Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Honda Developing New Keep Lane Assist Technology For Motorcycles

Honda wants to take another technology from the world of cars and put it into bikes.

The Lane Keep Assist is currently a widely known feature for cars.
It keeps the vehicle in the lane with the help of radars and cameras.

This time around, the Japanese firm is developing a new Keep Lane Assist Technology for motorcycles.

For those who don’t know how it works, in cars, the lane-keep assist features keep you in the lane on the highway with the help of radar sensors and cameras. The cameras detect the lines on the road to ensure that you are always in the lane, and if the car is moving away, the corresponding input brings the vehicle back into the line.

While the system might seem too fancy for bikes, Honda is not the only brand currently working on semi-autonomous technology.

The Ducati Multistrada V4 is also fitted with radars that allow the bike to be equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control. Also, Yamaha is currently testing a new generation Tracer 9 GT with the same features.

While Ducati and Yamaha fit the system on a tourer, Honda, on the other hand, plans to include the technology on just about any type of motorcycle.

According to reports, the system will be installed on the bike’s triple clamp, similar to a steering damper. However, in this case, the damper rod will be replaced by an actuator.

However, the actuator isn’t just a motor, instead uses a magnetostrictive torque sensor to measure the input on the bars. The motor will then read the steering input and adjust it accordingly.

Meanwhile, the camera will read whether the bike is moving away from the lane and affirms that there is no input on the bars from the rider. As such, the system will counter-steer the motorcycle back into the lane.

Despite the complexity, the system is designed to be unnoticeable and disengages immediately after the bike is back in the lane.

Although the Lane Keep Assist feature is still under development, we might get to see the new technology soon enough. If we’re lucky, Honda might showcase the technology at this year’s EICMA show in Milan.

(Source: CycleWorld)

This Vintage Bell Magnum Helmet Is On Sale For A Whopping RM65,000!

Like everything else in life, the world of motorcycle helmets is also related to expensiveness, especially when the helmet comes with a particular design and number of units.

A vintage Bell Magnum Super helmet is on sale for RM65,000.
the made in USA product is not in a pristine condition.

Also sometimes, some helmets are determined by their age, the older it is – in addition with how many are being built, of course – the expensive it gets.

But can you imagine a helmet that cost around the same as a full size motorcycle?

Well, here you go. A seller on a popular e-commerce platform in Malaysia is selling this vintage Bell Magnum Super helmet for RM65,000.

Let us also remind you that the helmet on sale is not new, instead it’s in a preloved/used state. So imagine the price tag if the helmet is in an immaculate, straight out of the box condition?

With that price, you can actually purchase a very low mileage Ducati Hypermotard 950 from Mudah.my, so let that sink in.

Also, the most exclusive and helmet in present time, the Arai RX-7V RC Carbon – said to be the culmination of all the years of Arai’s experience – only cost around EUR3,200 (RM14k).

So what makes the vintage Bell Magnum Super so expensive? Well, we are not experts when it comes to vintage piece but perhaps there are valid reason why it carries an astonishing high price.

For those interested (if any) feel free to check out the helmet and do tell us what you think at the comment section below.

Hero XPulse 200 4V Rally Edition Debuts In India

Hero MotoCorp introduced the base XPulse 200 4V back in 2021, a dua-sport motorcycle that allow riders to go on an off-road adventure.

The Rally Edition gets revised suspension.
Features Hero MotoSports Team Rally livery.

However, Hero MotoCorp up the ante in 2022 by introducing the XPulse 200 4V Rally Edition in India.

First glance, you’ll notice the combination of white and red colourway to match the livery of Hero MotoSports Team Rally.

While some manufacturers tends to slap a new graphics and livery and called it a “new” edition, Hero MotoCorp dive deep to bring something new to the XPulse 200 4V Rally Edition.

Firstly, the bike’s suspension has undergone major modification, the Rally Edition features full-adjustable front fork with 250mm of wheel travel and a 10-step adjustable rear shock with 220mm wheel travel.

Also, the ground clearance is now 50mm higher and the seat now sits at 885mm compared to 825mm on the base XPulse 200. The Rally Edition also features taller handelbar, longer gear change lever and a longer side stand.

The best part is, the Rally Edition weighs just 160kgs, just 2 kilograms more than the base model.

Mechanically, the XPulse 200 4V Rally Edition gets the same 200cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine but equipped with an oil cooler. It produces the same 19hp and 16.4Nm.

Yamaha Made Third Investment Into Autonomous Driving Technology

Yamaha is definitely pushing toward an autonomous driving technology after making its third investment into Tier IV Inc, the lead developer of the Autoware open-source self-driving operating system.

Yamaha has invested more than JPY12.1 billion into developing autonomous driving technology.
The ‘self-riding’ system could feature on Yamaha’s electric bike range soon.

The Japanese firm first invested in Tier IV in 2017 before adding its second investment two years later.

However, the third investment that brings the total funds injected into Tier IV currently stands at JPY12.1 billion (RM396mil), further showcasing Yamaha’s commitment to autonomous driving technology.

According to Yamaha, the new technology is aimed at “low-speed automated driving under specific conditions.”

While the technology sounds too complex to work on a motorcycle, it is hard to believe that they would be investing heavily into something that would not become applicable to their products.

Nonetheless, the new technology could be a safety feature to include in Yamaha’s upcoming electric range, something like the Neo’s or an E01.

That said, the development is considerably still at an early stage. While it may not materialize anytime soon, it seems inevitable that ‘self-riding’ technology will make its way to motorcycles.

Upcoming Benelli TRK702 Gets 23L Fuel Tank And Built-In Dashcam

Spurred by the huge success of the affordable Benelli TRK502 and TRK502X in Europe, the Chinese-owned Italian brand is set to expand the TRK range with an upcoming TRK702, soon.

the Benelli TRK702 will feature a bigger 23L tank and built-in front and rear camera (dashcam).
powered by Kawasaki-sourced 693cc two-cylinder engine.

After officially unveiled the TRK800 at EICMA last year, the Benelli is now working on a brand new TRK702.

While the TRK502 is an adventure touring motorcycle with light off-roading capabilites and the TRK800 is pitched as a sports tourer (despite the 19-inch wire spoked wheels option), Benelli plans to placed the TRK702 as a more off-road focused two wheeler.

This is supported by a latest patent leaked in China that showcased an upcoming 700cc motorcycle.

In a glance, the patent could be mistaken as the TRK800 but further observation notice a different engine layout.

Also the tank is larger (23L), which could means that the TRK702 is following the same trend set by the new Yamaha Tenere 700 World Raid.

However, the patent also revealed something a lot more exciting. The TRK702 will feature front and rear cameras, which essentially means that the motorcycle is fitted with built-in dashcam.

While the bike’s development is still in an early stage, Benelli might display the concept model at this year’s EICMA show.

CFMoto 700CL-X ADV Breaks Cover – Features 19-Inch Wire-Spoke Wheels

Chinese motorcycle company, CFMoto has unveiled the third variant from its middleweight 700 CL-X range with the introduction of the new ADV.

the ADV variants features larger 19-inch wheels and raised beak.
powered by the same 693cc two-cylinder engine.

Joining the already available 700 CL-X Heritage and Sport, the 700 CL-X ADV features a more rugged and aggressive bodywork than it siblings.

The 700 CL-X ADV finally make its way to production, three years after it was presented as a prototype at the 2019 EICMA.

Despite the robust look, the ADV variant is not a serious off-road capable machine compared to the brand 800MT motorcycle, but it does have a resemblance akin to a Scrambler.

That said, the 700 CL-X ADV gets a larger 19-inch front wheel, dual-purpose tyres, wire-spoke wheels and a raised beaked typically found on a scrambler.

Nonetheless, majority of the 700 CL-X ADV still retains the same signatures, including the X front headlamp.

In addition, the 700 CL-X ADV also fitted with panels to install panniers.

Mechanically, the ADV version gets the same 693cc two cylinder engine producing 74hp @ 8,500rpm and 68Nm @ 6,500rpm.

While no official price is mention yet, we expect the ADV to priced slightly higher than the Heritage and Sport.

2022 BMW G 310 RR To Land In China Soon – Could Malaysia Be Next?

BMW Motorrad recently introduced the new BMW G 310 RR sportsbike in India.

the G 310 RR is a rebadge from TVS’s Apache RR 310.
the G 310 RR puts out 33.5hp and 27.3Nm.

The G 310 RR joins the already available G 310 GS and G 310 R, with all of the models sharing the same 310cc single-cylinder engine built in partnership with India’s TVS Motor Company.

After the successful introduction in India, BMW will now bring the 310 RR to China, as reported by Rushlane.

BMW Motorrad has sold more than 50,000 units of the G 310 range globally, of which 15,000 units were recorded in India alone, making the country the biggest market for the small capacity BMW branded bikes.

Understanding the rise in demand for a small-capacity motorcycle in China, the G 310 RR could do well in a country that shares a similar number of population with India
.
BMW Motorrad Head of Asia, China, Pacific and Africa, Markus Mueller-Zambre, explained that India would start exporting the G 310 RR to China soon, with the official launch will happen in the coming months.

In addition, Markus revealed that the G 310 RR would only be manufactured in India at the TVS manufacturing plant.

Considering how quickly BMW is pushing to export the new baby RR, it could also mean that we might see the bike in Malaysia soon enough.

Despite no further details, the G 310 RR is expected to land in Malaysia, considering the other two G 310 range is also available here. The G 310 R (2021) is available for RM27,500, while the G 310 GS is priced at RM29,500.

If the G 310 RR lands in Malaysia, it could cost slightly above RM30,0000.

Lightning Motorcycles Developing New Off-Road Focused Plug-In Adventure Bike

American electric motorcycle company Lightning Motorcycles is working on a new plug-in adventure bike to take on Energica’s Experia.

Lightning Dakar is the first electric plug-in off-road capable motorcycle.
Set to go head-to-head with Energica’s Experia tourer.

The company patent filing recently leaked in China and showcased the upcoming off-road focused ADV motorcycle bodywork.

The company’s founder and CEO, Richard Hatfield, submitted the application to the China National Intellectual Property Administration. Why China? This is because Lightning has a factory over there.

Despite the possibility of coming up against the Energica Experia, Lightning’s upcoming machine is more off-road oriented, which immediately distinguishes it from the Experia, which is fitted with 17-inch wheels.

Lightning also included the term Dakar in the filing, which is most likely to describe the bike’s design language.

Lightning made headlines in 2012 after claiming an electric land speed record of 350km/h with the 200hp LS-218 prototype.

The company proceeded to introduce the production version of the LS-218, named the Lightning Strike Sportster, in 2019, which is currently available for orders from USD19,998 (RM89.1k).

Nonetheless, the upcoming ADV boasts entirely different ergonomics thanks to a taller seat height, upright seating position, longer travel front suspension and rear absorbers.

The motorcycle also features wire-spoke wheels in 21-inch front and 18-inch rear compared to Energica’s 17″ road-biased alloy wheels.

The bike is also equipped with a tall, humped fuel tank, conventional ADV front beak, raised front mudguard and tall (but narrow) windscreen.

While there are no precise details on the performance, it is possible it makes the same 120hp as the 2019 Lightning Strike, with an engine and swingarm that appears identical to the sportsbike.

Husqvarna Partners Google To Launch New Dirt Bike Configurator

Swedish motorcycle company Husqvarna Motorcycles has partnered with Google and Unreal Engine to introduce a new configurator for the company FC 450 flagship dirt bike.

Husqvarna partners with Google and game engine developers Unreal Engine to produce a new configurator.
The configurator allow prospective owners to create a dirt bike that meets their need.

According to Husqvarna, the new configurator will allow its FC 450 riders to set up their prospective bike accordingly.

While motorcycle configurators are not new features, this will be the first addition to Husqvarna’s dirt bike range.

For those outside the gaming spectrum, Unreal Engine is a 3D computer graphics engine developed by Epic Games. They are also the game engine behind MotoGP, Ride, MXGP and Supercross videogames, allowing gamers to enjoy life-like graphics.

The configurator will allow riders to try out infinite combinations to create a suitable competition machine that meets their needs.

In addition, the configurator will allow prospective customers to choose from over 150 Husqvarna Technical Accessories.

Although the configurator is currently limited to just the FC 450, Husqvarna says they will add more models in the future.

This Bespoke Ducati 1100 By Revival Cycles Is Worth RM2.2mil

Anything related to Ducati always comes with a hefty pricetag. So when a custom builder like Revival Cycles chose to worked on a Ducati Monster 1100, you know it’s going to turned out epic while also eat out much of their budget.

the Fuse is built from Ducati’s Monster 1100 engine.
features custom frame, handlebars and tank.

For starters, Revival Cycles is a custom shop based out of Austin, Texas and co-founded by Alan Stulberg and Stefan Hertel in 2008. The company has some of the most beautiful custom motorcycle ever made. Just drop by their website and you’ll understand what we meant.

However, among the lot, perhaps the most beautiful machine they’ve built is the custom Ducati 1100 Fuse.

A part from an engine taken out of the Monster 1100, everything else, including the stainless steel frame is completely custom. Also, the swingarm, was fabricated out of a solid block of aluminium. Just imagine the hours they’ve put into creating the perfect component.

According to the company, the exposed stainless steel tubes were designed not just as the bike’s foundation but also to act as the focal point of the overall design.

Revival Cycles also mounted a one-piece handlebar to create a clean cockpit while integrating the clutch and brake reservoir into the bar itself. Leather grips is fitted to complete the classic touch.

While the bike’s in its entirety is custom, the one-piece tank, seat and tail assembly still brings out the Ducati design language, further enhanced by the red paint. Meanwhile, to ensure the bike’s in running state, Revival Cycles also reworked the entire electrical system.

Last but not least, the Fuse pumps out 120hp from the Ducati Monster 1100 engine making it quite a powerful machine.

The best part is, Revival Cycles claimed that the estimated cost to built the Fuse is around USD500,000 (RM2.2mil).

11-Year-Old Racer Dies Following Training Accident

Millar Buchanan, an 11-year-old racer who competed in the Ohvale UK Cup, lost his life following a training incident at the Crail Circuit Scotland, last Saturday.

the 11-year-old racer kiled during a training session at the Crail Circuit (Scotland) on Saturday.
SSBK champion, Callum Grigor, will wear the number 29 at the next round as tribute to the young rider’s death.

The young rider was competing in this year’s British Mini Bike Championship in the MiniGP 140/50 Championshiap and Ohvale 160 Cup category.

Acccording to reports, reigning Scottish Superbike Champion, Callum Grigor will compete at the next round of the SSBK wearing the number 29, as tribute to Buchanan.

Grigor also went on his social media, expressing his disbelief over the tragic incident.

“The sport we love is so so cruel sometimes.

“Millar was one of the most committed and talented young riders in Scotland and he was a true star of the future.

“I was lucky enough to share the track with Millar doing some coaching and playing around on minibikes and I cannot believe that this has happened.

“The world has lost a true little gentlemen and I am not alone when I say that he will be greatly missed by everyone in the racing community,” he said.

Ohvale UK also paid tribute to the 11-year-old.

“We have lost a member of our Ohvale family. Millar Buchanan has sadly passed away after being involved in an accident over the weekend while training at Crail Circuit.

“Millar joined our Ohvale UK cup last year and it has been a pleasure to have him in the paddock and in our junior championships, he will be sorely missed by everyone.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to Andy and Pauline and the rest of his family and friends at this sad time,” Ohvale UK said in a statement.

WorldSBK: Jonathan Rea Agrees Two-Year Extension With Kawasaki

It’s official, Jonathan Rea will remain with Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) after agreeing on a two-year deal, putting him at Team Green for the 2023 and 2024 WorldSBK Championship season.

Rea agreed a two-year deal to remain with KRT.
Rea currently sits second in the championship, just 17 pts behind Ducati’s Alvaro Bautista.

Despite some rumours suggesting that Rea might consider a WorldSBK future without Kawasaki, Rea – who previously confirmed that he might consider retiring – expressed his delight to continue his successful partnership with KRT.

“I am really happy and excited to renew my contract with Kawasaki, to roll on for two more years. It has been an incredible partnership; we have enjoyed so much success together that it is almost a natural progression.

“There was not much negotiation needed to continue together from both sides. It was more a case of how much more motivation I had to keep racing at the highest level in the WorldSBK Championship.

“It has been an incredible few seasons; more competitive than ever. I have realised how motivated I am to continue and to continue fighting to win. Kawasaki gave me the opportunity back in 2015 to realise a childhood dream when I won the WorldSBK championship in the first year together.

“As a partnership we are so solid, and I am looking forward to continuing to make memories and representing an incredible manufacturer and brand,” said the six-time WorldSBK champion.

Kawasaki dominated the WorldSBK after winning its first title in two decades with the success of Tom Sykes in 2013; however, Rea’s dominance took the team to a new level of greatness, winning six straight titles comfortably.

Although coming up against a younger foe with Toprak Razgatlioglu claiming the 2021 title, Rea has come out swinging in 2022, taking five wins which put him in a title fight with Razgatlioglu and Ducati’s Alvaro Bautista.

Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen

Honda wants to take another technology from the world of cars and put it into bikes.

Like everything else in life, the world of motorcycle helmets is also related to expensiveness, especially when the helmet comes with a particular design and number of units.

A vintage Bell Magnum Super helmet is on sale for RM65,000.

the made in USA product is not in a pristine condition.