Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

More Honda XL750 Transalp Details Emerge

Honda’s latest patent filings have provided us with the opportunity to take a peek at what’s in store for us for the upcoming Honda XL750 Transalp.

The Transalp is likely to share similar specification with the Hornet 750.
The middleweight ADV will share the same 755cc parallel-twin engine.

This is the first time such details are revealed to the public just weeks after the middleweight adventure bike was spotted during a promotional exercise.

So far, we know that the XL750 Transalp is fitted with the same 755cc parallel-twin engine featured on the recently revealed Honda Hornet 750.

Also, thanks to the Hornet’s global unveiling, we know the engine makes 92hp and 75Nm. However, whether the Transalp will feature the same power band still remains to be seen.

Nonetheless, we expect Honda to revise the parallel-twin engine for more grunt in the low-to-mid ranges to suit the adventure bike character.

Despite the differences in characteristics, the Transalp will share the same frame as the Hornet. Such effort is common for Honda, especially for its 500cc and 11000cc range.

Based on the previous spy shots, we can also confirm that the Transalp and Hornet will share a similar front headlamp and tailpipe.

According to the Italian publication, Motoclclismo, it is likely that the two will also share similar electronics, including the TFT instrument cluster, riding modes and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)

However, the Transalp is fitted with a longer swingarm and 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, and longer suspension travel. As expected, the seat is also taller and wider.

Currently, there is no word from Honda on when the Transalp will make its official debut, but one thing is for sure it will happen soon. Stay tuned to find out!

2023 BMW M 1000 RR Gets Revised Aerodynamics, Higher Max Speed

BMW has updated its flagship M 1000 RR homologation-special superbike for 2023.

2023 M 1000 RR gets new bodywork and aerodynamics.
The M 1000 RR now achieved better front and rear grip.

The WorldSBK machine gets extensive wind tunnel testing for 2023 which resulted to a higher max speed without increasing the 999cc inline-four power output that continue to pumps out 205hp and 112Nm.

As such, BMW is confident the M 1000 RR will be at the front of 2023 racing calendar.

“We have achieved an engineering masterpiece in the aerodynamic development of the M RR due to our unwavering ambition, total passion and technical finesse.

“Thanks to countless hours in the wind tunnel as well as in road tests, we were able to considerably increase the top speed with unchanged engine output and at the same time significantly increase the downforce, also when banking in corners.

“Our development work will be rewarded with racing success,” said Project Manager Christian Gonschor.

The 2023 M 1000 RR is able to achieved the new mark thanks to a taller windscreen and a redesigned carbon-fiber fairing that boost the aerodynamic aspect of the motorcycle.

BMW also completely revised the aero winglets to improved tire contact with close to 22.6kg of downforce created at 298km/h and 5.7kg at 150km/h.

Also new on the 2023 M 1000 RR is the introduction of MotoGP-derived carbon-fiber air cooling ducts that’s integrated into the front fender and fork guards.

BMW claimed that the air ducts is capable to reduce the temperature of the radially-mounted M brake callipers by 10-degrees celsius.

Meanwhile, the M Competition Package inclides GPS laptrigger, DLC-coated M Endurance chain, clear anodized swingarm and more carbon fibre components.

FIRST LOOK: 2023 BMW M 1000 R

BMW has officially unveiled the all-new 2023 BMW M 1000 R just weeks after its trademark filings were submitted in Europe.

The M 1000 R makes 205hp and 112Nm.
Features wider handlebar, taller peak torque and unique electronic package.
The roadster/hypernaked machine is the second M-branded motorcycle introduced by BMW after the M 1000 RR.

While the M 1000 R makes used of the M 1000 RR 999cc powertrain, the engine has been reworked to provide a higher peak torque from 10,000rpm to 12,000rpm.

As a result, the engine is now quieter and with a higher redline of 14,600rpm, well over the S 1000 R’s 12,000rpm limit.

The M 1000 R also features shorter gear ratios in 4th, 5th and 6th gear and shorter rear sprocket than the S 1000 R.

Also fitted as standard on the M 1000 R is BMWs Shift Assistant Pro, allowing an up-and-down clutchless shifts and can be adjusted from conventional gear to GP gear.

Electronically, the M 1000 R gets several riding modes including Rain, Road, Dynamic and Race with the addition of track-centric Race Pro 1, Race Pro 2 and Race Pro 3.

Other electronic features inlcude Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with 6-axis sensor and lean angle sensor. The DTC package includes wheelie-limitation function, pit lane limiter, launch control and hill-start control (HSC).

Of course, the most notable aspect of the new M 1000 R is the existence of aero winglets on the side panels.

BMW claimed that the winglets are not purely for aesthetic purposes but also adds 10kg of downforce at 218km/h.

The M 1000 R is suspended by an all-black 45mm upside-down fork (preload/compression/rebound adjustable) with 119mm of travel and a rear shock with 116mm of travel.

In addition, BMW also threw in the Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) (electronic suspension) as standard.

Braking is done with twin 320mm steel disc mated to a 4-pot callipers up front and single 220mm steel disc with aluminium single-piston floating callipers at the rear.

That said, ABS Pro comes as standard including Brake Slide Assist that allow riders to slide the M 1000 R into the turns.

Meanwhile, information is delivered to the rider via a 6.4-inch TFT instrument display with customizable display options.

Should you think the M 1000 R need more juice, BMW is offering the M Competition Package which includes the M GPS Laptrigger suite, carbon wheels, front and rear fenders, tank covers and a carbon chain guard.

Next-Gen Honda CB1000R To Feature Aero Winglets And Power Hike

Honda’s flagship naked motorcycle, the CB1000R, is finally getting a worthy power hike and revised bodywork for 2023.

The next-generation CB1000R will feature a more powerful engine.
The CB1000R is will feature aero winglets similar to its rival.

Although Honda remained relatively quiet on the future of the CB1000R, the latest patent suggests that development is currently underway.

The patent design, as revealed by Moto.it showcased an outline design of the upcoming CB1000R.

From what we could gather, the CB1000R will feature aerodynamic winglets, following the trend of another high-performance naked motorcycle in its segment, like the Ducati Streetfighter V4.

The winglet is placed behind the front fork and just above the radiator.

Just like its rival, the aero winglet will not only serve as an aesthetic feature but also indicate that the CB1000R will get a significant power hike thanks to the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade engine.

The 2018 CB1000R makes 143hp and is lacking behind Ducati’s Streetfighter V4, which pumps out 200hp.

However, with the new CBR1000RR-R engine, the next CB1000R could finally hit the 200hp benchmark similar to the Kawasaki Z H2 and the Streetfighter V4.

As for when the new CB1000R could make its debut, only Honda has the definitive answer, but we expect the Japanese marquee to make a surprise unveiling at the EICMA show in November.

Fantic Debuts New XEF Rally Replica – 450cc, 30L Fuel Tank

Fantic debuted an all-new XEF Rally Replica, marking the Italian company’s first attempt towards the race replica market.

Fantic XEF Rally is the company first foray into the race replica segment.
Features 30L fuel tank, 450cc single engine derived from Fantic’s Dakar Rally.

Similar to KTM and GASGAS, the XEF Rally Replica is developed based on Fantic’s Dakar experience.

Powering the Fantic XEF Rally is a 450cc single-cylinder DOHC engine that sits in a double girder frame with an aluminium front and steel subframe.

As an enduro machine, the XEF Rally is fitted with a massive 30L fuel tank. Interestingly, the tank is separated into two, with the first providing shock protection while the other contributing to the bike’s ergonomics.

The XEF Rally is suspended by fully adjustable KYB 48mm front forks and fully adjustable KYB rear shocks. The suspension offers 310mm wheel travel at the front and 300mm at the rear.

Meanwhile, Fantic also fitted the XEF Rally with a 7-inch shock, dust and waterproof RallyScreen that can be accessed via a touchscreen and controls on the handlebar.

In addition, the RallyScreen is easily removable, allowing riders to program the information on the screen remotely.

Braking is done via a single Moto-Master brake calliper mated to a 300mm front disc and a single 245mm disc at the rear.

Coming in at just 140kg of kerb weight and a seat height of 955mm puts the XEF Rally just 2kg heavier than KTM’s 450 Rally Replica.

That said, Fantic will also release a limited number (50 units) of XEF Rally’ Launch Edition’ that features unique components, including CNC billet wheel hubs and full titanium Arrow exhaust that shaved 1.5kg off the overall weight.

The Fanctic XEF Rally will be available from the end of November 2022.

Limited Edition Justin Bieber X Vespa Now In Malaysia – RM28,000

Vespa Malaysia is proud to bring you the limited edition Vespa in collaboration with Canadian superstar, Justin Bieber.

Singer adds his unique touch to things via all-white aesthetics and drawn on flames.
Each purchase includes a matching helmet, bag, and a pair of gloves.

Bieber adds his unique touch to the Vespa Sprint 150 that features an all-white aesthetics.

According to Vespa Malaysia, the exclusive Justin Bieber x Vespa is complemented by a wide range of accessories including a bag, pair of glove and an all-white helmet that features Bieber’s unique flames.

It’s widely known that Canadian superstar Justin Bieber is huge fan of motorcycles in general. However, there’s much to be said about his recent collaborative endeavour with Vespa.

Besides it’s ‘monochrome’ all-white aesthetics (including the seat saddle, grips and wheels), what really sets the Justin Bieber x Vespa special apart are the drawn-on flames. “Ultimately the goal in creating and designing is always to put your own unique spin on things”, said Bieber about it.

“I love Vespa, and to partner with such a classic brand is so cool. Being able to express myself, whether it’s through art, music, visuals, or aesthetics, being able to create something from nothing – it’s a part of me,” added the superstar further about his collaborative effort with the Italian scooter marque.

Apart from the design, much of the recently revised Sprint model that this special underpins remains unchanged. Highlights include a multi-function digital TFT full-colour dash display with connectivity features, as well as full-LED lighting amongst the highlights.

That said, the limited edition Justin Bieber x Vespa is priced at RM28,000 and inclusive of Vespa flyscreen and a white top box with backrest.

Italjet To Premier 300cc Dragster Prototype And A Concept Bike At EICMA

Italjet recently launched the premium-built Dragster’s scooter range in Malaysia via its authorised dealership, Chear Global.

Italjet is to reveal a bigger 300cc Dragster prototype and a concept bike in November.
The Italjet Dragster 125 and Dragster 200 are now available in Malaysia for RM29,500 and RM34,800.

During the official launch held at Chear Global headquarters, the local press had the opportunity to sit down with Italjet’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Sandro Caparelli, who flew from Bologna, Italy.

Caparelli not only explained to us the exciting development of Italjet’s Dragster 125 and Dragster 200 but also was kind enough to disclose the Italian company’s next project.

According to Caparelli, Italjet is currently working on a bigger displacement Dragster and is scheduled to showcase the prototype at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan this November.

The Dragster prototype will feature a single-cylinder DOHC 300cc engine that was built from the ground up. Apparently, there is a high demand for a bigger Dragster in its home country.

“In EICMA we will show a prototype of the same Dragster but with a bigger displacement because the market in Italy had asked for a bigger engine.

“It will use a bigger engine, a 300cc engine,” he said.

In addition, Caparelli revealed that Italjet would also showcase a concept bike at EICMA alongside the 300cc Dragster prototype.

“There will be a big concept which I can’t disclose now, but the new concept will be the star of the show at EICMA,” he added.

That said, Caparelli also mentioned that the bigger displacement Dragster could materialise in a couple of years, while the concept bike will take a while to be in the near-production stage.

Meanwhile, the Italjet Dragster 125 and Dragster 200 are now available in Malaysia for RM29,500 and RM34,800, respectively.

Voge To Launch An Adventure-Type Motorcycle At EICMA

You might not be familiar with the Loncin brand, but it is the firm responsible for manufacturing the engine for BMW’s C 400 X, C 400 GT, F 850 GS, F 900 R and F 900 XR.

Loncin to roll out Voge 900DS adventure motorcycle in November.
The Voge 900DS features a similar powertrain to BMW’s F 900 XR, producing close to 100hp and 92Nm.

Loncin and BMW have been working together for years now, similar to CFMOTO’s partnership with KTM.

That said, it took a while for Loncin, through its premium Voge brand, to work on its own motorcycle range using the BMW-commissioned engine.

However, things are about to change as Voge is scheduled to introduce an adventure-type motorcycle, dubbed the Voge 900DS, soon.

The Voge 900DS – presumably refers to as Dual Sport – is like to share the same parallel-twin engine as the F 900 XR. While further details regarding the powertrain remain scarce, it’s almost sure to be an 895cc parallel-twin unit.

Having said that, it is likely to produce close to 100hp and 92Nm, similar to the BMW F 900 XR.

Looking at the leak photos, the Voge 900DS looks inspired not just by the F 850 GS bodywork but also by some aspect of Triumph’s Tiger 900 range, specifically the front fascia.

Nonetheless, it looks well-built, and the slim subframe gives off an aggressive and rugged look.

While not much is disclosed regarding the new motorcycle, the Voge 900DS is expected to break cover at EICMA in November.

2022 Italjet Dragster 125 And Dragster 200 Price Announced – From RM29,500

Chear Global, the official distributor of Italjet Dragster scooter in Malaysia has announced the recommended retail price for the Dragster 125 and Dragster 200.

The Italjet Dragster 125 dan Dragster 200 is the most premium and exclusive scooter ever built.
The Italian built scooter features unique bodywork and components.

The high-spec and premium Dragster 125 and Dragster 200 is available for RM29,500 and RM34,800 respectively.

That said, the Italjet Dragster is the most expensive scooter in its respective segment.

As previously reported, the Dragster 125 and Dragster 200 share similar bodywork and design language; the primary difference is the engine displacement.

The Dragster 200 features a 181cc single-cylinder DOHC engine, while the 125 trim gets a 124cc single, Euro5 compliant powertrain.

Power output is claimed to be 17.2hp @ 8,000rpm and 15.5Nm @ 7,750rpm for the Dragster 200, while the Dragster 125 makes 9.2hpp and 10.5Nm.

Meanwhile, power is delivered to the rear 13-inch wheel via an automatic gearbox with belt drive.

The Italjet Dragster is suspended by a unique independent steering system (ISS) at the front that separates the steering and suspension components. The new feature allows better manoeuvrability for city riding.

Coming in standard on the Dragster twin is two-channel ABS, Brembo hydraulic callipers mated to a single 200mm disc at the front and 190mm disc at the rear.

Other notable features on the Dragster include bright LED headlights (80,000 lumens to be exact), a 9L fuel tank, a USB port and 140kg kerb weight.

Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Made Global Appearance At Intermot

Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is ready to roll out in global markets after making an appearance at the Intermot motorcycles show in Cologne, Germany.

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is based on the J-Platform as the Classic and Meteor 350.
The motorcycle is aimed at new and inexperienced riders thanks to its affordability.

The Hunter 350 breaks cover at India back in August and will soon make its way to different parts of the world, including Europe, America and Asia.

According to reports, the global version of the Hunter 350 will remain the same as the one sold in India.

That said, the Hunter 350 shares the same (J-Platform) 349cc single-cylinder engine found in the Classic and Meteor 350. The engine makes 20.2hp @ 6,1000rpm and 27Nm @ 4,000rpm and has a claimed max speed of 114km/h.

Meanwhile, power is delivered to the rear wheel via a five-speed transmission and chain final drive.

The Hunter 350 is a direct rival to Honda’s H’ness CB350, which features the same retro styling and scrambler-ish elements.

In addition, the Hunter 350 is available in two trims, Retro Factory and Metro, with the latter coming with two sub-variants, Dapper and Rebel.

Also, the Retro Factory trim gets spoked wheels, while the Metro is equipped with cast alloy wheels.

Sur Ron Storm Bee Electric Dirt Bike Breaks Cover – 30hp, 520Nm

Chinese electric bike manufacturer, Sur Ron has officially revealed the new Sur Ron Storm Bee electric dirt bike.

The Storm Bee is Sur Ron first full size electric dirt bike.
The Storm Bee produces 30hp and 520Nm.

While the brand might be unknown to some of you, but Sur Ron has been manufacturing dirt bikes for many years now.

However, this is the first time Sur Ron actually built a proper dirt bike.

That said, it doesn’t just look the part but Storm Bee actually features impressive specs and performance.

For instance, Sur Ron claimed the Strom Bee can hit a max speed of around 112km/h and capable of reaching 0-80km/h in under 4 seconds. Power is claimed to be 30hp and a whopping 520Nm.

Sur Ron also claimed that the Storm Bee has a max range of 100km on a single charge.

Other notable features include proper dirt bike USD front forks and piggyback rear shock mated to a lightweight frame.

BMW CE-04 Gets Recalled Due To Faulty Horn Bracket

BMW’s latest scooter, the CE-04, might be the most advanced electric scooter ever built, yet it’s still not enough to avoid a recall due to a faulty horn bracket.

BMW issued a recall for the firm’s electric scooter, the CE-04.
A faulty horn bracket could affect the motorcycle steering system.

If you think the issue is minor, think again because should the horn’s bracket loosen over time, the component could fall off and lead to a steering lockup when the operator turns to the left.

This is because the CE-04’s horn is tucked under the motorcycle’s front end.

Nevertheless, CE-04 owners are advised to contact the nearest dealership and make appointments to replace the affected components.

Powering the CE-04 is a permanent-magnet liquid-cooled synchronous motor capable of producing 42hp @ 4,900rpm and 62Nm @ 1,500rpm.

Thanks to a sizeable 8.9kWh battery, the CE-04 can hit a max range of 130km.

Other notable features include:

full LED headlight
10.25-inch TFT instrument cluster
keyless ride
three riding modes
BMW Motorrad ABS
electronic reverse
ventilated storage compartment with USB Type-C

The CE-04 is currently unavailable in Malaysia but is on sale in America for a recommended price of USD11,795 (RM54.8k).

Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen