Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen

The Tuareg 660 is Aprilia’s answer to tackle the middleweight adventure segment which previously dominated by the likes of Yamaha’s Tenere 700 and KTM’s 890 Adventure.

  • Akrapovic features a new exhaust system designed specifically for the Tuareg 660.

  • adds 1.2hp and 2Nm. 

Despite being a fresh model, the Tuareg 660 garnered a lot of attention ever since the motorcycle was teased at the 2019 EICMA.

Modeled after Aprilia’s newest 660 platform, the Tuareg also features top of the range electronic package and suspension.

While the 660cc parallel-twin mill makes a good throbbing sound, it still missing that robust adventure voice note like a proper ADV.

This is where Akrapovic comes in as the Italian expert has a new exhaust system developed specifically for the Tuareg 660.

Made out of lightweight titanium with stainless steel link pipe, the exhaust system is designed as a slip-on for the Tuareg.

Apart from delivering a proper ADV sound, the exhaust shed 1.9 kilograms from the stock pipes. Given how tall the Tuareg is, the weight loss is definitely a plus for any ADV riders.

Akrapovic also claimed that the new exhaust adds 1.2hp @ 4,800rpm and 2Nm @ 4,800.

Like the rest of the material, the link pipe and the optional header are also built out of stainless steel material.

However, it is important to take note that the installation for the new exhaust will invalidates the bike’s Euro5 compliance, making it not street legal.

Ducati tends to be the reference point for some Chinese motorcycle manufacturers when it comes to designing a new bike.

  • features the same 500cc parallel-twin engine.

  • makes 48hp and 43Nm. 

  • only available in China for CNY28,880 (RM19k). 

Moxiao made headlines earlier this year as the company drummed up rip-offs of the Ducati Panigale V4 and Streetfighter V4 with the 500RR and MX500.

While it’s common for Ducati machine to be cloned by some Chinese two-wheel brands, sometimes (very rarely) they glance over to Japan and see what’s going on over there.

Lo and behold, Xiang Shuai launched the Cangyun XS500 back in April during the company “Heavy Cruising 2022 New Product Conference”.

In a glance, any Honda fanboy can immediately notice the similarity between the Cangyun XS500 and the Rebel 500.

Similar to the Rebel 500, the Cangyun XS500 also powered by a 500cc parallel-twin engine.

Interestingly, while the Rebel 500 makes 45.9hp and 43.3Nm, the Loncin KE500 mill produces 48hp and 43Nm, thus making it a slightly powerful cruiser.

However, while the visual looks similar, Xiang Shuai made some minor adjustments to the Cangyun XS500. For example, it has taller ground clearance, and a bigger fuel tank.

So while it may looks the same, it’s actually a different bike altogether.

The new Xiang Shui Cangyun XS500 is currently on sale in China for CNY28,880 (RM19k).

Kawasaki is set to bring another variant for its KLR650 dual-purpose motorcycle.

  • the new variant will join the already available Traveler, Explorer and base model. 

  • the KLR650S claimed to feature a lower seat height. 

While the motorcycle is not available in Malaysia, but the third-generation KLR650 is available in different trims in other parts of the world.

The base KLR650 comes as it is while the Traveler edition features top case for extra carrying capacity. However, the Explorer variant gets all the fancy panniers, crash bars and auxiliary lighting.

However, the Japanese marquee is set to introduce another variant, the KLR650S according to Australia’s vehicle certifications on June 16,2022.

Reported by Motorcycle.com, the documents hints that the new ‘S’ variant could make its way in 2023.

Other manufacturer tends to designate the ‘S’ as a Sport variant but in the case of Kawasaki, the KLR650S could refer to a lower seat variant.

Kawasaki applied the same nomenclature to its KLX230S motorcycle earlier this year. The KLX230S joins the KLX230 platform introduced in 2020 that features a lower 32.7-inch seat.

Not only that, Kawasaki also decrease the front suspension travel to 6.2″ from 8.7″. This allows shorter riders to enjoy the KLX230S without the intimidating height.

Such move could also benefits riders who wants to own the KLR650. Currently, the KLR650 boast 7.9″ of travel and 34.3″ stand-over height.

Nonetheless, it’s still just a speculation at this point and we just have to wait the official announcement from Team Green in the coming months.

(Source: Motorcycle.com)

The 2022 Honda CBR150R Repsol Edition are now available in Malaysia.

  • the Repsol Edition features the iconic orange colour scheme taken from Honda’s RC213V MotoGP machine ridden by Marc Marquez.
  • priced at RM13,499. 

 

Limited to 800 units, the CBR150R Repsol Edition features the same orange livery as Honda’s RC213V MotoGP machine.

The iconic orange colour scheme can be seen on the tank, side panels, above the front headlamp on the front and rear wheels. The Repsol wording is also noticeable on both sides of the bodywork.

Mechanically, the CBR150R Repsol edition still features the same equipment and electronics, including the wavy disc brake, fully digital speedometer and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Powering the CBR150R Repsol edition is the same 150cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine capable of producing 16hp @ 9,000rpm and 13.7Nm @ 7,000rpm. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a 6-speed transmission with a final chain drive. 

For those interested, the Honda CBR150R Repsol Edition is priced at RM13,499

Ducati Malaysia has officially launched the 2022 Panigale V4 superbike for the local market.

  • The 2022 Panigale V4 get a host of aerodynamic and electronic upgrades.
  • the new electronic package ensures the Panigale V4 is even friendlier to ride. 

Available in two trims, the base V4 is priced at RM148,900 while the top of the range V4 S can be yours for RM188,900.

The Borgo Panigale factory has made numerous improvements for the Panigale V4, aimed at refining the riding ergonomics and power.

Visually, the 2022 Panigale V4 gets a redesigned winglet, and despite appearing smaller, it produces the same 30kg of downforce at 270km/h.
Ducati also improves the engine heat distribution by revamping the belly pan, which now features two air slots on either side and a series of air slits at the bottom.
Despite the minimal changes, the improved cooling efficiency pushes the Desmosedici Stradale peak power to 215.5hp @ 13,00rpm and 123.6Nm @ 9,500rpm.
Other major changes include getting the SBK gearbox from the Panigale V4 R, whereby its first, second and sixth gear is made taller to allow for better gear transition. The new transmission also helps the Panigale V4 to achieve an extra 5km/h top speed than the 2021 Panigale V4.
Nonetheless, replacing the stock exhaust with a full-system Akrapovic race exhaust will help bump the peak power to 225hp and reduce the weight by 5kg to 190.5kg from its 195.5kg curb weight.
The new Panigale V4 also gets a 5mm longer suspension travel front fork which is said to help improve the front-end feel.
Meanwhile, the Öhlins semi-active suspension available on the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 S now adopts Öhlins NPX 25/30 pressurized fork, which is fitted into the Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 event-based electronic control system.
The pressurized system managed the compression in the left leg of the fork with a 25mm piston, while a 30mm piston managed the extension in the right leg.
The swingarm pivot was also raised by 4mm to increase the anti-squat effect during acceleration.
Interestingly, to help the rider’s ergonomic, Ducati has made big changes to the fuel tank shape and material to allow riders to have better grip during braking and turning.
Ducati has also restyled the 5″ TFT display that now features two LED shifter lights at the top.

Most importantly, the 2022 Panigale V4 continues to offer 6-axis IMU, which include:

  • cornering ABS
  • traction control
  • slide control
  • wheelie control
  • engine brake control
  • up/down quickshifter
  • brake-to-slide feature

For those interested, you can take a closer look at the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 and V4 S at Ducati Malaysia showroom located in Petaling Jaya.

French motorcycle company, Orcal-Motor, just roll out the all-new Arios 125 compact scooter in Europe.

  • features 125cc engine capable of producing 14.6hp and 12.5Nm.
  • equipped with a 9.3L tank and has a range of more than 300km.
  • braking is regulated by an ABS. 

The Arios 125+ features decent performance and technology while bringing you the comfort you needed for daily commuting.

Sharing the same powertrain as the SK01 naked motorcycle, the Arios gets and extra 1.2 ponnies for a total of 14.6hp and 12.5Nm.

Power is delivered to the rear wheel via an automatic CVT transmission.

Despite the small engine, the Arios features a remarkable range of 387km, thanks to a large fuel tank of 9.3L. This makes the Orcal Arios 125 an excellent choice as a daily ride.

Meanwhile, the 125cc scooter also equipped with 35mm telescopic front fork and gas powered rear shocks, 14-inch front and 13-inch rear wheel.

Braking power comes from a 256mm front disc with dual-piston callipers and a 220mm rear disc with a single-piston calliper. Additionally, the brake is also regulated by an ABS system.

According to the French company, the Arios is priced at EUR3,999 (RM17.7k).

Triumph Motorcycles has revealed more details and features of the TE-1 Project developed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering.

  • final test results reveal an astonishing 175hp with a 161km range.
  • the TE-1 is almost on par with Triumph’s Speed Triple 1200 RS.
  • to remain as a prototype with no clear indication it will go into production.

The British firm has released the final prototype test results, and the all-electric sportsbike reveals a remarkable 175hp with a 161km range.

According to Triumph, the TE-1 recorded range significantly exceeds the real-world capacity of an equivalent electric motorcycle available today.

In addition, the TE-1 makes 130kW (175hp) peak power and can hit 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds.

This almost puts the TE-1 on par with the firm’s flagship Speed Triple 1200 RS, which makes 177.5hp and 125Nm.

Also, the bike only needs 20 minutes of charging time to achieve 80%, making it the fastest charging time for today’s equivalent electric motorcycles. Triumph also claimed that the TE-1 is 20% lighter (220kg) than any of its competitors.

“We are incredibly proud to be able to share such positive outcomes from the completion of Project Triumph TE‑1, where the prototype demonstrator has exceeded many of our initial targets and expectations,” said Nick Bloor, CEO, Triumph Motorcycles

“Everyone on the team is thrilled with the results we have achieved with our partners, and how the outcomes of the project will feed into the electric future to come from Triumph.”

“WAE are delighted to have been involved in this exciting programme to deliver the TE-1 prototype,” said Dyrr Ardash, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Williams Advanced Engineering.

“Since its conception in 2018, all the partners have worked with collaboration, innovation and passion to bring the boundary breaking prototype to life. It is pleasing to hear positive rider comments which confirms that the dynamics of the bike are aligned with Triumph’s DNA.

“This has been underpinned by the class-leading Battery and Control System that WAE has produced within a lightweight and integrated package.

“This core WAE technology has allowed us to exceed performance and charging targets for the battery which we look forward to seeing in future powertrains.”
he added.

Despite the exciting news, the TE-1 Project is yet ready for production, and it could remain a prototype to inspire a production-ready electric motorcycle in the near future.

Triumph Motorcycles has enjoyed success outside of the UK for 2022, with the British company has broken its record for the most bikes registered in one year in Italy.

  • Triumph sold a record-breaking 6,088 units between June 2021 and July 2022.
  • The Triumph Trident 660 emerged as the most popular motorcycle in Italy.

For the first time in the company’s history, Triumph sold over 6,000 units between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022, breaking the previous record of 5,749 bikes sold back in 2008.

Moreover, Triumph marks an increase of over 50% compared to the company’s 2019 sales.

On another note, it also signals the company’s recovery in the Italian market after the 2008 financial crisis while proving effective in dealing with the Covid-19 situation.

Also, Triumph’s made a considerable leap since the firm expanded its dealer network in the region. The company has added ten new dealers over the last two years, while 17 new showrooms have been opened.

According to reports, the Trident 660 took the top spot with 18% of the share, followed by Tiger 900 (17%).

For the most part, the classic-style retro scooter segment is very much dominated by Vespa.

  • Scomadi infiltrates the Japanese market with two new scooters.
  • TT 125 and Turismo 125 offer a unique styling and share the same 125cc engine. 

The Vespa brand not only is known for its premium scooter, but the brand is also associated with fashion and culture. Its recent collaboration with Dior and Sean Wotherspoon is solid proof.

While the Vespa brand has established dominance in its segment, it hasn’t stopped other companies from trying to emulate the Italian success.

Scomadi is probably the closest brand you can get your hands on that features a similar Vespa-ish bodywork but with a friendlier price tag.

The British-owned brand initially manufactured its scooters in China by Hanway Motors in 2005 before the company opened a new manufacturing plant in Thailand following its separation from Hanway in 2017.

Scomadi opened a new factory, also in Thailand, in 2020, and the new plant continued the Turismo Technica 125 and Technica 125 production.

However, Scomadi is planning to expand its reach in Asia as the company recently launched the TT 125 and Technica 125 in Japan.

The TT 125 could be a hit among urban riders, considering it offers Vespa-inspired styling. At the same time, the Turismo 125 features a unique design thanks to the exposed bodywork, as if someone cut the body intentionally.

Nonetheless, despite the classic look, both scooters are fitted with two USB chargers and a Type-C outlet too.

Powering the TT 125 and Turismo 125 is a 124.6cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces 9.39hp @ 8,000rpm and 9.67Nm @ 7,2000rpm. 

Aprilia has entered the popular middle-weight maxi-scooter segment in Asia with the new SR MAX 250 HPE.

  • the SR MAX 250 gets a new high-performance 244cc single cylinder engine.
  • currently China-excuslive, the SR MAX 250 HPE features TFT instrument cluster and traction control. 

The SR MAX 250 shares a similar platform as the SR MAX 300 but is designed to offer greater comfort for long rides and practicality for daily commuting.

Powering the SR MAX 250 is Aprilia’s 244cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, a fuel-injected engine capable of pumping 25hp and 21.6Nm.

The SR MAX 250 shares a similar styling cue with the SR MAX 300, including a sporty fairing with angular styling at the front and side panels.

The scooter features a large windscreen, a wide one-piece saddle comfortable for the rider and pillions, a full-colour 7-inch TFT display, two riding modes (Eco and Sport) and a traction control system.

An ABS-regulated front and rear disc handle the braking, while the suspension comes in the form of a telescopic front fork and twin gas-charged shocks at the rear.

Sadly, the SR MAX 250 HPE is currently a China-exclusive model, but it could find its way to the rest of the world just like the SR GT 125 and SR GT 200.

According to Aprilia, the SR MAX 250 HPE is priced at CNY26,700 (RM17,600).

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Ducati has officially updated the Panigale V4 range with more power and refined electronics for 2023.

  • Gets new electronic package including Ducati Engine Brake Control EVO 2.
  • New Ducati quick shifter system and extra horsepower.

The Panigale V4 and V4 S have received much attention since its introduction in 2019. Mainly for their MotoGP-derived engine and electronic package.

Despite the significant upgrade compared to its previous twin-cylinder Panigales, the V4 and V4 S continue to run on the same chassis design.

Nevertheless, Ducati has carried out a series of updates for the 2023 Panigale V4 and V4 S.

2023 Ducati Panigale V4

According to the Borgo Panigale factory, the V4 and V4 S get a new Ducati Corse-derived electronic package that helps to improve comfort, precision and performance.

The 2023 Panigale V4 and V4 S are now equipped with new Ducati Engine Brake Control EVO 2 software, a brand-new Ducati Quick Shift and further refinements for Ducati Traction Control and Ride-by-Wire system.

2023 Ducati Panigale V4

In addition, Ducati also improved engine heat management with a new cooling fan control strategy.

Also, the V4 engine now makes 215.5 horsepower, with the 1st, 2nd and 6th gear adjusted for a longer ratio.

2023 Ducati Panigale V4

Ducati also improved the torque management, which should now allow for a refined feel during the first touch of the throttle.

For those who just purchased the 2022 model, worry not, as the aforementioned updates can also be applied to the 2022 Panigale V4 and V4 SP.

Chinese electric bike maker Alrendo introduced the TS Bravo, which features a remarkable range and a fast charging time.

  • The company claimed TS Bravo offers more than 400km range.
  • Delivers 58kW and 117.4Nm of torque.
  • Runs on a 17.4kWh battery and weighs 245kg.

While you might think it’s just another e-bike from China, the Alrendo TS Bravo is quite interesting to take a look at.

Mainly because the makers at Alrendo somehow manage to develop a 17.4kWh battery that can deliver a range of 438km in a bike that weighs 245kg.

The bike can pump out 58kW (77.7hp) and 117.4Nm, but for the European market, the TS Bravo is restricted to just 11kW (14.7hp) and 54Nm.

Mechanically, the TS Bravo gets adjustable suspension while dual four-piston callipers handle braking at the front with a 300mm disc and a 240mm disc at the rear.

It also runs on 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear tyres.

According to reports, Alrendo is also set to expand its range with the TS Alpha, which will share the same frame and design but offers higher performance.

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