Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

TTS Performance X Kardesign Unveils The SuperBusa – 372hp, 250Nm

The Suzuki Hayabusa needs no introduction. The hyperbike from Hamamatsu factory in Japan holds the title as “The World’s Fastest Production Motorcycle” when it was introduced in 1990.

TTS Performance teamed-up with Kardesign to built a supercharged Hayabusa.
The ‘SuperBusa’ makes a whopping 372hp and 250Nm.

Fast forward to 2022, the Hayabusa is now in its 3rd generation, introduced by Suzuki in 2021, the new Busa makes less power and torque than its predecessor but makes up in rideability and refinements.

Modern riding aids also makes the new Hayabusa is easier to ride not just a high speeds but also at lower rev range.

However, for those who wants the 3rd-gen Hayabusa to shake the world as it did back in the 90s, TTS Performance might have something in store just for you.

The UK-based motorcycle performance company has teamed up with Kardesign to unleashed a “supercharged” version of the Hayabusa.

Dubbed the SuperBusa, the motorycle recently showcased to the public at the TTS 40th Anniversary Bash.

Fiitted with Rotrex C30—94 superchargers, the SuperBusa makes a whopping 372hp and 250Nm.

In addition, the SuperBusa also features Rotobox carbon fibre rims, single-sided swingarm, larger brake disc and upgraded suspension.

According to reports, TTS Performance plans to build 40 units of the SuperBusa, with each one will be made to order and individually numbered.

UK Motorcycle Group Wants The Government To Prove That Self-Driving Cars Are Safe For Bikers

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) is demanding the UK government to show proof that self-driving cars is safe for motorcyclist in the country.

UK wants to fully allow self-driving vehicles on UK roads by 2025.
MAG demands a solid evidence that self-driving cars are safe for riders.

MAG believes that self-driving vehicles present a dangerous threat to riders if they are allowed on the road.

The UK government plans to fully allow self-driving vehicles to be on UK roads by 2025 as announced last week.

However, MAG is concerned that the safety of riders is not put into consideration during the decision making process.

“It is a source of great concern that – once again – the interests of motorcyclists are an afterthought.

“Years of development of these systems have not taken sufficient care of motorcyclists’ interests. Whilst the elimination of driver error may be a laudable goal, it is of no interest if that error is simply replaced by automatic incompetence.

“We will be holding the Government and authorities to account and demanding to see genuine evidence that these vehicles will not place riders at higher risk than human drivers do.

“Given that independent testing is yet to commence, I find it hard to understand how the [Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps] can be so confident that the roll-out is sensible at this time,” said MAG.

Based on a research conducted by the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) in 2016, self-driving cars struggled to adapt when there is a motorcycle riding close to the edge of their lane. The driver had to take control of the car to avoid contact.

(source: Visordown)

Nigeria To Impose Ban On The Use And Sale Of Motorcycles

Nigeria’s government is considering imposing a ban on the sale and use of motorcycles across the nation.

The ban is part of an effort to hamper terrorist group movement in the country.
Motorcycles is the primary mode of transportation for bandits in Nigeria.

In an unusual development, the government’s ban on motorcycles is an effort to stop terror attacks.

According to Nigeria’s Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, motorcycles is currently the primary mode of transportation used by the terrorist group in the country.

The banning would immediately hamper the group logistics.

“Placing a ban on the use of motorcycles and mining activities will cut the supply of logistics to the terrorists.

“This will be done in the national interest. We are Nigerians because Nigeria as a country exists and any issue that will translate into a threat to national security or the corporate existence of the country requires certain sacrifices,” he said.

According to reports, members of the terrorist group known as ‘bandits’ mainly use motorcycles to carry out their activities, including killings and kidnapping.

Just last week, Governor Bello Mattawale of Zamfara State announced a curfew for motorcycles in the town of Gusau.

He also directed his security personnel to shoot on sight anyone caught riding a motorcycle between 8 pm to 6 am.

While the nationwide ban is still under consideration, it would certainly have huge implications, especially for the majority of its population that depends on two-wheelers as a mode of transportation to go on their daily lives.

Nigeria is currently the world’s sixth most populated country, with an annual motorcycle sales figure of more than 500,000.

2023 KTM 200 DUKE Spotted Testing In India

KTM could introduce the next generation KTM 200 Duke as the motorcycle was recently spotted testing in India.

The next-gen KTM 200 Duke to feature revised bodywork.
Features a more prominent LCD display.

The next-gen 200 Duke should retain the same 199.5cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that makes 25.4hp and 19.5Nm.

However, KTM could likely implement minor tweaks to the engine without necessarily changing the power output.

Looking at the spy shot, it is clear that the new 200 Duke features a more aggressive silhouette with the addition of a full-LED split headlight and a new bodywork. We also noticed slight changes done to the subframe.

While the front USD forks appear similar to the current model, the monoshock is now offset. Also, the brake disc appears bigger, with the rims sharing similarities with the new RC 390.

In addition, the test mule is also fitted with a larger fully-digital LCD instrument cluster.

No words on when we could expect the new KTM 200 Duke to make its global introduction, but the announcement will likely be made soon.

Upcoming Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 To Feature Alloy Wheels

It looks like Royal Enfield is set to introduced alloy wheels to its Continental 650 GT motorcycle after the test mule was spotted recently in India.

The new alloy rims appears to be same 18-inch size as the current motorcycle.
Announcement to be made soon.

The alloy rims feature on the test mule sport a 7-spoke design and is likely to be same size as the 18” spoke wheels on the current Continental.

Also, this could mean that the Continental GT 650 will get tubeless tyres, as opposed to the current model.

That said, we expect that the 650 twin, the Interceptor 650 will also get the same update, which is likely to happen in the coming months.

Interestingly, the spy shot (which you can check out HERE) also revealed that the Continental GT 650 is fitted with a new round taillamp, replacing the rectangular unit found in the current model.

Looking at how RE not bother to cover the test mule with the usual camo paintjob, it is safe to assume the motorcycle compay will announced the minor upgrade soon.

(source: autocar)

Austrian GP: Bagnaia Claims First Three-Consecutive MotoGP Victory

Francesco Bagnaia ties Casey Stoner’s record as the only Ducati rider to win three MotoGP races in a row after claiming his fifth win of the season at the Red Bull Ring.

The Italian led into turn one after passing Gresini’s Enea Bastianini who started at pole position.

Keen to make a factory Ducati 1-2, Jack Miller went in front of Bastianini at Turn 3.

Bastianini lost another spot to Pramac’s Jorge Martin before retiring with the team confirmed that the Italian suffered a deflating front tyre.

Meanwhile, reigning champion, Fabio Quartararo begin to close in on Bagnaia, Miller and Martin.

Martin made a mistake after running wide on lap 17 and allow Quartararo to pass.

The Frenchman then produced the best overtaking of the season – at Turn 2(a)-Turn 2(b) – to grab second placed ahead of Miller.

However, the late charge from the world champion was not enough as Bagnaia managed to hold off Quartararo by half a second.

Meanwhile, Quartararo continue to lead the championship with 200 points, 32 points ahead of Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro while race winner Bagnaia sits third with 156 points.

MotoGP will be back in action in September at the iconic Misano circuit, the home of Ducati.

Race results:

Francesco BAGNAIA
Fabio QUARTARARO
Jack MILLER
Luca MARINI
Johann ZARCO
Aleix ESPARGARO
Brad BINDER
Alex RINS
Marco BEZZECCHI
Jorge MARTIN
Fabio DI GIANNANTONIO
Miguel OLIVEIRA
Maverick VIÑALES
Alex MARQUEZ
Andrea DOVIZIOSO
Pol ESPARGARO
Stefan BRADL
Raul FERNANDEZ
Lorenzo SAVADORI
Remy GARDNER

HLYM Previews Yamaha E01 Electric Scooter – 8.1kW, 100km Max Range

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has officially showcased the Japanese motorcycle company first electric motorcycle, the E01.

It features a 4.9kWh lithium-ion battery and electric motor setup with 10.8HP and 30.2NM.
Yamaha claims a maximum range of at least 100KM and ability to hit speeds of 100KM/H.

The electric two-wheeler made its global appearance in January 2022 and was confirmed to make its way to Malaysia after the country was among the few selected to test out the motorcycle.

That said, Yamaha has already tested the E01 in Europe and Japan.

Nevertheless, we were given the opportunity to take a closer look at the E01 at the recently concluded Yamaha GenBlue Carnival, in Pantai Teluk Batik, Perak.

Notably, the Yamaha E01 sports proportions and dimensions similar to that of the Yamaha NMax scooter. But instead of a 155cc VVA-equipped single-cylinder and CVT box setup, the E01 features a that, according to Yamaha, is capable of generating 8.1kW (10.8HP) @ 5,000RPM and 30.2NM @ 1,950RPM.

Furthermore, the Yamaha E01 also offers a decent level of daily practicality thanks to the presence of a sizeable 23-litre under-seat storage bin.

Critically, as an urban scooter, the Yamaha E01 promises a maximum travel range of up to 100KM at least plus whilst also reaching speeds of 105km/h too.

As for charging, there are three options available:

Conventional charger (home) – 6 hours to full
Fast charger (distributor) – 1 hour to 80 percent
Portable charger – 13 hours to full

Pricing and availability of the Yamaha E01 is yet to be announce but it is understood that the new electric motorcycle will be priced similar to Yamaha’s XMax 250 scooter.

SYM Unveils New MMBCU Scooter In China – 150cc, Dual-Channel ABS

Taiwanese motorcycle manufacturer, SYM has launched the all-new MMBCU scooter in China.

SYM MMBCU scooter runs on a 150.8cc engine.
Features futuristic design and minimal body panels.

At a glance, the new 150cc scooter looks amazing, certainly with the front fascia that looks inspired by Kawasaki H2 range.

The unconventional bodywork and a sharp side profile creates something that we have never seen before from a 150cc scooter. Also, the sporty single seat setup completes the look of the scooter.

Powering the MMBCU scooter is a 150.8cc 4-valve, liquid-cooled engine. Unfortunately, SYM yet to revealed the power output but we expect the power to be around 15hp.

The scooter is suspended by a telescopic for and monoshock suspension setup while the braking is regulated with dual-channel ABS mated to a single disc brake at the front and rear.

That said, the new scooter runs on 13-inch alloy wheels (front and back) and tips the scale at 136kg.

Other notable features include a fully digital LCD display, silent start, stop start function, USB charging port and 28L under-seat storage.

In addition, you also get a small storage at the front that can fit a 700ml water bottle.

MotoGP: Marc Marquez Aims To Race Again This Year

Marc Marquez hoped that he could return to racing this year after having surgery on his right arm in June.

Marc Marquez could make a surprise appearance on the grid this season.
The Repsol Honda rider is still the highest-placed Honda rider on the grid.

The six-time MotoGP world champion returns to the paddock for the first time since May and told reporters at the Austrian GP that he is optimistic despite yet to returned to full fitness.

The Spaniard is currently en route to recovery and is increasing his workload.

“My intention is to make some races this year.

“Next week I will have the answer if it will be possible or not.

“When I feel ready I will come back because it will be important to prepare for 2023,” he said.

Honda surely wants their star rider back on the grid as Marquez remains the highest-placed Honda rider in the championship – at 14th – despite missing six races so far.

“Then the next two weeks I started to move my arm, with the physio. The last four weeks I started to work a little bit with elastics. Now I start to increase a little bit the weight.

“If I need to wait one more week, I will wait. When I will feel 70 or 80%, when I feel I can ride a MotoGP bike in a more or less good way, I will come back.

“The last part of the rehabilitation, the best way, is to be on the bike. You cannot wait to be 100% before riding the bike,” he added.

MotoGP returns to action this weekend at the Red Bull Ring.

Benda BD500 V4 Cruiser Breaks Cover In China – 55.5hp, 45Nm

Chinese motorcycle manufacturer, Benda, has just launched a new cruiser in its home market.

The BD500 V4 is the latest middleweight cruiser from Benda.
The motorcycle features a 496cc liquid-cooled V4 engine.

Dubbed the BD500 V4, the cruiser-style motorcycle features an appealing design and a unique engine configuration.

That said, the Benda B500 features a 496cc, liquid-cooled V4 motor that pumps out 55.5hp @ 10,000rpm and 45Nm @ 8,000rpm. That’s ten horses more than the Honda Rebel 500.

Unfortunately, the BD500 V4 tips the scale at 241kg compared to the Rebel’s 185 kilograms.

Nevertheless, the BD500 looks the part with the chunky bodywork, long profile, beefy USD forks, fat tyres and a distinctive flat exhaust.

Unlike some Chinese two-company that tends to copy other established bike designs blatantly, we certainly praised Benda’s originality.

Meanwhile, the Benda BD500 rides on 17-inch wheels and is suspended by upside-down forks and dual shocks. Braking is done by a single disc front and rear and regulated by a dual-channel ABS.

GasGas RX 450F Replica Inbound

GasGas is set to launch a new motorcycle called the RX 450F Replica as confirmed by new type approval documents.

GasGas RX 450F Replica could be based on Sam Sunderland RC 450F.
The motorcycle to feature 449cc engine similar to KTM’s 450 Rally Replica.

The new model is likely to be based on Sam Sunderland’s RC 450F that he rode to victory in the 2022 Dakar Rally.

The RX 450F Replica appeared on an updated list of vehicles approved in Germany, hinting that the new motorcycle is ready for launch, soon.

Despite bearing similarities to Sam’s RC 450F, it is not a perfect match.

Nonetheless, it is safe to assume that the upcoming GasGas RX 450F Replica is a rally-type motorcycle as it listed a similar information to KTM’s 450 Rally Replica.

Considering KTM’s 450 Rally Replica has been in the market for a few years now, it makes sense that GasGas wants its own version in the market, after winning the 2022 Dakar Rally title.

Unfortunately, not many details were unveiled by the latest type approval document a part from it is powered by a 449cc powertrain, features a single saddle setup and classified as an enduro motorcycle.

Nevertheless, it is likely the RX 450F Replica to be based on the KTM latest 450 Rally Replica introduced in June.

(source: Motorcycle.com)

2023 Honda ST125 Dax Arrived In Indonesia – RM24.6k

Honda officially announced the return of the Dax to its MiniMoto range back in March 2022, joining the already available Monkey and MSX125 Grom.

The ST125 Dax officially makes a comeback and further expanding Honda’s MiniMoto portfolio.
The lifestyle motorcycle features a 124cc SOCH air-cooled engine.

Less than six months after its global introduction, the ST125 Dax has now made its way to Indonesia for IDR81.5mil (RM24,600).

The ST125 Dax returns with a 124cc SOCH air-cooled motor that makes 9.25hp and 10.8Nm.

While power is delivered to the rear-wheel via a four-speed gearbox, the bike also comes with a centrifugal clutch.

The Dax weighs 107kg and gets a 31mm upside-down fork, twin-rear shocks, 12-inch mini bike wheels wrapped around with balloon tyres and a full LED light setup.

Other notable features include an LCD and chrome handlebars.

Despite the miniature size, Honda fitted the Dax with a pillion grab rail since the bike is designed from the get-go to support up to two people with the help of the steel frame.

Additionally, the 2023 ST125 Dax comes with single-channel ABS paired to a 220mm front disc, 190mm rear disc and hydraulically-operated brake callipers.

The ST125 Dax is available in two colour options; Pearl Nebula Red and Pearl Cadet Grey.

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Amirul Azreen