Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen

John McGuinness will compete in the 2022 road racing with Honda Racing Team alongside TT newcomer, Glen Irwin.

The announcement coincides with Honda’s 30th anniversary of the Fireblade which has been upgraded for 2022 including a stunning retro anniversary paint job.

“What can I say really, it’s like coming back home to the family! I’ve been in talks for a while with Neil and Harv and it’s just something that feels right; it’s the 30th anniversary of the Fireblade, I’ll be 50 years old and also celebrating my 100th TT start, so it feels like it’s meant to be.

“I’ve enjoyed a lot of success on the roads with the Honda and worked with Harv back in the day with HM Plant Honda, so I’m looking forward to getting back into the set-up and getting going.

“I had a little go on the Fireblade earlier this year and was impressed with it on track, so looking forward to getting on the roads and seeing how it goes. It’s going to be a special year with everything going on and also just getting back to the North West 200 and the TT and everyone racing there again – I can’t wait to get stuck in!” said McGuinness.

Meanwhile, McGuinness will be joined by NW200 winner, Irwin who is set to make his debut at the Isle of Man TT.

“Finally, I’ll be making my long-awaited TT debut with Honda! We’re now more familiar with the new Fireblade and the team is more familiar; I like to have home comforts as such and continuing with the bike and the same team I think puts us in a better position with a frame of mind,” said the 31-year old.

McGuinness and Irwin will compete in both Superstock and Superbike category with the TT scheduled to run from May 28 to June 11.

Electric motorcycle manufacturer, Super Soco has officially unveiled the limited-edition JL99 CUMini scooter in partnership with retired MotoGP World Champion, Jorge Lorenzo.

Super Soco recently drop a teaser of the upcoming scooter and the special collaboration saw the Spanish rider posting numerous photos onboard various models.

Nonetheless, Super Soco finally took the partnership a step further by unveiling the special edition JL99 CUMini scooter at EICMA 2021, the world’s biggest motorcycle show.

The JL99 CUMini scooter features a special livery, a combination of a black colour scheme with red accents including Jorge Lorenzo’s signature number 99.

According to the company, the special edition motorcycle was also upgraded with LED headlights, top-case and Rizoma components (mirrors, turn signals and levers).

Despite the aggressive colourway and a collaboration with a MotoGP champion, the CUMini is actually Super Soco’s most friendly and entry-level scooter with a top speed of just 50km/h and 60km range.

Triumph Motorcycles has reached a historic milestone by unveiling the millionth motorcycle built since the company’s return in 1990.

To celebrate the landmark achievement, the folks at Hinckley revealed a one-off custom-painted Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro.

Frankly, we thought the Bonneville would have been the ideal choice considering that it is an undisputed British icon. However, understanding how successful the Tiger 900 range since it introduction in 2019 including making an appearance in the latest James Bond franchise, the Tiger 900 Rally Pro is indeed the perfect candidate.

“Everyone at Triumph is incredibly proud to have played a part in achieving such a momentous moment in the modern history of this iconic brand.

“Over the 31 years since we re-launched Triumph with a new line of British designed motorcycles in Cologne in 1990, we have shared so many great moments with our fans across the world.

“From returning to the TT champions arena, to entering the MotoGP paddock with our Moto2 Engine partnership to supporting the biggest global riding event and its great cause for health and wellbeing with the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, to mention only a few.

“Triumph’s success has always stemmed from the passion and commitment we share with our riders,” said Triumph CEO, Nick Bloor.

The special one-off Tiger 900 Rally Pro will be on display on Triumph’s stand at this year Motorcycle Live Show at the NEC.

Four-wheel tuning giant, Brabus, is set to make the jump to the world of two-wheels as latest reports suggest the company is working on lightweight KTM 1290 Super Duke RR.

According to the German website Motorrad, the KTM 1290 Super Duke RR will get the Brabus treatment and will be named Brabus 1300 R as confirmed by European Patent Office.

Nevertheless, Motorrad claimed that the Brabus 1300 R will remain close to the original 1290 Super Duke RR however it will weigh 5kg less than the stock machine.

Despite no further details other than the trademark that is attached to the filing, the Brabus 1300 R clearly refers to a motorcycle.

However, it remains unknown when will we get the chance to see the actual product. Until then, stay tuned!

Petrol stations have traditionally been a stop and go destination. A place where you get fuel for your vehicle, probably buy a drink and a snack and leave. This is usually a 10 to 15-minute process. Why would anyone hang around at a petrol station?

But the entire petrol station experience is changing fast, and Shell Malaysia is leading the way. How? Through an initiative called the Shell Advance MotoCare Express or SAMCE for short (pronounced as SAM-SI).

Shell stations are fast transforming from places where you pump petrol, get a drink, have a ready-to-eat meal, purchase snacks/confectionaries, stock up on groceries, and everything you will need to start your day or that weekend ride with your riding friends.

You read that right. Selected Shell stations will now offer servicing options (lubricant and filter change) for your motorcycle. The objective is to get your bike serviced quickly without having to make an appointment at an affordable price. This is perfect for those of us who are always waiting for that one riding buddy who is always ‘on the way’ yet shows up an hour late. With SAMCE, you can get your lubricant changed quickly while waiting for that ‘always late friend.

This also gives you peace of mind because you don’t have to worry about fake lubricants. You can read about it here (https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/shell-malaysia-collaborates-with-malaysian-enforcement-agencies-to-combat-counterfeits/).

So far, there are 26 SAMCE sites across the country with more to come (you can view the complete list of SAMCE stations here) (https://www.shell.com.my/motorists/promotions/extra-rewards-motorcyclists.html).

As to what type of bikes can be serviced at SAMCE, the service centre accepts all kinds of bikes, including but not limited to bigger cc bikes. The process of an oil change will be the same, be it Kapcais or big bikes. And the basic 5 points check during an oil change is also applicable for big bikes. However, if the customer’s bike is still under warranty, they will need to send it to the relevant OEM for servicing, even if it’s Kapcais. Bikes out of warranty are welcomed for an oil change at SAMCE with the 5 points complementary check.

Of course, there would always be a concern about the mechanic’s skill that is carrying out the services. Shell highlights that the mechanics are properly trained to ensure oil change is carried out properly and professionally. And quite honestly, it is quite difficult to mess up something as simple as an oil change. Even so, it is comforting to know that the person working on your pride and joy knows what he is doing and is properly trained to do so.

The SAMCE initiative also perfectly addresses the age-old concern among Malaysian motorcyclists about fake engine oils. Since you’re buying directly from a Shell vendor, there is no worry about fake engine oils. On that note, even the disposal of your used engine oil is taken care of in a proper manner. Rather than simply pouring it down a drain, which is very illegal by the way and you should call the Department of Environment if you ever see your mechanic doing that, the SAMCE operators will dispose of your used engine oil by sending it to an official oil disposal site or a recycling site.

So, here comes the big question then – why should you even bother servicing your motorcycles at a Shell station when you are on a first-name basis with your mechanic?

Convenience and affordable price aside, there’s also points to be gathered and attractive prizes to be won.

Drinks and snacks are always necessary when going about your day or going for a ride with your friends. And that is exactly what you will get when you service your bike at the SAMCE.

All you have to do is buy a Shell Advance Moto Oil Synthetic Range, change your lubricant at the SAMCE, spend a minimum of RM10 at Shell Select, which is the shop located at every Shell station, and you will receive 500 BonusLink points (terms and conditions apply).

You can then redeem these points for a drink or a snack at Shell Select. A regular coke costs just 150 points, a Nescafe Tarik costs 200 points, and a Shell Select Keropok Ikan costs 200 points.

Or you can save the points and get drinks and snacks for the entire family later on.

Petrol stations are fast becoming more than just a regular fuel stop, and Shell is leading the way by not just providing fuel but also proper maintenance for your motorcycle.

For more information on Shell Advance motorcycle lubricants and SAMCE, click here. (https://www.shell.com.my/motorists/oils-lubricants/advance-for-motorcycles.html)

Italian Volt gained attention when it first unveiled the Lacama electric motorcycle concept back in 2017.

However, the electric motorcycle startup wasn’t able to get it going for more than four years despite running numerous design studies and prototype tests of the Lacama.

Nevertheless, following Tazzari EV’s acquisition in January this year, the Italian Volt Lacama project is back on track after displaying the bike at EICMA 2021.

Interestingly, despite running late a few years into the game, the Lacama still boast a 15.1kWh capable of reaching 201km range in a single charge.

The Lacama makes 147.5hp and 199Nm from its liquid-cooled electric motor and capable of a reaching a max speed of 200km/h.

Meanwhile, handling and stopping power is handled by top-spec Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes.

While the specs sound exciting, the Lacama might come with a staggering price tag as the 2017 concept was priced at USD38,000 (RM159k).

Royal Enfield is finally stepping into the futuristic era with the SG650 Concept after deftly toed the line between modern and retro.

Presented at EICMA 2021, the Royal Enfield SG650 Concept represents the company bold move into the future.

“We are a company in transition.

“To celebrate this, we wanted to develop a project that really gave our design team an opportunity to stretch themselves creatively,” said Royal Enfield Chief of Design, Mark Wells.

The SG650 Concept combines a cruiser-like motorcycle with a cyberpunk element while running on the iconic 648cc parallel-twin engine.

The concept bike features an aluminium headlight nacelle, an inverted fork, low-rise handlebars, and aluminium switches.

Nevertheless, the SG650 Concept clearly borrows design cues from the 650 Twins (Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650).

We expect Royal Enfield to introduce a production version of the SG650 Concept in a few years to come.

MV Agusta latest motorcycle, the 2022 Superveloce Ago voted as the “Most Beautiful Bike Of The Show” at EICMA.

The Superveloce Ago took home the top prize after collected of 47.2% of the votes from a total of 12,567 attendees.

Meanwhile, Aprilia’s latest ADV bike, the Tuareg 660 came second with 19% followed by Moto Morini X-Cape at 3rd place with 7.9%.

The award was presented to MV Agusta during the last day of EICMA in the presence of Timur Sardarov, CEO of MV Agusta, Pietro Meda and Paolo Magri, President and Managing Director of EICMA and Federico Aliverti editor-in-chief and Paolo Patruno Managing Director of Motociclismo.

“The best bike of the show is another great award for us, and further recognition of all the energy and the resources MV Agusta is consistently putting in the development of new products.

“Winning this award for the sixth time is a cause of great satisfaction for all of us. I would like to dedicate it to all MV Agusta employees, who put incredible passion in their everyday work,” said Sardarov.

The MV Agusta Superveloce Ago is a limited edition motorcycle built to pay homage to Giacomi Agostini. With a limited run of just 311 units, every bike is numbered and signed by Agostini personally.

The news broke last week that the British marquee is set to make an official comeback to motorcycle manufacturing.

The Mahindra-owned company will be making its first appearance in December at the Motorcycle Live event in the UK.

Apart from the official comeback, BSA has confirmed that the company will also unveil a new production model which was previously caught undergoing testing last week.

“Over 100 years since the first BSA motorcycle hit the road, BSA is back – and the stage is set at Motorcycle Live for us to showcase our new motorcycle for the first time, as well as paying homage to the models that stamped an indelible mark on the world of motorcycling,” said BSA in a statement.

Mahindra bought the global rights to BSA in 2016 and has also brought back two defunct motorcycle brands, Jawa and Yezdi.

Taiwanese scooter manufacturer, SYM Motors has expanded its product range with the new 2022 SYM Joyride 300.

The new Joyride 300 is the company latest response to the growing demand for maxi-scooter around the world.

According to SYM, the new model combines compactness, agility, safety and convenience making it the ideal choice for customers wanting a flat floor cruiser.

Interestingly, the Joyride 300 will replace the outgoing EVO 200.

The 2022 SYM Joyride 300 makes 26hp @ 8,000rpm and 26Nm @ 6,000rpm from its 280cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine.

The Joyride 300 rides on a 15-inch front and 14-inch rear wheel but can be upgraded with 16-inch front and rear wheels.

Interestingly, the maxi-scooter get a host of modern features which includes:

  • LED lighting
  • LCD instrument
  • keyless system 2.0
  • adjustable windshield
  • under-seat storage
  • glove box
  • quick charge 2.0

The new Joyride 300 is expected to arrive in Europe and Asia by early next year.

Kawasaki has updated the H2 SX with more touring-focused abilities for 2022 with a new Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS).

The 2022 H2 SX SE now features adaptive cruise control, collision detection, and blind-spot monitoring, which helps smooth out traffic.

This is done by treating the H2 SX to the same Bosch radar system adopted by Ducati, BMW and KTM.

  • Adaptive Cruise Control – Helps maintains the distance to the front vehicle according to rider preference (Near/Medium/Far) with the speed max out at 160km/h.
  • Forward Collision Warning – If the following distance to the front vehicle closes suddenly, the warning is triggered, and a visual warning is delivered.
  • Blind Spot Detection – The rear-facing sensor will detect oncoming vehicles from a hard-to-see location and deliver the info via LEDs located in the mirrors.

All of the new features can be accessed via a new 6.5″ full-colour TFT screen which can be connected via Kawasaki’s new smartphone app called Spin.

Meanwhile, Team Green has also upgraded the KECS electronic suspension with Showa’s Skyhook technology that actively adjust rebound damping in real-time.

The updated H2 SX also features better lean-angle thanks to an upgraded Bosch 6-axis Fi-ECU that monitors chassis orientation.

Other exciting upgrades include:

  • Vehicle Hold Assist
  • Kawasaki Intelligent Proximity Activation Start Smart master key (KIPASS)
  • wider seating
  • USB charging port
  • heated grips

Nevertheless, the H2 SX continues to deliver 228hp and 137.3Nm @ 9,500rpm from its supercharged 998cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 16-valve in-line four engines.

However, the motorcycle might have lost out its iconic supercharger intake noise as Kawasaki added a resin intake silencer explicitly designed to reduce the noise.

Italian manufacturer, Fantic has officially unveiled the Caballero 500 at EICMA.

The new adventure-ready motorcycle will join the already available 125cc and 250cc variants.

According to the Italian firm, the Fantic Caballero Explorer makes 40hp and 42Nm from its 449cc single-cylinder engine and sends its power to the rear wheel via a 6-speed manual transmission.

Meanwhile, the Explorer also features an adjustable long-travel inverted front fork and a rear monoshock with an external reservoir.

The motorcycle also comes equipped with a high fender, high-mounted exhaust pipes, and circular headlights to complete the ‘adventure’ look.

Other exciting features include:

  • luggage carrier with side pannier rack
  • fly screen
  • upswept handlebars
  • two-up saddle

According to Fantic, the new motorcycle will hit European showrooms in Q1 2022.

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