Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

2022 Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX To Launch In Malaysia Soon?

The Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX is a quarter-litre ‘baby’ dual-sport adventure motorcycle recently introduced in India.

All new Suzuki V-Strom SX is a ‘baby’ dual-sport packing the right style and features.
It harnesses the 250cc single lifted from the Suzuki GSX250R, offering 26HP and 22.2NM.
Key features include dual-channel ABS, digital dash with connectivity function, and more.

At the time, the baby V-Strom is an India-only motorcycle but the bike’s potential in similar Asian markets in undeniable.

That said, it is likely that the Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX could make its way to Malaysia soon.

We recently managed to witness the test mule on Malaysian road, indicating Suzuki Malaysia intention of introducing the baby V-Strom for the local market.

This is certainly an exciting development considering the 250cc market lacks ADV-type motorcycle.

Currently, the Benelli TRK 250 is the only contender in this segment in Malaysia.

For starters, it harnesses the same 250cc single derived from the Suzuki GSX250R, delivering about 26HP and 22.2NM of twist through a six-speed constant-mesh transmission.

The Suzuki V-Strom SX reportedly weighs in at about 167KG, which makes said output figures rather adequate.

The pint-sized V-Strom features a telescopic front fork with 120mm of stroke dialled in, and it’s paired with a rear swingarm-mounted rear shock offering seven-level pre-load adjustment.

The wheels, on the other hand, measure 19-inches un front and 17-inches at the rear. As for braking, it’s a single disc brake setup both front and aft, and both are tied to a dual-channel ABS suite as well.

Other notable features include a digital meter panel display brimmed with Bluetooth connectivity, USB charging port, all-LED lighting, as well as the novel Suzuki Easy Start System electric ignition suite.

FIRST LOOK: 2023 Aprilia RSV4 XTrenta – 230hp, 165kg

In conjunction with Aprilia’s 30th anniversary of its maiden Grand Prix title, the Noale factory has introduced a specially built RSV4 Xtrenta.

The Aprilia RSV4 XTrenta is the first production bike to feature a MotoGP-derived under-wing (aka The Spoon).
The XTrenta makes a 230hp with 165kg.

The timing couldn’t be better as Aprilia is currently having its best season so far in MotoGP, with the likes of Aleix Espargaro winning the Argentinian GP followed by Maverick Vinales seizing his second podium of the season at Misano.

Jumping on Aprilia’s Grand Prix racing pedigree, the RSV4 Xtrenta features all the goodies from the firm’s RS-GP machine.

Firstly, the RSV4 Xtrenta utilized the same PAN Compositi process used by MotoGP teams. As such, the bike track-only motorcycle gets the same aerodynamic appendages and rear winglets similar to the RS-GP.

The XTrenta is also the first production bike to feature the swingarm-mounted MotoGP under-wing (The Spoon) that helps to regulate tire temperature.

Aprilia also revised the 1,099cc V4 engine on the RSV4 Xtrenta by increasing the compression ratio. Also, thanks to the newly-developed SC-Project titanium carbon exhaust system, the Xtrenta makes a whopping 230 peak horsepower.

Ensuring the engine runs at optimal temperature, the XTrenta features superbike-derived Taleo Tecnoracing water and oil radiators.

Other unique features available on the RSV4 Xtrenta include a specially-calibrated Magneti Marelli control unit, JetPrime racing panels, refined Ohlins suspensions and forged magnesium Marchesini M7R Genesi wheels.

Also, thanks to its lightweight construction, stopping is easier with Brembo GP4-MS billet monoblock callipers paired with a 330mm T-drive disc.

Limited to just 100 units, the Aprilia RSV4 Xtrenta will go on sale on 6 September for EUR50,000, which easily translates to RM222,400.

Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini Is The Collab We Never Knew We Needed

Ducati kicked off episode 1 of its Ducati World Premiere 2023 with the limited edition Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini.

The Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini is limited to just 630 units.
Inspired by Lamborghini’s Huracan STO.

Using the Streetfighter V4 S as the base and Lamborghini Huracan STO as the inspiration, the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini is limited to just 630 units worldwide.

That said, the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini features the special Verde Citrea and Arancio Dac livery taken from the Huracan STO.

Ducati also threw in Francesco Bagnaia’s number 63, which can also be found on the helmet and leathers available with the unique collaboration.

Also, Bagnaia became Ducati’s first ever MotoGP rider to win four consecutive GP races on Sunday, making the number a bit more special.

The Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini also sports the Huracan STO forged wheels design, including the similar titanium lock nut.

As expected, the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini also boasts carbon fibre components, with much being made to mimic the Huracan STO.

In addition, the special collaboration motorcycle is also fitted with Akrapovic titanium exhaust complete with a carbon fibre endcap.

Mechanically, the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini features the same 1,103cc V4 engine that makes 208hp @ 13,000rpm and 123Nm.

Suzuki SV650 Updated With New Colours For 2023

The world might be going bonkers, but the Suzuki SV650 will always be around.

The 2023 Suzuki SV650 features a new fresh colourway.
The 2023 SV650 retains the same mechanics and specifications.

That said, the House of Hamamatsu seems content to continue the SV650 production.

Recently, Suzuki introduced a new 2023 colourway for the SV650 in Italy. Unfortunately, the 2023 model continues to run on outdated features and specs.

That said, the 2023 SV650 now comes in Blu Las Vegas, Gray London and Black Dubai.

The Blu Las Vegas features a navy blue tank and tail section, with a bronze-painted trellis frame and rims. While the Black Dubai gets a gloss black paint base.

On the other hand, Gray London features a grey-painted fuel tank and tail section along with red rims. Give it a squint, and you might see a Ducati Monster instead.

Jokes aside, there is absolutely nothing new to report apart from the new colours. The 2023 SV650 still runs on the same 645cc 90-degree V-Twin engine that makes 75hp and 64Nm.

Keeway Launch Rebranded Benda V302C V-Twin Bobber In India – 29.5hp, 26Nm

Chinese motorcycle manufacturer, Keeway revealed its all-new Keeway V302C cruiser in India which is set to compete with Royal Enfield Meteor 350.

The Keeway V302C cruiser makes 29.5hp and 26Nm.
Features all-LED lighting, dual-channel ABS.

Keeway might be unknown but it is actually a spin-off brand owned by Chinese motorcycle giants, Qianjiang (QJ Motor), who also owns the Benelli brand.

That said, the V302C cruiser is actually a rebranded Benda BD300, a bobber style cruiser that features a 296cc two-cylinder engine pumping out 29.5hp @ 9,000rpm and 26Nm @ 7,000rpm.

Other notable features available on the V302c include USD front fork, all-LED lighthing, dual-channel ABS, full-colour digital instrument cluster and a 13.5L fuel tank.

In comparison with the Meteor 350, the V302C looks bolder, with chunky tyres, bigger fuel tank and exposed matte black painted frame.

As such, the Keeway V302C looks like a pint-size Harley-Davidson Sportster S cruiser.

According to reports the Keeway V302C is also currently on sale in Europe for EUR4,790 (RM21.4k).

Suzuki Hayabusa GP Edition Pays Tribute To MotoGP Success

Suzuki is set to showcase two unique Suzuki Hayabusa clad in a special livery inspired by the firm’s GSX-RR MotoGP racebike in Turin next week.

Suzuki to unveil Hayabusa GP edition in Turin.
The Hayabusa GP edition will sport GSX-RR livery.

The Japanese firm is set to exit the MotoGP world championship at the end of the 2022 season after announcing its plan to relocate the fund towards sustainability.

Although the news shocked every motorsport fan worldwide, especially Suzuki fanboys, the Hamamatsu factory could breathe easy knowing they’ve shown the world their capabilities after winning the MotoGP world championship just recently as 2020 with Joan Mir.

Now that the official confirmation is out, Suzuki is set to bid farewell to the competition by unleashing two unique Hayabusa’s.

The Japanese marquee will appear at the Autolook Week Torino festival in Turin with two distinctive Suzuki Hayabusa GP Edition.

The two Hayabusa features team Suzuki Ecstar GSX-RR inspired liveries, including the prominent blue and silver colourway and fluorescent red and yellow.

However, it is still unclear whether the two motorcycles will make their way to production or will be a one-off effort by Suzuki.

Ducati To Kick Off Episode One 2023 World Premiere With ‘The Unexpected’

Ducati will kick off its 2023 Ducati World Premiere web series with a special collaboration motorcycle.

Ducati to unveil seven new motorcycles at the DWP 2023.
episode one will feature a special edition Ducati Streetfighter V4.
The 2023 DWP is likely a lead-up to something even bigger at EICMA 2022.

According to the official teaser of episode one titled ‘The Unexpected’, Ducati is set to unleash a special edition motorcycle created in collaboration with Lamborghini.

The teaser photo only revealed a rear shot of a motorcycle likely to be the Streetfighter V4. The tail showcased a combination of Ducati scarlet red and a shade of fluorescent green featuring the STO nameplate.

The STO acronym stands for ‘Super Trofeo Omologato’, a reference to Lamborghini’s Huracan STO. Billed as a genuine race car, the STO is a V10 supercar capable of pumping 630hp.

Ducati and Lamborghini already worked on a special edition Diavel 1260 back in November 2020, and it is the right time for the two to work together again for 2023.

That said, the Streetfighter V4 makes the perfect model for both parties. Like the Diavel 1260 Lamborghini, the Streetfighter V4 STO will undoubtedly feature all exclusive components, including a special paint job.

Episode one of the web series will be streamed live from the Marco Simoncelli World Circuit paddock in Misano Adriatico, where the 14th round of MotoGP 2022 will take place this weekend.

Honda Rebel 1100 Tour Inbound, Features ‘Bat-Wing’ And Saddle Bags

Honda will soon expand its Rebel 1100 range with a new variant, as reported by Japanese publication Young Machine.

The Honda Rebel 1100 Tour edition will feature a large bat-wing front fascia and big saddle bags.
To run on the same 1100cc parallel-twin engine found in the Hawk 11 and CRF1100L Africa Twin.

According to YM, Honda is set to add an all-new Rebel 1100 Tour edition.

How do they know this? We assumed they have a direct line to every Big Four in Japan, which is why every report they publish is spot on.

That said, after launching the Hawk 11 in Japan, Honda will soon introduce the Rebel 1100 Tour.

According to the rendered image by YM, we can see a side profile that looks similar to Harley-Davidson Road Glide.

This indicates that the Tour edition will feature a large bat-wing front fascia along with saddle bags.

However, while the Road Glide features a sizeable 22.7L fuel tank, the Rebel 1100 is fitted with a small 13.6L which is not ideal if you plan to go on a long cruise.

For that to happen, the Rebel 1100 Tour requires an extensive redesign of the fuel tank.

Nevertheless, with the EICMA show set to happen in a few months, the Rebel 1100 Tour could make an appearance in Milan.

So please stay tuned for more updates!

Suzuki V-Strom 700 Spotted Testing For The First Time, EICMA-Bound?

We know that Suzuki plans to introduce a new generation of its middleweight adventure motorcycle, namely the V-Strom 650.

Latest spy shot confirmed a new generation Suzuki V-Strom 700 on its way.
The new middleweight ADV will feature a new parallel-twin configuration.

A new patent design reported in October last year showcased an all-new 700cc parallel-twin engine set to replace the outdated 650cc V-Twin currently operating the V-Strom 650/650XT and SV650.

Ten months went on, and we finally got to see the upcoming V-Strom 700 on the road, doing its trial run.

Looking at the spy shot, we can see that the new generation V-Strom 700 will adopt the same design language as its bigger sibling, the V-Strom 1050.

The Dr Big-inspired front fascia – previously applied on the 1050 – are also brought to the new 700cc V-Strom. It is also likely the new generation V-Strom 700 to finally get a new LED front headlamp.

Interestingly, although the iconic V-Twin configuration is replaced with a parallel-twin, Suzuki will continue to use the V-Strom nameplate, primarily because a P-Strom 700 just doesn’t work.

Jokes aside, parallel-twin have been popular among motorcycle manufacturers as newer bikes have now adopted the same platform.

Kawasaki has long preferred the parallel-twin, notably on the Ninja 650, Z650, Versys 650 and the newly launched Z650RS.

Yamaha understood the versatility of parallel-twin and introduced them on the MT-07, Tracer 7, Tenere 700 and the recent YZF-R7.

Aprilia took the same approach with the RS 660, Tuono 660 and the upcoming Tuareg 660, followed by BMW with the F 750 GS, 850 GS, F 900 R and the F 900 XR.

Honda also joins the bandwagon with the CRF1100L Africa Twin and Rebel 1100, proving the parallel-twin engine’s popularity.

The primary aspect of a parallel twin is that it offers a compact alternative to the V-Twin that currently powers the SV650 and V-Strom 650. Moreover, it is also simpler to build a bike around.

Therefore, switching from a V-Twin to a parallel twin makes more sense. Also, as showcased by the design patent, placing the airbox under the rider’s seat will allow the air filter to be swapped without removing the tank, reducing the maintenance cost.

Meanwhile, the spy shot also revealed an updated suspension system with the wheels likely to retain the same 19-inch front and 17-inch at the rear.

Looking at how complete the test mule is, we expect Suzuki to officially unveil the production model at the EICMA show in Milan this November.

BREAKING: Miguel Oliveira, Raul Fernandez Joins RNF Aprilia

RNF Aprilia has officially announced Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez as the team riders for the 2023 season ahead of the the Gran Premio Gryfyn di San Marino e della Rivieria di Rimini.

Raul Fernandez and Miguel Oliveira joins Aprilia’s newest satelite team next season.
Both riders will ride onboard the Aprilia RS-GP.

The former KTM riders will join the newly formed team headed by Razlan Razali after agreeing a two-year deal.

According to the team official statement, both riders will ride on board the Aprilia RS-GP machine for the next season.

That said, the announcement completes team RNF Aprilia line-up for the 2023 and 2024 season.

Meanwhile, Razlan Razali expressed his excitement over the new recruitment while also looking forward to the new season.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Miguel Oliveira and Raúl Fernandez to the WithU RNF MotoGP Team from 2023.

“It has not been a simple process, but together with Aprilia we are very clear on the riders that we wanted.

“They are both young riders with a good combination of experience coming from Miguel and Raúl who I’m personally a fan of since he shocked the Moto2 category last year to become Vice Champion.

“To finally secure him, is fantastic. Both, Aprilia and we believe in the talent of both riders, so we can’t wait for them to ride for us next season!,” he said.

BREAKING: HRC Sign 2020 MotoGP World Champion Joan Mir

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) announced the signing of 24-year-old Joan Mir ahead of the Gran Premio Gryfyn di San Marino e della Rivieria di Rimini.

Joan Mir agreed a two-year contract to joined HRC.
The Spanish rider will team up with Marc Marquez.

The 2020 MotoGP World Champion will ride alongside six-time MotoGP champion, Marc Marquez on board the Honda RC213V machinery, next year.

According to HRC, the Spaniard has signed a two-year contract thus ending ongoing speculation regarding his future in the premier class.

“Honda Racing Corporation are proud to announce the signing of Joan Mir.

“The 2020 MotoGP World Champion established himself as a World Champion-level talent from his first full season in Moto3 in 2016.

“In 2017 the #36 lifted the lightweight class crown aboard a Honda before moving to the intermediate class the following year.

“Alongside two World Championships, the Spanish rider has claimed 12 Grand Prix wins and 33 podiums,” said HRC in a statement.

Mir will joins current teammate, Alex Rins in moving across from Suzuki to Honda at the end of 2022 campaign.

French Blogger Turn His Aprilia RSV4 Into The Iconic RS250

The Aprilia RS250 is considered one of the grails of a two-strokes machine.

Aprilia produced the road-going RS250 between 1995 and 2002.
The RS250 runs on a repurposed Suzuki RGV250 V-twin engine with a modified ECU that makes 65hp.

The ultimate pocket-rocket of the 90s features a low-capacity, lightweight and high-revving engine inspired by the race bikes competing in the 250GP World Championship ridden by Max Biaggi and Valentino Rossi alike.

The current-day Aprilia RS 125 is a modern-day version of the iconic RS250; however, it lacks the same fun factor as its predecessors.

However, if you still adore the RS250 and coincidentally own an RSV4, you might want to consider doing a complete retro makeover.

French blogger Le Week-end De Course has done it by taking his RSV4 and turning it into the RS250.

The retro makeover successfully captures the RS250 bodywork with Aprilia’s traditional black and white colourway.

As a result, the RSV4 turned RS250 still looks like every 90s kid’s dream motorcycle with its curved nose and chunky headlamp.

The motorcycle also features the RS250 bubbled rear tail that helps to complete the overall look.

While there’s zero chance for Aprilia to bring back the RS250 due to the strict emission shenanigans, sportsbike manufacturers might want to consider applying a similar design language to modern motorcycles.

(source: Le Week-end De Course)

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Amirul Azreen