Archive Archives

HJC Teams Up With DC Comics To Bring Two-Face To Its RPHA 11 Pro Range

HJC Helmets has collaborated with DC Comics once again to produce a new graphic for its RPHA 11 Pro Series lineup, this time featuring the infamous Batman villain, Two-Face.

RPHA 11 Pro comes with a HJ-26 shield that offers 95% UVA and UVB protection.
The RPHA 11 Pro helmet is available in sizes ranging from XS to 2XL.

The RPHA 11 Pro helmet was originally created by HJC for the racetrack and is now a solid option for a sport full-face helmet that meets DOT and ECE 22.05 standards. Its shell is built with Premium Integrated Matrix (PIM) construction, which combines carbon and carbon-glass hybrid fabrics to create a lightweight, comfortable, and shock-resistant helmet.

The RPHA 11 Pro comes with a HJ-26 shield that offers 95% UVA and UVB protection, tear-off posts, and a dark smoke tinted shield. The removable interior features glasses grooves, MultiCool fabric with Polygiene antibacterial treatment, and is both moisture-wicking and quick-drying.

HJC’s MotoGP-derived ventilation channels, Emergency Kit cheek pads, and Rapid Fire shield replacement system are all standard on the RPHA 11 Pro. Additionally, all interior and exterior parts are replaceable, including the exterior vents, chin curtain, breath deflector, gear plate set, cheek pads, and headliner, as well as the shields.

The RPHA 11 Pro helmet is available in sizes ranging from XS to 2XL. The pricing for the Two-Face graphic in the US is $629.99 (RM2.7k). While HJC helmets are sold worldwide, not all graphics may be available in all markets. Interested buyers are advised to contact their local authorized HJC retailer for pricing and availability.

CFMOTO 800NK Lands In The Philippines – 100.8HP, 81Nm

CFMOTO has recently launched its 800NK sport naked streetfighter at the Makina Moto Show, one of the biggest motorcycle shows in the Philippines. This new model has been making headlines with its impressive specs and features.

the naked motorcycle features KTM’s LC8c 799cc parallel-twin engine.
the 800NK is equipped with KYB suspension, full-colour TFT and J.Juan brake callipers.

Powered by a KTM-acquired 799cc 285-degree parallel twin, the 800 NK produces 100.8 horsepower and 81Nm of torque. With a top speed of 220 kilometers per hour, it’s a lightweight middleweight, tipping the scales at just 185 kilograms.

The Philippine-spec model of the 800NK comes equipped with KYB adjustable suspension in the front and rear, J.Juan calipers and brake masters, and a large eight-inch full-color TFT panel for its gauge cluster that includes smartphone pairing as one of its features.

According to CFMOTO, the Philippine market will only get one trim level of the 800 NK, and the model that the country gets has all the top-shelf stuff. Priced at PHP488,800 (RM38.6k), the 800 NK is one of the best values in the market compared to its other rivals.

The launch of the 800NK has made big waves at the Makina Moto Show, where CFMOTO has showcased its latest offering to many eager Filipinos. With its impressive specs, features, and affordable price point, the 800 NK is expected to be a game-changer in the motorcycle market.

MotoGP: Alex Rins Claims Historic Win At COTA, Bagnaia Crashed Out

In a dramatic turn of events at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Alex Rins secured a thrilling victory in the Grand Prix after forcing Francesco Bagnaia into another crash.

Alex Rins claims LCR Honda’s 100th podium in MotoGP.
Fabio Quartararo snatching first podium of the season.

The race started with Bagnaia making a brilliant start and holding off Rins into turn one. However, the factory Ducati team’s luck was short-lived as Jorge Martin and Alex Marquez clashed, resulting in crashes for both riders.

Meanwhile, Jack Miller made a significant move up the order to position himself in third, closing in on Rins and Bagnaia. However, Miller’s charge ultimately ended as he crashed out of the race on lap seven. As the race progressed, Bagnaia continued to lead despite pressure from Rins, with Quartararo in third position.

However, just like in the previous Sprint race, Bagnaia made another crucial error, crashing out of the Grand Prix on lap 14, allowing Rins to take over the lead. Luca Marini then blasted past Quartararo with eight laps remaining, showing the immense speed of his Ducati. But Rins managed to control the gap and secure his victory, just his third race for Honda.

The race witnessed three crashes in short order as Takaaki Nakagami kicked things off before Brad Binder and Joan Mir joined him. Maverick Vinales showed good pace, making overtakes on Binder and Miguel Oliveira to secure a position in the top ten.

The COTA Grand Prix provided fans with plenty of action and drama, with Rins emerging as the ultimate victor. Bagnaia, on the other hand, will need to regroup after another Grand Prix crash.

BMW To Introduce Advanced Facial Recognition System To Unlock/Start A Bike

BMW is set to launch its latest motorcycle security feature using advanced facial recognition technology.

the system will be use to unlock and start a motorcycle.
the system will also notify owners in case of any attempt to start or move the bike.

The system, known as iFace, will use a combination of 3D facial mapping and infrared iris-cornea scanning to unlock and start the bike. The iFace system is set to be introduced on BMW’s boxer-engined bikes later this year.

When a rider is not wearing a helmet, the system uses a stripe projection to create a 3D map of the rider’s facial features. The system takes into account the depth and contours of the face, creating a virtual model that is then used to unlock and start the bike. For riders who wear a helmet, the system uses infrared iris-cornea scanning to recognize the rider’s eyes. A polarisation filter is used to cut through dark-colored visors and lenses, ensuring the system works in any light conditions.

The iFace system also includes notifications that are sent to the rider in case of any unauthorized attempts to start or move the bike. This feature operates like the Ring doorbell system, alerting the rider of any suspicious activity.

Although facial recognition technology has become more commonplace in recent years, the use of the technology in the context of motorcycle security is a new development. BMW’s iFace system is set to be unveiled at a motorcycle show in autumn 2023. While the technology has the potential to offer enhanced security for bike owners, some may be concerned about the reliance on the technology to protect their bike from theft.

Ride 5 Announced For PS5, XBox Series X/S And PC

Milestone has announced the launch of the fifth iteration of their motorcycle racing game, Ride 5, which is set to release on August 24th, 2023.

said to be more personal than previous iterations, focusing on both the simulation aspect and gaming elements.
In addition to the traditional motorcycle and rider customization, the game will feature AI rivals with specific backgrounds, a free-roaming mode, and a “race creator” with unlimited possibilities.

Milestone hopes that these new features will immerse players in a comprehensive world, creating their own rivalries and extending the enjoyment beyond the track.

In terms of new tracks, the game will feature Autopolis in Japan, Sonoma in the US, and a new fictional circuit, as well as returning tracks such as Suzuka, Cadwell Park, the North West 200, and Brands Hatch.

In addition, the game will feature endurance races such as the Bol d’Or and Suzuka 8 Hour. Although there is no license with the Endurance World Championship, the inclusion of these races confirms the presence of the Paul Ricard circuit in the game.

On the simulation side, Ride 5 will feature a new suspension model, a new tire model that simulates the physical and graphical deformation of the tire, and enhancements to the endurance mode thanks to improvements to the dynamic weather system that simulates clouds. Additionally, the game promises motorcycles with more realistic top speeds, and endurance races will be available in online modes.

Ride 5 will be available in two editions on new-generation consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series X/S) and PC via the Epic Games and Steam stores.

The release of Ride 5 is eagerly anticipated by fans, who have appreciated the lifelike graphics, variety of bikes and tracks, and overall improvements in each edition of the series.

Nine Motorcycles, Four E-Scooters Destroyed In Fire Outside Of KLCC

A fire broke out in front of Suria KLCC on April 13, destroying nine motorcycles and four electric scooters.

The Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department responded to the incident at 3.45pm, dispatching a team of 15 firefighters with three fire engines from Tun Razak and Keramat fire stations to the scene.

The firefighters found that nine motorcycles and four electric scooters were completely burned, while four other motorcycles suffered varying degrees of damage ranging from 3% to 20%.

The fire was brought under control at 4.04pm without any reported casualties.

The cause of the fire and the total losses are currently being investigated.

(source: BERNAMA)

CFMoto Papio XO-2 Breaks Cover

CFMoto has revealed a second version of its Papio minibike series – the Papio XO-2.

The new model features a retro scrambler styling, in contrast to the sporty look of the previous model, Papio XO-1.
Powering the Papio XO-2 is the same 126cc air-cooled engine.

Both models share the same 126cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces 9.4 horsepower and is paired with a six-speed gearbox. While the Papio XO-1 is available only in the US, the retro-styled XO series could be exported to other markets, with an official announcement expected this summer.

The Papio XO-2 has a high-mounted front fender, a one-piece seat, and a pillion grab rail, which gives it the look of a 1980s Dakar racer. The handlebars are taller and wider than those on the XO-1, and the footpegs are lower and farther forward, resulting in a more upright riding position.

The bike has more deeply treaded tires for off-road use, and the bellypan has been removed to add more ground clearance. The twin headlights and mirrors carry the same XO design theme as the XO-1, with an “X” shape hidden inside one headlight and an “O” in the other.

The Papio XO-2 has the same dimensions as the XO-1 in terms of wheelbase, length, and weight, but it is wider due to the longer handlebar and taller due to the more upright riding position.

CFMoto has been expanding its Papio range rapidly, with the electric version, Papio Nova, already available in China and expected to reach export markets in 2023. The Papio XO-1 joined the lineup last month, and the XO-2 is likely to follow with an official announcement this summer.

While the export plans for the retro XO models have yet to be announced, they may be unveiled at international shows later this year and could hit markets outside China in 2024.

Yamaha To Use Recycled Plastics For Motorcycle Production

Yamaha, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer, has announced that it will be adopting a new recycled polypropylene material in its manufacturing processes for its powered two-wheelers.

the new recycled materials have no risk of containing hazardous substances.
the material could also be used in other areas.

According to Yamaha, the adoption of the new recycled polypropylene has been successful in its development process, offering even higher levels of strength and quality looks compared to conventional recycled materials.

While Yamaha has used recycled PP before, the new material has been developed from raw materials that have not yet reached customers and have no risk of containing environmentally hazardous substances.

The newly-developed recycled PP will be used in the construction of the main exterior bodywork of its powered two-wheelers, specifically consumer motorcycle models marketed in ASEAN markets.

However, Yamaha has stated that the new recycled PP material could also be used for areas requiring greater aesthetic appeal and that it plans to expand its use into other product areas.

Bell Helmets Shuts Down Headquarters In California

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the motorcycle industry, Bell Helmets’ parent company Vista Outdoor Action Sports has announced that it will shut down Bell Helmets’ headquarters in Scott’s Valley, California, on September 1, 2023.

This comes as part of a USD50 million (RM220 mil) cost-cutting and earnings improvement program that includes significant staff layoffs and headcount reductions across its brands and corporate teams.

The decision to shut down the Bell – and Giro Helmets’ – headquarters is expected to have a major impact on the marketing, brand, and creative departments, with many employees facing heavy losses. However, Vista Outdoor Action Sports president Jeff McGuane has assured customers that the move will not impact the separate brand identities under Vista Outdoor’s umbrella.

“We are accelerating the merger between Bell, Blackburn, Copilot, Fox, Giro, Krash, and Raskullz,” McGuane told Bicycle Retailer and Industry News.

“Plans are underway to unite our teams at the current Fox offices, which will soon be transformed into a revamped Innovation Center that unites our teams under one roof while honoring each brand’s culture and ethos, which are unique, valued, and untouchable.”

The decision to shut down the Bell and Giro Helmets’ headquarters comes after a series of slumping sales in key areas for Vista Outdoor. Despite a revenue increase of 34 percent compared to the same period the previous year, gross profit still declined by 15 percent, operating expenses rose by 16 percent, and earnings before interest and taxes fell by 39 percent.

In the SEC filing, Vista Outdoors also cites “elevated retail inventory levels, rising interest rates, and inflation” as contributing factors. McGuane hoped to reassure customers by stating that the merger wouldn’t impact the separate brand identities under Vista Outdoor’s umbrella.

Nevertheless, the decision to shut down the Bell and Giro Helmets’ headquarters is a major blow to the cycling industry, and many will be watching closely to see how this story develops.

Ewan McGregor Stars In New Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello Campaign

Moto Guzzi, the historic Italian motorcycle brand, has launched a new campaign for their latest model, the V100 Mandello, featuring Hollywood actor and avid motorcyclist, Ewan McGregor.

The 60-second video explores the relationship between man and machine, with McGregor lending his voiceover to enhance the storytelling and using historic.
he video has a nostalgic feel, evoking the golden years of Hollywood, while still feeling contemporary and artistic.

The 60-second video, directed by Duncan Winecoff, tcdakes viewers on a journey through California, exploring the relationship between man and machine and the emotional history that shapes identity.

McGregor, who is known for his love of motorcycles and has an impressive collection himself, lends his voiceover to the campaign and even suggested using historic motorcycles from his personal collection to enhance the storytelling.

The video showcases the V100 Mandello’s unique blend of modern technology and classic design, with McGregor describing it as “totally Moto Guzzi at heart.”

Shot entirely on 35mm film, the video has a nostalgic feel, evoking the golden years of Hollywood, while still feeling contemporary and artistic. The locations chosen, such as Eric Lloyd Wright’s brutalist house in Malibu, the Pacific Coast Highway, and the L.A. River, add to the sense of adventure and freedom that comes with riding a motorcycle.

The V100 Mandello represents the culmination of a century-long history of innovation and craftsmanship for Moto Guzzi, and the video highlights the deep connection between rider and machine.

“Human beings build their identity in relation to objects and memories, which – in turn – make up their emotional baggage. Their emotional history is with them through their lives, and it helps them project themselves into the unknown, in constant balance between past and present,” says the campaign’s description.

Indian Announces Extremely Limited 2023 Pursuit Elite And Chieftain Elite

Indian Motorcycle has revealed the debut of two extremely limited edition motorcycles, the 2023 Pursuit Elite and the Chieftain Elite. Both bikes will be produced in small numbers and available for purchase worldwide.

Only 150 units of the Pursuit Elite and 175 units of the Chieftain Elite is produced.
The Indian Pursuit Elite and Chieftain Elite is available for purchase worldwide.

The 2023 Indian Pursuit Elite will have a production run of just 150 bikes and comes in a Super Graphite Metallic and Black Metallic paint scheme with Shadow Bronze Chrome accents. It is powered by a 1,768cc PowerPlus V-twin engine that delivers a claimed 120.7 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque.

The Pursuit Elite boasts features such as a Fox rear suspension with electronically adjustable preload and a seven-inch touchscreen for managing the suspension. It also has a Bosch inertial measurement unit that governs traction control, ABS, and torque.

The motorcycle is equipped with full LED lighting, a Ride Command infotainment system with Apple CarPlay integration and Bluetooth connectivity, and remote-locking weatherproof saddlebags and top box.

The Indian Chieftain Elite, which will be produced in a run of just 175 bikes, comes in a Super Graphite Smoke colorway with Shadow Bronze chrome accents. It is powered by Indian’s air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 mill, which delivers a claimed 126 pound-feet of torque, and features an Adaptive Pathfinder LED headlight and LED saddlebag lights.

The Chieftain Elite has a seven-inch touchscreen powered by Ride Command, with Apple CarPlay integration and Bluetooth connectivity, and weatherproof, remotely lockable saddlebags.

The Pursuit Elite has an MSRP of USD39,999 (RM176k) in the US, while the Chieftain Elite is priced at USD35,499 (RM156k). Both bikes are expected to be in high demand due to their limited production numbers.

Indian Motorcycle fans will want to act quickly to secure one of these exclusive machines, as they are sure to sell out fast.

Bajaj Takes Over Triumph Operations In India As Part Of Strategic Partnership

Bajaj Auto, an Indian multinational two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturing company, has announced that it will be taking over all sales and service operations for Triumph Motorcycles in India.

Bajaj takes over Triumph Motorcycles distributorship in India.
The showroom will only be dedicated to selling Triumph bikes.

The move is part of the strategic partnership that was established by the two companies a few years ago. Bajaj and Triumph have also collaborated to co-develop new entry-level mid-capacity Triumph models that will be produced by Bajaj at its Chakan facility.

With this announcement, Triumph’s India operations will now be under Bajaj’s Probiking business. The business will be headed by Sumeet Narang, while Shoebh Farooq, who was previously the business head for Triumph India, has moved to Bajaj’s electric mobility arm, Chetak Technology Ltd.

As part of the partnership, the first new model is expected to launch in 2023, and it is anticipated to arrive in the next few months. Bajaj and Triumph have revealed that the new models will have various displacements ranging between 200 and 700cc.

To accommodate the new Triumph models, the company’s dealer network will be expanded from 15 cities to 120 cities within the next two years. The showrooms will be tiered, with some of them solely dedicated to higher-end bikes developed solely by Triumph and located in India’s biggest cities.

It has been made clear that Bajaj and Triumph-branded motorcycles will not be sold under the same roof. The Triumph operation will remain independent of both Bajaj and KTM, and the showrooms will be exclusive to the brand. The press release also states that “these new showrooms will be created in line with Triumph’s global standards.”

Bikesrepublic

Archive