Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen

The recently concluded Motorcycle Live event witness a host of motorcycle manufacturers unveiling their new and upcoming motorcycle.

  • Arai celebrates the Isle of Man TT with a special edition RX-7V EVO helmet.
  • The IOMTT special helmet has been a hit since its introduction in 2007. 

However, helmet maker like Arai also took the opportunity to revealed its latest product, the Isle of Man TT Special Edition RX-7V Evo helmet.

Arai teamed up with Dudi Performance to design the new limited edition RX-7V Evo to celebrate the 2023 Isle of Man TT event. 

If you’re a fan of Arai then you would know that since it first edition in 2007, every special edition TT helmets is a must have for riders around the world. 

Using the RX-7V as base, the Isle of Man TT special meets the latest ECE22.06 safety standard and offering the best sports and track riding features.

In terms of colours, the TT special RX-7V EVO comes in black, red and white colour combination along with some fluorescent yellow. Also features on the helmet is the Ellan Vannin text and TT logo. 

“We so look forward to the TT! It was great to get back to the Isle of Man again finally this year and it’s an event that means so much, to us at Arai.

“We are very glad to reveal the 2023 IoM TT Limited Edition RX-7V Evo at Motorcycle Live, a highlight of our year. Drudi Performance has produced another beautiful design on our top of the range RX-7V Evo which combines the signature TT elements with fresh, flowing lines,” said Ingmar Stroeven, Arai Helmet (Europe) B.V Managing DIrector. 

According to Arai, the 2023 IOM TT RX-7V EVO is expected to arrive in Q2 of 2023. 

Speaking of helmets, brands like AGV, Shoei and Arai have cemented their status in the motorcycling industry, including protecting some of the world’s greatest motorcycle racers.

  • Scorpion introduces new Covert FX retro-style helmets.
  • The Covert FX meets the latest ECE22.06 homologation standards.

However, in recent times, Scorpion has also proven to be part of the elite, especially with the successful partnership with 2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo and 2022 WorldSBK Champion Alvaro Bautista.

Of course, a helmet brand doesn’t play a big part in a racer’s success on the track, but it indeed jumps on the bandwagon surrounding the racer’s achievement, thus making it widely known. 

Thanks to the brand’s success in recent times, Scorpion has been able to release a new range of helmets called the Covert FX.

The Scorpion Covert FX is a retro-inspired helmet with similar vibes to Simpson and Biltwell. 

Despite the retro-touch, the Covert FX meets the latest ECE22.06 safety standard thanks to its TCT fibre construct shell that offers excellent impact dissipation. 

The Covert FX is also fitted with a Kwickwick3 inner lining with soft and hypoallergenic coating. Other standard features include a drop-down sun visor and adequate front, top and rear ventilation. 

The Scorpion Covert FX will be available starting December 2022 for EUR249.90 (RM1.2k). 

Coming in new for the Malaysian market is the new MODENAS Ninja 250 Ohlins edition.

  • The Ninja 250 (non-ABS) Ohlins Edition is limited to just 180 units. 
  • Features the same 249cc parallel-twin DOHC, 4-valve engine. 

Priced at RM20,500, the Ninja 250 Ohlins Edition features fully-adjustable Ohlins KA 744 STX 36 Supersport monoshock.

That said, the STX 36 monoshock is adjustable for compression and rebound. In addition, the Ohlins monoshock is fully covered by MODENAS.

Limited to just 180 units, the Ohlins monoshock is fitted to the non-ABS Ninja 250 only. 

According to MODENAS, the Ohlins KA 744, STX 36 Supersport monoshock offers better stability and handling especially during cornering. 

Nevertheless, other specification remains unchanged with the Ninja 250 Ohlins Edition continue to be powered by a 249cc, twin-cylinder, eight-valve, DOHC engine that makes 36hp at 12,500rpm and 23Nm of maximum torque upon hitting 10,000rpm.

 

Power is transferred down to its rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox enhanced with Kawasaki’s assist and slipper clutch for ease of riding.

Other highlighted aspects include:

  • 164kg (wet weight)
  • 14-litre fuel tank
  • Front 310mm single semi-floating disc brake with 2-piston caliper
  • Rear 220mm single disc brake with 2-piston caliper
  • 41mm telescopic front forks

In April, we first saw SHOEI’s Opticson heads-up display helmet prototype at the Osaka Motorcycle Show 2022. 

  • SHOEI Opticson is to be available in limited numbers in Japan.
  • The Opticson is SHOEI’s first futuristic helmet that features a heads-up display. 

At a glance, the SHOEI Opticson looks like a regular helmet, but there is a vertically-adjustable display piece that sits in front of the rider’s right eye. 

SHOEI also fitted a projection unit hidden neatly inside the chin bar, which can be connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth. The projection unit will display information such as navigation instructions on the display pane for the rider to look at while riding. 

While the feature seems exciting, at the time, the Opticson is still just a prototype.

That is, until now, as SHOEI is offering a limited run of the Opticson exclusively in Japan. The helmet will only be available in three Shoei Gallery around Japan and is priced at JPY137,500. 

Unfortunately, SHOEI has no plans to release the Opticson in a market outside of Japan. 

The middleweight adventure motorcycle segment is growing especially those in the 500cc range.

  • The Rieju Aventura 500 is equipped with a massive 30L fuel tank.
  • Features Honda’s trusted 471cc parallel-twin engine manufactured by Loncin. 

Latest to join the rank is Spanish brand Rieju with the Aventura 500 Legend that was recently showcased at the EICMA show in Milan.

The company was founded in 1934 and begin producing bicycles for before entering the motorcycle market in 1953.

More than 20 years later, Rieju established itself as a notable presence in the enduro racing scene.

However, the Aventura 500 is the company first attempt at moving away from its enduro and supermoto heritage. 

That said, the Rieju Aventura 500 features the biggest engine in the company portfolio.

A closer look at the 471cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine and you’ll notice that it shares similarities with the same engine found in the Honda CB500X.

That’s because the engine is under license by Honda and is manufactured by Loncin for Rieju. 

As a result, the Rieju Aventura 500 makes the same 47hp and 43Nm. 

However, unlike the CB500X, the Aventure 500 is fitted with spoked 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, making it more off-road adept than the former.

Nevertheless, the most jaw-dropping features on the ADV is the 30L fuel tank that’s fitted above the engine and another within the rear subframe. 

In other words, the Aventura 500 potentially has a range of more than 950 kilometres. 

Currently, further details remain undisclosed but we’ll keep an eye on any update regarding this exciting middleweight ADV. 

Honda first revealed the Motocompacto nameplate in 2020 when the Japanese firm filed a trademark application with the US Patent and Trademark Office.

  • The iconic Motocompo to make a comeback with an all-new name and look.
  • Two separate trademark application indicates the Motocompacto to be available outside of Japan. 

Although the moniker has more letters than the original Motocompo, it’s clearly a nod to the iconic pocket-size machine. 

However, that was the last time the Motocompacto name came up.

That is, until now, as Honda recently filed a new trademark application, this time with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.

The application encloses two different spellings of the same word; Motocompacto and Moto Compacto. 

 Interestingly, the application referred to the two nameplates as “Goods: Land vehicles, namely, self-balancing electric scooters; electrically-powered motor scooters.” 

Also in the application is the logo design for the scooter, which showcased a compact, blocky and almost briefcase-like scooter. 

While all other information regarding the scooter remains scarce at the moment, we know now that Honda intends to bring the miniature motorcycle back to the modern world. 

That said, the Motocompacto or Moto Compacto is likely to be a small electric scooter intended for city riding that offers a short range with swappable battery capabilities. 

BSA has revealed a beautifully-built scrambler-style concept motorcycle at the Motorcycle Live Show 2022. 

  • BSA showcased the Scrambler concept bike alongside the BSA Gold Star at Birmingham.
  • The Scrambler is equipped with a 652cc single engine. 

The BSA Scrambler features long-travel suspension, off-road-ready tires, and a stealthy paint job with a #28 side plate.

At the heart of the concept sits an all-new 652cc single-cylinder engine. Unfortunately, BSA did not disclose the engine’s detailed information at the time.

From the photos, we can see the bike is also fitted with wide handlebars, a tall front fender, a retro-style fuel tank and wired-spoke wheels at the front and rear.

There is also a single-disc brake setup with a dual-exit exhaust system and dual-shock absorbers.

According to reports, there are no official words regarding the BSA Scrambler’s availability despite the bike already looking ready for production. 

MV Agusta is back on the rise since being purchased by Russian entrepreneur, Timur Sardarov in 2019. 

  • KTM AG signs a multi-year deal with MV Agusta to distribute the Schiranna motorcycles in North America.
  • KTM purchased 25.1% stake in MV Agusta.
  • KTM to distribute MV Agusta motorcycle and vice versa.

Despite immediately facing serious struggles including the global pandemic, supply and resource shortages and the recent Ukraine-Russia conflict, MV Agusta has been making great strides. 

However, the focus now is not just surviving but also ensuring that the MV Agusta brand continue to thrive in the motorcycle market.

In order to do so, the Italian moniker recently agreed to a strategic partnership with Pierer Mobility Group’s KTM.

In a recent interview with Motorcycle.com, Sardarov explained the reason behind the big move.

“And so that’s why for me to partner up with a big business, with a big industrial partner like KTM–it makes my life easier.

“I want to focus on developing the business, on making the company better and more efficient–but it’s very hard to do this when you’re constantly thinking about whether we should ship our wheels from China by plane or by boat!,” he said. 

MV Agusta and KTM announced a new distribution deal back in September before it was confirmed a month later that KTM AG has owned a 25.1 per cent stake in MV Agusta.

Interestingly, two KTM senior management team members also joined MV Agusta’s board of directors as a result from the partnership. 

“We’re going to develop a network together, so it’s going to be either multi-brand dealers, or standalone dealers, depending on the country, but it’s definitely going to mean better dealers overall.

“I hope some of our existing dealers will stay with us, because many of them have invested heavily in MV, and I’m really grateful to them for doing so, and I will make sure that they are still part of our family. 

“But some other dealers simply haven’t performed, so we’ll be letting them go,” added Sardarov.

Although some might suggest that KTM AG could acquire the Italian brand altogether, Sardarov is adamant that this is not the case.

(Source: Motorcycle.com

If you’re in the market for a new scooter then you’re in luck as Honda Motorcycles Malaysia (Boon Siew Honda) has officially launched the all-new Vario 160.

  • The Honda Vario 160 features bigger and more powerful engine than the previous generation.
  • The 160cc scooter now fitted with ABS as standard. 

First introduced in Indonesia earlier this year, the Honda Vario 160 make its way to Malaysia in three exciting colours; Vivacity Red, Pearl Nightfaall Blue, Sword Silver Metallic – available for RM9,998. 

However, the fourth colour scheme; Mat Charcoal Grey Metallic is priced at RM10,298 and will be available from February 2023. 

Coming in new for 2022 is a bigger 157cc 4-valve, liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that now makes 15.3hp @ 8,500rpm and 13.8Nm @ 7,000rpm replacing the previous 150cc engine. 

The Vario 160 also shod with a chunkier tires with 100/80-14 at the front and 120/70-14 at the rear.

In addition, the Vario 160 gets single-channel ABS as standard replacing the CBS system on the previous model and hydraulic disc brake at the front and rear.

Other notable features include:

  • Smart Key system
  • UBS-A charging port
  • 18L storage
  • 5.5L fuel tank

Entry-level sportbike from Thailand, the GPX Demon GR200R has make its way to Japan signalling the brand plans to expand its exposure to a wider market. 

  • GPX has expanded its reach to the Japanese market with the introduction of the 2023 Demon GR200R.
  • The 200cc sportsbike is equipped with modern features including an adjustable rear monoshock by YSS. 

GPX is a Thailand-based motorcycle manufacturer that is popular not just locally but also throughout South East Asia including Malaysia. 

Although most of its components, including engines are sources from China, the assembly process is taken place in its Thailand facility.

Currently, GPX offers a wide range of models including maxi-scooters, retro-style cafe racers and streetbikes.

However, the Demon GR200R is the sportiest model available from GPX’s portfolio. Available at JPY539,000, the Demon GR200R is a basic yet capable entry-level sportbike that features front and rear disc, inverted front fork and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock from YSS. 

The 2023 model year gets a new full-colour digital LCD display and revised graphics. 

Powering the GR200R is a 198cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 4-valve engine that makes 19hp and 17.6Nm of torque.

The GPX Demon GR200R is suspended by a steel trellis frame that uses the engine as a stressed member. Therefore, the centre of gravity remains low and ensure a better handling on the road. 

Thanks to the seven-step rear suspension adjustment by YSS, riders can fine-tune the bike’s suspension to their liking. 

According to reports, GPX is already accepting pre-orders for the GR200R with deliveries expected to commence early 2023. 

 

KTM’s 693cc thumper is still strong despite being in the market for years.

  • KTM 690 SMC R and Enduro R get fresh visuals for 2023.
  • A 693cc single-cylinder engine powers both KTM 690 SMC R and Enduro R. 

For 2023, the KTM 690 SMC R supermoto and Enduro R dual sport returns with new fresh visuals.

Continuing the LC4 tradition, the 690 SMC R sports blue and orange, while the Enduro R gets orange graphics inspired by KTM’s race bikes.

At the heart of the 690s sits the most powerful single-cylinder engine available, capable of producing 74hp. Thanks to KTM’s continuous development of the LC4 engine, the platform has proven to stand the test of time.

Both machines benefit from Cornering ABS, traction control and two ride modes.

Additionally, the optional Off-Road ABS reduces ABS intervention on the front wheel and completely disables ABS on the rear, allowing riders to lock up their rear when they need to slide into a tight turn.

As usual, there is a host of dedicated KTM PowerParts designed specifically to boost both bike’s performance and mobility. 

KTM introduced the track-only RC 8C back in 2021 with all 100 units were quickly snapped up by customers in less than five minutes.

  • The RC 8C gets reworked engine which now produces 135hp. 
  • Features carbon fiber, GRP and Kevlar bodywork similar to KTM’s RC16 MotoGP racebike.

However, the hype around the specially-built race bike was over the roof and triggered the Austrian manufacturer to come out with a second version for 2023.

Limited to just 200 units, the 2023 model were sold out in a blink with every unit were sold out in just two minutes despite having 100 units more than the first released.

In addition, KTM also bags nearly GBP8 million in the process.

At a glance, there isn’t much to set the 2023 RC 8C apart with the 2021 edition. 

Aside from the black finish replacing the orang paint, the 2023 RC 8C continue to feature carbon fiber, GRP and Kevlar bodywork that mirrors the KTM RC16 MotoGP racebike. 

Also carried from the original version is the handmade chromoly steel trellis-style frame built by Kramer Motorcycles.

However, the 2023 RC 8C gets reworked engine with LC8c 889cc twin powertrain now makes 135hp from the previous 128hp. This is achieved by equipping a new titanium intake and exhaust valves, titanium connecting rods, larger 48mm throttle body and an increased in compression ratio. 

KTM also added new oil cooler and revised the crankcase-balancer shaft while also removing the upper balancer in the cylinder head.

In addition, thanks to a new titanium Akrapovic race exhaust, the 2023 KTM RC 8C tip the scale at just 142kg.

The 2023 RC 8C also gets a revised WP Apex Pro suspension with the firm claimed to improve rider confidence on the track. 

Similar to the 2021 RC 8C, the new track bike also allows for a host of adjustment and fine-tuning on both the engine and handling. 

That said, the new AiM MXS 1.2 Race dash allows access to the bike’s traction control settings, throttle mapping and engine-braking. The RC 8C triple-clamp offset can also be altered with both the bars and pegs can be adjusted. 

Braking is done with a top-of-the-line Brembo Stylema 4-piston radial-mounted callipers regulated via a Brembo 19RCS Corsa Corta master cylinder. 

Other notable features include forged alloy Dymags wheels with Pirelli Diablo SC1 slick and GP shift with quickshifter function.

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