idea is to be aggressive.

“We are going to battle! We are going to war! We are going to challenge!,” said Jarvis.

Also, the same design will be applied to every official Monster Yamaha team as confirmed by Jarvis.

“You will also see later this week a similar [livery] design in Supercross and Motocross. So this is a Monster Yamaha new look and feel,” he added.

Meanwhile, Quartararo will not only begin the new season with a new livery, the Frenchman will also donned the all-new HJC RPHA 1 race helmet.

Honda Developing New Navigation System For The Gold Wing

Honda is working on a new navigation system as confirmed by latest patents.

Honda latest navigation system could provide better convenient to riders.
The navigation system collects data from weather reports and Honda cars.

According to reports, the new system will not only showcased the typical navigation information but also will take into account weather conditions before presenting the safer route to take.

Interestingly, the system will also collect data from other Honda vehicles including cars to gain a more accurate result.

That said, it’ll help to reroute the bike’s navigation and be ahead of oncoming bad weather.

In addition, Honda also plans to connect the bike’s electronics to the new navigation system allowing the bike to adjust its electronic windscreen and heated grip automatically as per the weather change.

Nevertheless, the system is currently in early development stages and it could take a while before Honda puts them in a production motorcycle, in this case the said bike is likely the GL1800 Gold Wing.

Registrations For The 2023 Isle Of Man TT Are Now Open

The Isle of Man TT is set to return in 2023 with registration for the Tourist Trophy are now officially opens.

2023 season to commence with three races instead of two.
2023 season will mark the race 102nd edition since its inception in 1907.

According to the official information, the 2023 season will kick-off from May 29 to June 10, 2023.

That said, the iconic race is set to turn the calm and serene town of Isle of Man into a road racing circuit with bikes blazing through the street at more than 300km/h.

The 2023 season will mark the race 102nd edition having run continuously since 1907 – skipped several times due to World War I and World War II and recently the pandemic.

Nevertheless, similar to last year’s edition, the 2023 season will return in full blast with revised schedule consisting of ten races.

However, unlike the previous edition, 2023 season now has three races instead of two:

June 3 (Saturday) – Monster Energy SuperSport and 3 Sidecar TT Races
June 4 (Sunday) – RST Superbike TT
June 6 (Tuesday) – first RL360 Superstock Race and Supertwin Race
June 7 (Wednesday) – second RL360 Superstock Race and Supertwin race

Harley-Davidson Confirm Plans To Go Fully Electric

Harley-Davidson has steadily developing its own electric programme over the last few years with the LiveWire becoming the firm’s maiden voyage into electrification.

Harley-Davidson CEO, Jochen Zeitz confirm plans to go fully electric in the future.
Harley-Davidson spin-off brand, the LiveWire proven to be an ideal step towards electrification.

At first, the LiveWire came with a USD30,000 price tag before it was substantially reduced to USD21,999 after Harley-Davidson decided to spin off LiveWire into an independent brand in 2021 with the original LiveWire sold as LiveWire One.

Harley made another big move early last year by taking the LiveWire public which resulted the company revealed it’s product line for the future including the S2 Del Mar.

Unlike the LiveWire One, the S2 is LiveWire’s middleweight electric bikes developed in partnership with KYMCO.

The S2 – inlcuding S3 and S4 in the pipeline – showcased Harley’s dedication towards sustainability and a cleaner future.

That said, Harley-Davidson Chairman and CEO, Jochen Zeitz admitted that the brand will go fully electric in the future.

“At some point in time, Harley Davidson will be all-electric. But that’s a long-term transition that needs to happen. It’s not something you do overnight. It’s a natural evolution that needed to happen,” ,” Zeitz told design publication, Dezeen early this month.

Turning a company with its unique cruiser heritage into a full blown electric brand might not be something that a Harley-Davidson purist wants to hear.

However, Zeitz admitted that the company intend to do so by honouring the past, whatever that means.

Suzuki GSX-S1000GT Announced As Top Selling Sports Tourer In The UK

Suzuki might be out of world championship racing but the brand is no doubt continue to remain relevant to this day.

Suzuki sold more than 700 units of the GSX-S1000GT in UK last year.
The GSX-S1000GT is available in Malaysia for RM85,700.

In a latest announcement, the House of Hamamatsu has confirmed that the GSX-S1000GT has been the best-selling sports touring machine in the UK in 2022.

Despite only went on sale in April, Suzuki managed to sold 781 units by end of last year making it the top-selling sports tours touring motorcycle.

In addition, Suzuki anticipated that the number could reach 1,000 unit by end of March this year.

“Of course, we’re delighted with the popularity and success of the GSX-S1000GT. It was launched to high praise in the autumn of 2021, and we were seeing a huge number of reservations and orders before the bike had even arrived in dealerships.

“Despite that, and though it presented challenges, we managed to keep up with demand and we’re on course to top 1,000 sales by the end of its first year on sale, which is a fantastic achievement and something we’re all pleased with and proud of,” said Suzuki Great Britain head of motorcycles, Jonathan Martin.

Although it was build based on the heavily revised GSX-S1000 frame and powerplant, the GSX-S1000GT brings an altogether different vibe.

With optional panniers, comfy riding ergonomics, and an all-new electronic system, the GSX-S1000GT could be Suzuki’s ultimate sport tourer motorcycle.

At the heart of the motorcycle sits the same inline four-cylinder 999cc Euro5 engine you get from the GSX-R1000 and is detuned with revised cams, new air-box, and new exhaust to deliver 152hp @ 11,000rpm and 106Nm @ 9,250rpm.

Major electronics upgrade is a new electronic actuated throttle and Suzuki Intelligent Ride system that brings together riding modes, traction control and most importantly, cruise control system.

The Suzuki GSX-S1000GT is also currently available in Malaysia for RM85,700.

Next-Gen Aprilia RSV4 To Feature Variable Valve Timing

Aprilia is set to join the likes of Ducati, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki by introducing its own variable valve timing (VVT) system as confirmed by latest patent application submitted by parent company, Piaggio Group.

The patent – based on the Aprilia RSV4 – showcased a non-electronic VVT system that works similar to Suzuki’s GSX-R1000 whereby the system depends on centrifugal force to move the ball bearings located on the drivel wheel of the intake camshaft.

However, while the GSX-R1000 VVT works on 12 ball bearings, the upcoming RSV4 will used only three.

Despite that, we expect the system to worked well similar to any VVT technology available on modern two-wheels.

That said, Aprilia is working on a mechanical-based VVT as compared to electronics, currently adopted by Ducati, Kawasaki and Yamaha.

However, the new system could also be applied to other Piaggio-owned brand, including Moto Guzzi.

Aveta Rolls Out All-New VZR250 In Malaysia – 250cc Single, 24hp

Coming in new for the Malaysian market is the entry-level Aveta VZR250 sportsbike which is dubbed to be the most affordable quarter-litre motorcycle in its class.

The VZR250 is Aveta’s eight model introduced in Malaysia.
The entry-level sportsbike is fully assembled in Malaysia.

Priced at just RM14,998, the VZR250 makes 24hp and 21Nm from its single-cylinder 250cc DOHC 4-stroke engine. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a manual six-speed transmission with chain final drive.

According to Aveta, the VZR250 offers precise fuel consumption thanks to its electronic fuel injection (EFI) system).

Stopping power consist of dual disc brakes with radially-mounted 4-pot brake callipers at the front and 2-pot brake callipers at the rear.

Unfortunately, while the rest of its competitors features ABS (anti-lock braking system), the VZR250 relies on CBS (combine-braking system) commonly found in smaller-capacity machines.

The CBS system works by activating both the front and rear brakes when engaging the rear brake.

According to our sources in Aveta, the VZR250 is assembled locally in Malaysia and is rebadge from the Taro GP1 motorcycle currently available in other global markets.

The Aveta VZR250 is available in Jet Black, Fire Bird Red and Air Force Blue.

CONFIRMED: The 2023 Honda XL750 Transalp Is Coming To Malaysia

The all-new middleweight adventure bike from Honda, the XL750 Transalp is coming to Malaysia.

The Transalp features the same parallel-twin engine as the Hornet.
Fitted with Showa’s suspension at the front and rear with Pro-Link swingarm.

The confirmation news came from BikesRepublic’s sources in Boon Siew Honda during the launch of the new ADV160 in Penang, yesterday.

While there is no official launch date announced yet, it could possibly make its way here early 2024.

Mechanically, the Honda XL750 Transalp features an all-new parallel-twin engine that makes 90hp and 75Nm. That said, the Transalp slots in between the 74hp Tenere and 105hp 890 Adventure.

Similar to Honda CB750 Hornet, the XL750 Transalp features a 270-degree crank and a new airbox which Honda claimed to offer a low-end beat and top-end howl.

However, the ride-by-wire system has been explicitly tuned to best suit the bike’s touring and off-road ability.

Electronically, the XL750 Transalp gets four riding modes (Sport, Standard, Rain and Gravel and User), each of which can be selected while on the fly thanks to a lefthand switch cube.

Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen