Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Harley-Davidson To Compete In Spanish Rally With A Stock Pan America 1250

Harley-Davidson is set to put the Pan America 1250 to a proper test as the all-new adventure bike will compete at the Baja Espana Aragon.

the Pan America 1250 will face the scorching heat of the Teruel desert in July.
Joan Pedrero will pilot the stock Pan America 1250.

While the Milwaukee-based company is well known in the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers series and in American Flat Track, the brand is still unknown for its racing exploit in Europe.

However, things are about to change as Harley-Davidson will send a stock Pan America 1250 piloted by Spanish rider Joan Pedrero to the Spanish Rally.

Although the brand is mostly known for its range of cruisers, the introduction of the Pan America 1250 has taken the brand into new territory and surprisingly well accepted by not just Harley owners’ but also adventure bike enthusiast.

After establishing itself as an off-rad brand of sorts, the Baja Espana Aragon will further imprint the American brand in international racing.

The Baja Espana Aragon, regarded as the most important races in the Spanish All Terrain Rally Championship will celebrate its 38th edition between 22-24 July 2022.

According to Harley-Davidson, the Pan America 1250 will compete in the Trail category.

Yamaha YZF-R15M Now In Malaysia – Features Traction Control, Quickshifter, RM14,998

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has pulled the wraps off the new Yamaha YZF-R15M.

two variants available, with the R15M features the most upgrades.
traction control and quickshifter fitted as standard.

After the bike was caught testing on the streets in Malaysia, HLYM officially launched the R15M for a recommended retail price of RM14,998.

Inspired by the Japanese marquee YZF-R1M superbike, the R15M features the same paint job and gets its own “R15M” badge.

However, the biggest upgrade carried out on the new R15M is the electronic package that now features traction control as quick-shifter as standard, complementing the dual-channel ABS.

The R15M also gets new bodywork, including the tank and side panels, which mimic the R1 and R7 design language.

However, the R15M retains the same single-cylinder SOCH, VVA 155cc engine capable of producing 18hp @ 10,000rpm and 14.2Nm @ 7,500rpm. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a final chain drive mated to a six-speed gearbox.

Other notable features include:

full digital LCD instrument display
Yamaha Y-Connect
two display modes – Street/Track
LED lights with DRLs

The 2022 Yamaha R15M is available in two colourway; Signature M and Monster Energy Yamaha livery.

Yamaha Aims For Carbon Neutrality By 2035

Yamaha has announced a 15-year reduction in its aim for carbon neutrality in its factories from 2050 to 2035.

stepping up initiatives to minimise energy consumption and to use cleaner energy source.
installing more solar panels and use carbon-free electricity by 2030.

The world’ second largest motorcycle manufacturer are confident that the firm’s green goal can be achieved in its factories both in Japan and overseas earlier than planned.

Yamaha announced the ‘Yamaha Motor Group Environmental Plan 2050’ a year ago with the target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, however in a latest announcement, the plan will now be accelerated to 2035.

To meet the new mission, Yamaha will now step up its initiative by minimising energy consumption as well as using cleaner energy.

“The projected result of these moves by 2035 is a 92% reduction in CO2 emissions (compared to 2010) from production operations at domestic and international Yamaha Motor factories.

“Furthermore, remaining CO2 emissions will be offset by internationally recognised methods to carry out the Company’s plan to achieve carbon neutrality at all its factories,” said Yamaha in a statement.

WorldSBK: Alvaro Bautista Pens New Ducati Deal

Alvaro Bautista will continue to ride the Ducati Panigale V4 R for the 2023 WorldSBK Championship.

Bautista has signed a one year contract extension with Ducati.
the 37-year old will continue to ride the Ducati Panigale V4 R for the 2023 season.

Ducati has announced that the Spanish rider will remain with the team next season after signing a new contract extension.

“I am very happy to be able to continue at least one more year with the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Team, which represents a family to me.

“I have always felt good with this team and since I have returned, the feelings have been even more positive than in the 2019 season.

“When something works so well, we can only keep working, looking ahead. I feel I am still at the top, I feel I can still give a lot.

“Physically and mentally I think this is the best time of my career. I am also delighted to continue working with Ducati, a very important factory, tech-oriented, always looking for development: to be part of this project, of this team is something incredible on a personal level,” said the 37-years-old.

During his debut season at the 2019 WorldSBK, Bautista finished second in the championship with 220 points after taking Ducati to 16 victories and 24 podiums in total.

France To Combat Noise Pollution At Race Tracks

France will lower the noise limits at race tracks from 2024 to combat noise pollution.

the new rule are only applies to road bikes going on to the race track.
could lead to race junkies switching to electric bikes as the best alternative.

The country is set to lower the limits from 102dB to 95dB, which could lead to a closer inspection of every track-going motorcycle before entering any circuit in the region.

However, the new legislation will not affect world championship competitions like the MotoGP and WorldSBK, instead will apply only to road bikes when they go out to the track.

Nonetheless, the new ruling could bring more despair to track junkies who now need to ensure their bike meets the new standard.

On the other hand, this could mean that track enthusiasts could turn to electric motorcycles. Electric bike brands like Damon Motorcycles and Energica would relish the new legislation.

Meanwhile, the UK is set to join France in clamping down on noise pollution as the country is testing new ‘noise cameras’ this summer.

Owner’s Manual Confirms Triumph Street Twin And Scrambler Name Change

Triumph Motorcycles is renaming the Street Twin and Street Scrambler models for 2023.

Triumph renamed the Street Twin and Street Scrambler to Speed Twin 900 and Scrambler 900.
The name change is to follow the same pattern as the Tiger 900 and Tiger 1200.

The alleged report came out in May this year, but the latest development has confirmed that the British firm will rename them Speed Twin 900 and Scrambler 900, respectively.

Triumph revealed the name change via the 2023 online Owner Handbook Library.

The handbook officially refers to the Street Twin and the Street Scrambler as Speed Twin 900, Speed Twin 1200 and Scrambler 900.

Below is the comparison between the 2022 owners handbook and the 2023 owners handbook:

Despite the name change, the Speed Twin 900/1200 and Scrambler 900 remain identical with the 2022 model year.

Moreover, the new names allow Triumph to streamline the existing range by following the same pattern the firm established with the Tiger 900 and Tiger 1200.

(Source: Motorcycle.com)

Norton Working On A New Commando 961

Norton Motorcycles is now working on a new generation of Commando 961.

production will commence at new Solihull manufacturing plant.
Norton will fulfil customers’ deposit submitted during previous management.

Norton has been working hard to restore its customer’s faith in the company ever since India’s TVS Motor Company purchased the British brand back in April 2020.

TVS has also invested millions in opening a new headquarters in Solihull to ensure the brand stays in the UK and hired new top executives to bring back the company to its former glory.

Norton recently kickstarted its manufacturing plant with the new Norton V4SV superbike, but in the latest development, the company also decided to fulfil customers’ Commando 961 deposits submitted during the previous administration.

In a new announcement, Norton will fulfil the pre-orders for the Commando 961 before offering the new bike to the public.

Although the Commando 961 nameplate is associated with the previous management led by former CEO Stuart Garner, the new Norton CEO, John Russel, thinks that the Commando moniker should continue to live on.

“I can’t imagine Norton not having a Commando in the lineup, so the big question is what should characterize a modern Commando and when we will bring it to market,” he said.

The announcement also came together with two teaser photos of the new Commando 961, confirming that the iconic motorcycle will retain the classic cafe-racer design.

Meanwhile, interested parties can sign up for Norton’s e-mail notifications to get updates on the new Commando 961.

No Plans For Hybrid Motorcycles – BMW

BMW has no plan to develop hybrid motorcycles and will only focus on internal combustion engines and electrification.

The CE 04 electric maxi-scooter was launched earlier this year.
BMW will release a new electric drivetrain every 18 to 24 months.

The confirmation news came from BMW’s Vice President of Customer, Brand and Sales, Dr Alexander Wehr.

“The hybrid solution has always been an important step, but it has always been an in-between step.

“We can see on the car side that the trend is towards fully electric.

“On motorcycles, there is no upside of a hybrid drivetrain if you can have an electric drivetrain. We will keep pursuing both internal combustion engines and electric, and they both fit very well – not only to scooters but to motorcycles,” he told MCN.

BMW has already gotten things going in the electric department after rolling out the CE 04 fully electric maxi-scooter earlier this year.

Wehr also revealed that the company would deliver a new electric drivetrain every 18 to 24 months, confirming the firm’s commitment towards zero-emission goals.

Givi Unveils New X.27 Modular Helmet – ECE 22.06 Certified

Helmet and protective gear manufacturer Givi introduces its newest model, the X.27 modular helmet.

The X.27 modular helmet meets ECE 22.06 standard.
Features double P/J homologation for use with the chin bar up and down.

Givi has already kicked its 2022 calendar with a host of new helmets, including the LE X.20 modular helmet and the 50.6 sport helmet. At the same time, the company also introduced various luggage and accessories.

Joining the fray is the new X.27 modular helmet, made out of thermoplastic; the helmet offers various levels of protection while being convenient and comfortable enough to wear.

As a modular helmet that meets the ECE 22.06 standards and P/J homologation, the helmet can be used safely as a full-face or an open-face helmet.

Comfort level is enhanced with several air intakes on the chin and top of the head and an exhaust vent to ensure extra airflow to keep you cool while riding on a hot day.

Other convenient features include:

drop-down sun visor
Pinlock Max Vision lens (anti-fog)
removable interior
removable straps
micrometric buckle

According to Givi, the new X.27 helmet is priced at USD250 (RM1.1k).

Kove Motorcycles Might Be Heading To Malaysia – Here’s Why

Chinese motorcycle company, Colove Motorcycles might be another brand to enter the Malaysian market soon.

Colove has filed a new trademark rights in Malaysia.
the Chinese motorcycle maker plans to expand the brand globally soon.

Previously offering an interesting array of bikes in its home market of China under the name “Colove” and “Excelle”, the company has since introduced its latest range of two-wheelers under the name “Kove”.

According to the recent reports by Cycleworld, Tibet Summit Colove Motorcycles Sales Co. Ltd or Colove, plans to go global according to the latest trademark application filed.

The company has filed new international trademark rights to the brand “Kove Hyper” in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Mongolia, Philippines, Malaysia, and the World Intellectual Property Office.

This could mean that the brand will somehow make its way to our shores soon.

Although the brand is relatively new, Kove has made several headlines in the last few years, notably its latest offering, the Kove 321RR.

The new motorcycle gained positive reviews from industry experts and local journalists, but the powertrain is suspiciously similar to other established manufacturers.

Earlier this year, Kove was revealed to have been working on a new inline four-cylinder 400cc mill. The company CEO ran the prototype engine in front of the media to dismiss the idea that it simply copies other designs.

The new engine promises a whooping 16,000rpm redline and a peak power of 72.4hp @ 13,500rpm. With the bore and stroke sitting at 59mm x 36.5mm, it doesn’t appear to be related to any 400cc four-cylinder engine already available on the market.

Looking at how well Chinese motorcycle brands are doing in Malaysia with the likes of Benelli, QJMotor, WMOTO and CFMOTO, among others, Kove Motorcycles could be the next in line to do so soon enough.

(Source: CycleWorld)

CFMOTO Reveals More Photos Of The Upcoming 450SR

Upcoming CFMOTO 450SR looks enticing in the latest photos shared by the Chinese motorcycle manufacturer.

the 450SR is set to be available globally later this year.
powered by 450cc parallel-twin DOHC engine that makes 50hp and 39Nm.

CFMOTO gains worldwide attention especially in Asia and Europe with their impressive range of motorcycles including the CL700, NK650, and the 650GT.

The brand is known for bringing bike bike to the budget-conscious market including the quarter litre sportbike, the 250SR.

However, CFMOTO is about to expand the SR range with the all-new 450SR.

First caught our attention as a concept at EICMA 2021, the upcoming 400cc sportbike is inching closer to production based on a latest images shared by the company via its social media platform.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CFMOTO (@cfmotoofficial)

Needless to say, the production motorcycle seems to lost some of the premium features found in the concept bike. Gone are the dual Brembo brakes at the front, in place of a single radially mounted Brembo callipers while the SC Project exhaust is replaced by a stock in-house unit.

Nonetheless, the CFMOTO 450SR still looks sharp and beautifully built, with an aesthetics reminiscent of a race bikes. Despite losing out on some features, the motorcycle still complemented by an aggressive bodywork and sporty paint job.

Powering the 450SR is a 450cc parallel-twin DOHC engine with 270-degree crank capable of pumping 50hp @ 9,500rpm and 39Nm @ 7,600rpm with a compression ratio of 11.1:5.

Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a final chain drive mated to a six-speed transmission.

Other notable features include a 5-inch TFT curved instrument display with smartphone connectivity and USB charging port.

The CFMOTO 450SR is expected to be available worldwide later this year.

Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki And Suzuki To Remove Up To 20 Models By End Of The Year

Japan’s impending emission regulations will trigger a major overhaul for the country’s Big Four motorcycle brand.

Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki will eliminate 10% from existing models.
the Big Four set to electrify its current line up by 2040 (Honda) and 2050 (Yamaha).

Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki are set to discontinue up to 20 models by the year’s end due to Japan’s updated emission regulation.

Worldwide emission regulations have forced many manufacturers to discontinue some models in recent years, with Yamaha ditching the street-legal R6 and for a track-only R6 Race, while Harley-Davidson had to remove its Evo-powered Sportster from the European market.

The trend is set to occur in Japan as the country’s emission regulations update will spell more models’ demise by the year’s end.

According to reports in Japan, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki will remove 10% out of 190 models currently offered by the country’s Big Four.

Honda will discontinue 10 out of its 80 models, with rumours circulating in the country suggesting that the iconic Gold Wing is also included on the chopping block. Honda recently axed the CB400 Super Four.

Meanwhile, Yamaha is set to retire the FJR1300 tourer, with Suzuki potentially reducing its volume by discontinuing five models, including the GSX-250R.

Despite the immense shake-up, Honda aims to recover by electrifying its lineup by 2040 with Yamaha, which shared a similar mission of zero-emission by 2050.

However, with the Big Four comprising 40% of the world’s two-wheel supply, eliminating 20 models could hugely impact the market. Not to mention, an electric motorcycle isn’t a cheaper option for the mass.

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Amirul Azreen