Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen

Harley-Davidson has officially launched ‘LiveWire’ as an all-electric motorcycle brand in an effort to push for electric mobility.

Interestingly, the American company has done so by naming the brand after Harley’s first electric two-wheeler, the LiveWire unveiled in 2019.

Despite announcing to create a separate electric motorcycle division last February, the decision to name it ‘LiveWire’ came as a surprise.

According to Harley-Davidson CEO Jochen Zeitz, LiveWire will pioneer the future of two-wheels.

“We are seizing the opportunity to lead and define the market in EV.

“With the mission to be the most desirable electric motorcycle brand in the world, LiveWire will pioneer the future of motorcycling for the pursuit of urban adventure and beyond.

“LiveWire also plans to innovate and develop technology that will be applicable to Harley-Davidson electric motorcycles in the future,” he said.

LiveWire will reveal its first model as early as July 8 2021, at the International Motorcycle Show in Irvine, California.

KTM is currently developing an all-new 750cc platform as part of the Austrian company joint venture with Chinese motorcycle manufacturer CFMoto.

Report suggests KTM is planning to introduce a 750 Duke, 750 Adventure and 750 Supermoto as a replacement for the outgoing 790 Duke as the company had recently launched the all-new 890cc range.

In an effort to offer a more affordable mid-segment machine, CFMoto will take up the task to manufacture the KTM 750 model at their factory in Hangzhou, China, with the global unveil expected to take place in 2022.

KTM and CFMoto signed an agreement in 2011 with the China-based company responsible for importing and selling the Austrian motorcycle in China.

However, CFMoto has also officially begun to manufacture KTM motorcycle since 2020 as part of KTM expansion strategy in Asia, similar to the arrangement with Bajaj Auto in India.

Meanwhile, CFMoto is gearing up for their first adventure motorcycle with the all-new 800MT that is powered by the same 799cc engine found on the 790 Adventure.

(source: RushLane)

Akrapovic has put a smile on Yamaha MT-09 owners ever since the motorcycle introduction in 2016.

However, the recent engine upgrades to 890cc compared to the previous 847cc calls for a new product from the Slovenian company.

Introducing the Akrapovic Racing Line full-exhaust system, the latest offering for the all-new 2021 MT-09 that includes:

  • Stainless steel header.
  • Catalytic converter.
  • Pre-muffler.
  • A side-mounted silencer with high-grade titanium outer sleeve.

The company claimed the new exhaust system puts up an additional 2hp and 1.3Nm compared to the stock exhaust, with the notable difference comes at the higher end of the rev range.

For those seeking that extra power, Akrapovic also offers the carbon fibre version, with the company claimed able to gained 4hp and 1.7Nm. However, it is not street legal due to it did not meet the emission standard.

In the spirit of caring and sharing in conjunction with the Aidilfitri celebration that is just around the corner, Ducati Owners Club Malaysia (DOCM), together with Ducati Malaysia, Amal Ehsan Care and the Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organization (MAPIM), organized a ‘Ramadan Basket’ program for the less fortunate families.

Held at Ducati Malaysia, Petaling Jaya, the initiative was part of DOCM and Ducati Malaysia corporate social responsibility campaign.

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Movement Control Order (MCO), many Muslim families are struggling financially, affecting their Hari Raya preparations.

The ‘Ramadan Basket’ program saw a total of 50 less fortunate families receiving food packs in the form of rice and groceries while adhering to the strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

Also present to witness the event was Chairman of Amal Ehsan Care, Tuan Kelana Putra Muhamad, MAPIM WP Coordinator, YB Ustaz Fadhil and Next Bike Sdn Bhd Head Of Company, Dennis Michael.

Shortly after announcing the E-Pilen electric motorcycle, Husqvarna pulls the wrap over Vekktor, another electric concept for the future.

Openly intended for urbanites seeking compact and practical personal transportation, the Vekktor concept is Husqvarna first electric scooter.

Husqvarna claimed the Vekktor develops a top speed of 45km/h with a range up to 95km.

Alongside the E-Pilen, the Vekktor projected the company vision for urban electric mobility.

The Vekktor and E-Pilen can be view up close at KTM Motohall in Mattighofen, Austria, including another Husqvarna concept, the Blitz, a foldable electric scooter.

The Vektor and E-Pilen reflect Husqvarna vision to expand zero-emission mobility in the future.

Chinese motorcycle manufacturer CFMOTO finally makes its way to Europe by introducing five new models in Italy.

According to Motociclismo.it, CFMOTO revealed the 2021 300NK, 650NK, 650MT, 650GT and the 700CL-X.

All of the motorcycles will be available as early as June 2021.

Interestingly, CFMOTO also plans to introduce the highly anticipated 800MT and the 700CL- ADV and Sport.

CFMoto 300NK and 650NK

The 300NK is a naked sports motorcycle powered by a single-cylinder 292cc DOHC liquid-cooled engine capable of producing 27.9hp @ 8,750rpm.

Braking is helped by a 392mm disc at the front and 22mm disc at the rear and paired with a dual-channel ABS.

Meanwhile, the 650NK is powered by a 649cc DOHC liquid-cooled engine that offers a maximum output of 56.5hp @ 8,250rpm.

The 650NK also hold a 17L fuel tank.

CFMoto 650MT and 650GT

The 650MT and the 650GT is the company first attempt at challenging the sport-touring segment.

Powered by the same engine found on the 650NK, the 650MT and 650GT makes 56.5hp @ 8,250rpm.

Both frames are made out of steel tubes and come with a 43mm USD fork with an adjustable preload monoshock. The tank holds 18L of fuel.

CFMoto 700CL-X

Thanks to the classic retro-style cafe racer design, the 700CL-X is set to be the most popular model in Italy.

Despite the country boasting various models from more established brands such as the Ducati Scrambler, the 700CL-X comes under just EUR7,000, making it desirable among younger riders.

Yamaha has just dropped a new teaser that could be a confirmation of its rumoured fully-faired MT-07.

Reports suggested that Yamaha plans to release an all-new fully-faired motorcycle based on the CP2 689cc engine found on the MT-07.

Despite the 28 seconds video not revealing anything about the motorcycle, we can safely assume it refers to the YZF-R7 based on a few factors.

The R/World video talks about a track and street motorcycle, hinting that the bike is build to suit both occasions.

Yamaha also includes the alleged motorcycle’s soundtrack, with closer inspection suggest it refers to the CP2 engine.

Nonetheless, Yamaha is expected to release a few other ‘teaser’ this coming months before officially revealing the launch date. Stay tuned!

In celebration of its 60th anniversary, renowned braking system company, Brembo, has unveiled its G Sessanta concept brake calliper.

The G Sessanta is not your typical high-end calliper; instead, the G Sessanta concept comes equipped with customizable RGB LEDs!

By customizable, we meant that you could adjust the LED colours around the callipers with the help of your smartphone.

According to Brembo, the design of this prototype emulates the company first-ever motorcycle calliper produced in 1972 but with the added LEDs. The innovation helps increase the visibility of the motorcycle and assist in locating the bike.

Catch Brembo’s pitch on the G Sessanta Concept in the video below:

Zongshen recently introduced the company new sport touring motorcycle, the Cyclone RG3.

The RG3 joins the Cyclone RX6 and the Cyclone RE3 as the company latest model for 2021.

The Cyclone RG3 is powered by a 401cc dual-cylinder water-cooled engine capable of producing a healthy 42.2hp @ 9,500rpm and 34Nm @ 8,000rpm and mated to a 6-speed gearbox.

Despite a mid-size engine, Zongshen claimed the RG3 could reach a top speed of 155km/h and designed to achieve strong low torque, smooth gear shifting and lesser vibration.

To complete the look of a sport-touring machine, the motorcycle comes with a tall windshield as standard, a full-LED headlight, a wide handlebar, and a plush seat for rider and pillion.

The motorcycle also comes with the latest electronic setup consist of a 6.75-inch TFT instrument, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and a front-facing camera that sits above the front headlight.

Despite the front end looks suspiciously like the latest Kawasaki ZX-10R, the Cyclone RG3 packs with exciting features to make it an excellent choice for novice riders.

It is not a fluke that Jonathan Rea is the world best at World Superbike Championship (WSBK), as he currently holds six world titles.

As Rea prepares himself ahead of the new season, the Kawasaki Racing Team WSBK rider just proves how good he is by smashing the Aragon WSBK lap record on his all-new ZX-10RR.

What other ways to send fear down the spine on everyone else than to show you are looking for the seventh WSBK title.

The British rider was in incredible form during the 3-day test in Aragon, clocking 1 minute 48.528secs, breaking his 1m48.767s that he recorded last year.

The ZX-10RR continues to be the fastest machine for 2021 WSBK as Rea’s team-mate, Alex Lowes, recorded the second-fastest time with the KRT pair racking 333 laps in three days.

Yamaha latest patent revealed plans to move the battery-powered E01 concept to production.

This is a big move coming from the office of Iwata, Japan, considering the manufacture have remained dominated by gas-powered machines.

Yamaha unveiled the E01 at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, but due to the global pandemic happening a few months later, the plan was put on hold.

According to Yamaha, the E01 was intended as a replacement for the 125cc scooter, thus it is likely the electric motorcycle has a power output of around 11kW (15hp).

Moreover, recent reports suggest the production version will offer a higher power level, making it suitable for daily usage.

Interestingly, Yamaha intends to continue with the codename E01 for the production version based on the trademark filed earlier this year.

The production model will retain most of the elements found on the concept machine but with some tweaks to suit the real world better, as shown on the new patents.

The headlight takes cue from the YZF-R1 with two LED units mounted underneath the nose, while the top part that looks like a single ‘headlamp’ actually hides the charging socket.

This is a brilliant move by Yamaha, which allow better access to the charging station.

Since the middle section of the electric scooter is mainly designed to fit in a large lithium-ion battery, you can expect less storage space than a conventional gas-powered scooter.

Despite no further details, we can safely assume the E01 will debut in 2022.

Thankfully we are not the one to tell you how to get the most out of your 2021 Panigale V4. Instead, Ducati has taken the extra effort to tell you the proper way of doing it.

Ducati will publish seven videos on the company official website and their official YouTube channel with Ducati Official Tester Alessandro Valia and Ducati Superbike Development Team Leader Carlo Ricci Maccarini.

The video, shot from the paddock of the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, tells us how to properly utilize the electronic controls to improve performance, especially on the track.

The seven videos focus on:

  • Product Overview
  • Product Novelties
  • Cornering ABS Settings
  • Cornering ABS Front Only
  • Ohlins Electronic Suspension Control
  • Ducati Traction Control EVO 3
  • Riding Mode Settings

The first six episodes have been published on YouTube, with the last episode to be made available soon.

Check out the first six tutorials below and who knows? You might understand your beloved VR better after this.

 

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