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LVMH rumoured to acquire Deus Ex Machina

With its 10th anniversary fast approaching, the hip and cool custom motorcycle brand Deus Ex Machina has made a significant mark in the two-wheeled scene thanks to its visionary founder, Dare Jennings.

(Image source: Airows)

Today, the Deus Ex Machina brand’s works at building custom bikes and its line of bike-themed and surf-inspired fashion apparels are highly sought after worldwide, resulting in the opening of the brand’s destination stores in Sydney, Bali, Japan, Los Angeles, and Milan.

(Image source: Airows)

With that in mind, it is easy to understand why Europe’s largest luxury brand conglomerate, LVMH SE (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), has been rumoured to be in talks with Jennings in acquiring the chic and cool brand. Credible sources online are reporting that LVMH, via its private equity arm called L-Capital, are already in talks with Jennings to purchase the brand.

According to 65-year-old Jennings, Deus Ex Machina presently generates AUS$25 million annually in revenue, making worth roughly the same amount in the investors market.

(Image source: Airows)

It is widely presumed that whoever buys the Deux Ex Machina brand will likely expand its portfolio beyond its current chain of five stores with a focus on artisanal motorcycle enthusiasts. How this will actually pan out is something that only time will tell.

If this deal is successful, Deus Ex Machina will join a prestigious list of luxury brands owned by the LVMH consortium that includes Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Henessey, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, TAG Heur and Bvlgari.

Sources: Financial Review & AutoEvolution via Asphaltandrubber

Promoting Malaysia to the World with Hadi Hussein

Hadi Hussein is a 44-year-old Johorian purist (JB), a former disaster-deployment expert and a well experienced humanitarian by profession.

(more…)

Updated 2016 Triumph Tiger Explorer

2016 is looking pretty good for British marque Triumph so far.

The famed Hinckley-based brand first got its ball rolling when it introduced the fully revamped Triumph Bonneville range towards the end of October, followed by the refreshed Speed Triple model just weeks before EICMA 2015 opened its doors.

Now, the firm is strengthening itself further for 2016 after it introduced the refreshed range-topping Triumph Explorer model for 2016. This mid-life refresher sees the flagship dual-sport gaining with a series of new kit and features, with much of the updates mirroring what Triumph did with the smaller Tiger 800 range last year indeed.

For 2016, the Triumph Tiger Explorer will be available in six variants altogether – XC, XCx, XCa, XR, XRx and XRt. The range is separated simply by the fact that the XR range is optimised more for road and street whilst the XC line-up boasts more off-road optimisation instead.

All six models share the same 1,215cc inline three-cylinder 12-valve powerplant; all of which standing rather unique in the class thanks largely to the cylinder configuration it boasts, along with the shaft-drive layout as well. The looming Euro4 legislation prompted Triumph to update the Explorer’s engine in order for it to be compliant in two fronts of said legislation: emissions and noise.

Triumph remains rather coy about the mechanical changes, but sources online report that the powertrain has received a completely new exhaust system accompanied by a larger new catalytic converter, ride-by-wire software, as well as a hike in both power and torque figures too.

Like the smaller Tiger 800 range that was updated for 2015, the 2016 Tiger Explorer gains with a host of tech upgrades aimed at improved stability and control. These include Triumph’s first ever semi-active suspension primed in all but the two base XR and XC variants, followed by other features such as cornering ABS and traction control, four selectable pre-set rider modes available plus an additional fifth riding mode which riders can tailor to their own settings.

Also updated is the ABS system with entry-level models offering switchable ABS and traction control whilst the remaining four models gaining further with the aforementioned advanced cornering ABS and traction control suites. These four models are also further primed with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which uses an array of sensors to measure five axes of movement: including lean angle, acceleration and deceleration ensuring the traction control and ABS suites are at their most optimal level of performance. There is also the option of a Hill Hold Control (HHC) feature that electronically holds the brakes on to stabilise the bike during hill start.

Other notable changes here include a mild exterior styling revamp, the presence of heated grips and seat, an adjustable windscreen, plus a rich choice of luggage as well. Overall, Triumph have indeed granted its flagship dual-sport adventure bike with a much more complete package for 2016, allowing it to stack up well against new and improved rivals such as the new Ducati Multistrada Enduro.

2016 Triumph Tiger Explorer

Sources: Asphaltandrubber / Visordown / MCN

BMW issues recall for helmet

BMW Motorrad announced that it has launched a recall for its ‘BMW Sport’ helmet in the UK as it did not meet European standards.

According to BMW, the helmets that are affected by the recall have the reference ‘059241/P’ printed the chin-strap label.

It is said that the involved helmets will be exchanged irrespective of age. The German manufacturer said that owners can return their helmets to the nearest authorised BMW dealers, who will exchange them for a product of equal value.

The firm said that there was no safety risk to users’ but the helmets ‘do not fully meet the approval test requirements according to the European standard UNECE [Regulation] 22.05’.

According to the Department for Transport, UK law requires motorcycle helmets to either meet UNECE Regulation 22.05 or British Standard BS 6658:1985 or ‘a European Economic Area member standard offering at least the same safety and protection’.

BMW said no other helmet models were affected.

Updated 2016 Aprilia RSV4 with Factory Works special

The famed Aprilia brand may not have any substantially new models to debut at EICMA this year, but this did little from it giving its RSV4 superbike a well-needed update.

For 2016, the Aprilia RSV4 will feature several minor but essential enhancements over the model it replaces.

Firstly, the 2016 Aprilia RSV4 RF gains with new ‘Superpole’ graphics to enhance its looks further. Crucially though, the 2016 model now gains with a revised rear suspension setup, which Aprilia claims to be ‘more effective’.

Giving it a better tech edge, Aprilia have also updated the 2016 model’s electronics where it will include its V4-MP system. The new suite is in fact a full-blown telemetry system with smartphone connectivity, with the level of detail available for change covering all the way down to setting individual parameters for each corner or section of a track.

However, should the road-going RSV4 line not tickle your fancy for not being track-focused, then enter the newly introduced Aprilia Factory Works program. Essentially, the program sees Aprilia offering to produce RSV4 R-FWs that are optimized for track performance, or in accordance with the superbike and superstock regulations of race series across the world.

It is open to full time racers and teams, as well as members of the public alike who have race team-like budgets. Factory Works bikes gain with special chassis preparations, electronics packages and engine tunes to suit whatever class they’re competing in, right up to a top-level of tune exceeding 230hp.

2016 Aprilia RSV4

2016 Aprilia RSV4 R-FW

Sources: MCN and Visordown

Yamaha updates the FJR1300

Yamaha has officially taken the wraps off the 2016 version of the FJR 1300 sport tourer, featuring a number of improved cosmetic and technical upgrades.

The biggest change for 2016 is the addition of a new six-speed gear box, which will be replacing the outgoing five-speed transmission. Complementing the new gearbox is a new A&S slipper clutch, similar to the one that is fitted on the R1 to be exact, which promises to offer better riding dynamics.

The bike also gets a new instrument cluster which looks slightly more modern and sophisticated compared to the current unit.

In terms of cosmetics, Yamaha is now offering two new Matt and Silver paint schemes, a reshaped tail unit, as well as LED headlights and tail lights with adaptive cornering feature.

According to Yamaha, how the adaptive cornering lights work is that three aditional LEDs that are added above the left and right main headlights come on as the bike corners to help illuminate turns, using an inertial measurement unit to detect lean angle.

Unveiled yesterday at the Motorcycle Live show in Birmingham, UK, is expected to go on sale next year. However, Yamaha has not revealed any details on its pricing yet.

Kawasaki Malaysia Launched ZX-10R, J300 ABS and Z125 Pro

Kawasaki (Motors) Malaysia Sdn Bhd (KMSB) continues to develop motorcycles to meet customers’ demand around the world including Malaysian market, even with the weakened Ringgit and economic deterioration in China. (more…)

EXPANDED FOUR-DAY RACING SCHEDULE FOR ARRC FINALE IN BURIRAM

The 2015 season finale of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship will see an expanded race programme as the Asian series head to Buriram, Thailand for the second time this year. (more…)

Casey Stoner returns to Ducati

Retired MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner has left the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) to re-join the Ducati team as a test-rider and brand ambassador.

The move was officially announced recently and sees the Australian reconnecting with the team that granted him his first MotoGP world champion’s title back in 2007.

Stoner’s move away from HRC test-riding duties was long rumoured in the past few months, but both the Australian and HRC opted to officially announce his departure sometime just last week. In the process, the folks at HRC also stated their thanks and gratitude towards Stoner and his contributions over the last few years as a HRC test-rider.

After retiring from MotoGP in 2012, Stoner continued as a test-rider for HRC, but only rode sporadically since then, spending no more than a couple of days annually astride a Honda GP bike. Sources report that the move was made for two reasons, the first of which being the fact that the Australian kept good ties with the Italian team even after leaving it for HRC and secondly was the timely arrival of Gigi Dall’Igna as the head of Ducati Corse that made a return to Ducati even more attractive.

Presently, Ducati confirmed that Stoner will mainly focus on private tests and not riding in any of the official 2016 pre-season test sessions in Sepang, Phillip Island or Qatar. Whilst the prospect of Stoner returning on-track astride a Ducati GP bike for a wildcard outing appears to be slim, Ducati fans can instead rejoice at the fact he will be reappearing at next year’s World Ducati Week 2016 festivities in Bologna, Italy.

Sources: Asphaltandrubber and Visordown

Schuberth: Complete Rebranding Unveiled at 2015 EICMA

Schuberth changes its look. At the EICMA in Milan recently, the helmet manufacturer from Magdeburg, Germany showcased their new and updated brand design at the world’s biggest motorcycle trade fair.

The fact that the German company returned to the EICMA after years of absence can be seen as a clear signal for the implementation of the company’s growth strategy. (more…)

EICMA 2015: Updated MV Agusta Brutale 800 bows in Milan

MV Agusta has officially presented the updated MV Agusta Brutale 800 at the recent EICMA 2015 show in Milan, Italy.

Though it was revealed fully in a ‘teaser’ video not too long ago, MV did not release much facts and details surrounding its refreshed naked bike until its official presentation in the show.

Firstly, the newly updated and Euro4-compliant engine now churns out 116hp at 11,500rpm whilst peak torque has risen by 25% as well to 82.6Nm at 7,600rpm. Besides that, the Brutale 800’s slipper clutch has been updated with a new hydraulically-operated unit whilst gearshifts are now handled by MV’s electronic quick-shifter that works in both up- and down-shifts.

The bike still uses MV’s MVICS electronics package that includes a ride-by-wire throttle and eight setting traction control system.

Calling the new Brutale 800 ‘the most beautiful Brutale ever’, MV says it is ‘more muscular and streamlined’ when explaining the naked bike’s lightly refreshed styling. Highlights here include the sculpted tank and seat unit, as well as the restyled plastic panels at the side of the radiator.

Check our more photos of the refreshed MV Agusta Brutale 800 in the gallery we’ve prepared below.

2016 MV Agusta Brutale 800

Sources: Asphaltandrubber / Visordown

EICMA 2015: Yamaha XSR900 expands MT-09 range

Alright, should the controversial Yamaha MT-10 not suit your tastes, then look no further past this, the Yamaha XSR900.

Previewed as the Yamaha MT-09 Faster Wasp concept just weeks earlier, the new XSR900 not only sees Yamaha expanding the MT-09 naked’s range, it also now joins in the ranks of Yamaha’s “Sport Heritage” line as well.

Sitting above the MT-07-based XSR700 model, the Yamaha XSR900 revealed at EICMA 2015 features the brand’s iconic yellow-black speedblock paint scheme, with much of the Roland Sands Design (RSD) concept’s lines being retained as well.

Underneath, all remains business as usual as it retains the MT-09 base bike’s chassis architecture and 847cc triple-cylinder powertrain. However, like the updated 2016 Yamaha MT-09, it gains with a newly added traction control feature and offers three selectable riding modes as well.

There’s also an assist and slipper clutch feature as well lifted from the updated 2016 MT-09. Other notable features include a pair of 41mm inverted front forks, an adjustable shock, as well as radially mounted brake calipers with ABS.

Yamaha also stated that a wide array of accessories will be made available for customers when the bike’s sales commence in March next year.

Check out more photos of the new Yamaha XSR900 in the extensive gallery we’ve prepared below.

Yamaha XSR900

Sources: Asphaltandrubber / MCN / Visordown

Bikesrepublic

English

With its 10th anniversary fast approaching, the hip and cool custom motorcycle brand Deus Ex Machina has made a significant mark in the two-wheeled scene thanks to its visionary founder, Dare Jennings.

Hadi Hussein is a 44-year-old Johorian purist (JB), a former disaster-deployment expert and a well experienced humanitarian by profession.

2016 is looking pretty good for British marque Triumph so far.

2016 Triumph Tiger Explorer

BMW Motorrad announced that it has launched a recall for its ‘BMW Sport’ helmet in the UK as it did not meet European standards.

The famed Aprilia brand may not have any substantially new models to debut at EICMA this year, but this did little from it giving its RSV4 superbike a well-needed update.

2016 Aprilia RSV4

2016 Aprilia RSV4 R-FW

Yamaha has officially taken the wraps off the 2016 version of the FJR 1300 sport tourer, featuring a number of improved cosmetic and technical upgrades.

Kawasaki (Motors) Malaysia Sdn Bhd (KMSB) continues to develop motorcycles to meet customers’ demand around the world including Malaysian market, even with the weakened Ringgit and economic deterioration in China. (more…)

The 2015 season finale of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship will see an expanded race programme as the Asian series head to Buriram, Thailand for the second time this year. (more…)

Retired MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner has left the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) to re-join the Ducati team as a test-rider and brand ambassador.

Schuberth changes its look. At the EICMA in Milan recently, the helmet manufacturer from Magdeburg, Germany showcased their new and updated brand design at the world’s biggest motorcycle trade fair.

MV Agusta has officially presented the updated MV Agusta Brutale 800 at the recent EICMA 2015 show in Milan, Italy.

2016 MV Agusta Brutale 800

Alright, should the controversial Yamaha MT-10 not suit your tastes, then look no further past this, the Yamaha XSR900.

Yamaha XSR900

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