Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen

Indian motorcycle giant Bajaj Auto has recently trademarked a new nameplate, ‘Twinner’, on what could be an all-new twin-cylinder motorcycle.

The documents did not reveal much, other than the ‘Twinner’ nameplate is proposed for motorcycles and scooters but let’s not stop there, shall we? Instead, why don’t we do some critical thinking?

At this point, we know Bajaj is in partnership with British motorcycle manufacturer, Triumph with the two working together in developing 200cc to 700cc motorcycles.

According to previous report, the Bajaj-Triumph collaboration was initially slated to launch an all-new model in 2022 before the plans were pushed to 2023, no thanks to the ongoing pandemic.

However, with the first bike could be revealed by the end of the year, the ‘Twinner’ might as well be the first model to be born from the partnership.

Based on ongoing reports, the ‘Twinner’ is expected to feature a retro-inspired design, similar to Triumph’s Bonneville range.

While this might sound exciting, it is still just speculation, and we can only be sure once Bajaj makes an official announcement.

Do remember that Bajaj also registered another nameplate as well, including ‘Fluor’, ‘Fluir’ and ‘Neuron’.

(Source: GaadiWaadi)

Former MotoGP rider Danilo Petrucci has confirmed that he will compete in the MotoAmerica this season.

The ex-Ducati and KTM will ride aboard a factory-backed Ducati in the 2022 MotoAmerica series.

The Italian has been making headlines the past few weeks after an impressive debut at the 2022 Dakar Rally with KTM, where he scored a historic stage win despite not being classified in overall standing after retiring at Stage 2.

With his challenge at the historic race now over, Petrucci will set his sights on the 2022 MotoAmerica, which he confirms will compete with factory-backed Dark Horse HSBK Ducati Panigale V4 R.

Meanwhile, the two-time MotoGP race winner shared his excitement ahead of the 2022 season.

“It’s a life experience.

“I have the opportunity to live abroad and ride motorbikes, which is the thing I love most. I have always been in love with the United States, and I love the lifestyle over there, the open spaces.

“Every winter, I fly to California, rent a bike, and go ride for a couple of weeks in between Los Angeles and San Diego. Last time I went to Ocotillo, and I have friends there like Giacomo Redondi, who is currently racing cross-country in the US,” said Petrucci.

Interestingly, Petrucci revealed that although Ducati replaced him with Jack Miller for the 2021 season, the Italian marquee was the one who reached out to him regarding the prospect of racing in America.

“I’m happy because it was Ducati that contacted me.

“They did everything to get me. It’s very satisfying. When I left the MotoGP Ducati factory team, I remained on good terms with Claudio Domenicali, Gigi Dall’Igna, Paolo Ciabatti and Davide Tardozzi.

“They pushed to have me in MotoAmerica, and it’s a satisfaction,” he added.

Petrucci isn’t the first ex-MotoGP ride to enter MotoAmerica, with Toni Elias enjoying success after leaving the World Championship.

(Source: Cycle World)

Ducati has decided to postpone its plan to hold its official 2022 team launch on January 28 after Jack Miller has unfortunately tested positive for Covid-19.

Miller has been home training in Australia over the break before he tested positive. The Australian, however is currently asymptomatic but will be unlikely to leave Australia to be in Europe for the official team launch

According to Ducati, Miller is currently isolated at home and will undergo a second PCR test next week to assess the situation.

Nevertheless, Ducati has moved its 2022 MotoGP team launch until February 7 2022, after the Sepang test.

“Unfortunately, I’ve been tested positive for Covid-19, which means I am unable to travel to Europe.

“I am still home in Australia and doing fine. Since I don’t have any symptoms, at least I can continue with my training. I miss you all and will see you in Sepang for the test,” said Miller in a statement.

Miller, together with Pecco Bagnaia will be in Sepang for the 2022 MotoGP official test scheduled on February 4 to 6.

The Yamaha Tenere 700 Raid prototype turns head during its unveiling at the 2021 EICMA show in Milan.

The prototype caught people’s attention mainly because Yamaha has taken the middleweight ADV and fitted it with premium components.

The prototype comes fitted with Akrapovic exhaust, fully-adjustable long-travel suspension, updated ECU, and heavier clutch.

While it remains to be seen how many of the kits will make their way onto the production version, the Tenere 700 Raid project signals Yamaha’s attention to take the fight against bikes like the Aprilia Tuareg 660 and KTM 890 Adventure bike.

Looking at the design patents, we can clearly see that the ‘Raid’ follows the same design cue as a stock Tenere. However, some noticeable changes include a larger fuel tank and revamped wind protection.

Interestingly, the upcoming ‘Raid’ also appears to be updated with a new TFT screen, replacing the standard LCD unit available on the Tenere 700.

Aprilia recently updated the RSV4 Factory with an all-new Ultra Dark colour scheme for 2022.

As expected, the Aprilia Tuono V4 also gained the same all-black treatment to pay homage to the brand’s 2006 RSV4 1000R.

While the streetfighter machine hasn’t changed in terms of features and performance, the new Ultra-Black colourway creates a sleek aesthetic that is further complemented by gold accents, thanks to the beefy Ohlins fork at the front.

The darker tone also makes the bike look slimmer and compact, turning an already bad-ass motorcycle into something a lot cooler.

Although the new colour updates don’t seem much, we think the Tuono V4 turned out pretty well with the dark theme. Moreover, since its 1,077cc V4 engine already makes 175hp and 121Nm, there is nothing more you could ask for.

Most motorcycles saddle can be adjusted mainly the seat heights however BMW Motorrad has a slightly different ideas in mind.

Latest patent has confirmed that the German firm is currently working on an adjustable-width saddle, something that could really revolutionised the motorcycle industry and potentially becomes an interesting solutions for riders.

The patent suggest that the adjustability does not involved the narrow part of the seat instead relegated to the back section, the part where a rider’s cheek spend a lot of time on.

According to reports, the seat comes with two pivoting section that can be expanded (either manually or electronically) which increased the seat width.

Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see how BMW plans to incorporate the adjustable saddle and which model would received the treatment.

Personally, such innovation could do wonders on the R 18 which we think needs a better seat and better positioning footpegs, a story for another time.

However, further details is still uncertain and it could take years before such system could actually put to work.

Nonetheless, the idea itself is interesting and we are looking forward to it.

Although the world was going into a frenzy, no thanks to Covid-19, motorcycle manufacturers, including BMW Motorrad, had excellent years, especially in 2021.

After all, two-wheelers were seen as the best option to get away from everything, including a time out from congested areas known to be the favourite spot for Covid-19 to spread.

Which is why it’s not a surprise that 2021 brings total luck to BMW.

The German firm managed to deliver a total of 194,261 units of motorcycles worldwide, overcoming its 2019 highest sales record of 175,162 units.

The undisputed BMW R 1250 GS continue to be the most sought after model as a total of 60,000 units managed to find their way into customers’ hands. According to BMW, the R 1250 RT, R 18 and the S 1000 R sales also went really well.

Nevertheless, BMW is expected to achieve higher sales in 2022 because of the introduction of the company’s upcoming electric motorcycle, the CE-04.

While the CE-04 looks promising, we firmly believe that the Gelande Strasse range will remain the most popular this year as well.

Moreover, the company could well be on their to unveil a few more new models this year. 

Benda was almost unknown pre-Covid; however, the Chinese motorcycle company instantly caught the world attention ever since the introduction of the LFC 700 and LFS 700.

However, new design patents have revealed that the company is currently working on another unique motorcycle, a turbocharged 300cc, to be exact.

That’s right, folks, Benda is working on a 300cc turbocharged motorcycle.

While the patents did not confirm the presence of a turbo, the design work itself possibly points towards a turbo system being nestled together with the 298cc V-Twin DOCH unit that makes around 30hp.

The turbocharged system could quickly boost the power up to 50hp, a similar figure currently available on the Kawasaki ZX-25R.

Looking at the patents, the Benda VTR-300 Turbo V-Twin features premium components, including an upside-down fork and Brembo brakes. The bike also is fitted with 10 spoke wheels and an underbelly exhaust.

Elsewhere, it appears that the Benda VTR-300 also comes with LED light with DRL (daytime running light) as standard.

It has been a remarkable year for the city of London, as motorcycle death drops by 60 per cent in provisional figures as announced during the Transport for London motorcycle and road safety meeting.

While the meeting was attended by a number of prominent motorcycle organisations including BMF (British Motorcyclists Federation), MAG (Motorcycle Action Group), Keith Prince (GLA, MAG member & Assembly Member), Dave Bottomley (MET Sergeant & BikeSafe) and TfL officials, but as it turns out, nobody is sure what is the primary factor behind the significant drop in accidents.

“I’m impressed with the dramatic fall in motorcycle deaths in London last year.

“The officers committed to working with the London riding community to further understand the reasons for this welcome improvement, plus engaging with the delivery rider sector on safety issues, and treating all two-wheeler users fairly and without discrimination.

“Overall, this meeting was results-orientated in a very tangible way,” said Keith Prince, Deputy Chair of the GLA Transport Committee.

While the primary factor behind the low numbers is still widely discussed, perhaps among other reasons is the 30km/h speed limit in the city centre that helps lower motorcycle fatalities.

The second possibilities are the lower traffic counts in the past two years as more Londoners have been working from home due to the ongoing pandemic.

Meanwhile, the number of motorcycle fatalities is expected to decrease in 2022 as a new speed limit of 15mph (25km/h) is implemented across London, as announced last year.

(Source: VisorDown)

Ruroc first entered the motorcycle helmet market with the Atlas range back in 2019 and has since grown to become one of the most popular helmets in the market thanks to its radical, almost Master Chief (Halo) like helmet.

Despite its popularity, the first-gen Ruroc Atlas wasn’t perfect. Still, the company improved based on customer feedback and introduced Atlas 2.0 in 2020 and Atlas 3.0 in 2021, focusing on enhancing visibility and aerodynamics.

However, Ruroc decided to improve the Atlas once again, shifting its focus on comfort and protection for 2022.

Set to debut on February 18, the 4.0 retains the Atlas signature design but with a smoother carbon fibre shell that helps reduce turbulence.

The 4.0 also gets closable vents after the 3.0 non-closable vents received heavy criticism.

Ruroc also added sound-dampening ear inserts, which the company claimed helps to reduce wind noise by 20 per cent.

More importantly, the Atlas 4.0 also meets ECE 22.06 requirements, which means the helmet is now safer and offers better protection for riders thanks to the use of multi-density EPS liner and NASA-developed RHEON material.

According to Ruroc, the new helmet is also compatible with the Shockwave Bluetooth audio system, which boasts a 60-per cent smaller microphone for a better fit.

Team Green has just updated its Versys-X 250 range with an exciting new adventure colourway for 2022 in Japan.

The baby adventure-tourer with off-road-ready spoke-wheels now comes in two colour schemes, Candy Lime Green X Metallic Flat Spark Black and Metallic Ocean Blue x Pearl Robotic White.

The Japanese firm’s revised Versys-X 250 will be available beginning February.

Apart from the new colours, the Versys-X 250 now comes fitted with a pannier case as standard with 17 litres of storage on both sides. The updated bike also comes equipped with an engine guard, centre stand and power socket.

However, the fog lamp that appears in the photos is an added option.

Running on the same 250cc parallel-twin engine taken from the Ninja 250, the baby Versys makes 33hp but with a more low-end torque compared to the Ninja’s mid-to-top-end performance.

Other features include a 130mm telescopic front fork, link-type rear mono-shock with 147mm suspension travel, and a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel.

Aprilia begins its 2022 lineup with the updated RSV4 Factory that now features an Ultra Dark colourway.

The new colourway is set to meet a wider audience who seeks a darker and stealthier look, which adds excitement while riding the high-performance motorcycle.

However, no changes were made to its mechanics as the Noale Factory has already made a huge update to its flagship sportbike in 2021.

The RSV4 Factory gets a displacement bump from 1,077cc to 1,099cc and churns out even more peak power, 217hp @ 13,200rpm, while reducing its carbon emission to meet Euro 5 emission standards.

Aprilia also integrated the RSV4 bi-plane wings into the double-wall fairing that boosts engine cooling capabilities while optimizing its high-speed stability.

The RSV4 also gets a MotoGP-inspired swingarm that is now lighter and features a reinforced lower brace that helps improve stability and acceleration.

Last year, other upgrades included Ohlins Smart EC 2.0, a new LED headlight, a more prominent TFT display, and revamped ride-by-wire system.

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