Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Locally-Assembled MV Agusta Lucky Explorer 9.5 In The Pipeline?

MV Agusta CEO, Timur Sardarov, has announced that MV Agusta Malaysia Sdn Bhd – a subsidiary of AFY Mobility Sdn Bhd – is officially appointed as the sole and exclusive distributor of MV Agusta motorcycles and parts in the country.

The 9.5 makes 121hp @ 10,000rpm and 102Nm @ 7,000rpm.
to feature a 7-inch TFT dash with smartphone connectivity.
quickshifter, slide control, and cornering ABS comes as standard.

More importantly, MV Agusta motorcycles will be locally-assembled in Glenmarie, Kuala Lumpur.

That said, the highly anticipated MV Agusta Lucky Explorer 9.5 could be among the bikes listed to be assembled in the country.

The Lucky Explorer 9.5 is MV Agusta’s first attempt to take on the adventure bike territory.

Complete with a 21-inch front wheel and off-road focused suspension and frame, MV Agusta is scheduled to launch the Lucky Explorer 9.5 sometime in 2023.

The motorcycle is currently still in its prototype stages, but some reputable media recently tested the new adventure bike in Europe.

The Lucky Explorer 9.5 faces a list of strong contenders in the middleweight ADV category, including the KTM 890 Adventure, Triumph Tiger 900 range and the newly launched Ducati DesertX.

Although the 9.5 is MV’s first attempt in the ADV segment, CycleWorld – one of a few able to try out the prototype mule – claimed that the motorcycle has genuine touring and off-road potential.

The 9.5 features an all-new 931cc inline-triple engine derived from the 800cc platform taken from the F3 and Brutale. However, MV made several modifications, including a new cylinder head, piston and valve train.

As a result, the inline-triple makes 121.4hp @ 10,000rpm and 102Nm @ 7,000rpm. That said, the 2023 Lucky Explorer 9.5 is set to out grunt the DesertX, 890 Adventure and Triumph’s Tiger 900.

Other notable features include:

Fully-adjustable Sachs suspension.
20L fuel tank.
Bridgestone A41 tyres .
7-inch TFT dash with Bluetooth connectivity
Brembo brakes

Meanwhile, the Lucky Explorer 9.5 is also fitted with a host of electronics:

cruise control (standard).
quickshifter
switchable cornering ABS.
four riding modes; Urban/Touring/Off-Road/Custom.
six-Axis IMU
eight-stage slide control/traction control
front-wheel lift control

For those who wonder about the price, rest assured MV Agusta is keeping it a secret until its official launch date later this year.

More importantly, if the bike is locally assembled, we should expect a competitive price point.

MV Agusta To Be Locally Assembled In Malaysia By AFY Mobility Sdn Bhd

It’s official, MV Agusta officially returns to Malaysia with MV Agusta Malaysia Sdn Bhd appointed as the sole and exclusive of MV Agusta motorcycle, parts, merchandise and special parts in Malaysia.

MV Agusta to be distributed and locally assembled in Malaysia by MV Agusta Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
MV Agusta Malaysia Sdn Bhd is the subsidiary of AFY Mobility Sdn Bhd.

The announcement was made by none other than MV Agusta CEO, Timur Sardarov.

“I am particularly thrilled about this new, important partnership marking the consolidation and the expansion of the MV Agusta presence in one of the most dynamic economies in SouthEast Asia.

“The CKD assembly solutions found with our partners will boost our competitiveness in the region, in line with our global expansion strategy.

“I wish the newly born MV Agusta Malaysia every success,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, MV Agusta Malaysia Sdn Bhd is a newly formed company that is a subsidiary of AFY Mobility Sdn Bhd (AMI).

As mentioned by Sardarov, all MV Agusta motorcycles will be completely assembled at the AMI assembly and training facility in Glenmarie, Shah Alam.

The BMW S 1000 R To Get The ‘M’ Treatment, Coming In 2023

BMW Motorrad unveiled the M 1000 RR during the chaotic year of 2020.

The M 1000 R nameplate appears in recent vehicle certification filed in Switzerland and Germany.
The M 1000 R is scheduled to arrive in 2023 and could make an appearance soon.

Although the coronavirus pandemic hit the world in 2020, BMW bravely went ahead by introducing the M 1000 RR sports bike.

At the time, we knew that BMW wouldn’t stop at M 1000 RR, as the House of Munich also trademarked the name with “M 1000 XR” and “M 1300 GS”, signifying the arrival of two flagship motorcycles.

However, to our surprise, the firm’s hyper-naked motorcycle, the S 1000 R, will also receive the “M” treatment for 2023.

That is the case according to the latest vehicle certification documents in Switzerland and Germany, as reported by Motorcycle.com.

The document showcased the M 1000 R pumping 206.5hp @ 13,750rpm and 112Nm @ 11,000rpm, a significant bump from the base S 1000 R that makes 165hp @ 11,000rpm.

This suggests that the M 1000 R will get the same tuning package as the firm’s S 1000 RR instead of the street-friendly S 1000 R.

According to reports, the M 1000 R will also get a new exhaust system while adopting the ShiftCam timing system.

Considering that BMW Motorrad will not be present at this year’s EICMA show in Milan, the motorcycle could appear one month earlier at Intermot in October.

(Source: Motorcycle.com)

Aprilia RS250 Could Make A Comeback With New Parallel-Twin 4-Stroke Engine

The Aprilia RS250 is probably the best street-legal 250cc two-stroke motorcycle coming out of the Noale factory from 1994 to 2004.

The Aprilia RS250 could make a comeback soon
New patent application suggest a new 250cc parallel-twin 4-stroke engine in the works.

While the idea of reproducing the two-stroke motorcycle is tempting but we can’t ignore the fact that the engine is obsolete while it also goes against the global emission standard.

However, the RS250 nameplate could still make a comeback with an entirely new quarter-litre platform, according to a new design registration filed in China by Aprilia’s Chinese counterpart, Zongshen-Piaggio.

The new powertrain – published by CycleWorld – showcased a DOCH parallel-twin engine.

Not only that, the CAD renderings also shows a central-cam drive setup (between the cylinder) instead of on the side similar to Honda’s VFR400R and Yamaha’s YZR-M1 MotoGP race bike.

While it may seem unusual, but it could be a significant indicator that Aprilia is pursuing a compact cylinder head which helps to reduced the flex to the camshaft and crankshaft.

Also, it could also suggest that Aprilia is squeezing for a higher rev range.

Currently, Aprilia already has the Zonghsen-built GPR250R that is sold in Asia which runs on a single-cylinder engine.

The same bike was used as the basis of the track-only Aprilia RS250 SP that was introduced in the US in 2020.

That said, the upcoming 250cc two-cylinder 4-stroke machine could use the GPR250RR nameplate in Asia whereas Aprilia likely to revive the RS250 name in Europe and the US.

Kawasaki To Introduce The W175 In India – 13hp, 13.2Nm

More good news is coming to India as Japanese manufacturer, Kawasaki plans to introduced the W175 in the country.

Kawasaki W175 is headed to India to compete with the small capacity market.
Features 175cc single-cylinder engine that makes 13hp and 13.2Nm.

Due to the huge demand of small capacity motorcycle in India, several bike makers is registering good numbers in the country.

Bajaj Pulsar range is a hit in India followed by Yamaha and Honda.

Understanding the demand, Kawasaki now wants a piece of that pie with the Kawasaki W175.

Mechanically, the W175 makes 13hp and 13.2Nm from its 177cc single-cylinder engine. Although the engine capacity is 12cc bigger than Yamaha’s FZ X, the W175 is four kilograms lighter.

However, the retro bodywork, inspired by the bigger W800, makes the W175 more appealing especially for younger riders.

The W175 is also a popular bike in South East Asia, but sadly it is not available in Malaysia unless the new Kawasaki distributor in the country plans to do something about it.

MotoGP:Japan GP Facing Cancellation Amid Typhoon Nanmadol

Japan will host the first of four MotoGP flyaway races at the Twin Ring Motegi from 23rd-25th September.

Japan to host the MotoGP since 2019.
Typhoon Nanmadol is expected to hit southernmost part of Japan.

However, the race could be cancelled just days before the event as the country is bracing for the impact of Typhoon Nanmadol.

Although the typhoon is due to sweep through Kyushu – the southernmost part of Japan – which far from Motegi but weather forecast suggest it could still affect the country logistics.

Currently, more than four million people have already been evacuated, signalling the level of damages it could do to the area.

Also, Japan has already cancelled the Shinkansen bullet train services.

Nevertheless, Dorna and IRTA is keeping a close eye at the ongoing situation in Japan and any decision will be likely be taken before departures take place.

2023 KTM 890 Adventure R Updated With Fully-Adjustable Suspension

Ensuring the KTM 890 Adventure R remains to be the most capable motorcycle, the house of Mattighofen has introduced a host of technical and electronic updates for 2023.

2023 KTM 890 Adventure R now features serious off-road capabilities.
Latest upgrade include fully-adjustable suspension and revised bodywork.

Coming in new for 2023, the KTM 890 Adventure R now gets the fully-adjustable WP XPLOR forks and WP XPLOR PDS rear shock inspired by the firm’s Dakar Rally beast, the KTM 450 Rally.

Thanks to redesigned bodywork, the KTM 890 Adventure R features new fairing, revised fuel tank and cowling to boost the bike’s aerodynamic and ergonomics.

In addition, KTM also fitted the 890 Adventure R with a shorter windshield, higher front fender and engine protector.

Electronically, the middleweight dual-purpose motorcycle now features a new 5-inch TFT instrument cluster that include turn-by-turn navigation and coloured pictograms.

Also new on the 2023 model is a new Offroad ABS setting and the optional Rally Mode.

According to KTM, owners can also have a taste of Demo Mode, which allows riders to experienced all the specs and options for the frist 1,500km before deciding which pack to acquire.

Nevertheless, the KTM 890 Adventure R continue to pumps out 105hp @ 8,000rpm and 100Nm @ 6,500rpm from its 889cc parallel-twin, 4-stroke 8-valve powertrain.

MotoGP: Bastianini Wins In Aragon After Intense Battle, Disaster For Marquez And Quartararo

It was a disastrous comeback for the 8-time world champion, Marc Marquez, as the rider was involved in two separate incidents which saw Fabio Quartararo and Takaaki Nakagami ousted in the early stage of the race in Aragon.

Bastianini claimed his third win of the season after overcoming Bagnaia.
Quartararo ousted in the early stage after colliding with Marc Marquez.

Marquez started the race with brilliant speed as the Honda rider moved up from 13th to sixth, coming out of Turn 1.

However, chaos ensues on the exit of Turn 4 with Quartararo riding straight into Marquez’s RC213V, and due to the intense collision, the reigning world champion crashes out.

Due to the substantial damage to the rear of Marquez’s RC213V, the Spaniard unintentionally ran into Takaaki Nakagami’s side, leading to a hair-raising incident for the LCR Honda rider.

Thankfully, Nakagami escaped from being hit by other riders.

Meanwhile, Gresini Racing Ducati, Enea Bastianini finally got the better of factory Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia to take his third win of the season.

Bastianini overtook Bagnaia in the final lap, something he failed to do in Misano just two weeks ago.

However, unlike Misano, Bastianini has better braking speed coming out of the corner and easily claimed his win in Aragon.

Nevertheless, Bagnaia should feel happy with his result as the Italian is now just 10 points behind Quartararo with five rounds to go.

On the other, Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro also made a brilliant move on KTM’s Brand Binder to claim third despite remaining behind the South African during the majority of the race.

Catch The 2022 Malaysian MotoGP In Style With Ducati Malaysia

The 2022 Malaysia MotoGP is back after two years of absence, and what better way to catch the biggest motorsport event in the country than to get the best seat in the house?

Tribuna Ducati Package allows you to experience the 2022 Malaysian MotoGP in style.
Enjoy various privilege with fellow Ducatisti.

Ducati Malaysia offers a special Tribuna Ducati Package for those who want to witness their favourite Ducati Lenovo Team MotoGP rider along with fellow Ducatisti at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

You can experience the thrills of MotoGP in the sea of red for just RM499.

The Tribuna Ducati Package includes:

Exclusive three days admissions to the Tribuna Ducati Grandstand
Complimentary refreshments
Tribuna Ducati Race Kit
Ducati original apparel & merchandise rebates voucher

Also, the package includes exclusive access to reserved motorcycle parking, so you don’t need to worry about parking. Trust me, the public parking is horrendous during MotoGP weekend, so having exclusive parking close to the main entrance is a blessing.

This is Ducati Malaysia we are on about, mate, so of course, you’re getting the complete Ducati treatment.

For those interested in being a part of the Tribuna, you can simply walk-in your nearest Ducati showroom to make the purchase.

See you there!

FIRST LOOK: 2023 Ducati Monster SP

Ducati has officially unveiled the 2023 Ducati Monster SP during Episode 2 Ducati World Premiere 2023 web series.

2023 Ducati Monster SP debuted in episode 2 of Ducati World Premiere 2023.
Incorporates Ducati Lenovo Team Desmosedici GP colour scheme.

Although the Monster remains as one of Borgo Panigale’s most affordable model, the factory thinks that the Monster deserved some attention.

Lo and behold, the Monster gets the special SP treatment for 2023 that features all the exciting goodies.

First and foremost, the Monster SP is equipped with a fully-adjustable Ohlins NIX30 fornt fork which is now 600g lighter than the base Monster and Monster+.

Braking is done with a 320mm front disc and is paired to Brembo’s top-of-the-range Brembo Stylema brake callipers. In addition, the SP also features Termignoni homologated exhaust.

The SP also incorporates Ducati MotoGP-inspired paint job that further accentuate the bike’s overall look.

Other notable features include:

steering damper
Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres
recalibrated riding modes with new Wet Mode
Launch Control

According to Ducati, the 2023 Ducati Monster SP will arrived at worldwide dealership beginning January 2023.

MotoGP: Augusto Fernandez Signs With GASGAS Factory Racing

Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 rider, Augusto Fernandez has signed with GASGAS Factory Racing for the 2023 MotoGP season.

Augusto Fernandez to promoted to premier class with GASGAS Factory Racing.
Fernandez to form new partnership with Pol Espargaro.

The 25-year-old from Mallorca will teamed up with fellow Spaniard, Pol Espargaro at the newly formed MotoGP team next season.

The announcement will definitely boost the riders effort in Moto2 this season as he currently leads the championship standing with 198 points.

“Wow, this is amazing: to be able to make the jump to MotoGP with GASGAS.

“I want to thank everyone in the racing structure for all their support since I signed with the Red Bull KTM Ajo team last year.

“I’m really happy. It’s a dream. We still have work to do in Moto2 and I want to go for the title and go to the MotoGP class – and this next challenge – in the best possible way,” he said.

Meanwhile, GASGAS Factory Racing Team principal, Herve Poncharal admitted that he’s a fan of the rider for two years now.

“I have been following Augusto for a few seasons now and we already discussed moving up to the higher class two years ago but he was not ready yet for the big jump.

“When we met again recently, it appeared very clear that he was prepared to come to MotoGP.

I am excited about next season because our garage will have a mix of experience and youth through Pol and Augusto.

“They are both Spanish and will work in a positive and constructive way and this is what we have been looking for.

“Welcome to MotoGP Augusto, keep calm and focus on your Moto2 championship. We will be waiting for you in our garage on Tuesday following the Valencia GP for your first MotoGP test,” he said.

Akrapovic Now Makes Rear Silencers For The BMW R 18

BMW R 18 is now getting an aftermarket rear silencers from Akrapovic.

Akrapovic introduced new rear silenceers for the BMW R 18.
Features lighter component and is tuned to the R 18 1,802cc engine.

The Akrapovic rear silencers is 97mm shorter than the standard rear silencers and is made from durable stainless steel, coated in matt black finish.

Together with a silver end cap adjustable in 90-degree steps, the rear of the R 18 now appears sportier than ever.

Interestingly, Akrapovic also designed the end cap with a stylised BMW brand symbol – the propeller – making it extra appealing for the R 18.

The exhaust also features screwed-in heat protection plate to help the rider’s footwear from the exhaust heat.

It’s also important to know that the Akrapovic rear silencers is 1 kilogram lighter than the stock exhaust and have been optimally tuned to the R 18 “Big Boxer” engine to create a powerful sound.

According to BMW Motorrad, the new rear silencers also compliments well to the BMW Motorrad Bobber Kit.

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Amirul Azreen