Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen

KTM’s parent company, Pierer Industrie AG bought Husqvarna from BMW back in 2013.

The Austrian firm then proceeded to unveil the Svartpilen and Vitpilen concept a year later at the 2014 EICMA show in Milan, before the production version successfully made its way to the showroom around the globe.

However, the latest spy shot has confirmed that the Svartpilen is getting a significant update soon.

While the prototype may look similar to the current generation of Svartpilen, the new generation model sports different styling cues.

The test mule features a rectangular TFT dash – similar to KTM’s – new radiator panels, new side sections and a redesigned tank mount to carry luggage.

While the previous Svartpilen tank section flows straight to the side of the rider’s saddle, the new generation features a more exposed subframe.

At the tail sits a new conventional license plate holder instead of the previous swingarm-mounted unit.

Husqvarna also wholly redesigned the steel trellis frame and swingarm, which shares similarities with KTM’s Duke prototypes.

Nonetheless, the next-gen Svartpilen continues to use WP Apex front fork and ByBre brake callipers.

Moving on to the best bits, the Svartpilen will run on the same single-cylinder platform; however, the photos showed what could be a prototype motor as it shares no visible components with the current 373cc engine.

While the exact capacity is still unknown to us, reports suggest it features a similar-looking engine spotted in the KTM Duke test mule.

Other notable changes include an underbelly exhaust, replacing the side-mounted pipe on the previous generation Svartpilen. 

The Aprilia SR GT 200 first caught our attention after making its global debut at EICMA, last year.

Aprilia introduced two variants, the SR GT 125 and 200, with the latter being launched in the Japanese market, recently.

Following a similar design concept as the Honda ADV 150, the SR GT 200 features the same rugged and aggresive design.

Appropriately labelled as an ‘urban adventure scooter’, the SR GT 200 comes with a wider handlebar, long-travel suspension and knobby tyres.

Aprilia also fitted the SR GT 200 with the firm signature tri-LED headlights with DRL functionality at the front.

The SR GT 200 also features ADV elements which include a smoked windscreen heavily faired front panel and a slightly forward-set footpegs.

Other exciting features include:

  • full digital LCD instrument cluster
  • auto engine start/stop
  • 9L fuel tank
  • Showa 33mm telescopic fork
  • Showa rear twin shock
  • 260mm front petal disc
  • 220mm rear petal disc

Powering the SR GT 200 is a 174cc single-cylinder engine that pumps out 17.43hp @ 8,500rpm and 16.5Nm @ 7,000rpm.

The SR GT 200 is available in Japan for JPY550,00 (RM20k).

Could we see the SR GT range make its way to Malaysia anytime soon?

When KTM announced its Midweight NAKED February campaign, we got excited as we were confident the Austrian company was set to kick off 2022 with some exciting news with two new models.

Unfortunately, the first bike was just a 2022 890 Duke R revised with a cooler Atlantic Blue base colour, lifted directly from the 1290 Super Duke R.

The 2022 890 Duke R continues to offer the same engine and same specifications as the previous generation.

We hoped for better news coming from the Mattighofen factory for the second bike, but sadly KTM delivered another blow with the 2022 890 Duke GP.

While it carries the GP badge, the new bike is just a brushed up version of the ‘base’ 890 Duke and is characterized by a single-rider seat (also available on the R) and “new” MotoGP-inspired graphics.

Other “upgrades” include an orange-painted rim and rear subframe.

Like the 2022 890 Duke R, the specifications remain unchanged, as the 889cc twin-cylinder LC8 engine continues to pump 115hp and 92Nm.

The 890 Duke GP also features the same WP Apex suspension, 6-axis inertial platform that controls onboard electronics function, including cornering traction control, cornering ABS, and riding modes.

Popular French motorcycle apparel and gear, Bering has released the company first eco-friendly certified jacket, the Portland.

According to Bering, the Portland jacket is made entirely from recycled materials and provides improved protection as a standard textile riding jacket.

The riding jacket is built with reinforced recycled polyester (equivalent of 100 recycled plastic bottles per jacket).

Despite built as a winter jacket, the Portland comes with a host of features including a fixed mesh lining (also made with recycled fibers), and removable overshirt made from waterproof Shelltech ining (also made from recycled materials).

The jacket also has integrated ADS ventilation system keeping it breathable.

Other features include adjustable press-stud collar with extension, adjustment sleeves strap to prevent from flapping at high speeds and a zipper to allow riders to connect to compatible riding pants.

Riders can also cary wallets and other belongings easily thanks to its variety of six pockets.

According to Bering, the jacket meets EN 1621-1:2013 and EN 17092 standards and also holds class A Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) rating.

The Bering Portland riding jacket is available for EUR499.99 (RM2.3k).

Suzuki Malaysia has dropped its second teaser of the month, with the tagline ‘Urban Road Leader’, which officially refers to the GSX-S150.

Unlike its full-fairing siblings that cost around RM11k, the GSX-S150, on the other hand, will be made available at just RM10k.

The GSX-S150 and the GSX-R150 are among the three 150cc motorcycles set to be introduced by Suzuki Malaysia in the coming months.

Last week, the company dropped its first teaser, beginning with the GSX-R150. Soon after, Suzuki Malaysia is expected to unveil its third and final teaser, the upcoming Belang R150.

Meanwhile, the 2022 GSX-S150 features a 147cc single-cylinder engine that makes 18.9hhp @ 10,500rpmm and 14Nm @ 9,000rpm putting it within the same power range as Yamaha’s MT-15.

However, the MT-15, priced at RM11,998 come equipped with USD fork and assist and slipper clutch.

 

Triumph Motorcycles and Breitling have teamed up for a limited-edition Breitling Speed Twin.

Limited to just 270 units worldwide, the special collaboration also witnessed a limited edition timepiece, the Breitling Top Time Triumph Chronograph.

Breitling Top Time Triumph

As you would expect, the special edition Speed Twin features different aesthetic and specification upgrades over the base model, including a new paint scheme.

The bike gets the beautiful Polychromatic Blue colour scheme, inspired by the blue Triumph Thunderbird 6T, immortalised by Marlon Brando’s Triumph in the iconic 1953 movie, The Wild One.

Triumph also added some nifty hardware, including a higher-spec Ohlins piggyback twin-shocks, billet machined aluminium clutch and alternator covers with a dark anodised finish.

Specific to the new model, the bike also features machined Breitling branding.

Ducati Owners Club Malaysia (DOCM) recently concluded its 5th Annual General Meeting 2022 held at the Movenpick Hotel and Convention Centre, Sepang.

The 5th DOCM Annual General Meeting was organized by DOCM members in partnership with Ducati Malaysia and various partners, including Monster Energy, Shell and Allianz.

Also present at the meeting, Next Bike Sdn Bhd Head of Company, Dennis Michael.

Apart from selecting a new committee members for 2022, the Annual General Meeting also witness the largest Ducatisti gathering in Malaysia.

According to Ducati Malaysia, over 450 Ducatisti had gathered at Sepang thanks to the unwavering support from Ducati Hyper Club Malaysia, Panigale Kingdom, Ducati All-Monster Malaysia and Ducati Multistrada Club Malaysia.

During the gathering, DOCM has also been named as the official Ducati community representing Malayisa along with the unveiling of a new DOCM logo.

To help strengthen the community, Ducati Malaysia also donated a cheque of RM30,000 to further grow the community of passionate Ducati riders.

Another young and talented racer lost his life to motorcycle racing and subsequently raises more saftey concerns for young racers.

Thannaphet Kusuwan, crashed on his Honda NSF 250 during the Honda Thailand Talent Cup pre-season test at Buriram Circuit.

Still only 17-years-old, Kusuwan died as a result of injuries sustained during the incident.

 

While his passing marks a tragic loss for the Thailand Talent Cup, the tragedy is one of many fatalities among young riders worldwide.

Just last year, 19-year-old Jason Dupasquier died during a Moto3 qualifying crash while Dean berta Vinales, passed away after he fell and was hit by other riders at the World Supersport 300 series.

Earlier this month, talented MotoAmerica rider, Jason Aguilar, died after sustaining injuries during a mountain bike session.

On February 7, Northern Talent Cup Champion, Jakub Gurecky was involved in a fatalcrash on his Ohvale minibike in Slovakia.

Meanwhile, in response to the series of death in the Moto3, World SuperSport 300 and European Talent Cup, FIM has raised the age limits for young racers in the world championship.

On Monday, a motorcycle shop owner was killed at his premises, believed to have been stabbed following an argument at the shop located in Titi Serong, Tanjung Piandang.

According to Perak Criminal Investigation Department chief Datuk Anuar Othman, the victim, identified as Tan hee Song, 43, died while receiving treatment at the Parit Buntar Hospital.

Meanwhile, the suspect, aged 52, proceeded to surrender himself to the Simpang Lima Police Station at about 2.45 pm and claimed to have stabbed the victim.

Meanwhile, a preliminary investigation found that the suspect went to the shop to complain that the victim had allegedly changed some components of his motorcycles three weeks ago.

The incident is currently under investigation, according to Section 302.

The legendary Spa-Francorchamps racing circuit in Belgium is finally getting a much-needed renovation ahead of the planned return of two-wheel racing in 2022.

Crews already began the extensive work of the circuit at the end of last year as preparation for the 2022 Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme Endurance World Championship (or FIM EWC) scheduled to take place on June 2, 2022.

Spa CEO Natalie Maillet oversaw an intention to renovate the track back in 2019, but her tragic death at the hands of her husband jeopardized the plan.

However, Maillet’s dream to modernize Spa-Francorchamps is now back on track (no pun intended) which will cost around EUR25 million (RM115mil).

The main criteria of the renovations are to upgrade the condition of the facilities and increase the safety aspect of the surrounding area.

Careful analysis of how and why racers have crashed, including meeting the circuit certification requirements from FIM and FIA, is extensively considered during the renovations.

The upgrades also include a state-of-the-art medical facility.

The plan is to prepare the track for the FIM and FIA inspections in April 2022.

Boon Siew Honda (BSH) officially welcomes the 2022 CBR650R and CB650R for the Malaysian market.

After a significant suspension update in 2021 along with other improvements, both the CBR650R and CB650R gets new colour and graphics for 2022.

The 2022 CBR6650R gets refreshed visual for both the Grand Prix Red and Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic while the 2022 CB650R now comes in Mat Jeans Blue Metallic and Candy Chromosphere Red, joining the already available Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic.

We previously tested the 2019 editions and boy, both the CBR650R and the CB650R is probably the best middleweight motorcycle currently available in Malaysia.

The two models continue to roll on with 649cc, DOHC 16-valve, Euro 5 engine that’s capable to deliver 93.4hp @ 12,000rpm and 64Nm @ 8,500rpm.

Both the CBR650R and CB650R offers Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) that allow a better rear-wheel traction and 2-channel ABS for better braking.

Other features include:

  • 41mm Showa Separate Function-Big Piston (SSF-BP) upside-down fork
  • USB-Type C socket (under the seat)

The 2022 Honda CBR650R and CB650R is available for RM45,499 and RM43,499 respectively.

Francesco Bagnaia and Ducati Corse have reached an agreement that will see the Italian rider continue to ride the Desmosedici GP for another two season.

Bagnaia will remain with Ducati Lenovo Team until 2024 after agreeing a two-year contract with the Italian outfit.

According to Bagnaia, the decision to extend his stay with the team was easy one considering that it was his dream to race with Team Red.

“Being a Ducati rider in MotoGP has always been my dream, and knowing that I can continue with the Ducati Lenovo Team for another two seasons makes me happy and proud.

“I have found a serene environment in the factory team: I feel very much in tune with my team and know that we can do great things together.

Now I can only concentrate on doing well in this Championship. A big thank you to Claudio, Gigi, Paolo, Davide and all the Ducati Corse staff.

“I’ll try to repay their trust with my results on the track!,” he said.

The 25-year-old rider came closed to win 2021 MotoGP season in his debut season with Factory Ducati, after claiming nine podiums, four victories and six pole position before losing out to eventual winner, Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo.

He will now shift his focused to overcome last season disappointment with the new season, which will start on 6th March at the Losail International Circuit in Doha, Qatar.

Meanwhile, Luigi Dall’Igna, General Manager of Ducati Corse, also expressed his excitement over the new deal.
“We are delighted to have Bagnaia with us for another two seasons.

“Since he arrived at Ducati in 2019, Pecco has shown great talent and the ability to interpret our Desmosedici GP very well, adapting to ride it in any condition.

“He did it, especially in the last season, during which he had significant growth and got to play for the World Title.

“The way he managed the races at Aragón, Misano, Portimão and Valencia, scoring four fantastic victories, is proof of his maturity as a rider. With these great qualities, we are sure that he has the potential to aim for the title with us,” he said.

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