Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

New Michelin Road 6 Tyre Range Now In Malaysia – Includes GT Variant

Michelin is expanding its road tyre range for the 2022 season with the new Road 6.

Other than being available in 18 sizes, the new Michelin Road 6 are also available in a specific GT variant.

Michelin claimed the new tyres offer 15 per cent more grip in wet, 10% longer lasting and improved performance in various weather.

The new Michelin Road 6 features a new tread compound and pattern which the company called Water Evergrip Technology that helps optimise the ratio of grooves to rubber.

Michelin also updated the new Road 6 with Amplified Density Technology that provides a highly dense and rigid compound.

Now available at all authorized MICHELIN tyre dealers in Malaysia, the new MICHELIN Road 6 tyre is available in six front and eight rear sizes.

Meanwhile the MICHELIN Road 6 GT tyre range is available in one frontand three rear sizes and provides fitments from small roadsters such as the KTM 390, through sports bikes and trail bikes, up to GT machines such as the BMW K1600 GT/GTL.

The KTM 790 Duke Returns To the Naked Bike Lineup For 2022

The introduction of the 790 Duke back in 2017 was a success with over 29,000 units sold within a short period.

However, new emission standard threatened the model’s future which prompted KTM to introduced the 890 Duke R in 2020 before subsequently replaced the 790 with the base 890 Duke a year later.

In a latest update, KTM has decided it is the right time to bring back the original Scalpel right where it left off for 2022.

While the 790 Duke retains the LC8 parallel-twin engine, the house of Mattighofen has upgraded the mill to meet Euro 5 emission regulations.

Despite the udpdate, the 2022 790 Duke now makes 105hp and 87Nm but restricted to just 93hp for the European market.

Nonetheless, the 2022MY gets premium components which includes the WP APEX suspension.

Moving on to electronics, the 790 Duke features:

Traction Control
Cornering ABS
Supermoto ABS
3 riding modes – Street, Sport and Rain
Quickshifter+
Motor Slip Regulation (MSR)
Track riding mode
cruise control
KTM My Ride

According to Team Orange, the 2022 Scalpel will return to Europe in June with a starting price of EUR8,999 (RM41k).

Although the 890 Duke remains avaialble, KTM believed that 790 Duke represents as a brige between the 390 Duke and 890 Duke.

Legendary Stunt Rider Chris Pfeiffer Passed Away At The Age Of 51

King of stunt on two-wheels, Chris Pfeiffer has lost his life against depression after reports emerged that the former BMW Motorrad and Red Bull rider decided to end his own life.

Pfeiffer retired from the professional stunt arena back in 2015 but still made some appearances later on.

The four-time Red Bull Hare Scramble winner won numerous awards spanning over 20 years.

While he won a significant number of professional stunt competitions throughout his career, he was also known to put a smile on everyone who came to see him.

BMW even dedicated a special F 800 R livery for him.

During his retirement in 2015 at the age of 45, he said that it was increasingly hard to ride at a top-level, and it was always on his mind that if he cannot get any better, it’ll be the time for him to quit the sport.

Since 1996, Chris Pfeiffer has been thrilling his fans worldwide, having toured in performed in more than 90 countries, including Malaysia.

Besides his four World Stunt Riding champion’s titles garnered in 2003, 2007, 2008 and 2009, Pfeiffer was also crowned as the European Stunt Riding champion in 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008.

He also holds a world record for the longest ever long jump (bunny hop) without a ramp over 33 people lying down next to each other.

While he collected many accolades throughout his career, little that we know that he was also struggling with depression.

Pfeiffer is survived by his wife Renate and his children. The stunt legend will be buried on March 26 in Trauchgau, Germany.

On an important note, we urged everyone struggling with depression to reach out to someone you trust for help.

Despite the tragic end, Chris Pfeiffer will always be remembered as a great rider that has made the world of two-wheel an exciting place to be in.

Rest in power legend.

OFFICIAL: American Private Equity Firm Purchased Dainese For RM2.9 Billion

Investcorp has officially sold the Dainese group of brands to an American private equity firm for a reported EUR630 million (RM2.9 bil).

In a statement by the company dated 11 March 2022, Investcorp has reached an agreement on the sale of Dainese SpA to global investment firm the Carlyle Group.

The sale figure represents a nearly five times return that Investcorp spent when it purchased 80 per cent of Dainese SpA from founder Lino Dainese back in January 2015.

Under the Investcorp’s ownership, Dainese doubled its sales to EUR250 million. The Italian also evolved from product-focused business into a global standard for dynamic sport protection.

“Six years ago when we invested in Dainese, the founder Lino Dainese said he wanted a partner that shares his passion and ambition for his company.

“It’s satisfying to know that Investcorp have been that partner to Dainese, as under our leadership we facilitated EBITDA growth of more than five times and created a business well positioned for continued success.

“We will continue on our mission to support exceptional Italian brands in their journey to become world leaders. Gucci, Riva Boats and Dainese are just a few of Italy’s best that we had the honour to partner with and support – that mission shall continue at Investcorp,” said Hazem Ben-Gacem, Co-CEO at Investcorp.

Meanwhile, The Carlyle Group is looking to expand Dainese’s distriibution network by adding other brands into the group.

The new acquisition will also boost Dainese’s effort in increasing rider’s safety on and off the track typically in the airbag safety apparel market.

Harley-Davidson Introduces Wild One Accessories For The Sportster S

The Harley-Davidson Sportster S marks a shift of direction of the American motorcycle company.

First launched in July 2021, Harley-Davidson overhauled the Sportster platform with the all-new Sportster S.

The company’s oldest production model gets a liquid-cooled 1250 Revolution Max V-Twin engine that offers better performance at lower emissions.

Meanwhile, in an attempt to allow owners to personalize the Sporster S, Harley-Davidson has launched the Wild One accessories collection.

The Wild One accessories line consists of bolt-on parts that allow customers to add something extra to the new cruiser.

According to H-D, each piece features an anodized/gloss black finish along with machined aluminium components.

The Wild One accessories line includes:

Wild One Alternator Plug Cover
Wild One Mirrors
Wild One Hand Grips
Wild One Heated Hand Grips
Wild One Rider Footpeg
Wild One Timer Medallion
Wild One Sprocket Covers
Wild One Clutch Medallion

The Wild One accessories are retailed at USD49.95 to USD229.96.

2023 Honda ST125 Dax Breaks Cover – 107kg, 9.25hp

Honda has officially announced the return of the Dax to its MiniMoto portfolio alongside the Monkey and MSX125 Grom.

Japanese publication, Young-Machine, revealed the so-called ‘speculative’ render image back in February, but boy, the finished product looks suspiciously similar.

At this point, we firmly believe they have someone working on the inside.

Back to the bike, which has been missing from Honda’s lineup for more than 40 years, 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 will come 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.

CFMoto 1250 TR-G Grand Tourer To Arrive In Europe Soon

CFMoto is set to expand its reach in the European market with the 1250 TR-G.

First introduced as a police vehicle in China, CFMoto made the 1250 TR-G available to the public last year.

Now, CFMoto plans to introduce the big tourer in Europe, as reported by Motorrad.

The 1250 TR-G features a reworked KTM LC8 V-Twin engine with new castings and different internal dimensions. The displacement now sits at 1279cc from the 1301cc V-Twin fitted on the 1290 Super Adventure and makes 140hp and 120Nm.

The power figures put the 1250 TR-G in the same segment as its European rivals; the BMW R 1250 RT that puts out 134hp.

Away from the motor, the 1250 TR-G gets wet, multi-plate slipper clutch, 6-speed gearbox, electronic throttle and four riding modes; Athletic, Sport, Street and Rain.

Other notable components include the trellis frame, Marzocchi front fork (130mm travel), Marzocchi rear shock (128mm travel), aluminium swingarm, 320mm floating front disc, and single 270mm rear disc and Brembo brakes.

The motorcycle also features electronic aids, including the fancy Bosch Cornering ABS.

The CFMoto 1250 TR-G is currently on sale in China for CNY99,980, translating to RM66k.

Honda Welcomes All Fireblade Owners To Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli On April 23

In conjunction with the 30th anniversary of the iconic CBR Fireblade, Honda invites all proud owners of the legendary superbike the opportunity to experience a day of testing at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.

Dubbed the Fireblade Day, the iconic track will be reserved exclusively for all Honda Fireblade owners – from 1992MY to current – to enjoy their bikes to the fullest.

However, only CBR900RR, CBR1000R, CBR1000RR-R with stock exhaust or homologated race exhaust with dB-killer can enter the track.

Participants will have access to the track for three rounds of 20 minutes each, with timing service and transponder rental included in the EUR60 (VAT included) fee.

A tyre change service is also available at the track.

Those who are interested in participating in the Fireblade Day on April 23 2022, can signup via https://www.honda.it/motorcycles/experience-honda/eventi/fireblade-day-2022.html and download the attached application form.

Patent Drawings Unveil What The Honda CL500 Scrambler Could Look Like

A few weeks ago, a Japanese publication, Autoby claimed that Honda plans to expand the 250 and 500cc range with an all-new scrambler-style motorcycle.

Japanese render artist Shinji Miyakubo also recently created a CG render of the CL250 and CL500.

However, in the latest report by another Japanese publication Young-Machine, patent drawings from 2018 could relate to Honda’s anticipated CL500 Scrambler.

Using Honda’s design concept all these years, YM has created their version of the rumoured CL500.

YM suggest that the CL500 will maintain most of the components from the CL250, particularly the brakes and suspension. However, the frame will be adjusted to accommodate the larger displacement engine similar to the Rebel 500.

In fact, the patent drawings showcased a similar resemblance with the Rebel.

The patent drawings also show a flat saddle, square fuel tank and a conventional shape exhaust compared to Miyakubo-san’s high-mounted twin pipe.

Meanwhile, it is safe to assume that the CL500 will carry the same 471cc DOHC parallel-twin engine that makes 46.9hp @ 8,500rpm and 43Nm @ 7,000rpm.

At the moment, there are absolutely zero words coming from the Japanese firm regarding the rumoured scrambler range; however, when YM is on to something, those rumours tend to carry something tangible.

(Source: Young-Machine)

FIRST LOOK: 2022 Indian FTR Championship Edition

Indian Motorcycle welcomes its latest addition to the FTR range with the Championship Edition to celebrate the FTR success at the American Flat Track race series.

The FTR Championship Edition debuted last week during the opening of the AFT season at the Volusia Half-Mile. With just 400 made, the 2022 FTR Championship Edition features a mechanical combination of existing FTR models.

First and foremost, the FTR CE gets the Scrambler tall seat height, longer suspension travel and 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels, fully adjustable Sachs front fork and piggyback shocks.

The FTR CE also fitted with the same ride mode selection, ABS and TFT instrument cluster with touchscreen capability found on the S and the R Carbon variants. This, in turn, made the FTR CE a different variant altogether, not just an esthetic upgrade.

Nevertheless, FTR Championship Edition does not fall short on the cosmetic end either as it gets exclusive red spoked wheels, red frame, colourful tank and tail accents, and a championship commemorative bezel mounted on the tank.

By the way, the bike also features a host of carbon fibre components, including the front fender, seat cowl, airbox covers, and headlight.

According to the American firm, the FTR Championship Edition is priced at USD16,499 (RM70k).

Yamaha Donates 2022 R7 60th Anniversary Edition To Charity Raffle

Yamaha Motor Corp USA has donated one 2022 YZF-R7 to a charity raffle that supports injured American Flat Track (AFT) racers.

However, it’s not just any R7 because the raffle bike is the World GP 60th Anniversary Edition.

The bike features Yamaha’s iconic white/red colour scheme, gold fork, GP-inspired Tuning Fork emblems and gold cast aluminium wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tyres.

The Yamaha R7 is up for grabs as the main raffle prize of the Rookies of ’70 season-long fundraiser.

“I’m proud and pleased that we were able to donate this Yamaha YZF-R7 to The Rookies of ’79 charity, allowing them to raise money to achieve their mission of helping riders and families in need.

“They are a fantastic organization that does incredible work for the racing community. And as an ex-flat tracker myself, it’s a cause very near and dear to my heart,” said Derek Brooks, Yamaha Motorcycle Product Line Manager.

Those interested in getting their hands on the bike while donating to charity can get the raffle tickets sold at every AFT round.

The winner will be drawn at the season finale on October 15, 2022, at Florida’s Volusia Speedway.

As its name implies, the Rookies of ’79 and Friends Charity were created by the rookie flat track class of 1979 that comprises Wayne Rainey, John Wincewiz, Ronnie Jones, Charlie Roberts, Scott Parker and Tommy Duma.

The charity’s main objective is to help provide financial assistance to riders affected by injuries sustained while racing.

Over the years, funds were produced through sales and raffles of donated memorabilia from fans, riders and corporate sponsors.

Meanwhile, to sweeten the deal, Yamaha also offers a free year of Yamaha Extended Service warranty coverage on the R7 to whoever is lucky enough to win the raffle.

Limited Edition Aprilia RS 660 Features Electronic Gearbox, Larger Fairing

Aprilia has just unveiled a limited-edition RS 660 that features some minor technical and aesthetic updates.

Inspired by the American Motorcyclist Association’s (AMA) success in the United States’ AMA National Road Racing Championship, in which Aprilia won the Twins cup, the limited-edition RS 660 gets some exciting tweaks.

According to the Italian firm, the RS660 gets an electronically adjustable gearbox that can be set to an inverted pattern (GP shift) similar to the bike used in racing.

Limited to 1,500 units, the limited-edition RS 660 also gets a rear seat cowl and enlarged fairing for better airflow and aerodynamics.

Each of the 1,500 units produced has its unique number featured in a badge on the fuel tank.

While some limited edition motorcycles only feature new colours and graphics, Aprilia put their hands into ensuring the AMA-inspired RS 660 is unique in its own way.

Nonetheless, zero changes are done to the two-cylinder 659cc engine, which continues to offer 100hp @ 10,500rpm and 67Nm @ 8,500rpm.

Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen

New Michelin Road 6 Tyre Range Now In Malaysia – Includes GT Variant

The KTM 790 Duke Returns To the Naked Bike Lineup For 2022

Legendary Stunt Rider Chris Pfeiffer Passed Away At The Age Of 51

OFFICIAL: American Private Equity Firm Purchased Dainese For RM2.9 Billion

Harley-Davidson Introduces Wild One Accessories For The Sportster S

2023 Honda ST125 Dax Breaks Cover – 107kg, 9.25hp

CFMoto 1250 TR-G Grand Tourer To Arrive In Europe Soon

Honda Welcomes All Fireblade Owners To Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli On April 23

Patent Drawings Unveil What The Honda CL500 Scrambler Could Look Like

FIRST LOOK: 2022 Indian FTR Championship Edition

Yamaha Donates 2022 R7 60th Anniversary Edition To Charity Raffle

Limited Edition Aprilia RS 660 Features Electronic Gearbox, Larger Fairing

Ducati Dirt Bike Project Announced

Touratech Offers An Array Of Accessories For The New BMW R 1300 GS

Royal Alloy Youth Edition Launched – From RM12,800

14-Year-Old’s Joyride Ends In Fatal Motorcycle Collision

Daewoo To Make A Comeback With Electric Motorcycles

Female Rider Becci Ellis Sets New Top Speed Record On A 350HP Suzuki Hayabusa

Bridgestone Rolls Out New Battlax Hypersport S23

YADEA E8S Pro Electric Scooter Now Available In Malaysia – RM5,999

Ducati Rolls Out Panigale-Powered Ducati Multistrada V4 RS

CFMOTO Goes Electric With Company’s First Dirt Bike

EU Court Of Justice Ruling Redefines E-Bikes

Honda’s Next-Gen Gold Wing Features Auto-Adjusting Windscreen

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Cops Begin Publishing Daily Road Accident Statistics

Lambretta is Back, but Who are the New Lambretta?

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Jalan Sultan Ismail Two Way from 30 April

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