Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

GIVI RIMBA RAID 2022: Total Domination By Thailand At Kuala Tahan

GIVI Rimba Raid returns for 2022, which saw Taman Negara, Kuala Tahan, as the chosen battleground for the world’s largest adventure motorcycle race.

2022 GIVI Rimba Raid witnessed the largest participation with 241 competitors.
Only 99 riders managed to complete the 158km trail.
60 motorcycles were stuck in the jungle by 8pm.

Rimba Raid is the only platform that allows you to enjoy the big bore adventure bikes battling against one another in the most hardcore off-road condition.

The 2019 GIVI Rimba Raid edition witnessed Malaysian racer Gabit Salleh claim victory in the Class A race, riding on board his KTM 1050 Adventure.

However, the 2022 edition saw a total domination by Thailand in three of the four categories up for grabs, including clocking the overall fastest time on the 158 kilometer trail, among the 223 competitors.

Class C – Enduro Rally (single-cylinder 250cc to 800cc enduro motorcycles)

Malaysian rider Mohd Zulkarnain Tahir took home the winners medal after emerging as the first rider to arrive at the finished line in 3 hours, 4 minutes, and 37.312s on his KTM 300 EX/C.

Mohd Zulkarnain had a 10-minute lead ahead of Thailand’s Chiapuek Sangaroon (KTM 350 EX/C-F). Singapore’s Kelvin Chia completes the podium with 3h 19m10.901s.

Class C – DP Rally (single-cylinder 250cc to 800cc) adventure motorcycles)

Thailand’s Traiphop Boonthang shocked the crowd after he crossed the finish line in under 3 hours onboard his Honda CRF250 Rally ahead of fellow countrymen Manop Abdulkareee (3h 11m44.030s) and Canadian Dustin Richardson (3h 20m40.660s).

Class B (multi-cylinder 250cc to 999cc adventure motorcycles)

Class B category showcased a clean sweep by the Thais, with Saphon Somroop clocking the fastest time of just 2h 51m28.300s ahead of Suradet Taweelap and Charod Khumchat.

Interestingly, all three riders’ weapon of choice is the Yamaha Tenere 700. Sadly, it’s not available in Malaysia.

Class A – The Premier Class (1000cc and above adventure/dual-purpose motorcycles)

The Class A category is the cream of the crop as it puts riders and their chosen big-bore adventure bikes to the test.

Surprisingly, the Honda CRF1000L/CRF11000L Africa Twin has proven to be the most capable adventure as all the Top 3 finishers crossed the line with the said motorcycle.

Thailand’s Theera Putta claimed the winners medal with 3h 8m47.710s ahead of Pisanu Chimma and Malaysian Alan Ng.

Alan took home the third spot with his brand-new Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin.

INTERESTING FACT

Only 99 out of 223 competing riders managed to complete the race.
More than 60 motorcycles were stuck on the 158km trail by 8 pm.
2022 GIVI Rimba Raid witnessed the largest participation ever since its inception in 2015.
2022 Rimba Raid is the largest international participation in Malaysia, next to the Malaysian MotoGP.

Meanwhile, Malaysian riders vowed to return with better results to salvage national pride, and we are already hyped up with the prospect of Malaysia vs Thailand and the world in the next edition of GIVI Rimba Raid.

MotoGP: Marc Marquez Back On Pole After Three Years

Six-time MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez secured his first MotoGP pole since 2019 after clocking the fastest time in Q2 at The Japanese Grand Prix.

Marquez returns to pole position after three years at Motegi ahead of Johann Zarco and Brad Binder.
Quartararo will start at the third row of the grid in ninth place.

Marquez showcased spectacular form on Saturday despite a disastrous comeback last week at Aragon after he collided with Fabio Quartararo and Takaaki Nakagami.

The Repsol Honda rider managed to hold off late charges from Johann Zarco and Brad Binder to claim his first pole position this season.

Marquez set impressive opening laps in tricky conditions before Fabio Quartararo, and Johann Zarco bettered his time.

However, the Spaniard regained the top spot with another flying lap to get clear of Zarco and Brad Binder.

Both Zarco and Binder tried to respond in the final minute but lost time compared to Marquez.

Meanwhile, current title contender Aleix Espargaro finished sixth, while the current championship leader, Quartararo, could only secure the ninth spot.

Nonetheless, it was a shocking Q2 for the on-form rider, Francesco Bagnaia, as he will start at P12.

India To Host MotoGP In The Future

MotoGP is heading to India in the next couple of years after the country’s race promoter has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dorna Sports.

India begins their first step toward hosting the MotoGP after signing an MoU with Dorna Sports.
The Buddh International Circuit was identified as the ideal location to host MotoGP in the country.

Dorna visited India this week in an effort to promote MotoGP in the country.

Rumours regarding an Indian Grand Prix have been making their round for the past week that suggest the world’s biggest two-wheel event could be on its way to India.

Standing as the second biggest population in the world with 1.38 billion people, Dorna has agreed with Fairstreet Sport to host the MotoGP under the name Grand Prix of Bharat.

According to MotoGP, the race will be held at the Buddh International Circuit, located outside New Delhi, which hosted Formula 1 between 2011 and 2013.

While it may come as a surprise, but considering that India is one of the largest motorcycle markets in the world, it’s only relevant for the biggest sporting event to make its way there.

“India is a huge country and market and a significant one for the two-wheeled industry and MotoGP as a sport,” said Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.

Apparently, India is hoping to be named among the host for 2023, which is why Dorna is yet to announce the provisional calendar for next season.

Nevertheless, it is only likely that India will only make it into the 2024 calendar. After all, Dorna and Fairstreet Sports only just signed an MoU.

2022 Yamaha MT-25 Gets New Visuals- RM22,998

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has updated its MT-25 range with new exciting visuals for 2022.

Yamaha MT-25 now available in two new colour scheme.
The 2022 Yamaha MT-25 is priced slightly higher than before, at RM22,998.

Coming in new for the Malaysian market is two new colourway, Cyan Storm and Icon Blue.

While its full-fairing cousin, the YZF-R25 gets minor hardware upgrades, no changes is done to the MT-25.

That said, the motorcycle features the same 249 cc, in-line two-cylinders, dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) engine capable of producing 35hp @ 12,000 rpm and 22.6 Nm of torque @ 10,000 rpm.

Despite the minor update, the MT-25 is now available at a recommended selling price of RM22,998, a slight increased from the current model that is on sale for RM21,500.

In addition, buyers is entitled to received a Yamaha safety disc lock worth RM100 with every purchased of the MT-25.

2022 Yamaha YZF-R25 Now In Malaysia – Features ABS, RM22,998

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has updated its quarter-litre sportsbike, the Yamaha YZF-R25 for 2022.

Yamaha R25 updated with two new colourway and features ABS, LED turn indicator as standard.
Features the same 249cc in-line two-cylinder engine that makes 35hp and 22.6Nm.

Coming in new for the Malaysian market is two new colourway, Orange Lynx and Racing Blue.

However, the braking system received the most significant upgrade with the introduction of ABS. Also new for 2022 is LED turn signal lights replacing the halogen lights on the previous model.

As a result, the 2022 Yamaha R25 is now priced at RM22,998 – a slight increased than the 2021 model – and will be available nationwide starting today (22 September 2022).

Mechanically, the R25 continue to make 35hp @ 12,000rpm and 22.6Nm @ 10,000rpm from its 249cc in-line two-cylinder DOHC engine.

In addition, buyers is entitled to received a Yamaha safety disc lock worth RM100 with every purchased of the R25.

HJC RPHA 11 Meets Sonic The Hedgehog

Helmet manufacturer HJC has introduced another pop-culture-inspired character for the brand’s flagship RPHA 11 helmet.

HJC celebrates another iconic character with the RPHA 11 Sonic The Hedgehog.
Features Sonic The Hedgehog graphics and colourway.

After the Call of Duty series, Sega’s Sonic The Hedgehog is the latest graphic to join the RPHA 11 helmet range.

Underneath the striking Sonic The Hedgehog colourway, the RPHA 11 continue to offer world-class protection with the Advanced PIM (Premium Integrated Matrix) Plus fibreglass shell.

The aerodynamic shape of the helmet blends well with the Sonic graphics, including the six-stage top vet and Advanced Channeling Ventilation System for maximum airflow.

One feature we like on the HJC RPHA 11 is the anti-bacterial MuliCool Interior that helps to get rid of moisture and ensure the helmet dries quickly.

The cheek pads are also removable and washable.

Most importantly, the emergency cheek pad system allows first responders to act quickly in case of emergency.

The HJC RPHA 11 is also fitted with built-in speaker pockets, which allows riders to install motorcycle comms easily.

According to HJC, the RPHA 11 Sonic The Hedgehog meets both DOT and ECE standards and retails for EUR629.90, which translates to RM2.8k.

Kawasaki And Toyota Team Up To Develop Hydrogen Engines

Kawasaki has signed an agreement with the biggest carmaker, Toyota, to work on the development of hydrogen engines for motorcycles.

Kawasaki and Toyota penned a deal to develop hydrogen engines.
Toyota recently launched the Toyota Mirai, the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell car.

While Kawasaki is known to be active in developing sustainable alternatives to the ICE, the new alliance with Toyota just took the effort a step further.

Despite already being in advanced stages in terms of hydrogen technology, Kawasaki wants the new deal with Toyota to help speed up the process.

Furthermore, Toyota recently launched the Toyota Mirai, the world’s first commercially available hydrogen fuel cell car, for which more than 2,600 examples have already been sold globally.

According to reports, the two parties agreed on the deal earlier this month, with Toyota President Akio Toyoda driving a hydrogen-powered Kawasaki ATV at the Twin Ring Motegi.

Team Green already showcased its first electric and hybrid motorcycle recently at Suzuka 8 Hours. That said, the official unveiling will happen soon.

All-New Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello Chosen As Marvel’s Wolverine Motorcycle

Unless you are Iron Man or Thor, superheroes need some type of vehicle to move around.

Moto Guzzi and Marvel teamed up for a limited edition Wolverine comic book.
The V100 Mandello was chosen as Wolverine’s motorcycle in the series.

During one of the scenes in Marvel’s Captain America: Winter Soldier, the star-spangled banner superhero can be seen riding the Harley-Davidson Street 750.

In the Avengers: Age of Ultron, Black Widow rode Harley-Davidson’s first electric motorcycle, the LiveWire.

However, suppose you ever wondered what kind of vehicle X-Men’s Wolverine would have in his garage. In that case, you can rest easy knowing that the adamantium-clawed (technically, his entire bone is adamantium) mutant rides the new Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello.

It turns out Moto Guzzi and Marvel have teamed up on a special-edition comic book starring Wolverine and the V100 Mandello.

The unique collaboration comic book, titled Viaggio Nel Tempo (Journey of Time), tells the story of Wolverine alongside the V100 Mandello and a V7 at some point.

In the comic, Wolverine will face an uphill battle with the similarly adamantium-strengthened supervillain, Bullseye.

Suppose you are interested in getting your hands on the special edition comic book. The issue will be available from Moto Guzzi Museum in Mandello del Lario and participating Moto Guzzi dealerships.

However, it’s not clear how many of the comic books are issued or what the price is – so it’s best to reach out to the local Moto Guzzi dealership or drop them an email to find out the details.

CFMoto 450SR To Debut In Malaysia On October 22

We knew that CFMoto 450SR is coming to Malaysia awhile back but we just received confirmation from CFMoto Malaysia that the motorcycle is set for launch on October 22.

The highly anticipated CFMoto 450SR is set to debut in Malaysia.
Features a peppy 449cc parallel-twin with 270-degree crankshaft, good for 50HP and 39Nm.

According to latest confirmation by CFMoto Malaysia, the CFMoto 450SR will make its debut ahead of the 2022 Malaysia MotoGP.

CFMoto gains worldwide attention especially in Asia and Europe with their impressive range of motorcycles including the CL700, NK650, and the 650GT.

The brand is known for bringing bike bike to the budget-conscious market including the quarter litre sportbike, the 250SR.

However, CFMoto is about to expand the SR range with the all-new 450SR.

First caught our attention as a concept at EICMA 2021, the upcoming 450cc sportbike is CFMoto latest attempt to attract the small capacity motorcycle segment.

Despite lacking some premium features from the SR-C21 concept bike, the CFMOTO 450SR still looks sharp and beautifully built, with an aesthetics reminiscent of a race bikes.

Powering the 450SR is a 450cc parallel-twin DOHC engine with 270-degree crank capable of pumping 50hp @ 9,500rpm and 39Nm @ 7,600rpm with a compression ratio of 11.1:5.

Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a final chain drive mated to a six-speed transmission.

Other notable features include a 5-inch TFT curved instrument display with smartphone connectivity and USB charging port.

Hero Reopens Bookings For The XPulse 200 4V Rally Edition In India

Hero MotoCorp introduced the limited run XPulse 200 4V Rally Edition back in July 2022 and the bike was very well received by the Indian public.

The Hero XPulse 200 4V Rally Edition is inspired by the firm’s rally machine.
The XPulse 200 4V Rally gets revised suspension.

The motorcycle was sold out in less than four days after the official launch, much to the dismay of off-road aficionados.

However, due to the immense request for the motorcycle, Hero MotoCorp decided to reopens bookings for the XPulse Rally Edition.

The Hero XPulse 200 4V Rally Edition is a special motorcycle as it is fitted by all the necessities to make it a proper off-road machine.

It features a long-travel suspension, dual-purpose tires and a special livery inspired by the firm’s rally machine.

First glance, you’ll notice the combination of white and red colourway to match the livery of Hero MotoSports Team Rally.

While some manufacturers tends to slap a new graphics and livery and called it a “new” edition, Hero MotoCorp dive deep to bring something new to the XPulse 200 4V Rally Edition.

Firstly, the bike’s suspension has undergone major modification, the Rally Edition features full-adjustable front fork with 250mm of wheel travel and a 10-step adjustable rear shock with 220mm wheel travel.

Also, the ground clearance is now 50mm higher and the seat now sits at 885mm compared to 825mm on the base XPulse 200. The Rally Edition also features taller handelbar, longer gear change lever and a longer side stand.

The best part is, the Rally Edition weighs just 160kgs, just 2 kilograms more than the base model.

Mechanically, the XPulse 200 4V Rally Edition gets the same 200cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine but equipped with an oil cooler. It produces the same 19hp and 16.4Nm.

Kawasaki, Kymco Among The New Members Joining Swappable Battery Consortium

The Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium (SBMC) has expanded from its first four founding members to 21 in just a year after its establishment in September 2021.

SBMC welcomes 17 new members to support the initiative.
Kymco and Kawasaki among listed as new members of the SBMC.

The consortium was originally founded by Yamaha, KTM, Honda and Piaggio which is equivalent to Iron Man, Thor, Hulk and Captain America founding the Avengers.

While it took many years for the Avengers to expand, SBMC only took a year to add 17 other members.

“The underlying aim of the Consortium is to find solutions to the concerns customers may have regarding the future of electromobility, such as the range, the charging time and infrastructure, and costs,” said SBMC.

According to the official statement, those members include motorcycle manufacturers, tech companies, and others that work in similar fields.

The list of SBC members includes:

AVL
Ciklo
Fivebikes
Foresee Power
Hioki
Honda
Hyba
Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association
Kawasaki
KTM
Kymco
Niu
Piaggio
Polaris
Roki
Samsung SDI
Sinbon
Sumitomo
Suzuki
Swobbee
Vitesco
VeNetWork
Yamaha

As reported previously, SBMC aims to standardise battery specifications while also improving the charging infrastructure.

MV Agusta And KTM Announced New Distribution Partnership

KTM AG announced a new distribution deal with MV Agusta, which will see the Austrian firm assist with distributing the Italian company’s motorcycles.

KTM AG signs a multi-year deal with MV Agusta to distribute the Schiranna motorcycles in North America.
Selected KTM dealership will sell MV Agusta motorcycles in North America.

According to the official statement, the multi-year partnership will see KTM AG – the subsidiary of PIERER Mobility AG – distribute and promote MV Agusta’s motorcycle range in North America and Mexico.

To achieve this, KTM AG will set up a dedicated US-based legal entity that will take charge of all the Italian company operations in North America.

That said, MV Agusta motorcycles can still be purchased from the Italian brand’s existing dealers and new ones but also selected KTM dealerships.

In addition, KTM AG will also set up a company based in the United States dedicated to MV Agusta operations in North America.

The deal is part of MV Agusta’s strategic plan to achieve significant growth in the coming years.

“I am particularly pleased with this agreement signed between two historic European motorcycle companies.

“I am sure that KTM’s impeccable and widespread sales organization, combined with the very strong appeal that our brand has always exercised overseas, will bring great satisfaction to both, creating synergies that will allow us to best implement our growth strategy in the North America market,” said MV Agusta CEO, Timur Sardarov.

Meanwhile, Hubert Trunkenpolz, a Member of the Executive Board at KTM AG, also expressed his excitement over the new partnership.

“We are extremely excited to start a new partnership with such a historic motorcycle brand.

“Our brands are going from strength to strength everywhere in the world, particularly in North America, where we will exceed 100,000-unit sales in 2022 with the KTM, Husqvarna and GASGAS motorcycle brands.

“Taking on the distribution of the MV Agusta brand will complement our extensive premium motorcycle range.

“With the addition of the most iconic Italian luxury motorcycle brand to our KTM North America operations, we are able to ensure support to all North American motorcycle enthusiasts as well as bringing exciting new business opportunities to existing and new dealers,” he said.

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Amirul Azreen