The 150cc underbone class in Malaysia has a new competitor in town with the new WMoto F15.
Priced at just RM5,999, The F15 is one of the most affordable 150cc moped you can get your hands on right now.
Available in three colourways – Turquoise, Green and Dark Blue – the F15 makes 10.5hp @ 7,000rpm and 11Nm @ 8,000rpm from its 149.2cc single-cylinder, SOHC, Euro4 engine.
While it may offer lower horsepower compared to Honda RS-X (15.8hp) and Y15ZR (15.4hp), the F15 gets a better range thanks to a 5.5L fuel tank.
The WMoto F15 is also more comfortable for shorter riders thanks to a lower 720mm seat height.
The F15 also features a single hydraulic disc, aluminium alloy front and rear wheel, 290mm front brake and 190mm rear disc.
Europe’s most iconic circuit, Spa-Francorchamps just turned 100 years old this week and as a commemoration, a specially built Honda CBR1000RR-R is chosen to honour the racetrack.
Introducing the Honda CBR1000RR-R Spa 100, a track-only machine built by DG Sport to pay homage to the Belgian circuit.
While it may look identical to the stock CBR1000RR-R, DG Sport has done massive changes in order to turn it into a track weapon.
As usual, the first to go is the side mirrors, lights and number plate holder.
Next, the Showa Big Piston Fork (BPF) is slotted with Öhlins cartridges into the 43mm front fork along with an Öhlins TTX rear shock and steering damper.
DG Sport proceed to remove the ABS system entirely and replaced all the hoses with braided parts while adding a Corsacorta master cylinder.
Meanwhile, the engine also received huge upgrades, thanks to a new HRC engine management sytem and a full exhaust system from Arrow.
While further details are still unknown, we can be sure the special edition Honda CBR1000RR-R Spa 100 is considerably lighter and more powerful than the stock machine.
By the way, with just 10 units built, we are pretty sure the bike is sold out the moment you finished reading this.
QJMotor is finally getting the attention it deserved ever since MV Agusta unveiled the near-production Lucky Explorer 5.5 at this year’s EICMA.
The Lucky Explorer 5.5 is born thanks to the collaboration between MV and Qianjiang Motorcycles, the parent company of QJMotor and Benelli.
Underneath the 5.5 sits a 550cc parallel-twin engine, the same platform taken from Benelli’s TRK 502 and QJMotor ST500.
In the latest development, the Chinese motorcycle manufacturer is said to be working on a new 400cc platform based on new type-approval documents published in China.
Usually, no one bats an eye but considering that it could also be the perfect basis for small displacement MV in the future, any new development from QJMotor is treated as crucial.
Yet to disclose even in China, the new motorcycle goes under the name QJ400GS-J but could also be renamed as GS400RR based on the decals on the fairing.
According to the documents, the new motorcycle features a 400cc parallel-twin engine and makes 44hp.
Interestingly the GS400RR is also equipped with a single-sided swingarm, something that could perfectly be fitted on an MV Agusta.
After the success of Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-25R, the Japanese firm is said to be working on another 250cc four-cylinder engine.
The ZX-25R was a huge success since its launch and probably the most powerful quarter-litre bike to date.
It’s probably thanks to the Ninja success, Team Green is rumoured to be developing a naked version of the 250cc screamer.
Similar to the ZX-25R, we can assume the quarter-litre naked bike feature the same high-spec goodies such as premium inverted forks, radially mounted brake callipers and quickshifter.
Nonetheless, the new motorcycle will feature the same 250cc four-cylinder engine capable of producing 51hp @ 15,500rpm and 22.9Nm @ 14,500rpm.
Based on how strong the ongoing rumour is, we can expect that the development of the new motorcycle is already underway.
If you are a collector of anything Suzuki, then perhaps this news is for you.
The Hamamatsu factory is set to release an extremely limited-edition 100th Anniversary helmet soon.
Based on the Arai RX-7 and limited to just 100 units worldwide, a total of 30 units will be sold exclusively via lottery in Japan.
For those who are wishing to apply for the Japanese lottery, there is an application on Suzuki Japan’s website however there are certain qualifications you need to meet before applying.
Apart from you MUST live in Japan, anyone who wants to apply needs to have a credit card that Suzuki accepts and only one application per person is accepted.
The lottery application period will range between January 11 2022 and January 25 2022, with the chosen application will be announced on January 31 2022.
However, Suzuki fans located outside of Japan need to contact local dealers for further information.
The limited edition helmet is priced at JPY143,000 (RM5,314).
Yamaha has unveiled the Crosser 150 in Brazil, an affordable adventure motorcycle suitable for the country’s congested urban street.
Apart from its capability to take on various road conditions, Yamaha has added another extra feature. The Crosser 150 can run on different types of fuel such as gasoline, ethanol or both.
The new feature will allow local riders to go the extra mile without worry.
Thanks to the lightweight 149cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that makes 13hp, the Crosser 150 has enough power to commute daily around the city as well as going on an off-road adventure.
Power is sent to the rear via a rudimentary 5-speed manual transmission.
The off-road capabilities are further enhanced with a long-travel suspension consisting of a telescopic unit up front and a preload-adjustable monoshock.
Other important features include:
one-piece saddle
high handlebars
front and rear disc brakes
single-channel ABS
Currently, the Crosser 150 is only available in Brazil and is priced at USD2,772 (RM11.5k).
Justin Bieber has just inked a deal with Vespa to put his own spin on the iconic scooter.
Still only 27 years old, Bieber has amassed millions of fans all over who called themselves ‘Beliebers’. On ‘Instagram’, the American singer has a total of 202 million followers.
Despite his past shenanigans, the man deserved a huge amount of respect for what he is today, an icon not just in the music industry but also brave enough to openly discuss his struggles with mental health and addiction which also prompt others who are struggling to come forth for help.
Nevertheless, his love for motorcycles including owning one of the limited edition Vespa X Sean Wotherspoon makes him an ideal candidate for the next collab with the Italian brand.
“My fans know how much I love the sport: skateboarding, hockey, basketball, BMX.
“I’ve always been attracted to that mix of style, grace and speed. I’m thrilled to give my touch to the iconic Vespa design,” said Bieber.
The Vespa X Justin Bieber special edition is set to debut in early 2022.
Ducati has already built and begun testing its 2023 MotoE race bike in Italy with Michele Pirro.
The test is crucial as Ducati will supply the entire MotoE World Cup grid beginning 2023 in a four-year deal.
Ducati will replace the outgoing Energica who previously supplied the entire grid since 2019 with a production-based Energica Ego Corse model.
However, Ducati takes over from 2023 will witness a brand-new, prototype-based sportbike that the Italian firm previewed in an artists’ rendering.
Despite there being talks the MotoE race bike will mark the Borgo Panigale first step into developing a production-based electric machine, Ducati has confirmed the MotoE model will stand alone as a race bike only.
Based on the rendered image, it is safe to assume the MotoE machine will share design similarities to the Ducati Panigale range.
*Michelle Pirro
“Right now, Michele Pirro is with MotoE in Misano, where our electric bike is going on the track for the first time,” said Ducati CEO, Claudio Domenicali.
While Ducati is all out excited with the new project, the announcement came as a surprise for everyone else especially since the Italian marquee has regularly dismissed the idea of moving forward with a high-performance electric motorcycle.
The 90s was a great year for motorcycles, with the likes of 900cc supersports were seen as a raw machine.
The non-existent of technological advancement like 6-axis IMU, ABS, Traction Control and Wheelie Control made the 90s supersports a wild machine.
As such, those who were seen riding on bikes like the Kawasaki ZX-9R and the CBR900RR are either extremely skilled or borderline crazy.
Meanwhile, post 2010 supersports machine are manageable even by the likes of inexperienced riders thanks to technology and electronic aids.
However, if you are in the lookout of something raw and wanting to experience the 90s bikes, perhaps this pristine 1993 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade up for auction is for you.
Debuted in 1992, the CBR900RR Fireblade is powered by a water-cooled 893cc DOHC inline-four engine capable of churning out 111hp. Mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, the only electronic aid available is an electronic ignition.
The beautiful beast is currently listed on Bring A Trailerand bidding starts at a whopping USD50k (RM210k).
If your first reaction is to complaint about the price, then perhaps the bike is not for you but if you has a penchant for all things retro and appreciate a thing of beauty, then the CBR900RR Fireblade could be the right gem for your garage.
Looking immaculate, the CBR900RR has only 5,000miles and currently waiting for a new caretaker. According to the description, the bike currently sits in Florida.
Bodywork is finished in white, blue and red with matching graphics and features aluminium twin-spar rame with reinforced aluminium swingarm.
Other additional components includes a black solo seat with passenger pillion, windscreen, fairing-mounted mirrors, a side-stand and a 18L fuel tank.
Other exiciting features include:
16″ front and 17″ rear wheel with Bridgestone Battlax BT65 tires
Nissin 4-pot brake callipers (front) and single piston callipers (rear)
Showa cartridge-type front fork
Pro-Link rear coilover (compression, rebound and spring adjustable)
Meanwhile, the dash features a 185mph (299km/h) speedometer, 11,000rpm redline tachometer and a temperature gauge.
BMW Motorrad and TVS Motors has officially extend their existing partnership to develop and manufacture new models including an EV.
This was confirmed by Dr Markus Schramm, head of BMW Motorrad.
“In light of our fruitful association with TVS Motor Company, we are delighted to extend and expand our cooperation agreement to include long-term partnership and joint development of new platforms and technologies, including electric vehicles.” he said.
The German and Indian firm penned a deal back in 2013 and the partnership proven fruitful thanks to the introduction of the entry-level G 310 series in 2018.
The G 310 series was instantly a hit alongside TVS’s own TVS Apache 310 RR, as more than 100,000 units were sold globally.
Meanwhile, the new agreement will not only expand the collaboration but BMW and TVS will showcase revamped technology within the next 24 months including a new range of electric-powered motorcycles.
“In the nine years of our long-term strategic partnership, we have always cherished the common core values we share with BMW Motorrad: focus on quality, engineering prowess, innovation and customer satisfaction.
“These factors and our commitment to deliver superior quality products with a strong value proposition has been key to the success of all three products launched from the platform. The new world of future mobility encompasses a strong play through alternate solutions, including electric mobility.
“Expanding this successful partnership to EVs and other newer platforms will create opportunities to deliver advanced technology and aspirational products to global markets and bring valuable synergies to both companies,” said Sudarshan Venu, Joint Managing Director TVS Motor Company.
TVS itself is expanding rapidly, a part from the success with BMW Motorrad, the Indian firm also became the new owner of Norton Motorcycles in February 2020.
Under the new guidance, Norton recently unveiled the V4 SCR prototype, which is set to enter production soon and marked a revival of the iconic British brand.
Legendary circuit, Laguna Seca (now officially known as the WeatherTech Raceway) was home to some of the most epic battles in racing history.
Most notably is the battle between Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi during the 2008 MotoGP season.
Despite the legendary status, time have not been too kind to the famed circuit especially since the track has not received a refresh since 2007.
However, Laguna Seca finally getting some good news it deserved as track management has secured an initial funding to revitalized the track and amenities.
Major repairs to include replacing the crumbling bridge at the start/finish line. The brige has fallen into despair, posing a potential hazard for spectators and racers alike.
Next is to resurface the California circuit which currently displays cracks, bumps and numerous imperfections that could have severe implications towards racers.
Nevertheless, the resurfacing itself won’t come cheap, as approximately a total of USD5 million is needed.
According to reports, the total cost of repair is said to be somewhere around USD60 million mark.
Looking at how things are moving, we certainly hope Laguna Seca will someday return to the GP race calendar so we can witness more iconic battles.
PETRONAS Lubricants Marketing Malaysia Sdn. Bhd (PLMMSB) a subsidiary of Petronas Dagangan Berhad (PDB) has now expanded its range of two-wheels (Sprinta) and four-wheel (Syntium) engine oil to the e-commerce platform.
Petronas has begun to sell its genuine engine oil on Shopee since the mid of 2020 via PETRONAS Official Store.
The initiative allows customers to get their hands on a wide range of premium products based on the type of vehicle, level of viscosity, fully synthetic, semi-synthetic or mineral lubricants.
“This is part of our efforts to ensure customers always have access to genuine and high-quality Petronas lubricants.
“Customers can now get a wide range of Petronas engine oil quickly and easily via these e-commerce platforms,” said Hardeep Singh, CEO of PLMMSB.
Meanwhile, customers can also purchase Petronas AutoExpert service vouchers at Lazada via Petronas Official Store at an affordable price.
Customers can also enjoy exclusive merchandise with every purchase of Petronas Sprinta, Syntium and AutoExpert voucher.
