English Archives

Bikesrepublic

English

2025 KTM 390 Adventure R and 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X Officially Announced

As a follow up to the prototype unveiling at EICMA 2024, the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R and 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X have been officially announced.

Looking back to EICMA, we expected the off-road biased “R” variant but did not expect KTM to roll out an all-new road-biased model, too. The road-biased model now has the letter “X” affixed to it, instead of having no letters after the “Adventure” name.

Both are powered by the same updated 399cc LC4c single-cylinder engine, which produces 44 hp at 8,500 RPM and 39 Nm at 7,000 RPM. The engine receives a new stainless steel exhaust system which is 5 kg lighter, revised fuel injection, airbox, and cylinder head. The gearbox has been reworked and the slipper and assist clutch is standard.

Also shared are the suspension and frame. Although the latter is based on the 390 Duke, there are new subframe mounts, steering head angle, and 25mm taller handlebar. The suspension is taken from the recently launched 390 Enduro R, with WP APEX 43mm open cartridge forks paired to matching a monoshock – both of which are good for 230mm of travel.

The main differences between the “R” and “X” are a five litre larger tank on the Adventure R (now 14-litres), plus the rally inspired fairing and tower which houses a full LED lighting setup, and wheel sizes. The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R rolls on 21/18-inch wheels, while the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X has 19/17-inch rims.

Electronic tech includes a five-inch TFT and three ride modes (Street, Off-Road and Rain – which limits power delivery and heightens traction control (TC) intervention). Whichever of these modes is in use when the bike is turned off will remain engaged upon start up.

There’s also dual channel ABS, switchable cornering sensitive TC, and, for a touch of mile munching comfort, optional cruise control as well.

The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R sells for £6699 (RM38,854.20) and 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X is priced at £5399 (RM31,314.20) in the UK.

2025 Triumph Speed Triple RS Launched, Replaces Speed Triple RR

The 2025 Triumph Speed Triple RS has been launched, replacing the half-faired Speed Triple RR.

As such, the RS naked is now more powerful and has higher specifications. To start, the three-cylinder engine gets a 3hp boost for a total 180 hp. Torque has also increased from 125.0 Nm to 127.5 Nm. The maximum torque also arrives a lower RPM than its predecessor. The performance increase is due to updates to the ECU and a new free-flowing Akrapovic exhaust.

The RR had Öhlins semi-active suspension, thus it has now been moved to the RS, although it is not 100% the same. On the other hand, the 2025 Triumph Speed Triple RS gets the latest Öhlins Smart EC3.0, which is backed up by the Objective Based Tuning Interface (OBTi). The rider can adjust the front and rear suspension’s firmness, braking support, acceleration support, initial acceleration support, cornering support, and comfort. All without needing to turn a screwdriver or wrench. The 2025 bike also gets an adjustable steering damper.

Other electronic support include Front Wheel Lift Control, Engine Braking Control and Brake Slide Control, IMU controlled cornering ABS. The new lighter wheels are shod with Pirelli Super Corsa tyres and braking duty is handled by Brembo Stylema calipers.

Buyers can choose from three colours, Jet Black, or the premium options of Granite and Diablo Red or Granite and Performance Yellow.

The 2025 Triumph Speed Triple RS sells for £17,495 (RM95,685.75) in the UK.

One Thai Van has 85 Summons

A Thai van has 85 outstanding summonses involving various offences committed over the past three years.

The matter was discovered after a check carried out by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) immediately after the van involved was detained in Perlis through Op Tunggak which was implemented starting January 1.

The Director-General of the Road Transport Department (JPJ), Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli, confirmed the matter, with 16 Thai vans detained in the operation still being seized to date.

Elaborating further, he said the most frequently detected offence involved the misuse of the International Circulation Permit (ICP).

“There was a Thai van detained in Perlis and from the check, it was found that there were 85 outstanding summonses committed over the past three years, but the owner had settled all the arrears worth RM25,500.

“Apart from the misuse of the ICP, other offences were detected, for example the use of tinted windows. Although it is allowed in their country (Thailand), when entering our country we have to obey the law here.”

Aedy Fadly said that ICPs are only issued to private vehicles within 90 days of being in this country, but instead some foreign drivers misuse them by carrying passengers.

He said that the offence cannot be compromised because it clearly violates regulations under the Road Transport Act (APJ) 1987, besides it can have adverse effects on many parties due to insurance coverage.

“In addition to carrying passengers whether foreigners or locals, Thai vans that do not have ICPs also transport their national employees who work at various premises, especially restaurants.

“We do not want this issue of misuse of ICPs to continue and are worried that if an accident occurs involving these vehicles, there will be no insurance coverage and it may become an issue because it involves the victims, drivers and governments of both countries,” he said.

Commenting on Op Tunggak, he informed that 182 foreign drivers with 163 vehicles were detected to have outstanding summonses throughout the 24 days the operation was carried out.

During that period, he said, 172 foreign vehicles were taken into action involving 619 JPJ (P) 22 notices issued.

“Summons collected were RM425,104 involving 332 outstanding summonses that had been resolved,” he said.

Kawasaki is Building a Turbocharged Two-Stroke Engine

Kawasaki is building a turbocharged two-stroke engine. The great news was announced on the Kawasaki US Instagram platform.

The short video showed a bunch of comments by social media users who called for Kawasaki to bring back the two-stroke engine, plus that two-strokes are the best, etc. IThe video ends with “WE HEARD YOU” and the revving of a two-stroke engine in the background.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kawasaki UK (@kawasakiuk)

Of course, there is not much else to go on from the teaser. However, there have been reports that patent documents submitted by the manufacturer in July 2024 showed a revolutionary engine. It has fuel injection which is not new but get this: The intake valves are camshaft operated and it has a turbocharger. A turbocharged two-stroke engine. This is enough to get us salivating!

Fuel injection, coupled with camshaft operated valves promises efficiency and most importantly, cleaner emissions, as two-stroke motorcycles were banned in many countries for being polluting. Traditional two-stroke engines do not have mechanical valves and that led to unburned air-fuel and 2T mixture leaking out of the exhaust port. Kawasaki’s engine may well change that. The turbocharger adds in more air to the mixture so the engine burns leaner thereby saving fuel. The interesting now is to know what is its lubrication method.

But hang on. There is still no word on what kind of motorcycle that the engine will be used for. I could be a dirt-bike because there are countries allow its use on closed circuits and/or private lands, but not on the road. Or (god forbid) used for the hydrogen hybrid that Kawasaki had invested much into. Then again, Kawasaki already has the KX250 two-stroke MX bike.

Beware of Crosswind Sections on the Highway – Bomba

The Negeri Sembilan Fire and Rescue Department (JPBM) advises road users to be more vigilant at two crosswind sections on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) which are at risk of causing accidents.

Assistant Director of the Fire Safety Division, Senior Fire Superintendent II Mohamed Faiz Muin Mohamed Rasidi said the two locations in the state start at KM 222 of the Melaka border to Hentian Senawang and KM 267 Ainsdale to Seri Putera.

“Both locations are ‘hotspots’ for accidents that often occur and among the factors are crosswinds and the negligence of road users themselves.

“Therefore, users need to always be careful and vigilant when driving, especially during the festive season when the number of vehicles also increases.”

Meanwhile, Mohamed Faiz Muin said that 150 personnel and 26 vehicles and three Emergency Medical Rescue Service (EMRS) vans are on standby in conjunction with Op Siaga Raya which starts from Jan 28 to Feb 2.

He said one vehicle was also statically parked at the Pedas Toll while the state JBPM Rapid Intervention Motorcycle Unit will conduct regular patrols in the highway area up to Nilai to ensure the situation is under control.

He also advised people who want to return to their villages and leave their homes for a long period of time, especially during the festive season, to always be alert and turn off all electrical switches that are not being used.

“Before leaving home, check for anything that could cause a fire, especially power source switches such as lights, fans and water filters to ensure the house is safe and prevent unwanted incidents from happening,” he said.

We were only Acting, JPJ Pahang

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) Pahang has stressed that a viral video showing a violent encounter involving its members with a man was just a demonstration.

JPJ in a media statement today, informed that the scene in the viral video was actually part of a scene that was acted out in a rehearsal yesterday.

“The act was for a demonstration in conjunction with the working visit of the Director General of the Road Transport Department of Malaysia, this Monday.

“In this regard, JPJ Pahang calls on the public not to spread inaccurate or misleading information as it can cause confusion and anxiety among the community.

“The public is advised to be careful and refer to authentic sources before believing and sharing any news or videos that are spread,” he said.

In the meantime, JPJ Pahang will continue to be committed to ensuring that every enforcement officer is well trained and prepared to handle any situation with high professionalism and integrity.

“If there are any further questions or information regarding this incident, the public can contact JPJ Pahang on our official line or refer to official communication channels for the latest developments,” he said.

Yesterday, a 31-second video went viral showing a JPJ officer trying to detain a man, which allegedly took place in the Pahang JPJ Complex compound.

Previously, an elderly man went viral slapping a Puspakom officer in Johor Bahru, Johor after getting angry during a brake test.

The elderly man was later fined RM1,600 by the court.

Harley-Davidson Introduces 2 New and 6 Refreshed Models

Harley-Davidson today revealed all-new and refreshed motorcycles for its 2025 model line-up. New to this diverse line of bikes are the Street Glide Ultra, a fully equipped long-haul touring model, and the pavement-ready Pan America 1250 ST adventure sport motorcycle. The 2025 Harley-Davidson Cruiser motorcycle collection includes six models with significantly revised performance and technology features. The powerful Sportster S model is updated with revised suspension for enhanced comfort. The collection of limited-production Custom Vehicle Operation™ (CVO™) motorcycles includes three models and completes the most-desirable portfolio of motorcycles ever offered by Harley-Davidson.

These new Harley-Davidson models complete the collection of 2025 Harley-Davidson Grand American Touring, Cruiser, Sport, and Adventure Touring motorcycles, all presented on H-D.com and will be available at authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships globally.

NEW 2025 Cruiser Models

The reinvigorated 2025 Cruiser collection includes six very distinctive motorcycles, each infused with new technology, elevated performance and refreshed styling. Each Cruiser model features a new Milwaukee-Eight® 117 powertrain and technology advancements and utilizes the Harley-Davidson Softail chassis with hidden mono shock rear suspension. The 2025 Cruiser line includes the following models, each representing a specific stylistic personality, from nostalgic to high performance to boldly custom: Low Rider S, Low Rider ST, Breakout, Heritage Classic, Fat Boy and Street Bob.

NEW 2025 Street Glide Ultra Model

The highway is calling. The new Street Glide Ultra model elevates the long-distance touring experience. This new model combines the comfort, technology, performance and design elements introduced on the 2024 Street Glide with new features intended to support two-up, long-haul travel for riders seeking freedom and adventure. This is the most capable regular-production Grand American Touring motorcycle offered by Harley-Davidson.

NEW 2025 Pan America 1250 ST Model

The new Pan America 1250 ST model is a dynamic adventure sport motorcycle that can be a practical daily ride, an exciting back-road apex chaser, and a capable weekend touring mount. Designed to appeal to riders ready to exchange a sport bike or streetfighter for an agile bike with more comfort and longer distance capability, the Pan America 1250 ST model offers a commanding and comfortable upright rider position, the flexible power delivery of the liquid-cooled Revolution Max 1250 engine, a 17” front wheel, and premium suspension and braking components.

NEW Sportster S Model

Underpinned by newly revised suspension, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S model is designed to deliver an extraordinary riding experience rooted in the thrill of unleashing on-demand torque for an exhilarating blast of thrust and adrenaline. Its light weight, technology features and bold design appeal to experienced riders, new riders and those ready to step away from the crowd on a motorcycle that discards traditional styling tropes. Newly revised front and rear suspension offers a 60 percent increase in rear wheel travel without impacting seat height to improve rider comfort on some pavement conditions. Both front and rear suspension are fully adjustable for compression and rebound damping, and preload.

NEW 2025 Harley-Davidson® Custom Vehicle Operation™ Models

For its 26th annual installment, Harley-Davidson CVO models offer discerning riders three super-premium, limited production motorcycle models. Each makes a bold statement of power and prestige and represents the pinnacle of Harley-Davidson style and design with new finish and design details for 2025.

CVO™ Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models elevate design, technology and performance to meet the expectations of the most demanding and discerning bagger rider.
CVO™ Road Glide ST model, inspired by the Screamin’ Eagle Factory Team Road Glide bikes competing for the MotoAmerica Mission Foods King of the Baggers championship, combines an exclusive Milwaukee-Eight 121 H.O. engine with a host of high-performance components with attention to custom detail to create a bagger that’s quick, fast and sophisticated.

Stefan Pierer Steps Down as CEO of Pierer Mobility and KTM

Stefan Pierer has stepped down from the position of CEO to the Pierer Mobility Group (PMG) and KTM AG.

However, he will remain in both companies as the Co-CEO to Gottfried Nuemeister, who joined PMG as the Co-CEO last year.

“Stefan Pierer will hand over the role of CEO of Pierer Mobility AG and KTM AG to Gottfried Neumeister,” according to a statement from PMG. It adds that Pierer “will continue to support [Neumeister] as Co-CEO during the restructuring process.”

On the announcement of his departure from the CEO role, Pierer said: “For me, KTM was always more than just a company – it was and is a passion, a mission and a family.

“The decision to hand over the helm was not an easy one. I am deeply convinced that Gottfried Neumeister, with his strategic foresight and commitment, is the right choice to lead KTM into the future.”

“KTM stands for courage, innovation and passion – values that we will continue to live by and carry into the future. Together with our team, we will continue to strengthen KTM and set new standards to build the best motorcycles in the world.”

Pierer’s term as CEO was supposed to end on 31 December 2025.

The news comes amid financial difficulties for KTM AG which has seen it commence insolvency proceedings which remain ongoing in an attempt to avoid bankruptcy. KTM is currently in self-administration proceedings, and has and will continue measures to cuts costs within the company.

Part of this has been reducing the size of the workforce, which the PMG statement announcing the change in CEO adds has been cut by 1,800 employees.

The reduction in workforce was combined with a reduction in production volume to 230,000 in 2024, which the statement says has “relieved by around 40,000 units. This represents an important first step in the restructuring plan.” The 40,000 unit reduction in production is equals to -18%.

Zaqhwan Zaidi Admits to Facing Big Challenge in WSBK

Zaqhwan Zaidi will make his full-time debut in the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) in the 2025 season.

Zaqhwan, who previously competed in the Asian Motorcycle Championship (ARRC) and the World Motorcycle Championship in the Moto2 class in 2015, said he had no knowledge of the European circuit and that the issue needed to be addressed immediately.

“I have no knowledge of the European circuit or the machinery, so I need to work harder to understand everything as soon as possible.

“I would like to thank everyone who supported me and everyone who helped make this opportunity a success,” said Zaqhwan, who was entrusted to represent the Petronas MIE Racing team for the 2025 season in the premier class of WorldSBK.

Zaqhwan, who will be riding a Honda CBR1000RR-R, will be partnered with Great Britain’s Tarran Mackenzie (son of legendary rider Niall Mackenzie) who last season finished the campaign with seven points to be in 23rd place out of 28 riders.

The new WSBK season will see 12 races with the opening race taking place at the Phillip Island Circuit, Australia from 21 to 23 February.

The next round moves to the Algarve Circuit in Portugal from 28 to 30 March with the team scheduled to travel to Portimao earlier this month for pre-season training.

Meanwhile, team owner Midori Moriwaki is excited about the line-up for this season which also features another national rider competing in the WorldSSP class, Syarifuddin Azman, who is also a rider who has competed in the World Motorcycle Championship in the Moto3 class.

“Each rider brings their own experience and with this list of riders, we continue to develop our talent program.

“We are confident that we can achieve good results as we step into this new stage and are ready to face new challenges,” she said.

Zontes 703F to Enter UK Market

The Zontes 703F adventure bike which we recently tested is set to enter the UK market in April.

To refresh, it was first revealed at EICMA 2024, followed quickly by the factory getting it into production. The 703F variant uses a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels. It is powered by a 699cc, DOHC, three cylinder engine which produces 93.9hp at 10,000 RPM. This engine is shared across the 703 platform which also consists of the 703T adventure-tourer and 703RR sportbike.

Its frame is revolutionary, cast as one piece for both halves, then joined without welds. The subframe is also cast aluminium. The suspension is fully adjustable on both ends.

Other specs include an 8-inch TFT screen, 22-litre fuel tank, under engine bash plate, 830mm seat height, J.Juan brakes, Bosch ABS, Michelin Anakee Adventure tyres, LED lights, etc.

According to MCN the bike will be initially offered at £6,999 (RM38,312.11 at the time of publication). UK buyers need to add £999 (RM5,467.12) for the crash bars, 3-piece aluminium luggage, and spotlights. The price is cheaper than the Suzuki V-Strom 650 in the UK.

Zontes has been selling their motorcycles in the UK and European Union for several years now.

Zontes 703F First Ride Review

Revamped 2025 BMW R 18 Announced

BMW announced the revamped 2025 BMW R 18, including styling updates to the R 18 and R 18 Classic, and fresh paint for the R 18 B, R 18 Transcontinental, and R 18 Roctane.

The 1802cc air/oil-cooled Boxer is shared across the board without different tuning corresponding to different models. It has received a 5.4Nm bump in torque, taking the total to 163Nm at 3,000 RPM. 149Nm is already available between 2,000 to 4,000 RPM. Maximum horsepower remains at 90hp at 4,750 RPM. The engine is now Euro 5+ compliant.

2025 BMW R 18

The base R 18 receives the most substantial changes. The most significant update is an 18-inch rear wheel replacing the previous 16-inch as the standard option. You can still get a 16-inch rear, but only as part of the Option 719 Olivine package. The front wheel remains at 19 inches.

The rear suspension receives new spring and damping rates tuned for the 18-inch rear wheel and new 180/55B18 tire. The front suspension is mechanically unchanged, though the R 18 loses the fork covers.

The fishtail exhausts from the previous model are gone, replaced with cylindrical exhausts to match the rest of the lineup. The side cover and front and rear fenders were likewise reshaped, getting more modern, squared-off shapes than the previous design.

BMW also redesigned the solo seat, using a thicker and softer foam and adding a new release button under the seat cover. Combined with the larger rear wheel, the seat is now 720mm from the ground, compared to the 690mm seat height found on the previous R 18.

Rounding out the updates to the standard R 18 is a new USB-C charging socket.

The 2025 BMW R 18 is available in Black Storm Metallic with a silver-colored powertrain. A blacked out engine and dark chrome exhaust is available as a styling package. More premium paint options include a two-tone Brooklyn Gray Metallic, and Mineral Gray Metallic Matte, both with dark chrome exhausts and optional black powertrain finishes. Additionally, BMW offers an Option 719 Olivine version in Velvet Green Metallic with a 16-inch rear wheel.

2025 BMW R 18 Classic

For 2025, the R 18 Classic gets a 19-inch front, 16-inch rear wheel combination, replacing the previous 16 and 16 combo. With the larger front wheel, the seat height has increased to 730mm from the previous 710mm.

The front fender is significantly larger than the previous design, giving it more of a retro look. For that same reason, the R 18 Classic retains the fork covers that are now missing from the standard model. Like the R 18, the Classic receives reshaped side covers and a USB-C charging port.

The 2025 BMW R 18 Classic is available in Black Storm Metallic with a silver-colored powertrain and chrome exhausts and wire-spoke wheels. The Classic will also be available in Mineral Gray Metallic Matte with a chrome exhaust and an optional silver-colored powertrain, or in Brooklyn Gray Metallic with blacked-out finishes, dark chrome exhausts and 18-inch rear/19-inch front cast alloy wheels. There’s also an Option 719 Blue Planet Metallic version with a number of accessories including chrome fender trim.

2025 BMW R 18 B

Apart from the updated engine and updated colors, the only change to the R 18 B (“B” for bagger) is a new FAVOURITES button on the right hand switchgear. Replacing the previous central locking system button, the FAVOURITES button allows quick access to specific functions, such as activating heated grips.

The standard colour for 2025 BMW R 18 B is Black Storm Metallic with a silver-colored powertrain and chrome exhausts. Paint options include Mineral Gray Metallic, and Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic. BMW will also offer an Option 719 Black Pearl version.

2025 BMW R 18 Transcontinental

The Transcontinenal is the full-dress touring version of the bagger. and it also receives a quick-access FAVOURITES button.

The standard colour option is the same Black Storm Metallic with a silver-colored powertrain and chrome exhaust. Pictured above is the new Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic which comes with a blacked-out powertrain and dark chrome pushrod tubes and airbox cover. An Option 719 Tanzanite version comes with Blue Planet Metallic/Asian Blue Metallic with a number of accessories including machined alloy wheels.

2025 BMW R 18 Roctane

The Roctane is the most recent addition to the R 18 family, so it’s no surprise it receives the fewest of updates. Apart from new paint and the revised engine, the only change is a new optional body-colored panel to fill the gap between the side cases and rear fender.

As with the other variants, the standard colour for the 2025 BMW R 18 Roctane is Black Storm Metallic. You also have a choice of Mineral Gray Metallic Matte, or Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic.

Free Tolls during Festivals will not Reduce Traffic Woes – Ahmad Zahid

Giving free tolls during the festive season will not reduce traffic woes, said Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said what is important is for road users to change their attitudes and plan their journeys when the festive season arrives.

“The amount of compensation in the form of compensation by the government to the toll concessionaire exceeds RM35 million per day.

“Although it does not involve direct cash compensation, the concession has had to be extended and this does not solve the problem of congestion on tolled highways,” he said when asked to comment on the government’s decision to stop giving free tolls in conjunction with the festive season.

He said the decision to stop giving free tolls was a decision by the Cabinet following a recommendation from Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.