Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen

This is not the Royal Enfield Himalayan. Instead, it is another Chinese copy cat called the Hanway G30.

While the Himalayan is devoid of modern-day features, the Hanway G30 is loaded with fancy technology such as a big TFT display.

Nonetheless, the G30 is powered by a 249.2cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 26hp instead of the 411cc found on the Himalayan.

Braking is done by a dual-channel ABS paired to a 280mm and 240mm disc at the front and rear.

It is unfortunate that the Hanway G30 is a direct copy of the Himalayan but considering the features and the price tag of CNY17,280, equivalent to RM10,908. It makes the G30 an excellent beginner motorcycle for the budget-conscious rider.

Saudi Arabia is planning to host the MotoGP in years to come after unveiling plans to develop a state-of-the-art ‘city of motors’.

While other nations focus on building one circuit in the hope to join any motorsport calendar year, Saudi Arabia is making a bolder move by creating ten world-class circuits.

The ambitious plan is the brainchild of HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Abdullah Al Faisal, who is also the President of Saudi Automobile & Moto Federation.

The plan consists of building an entire city dedicated to motorsport racing consist of the rally, rallycross, cross country racing, motocross, and MotoGP.

“In Qiddiya, we will build an actual city of motors, with more than 10 circuits to host rally, cross-country, rallycross, motocross, because we want to host all the most prestigious competitions in the world.

“Including MotoGP, which is considered one of the sports here. Most important in the world,” he said.

According to reports, former Formula 1 driver, Alex Wurz, will help design the track.

Marc Marquez is getting closer to full fitness after conducting his second outing on the RC213V-S at Portimao on Friday.

Apart from assessing his injuries, Marquez took the opportunity to learn the circuit, which was recently added to the calendar last year.

Portimao will host round 3 of this season MotoGP, after Jerez.

This is the Spaniard second outing on the RC213V-S after getting the green light from doctors to intensify his training since his horrific accident last July.

The Repsol Honda rider initially tested his right arm on a minibike before jumping straight on the RC213V-S at Barcelona after a brief trip to Qatar for his first Covid-19 vaccination.

According to reports, Marquez pushed the RC213V-S to its limits during the two tests, indicating a signal that we might be seeing him earlier than expected.

One of Benelli key models, the TNT600 is making a comeback with a newly updated model, years after it was forced off-sale due to the strict emission ruling.

However, the Italian-Taiwan brand plans to introduce the revamp motorcycle this year based on China’s approval documents.

The front-end features the same headlight introduced in 2019, but it now packs with a full-LED light and a TFT colour screen.

Other notable features are redesigned side panels, an-all new seat unit with scooped-out mouldings, dual-channel ABS and 4-pot Brembo callipers.

Nonetheless, the 2021 model still maintain the “iconic” twin exhaust but with a more oval shape which suspiciously looks like it came straight from the Aprilia Shiver.

The motorcycle is powered by the same unit found on the QJMotor SRK 600, capable of producing 80hp.

Although the documents did not specify the launch date, we can assume it will be introduced sometime this year.

Despite the seven-week production halt in 2020 and other unforeseen circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic, Ducati managed to deliver 48,042 motorcycle to its customers globally.

Although the number is lower than in 2019 with 53,182 unit delivered but the brand recorded sales growth in China (+26%), Germany (+6.7%) and Switzerland (+11.1%).

“2020 was indeed a challenging year, but we are satisfied with our financial performance throughout. Thanks to rigorous discipline, we were able to reduce fixed costs, thus limiting operating margin drop. At the same time, vastly reducing inventories had positive effects on cash flow, which is the best ever recorded to date.

“A heartfelt thank you goes out to the women and men of Ducati who, every day, with passion and dedication, contribute to the company’s strength and success even in this very complex and tough year,” said Claudio Domenicali, CEO Ducati Motor Holding.

However, Ducati is expected to achieve a more significant sales year for 2021 with the help of the all-new Multistrada V4, SuperSport 950 and the Ducati Scrambler Nightshift.

2020 MotoGP title runner-up, Franco Morbidelli, shared his take on the upcoming 2021 season opener in Losail Circuit, Qatar, which he thinks will be a battle between Yamaha, Ducati and Suzuki.

“We were able to improve our pace, even though the track was a little bit slower [on day 2 of 3] and felt more comfortable on the bike. So we improved what we needed, but looking at the other guys, everyone is improving.

“The Ducati looks strong; Suzuki looks very strong as well. The other Yamahas, also Vale, so the other three Yamahas were very fast. At the moment, it looks like it’s a Yamaha-Ducati-Suzuki battle,” he explained.

The Italian also thinks that Jack Miller will be a top contender in Losail.

“I didn’t follow Jack or see him on track. What I saw [from the timesheets] is that he’s really fast, has a really good pace and is really fast in a straight line,” said Morbidelli, who narrowly beat Miller for victory in Valencia then lost out to the then Pramac rider for second place at the Portimao finale.

“Moreover, Jack was fast last year and ended the season with a great rhythm, so for sure, he’s one of the top contenders for these next two races and this world championship,” he added.

Last season, Morbidelli secured a win at Valencia by narrowly beat Miller before losing out to the Australian for second place at Portimao.

Nonetheless, Miller already singled out Morbidelli as the Yamaha rider to look out for in 2021 despite remaining on an A-Spec YZR-M1.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) unveiled the much-anticipated Yamaha Y16ZR VVA (that’s what they call it) for local markets.

The all-new motorcycle features a variety of modern technology and safety aspects, making it one of the most advanced 155cc moped available in the country.

The motorcycle is packed with the same liquid-cooled 4-stroke, 4-valve, SOHC 155cc engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) found on the MT-15 and YZF-R15 capable of producing 17.7 hp@9,500 rpm and 14.4 Nm @ 8,000 rpm.

Not to mention, the Y16ZR is the only motorcycle in its class that comes with an assist/slipper clutch which improves gear changing while reducing the probability of a clutch slip.

Although without Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), the Y16ZR packed with a 2-pot calliper at the front paired to a 245mm front disc.

HLYM also claimed the motorcycle can now achieve a range of 256km with a 5.4L fuel tank.

Other exciting features:

  • full LED lighting
  • negative-faced LCD digital panel
  • smart key function
  • 12V DC socket

The all-new Yamaha Y16ZR comes in three exciting colours, Phantom Grey, Arrow Blue and Raging Yellow and available at a price of RM10,888.

If you plan to add a 250cc scooter to your fleet of ‘loud’ motorcycle, well, you are in luck as Boon Siew Honda just announced the all-new 2021 Honda Forza 250.

With all the fuss on the authorities clamping down on loud exhaust two-wheeler, we guess it would be best to look for a scooter.

According to Honda, the new Forza focus on comfortable riding performance, which makes it one of the best option for city riding.

However, if you plan to take it for a long ride at the weekends, the 11.7L tank and a 180mm adjustable windscreen are an added advantage.

The under-seat storage is also capable of storing two helmets.

The 2021 Honda Forza 250 also packs all-LED lighting, Honda Smart Key (keyless), USB ports, Emergency Stop Signal and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).

The motorcycle is powered by a 250cc SOHC low friction eSP+ engine with PGM-F1 capable of producing 22hp @ 7,750rpm and 22.6NM @ 6,250rpm.

The 2021 Honda Forza is available in three colour options; Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic, Pearl Horizon White and Candy Rosy Red and priced at RM25, 388.

BMW Motorrad is planning to expand the R 18 range after launching the R 18 First Edition and The R 18 Classic.

The latest patents filed by the German marquee revealed that the R 18 is getting a touring makeover. Thus, becoming the third variant for the motorcycle.

Like the R 18 First Edition and the R 18 Classic, the new model is expected to retain the “Big Boxer” 1,802cc engine; however, it will receive other major updates and redesigned.

The motorcycle seems to have a thicker dual seat based on the image file, a bigger teardrop-shaped fuel tank to increase fuel-range and the obvious bat-wing fairing.

Looking at the dash, the new R 18 might come with a large TFT screen located below the two (suspected) analogue meter while at right and left panel is expected to include a speaker.

There is also a more noticeable front fender (mudguards) than the one found on the standard R 18.

Just when you thought the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is clever at leaving some easter eggs in the entire movie franchise, Moto Guzzi shared the same approach whilst celebrating their 100-year success.

The image showed the past and present of Moto Guzzi two-wheeler for the past 100 years, but the bottom right corner is a blurred image of a motorcycle.

Although it is unsure what type of motorcycle are we looking at but Roberto Colianinno, Piaggio Groups CEO, has confirmed a new bike is coming in an interview with La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

“Here, the centenary Guzzi will be born whose project could be presented at the next EICMA. It will be extraordinary in terms of technology, design, and performance,” he said.

The company will begin work on the new model once the Mandello del Lario plant is completed.

2021 Dakar Rally rider, Ashish Raorane, set a new highest hill climb record with the small but capable KTM 390 Adventure.

To add the bittersweet success, Raorane was racing against 11-time Radi de Himalaya winner Suresh Raina, who was driving his rally-sec Championship SUV.

The 12.5km hill-climb, from Batal to Kunzum La was located at the height of 4,000 meters above sea level and offered 20 hairpin bends with an outside temperature of -5 degrees Celcius.

Raina was first to hit the road with his Championship SUV, but after Turn 18 and clocking 11 minutes 49 seconds, his loyal machine suffered engine block damage due to the treacherous road conditions.

Raorane, went next with the 390 Adventure and managed to reach the finish line with an outstanding time of 13 minutes and 4 seconds! According to KTM India, it was the quickest time set by any person.

Raorane was also 36 seconds faster than Raina at Turn 18.

Surprisingly, the 390 Adventure was in a stock condition which also means the motorcycle managed to overcome the severe road condition with the 19″ (front) and 17″ (rear) alloy rims.

For more info on KTM 390 Adventure, please CLICK HERE.

The 250cc maxi-scooter segment now has a new competitor in WMOTO latest model, the RT3 250 ABS.

Officially launch via online presentation, the scooter will now join Modenas Elegan 250 ABS, SYM Crusym 250, Yamaha XMAX and other notable brands to be sold in Malaysia.

The RT3 is packed with many latest features, including the intelligent key system (keyless) that enables the rider to turn on or off the engine, open under-seat storage, and open the fuel cap without a physical key.

The scooter also offers a great range with the help of a 17L fuel tank, while the suspension system is handled by a telescopic front fork and adjustable dual shock absorbers at the rear.

WMOTO RT3 is powered by a 247cc single-cylinder 4-valve DOHC engine that produces 23hp @ 8,000rpm and 22.5Nm @ 6,500rpm, an added advantage over the 249.1cc SOHC, 2-valve engine found on the Elegan 250.

Other notable features include:

  • full LED lights setup
  • wide storage space
  • two UBS ports
  • adjustable side mirrors
  • adjustable brake lever
  • 120/70 front and 140/60 rear tyre
  • combination of digital LCD and analogue meter

The WMOTO RT3 is available at a recommended selling price of RM15,188.

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