Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S Gets Reworked Navigation And New Colour

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S gets new updated visuals and reworked navigation for 2023.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is the Austrian firm most potent adventure bike.
Features a big V-Twin engine capable of producing 160hp.

That said, the 2023 1290 Super Adventure S gets extra refinement for the new year including a revised aluminium subframe to allow seat height adjustability.

KTM also updated the navigation software with a new ‘Turn-by-Turn’ system.

In addition, the 2023 1290 Super Adventure S can also be upgraded with KTM’s Quickshifter+ and WP Suspension Pro.

Also, the 1290 Super Adventure S gets new colour options including an orange and black colour scheme and graded grey.

Powering the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is the Euro5 V-Twin LC8 engine capable of pumping 160hp and 138Nm of peak torque.

2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S key features:

turn-by-turn navigation system
lightweight ChroMo stainless steel chassis
WP Semi-Active Suspension
Bosch 6D sensor
radar-assist Adaptive Cruise Control

According to KTM, the 2023 1290 Super Adventure S will be available from January 2023 onwards.

Upcoming MV Agusta Lucky Explorer 9.5 Specs Revealed – 124hp, 102Nm

MV Agusta revival of the Cagiva Elefant 900 is set to roll out soon with the introduction of the Lucky Explorer 9.5.

MV Agusta Lucky Explorer 9.5 is the brand maiden adventure capable motorcycle.
Features an all-new 931cc three cylinder engine.

The Italian company first announced their Lucky Explorer project at 2021 EICMA and at the time no further details were revealed to the public.

However, with the official launch inching closer, MV Agusta was kind enough to share the specs.

Firstly, the Lucky Explorer 9.5 boast a 931cc three-cylinder engine that is derived from the 800cc mill found in the F3 800.

The 57kg engine churns out 124hp and 102Nm with a claimed max speed of 240kph.

MV Agusta also redesigned the crankshaft to improved handling by reducing the inertia.

Although efforts were taken to reduced the engine weight, the Lucky Explorer 9.5 is heavy, tipping the scale at 220kg (dry) and with a 20L fuel tank, expect the weight to bump up tremendously.

Nevertheless, stopping power comes in the form of a four-piston Brembo Stylema callipers with dual 320mm front disc and single 220mm rear disc. On top of that, the bike’s is also equipped with ABS.

Meanwhile, the engine is suspended by a double-beam steel frame design with a bolt-on cradle and a steel trellis subframe.

At the front, the bike is fitted with a 21-inch wire-spoked wheels connected to the frame via a 48mm Sachs USD telescopic forks with 220mm of travel while the rear gets an 18-inch wheels connected to single-sided aluminium swingarm and Sachs monoshock.

Other notable features include:

7-inch TFT display
Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity
cruise control
launch control
eight-level traction control
GPS sensor
built-in immobiliser
full LED lighting

We expect MV Agusta to officially launch the Lucky Explorer 9.5 alongside the 5.5 early next year.

CONFIRMED: Didi Automotive Announced As New Triumph Distribution Partner In Malaysia

Didi Automotive has been announced as the new distribution partner for Triumph Motorcycles for the Malaysian market, effective from January 15, 2023.

Didi Automtive takes over Triumph Motorcycles distributorship.
New Triumph showroom facility will be set up in Petaling Jaya and Penang.

That said, Didi Automotive will manage the importation, sales and distribution of Triumph Motorcycles including expanding the British brand in the market.

Ensuring the brand will continue to grow, Didi Automotive will set up a new Triumph showroom in Petaling Jaya and Penang that offers state-of-the-art facilities, trained personnel and top quality Service, After Sales and Customer Care.

However, since the previous Triumph distributor has set the bar high, it’ll be a daunting task for Didi Automotive to established the same or better customer experience.

“Didi Group is glad to be entrusted with the representation of Triumph in Malaysia and we will do our upmost to deliver the best ownership lifestyle experience for existing and new owners in accordance with the Triumph standard with a local touch.

“At Didi, we believe in creating mobility lifestyle solutions beyond just selling and servicing motorcycles. We look forward to connecting with you digitally and inviting you to the doors of our new refresh network soon,” said Rewi Hamid Bugo, Chairman Didi Group Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Paul Stroud –Chief Commercial Officer, Triumph Motorcycles Ltd, United Kingdom is pleased with the new partnership with Didi Automotive.

““We are extremely pleased to be entering into partnership with Didi Automotive in Malaysia. This step will enable the Triumph brand to be even more accessible to motorcycle fans, and we look forward to welcoming more fans and customers in Malaysia to the Triumph brand,” he said.

Honda Working On Electric Racing Motorcycles

Honda recently revealed its Honda Racing Corporation plans for the upcoming 2023 season, including motorcycle and automotive racing series.

Honda actively developing electric motorcycles for racing.
Honda announced new motorsport plans for 2023.

Honda also announced its motor racing lineup for 2023, including MotoGP, WorldSBK and WorldSSP.

However, the announcement also revealed that the Japanese marquee is developing electric motorcycles for racing.

According to Honda director and senior managing executive officer Shinji Aoyama, the firm is pursuing a new mission in the motorsport arena.

“In the meantime, Honda has another critical mission to pursue in the area of motorsports.

“It is the realization of carbon neutrality. Honda has already been conducting research and development of technologies for carbon neutrality while proactively leveraging the field of motorsports.

“From now onward, we will further enhance our initiatives to put such technologies into practical use in our racing activities.

“Moreover, starting with motorcycles, we will explore possibilities of introducing electrified vehicles in actual races where we compete,” he explained.

Shinji’s speech certainly builds excitement around Honda’s electric motorcycle project. Furthermore, an electric racing motorcycle certainly means developing a powerful electric motor which could be applied to the firm’s future production of electric two-wheelers.

That said, we’re looking forward to Honda’s maiden electric race bike.

MBP T125 Dual-Sport Motorcycle Rolls Out In Europe

Starting on a 125cc motorcycle is the best way to kick-start your two-wheel journey, especially in Europe.

MBP latest T125 dual-sport motorcycle arrived in Europe.
The T125 is built specifically for A1 license holder.

That said, a dual-sport motorcycle is very popular among new and young riders as they allow you to enjoy riding beyond the paved roads.

Understanding the growing demand for small, lightweight motorcycles, MBP brings us the all-new T125 dual-sport machine.

Designed specifically for young riders with A1 licenses in Europe, the MBP T125 combines lightness and agility.

According to MBP, the T125 dual-sport features long-travel suspension and dual-sport tires – 19-inch front and 17-inch rear – allowing for some off-roading.

Regarding styling, the T125 mirrors a modern-day enduro, albeit compact in size. It gets a tall front fender, fork protector, headlight cowl, small windshield and an upswept exhaust system.

Powering the MBP T125 is a 125cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine that pumps out 15hp @ 10,000rpm and 10.5Nm @ 8,000rpm.

Surprisingly, the T125 is equipped with a six-speed transmission, thus making it more interesting to ride than the other competitors that run on a five-speed gearbox.

Brembo Builds Eco-Friendly, High-Performance Brake Pads

Brembo is ready to go green after successfully producing high-performance brake pads that are less harmful to the environment.

Brembo Greenance brake pads is less harmful to the environment.
Features lower non-renewable materials.

According to Sebastinio Rio, Chief Operating Officer of Brembo, the approach made is by reducing the use of non-renewable materials in construction and using eco-friendly manufacturing methods.

“We are adding a reduction in wear, so that is a green aspect as we are reducing consumption.

“Meanwhile, we have removed some components such as copper and nickel to maintain those components as green.

“Plus in the manufacturing process we have cut something like 60% energy consumption. It’s a combination of a green product and a green process,” Rio told MCN.

Interestingly, while saving the environment, the Greenance brake pads also claimed an increase in stopping power thanks to better heat resistance.

According to Brembo, the Greenance pads also meet European safety standards and feature NUCAP Retention System. Nevertheless, Rio stated that the company’s green efforts would continue to evolve.

“We are still working on trying and making our products more green every time.

“We are now having a look at recyclability, aluminium is recycled. We are working in a different environment with a reduction of waste and the utilisation of water in our factory, and the consumption of energy,” he added.

(Source: MCN)

OFFICIAL: Fast Bikes Ends Distributorship With Triumph In Malaysia, Switch To Honda

Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of Triumph Motorcycles in Malaysia, will end its distributorship with the UK brand on January 14, 2023.

Fast Bike ceases Triumph distributorship in Malaysia.
Fast Bike’s Petaling Jaya headquarters is to undergo two months of renovation beginning in January.

The announcement was made during a recent Triumph Ratpack Year-End Gathering and High-Tea session at Fast Bike’s headquarters in Petaling Jaya.

However, under the leadership of Dato’ Razak Al Malique, Fast Bikes will take on a new adventure in 2023 as a Honda Big Wing dealership.

Meanwhile, Fast Bike’s outlets in Penang, Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu also end their Triumph operation on the same date.

That said, a new Triumph distributor for Malaysia has been appointed pending an official announcement.

While the news may be shocking, current Triumph owners continue to shower support on Fast Bike’s management for their support all these years.

WMOTO XDV 250i Officially In Malaysia – From RM18,888

MForce Bike Holdings has launched the WMOTO XDV 250i maxi-style scooter for the local market with a recommended selling price of RM18,888 for the standard trim and RM21,888 for the ‘Project-X’ variant.

In addition, customers can also purchase the up-spec WMOTO XDV 250i ‘Project-X’ for RM. The special unit features wire-spoke wheels, top box and panniers and a taller windscreen.

The urban adventure style scooter offers sporty look and sport a bevy of features including a full-colour digital LCD instrument cluster and keyless ignition.

Mechanically, the XDV 250i is equipped with a 244.3cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that makes 24hp and 22.5Nm.

On paper, the XDV 250i can hit a max speed of 130km/h putting it on par with the Yamaha XMAX 250. However, the latter does have enough juice squeeze some extra speed.

Interestingly, the XDV 250i also features a headlight-mounted front apron, an adjustable windscreen and a side-mounted exhaust.

The scooter also packs a UBS charging port and a twin LED headlamps.

Other notable features include front and rear disc brakes, along with a dual-channel ABS, KYB inverted front forks and dual-rear shock absorbers with preload adjustability.

Moto Guzzi To Revive The Stelvio Adventure Motorcycle

For those who able to make it to EICMA last month, chances are you might’ve visited Moto Guzzi’s booth exhibition booth.

Moto Guzzi confirms the Stelvio to make a comeback.
The Stelvio adventure motorcycle is likely to feature the same powertrain as the newly launched V100 Mandello.

If you did, it is likely that you also came across the Italian brand latest teaser that confirms that return of the Stelvio adventure motorcycle.

The Moto Guzzi Stelvio was an adventure-touring type motorcycle that was in production for eight years, running from 2007 to 2016.

Despite proving itself as a capable ADV machine, the Stelvio was going up against a stronger foe at the time including the BMW R 1200 GS and KTM 1190 Adventure.

As a result, Guzzi pulled the Stelvio out of production in 2016 due to lacklustre in sales. Moreover, Europe’s transition to Euro 4 didn’t help the motorcycle to remain relevant at the time.

However, it looks like Moto Guzzi is ready to revive the Stelvio soon as confirmed by a teaser at EICMA.

The special teaser showcased the Stelvio nameplate that sits above a set of wire-spoke wheels.

While Moto Guzzi is keeping a tight lipped over the Stelvio’s comeback, ongoing report suggest that the adventure bike will be equipped with the same mill found in the all-new V100 Mandello sport tourer motorcycle.

That said, the Stelvio is likely to feature a revised 1,042cc transverse V-Twin engine taken from the V100 Mandello. At present, the engine makes 115hp and 105Nm.

Currently, there’s no word regarding the bike’s development and Moto Guzzi has been eerily quiet about the Stelvio following its teaser in Milan. All we can do now is speculate until there is an official word coming from the Mandello del Lario factory.

Caltex Havoline BikePro Workshop Offers Expert Servicing And Convenience

Chevron Malaysia Limited (Chevron) has launched its first Caltex Havoline bikePro workshop in Malaysia that caters to every motorcyclist that seeks expert servicing experience.

Havoline bikePro workshop offers expert servicing for motorcyclist.
The programme allows every staff to undergo training and business programme.

Malaysia motorcyclists can enjoy the best service from a fleet of well-equipped staff ready to take on your two-wheel problems.

More importantly, every staff has undergone training and even completed an elaborate business development programme.

Meanwhile, according to Khoo Huan Teong, Manager of B2B Fuels & Lubricants of Chevron Malaysia Limited, aside from offering the best services to a motorcyclist, the programme also allows existing workshops to up their skills.

“Through our research, we found that there is a behavioural change amongst motorcyclists who are increasingly inclined to seek servicing experiences that account for all their worries.

“The owners who take a hands-on approach are becoming a small minority as many seek convenience and expertise in keeping their motorcycles in shape. But aside from just benefiting customers, this programme essentially provides the opportunity for our existing workshops to up their skills and better service the motorcycles in Malaysia,” he said.

In addition, Caltex aims to open 15 more Havoline bikePro workshops by the end of next year, allowing more customers to enjoy first-class services and unparalleled convenience around the country.

Royal Enfield Working On Five All-New 450cc Bikes

These days, Royal Enfield’s name appears almost every day on any two-wheel website.

Royal Enfield to introduce five new motorcycles featuring an all-new 450cc platform.
The Himalayan 450 could be the first to make public debut next year.

That’s because the Chennai-based motorcycle company has been busy introducing a range of new bikes in the last couple of years.

However, Royal Enfield will soon grow its portfolio with five all-new 450cc motorcycles.

According to reports in India, the 450cc range is likely to include an adventure tourer alongside a more off-road capable machine, possibly called the Himalayan 450. Also in the pipeline are a 450 roadster, 450 scramblers and a 450 cafe racer.

Royal Enfield has been caught testing an adventure tourer over the last few months, with reports claiming that it could be the first among the five to make its global debut next year.

Meanwhile, the Himalayan 450 will feature a single-piece flat seat, higher ground clearance and a longer travel suspension to boost the bike’s off-road ability.

Secondly, the roadster is a street-biased motorcycle, thus offering a lower seat height, sportier riding ergonomics and sharper bodywork.

The 450 scramblers and 450 cafe racer are similar to the roadster, offering slightly differing packages, including wired-spoke wheels, lower set clip-on handlebars, shorter fenders and a front beak.

In addition, all five models will boast LED lighting, including modern instrumentation.

Honda Prepping For A New And Powerful Fireblade For 2024

There is a rumour ongoing that Honda could be working on a more powerful Honda Fireblade for 2024 which is set to debut in Japan next year.

Honda’s rumoured to be working on a “full power” CBR1000RR-R Fireblade.
The new Fireblade could make public debut in October 2023 at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Apparently, Honda wants to introduced a ‘final edition’ Fireblade before emissions regulations begin to tighten as reported by Webike.

The latest generation Fireblade introduced in 2020 was considered at the time to be the most powerful, with 215hp on tap. However, the latest iteration was not considered successful as the CBR1000RR-R could not compete with Ducati’s Panigale V4 R, Yamaha’s R1M and Kawasaki’s ZX-10RR at the WorldSBK.

Evidently, Honda has not won a single race in the WorldSBK despite finding success in Japan including winning the Suzuka 8 Hours earlier this year.

That said, Honda wants to return to the front row with a new generation CBR1000RR-R Fireblade ready for 2024, with a public debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2023.

However, the new machine still needs to adhere to the current Euro5 emission standard.

Nevertheless, these are just rumours and no confirmation coming from Honda just yet but it would make sense for Honda to actually working on an even powerful and capable sportsbike.

Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen