Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen

Zontes is prepping to launch a new range of motorcycles after completing development of its triple-cylinder engine.

  • Zontes officially completes its triple-cylinder engine development.
  • The new project was announced back in June 2021. 

 

The Chinese motorcycle manufacturer announced its ambitious plans back in June 2021. The announcement was a part of the company effort to take on the likes of Yamaha and Triumph with its own triple-cylinder powertrain.

With a number of Chinese brand already penetrating the big bike segment, Zontes also wants a piece of the cake after spending much of its time on the lower end of the engine range with its 310cc motorcycles.

Nevertheless, Zontes is ready to climb up the scale after completing the new engine development and showing it off to the public as proof.

Frankly, we like at what we are seeing as the new engine is more of an innovation instead of tracing existing design from other manufacturers. 

Also, this is a proof that Zontes is working on something solid, further hinting its plan to become a new contender in a segment that features established line up.

As for which models that could feature the new engine is still unclear but looking at other Chinese counterpart including CFMoto and QJ Motor, we assume one of the new model could be an adventure-type motorcycle. 

Italian motorcycle manufacturer Piaggio is currently developing a new suspension system for its scooter range inspired by an 18th-century inventor, James Watt.

  • Piaggio to revived the linkage system introduced by James Watt in 18th century.
  • Watt’s linkage system to be applied on Piaggio’s two-wheel and three-wheel scooter. 

James Watt was a renowned Scottish physicist in the 18th century and was the first person to coin the term “horsepower”.

More than 250 years ago, Watt was also responsible for the Watt’s linkage, a mechanical linkage type in which the linkage’s central moving point is constrained to travel on a nearly straight line.

The Watt’s linkage was described in James Watt’s patent specification of 1784 for the Watt steam engine.

As it turns out, Piaggio is reviving the two-century-old technology for modern time according to a newly filed patent according to Motorrad.

Based on the report, Piaggio wants to use Watt’s linkage to suspend the motorcycle compared to a traditional telescopic fork. 

The new system will allow a less sideways movement of the axle hence allowing the rider more precise control of the motorcycle.

Looking at the drawings, you can see that the suspension component is located on each side of the wheels rather than closer to the handlebar like a conventional telescopic fork. 

However, there are no words when Piaggio plans to introduce the new system. Nevertheless, it is an exciting development to see 250 years old technology coming back for modern times. 

(source: Motorrad)

While some owners tends to unnecessarily  accessorised their big bore adventure bikes just so it looks good in front of a ridiculously priced coffee shop on a Sunday morning, there are those who are actually taking their ADV bike for its actual purpose, going on a proper adventure.

  • 230 riders from 13 countries will endure a more than 200km of deep rainforest jungle. 
  • XCape Resort, Kuala Tahan, returns as host for the 2022 edtion after successfully hosting the 2018 edition. 

This is one of many reasons why Rimba Raid is born, to gather every adventure bike riders  around the world to compete against one another for the ultimate prize, being the best enduro rider of the competition. 

Also, it gives you the honour to tell others that your bike is probably the best ADV bike available in the market.

That said, the 2022 Rimba Raid Taman Negara will witness the battle between big-bore adventure motorcycle, including BMW R 1200/1250 GS(A), Honda CRF1000/1100 Africa Twin, KTM 1050/1190/1290 Adventure/Super Adventure and Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere.

Interestingly, this time around, there is a new competitor in town, the 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 will also try to get a piece of the action. 

Also making its first appearance at Rimba Raid is the Moto Morini XCape 650, WMOTO SX300 and Fantic Caballero 500. 

A total of 230 riders from 13 countries will set foot in Kuala Tahan, including riders from Malaysia, Colombia, Canada, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, Poland, USA, UK, Indonesia, Netherlands and Italy. The 2022 edition also welcomes four female riders, Elissa Airin (Malaysia), Shamira Azhar (Malaysia), Cherie Tan (Singapore) and Kanthaphat Kitisophonchodiran (Thailand). 

The 2022 Rimba Raid will kickstart on 24th September 2022 at XCape Resort, Kuala Tahan, Pahang who is the main host of the race, after successfully hosting the 2018 edition. 

English motorcycle racer, Gino Rea suffered a crashed during the second free practice at the 2022 Suzuka 8 Hours, last Saturday.

  • Gino Rea sustained a serious head injury during the second practice round at Suzuka.
  • The rider was flown to the nearest hospital for immediate medical attention with doctors kept Rea in medically-induced coma. 

Medical personnel rushed to care the FCC TSR Honda France rider, but due to severe injuries, Rea was airlifted to a local hospital.

The team had earlier confirmed that the rider sustained a serious head injury due to the crash and remained in critical condition.

As a result, Rea is put under medically-induced coma for days. 

International media tried to get a hold of Rea’s condition but due to the injury’s severity, no recent updates were collected.

However, Rea’s family has shared an update regarding the situation.

“We couldn’t make a post earlier due to the Japanese culture, as they do not release any news to media without the direct contact with the family first.

“We arrived in Japan on August 8 and 8pm with many thanks to the EWC, FIM, Suzuka Circuit, British Consulate, and TSR Racing Team for all the help in arranging emergency visas for us,” said Rea’s family in a statement.

The statement also explained that doctors kept the rider in medically-induced coma as an effort to reduce the swelling on his brain.

However, according to the family latest update via Rea’s official Instagram account, the rider showed a sign of recovery with reduced swelling after undergoing CT-Scan.

“He is in a stable condition and recovering from the usual side effects from such a trauma. We are looking forward to a speedy recovery from him as we all know he is capable of it,” the statement read. 

Ducati is scheduled to unleash a series of 2023MY motorcycles via its virtual Ducati World Premiere.

  • The iconic Monster to get the SP treatment since its introduction in 2021.
  • The Monster SP features similar lightweight components as the Streetfighter V4 SP and Panigale V4 SP. 

Despite brilliantly coming up with vague titles for all 7-episodes for the 2023 DWP, recent reports have indicated that a new Monster SP is among the new models set to be unleashed.

Motorcycle.com revealed the information in their latest publication. 

According to the report, the name ‘Monster’ came up in Australian vehicle identification documents along with ‘Monster+’ and ‘Monster SP’. 

A screengrab of the documents can be read HERE

Although the document doesn’t disclose information beyond the name, the upcoming Monster SP will likely get the same 937cc liquid-cooled V-Twin engine.

Based on the current SP models – Streetfighter V4 SP and Panigale V4 SP – it is likely the new Monster SP will feature lightweight components and an upgraded braking system. 

Also, we can probably expect a host of unique components, including carbon fibre mudguards and so on. 

That said, Ducati is set to kicked-off its 2023 DWP (The Web Series) on 2nd September. 

Below is the number of the episode of the upcoming Web Series leading to EICMA 2022:

  • Episode 1—The Unexpected (2nd September)
  • Episode 2—Ready for More? (15th September)
  • Episode 3—Unlock Earth (29th September)
  • Episode 4—This is Racing (7th October)
  • Episode 5—Push Forward (20th October)
  • Episode 6—Dare to be Bold (28th October)
  • Episode 7—Next Gen Freedom (7th November)

(source: Motorcycle.com)

Royal Enfield is among the manufacturers that always stay true to its roots, making a beautiful and reliable motorcycle with the exception of power.

  • Royal Enfield plans to unveil its first electric motorcycle by 2026.
  • To feature a new battery pack and electric motor suitable for city riding. 

The firm’s newly launched 350 range, including the Meteor 350, Classic 350 and Hunter 350, is a testament to this.

However, as the market started to shift towards electrification, even Royal Enfield couldn’t escape the new changes brought upon by the motorcycle industry.

That said, Royal Enfield reportedly has plans to release its own electric motorcycle range by 2026, as reported by Indian publication, BikeDekho.

While it may take three years before we can see one, Royal Enfield is not in a rush to play the chasing game with the rest of the industry’s players.

In fact, the company wants to ensure that the new electric two-wheeler will continue to carry the brand’s quality and brand experience.

According to reports, the motorcycle will perform like a 250cc powertrain. However, it may not offer a good range for long-distance riding.

Nevertheless, an urban-focused electric motorcycle makes a lot of sense for the firm’s first attempt at electrification.

Harley-Davidson has announced a new custom colour scheme for the Grand American Touring Range for 2022.

  • The Apex factory custom paint is available for all of Harley-Davidson GAT range.
  • The colour scheme starts with a base of Vivid Black paint and combines with Gauntlet Grey graphics. 

Dubbed the “Apex”, the new custom colour way will be applicable to selected bikes from Harley’s Grand American Touring family including the Road King, Street Glide and Ultra Limited bikes. 

According to the American firm, a total of nine custom options are currently available, with one Road King, two street Glides, two Ultra Limiteds and four Road Glides.

The Apex option is an additional GBP1,900 for the Road King Special, additional GBP1,900 for the Street Glide Special Chrome while the Street Glide Black with Apex paint is pricier with GBP3,100.

“The Apex colour scheme starts with a base of Vivid Black paint. A graphic element adds Gauntlet Grey panels.

“The panels are surrounded by an accent stripe of Jet Fire Orange, the original colour applied to the XR750 competition models,” said Harley in a statement.

Harley’s Vice President of Design and Creative Director, Brad Richards said that the new Apex custom paint provides riders the chance to express the thrill of speed and competition on their bagger.

“This paint scheme communicates velocity and forward momentum with lines and colours inspired by Harley-Davidson competition motorcycles,” he said. 

Kawasaki decided to surprised the crowd at the recently concluded Suzuka 8 Hours by showcasing a demonstration run of the company’s electric and hybrid prototypes.

  • Kawasaki unveiled the all-electric and hybrid EV models at Suzuka.
  • The all-electric is modelled after the firm’s Z range while the hybrid EV takes on Ninja’s design cue.

Team Green first unveiled the hybrid motorcycle project back in November 2020, one year after teasing the public with the electric prototype at EICMA 2019.

However, during the Suzuka 8 Hours weekend, the company decided to demonstrate the near-production version in front of the home crowd.

The fans were allowed to witness the all-electric and hybrid powertrains.

Based on the video below, the Z range styling carries the electric motor while the hybrid EV project bore full fairings modelled after the Ninja series.

 

Kawasaki showcased the all-electric Z range first and followed by the HEV motorcycle, which looks considerably larger than its electric counterpart thanks to its dual-mill setup.

The HEV model also considerably louder than the all-electric motorcycle.

Unfortunately, Kawasaki did not unveiled the mechanics behind the two projects but looking at the finishing, the Japanese marquee might introduced the two motorcycle soon.

Joining the Honda CB300R in the lineup is the new 2022 Honda CB300F launched in India.

  • the CB300F joins the already available CB300R in India.
  • features the same 293cc oil-cooled engine that makes 23hp and 23.05Nm. 

Power for the CB300F comes from Honda’s 293cc oil-cooled, 4-valve SOHC engine, the same unit used in the CB300R. The CB300F makes 23hp and 23.05Nm, mated to a six-speed manual transmission and chain final drive.

The Honda CB300F features a 17-inch alloy wheels suspended by an inverted front forks and five-stage adjustable monoshock.

Braking is done by a single disc at both ends with 276mm at the front and 220mm at the rear.

Inspired by the bigger CB500F sold in global markets, the new CB300F also features sharp bodywork with a low slung headlamp.

Other notable features include:

  • full-LED lighting
  • dual-channel ABS
  • Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
  • digital instrument cluster
  • 14L fuel tank

Meanwhile, the Deluxe Pro variant gets you a Honda smartphone voice control technology.

The 2022 Honda CB300F is retailed at INR 225,900 (RM12.6k).

Triumph-Bajaj’s upcoming motorcycle was caught doing rounds for the first time back in February 2022.

  • The upcoming motorcycle could feature between 250cc to 500cc powertrain.
  • features Bonneville inspired components including tanks, headlamp and dash. 

At the time, some spy shots were shared online, and we could see that the upcoming Baby Triumph would not be based on the Trident 660 or any of the Hinckley’s naked range; instead, the test mule looked similar to the firm’s Bonneville lineup, albeit a smaller one.

However, in the latest exclusive images shared by MCN, we can now take a closer look at Triumph-Bajaj’s first fruit of marriage.

These spy shots of Triumph’s ‘baby Bonneville’ look similar to the test mule seen earlier this year.

According to MCN, these photos were captured not far from Triumph’s Hinckley headquarters, hinting that it is in a later stage of testing and could be launched soon.

Triumph is tight-lipped on the bike’s engine capacity, but numerous reports suggest the affordable ‘baby Bonneville’ could range between 250cc to 500cc.

Based on the finishing, the new motorcycle indeed inherent Triumph styling cue and quality, with Bajaj lending a helping hand in developing the engine. As a result, while it could be Triumph’s most affordable motorcycle in its stable, they are not going to be as ‘cheap’ as you might think.

Moreover, you can easily capture various components inspired by the bigger Bonneville, including the tank, chrome filler cap, blacked-out engine cases, tubular frame, and round headlamp.

Meanwhile, we expect Triumph to roll out the new range in 2023.

(source: MCN)

The Chinese motorcycle market is currently undergoing a revolution in terms of styling, technology and quality.

  • Jedi Motor K750 concept bike set to enter production stage soon.
  • The motorcycle was first unveiled as a prototype at EICMA. 
CFMoto and Benelli/QJMotor are among the brands that are currently pushing themselves as an establishment that could really go up against other major brands in the world.
However, another Chinese manufacturer, Jedi Vision could up the ante with the K750 Concept which is set to enter production soon after its global unveiling at EICMA.
Like us who are not familiar with the company, Jedi Motor previously supplied bikes for the Chinese police force and security services. However, their latest move is to enter the consumer market.
The Vision K750 looks well built, balance and modern on par with a Japanese or European bike. Underneath the futuristic fairing sits a 730cc parallel-twin engine that delivers 68hp @ 7,500rpm and 66Nm @ 6,500rpm.

The same engine also powers the GTR750, a sport-tourer concept that features cast aluminium chassis, USD fork and Brembo brakes.

Meanwhile, the JFR750 comes in two variants, a scrambler-ish model with semi-knobby tires with spoke wheels; another features lower bars, alloy wheels and street tires.

According to latest reports, the GTR750 and JFR750 will also enters production soon.

Can-Am has officially unveiled its first motorcycles in 35 years with the launch of123 Can-Am Origin and Can-Am Pulse electric motorcycle.

  • the Can-Am Origin and Can-Am Pulse is the company first motorcycle after 35 years.
  • the Origin is an off-road capable electric bike while the Pulse is a more urban-focused motorcycle. 

The Canadian company first produced its motorcycles back in the 70s and 80s with motocross and off-road two-wheelers.

The company went down in 1987 before being revived by Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) in 2006 which led to the brand manufacturing three-wheeled motorcycles and trikes.

However, as the world has shifted towards electrification, BRP announced its plan to revived Can-Am as a two-wheel electric maker, in March 2022.

At the time, the company teased four motorcycles, and six months on Can-Am has revealed the Origin and Pulse.

Based on the image shared, the Origin is a dual-sport electric motorcycle while the Pulse carries a roadster DNA with sportier bodywork.

Apart from the eye-catching design, the battery packs is also slimmer and blends perfectly underneath the “fuel tank” compared to other electric motorcycle available in the market.

That said, the Can-Am Origin presents the most unique design language, with its ADV styling puts it within the same segment as Zero’s FX. While the Pulse, offers a more urban-focused design and ergo’s puts it head-to-head with newly launched LiveWire Del-Mar.

“Today, our story of innovation reaches new heights with the reveal of market-shaping electric products that will enhance consumer experience on the road.

“Half a century ago, Can-Am roared to victory on the track and the trail, and today, a new legacy begins. With the Can-Am Origin and Can-Am Pulse, the first two models of our electric 2-wheel family, we are gearing up to reclaim our motorcycle heritage by crafting thrilling riding experiences for a whole new generation,” said José Boisjoli, President and CEO of BRP.

Meanwhile, the Origin and Pulse is expected to be equipped with Rotax E-Power engine.

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