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Next-Gen KTM Duke Spied Testing In Spain

Several spy photos have emerged what looks like a new small-capacity KTM Duke undergoing testing in Spain.

The test mule is likely to be an updated version of the 125 Duke.
The bike features a new redesigned headlight and revised subframe.

The test mule can be seen HERE as published by European publication Motociclimso. However, from the looks of it, the test mule is still in an early stage given that many components are not yet completed.

While we have no information regarding the engine capacity, it is likely an update for either the 125 Duke or 390 Duke. However, looking at the engine size and exhaust exit, it is possible that we are looking at the 125.

Taking a closer look at the bodywork, we can see a design language that is similar to the KTM 1290 Super Duke R and Super Duke R EVO.

That said, the front shroud bodywork extends towards the front past the fork legs. The rear subframe also appears to be a cast aluminium instead of the steel tubular design.

The test mule also features a redesigned headlamp but continue to portray the Duke’s DNA.

While the new development seems exciting, it is difficult to predict when will the new machine make its way to production.

Honda CBR750RR In The Works?

Honda recent introduction of the CB750 Hornet seems to be doing well particularly among motorcycle journalist who managed to get a taste of the bike.

Honda CB750 Hornet is the latest bike to features Honda’s newest parallel-twin mill.
The Hornet could spawn a fully-faired CBR750RR.

The Hornet is the second machine to be equipped with Honda’s latest parallel-twin 750cc mill after the XL750 Transalp. With that in mind, could the new platform make a good sportbike? Well, according to credible European and Japanese publication, that seems to be the case.

Moreover, looking at Honda’s tendency to introduce a fully-faired machine alongside a naked bike, the idea doesn’t seem far-fetched.

Also, with the market currently shifting towards middleweight sportsbike like the Aprilia RS660 and Yamaha YZF-R7, it is likely that Honda plans to take on the same route.

After all, the 750 mill is impressive as it is capable of cranking 91hp and 70Nm.

At the same time, Honda could easily make use of the Hornet’s lightweight frame as well as the adjustable inverted Showa forks for the fully-faired version.

Design wise, we expect that the 750RR to follow the same design language as the CBR500R and CBR650R.

KTM BRABUS 1300 R Edition 23 Announced – Limited To Just 290 Units, RM198k

KTM and German tuning company BRABUS continued their partnership for 2023 with the introduction of the BRABUS 1300 R Edition 23.

KTM announced second collaboration with German tuning experts, BRABUS with the 1300 R Edition 2023.
The 2nd-generation motorcycle continue to crank 180hp and 140Nm.

Unveiled in Hanoi, Vietnam, the BRABUS 1300 R Edition 2023 is an evolution of the original 1300 R introduced last year.

Limited to just 145 units in Superblack and another 145 in Stealth Gray, the BRABUS 1300 R Edition 23 is again build based on the KTM 1290 Super Duke R EVO. Similar to last year’s model, the 1300 R Edition 23 features a number of bespoke BRABUS components including carbon fiber and CNC-machined parts.

That said, the BRABUS 1300 R Edition 2023 looks similar to the original except for a few modifications mainly by adding more carbon fiber components including the headlight trim and air scoops.

Completing the changes are new BRABUS Monoblock Z forged wheels with platinum black finish.

Powering the beast is the same 1,301cc LC8 V-Twin engine that makes 180hp @ 9,500rpm and 140Nm @ 8,000rpm. Meanwhile, WP supplies the semi-active APEX suspension and steering damper.

Priced at EUR42,500 (RM198k), all 290 units will be sold only via an online pre-order site which opens on February 16,2023.

Fun fact, the previous BRABUS 1300 R sold out in just under two minutes.

All-New Buell Super Cruiser Set For 2025 Launch

Buell Motorcycle is ready to expand its brand into the cruiser segment with its all-new super cruiser.

Upcoming Buell Super Cruiser plans for 2025 launch.
The Super Cruiser to feature the firm 1190cc V-Twin engine.

Designed in partnership with Roland Sands Design, the super cruiser is equipped with the firm’s ET-V2 1190cc V-Twin engine that’s also found in the Buell Hammerhead 1990, 1190 SX, Baja Dune Racer and the Supertouring.

However, while the Hammerhead and 1190 SX is already available for purchase in the US, the Super Cruiser along with the Baja Dune Racer and Supertouring will not be available until 2025.

That said, 2025 is set to be a busy year for the American motorcycle company.

While Buell remains tight lipped on the bike’s specifications, they willingly shared several photos of the upcoming bike on social media.

Interestingly, the current 1190cc V-Twin engine makes 185hp and 138Nm, presumably no changes is done to the mill, the Super Cruiser could possibly be the most powerful cruiser ever build.

2023 Yamaha YZF-R25 Gets New Purple Livery In Japan

Yamaha has updated its YZF-R25 sportsbike with a trendy purple livery called Dark Blueish Purple Metallic.

The R25 gets new updated with new colour scheme in Japan.
Underpinnings of the quarter-litre sportsbike remains unchanged.

If you seen such colours before that’s because it is the same colour scheme introduced in the US for the YZF-R3.

Interestingly, the new colour not only look exciting but also gives the bike somewhat of a throwback of the old sportbikes from the 90s. Perhaps something from the 1994 FZR1000?

Thankfully, the out of place Vivid Orange Metallic introduced last year has been retired. However, if the purple is too much, you can opt for Deep Purplish Blue Metallic and Black Metallic instead.

Nevertheless, the 2023 R25 continue to offer the same bodywork and underpinnings.

Mechanically, the R25 feature s a 249cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that cranks out 35.5hp @ 12,000rpm and 30Nm @ 10,000rpm. That said, the quarter litre sportsbike offers decent performance for both the city and twisty roads.

Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali Reconfirmed President Of Motor Valley Development

Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati, will continue his helm as the President of Motor Valley Development after he was reconfirmed for another two years during a recent shareholders’ meeting.

Ducati’s CEO, Claudio Domenicali reconfirmed as the President of Motor Valley for another two years.
The Motor Valley incorporates 16,500 companies and 90,000 employees.

“In recent years I have carried out the task of President of the Motor Valley Development association with pride and responsibility because I believe that enhancing the uniqueness of this territory is a duty for those who, like us, are part of it.

“It is an honour to be able to continue in this role in the next two years and I would like to thank all the partners and institutions for their trust”, he said.

According to Claudio, the association will continue its pursuit in promoting Emilia-Romagna brands of motors.

“The industrial, tourist and cultural region of the Emilia-Romagna Motor Valley deserves to be supported and promoted in all its components, continuing to give value to the prestigious universities, historical and artistic culture and unrivalled motoring and technological expertise.”

Motor Valley is a unique industrial region in the world, notably for housing 16,500 companies and over 90,000 employees that contributes to an annual turnover of EUR16 billion.

That said, the Motor Valley has become a strategic tourist asset for the region thanks to 13 specialized museums including the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena, the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, the Automobili Lamborghini Museum, the Ferruccio Lamborghini Museum, the Ducati Museum in Borgo Panigale and the Horacio Pagani Museum.

No Longer Compulsory To Display Road Tax – MoT

Private vehicles owned by Malaysians are no longer compulsory to display their ‘road tax’ effective today, according to transport minister, Loke Siew Fook.

That said, all motor vehicle licenses including driving (motorcycle) license are now accessible via the MyJPJ app.

According to Loke, the move is part of the ministry’s efforts to digitise JPJ’s services.

“This will be done in stages, with the first phase involving individual private vehicles, including motorcycles, owned by Malaysians,” he said.

However, vehicles owned by private firms, foreigners, commercial vehicles and public service vehicles will continue to display their ‘road tax’.

“I welcome all drivers and vehicle owners to transition to the digital platform. With this, the congestion and long lines at JPJ counters will be reduced,” he added.

Also, physical driving licenses are still required for foreigners, holders of learners and vocational licences.

Czech-Made Praga ZS 800 Breaks Cover – Limited To Just 28 Units, RM395k

Praga, the Czech Republic based motorcycle company has introduced the Praga ZS 800.

Praga ZS 800 is limited to just 28 units worldwide.
Priced at GBP75,550 (RM395k) the ZS 800 was built by the same team behind the Praga Bohemo hypercar.

Claimed to be a modern take on the iconic 1928 Praga BD 500, the ZS 800 – which is limited to just 28 units – is build by the same engineering team behind the acclaimed Praga Bohema hypercar.

Featuring a chrome molybdenum steel frame and titanium exhaust system including a unique woven carbon wheels, the Praga ZS 800 tips the scale at just 142kg (dry).

Powering the ultra-limited motorcycle is a 773cc parallel-twin SOHC and 4-valves engine that makes 50hp and 65Nm. Power is fed to the rear-wheel via 5-speed transmission with final chain drive.

Braking is done via a 200mm hydraulic drum brakes at the front and rear omitting the conventional disc brakes that is commonly found on modern machines.

The retro features also applies to the suspension with a steel girder fork at the front and a hard-tail suspension at the back. However, both components is supplied by Ohlins.

According to Praga, deliveries for the ultra-limited ZS 800 will start in mid-2023 with a recommended selling price of GBP75,550 (RM395k).

LiveWire S2 Del Mar Release Is Delayed

The launch of LiveWire upcoming electric motorcycle, the S2 Del Mar has been put on hold.

The announcement were made by LiveWire president, Ryan Morrissey during the company quarterly presentation.

According to Ryan, the S2 Del Mar which originally planned to start rolling out in the first half of 2023, has been pushed to a later date.

Also, LiveWire plans to shipped around 7,000 units of the S2 Del Mar has been adjusted downward to just 2,000 units.

Looking back, things have been moving slower since LiveWire inception and to this day, it’s still not clear how well the bikes are selling.

So the question is, when will the S2 Del mar eventually make its way to the public? Only time will tell but we’ll be sure to keep you updated.

2023 Modenas Elegan 250 EX Updated With Euro 4 Engine – RM16,997

Coming in new for the Malaysian market is the 2023 Modenas Elegan 250 EX maxi-scooter which has been updated to meet the latest Euro 4 emission standard.

The popular maxi-scooter continue to make 22hp and 22.4Nm.
The Elegan 250 EX offers premium features but at an affordable price range.

That said, the Elegan 250’s 250cc single-cylinder engine now meets the Euro 4 emission standard as required by the Malaysian government. Despite the revised mill to meet the new emission, the Elegan 250 EX continue to make 22hp @ 7,000rpm and 22.4Nm @ 6,500rpm.

Power is fed to the rear wheel via a CVT gearbox with a final belt drive.

Apart from the engine, Modenas also revised the front projector headlamp to complement the DRLs.

Nevertheless, the 2023 Elegan 250 EX continue to feature the same equipment from the 2020 Elegan 250 ABS including LED lights, 14-inch front and 13-inch rear wheels, 240mm hydraulic brakes, X-shaped LED taillights, twin-channel ABS and a USB charging socket.

The Elegan 250 EX also carries a 12.4L of the fuel tank and tips the scale at 198kg.

The 2023 Modenas Elegan 250 EX now comes with an updated price of RM16,997 and is available in two exciting colours; Matte Silver Crystal and Petroleum Blue.

Arai And Pinlock To Combat Fog, UV Rays With Latest Innovation

While most motorcycle helmet manufacturers adopt drop-down, internal sun visors, especially for sport-touring helmets, Arai is the only maker to steer clear of such feature thus far.

The decision is to ensure that the brand’s helmet continues to feature top-notch protection for riders.

That said, those who want to ride on a sunny day opted for a darker tint visor. However, the dark tint visor is a disaster when riding at night.

To overcome this, Arai has a new solution capable of adapting to different lighting conditions while maintaining the brand’s protective standards.

Developed in partnership with Pinlock, the new ProtecTINT photochromic lens offers optimal vision during the day and adjusts the tint according to the lighting situation.

However, at night the ProtectTINT remains in a clear state. Therefore riders can wear their Arai’s worry-free.

In addition, the ProtecTINT are compatible with Arai’s older models, including Corsair V, Defiant, Defiant Pro-Cruise, RX-Q, Signet-Q, Signet-Q Pro-Cruise, and Vector 2.

Meanwhile, the VAS-Z and CT-F ProtecTINTs cater to the brand’s open-face helmets, while the VAS-V version covers Corsair-X, Signet-X, Quantum-X, Contour-X, and Regent-X owners.

The Pinlock ProtecTINT is priced at EUR59.95 (RM276).

Back To The 80s With CFMoto Papio XO-1

CFMoto is ready to take another aim at Honda’s MSX125 (Grom) with the upcoming Papio XO-1, as confirmed by the latest type-approval documents filed in China.

The Papio XO-1 is CFMoto’s upcoming minimoto range.
The XO-1 is equipped with a 126cc, air-cooled single, making a claimedt 9.4hp.

The Papio XO-1 (as shown on the side fairing) is a second variation of the current 126cc, single-cylinder Papio mini bike currently on sale in the US and Europe.

However, while the base Papio is somewhat a mini version of a modern naked bike, the upcoming XO-1 has styling that is clearly inspired by motorcycles from the 80s.

That said, the single photo in the document reveals a dual-headlight semi-fairing motorcycle reminiscent of a classic bike.

Interestingly, the Papio XO-1 is not just a case of putting on new bodywork onto the standard Papio; instead, the former features a new inverted fork, clip-on handlebars and cast aluminium rear footpegs.

Also new is a new chain-guard, body panels and redesigned fuel tank.

The retro theme continues with a single, circular LCD instrument cluster.