The Aprilia “RS660” concept may be sold as a 2020 model.
The engine could be derived from the RSV4 superbike, without the back two cylinders.
We hope it is priced within reach of the masses.
Remember the stunning 660cc sportbike concept which Aprilia showed off at EICMA last year? Sources whispered to Moto-Station in France that it will be available as a 2020 model. That means it could be ready by the third quarter this year!
It could very well be so, since the bike was caught testing at a track, also late last year. The spyshots even showed a race-ready version and a roadgoing one.
No performance of mechanical details have been released so far. There’s also speculation that the engine is based on the RSV4’s. However, if true, the 660’s engine is just without the two rear cylinders. Can we expect 100 hp? We may just, given Aprilia’s racing heritage. It should also include the APRC electronics package.
The more pertinent question among Malaysian bikers is price. Yup, always price before anything else. It depends on Aprilia to whether position this bike as a premium millionaire boys’ club material or superbike for the masses.
We do hope it’s the latter since we don’t have millionaire daddies.
The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Trials and Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Trials have been launched.
The launching followed the teaser videos of a bike being ridden off-road.
Both borrow heavily from the Bullet 350 and Bullet 500, but with a number of difference.
The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Trials and Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Trials are launched, after teasing with scrambler-like bike being ridden off-road.
However, unlike the scramblers that are all the rage these days, Royal Enfield went the route of equipping the Bullet 350 and Bullet 500 for off-roading.
Their “Trials” moniker may also be considered a bit misleading in this day and age. That’s because trial bikes are those compact, lightweight and seatless machines that are used to climb over obstacles.
But Trials here allude to the extreme off-road bikes in the 1960s.
As such both Bullet Trials are equipped with off-road features compared to their roadgoing brethren. The model uses 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, shorter wheel fenders, upswept exhaust muffler, spring mounted saddle, and a luggage rack in place of the passenger seat.
In terms of styling, the tank and panel are taken from the Bullet and so are the engines. However, the headlamp is different, and the handlebar is taller. The Trials 350’s frame is painted in red, while the Trials 500’s is in green.
They look cool, don’t they? Can we get to see them in this year’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride?
The new Ducati Diavel 1260 and and Yamaha Niken won the prestigious 2019 Red Dot for Design awards.
The judges award the accolades to products in terms of design and innovation.
Winners can display the Red Dot label on their products.
The just-launched Ducati Diavel 1260 and three-wheeled Yamaha Niken won the prestigious 2019 Red Dot for Design awards in Germany.
The awards recognize the most worthy and original design and innovation, since its inception in 1955. Winners are allowed to display the Red Dot label on their products.
A jury of 40 international design experts evaluate more than 5,500 products in different categories. Among them are motorcycles, cars, electronics, furniture, watches, retail, and so forth.
But although there is a winner in each category, only the top design is awarded the Best of the Best.
The 2019 Red Dot for Design award for the Ducati Diavel 1260 means the manufacturer has now won it the third time. Previous winners from Ducati were the Panigale 1199 in 2013 and XDiavel S in 2016. So, not only do the Italian bikes look good to us, even design experts think so.
Yamaha won an award for the Niken this year, no doubt for its three-wheel design execution. It was also the third Red Dot accolade for the Japanese manufacturer. Previous winners were the MT-07 in 2015 and XSR900 in 2017.
The MotoGP Court of Appeals ruled that Ducati’s swingarm scoop was legal.
It follows the protest logged by four manufacturers after the Qatar MotoGP race.
The ruling means Andrea Dovizioso keeps his win, points and lead in the championship table.
The MotoGP Court of Appeals has ruled that Ducati’s “scoop” attached the bottom of the swingarm as legal. The appendage was fitted to three Desmosedici GP19s at the Qatar MotoGP race.
Although the court only released their decision, they did not assign a reason to why or what data convinced them.
But it’s safe to assume that they found the device cools the rear tyre instead of providing extra aerodynamic downforce. Moving forward, Ducati is allowed to use the scop ONLY IF it’s fitted together with the front wheel spoilers.
The decision also means that Andrea Dovizioso keeps his Qatar win and points, while Ducati also retains their manufacturer points earned at that first round.
However, this may open up another problem: How will Dorna and FIM enforce that scoops used in the future, whether by Ducati or other manufacturers, DO NOT provide aerodynamic downforce?
In the meantime, we can expect a new round of regulations.
The issue came to light and became hotly debated after four manufacturers protested post-Qatar race. The four – Aprilia, Honda, KTM, Suzuki – were of the opinion that the scoop provided downforce to the Ducati’s swingarm to keep the rear tyre on the ground more often, aiding stability and prolonging tyre life. Therefore, it’s illegal as the scoop falls outside the set guideline for “aerobodies.”
Ducati, on the other hand, insisted that it only functions to direct air to the rear tyre and cooling it. The manufacturer had submitted the design to MotoGP Technical Director Danny Aldridge prior to the race. It was subsequently approved and memos were sent to all the teams.
Other manufacturers weren’t convinced, of course. Aprilia were vehement: They had earlier submitted the plans of such a device earlier to the Technical Director but was rejected along the aerobody rules.
They logged their protest after the race, but their complaints were thrown out, thereby it was referred to MotoGP’s Court of Appeals.
Watch as these two Costa Rican riders get into each other.
The action caused both to engage in a melee.
The Latin American Motorcycle Association DQ’ed and banned both riders.
Boxing match and fisticuffs are a rarity in motorcycle racing these day as riders have to “behave professionally” on the track and off. But sometimes, adrenaline and emotions take over resulting in a slugging match.
Case in point was the famous incident at the Misano Moto2 race, in which hothead Romano Fenati grabbed Stefano Manzi’s front brake lever. The incident aroused a furious backlash that circled the globe about 3 billion times. Fenati was kicked out of his present team at the time and was supposed to be banned for life. But Dorna and the FIM were generous enough to allow him to race in Moto3 this year.
Well, that ought to serve a warning to riders, doesn’t it? Maybe. Because when the red mist descends, it’s all handbags.
The following boxing match between Marion Calvo and Jorge Martinez in the Costa Rica national race.
Both riders touched while braking for the turn, knocking Martinez off his bike. Martinez ended up clinging to Calvo’s seat hump, in turn causing him to lose control.
When the bike came to a stop, Martinez could’ve run to his bike to continue the race. Instead, his anger got the better of him and he swung at Calvo. Calvo was knocked off his bike.
Photo credit dailymail.co.uk
Calvo then went after Martinez and shoved him on his back, before both riders got back to riding again.
As expected, the Latin Motorcycle Association kicked them out of the race and subsequently banned them. They can now join boxing or MMA.
The KTM RC16 uses a steel trellis frame and WP suspension.
Which is a departure from the MotoGP norm of aluminium spars and Öhlins.
When asked if they will make a switch, KTM motorsport boss said no.
Much has been said about KTM and their performance (or lack of) in MotoGP. Most pointed to their use of the steel trellis frame and WP suspension on the RC16, instead of the perennial aluminium spars and Öhlins suspension.
It may seem that the Austrian giant is going nowhere to the casual observer, but truth is, the RC16 is undergoing development at a breakneck pace.
It started out with a “screamer” engine (all cylinders firing in equally spaced sequence) in 2017. But by 2018, it was revised to the “big bang” configuration (all cylinders fired quickly in a short space), together with a counter-rotating crankshaft.
KTM motorsport manager, Pit Beirer told Simon Crafar of MotoGP.com that they’ve come far within the last two years. In fact, the RC16 put in Marc Marquez’s 2017 lap times at a number of tracks last year.
The whole MotoGP class is developing like crazy, every makes steps forward. But if you told me five years ago KTM would make a machine on year after Marquez almost at the same speed, I wouldn’t believe. But we did it.”
When asked if they will stop using the steel trellis frame and WP suspension, “That’s not an option,” said Beirer.
“It’s brought us success in every single discipline, so we will stick to this because we have the widest knowledge around this material we are using.”
Indeed, the frame/WP combination has allowed KTM to be competitive, succeed, even dominate racing series from enduro to Moto2.
The Aprilia RSV4 X showcases the factory’s expertise in making sportbikes and racebikes.
Highlights include the Aprilia No Neutral gearbox.
The engine produces 225 hp, and the bike weighs only 165 kg.
With all the current bruhaha about Ducati and their limited-edition models such as the Panigale 1299 Superleggera and Panigale V4 R, don’t forget that Aprilia just as capable of such ventures. Presenting the X. To be more accurate, here’s the Aprilia RSV4 X.
Aprilia claims that they used the lessons learned in MotoGP and WorldSBK to build the X. We’re not here to disagree. The bike is armed with features as the APRC electronic suite, which was the first to include wheelie control and lean-sensitive traction control. Ride-by-wire is compulsory since it was Aprilia who debut it on a street bike.
But that’s just a small part compared to the engine. Wanna talk horsepower-to-weight ratio? How does 225 hp and 165 kg sound to you? That’s a lurid 1.36 hp to 1 kg. The company fettled the standard RSV4 1100’s lump and gave the X a dedicated ECU for the performance gain.
An Akrapovic titanium full-system exhaust spits out the used gasses. Intake air is filtered through a Sprintfilter similar to the one used in MotoGP.
But perhaps the biggest feature/novelty is the Aprilia No Neutral (ANN) transmission. Instead of the usual 1-N-2-3-4-5-6, the new system goes N-1-2-3-4-5-6. Doing so reduces the chances of grabbing neutral while shifting from 1stto 2nd(we’re sure many have experienced this).
This shift pattern is used in MotoGP and now the Noale-based manufacturer is the first to bring it to road bikes.
In another world first, the RSV4 X is equipped with Brembo’s GP4-MS brake calipers that’re machined from a solid block of aluminium alloy. They grip on Brembo T-Drive discs.
Last, but not least, the bodywork features aerobodies.
The Aprilia RSV4 X is priced at an affordable (yeah right) €39,900. Only 10 are lovingly made.
Azroy Hakeem Anuar put Honda back on the CP150 category podium in Round 1 of the 2019 PETRONAS Malaysia Cub Prix Championship
The race was held in Jasin, Melaka over the weekend.
It was an emphatic one for the manufacturer as their rival Yamaha had dominated the series for the past two years.
Azroy Hakeem Anuar put Honda back on the CP150 category podium in Round 1 of the 2019 PETRONAS Malaysia Cub Prix Championship. The race was held in Jasin, Melaka over the weekend.
It was an emphatic one for Honda as their rival Yamaha had dominated the series for the past two years.
From Cub Prix Press Release:
Azroy Hakeem Anuar delivered an emotional win at Round 1 of the 2019 PETRONAS Malaysian Cub Prix Championship in Jasin, Melaka last weekend. It was a multi-faceted victory that had been a long time in the coming – a personal first CP150 win for the 20-year-old rider, as well as the first premiere class victory for team Idemitsu Honda Yuzy Racing and the Honda marque.
Azroy started the 20-lap race from third on the grid but quickly got past polesitter Md Iqbal Amri Abd Malek on the second lap. However, Azroy was unable to shake fellow Honda competitor Mohd Helmi Azman off his tail. While the two younger riders duked it out at the front of the group, Cub Prix returning rider Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi kept defending champion Ahmad Afif Amran bottled up in fourth place.
The three Honda riders kept the lead right up to the chequered flag with Azroy bringing down the chequered flag at 16’02.227s, 0.712s ahead of second placed Helmi. Zaqhwan Zaidi booked the final spot on the podium in third place with 16’09.377s.
R-L Azroy, Helmi, Zaqwan
“It feels great to be in contention for the podium again and I’m happy to deliver this win to our team principal, Shahrol Yuzy and our hardworking crew who had never stopped working towards regaining our competitive edge,” said Azroy.
The CP115 final was easily won by Md Fareez Afeez Abd Rahman from team Motul Yamaha YY Pang.
Md Zaki A. Zamri put in an inch-perfect performance in the Wira Final.
RACE RESULTS
CP150
Azroy Hakeem Anuar (SGR) Idemitsu Honda Yuzy Racing 16:02.227
Md Helmi Azman (SGR) Hi Rev SCK Honda Racing 16:02.939
Md Zaqhwan Zaidi (SGR) Idemitsu Honda Yuzy Racing 16:09.377
Ahmad Afif Amran (TRG) PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha – CKJ Racing 16:09.444
Ahmad Fazrul Sham (PRK) AHM Motorsports Yamaha Racing Team 16:14.834
CP115
Md Fareez Afeez Abd Rahman (JHR) Motul Yamaha YY Pang Racing 12:31.825s
Ahmad Syukran Aizat Md Yusoff (TRG) PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha – CKJ Racing 12:34.962s
Royal Enfield are opening a CKD plant in Thailand in June 2019.
They plan to supply the Thai market directly.
RE received more than 700 orders for the new Interceptor 650 and Continental 650 GT in the country alone.
Royal Enfield announced that they will open a CKD plant in Thailand in June this year.
The plan means the brand has somewhat come full circle since Thailand was one of the first Southeast Asian market that they penetrated. The Kingdom was also amongst the first global market to receive the Interceptor 650 and Continental 650 GT.
Royal Enfield (RE) claimed that they haves received over 700 bookings in the country itself for the two models since their launch last year. 100 have been delivered to date.
The manufacturer hopes to further expand their reach and support in the country. Besides the factory, they are also aiming to set up 15 dealerships and 25 service centres by March 2020. There will be more dealerships in Bangkok, Greater Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Chiang Mai. Not bad considering that they started with just one dealership in Bangkok just not long ago.
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 won the “Best Modern Classic Middleweight” award at the Thailand Bike of the Year 2019 awards ceremony.
However, RE did not mention if they plan to export the bikes produced in Thailand to other Southeast Asian countries.
The countdown to the 25th Phuket Bike Week begins.
It will be held from 12th to 14th April at Patong, and 19th to 20th April at the Phuket Boat Lagoon, this year.
50,000 visitors are expected.
It’s almost April and enthusiasts know it’s almost time for the pilgrimage to the Phuket Bike Week (PBW).
The annual event is extra special this year as it celebrates its 25th anniversary and is dubbed “World Ride Together (sic).” Hence it promises to be the biggest ever than an already largest motorcycle gathering in Asia.
The organizers and tourism authority expect more than 5,000 motorcycles of all types, and 50,000 participants and visitors from more than 30 countries including Thailand. They also project that the event will draw in THB 500 million in revenue.
As per tradition, the PBW will be held in two locations on the island of Phuket on two subsequent different dates. The first chapter will be held at Loma Park, Patong Beach from 12thto 14thApril. The second will be held at the Phuket Boat Lagoon from 19thto 20thApril.
Do note that this year’s PBW coincides with the Songkran water festival, which starts from 13thApril and ends on 15thApril, thus visitors can expect an even merrier fun quotient.
Activities include motorcycle exhibitions, custom bike contest, Miss Phuket Bike Week contest, charity ride. Rock bands and performers include the legendary Thai band Carabao who shot to fame with their song “Made in Thailand;” our very own Wings and many more.
So, start planning now for your convoy to the north!
The 2019 Yamaha Y15ZR v2 has been launched after much anticipation.
The new model comes with a number of new features.
It will be available from mid-April, so as the price.
The 2019 Yamaha Y15ZR v2 was launched yesterday after much speculation and anticipation.
The launch continues the timeline of the hotly popular model. Yamaha calls the v2 (for Version 2) the “King of the Streets.” It is hard to argue with the tag as its predecessor was ubiquitous and seen on the streets everywhere in Malaysia.
New for the Y15ZR v2 are:
High low beam LED headlights.
New LCD meter panel.
Wider 90/80-17 front tyre.
New graphics and design.
The facelift also comes with 4 new vibrant colours called Striking Cyan, Blazing Red, Storm Blue and Dynamic Grey.
It will be available from authorized Yamaha dealers nationwide from mid-April 2019. Customers will also receive a free exclusive Yamaha disc brake lock worth RM 100, and complete with reminder wire.
The Y15ZR v2 was launched at Round 1 of the 2019 PETRONAS AAM Malaysia Cub Prix Championship in Jasin, Melaka. It’s a fitting venue as the previous model was crowned the CP150 category champion in 2017 and 2018.
Yamaha Cub Prix riders Ahmad Afif Aman, Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin, Tengku Amirul Haffirudin and Md. Akid Aziz accompanied the launch. Md. Akid dominated the CP150 category in the last two years, while Tengku Amirul won the CP115 category in 2018.
The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) explained why the Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) was booted out as the sanctioning body for motorsports.
KBS recommended to the FIM that the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) take AAM’s place.
According to the FIM’s Sports Commissioner, “The AAM consistently broke the rules.”
The Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM)/Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) saga riles many feathers and had many racing enthusiasts talking about it. In the latest twist, Kementerian Belia dan Sukan (KBS – Youth and Sports Ministry) joined the ring, calling for AAM to be booted out of role as the country’s authority on motorsports.
The minister of the department, Syed Saddiq said, “AAM has been suspended by the (FIM) Sports Commission for consistently breaching the provisions of the Sports Development Act 1997. Many warnings have been given out before.”
“It is important for international regulatory bodies to be aware of this and take whatever action as necessary. We do not dictate what they should or should not do.”
On the other hand, “MAM has always been registered with the Sports Commissioner under the Sports Development Act 1997 to carry out national motorsports events.”
He added that this was in effect from many years ago, even before he became a minister.
Malaysian Insider had previously claimed that Syed Saddiq sent a letter to the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) in September last year. The letter sought to recognize MAM as the sole Malaysian motorsports authority.
Photo credit malaymail.com
According to the FIM’s Sports Commissioner’s Office, it cancelled AAM’s status as a sports body in late 2018 after the latter “broke the rules.” AAM did not submitted their year-end report and amending their own constitution.
AAM chairman Tunku Mudzaffar Mustapha, on the other hand, said that they had been in constant communication with the FIM, but was suddenly deregistered on 30thNovember 2018.
AAM is the only sporting body in Malaysia sanctioned by the FIM, International Automobile Federation (FIA), and International Carting Federation (CIK). Hence, participants need to apply for their racing license and insurance from AAM if they compete overseas.
Tunku Mudzaffar warned that international motorsports events such as MotoGP will be jeopardy since AAM is the sole sanctioning body.
Our take
Dato’ Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali had said that the SIC MotoGP teams registered their riders including Hafizh Syahrin directly with the FIM without the involvement of AAM or MAM.
But if the FIM accepts MAM as the sanctioning body in Malaysia, international motorsports events ought to continue, which contradicts AAM’s statement.
The reality is this: The AAM has long been reviled by Malaysian racers on both four wheels and two wheels. To them, the body had only been charging high premiums for the racing license and insurance but have done nothing to promote the country’s motorsports. “AAM is beyond reproach,” they said.
These grouses were aired to this writer when he was covering the FIM Asia Supermoto Championship from 2015 and many other motorsports events.
