Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Kawasaki Celebrates The Z Series 50th Anniversary With Four Special Models

Kawasaki marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic Z Series with four special models.

To honour the signature models, Kawasaki recreates the look of its Z900RS and Z650RS, while the naked siblings, the Z900 and Z650 get a trailblazing new colour.

Kawasaki developed a special painting process for the Z900RS and Z650RS to capture the colour scheme of the original Z1 with a combination of a deeper brown and burnt orange candy.

In addition, the RS also gets a vibrant gold wheelset.

Team Green also adds the 50th-anniversary emblem on the tank and engine case cover including a retro-inspired 900 Double Overhead Camshaft badge.

While the Z900RS and Z650RS is almost a perfect rendition of the original Z series, the Z900 and Z650 displayed the Z1100GP Firecracker Red livery.

The modern Z900 and Z650 also get a blazing red rim along with the anniversary emblems on the fuel tank and fender.

According to reports, the 50th Anniversary Z Series will land in Japan on February 1 2022.

Alpinestars Introduces Next-Gen Tech-Air Airbag System

Motorcycle clothing giant, Alpinestars has rolled out the next generation airbag system ever at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The new product consists of new Tech-Air 10, Tech-Air 3 and Tech-Air Off-Road V2 autonomous Airbag Systems.

According to Alpinestars, the new Tech-Air 10 provides unrivalled body protection for road riders and track day junkies.

The self-contained and fully autonomous suit protects the riders shoulders, chest, full back and hips.

Meanwhile, the Tech-Air 3 is an over-the-jacket airbag system built specifically for daily riders that is also suitable for use in every weather condition.

The Alpinestar Tech-Air 3 can be easily folded and stored in a rucksack or under-seat compartment when not in use.

Alpinestars also presented the Tech-Air Off-Road V2, proven body protection for the rugged terrain and off-road enthusiast.

The company claimed that the airbag has been developed at the highest level, featuring at the last three Dakar Rally.

Asian Powerhouse QJMotor Joins 2022 Moto3 World Championship

Qianjiang Motorcycle (QJMotor) becomes the second Chinese motorcycle manufacturer to confirm an entry at the 2022 Moto3 World Championship alongside CFMoto.

According to reports, QJMotor will feature at the 2022 Moto3 with a rebrand KTM RC250GP after striking a deal with KTM and Spanish-based Avintia Esponsorama Moto3 team.

The deal is similar to CFMoto whereby the two brands will not be developing their own Moto3 chassis instead, will be competing with KTM’s RC250GP.

The tactic will now account for five of the six manufacturers listed in 2022.

QJMotor Avintia Esponsoroma will run two VR46 Academy proteges, Matteo Bertelle and Elia Bartolini at this year Moto3 world championship.

Meanwhile, CFMoto has joined forces with Prustel GP and fielding 18-year-old Xavier Artigas and Carlos Tatay.

Michelin Introduces New Road 6 – 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.

Meanwhile, the Road 6 GT variant is manufactured for heavyweight sports and touring motorcycles and are available in one front and three rear sizes.

MotoGP: Marc Marquez Intensify Training Ahead Of 2022 MotoGP

Marc Marquez has been in and out of surgery prior to his comeback at the 2021 MotoGP.

However, despite a strong return to the race last season, he then suffered a training crash and struggled with diplopia (double vision) prior to the penultimate round of the 2021 schedule.

This means Marquez, will need to fight his way back into the game again ahead of the 2022 season.

Just last week, Honda revealed that the Spaniard is adequately progressing on his road to recovery.

However, in the latest update by the rider himself, Marquez can be seen wearing a Red-Bull branded workout gear hence signalling he’s currently
working out to regain some stamina.

While Marquez’s intensify his training, GP One’s Carlo Pernat revealed that the 28-year-old rider will not make it in time for the official pre-season test in Sepang Circuit.

The uncertainty about his health also led Honda to start looking at the prospect of signing Suzuki’s Joan Mir for 2023. While Marquez’s spot with the Japanese marquee is safe through 2024, the move could displace Pol Espargaro.

Nevertheless, looking back at how strong Marquez was despite he was just 70 per cent back to his best last season, the six-time MotoGP world champion will go all out to be ready for the upcoming 2022 season.

The Zeppelin Will Remain As A Concept Motorcycle – TVS Motor Company

After months of speculation, TVS Motor Company has officially confirmed that the company has no plan to bring the Zeppelin concept to production.

The excitement over the Zeppelin is still existing despite the concept motorcycle was first unveiled back in 2018.

Despite the Zeppelin still making the news to this day, there have been no developments about the motorcycle from TVS.

In the latest update, TVS Motor has confirmed that the Zeppelin will remain as a concept via the company official Instagram page.

The Zeppelin was showcased as an entry-level cruiser that featured a first-of-its-kind hybrid powertrain by combining a 220cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine paired to a 1200W regenerative assist motor.

The motorcycle also comes equipped with a unique Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), a patented system by TVS.

While the news might come as a surprise, there is still a good chance that TVS has other plans in the future.

We might see a different kind of cruiser soon enough.

CONFIRMED: New Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 To Break Cover In 2023

Royal Enfield is about to unleash an all-new Himalayan 450 that is set to rival the KTM 390 Adventure.

The rumours have been making their round for quite some time now but it has been confirmed that a more powerful Himalayan will be set to debut in the first quarter of 2023.

According to reports in India, Royal Enfield decided to develop a slightly bigger Himalayan after customer feedback suggested the current Himalayan 411 is a bit underpowered due to its weight.

As the name suggests, the Himalayan 450 will carry a 450cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine capable of producing 40hp and has more low-end grunt and better mid-range power. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a 6-speed manual transmission.

Looking at the image render provided by BikeWale, the Himalayan 450 shares a very similar build-up with the 411 including a circular headlamp, frame, tall handlebars and long suspension travel.

The 450 is expected to carry the same tire configuration with a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear.

Interestingly, the 450 will also feature tubeless spoke wheels, something you usually find on a bigger and pricier adventure machine.

BREAKING: The 2022 Moto Morini X-Cape 650 Is Coming To Malaysia

One of the most anticipated bike for 2022, the Moto Morini X-Cape 650 is coming to Malaysia via MForce Bike Holdings.

In an official statement, MForce Bike Holdings has announced that the company has been appointed as the exclusive distributor of Moto Morini in Malaysia.

For those who are not in the loop, Moto Morini is an Italian motorcycle company established back in 1937 and is based in Bologna.

While it retains the Italian image and head office in Milan, Moto Morini went into liquidation in late 2010 before they were revived by again a year later. However, in fall of 2018, the ownership rights had transferred to Zhongneng Vehicle Group.

Currently, the Moto Morini motorcycle range includes the Corsaro ZT, Corsaro ZZ, Milano and Super Scrambler, all of which is powered by a 1,200cc V-Twin.

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However, the one that caught our attention is the upcoming X-Cape 650 that whas first showcased at EICMA in Milan, Italy back in November.

The X-Cape 650 features a 649cc parallel-twin engine that makes around 60hp @ 8,250rpm and 56Nm @ 7,000rpm. While the power is decent, the X-Cape 650 comes fitted with premium components, including an adjustable upside down Marzocchi forks, adjustable KYB rear shocks and Brembo brakes.

The adventure-tourer also comes equipped with an 18L tank and a 7-inch TFT instrument display.

To ensure its rigidity on and off-road, the X-Cape 650 is built around a steel trellis frame and paired to an aluminium swingarm.

According to MForce, the X-Cape 650 is expected to arrived in Malaysia sometime in Q2 2022.

I Will Make My MotoGP Debut In 2023 – Toprak Razgatlioglu

The 2021 WorldSBK Champion has spoken, Toprak Razgatlioglu will make his MotoGP debut in 2023.

After much speculation about his future, the 25-year-old Turkish rider has confirmed that he will make the jump to MotoGP in 2023.

It was a spectacular season for the Yamaha rider, not only winning his first WorldSBK title but also beating six-time WorldSBK champion, Jonathan Rea.

While the aim is to make the shift to MotoGP, Razgatlioglu is still set his sight of retaining the WorldSBK title in 2022.

In the meantime, he will get his taste of grand prix racing with the factory-spec YZR-M1.

“I will try the M1 in a private test, I will be on track with Cal Crutchlow and I will be able to make my MotoGP debut in 2023.

“I know that people who like me and accompany me want me to do this more than I do.

“So 2022 is very important for my transition to MotoGP. But for now, I want to be focused on defending the Superbike title in 2022,” he said.

2022 Dakar: Danilo Petrucci Takes Maiden Dakar Stage Win

Danilo Petrucci just became the first former MotoGP rider to win a Dakar Rally stage at the 2022 Dakar.

It was an exceptional Day 5 for the Italian after finishing stage four at third place, his first-ever podium after leaving MotoGP.

While some might suggest it was pure luck, that thought was single-handedly shut down by Petrucci as he came out on top of Stage 5 despite getting into his first Dakar crash.

“Today was quite a long day. I set off this morning and decided I really wanted to learn and improve my navigation, so I didn’t push too hard at the beginning.

“After one corner there was a large dune with a group of camels on the other side. One big camel came into the track, and I had to avoid it but ended up crashing after going across a lot of bumps and camel grass.

“That was my very first crash of this Dakar. After that I eased off a bit and Kevin caught up with me and we rode together towards the finish,” said Petrucci.

Despite coming in second place, 4 minutes 14 seconds behind fellow KTM Toby Price, the latter was handed a six-minute penalty for speeding, subsequently handing Petrucci his first Dakar stage win in just his fifth attempt.

Petrucci started the endurance rather strongly, storming the first stage at 13th place.

However, his KTM 450 Rally suffered a mechanical issue during Stage 2 after passing kilometre 115, which also ended his chance to finish the 2022 Dakar within the classification.

Nevertheless, he bounced back in Stage 3 and got to finish in 22nd place, 9 minutes 21 seconds off the winner.

Two-time motocross world champion, Heinz Kinigadner had high praise for the KTM rider who is considered a rookie in Dakar.

“Danilo Petrucci rode incredibly in the fourth stage. He made rally aces look almost ridiculous on Wednesday, to the point of embarrassing them,” he said.

Boon Siew Honda Announced New Colour Updates For 2022 X-ADV – RM67,799

The Honda X-ADV is still the most unique adventure motorcycle to date thanks to its combination of a typical scooter with ADV elements.

After the comprehensive update in 2021, Boon Siew Honda has announced a new colour option for the 2022 Honda X-ADV.

The Honda X-ADV now comes in Mat Ballistic Black Metallic and joins the already available Grand Prix Red and Pearl Deep Mud Grey colour scheme.

Nevertheless, the mechanics remain the same as the 2022 X-ADV continue to make 57hp @ 6,750rpm and 69Nm @ 4,750rpm.

The power delivery is further optimized with reworked gear ratios via its Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and retuned Honda Selectable Torque Control settings. A 3kg weight reduction also helps greatly in this department.

In terms of design, the new X-ADV presents a more rugged appearance with modern up-to-date features like its dual LED daytime-running lights leading the way. A new front windscreen was also added for better weather protection as well as better storage capacity thanks to a bigger 22-litre under-seat storage and a 1.2-litre glovebox compartment (with a USB charging port).

Like the 2021 CB1000R, the 2021 X-ADV also features a new 5-inch TFT screen that is enhanced with a Honda Smartphone Voice Control system. This allows the rider to control calls, navigation, and music via the handlebar controls and voice command (if you’re able to connect a Bluetooth helmet headset).