After a series of spy shot photos, the KTM RC 390 finally appear in its official form thanks to a series of leaked photos ahead of its official launch.
The entry-level sportbike will also be offered in 125cc and 250cc in Europe and the Asian market.
For now, the RC 390 is the Austrian manufacturer “biggest” sportbike offering after they discontinued the RC 8.
The RC 390 will continue to offer the same 373.2cc found on the 390 Adventure, with the power set to be around 44hp.
The most significant change is using a single piece front headlight, replacing the dual-headlight setup flanked by a long piece of indicators.
Like the current DUKE and Adventure, the RC 390 comes with a TFT colour display, adjustable WP suspension, larger fuel tank and a new single-disc brake system.
According to reports, KTM will unveil the RC 390 this weekend at the Red Bull Ring.
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India have uploaded a teaser claimed to be an all-new small-displacement adventure motorcycle.
Rumours about the new motorcycle emerged earlier this year, as Honda registered the NX200 in India with reports suggest that the new model is build based on the existing Hornet 2.0.
The major giveaway is the front headlamp, which looks similar to the Hornet 2.0, including the gold front fork.
Nonetheless, the video revealed other apparent details such as a tall windscreen, hand guards, wider handlebars and bigger fairing to complete the ADV look.
Power is likely to come from the same 183.4cc single-cylinder engine available on the Hornet 2.0, capable of producing 17hp and 16.1Nm mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
The MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR has often been criticized due to its over-the-top looks and menacing power.
Despite being labelled as a naked motorcycle, the Brutale 1000 RR is deemed too extreme and lacks the level of comfort needed as a daily commuter.
Moreover, with a price tag of around EUR34,000 (RM170k), the Brutale 1000 RR is rarely considered as a top choice two-wheeler on everyone’s mind.
Nonetheless, the Italian manufacturer intends to do something about it by introducing the Brutale 1000 RS, claimed to be a “softer” version of the current RR.
Based on newly published European type-approval documents, the RS will offer better riding ergonomics thanks to wider and straighter handlebars.
The new variant will also come with a different suspension setup to be better suited for the road.
However, it will retain the same F4-derived powerplant capable of producing 205hp @ 13,000rpm and 117Nm @ 11,000rpm.
Despite announcing withdrawal from the upcoming 2021 EICMA, BMW Motorrad has been busy lining up a new range of motorcycles for 2022/23.
A couple of months ago, the Bavarian manufacturer was caught testing the all-new R 1300 GS at BMW’s Enduro Park Hechlingen.
However, in the latest update, the German automaker is back in the limelight as they were spied testing out another two models, the R nineT Scrambler and the Urban G/S.
According to reports, the R nineT Scrambler features a revamped upside-down fork, swingarm and frame, while the 21″ wire-spoke wheels are paired to a Metzeler Karoo 3 tires.
BMW also likely improve the riding ergonomics to increase the off-road capabilities.
The R nineT Scrambler and R nineT Urban G/S are expected to arrive between 2022 to 2023, along with the all-new R 1300 GS.
Months after a series of images of an upcoming R 18 leaked online, BMW Motorrad finally unveiled the finished product, meet the 2021 R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B.
The R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B (Bagger) takes the R 18 range to new heights as a Grand American Tourer motorcycle.
Built based on the R 18 First Edition and Classic, the Transcontinental and Bagger are ideal for the long-distance ride thanks to the large batwing front fairing and taller windshield.
According to BMW Motorrad, while the Transcontinental offers the classic American motorcycle elements, the R 18 B, on the other hand, is designed as a “rider’s machine” delivering emotional riding pleasure and is ideal for cool touring and cruising.
Nonetheless, the R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B continue to be powered by the Big Boxer 1,802 cc engine capable of producing 91hp @ 4,750rpm and 158Nm @ 3,000rpm.
Meanwhile, a double-loop tube steel frame sits at the heart of the chassis, designed to continue the legacy of the iconic R 5.
Other interesting features available on the R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B includes:
49mm telescopic fork with fork sleeves
cantilever suspension strut (damping and preload-adjustable)
light alloy cast wheels
BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS
twin disc at the front
single disc at the rear
48L top case (Transcontinental)
24L tank
While the R 18 First Edition and Classic missed out on the cruise control feature, the two new variants come equipped with Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) as standard.
However, customers can opt for the Active Cruise Control (ACC) as an ex-works option.
The ACC allows relaxed gliding with distance control – without the rider having to adjust the speed to the vehicle in front.
To increase comfort, the R 18 Transcontinental feature a ‘mid-mounted footpeg’ and a comfortable seat with seat heating functions as standard, while the R 18 B comes with a slimmer seat bench.
The cockpit features classically designed round instruments and a 10.25″ TFT colour display with map navigation for convenient route planning and extensive connectivity as standard.
Other electronic features include:
three riding modes: Rain/Roll/Rock
Automatic Stability Control
engine drag torque control (MSR)
Hill Start Control
Marshall 2-way speaker
Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 & 2 (optional)
The R 18 Transcontinental and R 18 B is expected to make their way to a worldwide dealership soon.
Within just six months of the global launch for the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, the all-new adventure touring motorcycle is already here in Malaysia.
The latest 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has been unveiled where it represents the brand’s sportiest and most technologically advanced ADV bike to roll off its production line yet. In other words, it is more powerful and comfortable than ever.
Its chassis has been significantly upgraded to offer better weight distribution and riding agility thanks to the relocation of the steering head and engine mounting position. A longer open-lattice swingarm offers better stability, while a new subframe gives way to a lower seat height, which results in a very sporty machine that can handle sharp corners extremely well without compromising durability or practicality.
The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S also comes with a new 23-litre fuel tank with a keyless fuel cap, updated bodywork, handlebar levers, a 7-inch TFT screen, and windscreen. There’s also a new generation of electronic aids that won’t take away any fun from the riding experience. Best of all, there’s a new Adaptive Cruise Control system using Bosch’s radar technology.
Underneath all that jazz lies a revised 1,301cc LC8 V-twin engine which now produces 160hp and 138Nm of torque. Thinner engine cases offer a weight reduction by 1.6kg, which further improves the bike’s power-to-weight ratio. Other specs include new pistons, updated water/oil cooling system, upgraded two-headed exhaust, revised PANKL gear mechanism, and many more.
The rest of the updates include lean angle-dependent Motorcycle Traction Control, Cornering ABS and Offroad ABS systems, WP APEX Semi-Active suspension package, and the additional Rally pack which includes MTC slip adjuster, Suspension Pro, Quickshifter+, Motor Slip Regulation, Hill Hold Control, and the adaptive brake light.
The 1290 Super Adventure S is available for RM132,900 and will be up against the ever-popular BMW R 1250 GS and soon-to-be-launched Ducati Multistrada V4.
Harley-Davidson recorded higher sales for Q2 2021 compared to the same period last year.
The Milwaukee-based company recorded a 24 per cent increased in sales thanks to an impressive 43 per cent sales for Q2 in North America.
North America recorded the only positive numbers, as sales in Europe, Middle East and Africa are down by 7 per cent for the same period, whereas the Asia Pacific and Latin America witnessed a 13 per cent and 31 per cent decline.
Nonetheless, Harley-Davidson bike sales are up 18 per cent for the first half of 2021.
According to the American company, the declining sales is due to the dealer reduction and the discontinuation of the Street and Sportster models in certain regions.
However, Harley forecasts growth between 30 to 35 per cent at the end of 2021 thanks to the introduction of new models such as the Pan America 1250 and the recently launched Sportster S.
Chinese motorcycle manufacturer CFMoto has just unveiled a new race livery for the 250SR.
For 2021, the quarter-litre motorcycle is clad in glossy orange and blue panels, including an orange seat cowl and mock carbon fibre tank.
Despite just a colour change, the 250SR looks sportier and aggressive than the previous race livery.
Nonetheless, the specifications remain unchanged as the motorcycle continues to be powered by a 249.2cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine capable of producing 27.6hp and 22Nm.
Other features include:
KYB USD fork
KYB monoshock
all-LED lighting
TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity
Currently, the CFMoto 250SR is available in Malaysia for RM15,800.
Schiranna-based motorcycle company MV Agusta will return to the 2021 EICMA in Milan.
The confirmation will see MV Agusta taking part in the 5-days exhibition scheduled to take place from November 23 to 28 in the pavilions of Fiera Milano.
According to Timur Sardarov, CEO of MV Agusta Motor, the 2021 EICMA is to look out for this year.
“The Milan show is an unmissable fixture for MV Agusta, a highly prestigious showcase in which to express the style and strength of our made in Italy products, made up of technology and engineering, avant-garde, but also of high craftsmanship and know-how acquired in 75 years of pure passion.
“Over the years, we have presented our most important innovations to the world at EICMA, and this year too we will not fail to surprise our fans and the industry experts,” he said.
MV Agusta now joins Honda and Yamaha alongside Suzuki for the 2021 EICMA.
Triumph Motorcycles is set to enter the motocross and enduro competition with a comprehensive range of models.
The announcement is a significant shift for the British company as they will go head-to-head against a more experienced brand in the segment, with the likes of KTM, Husqvarna, Honda and Yamaha.
*Ricky Carmichael
However, Triumph is in good hands as Motocross legend Ricky Carmichael and five-times Enduro World Champion Iván Cervantes have joined the Triumph family as active partners in both bike testing and preparation for racing.
*Ivan Cervantes
While no further details is disclosed, it is safe to assume that Triumph will unveil a wide range of Enduro and MX competition models, depending on the category.
KTM finally unveiled its mysterious track bike, the limited-edition RC 8C, in collaboration with Kramer Motorcycles.
According to KTM, the RC 8C allows new riders to enjoy a motorcycle similar to a race bike without having a specialized team for maintenance and tuning.
When they said the RC 8C is similar to a race bike, they meant it, especially when the carbon-reinforced fibreglass superstructures is heavily inspired by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing MotoGP RC16 and only weighs 140 kilograms (that’s 26 kg lighter than the Yamaha YZF-R25)!
Underneath that vibrant-orange panel sits an 889cc parallel-twin LC8 DOHC with eight-valve (taken from the 890 Duke R) strategically place in a specially designed 25CrMo4 tubular steel frame and capable of producing 128hp.
The RC 8C gets a 43mm WP Apex Pro 7545 with a handmade closed cartridge front fork assembled by the same team responsible for making and maintaining the suspension of the RC16.
Meanwhile, the rear is managed by a WP APEX PRO 7746 monoshock equipped with separate compression and rebound adjustments to make the bike suits the need of every race-track on the planet.
Other exciting features include:
16L tank
Dymag forged wheels with Pirelli SC1 slick tires
pair of Brembo Stylema callipers
290mm floating disc at the front
230mm floating disc at the rear
Brembo 19RCS Corsa Corta radial brake pump
Akrapovic titanium exhaust
The RC 8C also comes with an AIM MXS 1.2 RACE instrument cluster and a parameter recording device with an integrated GPS function, allowing riders to access data recording that can be analyzed in real-time in the pit with AIM Race Studio software.
While you might feel excited about the specs, we need to clarify that the exclusive race bike comes with a hefty price tag of GBP30,999 (RM178k).
Moreover, KTM only made 100 units of these bad boys, so you have to be quick if you plan to see yourself on the track with the most orange bike you can get on the planet. Just make sure you have a GBP2,500 (RM14k) for a deposit first.
1993 500cc champion Kevin Schwantz shared his take on Maverick Vinales possible switch to Aprilia for the 2022 season after the rider decided to part ways with Yamaha at the end of this season.
According to the 57-years old American, while Aprilia seems to be the only viable option for Vinales, it is not the best spot for the Spanish rider.
“I have no idea why Maverick would take the risk and accept such a thing. He must have been very unhappy at Yamaha.
“Aleix Espargaro always claims that Aprilia is close to the top, but then he finishes eight, so he’s not that close,” said Schwantz.
Besides the poor form this season, Vinales is also lacking behind his teammate, Fabio Quartararo, who is currently leading the championship with 156 points.
However, Schwantz believed that as a MotoGP rider, it is essential to have a strong mind.
“If the rider next to you is winning all the time and leading the world championship, you can easily become sad.
“But you have to stay focused on your work, do the best you can and deliver the best possible performance until the end of the year,” he added.
Nonetheless, Vinales is adamant about finishing the second half of the season with a strong result before leaving the Japanese marquee.
While Aprilia is seen as the most logical option, the Spaniard is yet to make any official announcement regarding his career next season.
The 2021 MotoGP season will return at the Red Bull Ring in August.
