Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Yamaha To Add A Fully-Faired XSR 900 To Its Lineup

Yamaha could introduce its own retro-style fully faired motorcycle to its lineup to compete with Honda’s Hawk 11 and Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR.

Yamaha is developing a fully-faired retro-style motorcycle.
To feature the firm’s newest 890cc CP3 engine.

Japanese publication Young Machine claimed that Yamaha is working on a new motorcycle called the XSR GP.

If you’re an avid reader, you know that we are a fan of Young Machine because they have insider information about what’s happening behind the scenes at the Japanese Big Four factory.

In its latest issue, Young Machine reveals a rendered image of what the upcoming XSR GP could look like.

At a glance, the XSR GP resembles the Honda Hawk 11 and MV Agusta Superveloce 800, but Yamaha could also intend to take the fight to Triumph’s Speed Triple 1200 RR.

Like the XSR 900, the fully-faired GP will likely feature the same 890cc CP3 (inline-three) engine that produces around 117.3hp and 93Nm.

In addition, the XSR GP could also be a strong indicator that a fully-faired race-type YZF-R9 is in the works, as Yamaha previously patented the XSR GP and R9 nameplate earlier this year.

While we are excited about the upcoming motorcycle, sadly, it is unlikely the bike will ever make its way to Malaysia anytime soon; this is because none of the XSR range (including the XSR 155 and XSR 900) is available here.

A BMW Motorrad Dealer Turn The 2022 BMW K 1600 GT To A Bespoke Beast – RM290k

The BMW K 1600 GT is probably the best grand tourer machine on the market.

The K 1600 R is BymyCar latest bespoke creation.
The custom bike now weighs just 240kg, 100kg lighter than K 1600 GT.

The House of Munich recently updated its entire K 1600 lineup, including the GT, GTL, B and Grand America for 2022.

As a result, the 2022 KT 1600 gets engine drag torque control and next-generation Dynamic ESA suspension with fully automatic load compensation.

Other notable improvements include a new 10.25-inch TFT instrument cluster and an adaptive headlight.

Although the BMW K 1600 GT is a machine built for the open road, a BMW Motorrad dealer in France, BymyCar, took the newly updated K 1600 GT and gave it a radical touch.

BymyCar got rid of the bulky rear end and the massive panniers and threw in a new subframe and a single-saddle tail unit to create a different look. This, in turn, exposed the lengthy single-sided swingarm.

Dubbed the K 1600 R, the red-painted frame now becomes the new centrepiece of the motorcycle.

Interestingly, the bespoke machine still retains its 26 litres fuel tank, making the bike still capable of going the distance.

The bike looks like an S 1000 RR on steroid from the front, while the side profile looks enormous and aggressive thanks to exposed high-flow air intakes.

Mechanically, no changes is made to the engine, which means the K 1600 R continue to offer 160hp @ 6,570rpm and 180Nm. However, due to the extreme weight trimming, the K 1600 R now weighs just 240kg.

To complete the new look, the K 1600 R gets a new modern grey paint base with red graphics. According to BYmyCar, the K 1600 R will cost you a whopping EUR65,000 (RM290k).

French Government Rolls Out More Noise Radars To Target Motorcycles

The French government has expanded its noise radars from Paris to other places around the country.

Noise radar detects any motorcycles that register more than 90dB.
The technology is expected to expand across Europe.

Dubbed the “Medusa”, these noise radars feature a 360-degree camera with several microphones to capture vehicles that fit loud exhaust.

The purpose of the noise radars is to stop the public from fitting loud exhaust to their vehicles, especially motorcycles.

Why motorcycles? According to L’Automobile Magazine, bikers have become a nuisance in the village of Saint-Forget in the Yvelines region, with over 500 bikers with loud pipes disrupting the tranquillity in the area.

Politicians in the Chevreuse Valley also claimed that it is common for motorcycles to record up to 130dB in the area.

That said, French authorities have introduced a limit of just 90dB, with those caught can be fined as much as EUR135 (RM600).

According to previous reports, the technology is set to be introduced across Europe, with the UK set to follow suit after testing similar technology in some areas.

OFFICIAL: Ducati Picks Enea Bastianini Over Jorge Martin

The tribe has spoken.

Ducati Lenovo Team has picked 24-year-old Enea Bastianini over Jorge Martin as Francesco Bagnaia’s teammate for the 2023 MotoGP season.

Bastianini will ride alongside Bagnaia on the factory Ducati machinery for the 2023 season.
Bastianini replaced Jack Miller, who is on his way to KTM.

That said, Martin will continue riding with team Pramac Racing alongside Johann Zarco next year.

Ducati took some time to announce Bagnaia’s new teammate for the 2023 season ever since Jack Miller was confirmed to be moving to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for 2023.

Although Martin was heavily linked with a move to Ducati, especially since the Spaniard kicked start the season as 2021 Rookie of the Year, Bastianini began the 2022 calendar with a blast, winning the opening act at Qatar GP followed by his second win at Le Mans.

Just last week, the Italian rider took his first premier class pole at the Red Bull Ring but unfortunately had to retire early in the race after suffering from a puncture.

Nevertheless, Bastianini is thrilled to partner alongside Bagnaia next season in an all-Italian lineup.

“I am thrilled to be able to wear the colours of the official Ducati team starting next year. It was my dream, and now it has come true.

“In these two years in MotoGP, I have learned and grown a lot, and I believe that I can only improve with the engineers and men of the Ducati Lenovo Team!

“I want to thank Claudio, Gigi, Paolo and Davide for trusting me and giving me this incredible opportunity. Still, I also want to thank Nadia and the whole Gresini team for the great support I have received from them during this wonderful season together.

“I will try to close out this 2022 in the best possible way before tackling my new adventure as a factory Ducati rider with total commitment and the right team spirit,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ducati also confirmed that Martin and Johann Zarco will continue their partnership at Pramac’s ahead of the 2023 season.

Kawasaki To Launch The E2 And E2-R Electric Motorcycle Later This Year

Kawasaki arguably among the major motorcycle manufacturers pushing for electrification.

Kawasaki to launch two new electric bikes in November.
The E2 and E2-R will be Team Green first electric range.

The Japanese firm also went on to showcased its electric and hybrid two-wheelers at Suzuka 8 Hours. The hybrid looks somewhat like the Ninja while the electric looks much smaller and looks like the firm’s Z250.

At the time, there’s no words regarding the launch date but according to British Motorcyclist Federation (BMF), Team Green plans to launch its first electric range in November.

Also, BMF claimed Kawasaki’s upcoming motorcycle will be called the E2 and could produce a peak power of around 30hp. That puts the E2 around 14hp less than the Ninja Z400.

Interestingly, BMF also reports that there will be a fully faired version of the E2 and potentially will be called the E2-R albeit sharing the same peak power.

While Kawasaki is yet to release any further info on its upcoming E2 and E2-R electric motorcycle, the latest report looks encouraging from the marquee.

Yamaha XMax 250 Updated With Two New Colours For 2022 – RM22,298

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor has updated the XMax 250 with new visual for 2022.

The popular Yamaha XMax 250 gets two new colours for 2022.
The maxi-scooter retains the same engine and bodywork.

The quarter-litre Japanese maxi-scooter is now available in two new colours for the Malaysian market; Red and Matte Green.

The two new visuals is the same that was introduced in Japan just a few weeks ago.

In terms of design, the 2022 XMax 250 retains the same bodywork as the previous year’s model, including the iconic sharp split LED headlight.

Mechanically, the 2022 XMax continue to feature the same 250cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces 22.5hp and 24.3Nm.

Also retained for 2022 is the semi-digital instrument cluster and traction control.

Meanwhile, the scooter is suspended by a conventional telescopic forks and dual shocks at the rear while braking hardware consist of front and rear disc with dual-channel ABS.

According to Hong Leong Yamaha Motor, the 2022 XMax 250 is available for RM22,298 with new owners will also received a complimentary Yamaha safety disc lock worth RM100, with every purchase.

( UPDATED) GIVI M35.0 Scudo Breaks Cover – Price Starts From RM365

GIVI Malaysia has officially introduced the all-new GIVI MS35.0 Scudo helmet for the Malaysian market.

The new Scudo helmet is GIVI’s latest jet helmet for Malaysian and meets the latest ECE22.06 standard.
Features new design, eight new colours and sun visors with anti-scratch main visor.

The GIVI MS35.0 Scudo is the first jet helmet in Malaysia to meet the latest ECE22.06 homologation safety standard.

That said, the new ECE22.06 standard pushes for more test approval including penetration, high and low-speed linear impacts and oblique impacts.

As a result, the MS35.0 Scudo helmet offers the best safety and level of protection for riders.

Interestingly, the new GIVI MS35.0 Scudo helmets are built to cater to Asian head size, which is typically rounder than those in Western countries.

Also, the new jet helmet comes in two shell sizes, small (S, M, L) and large (XL, XXL) to ensure that it meets every types of Asian fitting including Malaysian riders.

Other notable features includes the Micrometric Quick Release Buckle that allow riders to secure the helmet effortlessly and double visor function with anti-scratch visors. Also, the Scudo features two air vents that helps to released heat from inside the shell.

According to GIVI Malaysia, the all-new MS35.0 Scudo comes in eight exciting visuals; Solid Ice White, Solid Grey, Graphic Draco Black Red, Graphic Draco YelloW Blue, Graphic Kraken Neon Yellow, Graphic Torch Black Blue, Graphoc Ventura Grey Yellow and Graphic Ventura White Blue.

The new Scudo will be available from authorized GIVI dealership from September 2022 with a recommended selling price of RM365 (non-graphic) and RM410 (with graphics).

2022 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports Now Available At Local Dealership – RM117,888

Boon Siew Honda (BSH) has officially launched the new updated Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports for 2022.

The Africa Twin gets 6.5-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple Carplay function.
Priced at RM117,888, the updated AT is avaialble in Pearl Glare White Tricolour.

2022 CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports

Refine for 2022 is the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) that now offers smoother gear change in 1st and 2nd gear, significantly improving the handling especially at lower rev range.

Honda also improves the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) – with 7-level of selection – operation system, to allow riders a finer choice of rear tyre slide for off-road riding.

Also, the windscreen is now 110mm shorter with 5-level adjustment with Honda claims helped improved visibility yet offering plenty of wind protection.

In addition the 2022 Africa Twin Adventure Sport also fitted with a bigger 24.8L fuel tank, revised body panel – for better protection from debris and wind – larger engine sump guard, and heated grips as standard.

Other notable electronics package include:

6-axis IMU
7-stage HSTC with 3-level Wheelie ControlCornering ABS
Rear Lift Control
DCT cornering detection
4 riding modes (URBAN, TOUR, GRAVEL and OFF-ROAD)

The 2022 Africa Twin Adventure Sport also features Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (electronic suspension), offering four default mode; Soft, Mid, Hard and Off-Road.

Other features include:

dual-LED daytime running light (DRL)
three-stage Cornering Lights
Cruise Control
Heated Grips
6.5-inch Multi Information Display (MID) TFT touch screen
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto

Powering the 2022 CRF1100L Africa Twin is the longer stroke 1,084cc parallel-twin engine capable of producing 101hp @ 7,500rpm and 104Nm @ 6,250rpm.

According to BSH, the 2022 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin is available exclusively in Pearl Glare White Tricolour and is priced at RM117,888.

2023 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Gets New Visuals

Royal Enfield revealed new colours for the 2023 Royal Enfield Meteor 350.

Royal Enfield brings new colours for the 2023 Meteor 350 range.
The Fireball variant features two new colours.

The new colour scheme is introduced for the Fireball and Supernova variants.

Despite the new colourway, technical aspects remain unchanged, with Royal Enfield only using the new colours to refresh the Meteor 350 for 2023.

According to the Indian firm, the Fireball gets two new colours; Fireball Blue and Fireball Matt Green.

Meanwhile, the top-of-the-range Supernova edition now features “Supernova Red”. However, the third variant, Stellar, continues to feature the same visuals.

For those unaware, the Fireball is the base model; the Stellar features a backrest, while the Supernova is fitted with a front windscreen and a backrest.

Powering the Meteor 350 is a 349cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air/oil-cooled engine capable of pumping 20hp @ 6,100rpm and 27Nm @ 4,000rpm.

Despite the retro look, the Meteor 350 is fitted with modern features, including dual-channel ABS, LED taillights and Bluetooth connectivity.

Honda Upcoming Middleweight Tourer Will Be The XL750 Transalp

The trademark filings for Honda’s upcoming Transalp were filed in several global markets in May 2021.

The Honda XL750 Transalp to feature the new 750cc parallel-twin engine.
The motorcycle will likely be a more street-biased ADV machine.

However, the latest trademark application by Honda Motor Corporation, dated 12 August 2022, has confirmed the name XL750 Transalp.

While this might not be news for some, it is actually the strongest indicator of what we could expect from the upcoming Transalp.

Firstly, Honda’s ADV motorcycle, the Africa Twin, carries the CRF1100L nameplate. The CRF is a code for the Japanese firm adventure motorcycle, meaning the bike can be taken off-road and on the tarmac.

However, considering that the Transalp bares the XL750 nameplate, this could mean that the upcoming middleweight motorcycle will likely be a more street-biased ADV machine like the previous generation.

Nevertheless, considering the explosion of mid-weight ADV bikes, the Transalp could be given some off-road treatment to compete with other brands.

Mechanically, the XL750 Transalp is likely to feature the same parallel-twin 750cc engine powering the soon-to-be-launch Hornet.

That said, Honda’s likely to launch the Hornet first with the Transalp could make its way in 2023.

BMW And Suspension Experts ZF Develops Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fork

BMW Motorrad always puts serious thought into developing front suspension.

BMW and ZF develop a new carbon fibre front end.
BMW won the 24-hour Spa of the EWC while testing the new carbon fibre telescopic fork.

The R 1250 GS is fitted with a Telelever front end, the K 1600 GT Duolever suspension is innovative, while the S 1000 RR semi-active unit is an integral part of the superbike setup.

However, BMW has up the ante in its latest joint venture with suspension experts and partner ZF (Zahnradfabrik) to develop a carbon fibre telescopic fork.

The collaboration is to develop the front fork for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team.

Firstly, carbon fibre front suspension is common in MotoGP, but it’s still a grey area for BMW as the House of Munich is not involved in the world championship.

As a result, the Endurance World Championship is BMW’s best bet to test out the new component.

The BMW M 1000 RR now features the said component, with the fork consisting of a carbon fibre outer tubed mated to a carbon fibre composite/metal inner tube. The metal fork legs slide within the carbon fibre tubes.

The lightweight material not only helps to reduce weight and allows BMW to study the M 1000 RR characteristic.

According to BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Mark Bongers, the main focus during the development of carbon fibre forks is to test the bending loads.

“Using this material and this technology allows us to shift the threshold at which body vibrations occur.

“One major focus during development was the design of the homogeneous bending loads.

“The goal being for the throttle response for the rider to be extremely subtle, even under the most extreme strains. And feedback from the riders confirmed that the goal was achieved,” he said.

In an exciting development, the number 37 BMW M 1000 RR fitted with the carbon fibre telescopic fork won the 2022 24-Hour Spa of the Endurance World Championship.

Could the new component make its way to future BMW bikes? BMW certainly thinks so, but it will need to meet the strict homologation standards before that happens.

(Source: webbikeworld)

MotoGP: Remy Gardner To Lose Tech3 GASGAS Seat?

Remy Gardner was on the verge of teaming up with Pol Espargaro at the newly launched Tec3 GASGAS MotoGP team for the 2023 season.

Remy Gardner could face the axe from KTM.
The former Moto2 world champion is yet to confirm his seat for 2023.

However, KTM looks set to dump the Australian rider amid talks that Team Orange is closing on a deal to retain Miguel Oliveira.

On Friday, Gardner told Crash.net that he was surprised by KTM Director Pit Beirer’s comment on Oliveira’s future, saying that ‘there is also still a chance to keep our friend Miguel (Oliveira) inside the family’. Hinting the GASGAS seat for 2023.

“No, it’s not [looking great for next year],” Crash.net reports.

“In MotoGP, it doesn’t look like there’s anything… KTM’s done it again!” said Gardner.

That said, Oliveira could be named as Espargaro’s teammate at GASGAS, while Gardner and his current teammate, Raul Fernandez, could face the axe at the end of the season.

While Fernandez’s move to RNF Aprilia MotoGP team is almost sure to happen – with an official announcement to be made at Misano – Gardner’s future is still in doubt.

Nevertheless, if KTM does pursue Oliveira’s signature in what could be a surprise u-turn, RNF Aprilia might be interested in offering both Fernandez and Gardner for the 2023 seat.

Moreover, Razlan’s already confirmed that the two slots will be given to current premier class riders, with Fernandez remained the top of his wish list for 2023.

That said, if Oliveira turned down KTM’s approach – as the Portuguese is also heavily linked with RNF – Gardner’s spot at GASGAS is still not safe with speculation also linking its Moto2 title contender Augusto Fernandez.

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Amirul Azreen