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The All-Rounder SHOEI NXR 2 Now In Malaysia – ECE22.06 Certified, From RM2.4k

SHOEI has introduced its latest model of full-face helmet, the NXR 2, which is the lightest and most compact ECE 22.06 homologation approved helmet in their lineup.

The NXR 2 is the lightest helmet in Shoei’s range.
The new all-rounder helmet meets the latest ECE22.06 standard.

The NXR 2 has been developed and refined by a team of world-class designers and engineers who utilized their state-of-the-art wind tunnel facility and industry-leading quality assurance practices to push the limits of resources and technologies.

The NXR 2’s aerodynamics have been improved with a compact shell shape featuring an integrated spoiler, strategically-shaped air intake and exhaust vents that streamline the overall profile, and significant reductions in upward lift and forward drag forces.

The helmet has also been designed with advanced noise reduction technology, including vortex generators on the shield’s sides to reduce wind turbulence and an all-new, airtight window beading that provides a wind and waterproof seal. The NXR 2 provides an incredibly quiet riding experience without blocking the road’s informative sounds.

SHOEI has optimized the helmet’s ventilation system to provide the perfect balance between airflow and silence. The center/forehead vent is equipped with an additional air intake hole for greater airflow, and the upper air intake holes have been enlarged for optimal performance. The NXR 2 features six air intake vents and four exhaust outlets, including a large 3-position lower vent shutter for ease of use with riding gloves.

The NXR 2 also boasts a CWR-F2 shield system that protects from 99% of the sun’s damaging UV rays and is 10% larger than previous models for improved lateral vision. The shield system includes an all-new conveniently located center locking mechanism that evenly distributes shield forces across both base plates, making shield changes quicker and smoother.

The shield adjuster mechanism provides easier, more precise tuning, and the redesigned base plate gear has an all-new “first position” shield opening feature for advanced venting and defogging. SHOEI’s patented spring-loaded technology ensures a wind and waterproof seal, and an all-new airtight window beading reduces wind and water intrusion. The helmet also features SHOEI’s Emergency Quick Release System (E.Q.R.S.) security system.

The NXR 2 is available in a range of plain and graphic colors, with pricing starting at RM2,400 for plain colors and going up to RM2,980 for the MM93 Collection Rush and MM93 Retro-Ring.

Honda CB350 Cafe Racer To Launch Soon

As confirmed by leaked photos, Honda is set to expand its CB350 range with a Cafe Racer version.

Honda is set to add a cafe racer edition of its current CB350 range.
The CB350 Cafe Racer features a different body parts including a new single-seat.

The photos, reportedly taken at a dealer event in India, clearly show a CB350 with slightly different components. In this case, the new parts create a classic cafe racer motorcycle.

Firstly, we can see an entirely different saddle, particularly a single-seat setup with a seat cowl.

At the front, the CB350 Cafe Racer gets a headlight shroud compared to a more exposed headlamp on the base model. Unfortunately, while a proper cafe racer is equipped with clip-ons, the bike in the picture is fitted with a standard handlebar.

Powering the Honda CB350 Cafe Racer is likely the same single-cylinder 348cc air-cooled engine that is capable to produce a solid 20.7hp @ 5,500rpm and 30Nm @ 3,000rpm while matted to a 5-speed gearbox.

While we have yet to get further details apart from the leaked photos by RushLane, the CB350 Cafe Racer could make its official debut soon.

Moto2: QJMotor Announced As Gresini Racing Main Sponsor

Chinese motorcycle maker, QJMotor has ramp up its motorsport intiatives in 2023 by becoming the main sponsor for the Gresini Racing Team in Moto2.

Gresini Racing Team announced QJMotor as the new main sponsor for the 2023 season.
Filip Salac and Jeremy Alcoba to spearhead QJMotor-Gresini Racing Team’s effort.

As a result, the racing team which was founded by the late Fausto Gresini is being renamed as QJMotor Gresini Racing Team for the 2023 season. QJMotor Gresini Racing Team Moto2 will take on the upcoming season with two 21-year-olds, Filip Salac and Jeremy Alcoba.

“I’m happy to start my second year in Moto2 with a crew I already know. We did a good job in the last races of 2022 and I hope we will start right from where we finished,” said Salac in an official statement.

The Czech rider is also adamant of delivering a better result in 2023, hoping to finish in Top 10.

“My target is to gain as much experience as possible and try to finish all the races in top10 and points. For me, as a rider, it will be a very important season as I’m not a rookie anymore and it’s time for me to show my real potential,” he added.

Aside from the premier class, the level of competitiveness in Moto2 should improve greatly particularly due to Triumph has tuned the inline-three 765cc to produce 140hp.

New BMW R NineT 100 Years Now In Malaysia – Just 10 Units, RM129,500

In conjunction with BMW Motorrad celebrating its centenary year, BMW Motorrad Malaysia introduces the limited edition version of its retro-inspired roadster, the BMW R nineT.

Coming in at RM129,500, the New BMW R nineT 100 Years is a tribute to the company’s passion-driven and soul-fueled heritage that spans a century of motorcycle construction. The model has been limited to only 1,923 units worldwide, with just ten units available for the Malaysian market.

Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia, said, “The BMW R nineT encapsulates the great roadster tradition of BMW Motorrad in a particularly refined and sophisticated manner, culminating 100 years of motorcycle construction and a persevering passion for the Boxer engine.” He added that the ten exclusive units of the New BMW R nineT 100 Years will be available for passionate riders in Malaysia, representing SoulFuel in its most exclusive form.

The New BMW R nineT 100 Years has a reduced design language that skilfully sets the scene with a compact tank and upright seating position, along with high-quality materials and stylish design elements.

The exclusive centennial edition of the classic roadster is characterized by numerous special features, alongside an elaborate surface concept. The Black Storm metallic paintwork on the chrome-plated tank is a vital, special feature of the 100 Years edition, paying homage to the 1969 R 75/5.

The New BMW R nineT 100 Years revives the almost 100-year tradition of combining paint finishes and chrome surfaces with the Classic Chrome surface concept. The sophisticated interplay of paint and chrome is represented by a combination of black with chrome and white double-lining on the tank, complemented by tank grips and a 100 Years badge.

Standard equipment for the New BMW R nineT 100 Years are LED headlights with daytime riding light, dual speed indicator and rational-speed sensor instruments, Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Riding Modes Rain & Road, drive train and final drive in black finish, rear suspension with fully adjustable spring preload by handwheel, and fully adjustable upside-down telescopic front forks.

The New BMW R nineT 100 Years is powered by the legendary 1,170cc air/oil-cooled flat twin four-stroke Boxer engine, capable of generating 80 kW (109 hp) and 116 Nm of torque. The model is equipped with twin-disc brakes with four-piston callipers for the front and a single-disc brake with double-piston floating callipers for the rear, ensuring reliable braking. The latest generation of BMW Motorrad ABS Pro is featured as standard for greater riding safety.

The exclusive centennial edition of the classic roadster is characterized by numerous special features, paying homage to the company’s 100-year history and tradition. The model has been limited to only ten units for the Malaysian market, making it a must-have for passionate riders who want to own a piece of BMW Motorrad’s history.

The limited edition R nineT 100 Years is priced at RM129,500.

FIRST LOOK: 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition

Husqvarna Motorcycles has officially unveiled its latest model, the 2023 Norden 901 Expedition, which is an upgraded version of the standard Norden 901 adventure bike.

The news of the imminent arrival of the Expedition first broke out in January 2023.
The Expedition is the more off-road capable version of the base Norden 901.

The Norden 901 Expedition has been equipped with new hardware to make it a more travel-ready adventure motorcycle. The most significant upgrade is the new suspension system, featuring WP XPLOR forks and XPLOR PDS rear shock absorber with 240mm of travel, which is 20mm more than the stock bike.

Husqvarna hit the sweet spot by introducing a fully adjustable suspension, allowing riders to control preload, compression, and rebound damping.

The bike’s cockpit has also been upgraded for long-distance comfort, with a larger front screen fitted as standard and adjustable heated grips and rider seat.

Additionally, the Norden 901 Expedition comes with pre-fitted soft luggage that offers 36-litres of carrying capacity in two sub-frame-mounted panniers.

Other notable additions include a center stand as standard, a heavy-duty engine guard, and a Bluetooth connectivity module, which enables on-bike calls and communication, as well as turn-by-turn navigation.

Interested buyers can order the 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition now through the official website. The motorcycle is set to arrive in Europe’s in mid-March.

The upgraded features make this bike an ideal choice for adventure enthusiasts looking for a reliable and comfortable ride, whether it’s for a long-distance tour or a weekend getaway.

GALLERY: 2023 HUSQVARNA NORDEN 901 EXPEDITION

Supermoto And Saga Cup Racing Series Now A National Level Event – MSF

The Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF) is launching its supermoto and Saga Cup racing series as national-level championships in a bid to gain recognition from the local motorsport community.

The MSF will run five rounds of the SuperMoto Series and open the championship on March 11 and 12 at the Litar Lumba Rakyat Kuala Selangor.

The MSF Saga Cup Championship will also be upgraded to national-level status, and the Touge Hill Climb Series will run for two rounds this year.

Meanwhile, MSF will continue to prioritise its MSF SuperTurismo and MSF Superbikes, and the new Merdeka 88 Endurance at Sepang International Circuit.

The MSF event director, Adian Yein Khalid, said the new series would generate interest and participation among motorsport fans and hoped to receive support from the Youth and Sports Ministry, local authorities and media.

“These are our bread-and-butter events; and they will continue to be our main priority.” he said, adding that the first edition of the Merdeka 88 Enduro, which is an 88-lap challenge to man, machine, and ultimate strategy around the challenging 5.5-km world class racing track.

“Unlike the previous Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race organised by SIC not too long ago, the MSF Merdeka 88 Enduro will feature non-regulated driving stints, which completely opens up the possibilities of multiple alternative refuelling and driver change strategies. We may never really know who is really in the lead until the final 10 laps of the race!” Adian said.

BMW CE 04 Vagabund Moto Concept: A Fresh Take on Urban Mobility

Austrian customizing specialist Vagabund Moto GmbH has teamed up with BMW Motorrad Austria to create a new e-scooter based on the BMW CE 04.

The BMW CE 04 Vagabund Moto Concept combines style and practicality.
The urban e-scooter delivers mobility that fits every individual personality.

The BMW CE 04 Vagabund Moto Concept is a stylish and multifunctional urban e-scooter that aims to provide mobility that is as individual as each personality. With a fresh and modern design, the vehicle features a range of functional elements and attractive color scheme that targets young and sporty urban users.

The BMW CE 04 Vagabund Moto Concept retains the impressive technical concept of the BMW CE 04, with key data such as 31 kW (42 hp) maximum output, dynamic acceleration of 2.6 seconds from 0 to 50 km/h, a range of 130 km (according to WMTC), and a charging time of just 65 minutes from 0% to 80% with an optional fast charger at maximum charging current.

The custom e-scooter also features a friendly smiley face on the front wheel hub, and the glass of the indicator lights. The BMW CE 04 Vagabund Moto Concept is a vehicle that appeals in particular to young, sporty people in an urban environment while being suitable for every type of customer.

In keeping with the motto “Action meets Fashion,” the BMW CE 04 Vagabund Moto Concept was given a functional top case to supplement the standard storage space, along with a surfboard with a transport system integrated into the vehicle. The BMW CE 04 Vagabund Moto Concept combines work, leisure, and individual flair, demonstrating that there needs to be no contradiction between any of these areas.

Oliver Balzer, head of BMW Motorrad Austria, said that the customizing project aimed to emphasize the enormous variability of the BMW CE 04 while appealing to young, sporty people in an urban environment. The fresh, modern design of the CE 04 is particularly in keeping with its aspiration to a sporty lifestyle.

The BMW CE 04 Vagabund Moto Concept represents a unique project that highlights the creativity and excellent craftsmanship of the international customizing scene around BMW Motorrad.

Royal Enfield 650 Twins With New Colours For 2023

Indian motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield has recently announced a refresh of its established 650cc twin-cylinder range. The Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650, which have become successful platforms for the brand, are set to receive new paint jobs for 2023.

The Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 gets ‘blacked out’ for 2023.
the twin also features new switchgear, LED headlamps and comfier seat.

Royal Enfield first announced the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 at EICMA last year and has since reaffirmed its commitment to the 650cc twin-cylinder range. Before the Super Meteor 650, the brand had launched the Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650, which will both receive new paint options for the upcoming year.

The Interceptor 650, which currently offers Mark 2, Sunset Strip, and Canyon Red colour options, will now have two new “blacked-out” colours – Black Ray and Barcelona Blue. Meanwhile, the Continental GT 650’s existing colours of Mr Clean, Dux Dulux, British Racing Green, and Rocker Red will be joined by two new colours, Slipstream Blue and Apex Grey.

Apart from the new colours, the 2023 paint options for both the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 will feature new switchgear, LED headlamps, enhanced seat comfort, and a USB charging point. The “blacked-out” variants of the motorcycles with new colours will also come with “blacked-out” engine and exhaust components, as well as cast alloy wheels and tubeless tyres as standard.

Royal Enfield’s 650cc twin-cylinder range has proved to be successful for the brand, with the new refresh likely to attract even more attention from motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.

Reviewed: KTM Duke 200 and RC200 – The Fun Loving Siblings!

When it comes to big fun on two-wheels, KTM is one of the best at it. Most of the bikes it makes has some racing pedigree, with the brand dabbling in major race series the world for as long as most of us can remember.

And it is through everything that it learns in its racing endeavors that it makes some of the best bikes in the business. And the great thing about the KTM brand is that it has a bike for every budget and riding preference.

Take the two models seen here for example. Priced at RM13,888, the Duke 200 is the smallest sibling of the Supermoto range of KTM bikes. Those in the know will understand that when it comes to supermotos, KTM is arguably the best at it.

On the other hand, the RC200 is priced at RM15,888 and despite sporting a full fairing, it shares the basics with the Duke 200 such as the engine, the electronics, the suspension and the braking system. But it offers a very different riding style as compared to its naked sibling. In these two bikes, there’s something to satiate two very different riding preferences.

Powering both bikes is a 200cc, single-cylinder engine making 26hp and 19.5Nm of torque. Now that may not sound like a lot of power, but it is the way the power is delivered that makes a huge difference.

Almost all that power is made at the upper end of the RPM band and that gives the engine a rev happy character. Both bikes need to be truly strung up to be fully enjoyed and it is not that difficult to do that thanks to a slick-shifting 6-speed gearbox.

The Duke 200 features a close ratio gearbox while the ratios on the RC200 are a little higher. That and different engine tuning gives both bikes different characters.

The Duke 200 for starters feels like the naughtier one of the two siblings. It’s upright Supermoto-like sitting position adds to the drama it offers. It has a purposeful feel to it. Like it is always ready to take on the tightest of corners at your favorite track.

It also comes with two riding models – Road for regular everyday road riding and a Supermoto mode as well. And because the bike comes with a twin-channel ABS system with braking duties managed by ByBre calipers, this mode basically limits ABS intervention at the rear wheels. And this allows the rider to lock up and slide the rear wheel into a corner. It is an amazingly fun feature for a bike with this price tag.

The suspension is made up of 43mm upside down forks provided by WP Suspension upfront and a WP monoshock at the rear, adjustable for pre-load. There really is no drama with the suspension system soaking up and having just the right amount and consistent dive. Giving it a very predictable, sporty yet comfortable riding character.

But what makes the bike truly fun and easy to ride is the fact that it is extremely lightweight – weighing in at just 140kg (dry). This was achieved by using high quality lightweight materials and a new split steel trellis frame that saves weight and adds rigidity.

The position of the exhaust too contributes to the nimble handling of the bike – making it a breeze to pick it up and drop it into corners all day long. The exhaust of the Duke 200 and RC200 has been placed at the very bottom of the bike, and it is a functional design. With most of the exhaust load placed at the bottom of the bike, this lowers the center of gravity and concentrates the weight at the bottom, making it easy for the rider to pick up the bike mid corner. Something like a pivot point.

Despite its sport character and aggressive design, the Duke 200 is surprisingly frugal. The fuel tank measures in at 13.4-liters, and in a real-world test during the few days that we had the bike, we saw a range of 360km. The official fuel consumption figure is rated at 13.4-litres per 100km, an astonishing feat considering that the Duke 200 is meant to be a fun naked sport bike.

But while the Duke 200 offers a naughtier approach to riding, the RC200 is more polished. The Duke 200 loves it when you manhandle it and chuck it in and out of corners, and perhaps wheelie your way into the next corner. The RC200 though prefers long sweeping corners with a transition to tight, hard corners.

The RC200 is a proper track day weapon, one that you can also ride daily to the office thanks to adjustable handlebars. The clip-on handlebars are 15mm higher than the previous generation models for a more comfortable ride. And at just the turn of a screw you can lower it by up to 10mm for a more aggressive sitting position ideal for track days or for a corner carving ride up the mountain.

The design of the bike is the first thing that attracts you. It looks like a proper sports bike and that is because it has been designed using the same CFD software as KTM uses to design its Moto3 race bikes.

Up front, the headlight and windshield look like they are part of a single element but are three individual components that house the halogen headlamp, the Daytime Running LED lights, and the turn signals. If you blacken it and stick on a number, it looks like the front of a race bike.

But it does not only look like a race bike, but that windshield also offers class-leading wind protection. Making the RC200 incredibly comfortable to ride even at high speeds, but yet looks menacing.

And that is the very essence of the RC200, a bike that does not only look like it was born on a track, but track life is why it was born in the first place. Everything else in between is just something the RC200 just happens to do and does it well.

Even the side mirrors are purposeful, having been specifically designed to be aerodynamic, the mirrors are also foldable to give the RC200 a slimmer profile which makes it easier to slice through traffic when needed.

But looks aside, the RC200 has some serious performance credentials identical to the Duke 200. It shares the same engine, the same suspension and even the same ByBre braking system with a Bosch 9.1 MB two channel ABS braking system.

And just like the Duke 200, the RC200 too comes with the same two riding modes. The Supermoto mode also manages ABS intervention and an experienced rider will enjoy locking up and sliding the rear of the bike on track days.

Adding to the joy of riding the RC200 is a new lightweight split trellis frame that is identical to the Duke 200, but this time it comes with a bolted on subframe that is said to add to the stiffness of the bike, letting the rider place it exactly where he wants it to be before and in a corner.

The RC200 is undoubtedly a proper entry level sport bike that will appeal to those looking to trade up from an underbone or simply looking for their first sport bike. But its sporting abilities aside, it also offers some decent practicalities such as the larger fuel tank that measures in at 13.7-litres and provides a range of over 400km in the right hands.

And that is the appeal of the Duke 200 and the RC200, sporting abilities with everyday practicalities. And this time, KTM Malaysia is also throwing in a free maintenance package that includes free engine oil, free labor and a free air filter worth RM1,237 until March 31st, making this the best possible time to get one if you are looking for a bike for some corner munching fun and for everyday practicality.

Specifications:

KTM Duke 200
Engine: 200cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke
Power: 26hp
Torque: 19.5Nm
Gearbox: 6-speed, wet multi-plate clutch
Suspension: WP Apex 43mm (front) WP Apex Monoshock (Rear)
Fuel tank: 13.4-litres

KTM RC 200
Engine: 200cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke
Power: 26hp
Torque:19.5Nm
Gearbox: 6-speed, claw shifted
Suspension: WP 43mm (front WP Apex Monoshock (Rear)
Fuel tank: 13.7-litres

Heavy Rain Across The Nation Until Thursday – MetMalaysia

MetMalaysia issues warning of continuous heavy rain with dangerous levels expected in Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor until Thursday.

In a statement released by MetMalaysia, continuous heavy rain warning was issued for three areas in Pahang – Bera, Pekan, and Rompin. Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor are also affected by the warning.

MetMalaysia also mentioned that continuous heavy rain warning at a dangerous level was issued for Jerantut, Bentong, Temerloh, Maran, and Kuantan in Pahang. On the other hand, the continuous heavy rain warning at a cautionary level is still in effect until today for Manjung, Kinta, Perak Tengah, Kampar, Bagan Datuk, Hilir Perak, Batang Padang, and Muallim in Perak.

Other areas affected include Tanah Tinggi Cameron, Lipis, and Raub in Pahang, Terengganu, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya.

In Sarawak, a cautionary warning has been issued for the areas of Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, Tatau, and Bintulu.

MetMalaysia advises the public to stay updated with the latest weather information through the official website, myCuaca application, and official social media platforms. For further inquiries, the MET Malaysia hotline at 1-300-22-1638 can be contacted.

Yamaha Tenere 700 Extreme Edition Breaks Cover In Europe

Yamaha Europe has just announced the release of a new version of their popular adventure tourer motorcycle – the Yamaha Tenere 700 Extreme Edition.

The Tenere 700 Extreme Edition is heavily inspired by the Tenere 700 World Raid.
Powering the Tenere 700 Exterem Edition is the same 689cc liquid-cooled, inline twin-cylinder engine.

The new variant of the motorcycle is more off-road-ready than its predecessor, with changes to the chassis and suspension, among other features.

While the Yamaha Tenere 700 Extreme Edition shares many mechanical components with the previous model, updates to the chassis and suspension have been made to improve off-road capabilities.

The motorcycle now has fully adjustable KYB 43mm forks that provide an additional 20mm of travel, bringing the total to 230mm at the front. The rear shock has also been upgraded, with a 20mm increase in travel bringing it to 220mm.

Additionally, the overall height of the bike has been raised by 20mm to provide a total ground clearance of 260mm.

Other new features of the Yamaha Tenere 700 Extreme Edition include adjustable off-road titanium footpegs with bear trap grips, a high enduro-style mudguard, a radiator protector, and a single, enduro-style seat with 20mm more padding than the standard version.

However, the changes to the suspension and seat height bring the seat height to a towering 910mm.

That said, the Yamaha Tenere 700 Extreme Edition takes inspiration from the Yamaha World Raid model while adding its own accessories.

GALLERY: YAMAHA TENERE 700 EXTREME EDITION

Zongshen Rolls Out New RC 401 R In China – 45hp, 35.25Nm

Chinese motorcycle maker, Zongshen has introduced the new RC 401 R in China.

The RC 401 R is based on the standard RC 401 launched in 2022.
The Zonghsen RC 401 R makes 45hp and 35.25Nm.

Build based on the RC 401 presented in 2022, the RC 401 R is an up-spec version of the former and is differentiated by the addition of single-sided swingarm and an adjustable suspension from KYB, J.Juan dual front disc brakes and ABS.

Also, the RC 401 R is a lot sportier thanks to its lower clip ons and higher rear tail.

Nevertheless, the RC 401 R continue to make the same 45hp @ 9,500rpm and 35.25Nm @ 8,000rpm similar to the standard RC 401 as both model shares the same parallel-twin with liquid-cooled SOHC mill.

In terms of pricing, the Zongshen RC 401 R is priced at at CNY31,980 (RM20.6k) making it quite an affordable option in the 400cc segment.