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Benda Suspend Bookings For The In-Demand LFS 700 In China

Chinese motorcycle manufacturer, Benda, made the headlines in 2021 with the unveiling of the all-new LFC 700.

Benda was instantly given credits for not taking the easier route by copying the design by European and Japanese motorcycles; instead, the company came up with a unique design.

While it may look like a typical power cruiser, underneath the “Cybertronian” bodywork sits a 680cc inline-four engine, making it the only cruiser that runs an inline-four powerplant.

Shortly after, Benda unveiled the LFS 700, a neo-retro flat-track-esque motorcycle based on the same platform as the LFC 700.

Benda has since received a flood of demands in China for the LFS 700. So much, in fact, Benda had to stop accepting bookings to keep up with the requests.

Retailing at just USD6,100 (RM25k), the LFS 700 is a remarkable value for money considering it is the only Chinese motorcycle company to feature an inline-four engine, apart from the Benelli TNT600.

The LFS 700 features some nifty components despite the affordability, including Brembo brakes, KYB suspension, and a full-colour TFT instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity.

Power-wise, the LFS 700 puts out 92.5hp @ 11,000rpm, similar to the Honda CB650R.

2022 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR Now Available In Malaysia – RM119,900

The highly-anticipated 2022 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR finally arrived in Malaysia and is priced at RM119,900.

The official announcement was made by the brand official distributor in Malaysia, Fast Bike Sdn Bhd.

According to the statement, the introduction of the Speed Triple 1200 RR – including the Tiger 1200 and Tiger Sport 660 – will set a new benchmark in their respective segment in Malaysia.

“Motorcycles like the Tiger Sport 660, Tiger 1200 and Speed Triple RR are not only engineered and designed to set new benchmarks in their respective classes, but to make a very bold statement with their on the road presence.

“These are truly game changing motorcycles for an increasingly discerning
Malaysian motorcycle market,” said Chief Executive Officer of Fast Bike Sdn Bhd, Dato’ Razak Al Malique Hussain.

The new Speed Triple RR is based around its naked cousin (the Speed Triple RS) but with additional electronic suspension and semi-front fairing.

While it may feature the same frame, subframe and fuel tank, the Speed Triple RR is an altogether new motorcycle.

The most notable change is the introduction of the semi-active Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 electronic suspension, replacing the NIX30 inverted fork and TTX36 twin-tube monoshock on the RS.

Other significant revisions include more aggressive ergonomics thanks to 5 inches lower and 2 inches forward clip-on handlebars and raised footpegs.

Moreover, the use of a single circular LED headlamp paired to a retro-ish front panel, and Red Hopper/Storm Grey colour scheme creates a striking image.

Nonetheless, underneath the elegant looking sports bike sits the same liquid-cooled, DOHC, 1,160cc triple-cylinder engine with 177hp and 125Nm that powers the Speed Triple RS, including a 6-speed gearbox with slip and assist function.

Other exciting features include:

Brembo MCS lever
Brembo Sytlema calliper
320mm front disc and 220mm single rear disc
Five riding modes
advanced wheelie control
cornering ABS
traction control
bi-directional quickshifter
cruise control
5″ TFT instrument cluster with My Triumph connectivity

Meanwhile, customers can enjoy 2-years service package with every purchase of the new Speed Triple 1200 RR from Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia, valid until 31st of March 2022.

Triumph Tiger 1200 Range Price Revealed – Starts From RM115,900

Fast Bike Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of the Triumph Motorcycles brand in Malaysia has also announced the official price for the 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200 range for the local market.

The introduction of the Triumph Tiger 1200 marks an exciting start to the calendar year for Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia.

“We are anticipating that it will become an exciting year ahead not only for the brand but all motorcycle enthusiasts with this new line-up of models which offers the best proposition in terms of performance, the level of equipment and value,” said Chief Executive Officer of Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd, Dato’ Razak Al-Malique Hussain.

According to an official statement by Fast Bike Sdn Bhd today, the Tiger 1200 range is available in two variants, the GT Pro and Rally Explorer and is priced at RM115,900 and RM130,900 respectively.

The construction of the new Tiger 1200 focused solely on creating lighter and much powerful ADV bikes with class-leading handling and specs on and off-road.

At the centre of the building is an all-new T-Plane crank engine that was previously introduced on the Tiger 900 range.

The all-new 1160cc powerplant now makes 147hp @ 9,000rpm (8.5hp increase than the previous generation) and 130Nm @ 7,000rpm (8Nm up).

For 2022, Triumph’s added the Rally Explorer as the newest member of the Tiger 1200 range which features a 30L fuel tank – 20L fuel tank on the GT Pro -, higher-spec kit and added electronics, inlcuding the innovative blind spot detection system.

The Tiger GT Pro features semi-active Showa suspension and gets a 19-inch front and 18-inch rear cast aluminium wheel while the Rally Explorer sports a 21″ front and 18″ rear tubeless spoke wheels.

Triumph Tiger Sport 660 Price Announced – Rm49,900

Fast Bike Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of the Triumph Motorcycles brand in Malaysia has officially announced the price of the 2022 Tiger Sport 660.

The new middleweight sport touring bike from Hinckley is available from as low as RM49,900 (exclude registration and insurance), making it the most affordable motorcycle in its segment for the Malaysian market.

Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia is also offering an early-bird package whereby customers who purchase the new Tiger Sport 660 will also walk away with selected optional accesories comprising of Triumph’s Connectivity Module, dual comfort low seats, frame protector kits, fork protectors, hand guards, USB charger kit and tank pads.

The early bird package is offered in conjuction with Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia’s 10th anniversary.

Built on the same platform as the Trident 660, the Tiger Sport 660 features the same triple-cylinder engine as its naked sibling and is set to go up against the Kawasaki Versys 650, Suzuki V-Strom 650 and the Yamaha Tracer 7.

Like the Trident, the Tiger Sport 660 features two riding modes, Road and Rain, ride-by-wire with 6-speed transmission, and a slipper/clutch.

Braking is done by twin 2-piston Nissin radial callipers paired to a 310mm disc at the front and a 255mm disc at the rear. It also features dual-channel ABS that’s, unfortunately, can’t be turn off.

Other exciting features include:

41mm Showa USD front forks with 150mm travel
Showa rear monoshock with hydraulic preload adjustable
835mm seat height
17.2L fuel tank
LED lights with self-cancelling indicators
TFT display with My Triumph connectivity
Triumph Shift Assist up/down quickshifter (optional)
heated grips (optional)
under-seat USB charger (optional)
TPMS (optional)

Brixton Working On Low-Cost Electric Scooter For The Masses

Although the push for electric vehicles is propelled by the world’s plan for a cleaner environment, most of us can’t even afford a decent electric motorcycle.

Energica, Zero Motorcycles are among those who make and sell an electric bike with a hefty price tag to help justify the cost of long-range batteries and high-performance electric motors.

However, there are others who are taking a different route to ensure the accessibility to electric two-wheelers.

KSR-owned Brixton Motorcycles is currently developing a low-cost electric bike, as confirmed by the latest patents.

The new design patents showcased one of the simplest-looking electric scooters we have ever seen.

While we say it looks simple, the design is rather unique. The bike feature a uber-simple frame that carries the battery and electronics positioned at the lowest point of the structure.

The street-legal electric scooter is also fitted with an upside-down fork that handles the damping up front and a single sprung seat.

Like any other Brixton model, the electric scooter will also feature Brixton’s iconic “X” in the centre of the lamp.

Meanwhile, the bike looks to be fitted with a single circular instrument above the front headlamp.

2022 Ducati XDiavel Nera Unveiled – Limited To Just 500 Units Worldwide

Ducati begins part two of the Ducati World Premier 2022 with the official unveiling of the new XDiavel Nera in partnership with Italian craftsmanship, Poltrona Frau.

The Ducati XDiavel Nera was the main protagonist of episode seventh of the DWP 2022 web series.

Born from the proud factory of Borgo Panigale, the XDiavel Nera comes to life from the values of two separate entity, Ducati and Poltrona Frau, that shares the same passion for design, craftsmanship, cutting-edge technologies and an aptitude for innovation.

The result is a sports cruiser produced in a numbered edition limited to just 500 units worldwide.

The Ducati XDiavel Nera features a ‘Black on Black’ livery that creates a sportier look enriched with Ducati Red aesthetics easily recognizable on the brake callipers and engine headcovers.

If that wasn’t enough, the XDiavel Nera comes with fully machined forged rims painted in glossy black.

However, the bike stands out thanks to the bespoke seat made of Pelle Frau (a soft natural leather saddled by hand developed by Poltrona Frau) available in five colours; Siam Red, Steel Blue Cemento, India and Selva.

The letter “X” is also visible on the seat, engraved through a sophisticated laser process to recall the name of the XDiavel.

Underneath the tubular steel frame sits the Testastretta DVT 1262 engine capable of pumping a maximum power output of 160hp @ 9,500rpm and 127Nm @ 5,000rpm.

The new Euro5 configuration also ensures the engine delivers a smoother response at low revs and a full curve up to the highest revs.

For 2022, Ducati also reduced the height from the ground of the saddle to 755mm to offer better riding ergonomics and comfort when travelling at low speed.

The XDiavel Nera also allow a maximum lean angle of 40-degree, thanks to a new 240mm wide tyre mounted on a rim with an 8″ channel.

Stopping power comes in the form of Brembo monobloc M50 callipers paired to a twin 320mm disc at the front and a single 265mm rear disc.

Other notable features include:

full-LED light with DRL
Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
ABS Cornering
Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
Riding Modes
Cruise Control
Ducati Power Launch (DPL)

Owners can access its full electronic package via its colour animation TFT screen.

According to Ducati, the XDiavel Nera will make its way to the dealership in March 2022 (presumably a later date for the Malaysian market) and fits into the XDiavel range alongside the XDiavel Dark and XDiavel S.

Honda To Revive The Dax ST125 Minimoto Soon!

Yes, folks, rumours have been swirling around in Japan that the Dax ST125 could make a return soon.

After the success of the new generation Honda Monkey 125, Honda is reviving yet another classic minimoto from its past, the Dax ST125.

Japanese-publication, Young-Machine published the first speculative render image of what the revived Dax ST125 could look like back in March 2021.

Although it’s been a year since the image was first shared, the revival could well be on its way as YM shared an updated render image of the Dax ST125.

Moreover, there is an ongoing rumour that the next-generation Honda Dax ST125 could make an appearance at the 2022 Tokyo Mobility Show, which we think is an already unofficial confirmation that the minimoto is indeed on its way.

Looking at the newly updated render photos, we are pretty sure at this point that YM is sharing the production-ready version from Honda.

From the photos, it’s clear that, unlike the Monkey that caters to a single-rider setup, the Honda Dax ST125 features a saddle that can accommodate a pillion along with pillion footpegs.

While details remain scarce, the Dax ST125 could also feature the same transmission from the Monkey.

Anyway, if the rumours are correct, Honda might have an answer to all our questions in March this year.

John McGuinness May Retire After 2022 Isle Of Man TT

Road racing legend John McGuinness is considering hanging up his racing suit after the 2022 Isle of Man TT.

The British rider will turn 50-years-old when the Isle of Man TT comes around and will race onboard the new Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade alongside British Superbike race winner and debutant Glen Irwin.

McGuinness hinted that the upcoming 2022 edition might be his last before he bids farewell to the sport.

“The last time I raced there, I didn’t have a great TT and I didn’t want to finish my racing career on a breakdown so this, never said it before, could possibly be my last TT but I wanted to just go there with everything, you know, all the i’s dotted and t’s crossed and go and enjoy it and see where we end up.”

“Getting back to racing, we’re all a little bit nervous, all us riders especially. We did some racing through Covid but not the road racing like in the Isle of Man so we’ve all been away for two years.

“The bikes are getting faster, none of us have been there so we’re all nervous, there’s a lot of anticipation but, you watch, once we get there it will be flat out, it will be 200mph, we’ll be doing what we do,” said McGuinness to the press after picking up his MBE for his service to motorcycle racing.

McGuinness last primary event TT wins came in 2015, bringing him a total of 23 wins, just three shies of the record holder, Joey Dunlop.

McGuinness was on course to surpass Dunlop in 2017, but his plans got derailed due to a technical error that led to a devastating crash on the 2017 North West 200.

The incident also ruled him out of 2017 and 2018 TT.

He ought to make a comeback in 2020 with Bournemouth Kawasaki – after a disappointing 2019 season with Norton – but was stopped short due to Covid-19.

Triumph Motorcycles America Recalls Certain 2022 Trident 660 Due To Side Stand Issue

Certain 2022 Triumph Trident 660 is getting a recall by Triumph Motorcycles America due to a potentially faulty side stand.

According to Triumph, the side stand of the affected units might bend over time, which could cause to bike to stumble and tip over.

The process may happen gradually with the bike will lean further than usual before it finally falls.

A total of 314 Trident 660 sold in the U.S are affected by the recall, produced between February 7, 2021, to May 15, 2021.

Triumph has since changed to a robust side stand unit which is no longer believed to be affected.

As it turns out, a third-party supplier had used an incorrect material that did not meet specifications and has since been corrected.

OFFICIAL: Ducati And Lenovo Continue Partnership In MotoGP

Ducati and Lenovo is readying for the new 2022 MotoGP season after a successful partnership last year saw the team take home the MotoGP Constructors’ World Title for the second year in a row.

The collaboration between Lenovo and Ducati has proven fruitful since 2018 with the former provides a wide range of solution in the form of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI).

According to Lenovo, the main objective for 2022 is to complete the Remote Garage project, that allow engineers to receive data in real-time and interact with the garage and the GP22 while working remotely.

“2021 was an important year for the Ducati Lenovo Team. We have strengthened our technology partnership – paving the way for bolder innovation in the new hybrid working world.

“We are proud to collaborate with Ducati, who share our core values of speed, dedication, team spirit and a focus on results.

“In line with our mission to enable intelligent transformation, we will continue to invest and innovate with Ducati to achieve increasingly ambitious goals in the fast-evolving industry of motorsports,” said Luca Rossi, President of Intelligent Devices Group at Lenovo.

Ducati Lenovo Team is set to double the effort this year to win the World Championship after Francesco Bagnaia lose out to Fabio Quartararo with just a 26 points gap.

After a successful pre-season test at Sepang International Circuit and Mandalika Circuit, the team is ready to head to Qatar for the first round of the season.

Yamaha Tenere 700 World Raid Breaks Cover – Features 23L Twin-Tank

After months of leaks, patents and prototype photos, Yamaha has officially ready to take on the world with the new 2022 Tenere 700 World Raid.

First seen as a Tenere 700 Raid Prototype at EICMA last year, the Japanese later showcased the production-ready version back in January in the form of design leaks.

However, the finished version looks so much more spectacular, given it looks like something that just came off the recently concluded Dakar Rally.

While the World Raid shares the same front headlamp and a rear tail unit like the base Tenere 700, the new variants gained a bigger and more muscular fuel tank thanks to a twin-tank setup.

The twin-tank hangs on either side of the frame and engine, fed by side-by-side filler caps and fits the look of a Dakar Rally inspired machine.

Moreover, the twin-tank can carry 23liters of fuel, that’s 7liters more than the standard Tenere 700 and can take the bike up to 480 km of range.

Despite the twin-tank setup creating a more extensive front end, it also helps to fit in the motocross-style saddle, allowing riders to shift accordingly while riding off-road.

The new seat sits 890mm off the ground (12mm higher than the stock Tenere 700) to provide better clearance.

Other significant updates include:

new 5-inch TFT full-colour display (portrait orientation)
USB socket
three-mode ABS
43mm KYB fork with 228mm travel (adjustable preload, compression and rebound)
rear aluminium piggyback shock (adjustable preload, compression and rebound)
taller front screen
new detachable side-deflectors
under-engine aluminium bash plate

Despite the bigger and taller setup, the Tenere 700 World Raid runs on the same 689cc parallel-twin CP2 engine.

According to Yamaha, the new Tenere 700 World Raid will reach a worldwide dealership in May.

Indimate To Begin Developing Self-Cancelling Indicators For Mopeds And Scooters!

Earlier in January, we were amazed at a particular entrepreneur’s effort to introduce aftermarket self-cancelling indicators for motorcycles.

Nicolas Rogers has just invented a Bluetooth intercom system called Indimate, that reminds you to turn off your blinkers after every turn.

The mechanism is simple; when the indicator is turned on, it transmits an acoustic signal to the Bluetooth unit in the helmet. (Yes, the Indimate can only function if you installed Bluetooth comms on your helmet.)

The installation process is simple. There are four cables, and each needs to be connected to the right and left indicator, one ground and one on the battery positive terminal.

The current system only works on big bikes, which runs on bigger batteries and is yet available for smaller capacity two-wheelers such as mopeds and scooters.

However, things are about to change as Rogers has told us that he will make sure that Indimate will be compatible with mopeds and scooters.

“I had previously considered it but focused on motorcycles because I am more familiar with them.

“Now that you mention it, though, I think it would be silly to ignore such a big market.

“I will make sure the electronics are compatible with 6 Volt moped batteries and do some re-marketing; thanks for the advice!” he said.

Meanwhile, Indimate also allows riders to use it as a Wi-Fi hotspot and pair it to their smartphones. While connected, riders can hear the indicator ticks in the background while listening to music, during a phone call or while communicating with fellow riders.

Indimate will go on sale soon and is currently available for pre-orders for USD70 (RM292).