Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen

Royal Enfield is set to ram up its production in Asia as the company has begin its factory operation in Chachoengsao, a province located east of Bangkok,Thailand.

The new facility would not only serve the local market but also other major South East Asian region.

Interestingly, the Indian-owned company has already started things going by developing a small-displacement motorcycle in cooperation with Thailand motorcycle company GPX.

According to the Indian firm, Royal Enfield plans to ship its motorcycle as a CKD model for assembly which includes the Himalayans and the 650 Twins (Interceptor and Continental GT).

“We are very happy to announce the commencement of operations at the CKD assembly plant in Thailand.

“A testament to our commitment to the region and the market potential, and to our growing community of riding enthusiasts, this facility will enable us to efficiently cater to the growing demand in this region, and also become the hub for the rest of Southeast Asian markets,” said B. Govindarajan, Executive Director Royal Enfield.

Ducati 2022 model release continue by unveiling the updated 2022 Ducati Panigale V4.

The Borgo Panigale factory has made numerous improvements for the Panigale V4, aimed at refining the riding ergonomics and power.

Visually, the 2022 Panigale V4 gets a redesigned winglet, and despite appearing smaller, it produces the same 30kg of downforce at 270km/h.

Ducati also improves the engine heat distribution by revamping the belly pan, which now features two air slots on either side and a series of air slits at the bottom.

Despite the minimal changes, the improved cooling efficiency pushes the Desmosedici Stradale peak power to 215.5hp @ 13,00rpm and 123.6Nm @ 9,500rpm.

Other major changes include getting the SBK gearbox from the Panigale V4 R, whereby its first, second and sixth gear is made taller to allow for better gear transition. The new transmission also helps the Panigale V4 to achieve an extra 5km/h top speed than the 2021 Panigale V4.

Nonetheless, replacing the stock exhaust with a full-system Akrapovic race exhaust will help bump the peak power to 225hp and reduce the weight by 5kg to 190.5kg from its 195.5kg curb weight.

The new Panigale V4 also gets a 5mm longer suspension travel front fork which is said to help improve the front-end feel.

Meanwhile, the Öhlins semi-active suspension available on the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 S now adopts Öhlins NPX 25/30 pressurized fork, which is fitted into the Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 event-based electronic control system.

The pressurized system managed the compression in the left leg of the fork with a 25mm piston, while a 30mm piston managed the extension in the right leg.

The swingarm pivot was also raised by 4mm to increase the anti-squat effect during acceleration.

Interestingly, to help the rider’s ergonomic, Ducati has made big changes to the fuel tank shape and material to allow riders to have better grip during braking and turning.

Ducati has also restyled the 5″ TFT display that now features two LED shifter lights at the top.

Most importantly, the 2022 Panigale V4 continues to offer 6-axis IMU, which include:

  • cornering ABS
  • traction control
  • slide control
  • wheelie control
  • engine brake control
  • up/down quickshifter
  • brake-to-slide feature

KTM has just taken the wraps off the updated 2022 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT.

Although the 1290 Super Duke GT makes the same 175hp and 139.6Nm from its Euro5, 1,301cc L-Twin, the bike now offers better touring capabilities.

The wheels are 1kg lighter to help improve turning, braking and acceleration performance.

The 1290 Super Duke GT also features a 22L tank enough to get you going for hundreds of kilometres before stopping for gas.

Interestingly, the 2022 Super Duke also gets a new WP APEX semi-active suspension, allowing riders to adjust the front fork and rear suspension accordingly by accessing the new 7-inch TFT instrument cluster.

The GT also debuted a new turn-by-turn navigation system via the KTM Connect app, which allows navigation instructions to be projected directly onto the TFT display.

We can assume that the new function will soon be available on most of KTM’s wide range of models.

Kawasaki has announced that the company will unveil three electric motorcycles in 2022.

The announcement came from Kawasaki Motors President Hiroshi Ito during his keynote address at Kawasaki’s EICMA presentation.

The announcement also confirmed the Japanese marquee plans to develop ten electric and hybrid motorcycles by 2025.

Nevertheless, it is still too early to discuss the kind of models that could be electrified by 2022.

But knowing that the firm recently ran a test on a Ninja 400 based electric motorcycle could also mean a production version is already in the works.

During the speech, Ito-san addresses the company’s commitment to pushing for a new power source that includes hydrogen and hybrids.

Looking at the level of commitment shown by Team Green, Kawasaki may well be on its way to becoming the pioneer of a new future for motorcycles.

In honour of a long-standing partnership with the Italian President’s security, Cuirassiers Regiment, Moto Guzzi has unveiled the limited edition V85 TT Guardia d’Honore.

Presented to the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, the special bike sports a gloss black livery with white accents painted at the front mudguard, fuel tank, side panels and windscreen.

The V85 TT Guardia d’Honore also features a taller windscreen, a centre stand, engine guard and auxiliary LED lights.

Customers can also get their hands on model-specific side panniers.

According to Moto Guzzi, there are only 1,946 units available with each bike will have the unit number engraved on the handlebar riser.

Nevertheless, the V85 TT Guardia d’Honore continue to make 80hp @ 7,750rpm and 80Nm @ 5,000rpm from the 853cc transverse V-Twin air-cooled engine.

All modern electronics including traction control, TFT display also available as standard.

Following the success of Dominar Rides to Ipoh, the journey continues with a new group of Dominar owners, to a new location.

The focus of the Dominar Rides is to have a new experience for each ride and to enable a different group of owners to share the experience.

This time around, the participants of the second ride enjoyed a tricky ride to Rimba Valley Motocamp, located at Janda Baik, Pahang.

As usual, the riders got together at Circle Cafe, Kelana Jaya, for a light breakfast and briefing.

Upon arrival at the cafe, every rider is obligated to take the Covid-19 screening test to ensure the safety of everyone.

The convoy rolled out at 9.30 am and made a quick stop at the famous BHP Karak petrol station before continuing to Genting Sempah.

The ride up to Rimba Valley Motocamp allows all riders to test out the Modenas Dominar D400 capabilities going through tight corners and uneven terrain.

Interestingly enough, the riders were able to experience a short ‘off-road’ with their Dominar upon arrival at Rimba Valley before Captain Nik Huzlan led them to the campsite for lunch.

 

The adventure did not stop there as owners of the first-generation Dominar were given a chance to test out the new Dominar D400 UG.

The host, Capt. Nik also took a few riders for a knee-deep river-crossing challenge with the new Dominar D400 UG located about a kilometre away from the camp.

Despite the short route from KL to Janda Baik, it was quite an adventure for the rest of the convoy. And one that will not be forgotten anytime soon.

Meanwhile, the next Dominar Ride will take a new batch of owners on an adventure to Pengkalan Balak, Melaka on the 27th of November.

The Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP gets engine updates and more for 2022.

Although major parts of the CBR1000RR-R SP remains the same, the flagship superbike from Honda has been refined for better mid-range acceleration, something that could also help HRC at the WorldSBK.

While peak power remains at 214hp @ 14,500rpm, Honda has revamped the intake ports, airbox and mid-section exhaust.

Interestingly, Honda also increased the final drive sprocket to 43 from the previous 40.

Moving on to electronics, Honda has improved the traction control with a new algorithm for better rear-wheel traction followed by revised Nissin callipers.

Meanwhile, the standard Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade now gets an electronic steering damper along with Showa suspension.

Other key features include:

  • LED light setup
  • TFT dash
  • engine braking
  • traction control
  • wheelie control
  • launch control
  • cornering ABS

Nonetheless, the main aspect that caught our attention is of course the 30th Anniversary livery that gives a nod to the 1992 Honda Fireblade.

According to the Japanese marquee, the bodywork is carried out by Hiroaki Tsukui, the same man behind the original Fireblade livery in 1992.

The V100 Mandello is not just another new motorcycle coming from Moto Guzzi, it also represents the brand bold move into the 21st century.

This is due to the fact that the V100 is the first production motorcycle to feature semi-active suspension, 6-axis IMU, cornering ABS, quickshifter and a liquid-cooled engine.

Basically, it is the first Moto Guzzi with everything modern and we are surprised that the V100 Mandello even has an adaptive aerodynamics package.

Nevertheless, as a sport-touring machine, the V100 Mandello still sport the classic element of a Moto Guzzi.

The V100 Mandello makes 115hp and 105Nm @ 3,500rpm from its 1,042cc transverse 90-degree V-Twin engine. The engine is also 103mm shorter than the V85 TT platform.

Thanks to a lower positioning of the drive shaft, the V100 Mandello offers a smooth ride during accelerating and decelerating on par to a bike with a chain drive.

It also features a 17.5L fuel tank and a large saddle comfortable for riders and pillion.

However, to increase comfort, the V100 is equipped with adaptive air deflectors located at the front fairing which extend to different degrees depending on the riding mode and bike speed.

 

According to Moto Guzzi, air deflectors can reduce wind disturbance up to 22%.

Moving on to the best bits, the V100 gets Öhlins semi-active suspension, traction control, three engine maps, and three engine braking that can be accessed via a 5″ TFT display.

The higher-spec V100 Mandello also features a quickshifter, heated grips, Moto Guzzi multimedia package and a smartphone connector.

Following the success of the Honda X-ADV 750 and ADV 150, the Japanese firm decided to expand the adventure scooter range with the 2022 ADV 350.

While waiting for the new ADV-ish scooter to make its way to Malaysia, let’s check out what the new motorcycle has to offer.

The ADV 350 makes 29.2hp and 31.5Nm thanks to the 330cc single-cylinder eSP engine and mated to a fully automatic CVT transmission.

It also features Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) that helps the rear wheel from breaking traction during acceleration.

Despite coming with a Showa 37mm inverted front fork, it is non-adjustable however the twin Showa piggyback offers spring-preload adjustment.

With an 11.7L fuel tank, Honda claimed the Italian-designed ADV 350 can take you up to 320 kilometres making it the best scooter for daily and touring purposes.

The ADV 350 also comes with a 15-inch front wheel and 14-inch at the rear combined with a dual-purpose tyre.

However, with just 5.7″ of ground clearance, we suggest that it can only tackle light off-road.

Other interesting features include:

  • adjustable windscreen
  • 48L under-seat storage capable of fitting two full-face helmet
  • digital LCD dash with smartphone connectivity
  • USB Type-C port in the glovebox
  • dual-channel ABS

One month after unveiling the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has finally announced the official price for the sports-tourer motorcycle.

Like the new 2021 MT-09, these Tracer 9 GT feature a new engine, electronics, and exterior design. In other words, it’s a completely new sports-tourer.

Starting with the engine, the 2021 Tracer 9 GT come with the same 890cc CP3 inline-three engine that was introduced earlier for the new MT-09.

Compared to the previous Tracer 900, this new engine features a longer stroke by 3mm, which upgrades its power output from 114hp to 117hp.

This new engine, although bigger in capacity, is actually more compact and lighter than the previous model. Housed within a new CF die-cast aluminium Deltabox chassis, the new Tracer 9 GT is said to be lighter and more agile than its predecessor. It’s also further refined with a new slipper/assist clutch and longer swingarm.

Also similar to the new MT-09 is the addition of a six-axis IMU plus lean-sensitive rider aids developed from the brand’s top-of-the-range superbike, the R1M. We’re talking three-mode Traction Control System, Slide Control System, Front Wheel Lift, Brake Control, and more.

For the styling department, the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT is now more aerodynamic which offers one hell of a sexy look plus wind-cutting performance that allows for longer distance riding when paired with its 19-litre fuel tank. Fully fuelled, this baby can travel over 350km without having to stop to refuel.

As a sport-tourer, this bike is expected to be able to carry a lot of cargo. With that being said, it comes with a full three-bag luggage capability. Other features include all-LED lights, twin 3.5-inch TFT screens, lightweight SpinForged wheels, fully-adjustable 41mm USD forks, and an adjustable seat.

The 2021 Tracer 9 GT gets you a host of features which includes:

  • KYB semi-active suspension
  • Hard side cases
  • Up and down Quick Shift System
  • LED cornering lights
  • Dedicated colours and graphics
  • Grip heaters

The 2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT are now available in Malaysia for a price of RM69,498.

MV Agusta has officially announced its intention of diving into the adventure-bike scene with the introduction of two near-production prototypes at EICMA.

The Italian brand latest ADV bike comes in two variants, the Lucky Explorer 9.5 and Lucky Explorer 5.5.

 

Despite MV Agusta yet to reveal any production date, reports suggest that the Lucky Explorer will be 2022 models.

Meanwhile, the larger Lucky Explorer 9.5 features a new 931cc 3-cylinder powerplant derived from MV’s 800cc range, while the Lucky Explorer 5.5 was born from the Italian firm partnership with a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer Qianjiang Motorcycle, the owner of Benelli and QJ Motor.

The Lucky Explorer 5.5 features a 550cc parallel-twin that is said to be the basis of every entry-level MV Agusta’s bike in the future.

Lucky Explorer 9.5

*Lucky Explorer 9.5

Born from the Italian firm 800cc triple, MV Agusta has increased the bore and stroke and adopted a new crankshaft and cylinder head to build the new 931cc engine.

The engine has also been tuned to deliver better torque than power, with a claim of 123hp @ 10,000rpm and a 102Nm @ 7,000rpm.

While it may be in its prototype stage, the Lucky Explorer 9.5 resembles the upcoming Ducati DesertX.

Interestingly enough, the DesertX runs on 937cc Testaretta V-Twin, similar to the Lucky Project 9.5 931cc triple.

The bike also adopts the same Lucky Strike-inspired colours featured on the Cagiva Elefant, which is not a coincidence as both MV Agusta and Ducati were owned by the Castiglioni family back in the day.

The 9.5 will also come with two types of transmission, a Rekluse automatic clutch and a semi-automatic electronic actuated transmission similar to the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT’s.

Other exciting features include:

  • aluminium dual-sided swingarm
  • 21″ front wheels and 18″ rear wheels
  • 1,580mm wheelbase

Lucky Explorer 5.5

*Lucky Explorer 5.5

Developed in collaboration with Qianjiang Motorcycles, reports suggest that the Lucky Explorer 5.5 prototype shares the same engine and frame from Benelli’s TRK 502.

However, MV Agusta developed the 550cc parallel-twin by increasing the bore and stroke to 70.5mm x 71mm from the TRK’s 69mm x 66.8mm.

Nonetheless, the overall design of the 5.5 is miles ahead of the TRK 502, and it also features higher specifications, including a top of line Brembo brakes.

Despite no announcement being made regarding the availability of the two motorcycles, we can safely assume that we are going to see them soon enough.

Dorna has debuted a refreshed brand for the WorldSBK Championship including a new SBK logo.

Designed by British firm Designwerk, the new logo is a classic take from when the championship debuted back in 1989.

The WorldSBK also features a new tagline, “We Make Excitement” to reinvent the level of excitement after Toprak Razgatlioglu ends Jonathan Rea 6-year dominance in the championship.

According to reports, the brand refresh is an effort to appeal to a new generation of motorcycle racing enthusiasts and make the WorldSBK more appealing motorsport.

WorldSBK is currently the third-most-popular motorsport behind Formula 1 and MotoGP.

“The refresh of our brand identity has meant a step further towards times to come, along with our fans, whilst preserving our traditional brand image made of passion, energy and spontaneity.

“A brand refresh is a major undertaking and we’re pleased to have reached our goals: the need for a consistent and coherent visual language for all the channels our brand is present on was obvious.

“The evolution of our logo and overall Brand Identity remains true to our core values while assimilating the ways our fans interact with SBK, watching it on TV, playing it as a videogame or enjoying it on social media. More than ever, we make excitement,” Francesco Valentino, Head of WorldSBK Commercial & Marketing.

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