Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

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Wahid Ooi

2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Launched at EICMA 2019

The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R was launched at EICMA 2019.
Power remains at 177 bhp, but torque is up to 140 Nm.
Lighter components bring weight down to 189 kg dry.

The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R was launched at EICMA 2019.

KTM had teased us with three videos leading up to this launch. We were imagining a bike that’s not only more advance, but of course, more powerful than its predecessor.

The 1290 Super Duke R was a game changer in the supernaked segment, utilising brute power to blow everything else away and came to be known as “The Beast.” Some came close for 5 years since its launch in 2014, but it still ruled the roost as the King of Supernakeds.

Until the Ducati Streefighter V4 which debuted this year.

It’s because the 1290 Super Duke R’s 1301cc, 75-degree V-Twin still makes 177 bhp. But it’s torque is the highest at 140 Nm.

But as beastly as it is, that power is held in check by some really smart electronics and chassis combination. KTM was the first manufacturer to utilise the inertial measurement unit in the 1190 Adventure, and the component is in The Beast, as well. As such, there’s all the cornering traction control, cornering ABS, cornering lights, and so forth. But KTMs have one extra “supermoto” ride mode which allows the rider to power slide the rear wheel.

The new bike has a new subframe which is made of aluminium and carbon composite (gone is the steel trellis). Some weight is also shed through lighter wheels, brakes and the new swingarm. The revisions bring its dry weight down to 189 kg.

Suspension is now WP APEX front and rear, with 48 mm forks. The front brake calipers are now Brembo Stylema.

The Beast may not longer be king on paper, but we are certain that it’s still an entertaining/scary thing to ride.

Harley-Davidson Bronx Shown at EICMA 2019

The Harley-Davidson Bronx was shown at EICMA 2019.
It sports the Revolution Max 975 engine.
It isn’t the production-ready version, however.

Another version of the Harley-Davidson Bronx was shown at EICMA 2019, and it’s not the production-ready version.

It was intended to be the Motor Company’s streetfighter, but they know better than to call it that since the current arms war in the segment has driven them to over 200 bhp.

So, the Bronx it is as an homage (?) to the “rough and tough” part of New York City.

Anyhow, the engine is a new Revolution Max 975. Instead of the usual air-cooled, 45-degree Big Twin, the Revolution Max 975 is a liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin, similar to the 1247cc Revolution found in the V-Rod. Harley claimed the engine to produce 115 bhp and 95 Nm of torque.

The model does look like how a naked bike should, and is fitted by “modern” components such as radially-mounted Brembo monobloc front brake calipers.

Only thing is we wonder why the manufacturer is taking so long to ready the production bike, since the concept was shown off since EICMA 2018. With so many bikes debuting all at the same time, new bike fatigue sets in quickly, making bikes introduced too long ago “obsolete” by the the time they are “introduced” again.

Ducati Red Weekend — Time to Paint the Town Red

The Ducati Red Weekend is happening from 9th to 10th November 2019.
There will be special deals and promotions.
Visitors can also test ride the latest bikes.

The Ducati Red Weekend is happening from 9th to 10th November 2019. It is time to paint the town red.

Open to Ducati owners and the public, the carnival promises plenty of excitement besides the obligatory special deals on products. The promotions will be even sweeter this time around as Ducati PJ is clearing their stocks in preparation to relocated to a new showroom.

Check out these awesome deals:

Up to RM 20,000 rebate for Ducati motorcycle purchase.
On top of that, get a free gift when you book a Ducati.
Receive 2 years’ worth of FREE SERVICE with the Ducati Smart Service Program for all Ducatis (T&C apply).
Up to 70% sales on Ducati apparels.
Take a test ride on a Ducati of your choosing.

Also do not miss out on these activities:

See, touch and feel the hot-blooded Ducati models.
Feel the joy of Ducati Scrambler models.
Check out the premium and stylish Ducati apparels, riding gear and merchandise.
Browse through the collection of snazzy Ducati Scrambler apparels, riding gear and merchandise.
Pimp out your Ducati with genuine accessories and performance parts.

All these are taking place at the Ducati PJ Showroom, located at Naza Automall, from 9am to 6pm, 9th to 10th November 2019.

Be there!

2020 BMW F 900 XR and 2020 BMW F 900 R Launched at EICMA 2019

The 2020 BMW F 900 XR and 2020 BMW F 900 R were launched at EICMA 2019.
The engine was enlarged for more power.
Both models are comprehensively equipped.

BMW Motorrad dropped a surprise by launching the 2020 BMW F 900 XR and 2020 BMW F 900 R Launched at EICMA 2019, because everyone had expected the 850 versions.

The engine started out as the 853cc parallel-Twin lump from the F 850 GS but was given a 2mm increase in bore size, resulting in 893cc. The displacement bump results in 105 bhp and 92 Nm of torque, compared to 95 bhp and 92 Nm. The 270-degree crank is retained.

The power increase puts the bike in contention in the middleweight sport-touring segment.

A new frame ties the new engine as a stressed member and everything else together. A new 15-litre plastic fuel tank is used to keep weight down.

The F 900 XR’s design closely resembles the 9Cento concept revealed a year ago. The concept’s lines were also adopted to the new S 1000 XR.

As for the F 900 R roadster/standard/naked bike, its styling resembles the R 1250 R, albeit with more aggressive lines. It’s fuel tank is also moved to the front from underneath the seat, following the change first seen on the F 850 GS.

These two may be middleweights, but they follow BMW Motorrad’s move in equipping almost all models with high-end features (even the C 400-series scooters have TFT screens and keyless ignition). Hence these models have Road and Rain ride modes, ABS, keyless ignition and TFT screen.

You can spec’ them up further by adding two Pro ride modes, electronic suspension, ABS Pro, cornering lights and quickshifter (yes!).

2020 BMW S 1000 XR Unveiled at EICMA 2019

The 2020 BMW S 1000 XR was unveiled at EICMA 2019, as speculated.
The new inline-Four engine was sourced from the S 1000 RR.
Engine power remains the same without ShiftCam but the bike is 10 kg lighter.

The 2020 BMW S 1000 XR was unveiled at EICMA 2019, as widely speculated.

Revised to comply with Euro5 standards, the popular bike is almost completely new.

The engine is the obvious place to start. The biggest news or disappointment, depending on how you look at it, is that it doesn’t receive the BMW ShiftCam variable valve timing and lift head like its S 1000 RR brethren. Euro5’s new regulations would’ve meant a power loss in such as case, but BMW engineers managed to retain the same 163 bhp peak power output.

However, midrange power is higher while 4th, 5th and 6th gears are taller for smooth long-distance riding and fuel economy.

Additionally, there is a new lighter action slip-and-assist clutch, along with new electronics.

Adopting the compact and light engine from the new S 1000 RR means the XR loses some weight, too.

BMW also adopted the aluminium “Flexi Frame” from the superbike to the XR, shaving 2.1 kg. The suspension and subframe are 9% lighter. Overall, the 2020 BMW S 1000 XR is 10 kg lighter than its predecessor.

The new frame allows for a revision in ergonomics. The thinner midsection allows the rider to clamp his inner thighs to the fuel tank better, while seating position is moved forward by 20 mm and the handlebars are 30 mm narrower for a natural feel.

Rider aid includes four ride modes: Dynamic, Road, Standard and Rain. There is an option for Dynamic Pro which includes rider customisable settings.

Cornering ABS is standard, as are LED lighting and the 6.5-inch TFT screen.

2020 KTM 390 Adventure Debuts at EICMA 2019

The 2020 KTM 390 Adventure was launched at EICMA 2019.
It’s been 7 years since it was planned.
It takes on the familial resemblance to the 790 Adventure.

The word “finally” really applies to the 2020 KTM 390 Adventure launched yesterday at EICMA 2019. It’s been 7 years since KTM CEO Stefan Pierer said that the manufacturer will produce an adventure bike based on the 390 Duke platform.

There’ve been spy shots after spy shots, rumours after rumours but the production-ready 390 Adventure never seemed to leave the factory doors. Until now, since Euro5 takes effect next year.

It’s immediately obvious that it’s adopted the 790 Adventure’s design. Missing however, is the 790’s bulbous underslung fuel tank. It also incorporates elements from the 450 Rally.

It’s engine remains the 372cc, liquid-cooled, four-valve, single-cylinder layout. KTM didn’t publish the power figures, but we can expect to produce in the 43 bhp ballpark like the 390 Duke’s. That doesn’t sound much to those weaned on triple digit numbers, of course but it’s now the most powerful lightweight adventure/dual-purpose bike.

Its steel trellis frame looks similar to the 390 Duke’s, but there are differences with exhaust routing, brackets, subframe, and swingarm length in order to accommodate longer suspension travel. Seat height is at a reasonable 853 mm — the same as the 1090 Adventure and 790 Adventure (base model).

Euro5 is about less polution, less noise, lower fuel consumption and the 390 Adventure delivers a frugal 3.62 litre/100 km under good riding conditions. That equates to 400 km from the 14.4-litre tank.

The bike uses WP APEX 43 mm forks and monoshock with 170 mm and 175 mm travel, respectively. Ground clearance is 198 mm. Those figures are not much for off-road but we shall see. The low clearance is contributed by 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels. 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels would raise the bike higher but the 390 Adventure is surely meant for beginners and casual adventure-touring riders.

Up top, the 5-inch TFT screen features the usual trappings these days of Bluetooth connectivity and multimedia functions. KTM’s Quickshifter+ is an option.

The 2020 KTM 390 Adventure is priced at USD 6,199 (RM 25,728.95) for the base model. We’d love to see it at Rimba Raid, too!

2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 Concept Debuts at EICMA 2019 Too!

The 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 concept was also unveiled at EICMA 2019.
It’s based on the RS 660 platform.
It ought to have the APRC package as well.

Just after the Aprilia RS 660 launch at EICMA 2019 got us wiping our lips, the 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 concept had us foaming from our mouths.

The Tuono naked sportbike range has always been based on the RSV superbike’s platform. As what the manufacturer had said before, the RS 660 will be the platform for other models.

However, the Tuono V4’s engine has always been tuned for torque (make that insane torque) compared to the RSV4’s. In this case, the Tuono 660’s powerplant is expected to produce 95 bhp, 5 bhp down from the RS 660. 95 bhp doesn’t exactly make a slow bike, but its torque should make it even thrilling to ride.

The Tuono 660 will feature the APRC electronics package, as well. Just like its fully-faired brother, there’s a six-axis IMU-based traction control, ABS, engine brake control. Wheelie control? Should we want that on a Tuono?

Given that the production RS 660 looks almost identical to its concept, the Tuono 660 should look very close to the concept, too. We’re hoping that the cluster of LED-lights are carried into production.

You can also see the aerobody on the fairing’s side panel, which provides downforce, pushes wind around the rider as well as channel engine heat away from the rider’s legs.

Only problem is we have to wait until 2021.

Highly-anticipated 2020 Aprilia RS 660 Debuts

The 2020 Aprilia RS 660 was officially launched at EICMA 2019.
The 660cc, 270-degree crank, parallel-Twin puts out 100 bhp.
It also features the APRC electronic package.

One of the most highly-anticipated bikes, the 2020 Aprilia RS 660, breaks cover at EICMA 2019.

It’s been a full year of waiting for the new middleweight to show, and we can say that it was worth it. Because it will set the class on fire, judging from the spec sheets, just as Aprilia had touted.

Let’s begin with the 660cc parallel-Twin. Based on the RSV4 superbike with only two front cylinders, it will produce 100 bhp. That’s unprecedented for a road going two-cylinder sub-700cc bike. Factor in a dry weight of only 168 kg and you have the class-leading power-to-weight ratio.

The engine shares the RSV4’s architecture, and uses a 270-degree crank to mimic the firing order of a 90-degree V-Twin. The format provides good low-end torque with linear power delivery.

But it isn’t just a powerful engine in a light bike. Aprilia also endowed the RS 660 with their signature APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) electronics suite, fortified with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). This gives the bike cornering ABS, lean-angle-sensitive traction control, wheelie control, among others. It’s also equipped with a bi-directional quickshifter, cruise control and power modes.

Aprilia touted that the bike will have “active aerodynamics.” Hence the RSV4 fairing design, which provides extra downforce at speed. We feel that the production bike actually looks better than the prototype revealed at last year’s EICMA.

The chassis uses the engine as a fully-stressed member with the swingarm’s pivot located at the back of the crankcase. Front forks are Kayaba although there isn’t word on the rear shock. Braking duty is handled by Brembo brakes front and back.

Lighting is fully-LED including daytime running lights (DRL). A 5-inch TFT instrument panel provides multimedia connectivity.

A notable feature is the classic purple and red paint scheme.

We’ll keep you informed on when it’ll arrive and cost in Malaysia. Fingers crossed that it’s in a reasonable bracket.

2020 MV Agusta Rush 1000 — 209 bhp and Radical to the Extreme

The 2020 MV Agusta Rush 1000 is definitely extreme.
Its unique SC Project exhaust system gives it 209 bhp and 116 Nm.
It beats the Ducati Streetfighter V4 by 1 bhp.

MV Agusta is nothing if not for their radical bikes, but the 2020 MV Agusta Rush 1000 is an extreme.

The manufacturer says that it’s a tribute to the drag racing scene. But without an elongated swingarm and lowered body stance, it’s more of a streetfighter. Even then, it looks like its stylists were given the free hand to go bonkers.

The Rush 1000 is based on the Brutal 1000RR but MV gave specialist exhaust makers SC Project the task of producing a unique system. Instead of being routed out the side, the dual tips exit behind the frame and just above the rear tyre.

Fitted with the pipes, the engine liberates 209 bhp and 116 Nm of torque, placing it well in the hypernaked category. In fact, it is the most powerful against the 208 bhp Ducati Streetfighter V4 and 197 bhp Kawasaki Z H2.

There’s plenty of carbon fibre to bring its weight down to 185 kg, dry. That disc-like rear wheel cover is carbon, hiding a forged-aluminium wheel.

Front brakes are Brembo Stylema 4-piston calipers gripping 320 mm discs. Öhlins electronic suspension is rightfully fitted.

No price yet, but it’s definitely going to be expensive. We wonder if MV Agusta will make a more “regular” version to challenge the Streetfighter V4.

2020 Honda Rebel — More Refinements

The 2020 Honda Rebel is further refined.
More contemporary features are added included LED lighting and slipper clutch.
The engine is tuned for punchy torque but linear power delivery.

The 2020 Honda Rebel was made its European debut, with more refinements aimed to give the rider better comfort, among other things.

In making the 2020 Rebel Euro5 compliant, Honda looked at a great deal of features, also. A higher S-spec version features headlight cowl, all-black fork covers and gaiters, and a diamond-stitch style seat.

Honda aims the Rebel at younger riders who want a more laid-back motorcycle that’s easy to ride, has low maintenance yet with plenty of modern features. But it should also appeal to those who want cruisers that are not of the mainstream with its lean and low stripped, bobber styling, including a 11.2-litre fuel tank.

The 471cc, liquid-cooled, 8-valve, parallel-Twin engine was adapted from the CBR500R and produces strong bottom-end torque and smooth power delivery that’s less intimidating to new and casual riders. It produces 45.6 bhp (34 kW) at 8,500 RPM and 43.3 Nm of torque at 6,000 RPM.

Other features include revised suspension, full-LED lighting including the turnsignals, gear position indicator, more comfortable seat and a slipper clutch.

The passenger seat and footrests can be easily detached for a more custom look (or to convince your other half that you’ll be riding alone).

Dego Ride, Gojek and Motorcycle E-Hailing Service Allowed Test Run

Dego Ride and Gojek are allowed to start test runs on a limited scale in January 2020.
The pilot programme will determine the demand for bike e-hailing.
It will run for six months.

Motorcycle e-hailing service providers such as Dego Ride and Gojek are allowed to start test runs on a limited scale in January 2020.

They will begin operating based on a proof-of-concept basis to determine the demand for such service over a period of six months. This initial project will be carried out in the Klang Valley, where transport demands and woes are at their highest.

The announcement was made by Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke. He said that the proof-of-concept program will provide the government and the e-hailing firms the essential data to evaluate the service, while the government works on drafting the necessary legislation to govern motorcycle e-hailing service.

“Bike hailing will be an important component in providing a comprehensive public transport system, as a mode for first- and last-mile connectivity,” he told parliament when questioned.

In layman terms, first- and last-mile connectivity means taking another form of transport to connect you to and from the main means of transpiration i.e. MRT.

Dego Ride and Gojek are seen as the main challengers to the all-conquering Grab who bought out Uber operations in the Southeast Asian region. However, they relish the challenge and posted “Bring it on!” on their Twitter in response to the announcement.

The minister added, “Bike e-hailing will be subject to similar regulations as laid out for e-hailing,” in reference to Grab.

But Grab is hit hard by new regulations for drivers to apply for public service vehicle (PSV) license, permits and insurance besides getting health checks, apart from having their vehicles checked. Only 52% of Grabcar’s driver-partners have carried out what are required in October.

2020 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade Debuts — 215 bhp, 113 Nm

The highly-anticipated 2020 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade debuts.
The engine was developed with HRC and the body features aerobodies.
The new engine produces 215 bhp and 113 Nm.

Finally, after all that waiting, the 2020 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade debuts. It’s not a typo, its name has an extra “R” and the big CBR is finally in the 200bhp club.

Honda released the details of the all-new bike just before EICMA 2019 opens later today at 4pm, Malaysian time.

As usual, there will be two models — the base CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and the higher spec’ed CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade. The new engine is said to be co-developed with HRC, the manufacturer’s racing arm.

The 2020 model marks a departure from the previous flagship model. Project leader Yuzuru Ishikawa says that the battleground has moved from the streets to the track, thereby ending the “best superbike on the road” unofficial tag for the CBR1000RR.

Highlights of the base model:

New “ultra-compact” inline-Four engine with 215 bhp (160 kW) at 14,500 RPM and 113 Nm of torque at 12,500 RPM.
It’s way up from the current 189 bhp, although torque is reduced by 1 Nm.
The engine isn’t equipped with any sort of variable valve timing or lift, as speculated, though.

New finger-follower rocker arms for the valves.
Forged aluminium pistons.
Titanium conrods.
Feeding the engine is a centrally-located ram air duct in the fairing.

Spent gasses exit through an Akrapovic 4-2-1 exhaust system ends in an oval-shaped titanium silencer.

New Throttle-by-Wire enhance feel further.
Three default riding modes with customisable Power, Engine Braking, Wheelie Control through the optimised Honda Selectable Torque Control system.

Launch Control is standard.
Bosch six-axis IMU.
New full-colour TFT screen.

New aluminium diamond frame uses the rear part of the engine as the rear monoshock’s upper mount, thereby eliminating the frame crossmember.
Vertical rigidity increased by 18%, torsional rigidity by 9% and horizontal rigidity by 11%.

The revisions are aimed to increase feel.
New longer swingarm based on the RC213V-S.
Meaty 200/55-ZR17 rear tyre.

The base model is fitted with Bridgestone R11 tyres.
Showa 43 mm Big Piston Fork (BPF) in front, Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion Light (BFRC-L) monoshock.
330 mm front brake discs, gripped by 4-piston radial-mounted Nissin calipers.

Highlights of the SP model:

All the same as the based model except for the suspension, brakes and colour scheme.
Second generation semi-active Öhlins Electronic Control (S-EC) suspension.
43 mm Öhlins NPX forks.
Öhlins TTX36 Smart-EC monoshock.
Öhlins Objective Based Tuning Interface (OBTI) adjustment.

Brembo Stylema 4-piston radial-mounted calipers up front.
Rear Brembo brake calliper is the same as the one on the RC213V-S.

The new bike has new aerodynamics, as expected. Both the base model and SP share the same bodywork, albeit different colour schemes.

Aerodynamics package highlights:

Winglets embedded inside aerobodies on both sides of the fairing.

Fuel tank lowered by 45 mm for better riding position (the previous CBR1000RR already had the best riding position so far, excluding the 2019 BMW S 1000 RR).
Redesigned front mudguard to lower drag.

There’s no indication of price yet, but heck, we still want it!