Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen

Ducati and Lenovo is readying for the new 2022 MotoGP season after a successful partnership last year saw the team take home the MotoGP Constructors’ World Title for the second year in a row.

The collaboration between Lenovo and Ducati has proven fruitful since 2018 with the former provides a wide range of solution in the form of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI).

According to Lenovo, the main objective for 2022 is to complete the Remote Garage project, that allow engineers to receive data in real-time and interact with the garage and the GP22 while working remotely.

“2021 was an important year for the Ducati Lenovo Team. We have strengthened our technology partnership – paving the way for bolder innovation in the new hybrid working world.

“We are proud to collaborate with Ducati, who share our core values of speed, dedication, team spirit and a focus on results.

“In line with our mission to enable intelligent transformation, we will continue to invest and innovate with Ducati to achieve increasingly ambitious goals in the fast-evolving industry of motorsports,” said Luca Rossi, President of Intelligent Devices Group at Lenovo.

Ducati Lenovo Team is set to double the effort this year to win the World Championship after Francesco Bagnaia lose out to Fabio Quartararo with just a 26 points gap.

After a successful pre-season test at Sepang International Circuit and Mandalika Circuit, the team is ready to head to Qatar for the first round of the season.

After months of leaks, patents and prototype photos, Yamaha has officially ready to take on the world with the new 2022 Tenere 700 World Raid.

First seen as a Tenere 700 Raid Prototype at EICMA last year, the Japanese later showcased the production-ready version back in January in the form of design leaks.

However, the finished version looks so much more spectacular, given it looks like something that just came off the recently concluded Dakar Rally.

While the World Raid shares the same front headlamp and a rear tail unit like the base Tenere 700, the new variants gained a bigger and more muscular fuel tank thanks to a twin-tank setup.

The twin-tank hangs on either side of the frame and engine, fed by side-by-side filler caps and fits the look of a Dakar Rally inspired machine.

Moreover, the twin-tank can carry 23liters of fuel, that’s 7liters more than the standard Tenere 700 and can take the bike up to 480 km of range.

Despite the twin-tank setup creating a more extensive front end, it also helps to fit in the motocross-style saddle, allowing riders to shift accordingly while riding off-road.

The new seat sits 890mm off the ground (12mm higher than the stock Tenere 700) to provide better clearance.

Other significant updates include:

  • new 5-inch TFT full-colour display (portrait orientation)
  •  USB socket
  • three-mode ABS
  • 43mm KYB fork with 228mm travel (adjustable preload, compression and rebound)
  • rear aluminium piggyback shock (adjustable preload, compression and rebound)
  • taller front screen
  • new detachable side-deflectors
  • under-engine aluminium bash plate

Despite the bigger and taller setup, the Tenere 700 World Raid runs on the same 689cc parallel-twin CP2 engine.

According to Yamaha, the new Tenere 700 World Raid will reach a worldwide dealership in May.

Earlier in January, we were amazed at a particular entrepreneur’s effort to introduce aftermarket self-cancelling indicators for motorcycles.

Nicolas Rogers has just invented a Bluetooth intercom system called Indimate, that reminds you to turn off your blinkers after every turn.

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The mechanism is simple; when the indicator is turned on, it transmits an acoustic signal to the Bluetooth unit in the helmet. (Yes, the Indimate can only function if you installed Bluetooth comms on your helmet.)

The installation process is simple. There are four cables, and each needs to be connected to the right and left indicator, one ground and one on the battery positive terminal.

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The current system only works on big bikes, which runs on bigger batteries and is yet available for smaller capacity two-wheelers such as mopeds and scooters.

However, things are about to change as Rogers has told us that he will make sure that Indimate will be compatible with mopeds and scooters.

*Nicolas Rogers

“I had previously considered it but focused on motorcycles because I am more familiar with them.

“Now that you mention it, though, I think it would be silly to ignore such a big market.

“I will make sure the electronics are compatible with 6 Volt moped batteries and do some re-marketing; thanks for the advice!” he said.

Meanwhile, Indimate also allows riders to use it as a Wi-Fi hotspot and pair it to their smartphones. While connected, riders can hear the indicator ticks in the background while listening to music, during a phone call or while communicating with fellow riders.

Indimate will go on sale soon and is currently available for pre-orders for USD70 (RM292).

A few days ago, German-tuning house Brabus launched the company’s first-ever motorcycle build, the Brabus 1300 R, in partnership with KTM.

Brabus took the KTM 1290 Super Duke EVO and injected the firm’s DNA by upgrading every panel of the motorcycle with bespoke components.

 

While it may come with a hefty price, GBP34,549 (RM195k) to be exact, as it turns out, Brabus managed to sell all 154 units in less than two minutes!

Don’t worry if you missed out because there is a waiting list you can sign up for if you are hoping to get a second chance at the 1300 R.

The Brabus 1300 R is also clad with carbon fibre components, including the headlight shroud, tail and fuel tank.

Nevertheless, the Brabus 1300 R continue to get power to the rear wheel via the same 1,301cc V-Twin engine that makes 180hp and 140Nm.

Other features brought forward from the KTM include the PASC slipper clutch and PANKL transmission.

Other significant changes include a black paint job, a thicker saddle with heated seat function, and fully-adjustable hand levers.

Brabus also retains the same electronic package from the EVO, which includes:

  • five riding modes
  • throttle control
  • traction control
  • stabilitty control
  • motor slip regulation
  • anti-wheelie function
  • quickshifter
  • cruise control
  • ABS and Supermoto ABS

Kawasaki recently updated the H2 SX range with all-new radar technology for 2022.

However, the latest reports suggest that there is more to come from Team Green. The firm is reportedly developing a camera-based system to work alongside the radar sensors.

The 2022 H2 SX has two radars, one at the front that enables adaptive cruise control and collision warning, whereas the rear operates the blind-spot monitoring system.

While the H2 SX is not the first bike to feature the radar assisted system, the motorcycle is the only one to hide the Bosch-made sensors compared to the Ducati Multistrada V4, KTM 1290 Super Adventure and the BMW R 1250 RT.

However, while the technology is a big step for two-wheelers, it is not the perfect solution to enhance rider’s safety due to its inability to sense colour, light and surface detail.

To overcome this, Kawasaki is developing a camera system (similar to the one you see on modern cars) as confirmed by the latest patent applications.

According to reports, the camera would likely be placed behind the screen in a purpose-built panel.

While the patent did not reveal much, the document says explicitly that the camera will assist the front headlight, which means it could control the bike’s high and low beam according to the riding condition.

It could also provide extra input to the radar sensor technology by recognizing obstacles or hazards on the road.

We can easily understand the system by looking at today’s cars to see how the camera operates.

Understanding this, the H2 SX could be the safest bike in the future and the first to adopt the camera system ahead of its rival.

Boon Siew Honda (BSH) officially welcomes the 2022 Honda CB500X and CBR500R for the Malaysian market.

The 2022 CB500X and CBR500R are now priced at RM36,099 and RM34,499.

Both motorcycles received significant updates for 2022, starting with the suspension setup that now comes in an adjustable Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SSF-BP) USD fork.

Apart from improved chassis dynamics, both the CB500X and CBR500R gets newly improved twin 296mm disc with Nissin two-piston callipers.

The improved braking allows riders to pull the lever when braking without much pressure.

Other significant improvement includes:

  • 19-inch front and 17-inch lighter wheels (CB500X)
  • lightweight 5 Y-shaped spokes wheels (CBR500)
  • new headlight with a broader beam
  • optimised high/low headlight beam and front indicator position lights (CB500X)

Nonetheless, the CB500X and CBR500R continue to deliver 50hp @ 8,5000rpm and 45Nm @ 6,500rpm from its 471cc, 8-valve liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine.

Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a six-speed transmission with an assist/slipper clutch.

According to Boon Siew Honda, the CBX500X is available in three colour options; GP Red, Mat Gun Power Black Metallic and Pearl Organic Green, while the CBR500X is only available in GP Red. 

Ducati Petaling Jaya is having a special promotion for the last three units of the base Ducati Multistrada V4.

From now until 28 February, every purchase of the Ducati Multistrada V4 now includes RM35,000 worth of accessories for free!

The free RM35,000 package includes:

  • Akrapovic full system exhaust
  • Crash bar
  • Side panniers with cover sets
  • Belly pan
  • Touring handguard

Ducati PJ also threw in the road tax and insurance for free, so customers do not need to worry about putting any additional payment apart from the bike’s price tag.

Interested parties can reach out to Ducati PJ for more info or just walk into the showroom. Please be reminded that the promo is on a first-come-first-served basis while stock last.

Read more on the Ducati Multistrada V4 below:

2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 Lands In Malaysia – RM135,900

 

Honda issued an official recall concerning its flagship sportbike, the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP in America.

It turns out, the exhaust pipe on the Fireblade SP could overheat, which could lead to the oil cooler pipe melting and rupturing.

Worst case scenario, the overheated exhaust could increase the chance of a crash, injury and even fire.

As a precaution, Honda America is issuing a recall notice to 311 owners of the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP in the USA.

According to the recall documents by NHTSA, the overheat may occur when the pipe does not receive sufficient airflow, especially when the bike is following behind a vehicle or when riding in first gear and above 5,000rpm for an extended period.

The recall will allow Honda dealers to replace the oil cooler pipe and install a heat guard between the exhaust pipe and oil cooler pipe, free of charge.

The heat guard will be pre-installed on every Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, beginning March 2022.

Meanwhile, owners who want to ride their bike to the nearest Honda dealership is advised not to ride above 5,000rpm in 1st gear.

An ongoing rumour is making its round in Japan that Honda will likely replace the outgoing CB1100 with a new motorcycle.

The bike in question is the much-talked-about Hawk, seen here in a rendered image from a Japanese publication, Young-Machine.

According to reports, Honda will utilize the parallel-twin CRF1100L powerplant found on the Africa Twin, Rebel 1100 and NT1100.

The name that Honda is going for is actually taken from the company’s past, specifically the 1977 CB400T that also carries a parallel-twin engine and is known as the Hawk in some parts of the world.

It is still uncertain as to when the new Hawk is set to make an appearance, but reports in Japan suggest that the bike will be revealed at two separate locations, one in Osaka and later at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show.

More importantly, Young-Machine reported that the new Transalp and Hornet would also make a surprise appearance alongside the Hawk 1100.

If any of the news is true, 2022 could be a busy year for the Japanese marquee. 

Suzuki Malaysia first dropped a teaser of its small capacity motorcycle back in September 2021 during the all-new Hayabusa and V-Strom 1050 XT launch.

During the launch, Suzuki Malaysia has announced that the upcoming 150cc motorcycle is due to roll out in early 2022.

However, we are already in the middle of February, and there is still no update on Suzuki Malaysia small capacity bikes.

Regardless, Suzuki Malaysia’s Executive Chairman, Ahmad Faez Yahaya, has posted an update on his Facebook account regarding the company’s upcoming motorcycle.

Interestingly, what can be seen here is a photo of a new set of tyres, and while it did not reveal much, the tyres are the wheelset for the Belang R150.

Moreover, according to reports, Suzuki Malaysia is scheduled to launch the three new models sometime in March this year.

However, we were told that Suzuki Malaysia might not be using the ‘Belang’ name; instead, the motorcycle could be named as Raider F150, but we are still waiting for further clarification.

Nonetheless, the long wait is over as a small capacity Suzuki motorcycle will finally be upon us soon.

Former Norton Motorcycles CEO, Stuart Garner, was found guilty of illegally investing pension funds into the business and is facing a two-year jail time.

Garner was responsible for reviving the brand after purchasing the company in 2008.

He then introduced the revamped Commando range and the ambitious V4 superbike project before Norton went into administration in January 2020.

However, he was in the spotlight for injecting the pension funds into the 2012 Dominator, 2012 Commando and the Donington MC schemes to prop the business up.

The act is a clear breach of the law that only allows a maximum of 5 per cent of occupational pension to be invested into the employer’s company.

After an investigation by the Pensions Ombudsman, which found that Garner had acted dishonestly, the court ordered Garner to pay off the money (estimated GBP11mil) in June 2020.

At that time, most of Norton’s assets were already sold to current ownership, TVS Motor Company, for GBP16mil.

Nevertheless, TVS opted to take over the firm; instead, the current Norton brand is a new company with rights to the bikes’ brand name and intellectual property.

Garner pleaded guilty at Derby Magistrates’ Court to three charges of breaching employer-related investment rules, investing money from the three pension schemes into Norton in return for preference shares between 2012 and 2013. 

Ducati is set to unleash three new models at the upcoming Ducati World Premier 2022 web series, with the first episode will go on air on 17 February.

The three models will join the Multistrada V2, Ducati Scrambler Urban Motard, Scrambler 1100 Tribute PRO, Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak, the Streetfighter V2, Streetfighter V4 SP, Panigale V4 and the all-new DesertX presented last year.

The three episodes will be visible on Ducati’s dedicated website and official YouTube channel.

Interestingly, Ducati keeps mum on what the three models could be, unlike last year when all seven episodes have their title, making our job easier while digging for clues.

Below are the three new appointments of the DWP 2022:

  • February 17, 2022 – episode 7
  • March 3, 2022 – episode 8 
  • March 10, 2022 – episode 9

Meanwhile, you can catch the previous seven episodes of the DWP 2022 aired last year below:

Special Episode | Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary – “Tribute to our Hero”

Episode 1 | Multistrada V2 – “Your everyday wonder”

Episode 2 | Ducati Scrambler family – “Mark your roots”

Episode 3 | Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak – “Rule all Mountains”

Episode 4 | Streetfighter Family – “A new Fighter in Town”

Episode 5 | Panigale V4 2022 – “The Evolution of Speed”

Episode 6 | DesertX – “Dream Wilder” 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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