Some time ago, Scorpion was almost unknown to the motorcycle industry. Still, the company rose to the spotlight after it became the helmet of choice for 2021 MotoGP world champion Fabio Quartararo.
While Quartararo will continue to wear the company’s helmet for the 2022 season, Scorpion has revamped its range of helmets for the new year, especially its ever-popular ADX-1 modular adventure helmet.
After five years in the market, Scorpion decided to update its popular modular ADV helmet with the ADX-2.
According to Scorpion, the ADX-2 offers better comfort and increased safety as the helmet now meets ECE 22.06 standard after undergoing a more stringent test process.
The ECE 22.06 compliant also means that the ADX-2 received double P/J homologation, making it safe to wear the helmet with the chin-bar up.
Nonetheless, the ADX-2 maintains the same versatility as its predecessor, whereby the helmet can be worn in various ways to suit the rider riding style. The peak is detachable to suit the riders need and can also act as an open face helmet with the chin-bar up.
The Scorpion ADX-2 also offers a detachable and washable interior, retractable sun visor and multi-channel ventilation system. The visor is also Pinlock ready and compatible to wear with an intercom.
According to Scorpion, the ADX-2 is available for EUR249.99 (RM1,2k).
If you own a classic Kawasaki motorcycle, you might be familiar with Japan’s Doremi Collection, as the company has been crafting high-quality reproduction parts for classic Japanese bikes for years.
For 2022, Doremi has announced the release of a new reproduction tank explicitly built for the 1984 Kawasaki Ninja GPZ900R.
According to reports, the tank is something that customers have been asking for quite some time, and the new reproduction tank is expected to make a lot of the GPZ900R happy.
Interestingly, the tank is unpainted to allow owners the freedom to paint it freely to match with their GPZ900R. Moreover, instead of recreating the exact tank, Doremi has improved the design and material so owners can enjoy their GPZ900R for many more years to come.
This is because the stock tank had some apparent weakness, namely the tendency for the bottom part to rust.
According to Doremi, the tank can be fitted to all GPZ900R models.
Nevertheless, the high-quality tank comes with a price, JPY148,500 (RM5.4k) to be exact and with only 300 units built, we’re pretty sure it’s going to be a hot-selling despite the price tag.
The MotoAmerica King of the Baggers quickly gained worldwide attention when it first started, with every Harley-Davidson owner turning their baggers of something similar to the race bike.
As it turns out, the popularity of the big bagger race has its influence over the company new 2022 range.
Harley-Davidson kickstarts its 2022 calendar with a new ST range for 2022, including the new Low Rider ST.
Despite sharing the exact blueprint as the 2022 Low Rider S, which includes the Softail chassis and associated components, the Low Rider ST features a different fairing and pannier.
The three ST models (including the Street Glide ST and Road Glide ST) also became the company first mass-made Harley to adopt the 117 Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin engine, previously reserved for the flagship CVO range.
In addition, the 2022 ST range only offers single-seaters with no passenger footpegs available. To ensure an exciting riding experience, the ST also gain longer rear shocks for better cornering clearance.
Meanwhile, the Low Rider ST is built based on the heavily updated Low Rider S and features the 117 Milwaukee-Eight engine that makes 103hp @ 4,750 rpm and 170Nm @ 3,500rpm.
Despite the bigger engine, the Low Rider S weighs as much as its predecessor, while the ST version weighs 327 kilograms.
According to Harley, the Low Rider S and ST also gain longer rear shocks allowing better cornering than its predecessor.
Nonetheless, the ST is differentiated by the addition of lockable panniers taken from the Sport Glide.
While the saddlebags are mounted higher to allow better lean angles, the new fairing, on the other hand, is inspired by the 80s FXRT, which itself followed the same styling from the water-cooled Nova V-4 prototype developed in the 70s.
However, while the air duct on the side of the headlight on the Nova fed air to the under-seat radiator, the one on the Low Rider ST is designed to help airflow around the rider.
Harley-Davidson also replaced the Low Rider S console-mounted gauge with a single mounted instrument that combines an analogue tachometer with a digital speedometer.
On another note, Harley adds the Street Glide ST and Road Glide ST alongside the already launched 2022 Street Gide and Street Glide Special and the Road Glide and Road Glide Special.
Like the Low Ride, the ST also represents the introduction of the 117 Milwaukee-Eight engine but with a higher 106hp and 172Nm. The two models also gained taller suspension for better cornering clearance.
Benelli has been landing some impressive sales figures over the recent years.
Back in 2020, the China-owned company marked an impressive sales performance with the Benelli TRK 502 crowned as the best-selling bike in Italy.
The TRK 502 is a good sized bike, though a little cramped for taller riders.
However, its 2021 sales figures smashed its 2020 record in 2021 with Italian publication, Moto.IT reported that Benelli registered a 57 per cent growth compared to 2020.
Not only that, the Benelli TRK 502 adventure motorcycle managed to hold on to its top spot as the best selling bike in the region, with over 6,543 units sold in 2021 alone.
Moreover, two other models, the Leoncino 500 and Benelli BN 125 made it to the top 15 best-selling bikes for 2021, marking another proud moment.
“We are very satisfied with the goals achieved in 2021, but we are convinced that these results are not a point of arrival but a stimulus to improve our performance, day after day.
“There are many Italian motorcyclists who have decided to trust us in recent years by purchasing our vehicles and now we are ready to offer them new and exciting models that will complete the range, such as Leoncino 125, Leoncino 800, Leoncino 800 Trail and TRK 800,” said Gianni Monini, Benelli Italy sales manager.
Looking at the numbers, Benelli currently holds a significant portion in the 300cc to 500cc segment in Italy, with a 40 per cent market share. This means that the company might make a strong impact in the bigger segment in the coming years once the TRK 800, Leoncino 800 and the big 1200 GT tourer make their way to Europe.
Team Green latest patents have confirmed that its maiden hybrid project is edging closer to production based on the company latest patent.
Kawasaki announced its plans to have more than ten electric or hybrid motorcycles by 2025, and looking at how things are progressing, and the Japanese firm is definitely on track to reveal their first bike soon.
Kawasaki has already shown a prototype hybrid featuring a twin-cylinder engine mated to a 48-volt electric motor that could run on different modes according to its environment.
The bike would run on a conventional combustion engine while cruising but switch to the electric motor during city riding.
However, the combustion engine and the electric motor will work together if the rider wants the best performance.
According to the latest patents, the hybrid engine could be utilized across multiple existing Kawasaki models, which makes more sense than developing ten entirely new motorcycles from scratch.
Introducing a hybrid version of existing models is a common practice among car companies; hence it’s only relevant that Kawasaki follows the same route.
The newly published patents indicate that the first hybrid model could be based on Kawasaki’s Ninja 400/Z400 range, as it used the same parallel-twin engine borrowed from the brand 400cc motorcycle.
Also available is a visually identical 250cc version, mounted in a steel frame, while the 48-volt lithium-ion battery only takes the size of a small conventional car battery and is fitted under the seat.
Nevertheless, the battery is kept cool via an air-cooled system to ensure a lower cost and more straightforward construction than a liquid-cooled design that takes more space and complexity.
Meanwhile, the patents revealed that the electric motor is placed above the motorcycle six-speed transmission. The gearbox will allow the bike to operate as a conventional combustion engine motorcycle and a clutch to engage or disengage the motor.
The motorcycle will also feature bar-mounted switches to change the gear, presumably similar to Honda’s DCT manual mode.
Another patent also shows that Kawasaki has reinforced the electric motor, allowing it to be used as the rear shock mount, courtesy of a cast alloy plate that connects the frame.
The company’s latest patent’s intricate detail shows that Kawasaki is moving in the right direction in developing a production-ready hybrid motorcycle by 2025. Looking at how things are progressing, 2025 could be an exciting time for the two-wheels industry.
Japanese helmet manufacturer Arai has launched its top-of-the-range-the-range-range RX-7V Evo helmet.
Handcrafted in Japan and still abiding by its R75 philosophy (maintains a 75mm continuous curve radius shell shape), the 2022 RX-7V now offers better ventilation and safety standards than the previous generation, which is already a pinnacle of Arai’s knowledge and technology until today.
Firstly, the 2022 RX-7V now meets ECE 22.06 standards, whereby the helmet underwent a more stringent test process that includes more points of impact and an oblique test to measure the rotation of the helmet.
According to Arai, the 2022 RX-7V now offers better ventilation and improved cheek pads for better ergonomics and comfort.
The Japanese firm, now run by three generations of passionate motorcyclists, has claimed that the helmet has been optimized to divert and dissipate energy during impact and, in return, helps to reduce the impact the rider will endure during accidents.
Precisely for this reason, Arai produces the most rounded, smooth and resistant outer shells that improve the helmet’s ability to divert energy upon impact.
Like its predecessor, the 2022 RX-7V is equipped with a Variable Axis System (VAS), Formula 1 derived locking system, removable interiors made of antibacterial and hypoallergenic material and double ring closure.
The 2022 Arai RX-7V is available for EUR949 (RM4.5k).
The 2021 Suzuki Burgman 400 has now landed in Malaysia and is available for RM45,999.
Despite no official announcement from Suzuki Malaysia yet, one of the local dealers has already advertised the new maxi-scooter together with the official price on Facebook.
Nevertheless, the Burgman 400 is set to compete in the maxi-scooter class against BMW’s C 400 X and C 400 GT, Honda Forza 350 and the SYM TL500.
Suzuki is always known for staying true to its heritage, which is why the Burgman 400 remains true to its original blueprint.
While it may seem outdated, this doesn’t necessarily constitute a bad thing; moreover, the Burgman 400 has been doing quite well in other parts of the world.
Nonetheless, the Burgman 400 has gained some significant updates for 2021.
The maxi-scooter now features a revised 400cc single-cylinder fuel-injected, DOHC liquid-cooled engine that has been fitted with a new twin-spark cylinder head to ensure a cleaner and efficient burn.
The Hamamatsu factory has also revamped the ignition timing to ensure easier startup, smoother idling and comfortable power delivery.
According to Suzuki Japan, the updates has allowed the Burgman 400 to meet the Euro 5 emission standard. Despite the significant update, the scooter continues to make 29hp and 35.2Nm @4,900rpm.
Other significant upgrades include nifty traction control, ABS and full LED lighting.
Most importantly, its ample 42L under-seat storage and a handy 12V power outlet have been carried over from the previous generation.
WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Racing Team has officially unveiled the team colours ahead of the 2022 season.
The Yamaha satellite team will take on the new season with Andrea Dovizioso and Rookie, Darryn Binder.
“I’m really ready for this season!,” said Dovizioso. “I’m training a lot in the gym, on my Motocross bike. I removed the plate on my collarbone in early December in order to feel better for this year.
“Everything is going well. I’m so happy to start this full season after five races of testing last year, which was very important to start early with the Yamaha, which is different to what I used the last eight seasons.
“I’m convinced that this will help me a lot to approach the tests and the races in 2022 in a better way. I know more about the bike, about the engineers and the team in general.
“The new colors are adding to the amazing overall picture and I’m looking forward to the test in Malaysia. The last two years we couldn’t ride there, so I’m really happy to go to Sepang”
Meanwhile, Binder is all set to have a go with his Yamaha M1 for his maiden MotoGP season.
“The colours of my new bike are just beautiful!” added Binder.
“Once you see the design and how everything is going to look like for the season, it just makes you so excited to get out and actually ride with the new livery and then you know the 2022 season is officially starting once the team launch has happened.
“I definitely can’t wait! It’s going to be so awesome, I’m very, very excited for my first season in MotoGP!
“Our goal is just to take it step by step. Obviously, it’s a big jump from Moto3 to MotoGP and I only want to take it gradually and build up as high as I can. I don’t want to do anything too crazy, but rather take one step at a time and go up slowly, but surely. I’m really excited, now I can’t wait for the Sepang test to get everything going!”
Although 2022 is the team inaugural MotoGP season, the WithU RNF MotoGP Racing Team is a continuation of the former Petronas Sepang Racing Team (SRT) project and will fly under the management of founder and team principal, Datuk Razlan Razali.
Despite the success of taking six wins and 15 podiums with Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli in the 2019 and 2020 campaigns, SRT was forced to shut down the team at the end of 2021 due to the simultaneous withdrawal of title sponsor Petronas and Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
Nevertheless, Razlan wants the new team to aim high and be competitive ahead of the new season.
“For this 2022 season, we aim to be amongst the best of the Independent Teams at least.
“We want to fight for the Rookie of the Year, although we know it’s a huge challenge with five rookies in 2022 and Darryn being the only one of them to jump from Moto3 to MotoGP.
“For Andrea, he has a lot to prove coming back after more than six months of sabbatical. He definitely wants to prove not only himself, but everybody, that he still has the motivation, the experience and the drive to fight for the World Championship,” he said.
WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Racing Team will kickstart its campaign beginning with the official pre-season test at Sepang in February.
Vespa is among the motorcycle and scooter brands currently under the wing of Piaggio Group, Europe’s largest motorcycle manufacturer.
While the scooter brand sits alongside Aprilia and Moto Guzzi in Piaggio, Vespa is identified as a significant asset in the company’s overall portfolio.
Piaggio has recently begun to analyse Vespa’s substantial brand value in the company, and the result is outstanding. According to the findings by Interbrand (a significant brand consultancy), the Vespa brand is now worth EUR906 million (RM4.3 billion).
The research was done by taking into account Vespa’s unique brand valuation, including a set of resources, market data, and quantitative studies across ten key markets worldwide.
“Vespa is an icon of style: its uniqueness makes it one of the most admired and desired brands, belonging to the premium space as well as fashion and lifestyle brands.
“For this reason, we must begin to benchmark it against other global brands beyond pure mobility.
“That’s why we have asked Interbrand, the world’s leading brand consultancy, to determine and analyse the financial value of the Vespa brand. This is not a finishing line, but simply a new starting point as we continue to build the future of Vespa,” said Michele Colaninno, Piaggio Group Board Director for Strategy, Products & Innovation.
According to Interbrand, Vespa’s distinctiveness by sticking to its tradition was significant in strengthening the brand.
While other motorcycle brand demands excitement sportiness with a modern and futuristic touch, Vespa, on the other hand, focuses on self-expression and enjoyment.
For the motorcycle enthusiast, the Vespa brand represents the Italian culture and is an inspiration to people worldwide. As we like to say, Vespa isn’t just a motorcycle; it is a lifestyle.
If you own one of BMW’s XR sport-touring ranges, then the new XRider Sport-Touring jacket might be the one thing you need to complete the cycle.
After all, who wouldn’t want matching riding gear to complement your fantastic motorcycle?
For 2022, the new XRide jacket is derived from the XRide suit but tweaked to match the lifestyle of a casual rider.
The jacket is made out of leather reinforced textile, complete with abrasion-resistant polyamide sections on the shoulders and arms.
On top of the nifty combination, the jacket is also integrated with the Airvent ventilation system to assure comfort on hotter days and NP3 and NP2 reinforcements on the elbow and shoulders.
The XRide jacket also incorporates reflective materials on the upper arms and chest to ensure better visibility at night. The coat is also CE-certified according to EN 13595 safety standards.
The BMW XRide jacket also features four pockets, with two inner pockets to store your belongings and waterproof outer bags. Despite design specifically for BMW XR owners, the XRide jacket could also be your go-to riding gear for every sport-touring bike.
According to BMW, the new XRide jacket is retailed at EUR885 (RM4.2k).
Yamaha has officially unveiled the ‘EMF’ electric scooter, developed with Taiwan’s Gogoro that features a swappable battery system.
The EMF e-scooter was designed by Yamaha’s Taiwan (Yamaha Motor R&D Taiwan Co.) division and is based on the Gogoro Design Kit.
The EMF is undoubtedly unique; it features vertically stacked twin-LED headlights, single-piece seats, footboard and flat side panels, while the tail section gets sleek turn indicators and twin LED taillights.
Although the pillion seat is almost non-existent, Yamaha is kindly enough to fit the rear end with integrated grab handles.
Other exciting features include a fully digital instrument with the smartphone connectivity offers turn-by-turn navigation, last parked location, fleet management system and NFC-enabled smart key.
Other notable features include:
conventional telescopic front forks
twin rear shock absorbers
10-inch alloy wheels
front and rear disc
combined-braking system (CBS)
However, the main highlight has to be its swappable twin battery pack connected to a liquid-cooled permanent magnet motor that can generate a peak power of 7.6kW (11hp) and 26Nm of torque.
Thanks to the battery weighing 21kg, the scooter tips the scale at 114kg.
According to Yamaha, the EMF scooter will go on sale in Taiwan in March this year, with the first 200 pre-orders is open for a price of TWD99,800 (RM15k).
