Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Three-Wheeled Maxi Scooter Kymco CV3 Debuts In The UK – 52.7hp, 55.6Nm

Kymco has successfully established itself as one of the world’s best scooter manufacturer.

Kymco CV3 now available in the UK for GBP11,999 (RM64.5k).
The three-wheeled scooter runs on the same 550cc parallel-twin engine found in the AK550.

The Taiwanese motorcycle manufacturer recently took to EICMA show to showcased its 2023 lineup including the radically designed CV3, a three-wheeled maxi-scooter.

For starters, a three-wheeled tilting scooter is not a new thing as there are others that also offers similar design and practicality.

However, the Kymco CV3 goes beyond anything we’ve ever seen before, primarily due to its sharp styling and aggressive bodywork.

For instance, the CV3 sports a split LED headlight upfront and a large windscreen which significantly improves the bike’s capability to go for a long-distance touring.

At the back, there is a big and comfortable space for the pillion including a back rest.

Of course, the main highlight of the CV3 is the sophisticated front end that looks similar to Yamaha’s Niken that combines quad front forks – two on each side – and two 13-inch wheels. Meanwhile, the rear wheels is fitted wiht a 15-inch wheels.

Mechanically, the CV3 is equipped with the same engine found in the high-performance AK550 maxi-scooter. That said, it runs on a 550cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine that makes 52.7hp @ 7,500rpm and 55.6Nm @ 5,500rpm.

Other key features include a 6-inch full colour TFT instrument cluster, cruise control, keyless ignition and heated grips.

The Kymco CV3 is now available in the UK for a base price of GBP11,999 (RM64.5k).

2023 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition Breaks Cover

KTM has introduced a ‘factory edition’ version of the 2023 450 SX-F dirt bike by the Austrian brand’s US division.

The 450 SX-F gets KTM’s factory treatment for 2023.
Featuring two-time 450SX AMA Champion Cooper Webb graphics and livery.

The introduction of the factory edition 450 SX-F is as expected after its fellow Pierer Mobility Group member, GasGas rolls out its own factory rendition, last week.

Visually speaking, the KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition features the same Red Bull graphics as the KTM team competing in the AMA Supercross and AMA pro Motocross series.

That said, the dirt bike also features two-time 450SX AMA champion Cooper Webb #2 plates.

In terms of power, KTM claimed the 450 SX-F Factory Edition makes 68hp however, several reputable media has rated the motorcycle to make around 55hp after putting it on the dyno.

Nonetheless, thanks to the bike’s quickshifter system, power delivery is smoother for a motocross machine.

According to KTM, the 450 SX-F Factory Edition also equipped with a series of other modification befitting a motorcycle that fight for title success.

Other key components available on the factory edition includes:

KTM factory racing seat
KTM factory wheels
Akrapovic slip-on pipe
semi-floating front disc
KTM factory racing front brake disc guard
KTM factory racing skid plate
KTM factory start device
ODI lock-on grey grop set
Hinson outer clutch cover
KTM orange sprocket

Unfortunately, the KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition will only be available in the US.

The Yamaha Y15ZR Gets Updated Visuals – RM8,998

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM), the sole distributor of Yamaha motorcycles here in Malaysia, has introduced the updated 2023 Yamaha Y15ZR which now comes in four exciting new colours for the local market.

Yamaha Y15ZR now comes in four exciting colours.
The Y15ZR continue to feature 150cc single-cylinder SOHC engine that makes 15.4hp and 14.4Nm.

Those who are interested should be glad to know that these four new colour options are Matte Green, Yellow, Silver, and Orange. These new offerings for the 2020 Yamaha Y15ZR are already available at all authorised HLYM showrooms nationwide with the recommended selling price of RM8,998 (excluding insurance, road tax & registration).

As a bonus, each new purchase of the 2023 Yamaha Y15ZR will come with a complimentary Yamaha disc lock worth RM100 for added safety and peace of mind. Like the price, the specs for the very popular Yamaha 150cc moped remains unchanged.

2022 Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory Now In Malaysia – RM73,900

New for the Malaysian market is the 2022 Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory, priced at RM73,900 as announced by local distributor, Didi Group.

Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory brings higher power and better specs.
The Tuono 660 Factory features the all-new 659 cc parallel twin-cylinder engine with a 270-degree crank.

In terms of power, the Tuono 660 Factory is rated at 100hp, a 5hp increase from the base Tuono 660 but the peak torque remains unchanged at 67Nm.

That said, the Tuono 660 Factory also gets a shorter gear ratio for its gearbox plus all the electronic riding aids and APRC suite just like the RS 660 (traction control, wheelie control, cornering ABS, selectable riding modes, quickshifter, auto-blipper, etc.).

Despite the higher power than the base model that was introduced back in 2021, the Tuono 660 Factory is RM4,000 cheaper, making it very desirable among brand loyalists in Malaysia.

Also, thanks to weight-saving improvements, including using a lithium-ion battery, the Tuono 660 Factory is 2kg lighter.

The suspension is upgraded with a fully-adjustable 41mm Kayaba front fork and Sachs rear shocks.

Other notable features include:

dual 320mm disc (front)
single 220mm disc (rear)
Brembo calliper
Aprilia LED (with bending light function)

The 2022 Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory is only available in the Factory Dark colourway.

WorldSBK: Hafizh Syahrin To Remain With MIE Racing For The 2023 Season

Malaysian racer, Hafizh Syahrin will get another chance at the WorldSBK after he was handed a contract extension ahead of the 2023 season.

Hafizh Syahrin to remain at MIE Racing Honda Team for the 2023 season.
Hafizh will partner Brazilian rider, Eric Granado on board the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade.

Just five days after announcing the signing of Brazilian rider Eric Granado, MIE Racing Honda Team also officially extended its agreeement with Hafizh.

That said, MIE Racing Honda Team thus completes its line-up for the 2023 WorldSBK season with two riders who are more than ready for action when the season kicks off in Australia on February 24-26.

Meanwhile, team owner, Midori Moriwaki, is pleased to secure Hafizh signature for the upcoming season.

“I am extremely pleased to announce the contract extension with Hafizh who made his debut with us in the WorldSBK and has grown steadily throughout the season.

“I think he and Eric (Granado) will form a strong partnership and will help us to both develop our project with Honda whilst promoting the WorldSBK in South America and Asia,” she said.

Triumph-Bajaj Test Mule Caught Testing With Extra Accessories

The Covid-19 pandemic might have delayed the Triumph-Bajaj motorcycle project over the last three years but with things are moving positively these days, the motorcycle is is getting closer for its global debut.

Bajaj-produced Triumph motorcycle could roll out to production soon.
Latest test-mule hints at more than one variant.

The Bajaj-produced Triumph first made an appearance back in February with the test mule sported with a single-cylinder engine.

At the time, there’s no confirmation regarding the bike’s variants but latest spy shot from India’s Bike Dekho confirms that the upcoming Triumph-Bajaj motorcycle could comes in two different trims.

That’s because, the latest test mule features wire-spoked wheels as opposed to the former that is shod with 17-inch alloy wheels.

Interestingly, the latest test mule also features hand guards and a high-mounted front fender.

That said, the test mule is likely to be a scrambler version of Triumph-Bajaj’s upcoming motorcycle but since both parties is yet to confirm this, it’s best to leave it to our imagination.

One thing for sure, the highly anticipated motorcycle from Triumph-Bajaj partnership should arrive by 2023.

Honda Unveils EM1 e: Electric Scooter For The European Market

Honda was among the busiest at EICMA last month after introducing a series of new bikes for 2023, including the all-new XL750 Transalp.

Honda EM1 e: is an electric scooter based on the exisitng U-Go scooter in China.
Features Honda’s swappable battery unit.

However, the Japanese firm also unveils its first European-market electric scooter, in the form of the EM1 e:. (yes, the colon after the “e” is part of the name).

The EM1 e: is an interesting electric scooter mainly because it could be inexpensive as it is based on an existing U-Go scooter manufactured in China by Wuyang-Honda.

While both of scooter is indistinguishable from the outside, there are a few technical differences. Firstly, the EM1 e: is equipped with Honda’s Mobile Power Pack e: swappable battery.

Although the EM1 e: and U-Go battery shares similar capacity, both features different battery design. Also, the EM1 e: has a range of just 40 kilometres as opposed to the U-Go’s 65 kilometres.

Although their differences in range, the electric motor on the EM1 e: looks identical to the U-Go’s. That said, the hub-mounted unit on the U-Go is rated at 1.6hp. While the figure is not a lot, the scooter can still reach a max speed of 50km/h.

However, considering the U-Go is available for just CNY7,300 (RM4.5k) in China, the EM1 e: is expected to be priced at around the same, making it one of the most affordable electric scooters in Europe.

The EM1 e: is due to roll out in mid-2023.

Brembo Unveils New 19RCS Corsa Corta RR Radial Master Cylinder

Brembo has introduced a new radial master cylinder for 2023.

Brembo 19RCS Corsa Corta RR Race Replica takes Brembo racing pedigree to production bikes.
The 2023 19RCS features redesigned lever.

Brembo has strong presence with motor racing for many years now, most notably, the MotoGP whereby the Italian firm has a monopoly.

That said, Brembo is bringing its latest production, a new 19RCS Corsa Corta RR Race Replica radial master cylinder which is directly derived from motor racing.

According to Brembo, the 19RCS Corsa Corta RR Race Replica features a hard-oxidised finish that enhance wear resistance whilst reducing friction.

In addition, the floating piston and gaskets are the same material used in MotoGP.

For 2023, Brembo also redesigned the lever but maintaining the selector at the top which allows users to fine tune the brake ‘bite point’.

There are three responsiveness settings to choose from; Normal, Sport and Race.

The 2023 19RCS also continue to feature Brembo’s Ratio Click System (hence the RCS) that changes the fulcrum-to-piston distance between 18mm and 20mm. The feature can be adjusted via an adjuster screw.

Pricing is yet to be announced but the new radial master cylinder will available from 2023.

Arai Unveils new RX-7X Nicky Hayden Replica

The RX-7X Hayden Reset is the latest helmet that pays homage to the MotoGP legend introduced by Arai for the new year.

Arai pays homage to the late Nicky Hayden with the latest RX-7X Hayden Reset.
The helmet features Hayden’s iconic number 69.

The helmet bears Hayden’s permanently-retired number 69 on full display that also features a red, white and black livery.

Please note that while the number 69 is a reference to Hayden’s career in MotoGP, it was also a number he inherited from his father. After multiple wins in his 13 years in the world championship, Hayden was inducted into the hall of fame with his number permanently retired.

Similar to every Arai’s top-of-the-range helmet, the RX-7X Hayden Reset is a track-ready helmet that meets the latest FIM Homologation and ECE22.06.

Arai crafted the helmet from their PB-SNC2 fibreglass material, which is shaped to Arai’s standard.

The Arai RX-7X Hayden Reset also has a Pinlock fog-proof visor as standard. That said, the Arai RX-7X Hayden Reset comes in a variety of sizes, ranging from XS to XL and is priced at JPY66,000 (RM2.1k).

Oben Rorr Electric Motorcycle To Roll Out In India, More Than 17,000 Bookings Recorded

India’s electric motorcycle market is on the rise, with the Ola Electric S1 and Ultravioltte F77 making headlines domestically and globally.

Oben is set to challenge the electric motorcycle market with the all-new Rorr electric bike.
More than 17,000 bookings were recorded for the Oben Rorr.

However, the electric segment is about to get bigger with a new startup company called Oben, which is set to introduce the Rorr electric naked bike.

In its latest press release, Oben announced that the company had achieved its USD4 million target in the most recent pre-series funding, followed by securing a total of 17,000 bookings for the Rorr electric motorcycle.

According to the company, the Oben Rorr will roll out in the first quarter of 2023 with a basic selling price of INR99,999 (RM5.3k).

Mechanically, the Oben Rorr is a beginner’s friendly motorcycle that features a 10-kilowatt electric motor that produces 72Nm of instantaneous torque.

Oben claimed that the Rorr has a max speed of 100km/h and a return range of up to 200km on a single charge. Meanwhile, the 4.4kW battery pack can be fully charged in just two hours via a fast charger.

TTS Performance Supercharged Triumph Rocket 3 Breaks Cover – 340hp, 366Nm

The Triumph Rocket 3 is already a beast, not because it packs a 2,458cc three-cylinder engine, but because the behemoth cruiser also churns out 164.7hp and 220Nm.

TTS Performance developed a supercharger kit for Triumph’s Rocket 3.
The supercharged Rocket 3 TFT pumps out more than 300hp.

If that wasn’t enough, the good lad at Hinckley rolled out the TFC trim that produces 179hp and 224Nm.

However, Britain’s TTS Performance might disagree with you if you think that’s already a considerable power for the beastly cruiser. That’s because the power-hungry firm decided to inject the Rocket 3 TFC with a Rotrex C30-94 Supercharger.

Dubbed as the Rocket 300, the supercharged version now pumps out a whopping 340hp and 366Nm.

As usual, the crazy idea came from TTS frontman Richard Albans after he previously made headlines with a supercharged Suzuki Hayabusa that produces 372hp.

Fortunately, TTS has detuned the Rocket 300 to 300hp for the street, allowing for better control for anyone who might not share the same level of craziness as Albans.

Nevertheless, TTS has already sold ten supercharger kits for the Rocket 3, with five more currently developing.

That said, the supercharger kit retails for GBP 8,000 (RM43.2k). If you think your current Rocket 3 needs to be more powerful, go ahead and give the supercharger kit a go.

Because why not?

Honda CRF300L Gets New Paint Options For 2023

Honda has announced a new visual update for the 2023 CRF300L dual-sport motorcycle.

2023 Honda CRF300L now available in Swift Grey colourway.
Features the same 286cc single that makes 27hp and 14.4Nm.

Despite mostly unchanged since 10 years ago, the longevity confirms the durability of the CRF300L.

That said, the CRF300L gets a new “Swift Grey” colourway joining the already available and ever popular “Extreme Red” which pays homage to Honda’s racing programme.

However, mechanically, the 2023 Honda CRF300L is identical to last year’s model including the 286cc single-cylinder engine that makes 27hp @ 8,500rpm and 14.4Nm @ 6,500rpm.

Last year, Honda revised the CRF300L inlet cam timing alongside the intake and exhaust system for a much stronger mid-range torque and power.

Other notable features include:

slim bodywork inspired by race-inspired CRF-R machine.
LCD display
assist/slipper clutch

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Amirul Azreen