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Japan’s Big Four Team Up To Develop Hydrogen Engines

Japan’s Big Four motorcycle manufacturers, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha, made an exciting announcement on May 17, 2023.

They unveiled their joint venture called HySE (Hydrogen Small Mobility and Engine Technology) during a press conference held in Tokyo.
This collaboration aims to develop hydrogen-powered motorcycle engines and other hydrogen-powered engines for small mobility.

HySE will also welcome Kawasaki Heavy Industries Limited and Toyota Motor Corporation as special members, considering their individual advancements in hydrogen-powered research. This diverse group will bring together expertise from various fields to drive innovation in hydrogen-powered engines.

The newly formed organisation has outlined three primary areas of focus for research and development, with each company assigned specific responsibilities. Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki Motors will collectively research hydrogen-powered engines. Yamaha will concentrate on studying hydrogen refueling systems, while Kawasaki Motors will explore the fuel supply system.

The research efforts will be distributed among the companies. Honda will take the lead in model-based development, Suzuki will conduct an element study on functionality and performance, and Yamaha and Kawasaki Motors will carry out hands-on research to assess real-world functionality and reliability of hydrogen-powered engines.

In addition to engine research, Yamaha will investigate the requirements for developing a hydrogen refueling system and tanks for small mobility vehicles. Kawasaki Motors will focus on studying the auxiliary equipment necessary for fuel supply systems and distribution tanks, as well as the equipment between the fuel tanks and injectors on hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Collaboration among these major players is crucial as they tackle the challenges of decarbonisation. While electric vehicles have made progress in reducing carbon emissions, certain sectors face difficulties in this transition. To achieve a sustainable future, it requires multiple ideas, research, and development working together.

Clean hydrogen, also known as green hydrogen, holds promise but has been expensive to produce in the past. The implementation of hydrogen tax credits, as included in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, could incentivise companies to invest in clean hydrogen development. However, the effectiveness of these incentives will depend on the guidelines established by the US Department of Energy and the US Internal Revenue Service, ensuring accountability for emissions throughout the production process.

The prospects of HySE’s research and development are eagerly anticipated, and we will keep you updated on the latest advancements in this exciting endeavour.

PDRM To Crack Down On High-Powered Motorcycles During Special Ops

In a timely move to address the rising concern of high-speed riding, PDRM has introduced a special operations focusing on individuals riding high-powered motorcycles.

The ‘Op Khas Motosikal Berkuasa Tinggi’ is an initiative aims to crack down on reckless and dangerous behaviour on the roads, according to Deputy Director Mohd Nasri Omar of PDRM’s JSPT Bukit Aman.

Acknowledging the prevalence of motorcyclists exceeding speed limits, Deputy Director Mohd Nasri emphasized that JSPT will prioritise monitoring those who operate high-powered bikes during the special ops.

To ensure effective enforcement, JSPT will collaborate with other prominent agencies such as the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK). This strategic partnership will enable a comprehensive approach in combating reckless riding, emphasizing not only the safety aspect but also the prevention of potential drug-related offenses linked to the motorcycle community.

Offenders found guilty of reckless riding may face charges under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. If convicted, they could be sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison and fined between RM5,000 and RM15,000.

(source: Sinar Harian)

KTM 390 Adventure With Spoked Wheels, Adjustable Suspension, Rolls Out In India

KTM globally introduced the 2023 KTM 390 Adventure earlier this year which saw everyone’s favourite entry-level adventure bike getting the spoked wheels as standard.

2023 KTM 390 Adventure now equipped with wire-spoked wheels as standard.
the entry-level ADV continue to make 44hp and 37Nm.

Fast forward a few months later, India became the first country in Asia to received the updated motorcycle.

The upgrade enhanced the bike’s aesthetic and beefed up the bike’s durability off-road. Also, the spoke sits within black-anodized aluminium rims with 19-inch at the front and 17-inch at the rear.

Aside from the new rims, the 2023 390 Adventure continues to make 44hp and 37Nm of peak torque from its Bajaj-built 373cc single-cylinder DOHC engine. Additionally, the bike features two catalytic converters.

Other notable features remain available, including ride-by-wire throttle, traction control, cornering ABS and an ‘Off-Road’ riding mode. The mode allows for more rear wheel slip and reduces ABS intervention.

KTM also retained the steel trellis frame for the 2023 model year, including the WP Apex suspension that offers adjustable rebound, compression and preload.

Braking is done via Brembo’s ByBre radial callipers with 320mm disc at the front and 230mm disc at the rear. Also complementing the 2023 edition is a new colour scheme inspired by the KTM racing background.

Verge Motorcycles Unveils Limited Edition E-Bike – 1,000NM, 350KM Range

Verge Motorcycles has announced the launch of a new electric superbike designed in collaboration with Finnish Formula 1 legend Mika Häkkinen.

Verge Motorcycles teamed up with F1 legend, Mika Hakkinen to create a limited edition e-bike.
Based on the Verge TS Pro, only 100 units of the signature edition will be built.

The partnership between the two powerhouses has resulted in a luxurious and powerful bike that is sure to make waves in the motorcycle industry.

According to Verge Motorcycles CEO Tuomo Lehtimäki, the signature model developed with Häkkinen is a perfect combination of two leading experts in their respective fields. Häkkinen himself has also expressed his excitement about the project, stating that he wanted to design the bike “right down to the smallest detail.”

The new electric superbike boasts a range of 350 kilometres and a fast charging time of only 35 minutes. It also features an integrated rim motor within the rear wheel, which was invented by Verge and has been internationally recognised.

The bike’s fairings are constructed from carbon fibre and feature a unique ceramic coating that repels any damages or scratches. Additionally, the bike is made with the highest-grade materials available, making it truly one of a kind. Its powerful and graceful design is sure to turn heads on the road.

Only 100 of these signature electric bikes crafted by Häkkinen and Verge Motorcycles will ever be produced, making them an incredibly rare and unique item.

The bike can be purchased through Verge Motorcycles’ online store in several European countries, as well as their flagship store in Monaco during the Monaco GP event launch. By the way, the limited machine will cost you a whopping EUR80,000 (RM390k).

Kawasaki To Unveil 16 New Models On June 6

Kawasaki USA has some exciting news for motorcycle enthusiasts as they plan to unveil 16 new models on June 6, 2023.

The upcoming event has created a buzz among fans, and the official Kawasaki USA webpage features a countdown clock that builds anticipation for the grand reveal.

Although not all of the 16 new vehicles will be motorcycles, there will be a considerable number of them. The webpage features silhouettes of new vehicles, which include street bikes, dirt bikes, and at least one UTV. Fans are eagerly waiting to see what Kawasaki has in store for them.

Kawasaki has provided some hints on its YouTube and Facebook pages, adding to the excitement of fans. A video posted on YouTube teases viewers with the caption “6.6.23 – Your Supersport Obsession begins.” The social media post suggests that an updated Ninja ZX-6R and/or RR will be showcased during the event.

Kawasaki also posted the same video on its Facebook page, along with two additional teaser images. One of the images showcases a closeup of a single round gauge, while the other is an extreme closeup of the front right corner of a UTV.

Fans can also expect to see the much-awaited 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 450 during the event. The Eliminator 450 was first introduced in Japan in March 2023 and later made an appearance at the Bangkok Motor Show. In April 2023, the 450cc model was spotted in California Air Resources Board filings, indicating that it will soon be released in the American market.

With just three weeks left until the event, fans are eagerly waiting for more teasers from Kawasaki. Although there have been no announcements on Twitter or TikTok, the upcoming event has generated a lot of excitement among motorcycle enthusiasts.

No Plans To Diversify Current Retro Range – Ducati

Ducati has confirmed that it has no plans to expand its retro motorcycle lineup. Instead, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer is focused on its six-strong Scrambler range.

Ducati latest Scrambler features revised frame, reworked electronics and a new swingarm.
The Icon 800 now available in nine new colours.

Accoding to the head of Ducati’s Scrambler program, Rocco Canosa,the company was concentrating on the Scrambler to provide a modern motorcycle with a classic flavour.

The Scrambler range, which was introduced in 2015, was updated in late 2022 with an 800 range that features an updated frame, lean-sensitive electronics, a new TFT dash, and a new swingarm.

The existing line-up consists of 18-inch front-wheeled uprights, with Ducati no longer selling the enduro-styled 800 Desert Sled, or clip-on clad Café Racer options.

Canosa stated that the Scrambler range was much larger than it appears, with the Icon available in nine different colors.

“You can choose nine different bikes. It’s not just a matter of color. It’s a matter of personality and style,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ducati is set to travel across Europe specifically to showcase the new Scrambler range to the masses.

Nevertheless, Canosa also suggested that Ducati might introduce new models in the future based on customer demand, citing the Nightshift, which was created by looking at how customers customized their Scramblers.

Some retro and Scrambler fans may be disappointed by the lack of diversity in the range compared to other brands such as Triumph and BMW. However, Ducati’s focus on Scrambler seems to have been well-received by customers.

The company sold over 60,000 Scrambler motorcycles globally since 2015, making it one of the most successful Ducati models in recent history.

(source: MCN)

FIRST LOOK: 2024 Honda EM1 e: Electric Scooter

Honda has officially unveiled its first production electric scooter, the Honda EM1 e:.

The EM1 e: is part of Honda’s e-mobility range and stands for “electric moped”.
The EM1 e: features a 1.7kW/2.3 horsepower motor that can reach a top speed of 45kmh.

The EM1 e: boasts Honda’s own removable lithium-ion battery, called Honda Mobile Power Pack e:, which offers a maximum range of 48km when using the ECON mode. However, Honda notes that the range was only 30km in testing conditions. The battery can charge from 25% to 75% in 160 minutes.

The EM1 e: also offers customers a new leasing option instead of buying it outright. Honda claims this is to ensure customers do not have to take responsibility for the disposal or recycling of the Honda Mobile Power Pack e:. The scooter comes in three colors: Pearl Sunbeam White, Digital Silver Metallic, and Matte Ballistic Black Metallic.

In terms of ergonomics, the EM1 e: offers 3.3 litres of underseat storage, a compartment in the left side of the fairing front for a 500ml bottle, a USB port for phone charging, and a hook to hang a bag from. If more storage is required, Honda offers a 35-litre top box as an add-on.

Honda has not announced a launch date for the EM1 e:, but it should arrive in dealerships later in 2023. The official launch comes after Honda committed to producing at least 10 different electric powered two-wheeler (PTW) models by 2025.

MV Agusta Is Lining Up Nine New Models

Thanks to a strong backing by KTM, MV Agusta is preparing to launch a range of new motorcycles, including upgrades to existing models and all-new machines.

MV Agusta is expanding its range for the new year thanks to a strong support from KTM.
MV Agusta in an official statement has confirmed that KTM AG now holds 25.1 per cent of the Italian company’s share.

The Italian company has filed documents with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in America which inadvertently revealed the names of the upcoming models.

The new models include upgrades to the existing three-cylinder Brutale and Dragster ranges, with the Brutale 950 and Dragster 950 expected to replace the 798cc versions.

The Lucky Explorer 9.5 adventure bike, which features a 931cc engine, will also be added to the lineup. The E1 line, which is the company’s first adventure bike range, will see the addition of two new models, the Lucky Explorer Premium and Lucky Explorer Orioli.

Meanwhile, the F1 range, which features MV’s sportier, faired triples, including the F3 and Superveloce models, may also get new additions, including the limited-edition Superveloce 98 Edizione Limitata.

The B7 models will also see new Superveloce 1000 S and Superveloce 1000 R versions.

With these new models, MV Agusta aims to meet the demands of motorcycle enthusiasts who are looking for high-performance machines with cutting-edge technology and sophisticated designs. With the backing of KTM, the company can now leverage its resources to develop new and innovative models that meet the evolving needs of the market.

(source: Cycle World)

MotoGP: Jorge Martin Claims Sprint Race Win At Le Mans

Jorge Martin has delivered a stunning performance at Le Mans, winning the French GP sprint race and claiming victory for Pramac Ducati.

The race saw a mixture of success and disappointment for the home crowd as reigning MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia made a brilliant start and led into turn one from Jack Miller, only for Martin to take the lead by lap four.

Miller, using a medium front tyre that had caused many riders to crash in practice, suffered an early exit at turn seven.

Meanwhile, Martin’s lead over Brad Binder was up to 1.5 seconds, and Bagnaia, who was all over Marc Marquez, regained a podium spot by overtaking Marquez with a brave move at turn one.

The race was a huge disappointment for Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 world champion, who made brilliant progress from 13th to eighth prior to his crash at turn nine with four laps remaining.

Quartararo’s crash was a major letdown for the home crowd.

At the front, the top three remained unchanged as Martin took his first win of 2023, with Binder and Bagnaia completing the podium at 2nd and 3rd place.

Meanwhile, Luca Marini takes 4th place ahead of Marquez who struggled at the end.

New Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R On Its Way, Will Adhere To Euro 5 Standard

Kawasaki is preparing to launch an updated version of its Ninja ZX-6R in 2024, according to a recent listing on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved road-going motorcycles list.

the updated model will offer less power than the previous generation to meet the strict emission standard.
expected to feature a longer final-drive gearing to accommodate the lower-revving engine.

While the new model will be less powerful than its predecessor, it will feature more advanced technology and improved emissions performance, making it more attractive to riders in Europe and other parts of the world that have seen the existing ZX-6R removed from the market due to emissions regulations.

The EPA document reveals that the new model, internally coded as “ZX636J” and “ZX636K,” will have a peak power output of 122 hp and a rev peak of 13,000 rpm, which is down from the 127 hp and 13,500 rpm of the previous model.

The change in power is likely due to Kawasaki’s efforts to meet the latest Euro 5 emissions standards, which require a specific limit on “non-methane hydrocarbons” that is difficult for high-revving bikes to achieve.

To meet these standards, Kawasaki has likely reduced the engine’s outright revs and peak power, without compromising on its performance.

The new model is expected to feature a longer final-drive gearing to accommodate the lower-revving engine, but will weigh around the same as the current model. This suggests that there won’t be wholesale alterations to the chassis, but rather more up-to-date styling and electronics upgrades, such as a color TFT instrument panel, IMU-assisted cornering ABS, wheelie control, launch control, and stability control.

The updated Ninja ZX-6R will face tough competition in a market that has shrunk considerably since its peak in the 1990s, but Kawasaki is hoping to leapfrog its aging Japanese rivals in terms of technology.

While the drop in power may disappoint some riders, the new model’s improved emissions performance and advanced technology could make it a more attractive option for those looking for a high-performance supersport bike that meets the latest environmental standards.

2024 BMW R 18 Roctane Breaks Cover

BMW has announced the release of its newest member to the Heritage R 18 family, the R 18 Roctane.

The Roctane is a contemporary cruiser style bike, featuring bagger trim without the front fairing.
BMW describes the bike as “a cruiser, a bagger, and everything in between.”

The Roctane is equipped with mid-rise bars, a painted hard side case, integrated turn signals, blacked-out engine, dark chrome exhaust, and a 21/18-inch wheelset.

The motorcycle design takes inspiration from BMW’s air/oil cooled boxers from the past, with the large boxer engine as the focal point of the bike.

Metal body panels cover the motorcycle’s exterior, with the standard color being Black Storm Metallic. However, BMW offers options for those who prefer Mineral Grey Metallic Matte or Manhattan Metallic Matte.

With 27-liter bags on each side, the R 18 Roctane is ideal for long-distance rides.

Similar to the base model, the R 18 Roctane is powered by a 1,802cc boxer engine, generating 91 hp and 157Nm of torque.

Despite its classic bodywork, the motorcycle is equipped with modern electronics inlcuding automatic stability control, dynamic brake control, cruise control, torque control assist, dynamic engine brake control, and riding modes, among other electronics features. However, adaptive headlights, hill start control, and reverse assist are optional features for the bike.

The headlight houses an integrated instrument cluster inspired by the 1936 BMW R 5, displaying all relevant information expected of a modern bike. The matte paintwork contrasts with the high-gloss black chassis, adding sophistication to the motorcycle’s look.

FIRST LOOK: 2024 BMW R 12 NineT

BMW has offered a sneak peek of its highly anticipated R NineT successor, the new R 12 NineT, set for release in 2024.

The R 12 NineT follows in the footsteps of the classic roadster styling of its predecessor, the R NineT, providing a platform for customization.

The new model boasts an updated frame design that includes a removable rear subframe, offering customizers more freedom to create. The solo seat, with an integrated LED taillight, has a thicker appearance than the current NineT’s saddle, and a rear pad is incorporated into the tail cover.

New side panels covering the rear suspension add to the retro feel, and the black fuel tank, with metallic knee cutout surfaces, adds to the classic look.

The R 12 NineT maintains its air/oil-cooled Boxer motor, though it is not yet clear whether there are any changes to the engine’s displacement.

The new model has a modernized intake system and updated exhaust system with conical end caps. A new housing design on the left side hints at a modified transmission, though further details have not been released. The R 12 NineT also features an inverted Marzocchi fork and a cardan shaft drive.

BMW has stayed true to the classic round headlight design and dual round instrument dials, with the tachometer now showing double digit numbers marking every 100 rpm instead of single digits marking every 1,000 rpm.

BMW says the new R 12 NineT is designed to give riders an authentic roadster feel, resembling R models from the ’70s.

The German automaker is expected to reveal full technical specifications and pricing later in the year.