Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Norton Motorcycles Confirm Plans To Make A Comeback To Racing

Norton Motorcycles is actively seeking ways to expand the brand reach ever since the takeover by new ownership, TVS Motor Company.

The British motorcycle manufacturer has spent the past 18-months restructuring the company portfolio after its disastrous downfall under former-CEO, Stuart Garner.

In the latest effort to drive away from the scandals that almost put the company in bankruptcy, new Norton CEO, Dr Robert Hentschel, unveiled plans to return to racing.

*Norton Motorcycles CEO Robert Hentschel

“For me, it’s very clear that racing is part of the story of Norton.

“I can confirm today that I intend for Norton to go racing again. I echo John Russell’s thoughts here, and we are completely aligned with regards to which step to take next,” he said.

However, Hentschel did not specify whether it’s the Isle of Man TT or jumping on a more mainstream competition such as the British Superbike Championship.

2002 Ducati 998S Ben Bostrom Replica Is Up For Grab – Current Bid Sits At RM95k

Considered to be one of the most beautiful Ducati’s ever produced, the 2002 998S is a highly desirable collector’s item.

Especially when only 155 units ever produced for the United States, the Ducati 998S is a rare specimen.

For those planning to add the 998s to their collection, there is a 2002 998 Ben Bostrom Race Replica with unit number 80 currently up for sale via bringatrailer.com.

The motorcycle was made as a homage to Bostrom, who won six races in the 2001 World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK).

The Bostrom replica features carbon-fibre bodywork, Öhlins suspension, Marchesini wheels and Brembo brakes, while instrumentation includes a 180-mph speedometer, a 13,000 rpm tachometer, coolant temperature gauge and 5-digit odometer with just 3.2km mileage.

The 998S is equipped with a liquid-cooled 998cc Testatretta L-Twin factory engine capable of producing 136hp and 100Nm.

According to the description, the motorcycle is yet to be started or ridden and did not underwent any service.

The bidding of the Ducati 998S Ben Bostrom replica currently sits at USD22,690 (RM95k).

Ducati Record Strong Growth For The First Half Of 2021 – 34,485 Units Sold!

Ducati recorded strong growth for the first 6-months of 2021, with over 34,485 units of motorcycles sold worldwide.

According to the Bologna-based manufacturer, June was the best month ever with 8,598 units sold, which helps the company to set a 43 per cent increase over 2020.

“The month of June was the best-ever for the company, confirming the positive trend that began with the excellent second half of 2020 and with the significant growth in the first quarter of this 2021.

“Despite the great complexity recorded in the supply sector and transport, with delays in deliveries and a scarcity of various raw materials, and the difficulties generated by the many lockdowns experienced in these first six months of 2021 in various parts of the world, Ducati recorded truly significant growth, exceeding pre-Covid values by almost 10%,” said Francesco Milicia, VP Global Sales Director Ducati.

Australia led the push with an 82 per cent increase, followed by Italy (55 per cent), Japan (53 per cent) and North America (51 per cent).

Interestingly, the Multistrada V4 continues to receive the highest demand, thanks to its all-new radar technology.

The all-new Monster, which arrived in April, also showed excellent numbers, including the Ducati Scrambler 800 range and the super-naked Streetfighter V4.

The Multistrada V4 is yet to be made available in Malaysia due to the current Movement Control Order (MCO); however, we think the official unveiling is happening soon.

Royal Enfield Is New Zealand Top-Selling Motorcycle Brand

Royal Enfield has taken the world by storm since the company launched the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650.

Thus, it’s not a surprise when Royal Enfield has been crown as the top-selling motorcycle brand in terms of sales in New Zealand with the help of local distributor, Urban Moto Imports.

The India-based manufacturer now tops the 250cc to 1,000cc segment in the Land Down under, knocking off other motorcycle giants.

According to Vimal Sumbly, Asia Pacific (APAC) Head of Business of Royal Enfield, the brand has received tremendous support since its entry.

“We are delighted that we have become the number one mid-size motorcycling brand in New Zealand. Royal Enfield has intently focused on growing and leading the middleweight segment market globally and becoming a genuinely global motorcycling brand.

“We have consistently grown our network, reach, product, apparel, GMA range and offerings to appeal to the customers. In fact, since our entry in Australia and New Zealand, we have received great feedback and love from motorcycle enthusiasts.”

Royal Enfield currently offers a wide range of models including the Himalayan, Meteor 350 and the two 650s.

The brand also rumoured to introduced a bigger Himalayan, by using the same 650cc parallel-twin powerplant.

Jawa To Rebadge The Bristol Veloce 500

Jawa is set to rebadge Bristol Veloce 500, as confirmed by these spy shot photos circulating online.

The Bristol Veloce 500 is a retro-classic scrambler styled motorcycle by Bristol, a Philippine-based motorcycle manufacturer.

Based on the photos, Jawa has renamed the model as RVR500, with the badge can be seen just below the tank.

Currently, the Bristol Veloce 500 is priced at around PHP348,000 (RM29k).

The motorcycle gets rolling with a liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder 471cc engine capable of producing 47hp @ 8,500rpm and 43Nm @ 6,500rpm.

Other features include:

USD fork
rear monoshock
single disc
digital display
dua-channel ABS

KTM Teases “Moto2” Track-Only Machine – Limited To Just 100 Units

KTM is set to unveil a limited run “Moto2” machine in the next few days.

According to a teaser video shared on KTM social media, only 100 units of the track-only motorcycle are to be made available worldwide.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KTM (@ktm_official)

However, what piques our curiosity is the mention of “Moto2”, since the Moto2 race bike is currently powered by a Triumph triple-cylinder 765cc engine, making it impossible for the Austrian manufacturer to produce a Moto2 machine with the British powerplant.

However, based on the video and other reports, the motorcycle in question is likely to be powered by KTM’s 890cc parallel-twin engine.

This is certainly in line with previous reports that KTM works together with Kramer to produce an 890cc race-bike based on Kramer GP2 890R that features 130hp and 99Nm.

Nonetheless, we can safely assume that the race-spec machine will carry the same KTM Moto2 fairing ridden by the likes of Remy Gardner and Raul Fernandez.

More details on the Moto2 motorcycle will be unveiled on July 20th.

Ducati Malaysia Launch Dedicated One-Stop Online Store

Since you can’t bring yourself to any Ducati showroom just yet due to obvious reasons, Ducati Malaysia brings the showroom closer to you by launching its first online store.

You can now get your hands on the wide range of official Ducati merchandise and genuine Ducati performance parts by visiting Ducati Online Store.

The online store is easy to navigate and allows Ducatisti to make a purchase by selecting the desired bike models or types of offers available.

Customers can also enjoy various discounts and amazing offers made available on selected items.

All purchased items will then packed with care and delivered to your doorstep by an established courier service.

MotoGP: Most Crashes Award For The First Half Of The Season Goes To Pol Espargaro

Pol Espargaro is struggling with Repsol Honda RC213V, apart from yet to clinch a podium finish in the 2021 MotoGP season; he currently accumulates the most crashes in the first half of the season.

According to the stats, the Spanish rider went down 13 times this season and comfortably leading the crash chart with three crashes ahead of his brother Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia), Iker Lecuona (Tech3) and Alex Marquez (LCR Honda).

To make matters worse, his former team, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, is soaring this season with the likes of Miguel Oliveira and Brad Binder.

With 13 crashes, Espargaro is on course to surpass Johann Zarco’s 2019 and 2020 tally of 19 and 17 crashes, respectively.

The youngest of the Espargaro’s currently sits at the 12th spot in the championship with just 41 points after nine rounds.

The 2021 MotoGP season will resume in August at the Grand Prix of Styria.

CONFIRMED: Yamaha The Latest Manufacturer To Participate In This Year EICMA

Japanese giant manufacturer Yamaha set to join Honda at 2021 EICMA in Milan, scheduled to be held in November.

The 2020 edition was cancelled due to the Covid-19 restriction, which resulted in manufacturers turning to online presentations to unveil all the latest models via virtual launch with Triumph Motorcycles and BMW Motorrad among the manufacturers who successfully launched their 2021 range.

However, according to Eric de Seynes, President and CEO of Yamaha Motor Europe N.V, the decision to attend this year EICMA was not easy due to apparent reasons.

“After having observed the trend related to the evolution of COVID-19 and being reassured by the EICMA organisation that we can provide a safe environment for all visitors, while allowing them to experience the event to the full, we believe it is the right decision to support the return of such an event.

“With arguably the largest international reach, EICMA has great significance for our industry, being a unique moment and place where the motorcycle community can come together to feel the reaction from media and customers to the new products, keeping the connection with them alive and providing inspiration towards future trends.

“While we have yet to return to what most of us consider normality, this year’s event provides the first opportunity for enthusiasts to come together and be connected again physically, rather than virtually,” he said in a statement.

Thanks to the confirmation, this means that the two Japanese giants will be present, making the returning EICMA an exciting event to attend.

TVS Motor Company Unveil Track Only Apache RR 200

TVS Motor Company has just unveiled a track-only Apache RR 200 to be used in the TVS One-Make Championship competition.

According to the company, the race-spec Apache RR 200 features several upgrades over the standard Apache RTR 200 4V.

Significant features include a full-fairing body panel and a tall windscreen to achieve better aerodynamics.

TVS also shed off the headlights, taillight, turn indicators and rearview mirrors to reduce unwanted weights while completing the race machine look.

The Apache RR 200 is powered by a 197.8cc, four-stroke SOHC with oil and air-cooled engine and mated to a five-speed gearbox.

The motorcycle also fitted with adjustable suspension, TVS Racing livery and special race tyres from TVS Eurogrip.

Currently, only the Apache RR 310 is readily available for the public, and it is unknown whether the company will introduce a road-legal version of the Apache RR 200.

(Source: BikeWale)

2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S Breaks Cover – With Cornering ABS, Cruise Control!

Harley-Davidson first unveiled the 1250 Custom in July 2018, a concept motorcycle dubbed to be the heir to the throne of the ageing Sporster range.

Three years later, the Milwaukee-based company finally unveiled the finished product with the 2021 Sportster S.

The new Sportster S set to take the world by storm thanks to the acclaimed 1250 Revolution Max, a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 1,252cc V-Twin powerplant capable of producing 121hp and 127Nm.

In an effort to make the riding experience even better, the Sportster comes with variable valve timing (VVT) and self-adjusting lifters, the same function available on the Pan America.

According to Harley-Davidson, the powertrain also function as a stressed member, thus eliminating the traditional frame, which significantly reduces motorcycle weight to just 227kg and results in a very stiff chassis that contributes to precise handling.

The Sportster also comes equipped with a preload-adjustable Showa (piggyback) rear shock connected to the steel trellis swingarm and a fully adjustable 43mm Showa upside/down fork.

A four-piston Brembo radial calliper handles the braking with a 320mm disc at the front and a two-piston Brembo calliper at the rear with a 260mm disc.

Harley’s even generous enough to fit the motorcycle with a six-axis IMU that offers cornering enhance antilock brakes, enhanced traction control, Drag-Torque Slip Control System, and tire-pressure monitoring system.

To complete the 21st-century features, the Sportster S sport a spherical 4″ TFT instrument, all-around LED-lighting, three riding modes with two custom setups and Bluetooth connectivity.

Other notable functions include:

two dedicated power points for pre-wired heated grips
USB-C port
cruise control
temperature sensor
12L tank

The all-new Sportster S is available in Vivid Black, Stone Washed White Pearl, and Midnight Crimson and is available at a starting price of USD14,999 (RM63k).

Zero Unveil The 2021 FXE Electric Motorcycle – RM49k

Electric motorcycle manufacturer, Zero Motorcycles, presents the new 2021 FXE.

Based on the Zero FX and FXS, the 2021 FXE offers an entirely new look thanks to its redesigned bodywork.

The Zero FXE sports the same 46hp (34kW) electric motor available on the FX model that offer a 160km city range, making it a suitable motorcycle for every urban commuter.

Clad in a dirtbike-ish look and new electronic package, the FXE takes the FXS range into a new future.

According to Zero’s CEO, Sam Pachel, the company has an obligation to drive the brand forward.

“Being the brand that defined the category means that Zero has an obligation to continue driving innovation in electric Powersports forward.

“Our leadership position also comes with the responsibility to elevate the form and function of the modern motorcycle and ignite riders’ passions in a whole new way.

“The FXE delivers on the design, technology and rides experience characteristics one expects from the motorcycle of the future,” he explained.

Thanks to a lightweight frame, the bike weighs barely 113kg, making it a suitable vehicle for riders seeking a clean and low-maintenance electric motorcycle.

Other significant upgrades on the FXE includes a 5″ TFT display replacing the digital LCD found on the FX range and Zero’s new operating system called the Cypher II, which now supports Bluetooth connectivity.