Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Hakim Danish Crowned 2022 Asia Talent Cup Champion

Despite finishing second in Race 2 of round 6 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup at Mandalika Circuit, it was enough to deliver Hakim Danish his first ATC championship winning medal.

Hakim Danish is the 2022 Asia Talent Cup champion.
His tally of 187 points was enough to put him ahead of Japan’s Shinya Ezawa to claimed the 2022 title.

The 15-year-old Malaysian started the race as the championship leader, with six points ahead of Japan’s Shinya Ezawa.

Despite falling behind Ezawa during the early stage of Race 2, Danish aggressiveness saw him overtook the front row to lead the race ahead of home favourite, Veda Ega Pratama.

Both Danish and Pratama were neck and neck towards the final 10 laps which resulted the two riders opening a five second gap during the remaining 6 laps.

However, with 3 laps to go Danish seems content with his position and started to only continue his race pace without bringing the fight to Pratama.

As a result, Pratama claimed his back-to-back race in front of the home crowd with Danish improving his Race 1 result with 2nd place in Race 2, while Ezawa completed the podium at 3rd place.

Second place was enough for Danish to claimed his maiden ATC championship with 187 points, 10 points ahead of Ezawa while Pratama took third spot in the championship standing.

FIRST LOOK: 2023 BMW R 1250 RS

Just a couple of weeks ago, BMW Motorrad announced the update to its R 1250 R roadster, and similar upgrades are coming to the R 1250 RS, as expected.

The BMW R 1250 RS gets a similar upgrade to the R 1250 R roadster, including new LED turn indicators.
The R 1250 RS is now equipped with Dynamic Brake Control as standard.

Also similar to the roadster, the RS retains a similar design from last year’s model apart from the new colour scheme and LED turn indicators.

Nonetheless, the bodywork and chassis on the 2023 model remain the same.

There are no changes to its engine, with the R 1250 RS featuring the same air/liquid-cooled 1254cc boxer with ShiftCam technology that makes 136hp @ 7,750rpm and 142Nm @ 6,250rpm.

Electronically, the 2023 R 1250 RS is equipped with Dynamic Traction Control, ABS Pro and Dynamic Brake Control, that now comes as standard.

Other notable improvements for 2023 include a new ECO mode joining the already available Ride and Rain mode.

Meanwhile, the TFT instrument display offers a ‘Sport’ mode that features real-time data of the R 1250 RS that includes electronic interventions and lean angles.

As usual, a host of accessories are available for the R 1250 RS, including heated seats for riders, pillions, and heated grips.

2023 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber Special Edition First Look

Moto Guzzi is well known for delivering a unique Italian classic for the popular custom motorcycle segment especially with the V9 Bobber.

Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber Special Edition breaks cover at EICMA.
The V9 Bobber features the unique 90-degree transverse V-Twin engine.

Chunky tires, retro-style design really accentuate the V9 Bobber appearance.

For 2023, Moto Guzzi has added a Special Edition model to the V9 Bobber lineup that is distinguished by the motorcycle sporting history on dirt tracks.

The Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber Special Edition stands out with its stealthy and blacked-out design including a twin-tone black and grey color scheme that complements the teardrop fuel tank with billet aluminium cap.

Also adds to the Special Edition overall look is the fork gaiters, short front mudguard and finally bar-end mirrors.

According to the Italian marquee, the V9 Bobber Special Edition is a combination of elegance and sportiness yet it distinguished itself with a dynamic riding position that offers comfort thanks to its wide and spacious single-piece saddle.

Mechanically, the V9 Bobber runs on the same 90-degree transverse V-Twin with two-valves per-cylinder that makes a high-grunt 64hp and 62Nm @ 3,000rpm.

Thanks to its accessible seat height of just 785mm, the V9 Bobber can be ridden by most riders.

Bimota Supercharged Tera Tourer Inbound

Bimota’s new motorcycle introduction at EICMA 2022 comes in the form of the 2023 BX450, with the dirt bike borrows much of its design and specification from Kawasaki’s KX450.

Bimota’s upcoming tourer is powered by a supercharged four-cylinder motor from the Kawasaki H2 SX.
The Tera will feature a unique semi-active suspension developed with Marzocchi.

Alongside the BX450, the Italian maker also provides enlightenment on the upcoming supercharged tourer currently under development in Rimini.

While the bike is yet to be ready, Bimota already has an official name for the model, which will be called the Tera.

The Tera made its first appearance in the form of a design sketch at last year’s EICMA before later it was confirmed that the new supercharged tourer would be based on Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 SX.

According to Bimota COO, Pierluigi Marconi, motorcycle fans around the world should expect something exciting from the Tera.

“Never before have Bimota been present in this market segment. No one has this much fun and function in one package.

“The Tera is an attention grabber that will act like a halo for Bimota by attracting further consumer attention to our impressive vehicle lineup,” said Marconi.

We have yet to get the details but based on reports from reputable media, the Tera will feature an all-new steering system, including a new semi-active suspension developed in partnership with Italian specialist Marzocchi.

FIRST LOOK: Aprilia RS660 Extrema

While the rest of the motorcycle industry prepares a strong new lineup at EICMA, it wasn’t the case with Aprilia who brought just one new model to Milan.

The 2023 Aprilia RS660 Extrema pays homage to the Noale factory 125 Extrema.
Features carbon fiber components and new SC Project exhaust.

For 2023, Aprilia introduces the RS660 Extrema a lighter and better power-to-weight ratio than the base model. The name is taken from the firm’s 125 Extrema that was manufactured from 1992 to 1994.

The RS660 Extrema tips the scale at just 166 kilograms thanks to the number of carbon fiber component added including the belly pan and front fender. Given the 100hp it produces, the RS660 Extrema has an attractive power-to-weight ratio.

In addition, the RS660 Extrema is also fitted with a street-legal SC-Project exhaust system that helps to bring the bike’s weight further down.

In addition to the electronic package available on the RS660 including traction control, cornering ABS, engine brake, engine map and wheelie control the Extrema gets a new quickshifter software allowing riders to switch to GP-style upside-down shifting easily.

GALLERY: APRILIA RS660 EXTREMA

Vespa Unveils The New GTV 300 At EICMA

Vespa has given its iconic scooter, the GTV, a significant makeover for 2023.

Features the Faro Basso headlight design similar to the Sei Giorni.
Equipped with the 300 HPE engine, Vespa’s most powerful powertrain to date.

The GTV has been making waves since 2006 and will continue to do so in the coming years with the new 2023 model year.

Although much of the profile is retained, the GTV clearly received an upgrade to meet modern standards.

The most significant upgrade is the engine which now features the single-cylinder 278cc 300 HPE fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine that makes 23.8hp on tap.

The GTV is also equipped with ASR electronic traction and ABS as standard.

Similar to other 300 HPE ranges, the GTV also features a fully-digital LCD instrument cluster that displays max speed, average speed, fuel consumption, range and battery charge status.

The instrumentation also incorporates the Vespa MIA connectivity system that allows riders to connect their smartphone to the motorcycle dash.

In terms of styling, the GTV have a lot in common with the Sei Giorni 300 but with an added splash of funky colours. That said, the GTV Faro Basso – low headlight design – accentuates the sportiness of the scooter.

Meanwhile, the GTV features a removable seat cowl cover that matches the colour of the body. When removed, the GTV can comfortably seat two people.

Other notable features include:

full LED headlight
keyless ignition
five-spoke alloy wheels

FIRST LOOK: MV Agusta 921 S Concept

For those who attended the EICMA show in Milan, you’ll noticed that MV Agusta did not participate in this year edition.

MV Agusta 921 S is an all-new motorcycle set to roll out in a few years time.
Inspired by the glorious MV Agusta 750 Sport of the 70s.

However, the Varese company did hold a press conference to encapsulate their production plans for 2023 which include the 921 S concept bike.

According to MV Agusta, the 921 S is an all-new motorcycle that departs from the rest of the Italian product range. That said, the motorcycle combines the Italian firm’s past footprint with modern technology.

Interestingly, the 1970 MV Agusta 750 Sport was the inspiration behind the 921 S Project therefore you can easily notice a glimpse of the past including the red, silver, white and blue colour combination and the exposed frame.

While the overall look is nothing short of moden and futuristic the minimalistic design bring forth a classic Italian steed.

The 921 S features a completely new open-cradle type frame with steel-tube-trellis design that incorporates billet-aluminium rear plate and a supporting subframe.

The frame houses an engine that is based on an earlier generation Brutale 1000 RR that has been significantly reworked to give it a traditional streetbike appeal. The 921cc engine makes a solid 115hp @ 10,000rpm and 118Nm of peak torque @ 7,000rpm.

In addition, the 921 S also has a longer wheelbase that spans 1465mm, that’s 50mm more than the Brutale 1000 RR.

Suspending the MV Agusta 921 S is a top-of-the-line Ohlins front and rear suspension with a 41mm NIX-cartridge design that offers a fully adjustable compression and rebound damping.

Meanwhile, the rear gets a fully adjustable TTX36 shock.

As usual, the MV Agusta 921 S gets premium components including twin Brembo Stylema four-pot callipers at the front and a two-piston Brembo at the rear with 320mm and 220mm rotors, respectively. The bike is also shod with 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear wheels.

Take a closer look at the front wheel you’ll noticed that the 921 S is equipped with a massive aluminium flange that helps to direct air intake to cool the rotor.

Unfortunately, there’s no telling when MV Agusta 921 S will actually makes it to the production stage and how much will it go for.

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Breaks Cover At EICMA

The waiting game has come to an end as Royal Enfield finally rolls out the Super Meteor 650 at the EICMA show in Milan.

Royal Enfield adds the Super Meteor 650 to its 650cc family.
The Super Meteor features an all-new frame and revised suspension setup.

The Super Meteor 650 is the third motorcycle to feature Royal Enfield’s 650cc parallel-twin engine after the Continental GT and Interceptor.

However, this is not simply an engine swap from the smaller Meteor 350 or a different aesthetic from the existing 650 Twin. Instead, the Super Meteor 650 gets a newly built frame, revised suspension geometry, redesigned fuel tank, new side panels and a new swingarm.

Also, the Super Meteor 650 is the first 650cc model from Royal Enfield to be equipped with full-LED lighting. In addition, the Super Meteor is also the first Royal Enfield to be fitted with upside-down forks.

Nonetheless, the motorcycle continues to offer conventional cruiser-style riding ergonomics similar to the 350.

Meanwhile, instrumentation comes from a digital-analogue display with tripper navigation.

According to Royal Enfield, the Super Meteor 650 will be available in two trims; Standard and Tourer, with the latter is fitted with a range of accessories, including saddlebags, a tall windscreen, an engine guard and a pillion backrest.

GALLERY: 2023 ROYAL ENFIELD SUPER METEOR 650

The Kawasaki H2 SX Gets Auto High Beam For 2023

The Kawasaki H2 SX is perhaps the most powerful sports tourer available in the market and for 2023, the supercharged machine will feature auto-high-beam.

The Kawasaki H2 SX received significant update in 2022 including a new radar sensor technology.
For 2023, Kawasaki adds Auto-High Beam to the H2 SX electronic package.

Not much has changed on the 2023 H2 SX as the potent sports tourer already fitted with a host of upgrade last year including a twin radar system that features adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and blind spot detection.

Kawasaki also equipped the H2 SX with a new 6.5-inch TFT in 2022 that allows the bike to get connected with Kawasaki Rideology app.

Nonetheless, the most significant upgrade for 2023 is the introduction of the Auto High Beam (AHB) function.

Although the name itself is self-explanatory, the AHB works together with the light-detecting sensor which then send information to the computer to notify when it is necessary to activate the high-beam.

The on-board cameras detect the light level from the bike’s surrounding including street lights and vehicles and calculate the whether the high-beam should be engaged.

“For the system to function, the dimmer/passing switch must be set to high beam and the bike must be travelling above 20 km/h in darkness. With the system engaged a green icon is displayed on the 6.5” TFT multifunction, colour instrument screen,” said Kawasaki.

Additionally, Kawasaki also welcome the return of the SE variant in 2023, which features Kawasaki Semi-Active Electronically Damped Suspension with Skyhook.

FIRST LOOK: Indian FTR Sport – 120hp, 117Nm

American motorcycle company, Indian Motorcycle introduced a new FTR Sport model that is set to replace the FTR S for 2023.

The FTR Sport replaces the the FTR S for 2023.
The FTR Sport sits under the FTR Carbon but placed above the FTR Rally and the base model.

Notable features on the FTR Sport include a new headlight cowl that also serves as a number plate, a chin fairing and a pillion seat cover.

The biggest addition to the 2023 lineup – including the Sport and R Carbon – includes an all-new 4-inch touchscreen TFT instrumentation with navigation system powered by Indian’s Ride Command technology.

Indian also improved other aspect of the FTR including a new clutch, reworked front braking which the firm claimed provide a firmer feel.

Also, the speedometer now placed slightly higher to improve rider visibility.

The 2023 FTR range also sport a new exhaust muffler.

Mechanically, the FTR Sport makes the same 120hp @ 7,750rpm and 117Nm @ 6,000rpm from its 1203cc DOHC, liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin.

Other notable features include:

43mm ZF Sachs fully-adjustable telescopic cartridge forks.
ZF Sachs fully-adjustable piggyback IFP
Brembo brakes
15.4L fuel tank

Pricing and availability is yet to be announced but the Indian FTR Sport is available in White Lightning with Indy Red and Black Metallic accent as well as Black Metallic with Indy Red accents.

FIRST LOOK: 2023 Honda CL500 Scrambler

The highly anticipated Honda CL500 has arrived in a retro-style motorcycle that features the same powertrain as the CMX 500 Rebel.

From rumour to realitiy, Honda brings the CL nameplate back to modern times.
Features the highly-capable 500cc parallel-twin engine found in the CMX 500 Rebel.

If the CL nameplate sounds familiar to some of you that’s because the motorcycle was quite popular back in the day with its 125 to 450cc range.

Nevertheless, the CL nomenclature has made a comeback in the form of the new CL500.

Firstly, the CL500 features some similar specifications to the CMX Rebel, although the low-sub sub-frame has been replace with a rear-end that pays homage to the original CL-series including a high slung exhaust.

As you can expect, powering the CL500 is the same 471cc parallel-twin cylinder engine found in the CMX Rebel that produces 45.9hp and 43.3Nm peak torque.

However, new on the CL500 is a shorter final drive for more power from the get go and an updated fuel injection settings.

Meanwhile, the power is delivered to the rear wheel via a six-speed manual transmission mated to an assist/slipper clutch for seamless clutch feel.

Honda claimed the retro motorcycle tips the scale at 192kg which is an extra kilogram heavy than the Rebel.

Other notable features include:

41mm telescopic forks
rear twin shocks with 5-step preload adjustment
2-piston calliper (front) with 310mm disc
single piston calliper (rear) with 240mm disc
19” front wheel, 17” rear wheel with Dunlop Mixtours tires
12L fuel tank

In addition, the CL500 gets a new riding ergonomics thanks to its scrambler-style bodywork. That said, the seat height remains at 790mm.

To complete the retro look, the CL500 is equipped with a reverse LCD display.

GALLERY: 2023 HONDA CL500

2023 Honda Rebel 1100T Breaks Cover

Honda officially expand the Rebel 1100 range with a new bagger variant that adds a fork-mounted fairing and color-matched hard panniers for 2023.

Honda Rebel 1100T joins the Rebel lineup for 2023.
Features similar specification with the base Rebel including cruise control, 16.3L fuel tank and Showa rear shocks.

Typically, the fairing is an added protection against road elements including the wind and debris while the lockable saddlebags adds 35L of storage.

Despite the ‘touring packge’, the Rebel 1100T still feature the same 16.3L of fuel tank as the base Rebel. Hence, we expect the same 240km of range.

Also the additional storage adds to the bike’s overall weight to 245kg for DCT model , that’s 14kg more than the standard Rebel.

Mechanically, the Rebel 1100T is pretty much similar to the Rebel 1100 DCT, including the same 1083cc parallel-twin engine derived from the Arica Twin and NT1100 that makes 86hp and 97Nm.

The Rebel 1100T is suspended by a telescopic fork at the front with 140mm of travel and dual Showa rear shocks with adjustable preload and 93mm of travel.

Braking is done by a four-pot radial-mount hydraulic callipers with 330mm floating rotors at the front and a single-piston callipers with 258mm disc at the rear.

Also similar to the standard model, braking is regulated by a dual-channel ABS that comes as standard including traction control, wheelie control, engine braking control, cruise control and three riding modes.

The Rebel 1100T is available in two colourways, Metallic Black and Bordeaux Red Metallic.

Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen

Despite finishing second in Race 2 of round 6 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup at Mandalika Circuit, it was enough to deliver Hakim Danish his first ATC championship winning medal.

Just a couple of weeks ago, BMW Motorrad announced the update to its R 1250 R roadster, and similar upgrades are coming to the R 1250 RS, as expected.

Moto Guzzi is well known for delivering a unique Italian classic for the popular custom motorcycle segment especially with the V9 Bobber.

Bimota’s new motorcycle introduction at EICMA 2022 comes in the form of the 2023 BX450, with the dirt bike borrows much of its design and specification from Kawasaki’s KX450.

While the rest of the motorcycle industry prepares a strong new lineup at EICMA, it wasn’t the case with Aprilia who brought just one new model to Milan.

GALLERY: APRILIA RS660 EXTREMA

Vespa has given its iconic scooter, the GTV, a significant makeover for 2023.

For those who attended the EICMA show in Milan, you’ll noticed that MV Agusta did not participate in this year edition.

The waiting game has come to an end as Royal Enfield finally rolls out the Super Meteor 650 at the EICMA show in Milan.

GALLERY: 2023 ROYAL ENFIELD SUPER METEOR 650

The Kawasaki H2 SX is perhaps the most powerful sports tourer available in the market and for 2023, the supercharged machine will feature auto-high-beam.

American motorcycle company, Indian Motorcycle introduced a new FTR Sport model that is set to replace the FTR S for 2023.

The highly anticipated Honda CL500 has arrived in a retro-style motorcycle that features the same powertrain as the CMX 500 Rebel.

GALLERY: 2023 HONDA CL500

Honda officially expand the Rebel 1100 range with a new bagger variant that adds a fork-mounted fairing and color-matched hard panniers for 2023.

GALLERY: 2023 HONDA REBEL 1100T

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