Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

MotoGP: Petronas To Pull The Plug On SRT

Malaysian oil giant Petronas reportedly decided to pull the plug as title sponsor for Sepang Racing Team (SRT) in MotoGP starting next season.

According to motorsport.com, SRT will also set to abandon its Moto2 and Moto3 project in an effort to protect the MotoGP team.

Moreover, it is understood that Yamaha has renegotiated its current deal with SRT, whereby two ‘B-spec’ M1 will be provided for the 2022 season instead of one factory-spec and one A-spec the team is running on at the moment.

SRT is still in a dilemma ever since Maverick Vinales decided to quit the factory Yamaha team at the end of the season, while Franco Morbidelli is expected to make the jump to the factory team as a replacement.

Meanwhile, veteran rider and 9th world champion, Valentino Rossi, is set to retire at the end of the season, leaving team principal Datuk Razlan Razali the pressure to look for two new riders for the 2022 season.

Raul Fernandez from KTM Ajo was earlier seen as a top candidate before Team Orange decided to promote him to Tech3 MotoGP.

Rossi protege Marco Bezzechi was next in line to join SRT, but the latest development suggests he will now move up to the premier class with VR46 Ducati alongside Luca Marini.

(Source: Motorsport.com)

BREAKING: Vinales Will Not Race In Austria

Yamaha has decided to benched Maverick Vinales ahead of the Austrian GP happening this weekend.

According to Yamaha’s official statement, the decision was taken after an in-depth analysis of the M1 used by Maverick last weekend.

The data reveal that the Spaniards may have caused engine damage, putting his life and others at risk.

“Yamaha regrets to announce that Maverick Viñales’ entry to this weekend’s Austrian MotoGP event has been withdrawn by the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team.

“The absence follows the suspension of the rider by Yamaha due to the unexplained irregular operation of the motorcycle by the rider during last weekend’s Styria MotoGP race.

“Yamaha’s decision follows an in-depth analysis of telemetry and data over the last days.

“Yamaha’s conclusion is that the rider’s actions could have potentially caused significant damage to the engine of his YZR-M1 bike which could have caused serious risks to the rider himself and possibly posed a danger to all other riders in the MotoGP race,” explained Yamaha in a statement.

Despite the stern action, the team has decided not to replace Vinales at the Austrian GP with Fabio Quartararo set to be the only representative from the factory team.

Moreover, Yamaha hinted that the 26-year-old might also miss out on the rest of the season.

“Decisions regarding the future races will be taken after a more detailed analysis of the situation and further discussions between Yamaha and the rider.”

KTM Lands 2022 500 EXC-F Six Days Edition Ahead Of ISDE

KTM has unveiled the 2022 Six Days Special Edition of 2021 500 EXC-F just in time as Team Orange get ready to compete at the FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE).

ISDE will return on August 30, after organizers had cancelled the 95th edition last year due to Covid-19.

While the standard 500 EXC-F is in its own right a complete enduro machine, the 2022 500 EXC-F Six Days Special Edition is nothing less than a celebration of the brand decades of success at the ISDE.

The Six Days Special Edition honours the ISDE with a distinct colour scheme and race-focused components.

The limited-run motorcycle offers a firmer chassis and a sportier WP fork and rear shock settings than the standard 500 EXC-F.

Other upgraded features include:

Exclusive SIX DAYS graphics
Rims with SIX DAYS logo
Skid plate
Front axle puller
Handlebar with SIX DAYS logo
Solid rear brake disc
Brake pedal safety wire
Floating front brake disc
Orange frame
Orange-anodized CNC-milled triple clamp
Exhaust with SIX DAYS logo
Orange chain guide
SIX DAYS seat

Price is yet to be announced; however, we assume it will be a couple of thousand more than the base model USD11,799 price tag.

Kawasaki Recall Several 2020 And 2021 Model Due To Faulty Installation

Kawasaki Motors Corporation U.S.A. has announced a recall on several 2020 and 2021 models due to an improper assembly.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall was initiated because the installed engine oil relief pressure valve could come apart during operation, which may lead to engine stalling and loss of oil pressure.

Reports suggest a total of 1,523 individual bikes is involved with the recall in the U.S., which includes:

2021 Kawasaki Z H2 S.E. (81 units)
2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR (50 units)
2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R and K.R.T. Edition (391 units)
2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS and K.R.T. Edition (527 units)
2021 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE+ (120 units)
2020/2021 Kawasaki Ninja H2 and Ninja H2 Carbon (30 units)
2020/2021 Kawasaki Z H2 (342 units)

The recall will see authorized Kawasaki dealers to replace the valve on the affected models, free of charge.

Aprilia Ready To Take On New Adventure With The Tuareg 660

Earlier this month, Aprilia officially unveiled the Tuareg 660, a middleweight adventure motorcycle powered by the new 660cc parallel-twin found in the RS and Tuono.

Unlike the road-focus RS and Tuono, the Tuareg offers serious off-road capabilities thanks to a 240mm long-travel suspension, 43mm fork with single shock absorber and 1500mm wheelbase, making it a serious rival to the Yamaha Tenere 700.

While it may seem a bit far-fetched to compare the Tuareg to the established Tenere, the Noale-based company has equipped the new motorcycle with advanced riding aids.

Firstly, the Tuareg tops out at 80hp and 70Nm, that’s more than the 72hp found on the Tenere.

Moreover, the Tuareg weigh at just 187kg (dry), putting it within the same league as the Tenere 700.

Moving on to electronics, the Tuareg 660 gets Aprilia’s latest APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), which offers four riding modes (two customisable), traction control, cruise control, engine mapping, and ABS, accessible via a 5″ TFT instrument.

Aprilia is yet to release the official price for the Tuareg, but we expect the Tuareg to make its way here in Malaysia soon.

Ducati Scrambler ‘Nightshift’ Now In Malaysia – RM65,900

After more than nine months since its global launch, the Ducati Scrambler Nightshift finally lands in Malaysia.

The Nightshift looks like a combination of the Icon, Full Throttle, and Café Racer rolled into one midnight-themed machine, and it is indeed a badass machine at first sight.

Finished in the new Aviator Grey colour scheme, the Nightshift certainly has the boldest look among the rest of its family.

According to Ducati, not only the rider will enjoy riding on a cool-looking Scrambler, but the pillion will also appreciate the comfort from its new Café Racer-style flat seat.

Other details include a wide handlebar taken straight from the 1100 Sport Pro, premium LED lighting system, spoke wheels with Pirelli MT60 tyres, and side number plates.

Firepower remains the same as the rest of the Scrambler 800 line-up in the form of the 803cc L-twin engine with 73hp and 66.2Nm torque (now Euro5-compliant).

The new Ducati Scrambler Nightshift is available for RM65,900 and bookings can be made at every Ducati dealership nationwide.

UK Exclusive Honda CB1000R 5Four Unveiled – RM99k

Renowned two-wheel builder Guy Willison get together with Honda UK to unveil a limited edition UK exclusive CB1000R 5Four.

Honda entrusted the 2021 CB1000R for Willison to work on from the ground up, which turned the motorcycle into a classic racer.

Despite the entirely different look, no changes were made to the chassis, engine or electronics, thus maintaining the same riding characteristic.

Nonetheless, the cosmetic changes offer a complete transformation of the motorcycle.

The 5Four features a heavy cosmetic modification which includes:

Honda Endurance-inspired paintwork in candy red, blue and pearl white,
custom-made composite front headlight fairing
hand-painted Honda tank logo
diamond pattern leather seat with laser-etched 5Four logo
custom-made tail today with reflector
slim LED rear-light
titanium Growler-X exhaust (race-only)
LSL brake and clutch lever

Customers who want to appreciate the man’s touch behind the 5Four could opt for Willison’s signature painted on the tailpiece.

The 2021 Honda CB1000R 5Four retails for GBP16,954 (RM99k) and is limited to just 54 units.

Voge Expands Its 300 Single-Cylinder Range With A Scrambler

Chinese motorcycle manufacturer, Voge, has expanded its 300cc single-cylinder range with the 300 ACX, a scrambler-type motorcycle.

Despite sharing the same chassis and engine as its sibling (300 AC), the 300 ACX features a higher ground clearance thanks to a longer travel suspension, wire-spoke wheels, and knobby tires.

Other exciting features include:

full-LED headlight
digital display
Bosch ABS
dual-disc (front)
single-disc (rear)
USB port
one-piece seat with stitching
798mm seat height
110/70-17 front tire
150/60-17 rear tire

Nonetheless, the Voge 300 ACX continues to draw its power from the same Euro 5 292cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine capable of producing 26hp @ 8,500rpm and 23.2Nm @ 6,500rpm.

The Voge 300 ACX is available in Europe for EUR4,195 (RM20.8k).

Yamaha The Latest Manufacturer To Adopt Radar Sensor Technology

Yamaha’s set to follow BMW, Ducati, KTM and Kawasaki in introducing a radar-assisted motorcycle based on new patent filings.

The new patent, published in Japan, shows that the Iwata-based manufacturer attempts to deliver all the extra information from the additional sensors via the motorcycle rearview mirrors.

Based on the documents, Yamaha’s idea is to fit a small display behind the reflective glass of the rearview mirror, which will illuminate specific icons to alert the riders.

The technology will help riders in real-world situations, especially while making turns, identifying other vehicle movements, lane changes, traffic warnings, weather conditions and road hazards.

Since the full-colour TFT display on the R1 is already full of information, turning the rearview mirror as an additional information cluster is viable.

Other manufacturers have also taken the same approach, such as the Ducati Multistrada V4 with blind-spot indicators fitted on its rearview mirrors to alert riders on incoming vehicles.

However, the big question is how long before the radar-assisted technology makes its way into the production line of the Japanese manufacturer? Considering that other major players have started to offer the new features, we might see the technology on a Yamaha a lot sooner than we think.

Styrian GP: Martinator Claim Maiden MotoGP Win

Pramac Ducati’s Jorge Martin finally clinched his maiden MotoGP win at the Styrian GP on Sunday.

It was a sweet victory for the 23-year-old rider who previously missed out on four races due to a wrist injury sustained in Portugal.

Moreover, the Spaniard managed to overcome immense pressure from reigning world champion Joan Mir.

Nonetheless, the race was earlier shrouded by a red flag incident as a wildcard entry, Dani Pedrosa crashed and his KTM RC16 collided with Aprilia’s Lorenzo Salvadori.

After a thorough clean-up operation, the race was restarted with the original grid position.

Ducati MotoGP rider Jack Miller took the lead in the early stage before Martin managed to sneak through, followed by Mir.

Miller then found himself behind championship leader Fabio Quartararo in a battle for third place before the Australian lost his grip and crashed out.

As a result, Martin and Mir were left fighting for the win before the youngster took the chequered flag with a 1.5s lead ahead of the Suzuki rider.

MotoGP will return to action at the Red Bull Ring next week.

OFFICIAL: Raul Fernandez Promoted To Tech3 KTM MotoGP For 2022

Raul Fernandez will race in the premier class next season with Tech3 KTM, thus ending all the speculation regarding his future.

The announcement was made live during the FP4 session at the Styrian GP on Saturday.

Fernandez will teamed-up with his Moto2 compatriot, Remy Gardner, at MotoGP under the guidance of Tech3 boss, Herve Poncharal.

“We are delighted, proud and excited to welcome Raul Fernandez next to Remy Gardner.

“I think it’s going to be a very exciting 2022 season with the two of the brightest talents of the Moto2 category moving to the premier class,” expressed Poncharal.

Fernandez and Gardner will replace Iker Lecuona and Danilo Petrucci, who is yet to confirm their sit next season.

“I’m pleased with this opportunity from KTM, as much for this year as for the next.

“I’ve been learning a lot and enjoying Moto2 and was able to get into a position where I have this chance to enter MotoGP and for which I’m very grateful.

“It’s the dream of any rider to arrive to this class,” said Fernandez.

Fernandez was earlier linked with a move to Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (SRT) with both Razlan Razali and Johann Stigefelt had expressed interest in the Spanish talent.

However, reports suggest that the Malaysian-sponsored team would have to spend in order to lure the 20-year-old who still has a remaining contract with KTM.

Harley-Davidson Powered eBike, The Serial 1 Mosh/Chopper Is Up For Auction

A one-off series eBike, the Serial 1 Mosch/Chopper, is up for grab via auction at the 81st annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally today.

The Mosch/Chopper is a one-of-a-kind custom eBike that combines the looks of a 60s-era wheelie bike with psychedelic paint and loads of chopper style.

Aaron Frank, Brand Director at Serial 1, says the company always elevates motorcycle ownership experience via customization.

“For decades, people have been modifying their motorcycles to reflect their unique style and taste.

“The 1-OFF Series applies this same spirit of individualization and personalization to eBikes, showing people just how much fun it is to create an eBike that suits their own unique personality,” he said.

According to the company, the 1-OFF Series plans to release a few run-of-one custom eBike per year, starting with the Mosch/Chopper.

The Mosch/Chopper was built based on the Mosch/CTY, including the maintenance-free Gates Carbon Drive belt, powerful Brose mid-mount motor, smooth TRP hydraulic disc brakes, internally routed cables, and wires and integrated lighting.

However, the Mosch/Chopper features a custom modification that includes:

long-and-low banana seat, supported by a custom stainless-steel sissy bar
high-rise handlebar that creates a perfect riding position for laid-back cruising
’60s-style “Street Freak” paint job, consisting of silver micro-flake basecoat covered in House of Kolor Oriental Blue Kandy
Finishings like intricate panels, freak drops, hand pinstriping and single-stroke hand lettering.

The Mosch/Chopper was constructed with the help of chopper builders Warren Heir Jr. and Kendall Lutchman at JR’s Fabrication and Welding in Milwaukee.

For those who are interested, you can check out the online auction HERE.