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KTM 890 SMT Spotted Testing In Spain

Despite scrapping its 490cc platform and working on an all-new 990cc and 690cc engine, KTM still has some plans for its 890 range.

KTM 890 SMT shares the same 889cc LC8c engine as the 890 Adventure.
The 890 SMT is fitted with a taller windscreen and redesigned fuel tank.

That said, the Austrian manufacturer was recently spotted testing the new KTM 890 SMT, as reported by Cycle World.

However, since the 990 platform is considered a replacement for the current 889cc engine, we expect the 890 SMT to have a relatively short lifespan before evolving to a 990 SMT.

Nevertheless, while the upcoming KTM 890 SMT borrows much of its features from the 890 Adventure, the sport tourer version gains a taller windscreen and a higher front mudguard.

Also, the fuel tank on the 890 SMT is now singular and mounted above the engine, unlike the dual, side-mounted tanks featured on the 890 Adventure. The new tank design is likely a better fit for the SMT.

Nonetheless, the exhaust pipes are still the same as the ones found on the 890 Adventure, indicating that the 890 SMT gets the same 889cc LC8c engine tune.

We also expect that the 890 SMT and 890 Adventure shares similar weight.

While KTM is yet to announce plans for the 890 SMT, the bike is clearly in a production-ready stage and could make its way soon.

(source: Cycle World)

The Honda Hawk 11 Could Make Its Way To India Soon

Motorcycle fans worldwide were ecstatic when Honda introduced the Hawk 11 early last year.

Powering the Honda Hawk 11 is a 1082.96cc parallel-twin engine capable of pumping 100hp @ 7,500rpm and 103Nm @ 6,000rm.
The Hawk 11 is fitted with ththe Hawk 11 offers quite a sporty ergonomics yet not as aggressive as a typical sportbike.

The neo-retro motorcycle has gained much attention since its global debut at the Osaka Motorcycle Show 2022. Unfortunately, Honda threw a curveball by unveiling that the Honda Hawk 11 is a Japan-only release.

However, thanks to constant enquiry and demand from Honda fans around the globe, the Hawk 11 might make its way to the global market, as confirmed by the latest patent application filed with Intellectual Property India.

According to reports, Honda filed the design application on August 2, 2022, before the design went to the IP India Patent and Design Journal for official publication on December 9, 2022.

Interestingly, although the design application is now made available to the public, Honda has yet to formally announce its plans to introduce the Hawk 11 in markets outside Japan.

While it could take years before the Hawk 11 to officially debut, a filed application may mean something other than that a motorcycle will get released in that country.

Nonetheless, it could be an indication from Honda that the Hawk 11 could be available in a market outside of Japan.

(Source: BikeAdvice)

Someone Just Bought A Shoei J-Force 2 Jack Yellow For RM86,000!

Only in Malaysia is someone willing to pay a huge sum of money for things that were relatively cheap a few years ago.

For example, a new-old-stock (NOS) Yamaha RX-Z two-stroke motorcycle could cost more than RM30,000. A few years ago, someone allegedly paid RM70,000 for the bike, making it one of the most sought models today.

However, the ludicrous price tag involved not only motorcycles but also helmets.

A few days ago, a seller on Facebook managed to sell the Shoei J-Force 2 Jack Yellow for an insane RM86,000!

While some might think that the price tag is absurd, according to the post, the sale was legit. The buyer – who is a lady – paid the amount in cash, which can be seen clearly in the shared photos.

The question is, are you willing to spend that much for a motorcycle helmet?

Ducati DesertX To Feature Turn-By-Turn Navigation In 2023

Ducati has announced that the DesertX will be equipped with Turn-by-Turn navigation in 2023, making it the first Ducati to have the feature.

The DesertX is Ducati first ever fully-capable off-road motorcycle.
At the heart sits the 937cc Testastretta 11-degree Desmodromic engine capable of producing 110hp @ 9,250rpm and 92Nm @ 6,500rpm.

The DesertX is the Italian’s most outstanding bike since its introduction in 2022, as it is Ducati’s first real foray into the off-road arena.

According to the Italian motorcycle company, the DesertX will display the Turn-by-Turn information on the bike’s TFT dash. Unfortunately, the new feature does not come as standard but as an added option.

Another update to be carried out for 2023 is a new paint option dubbed the “RR22” livery. The same livery applied to Danilo Petrucci’s DesertX that he rode in a demo last year in Sardegna.

Meanwhile, the same Turn-by-Turn navigation system will also be available on the upcoming Diavel V4.

15 Motorcycles Bursts Into Flames In Bukit Mertajam

On Thursday, a total of fifteen motorcycles go up in flames in the parking area at Flat Tuna D4 in Seberang Jaya, Pulau Pinang.

Fortunately, no one was hurt in the incident.

Meanwhile, Penang Fire and Rescue Department operations officer Shahrul Munawer Taharen confirmed the incident.

“Upon arrival, the fire team found 15 motorcycles in the parking area on fire and efforts were made to prevent the fire from spreading.

“The fire also caused damage to a store used to keep prayer paraphernalia,” he told The Star.

The incident is currently under investigation. – The Star

OFFICIAL: 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R Breaks Cover -79.1HP With Ram-Air

After months of speculation, Kawasaki has officially announced its latest sports bike line-up with the all-new Kawasaki ZX-4R.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R is the latest inline-four screamer to join Team Green.
The Ninja ZX-4R features the same high-tensile steel trellis frame as the ZX-25R.

Available in three variants, ZX-4R, ZX-4R SE and ZX-4RR is powered by the firm all-new 399cc inline-four, water-cooled 4-stroke with DOHC unit that’s capable of pumping 79.1hp with Ram-Air.

Similar to the ZX-25R, the 400cc screamer also offers a generous rev limit of over 15,000rpm and is fitted with the same trellis (high tensile steel) frame.

Power is fed from the bike’s 15-litre fuel tank and is regulated by a 6-speed manual transmission with a final chain drive.

The suspension comes from Showa with SFF-BP forks at the front and a horizontal back-link at the rear. However, the suspension package is what sets the three variants apart, with the base model getting the SFF-BP forks as mentioned above, while the SE and RR feature front forks with preload adjustment. The RR is also equipped with Showa BFRC-lite rear shock similar to the one found on the ZX-10R.

Braking is done via radial-mounted callipers mated to a dual 290mm front brake disc and a single 220mm disc at the rear.

Electronic-wise, the Ninja ZX-4R features all-around LED lighting, Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), 4-power modes (Sport, Rain, Road and Rider), a two-way quickshifter (SE and RR) and a 4.3-inch LCD colour display with integrated ‘Track Mode’.

According to Kawasaki USA, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R is confirmed for release in mid-2023 with an official selling price of USD 9,699 (RM41.3k).

PDRM Is Looking For Motorcyclist Caught Riding On Public Roads Without A Helmet

A video went viral on social media after a man was caught riding a Ducati Hypermotard on public roads without wearing a helmet.

According to Rule 4, Motorcycle (Helmet) Rules 1973, motorcyclists who do not wear a helmet while riding can be charged a maximum compound of up to RM300.
The man in the video was seen testing a Ducati Hypermotard.

The 11-second video also caught the attention of the Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department (JSPT), which is now on the lookout for the individual in the viral video.

According to a Facebook post on Wednesday, the police ask the motorcyclist to come to a nearby police station to assist with the investigation.

Members of the public who has any knowledge of the incident are also advised to contact the nearby police station immediately.

Riding a motorcycle on a public road without a helmet is an offence according to Rule 4, Motorcycle (Helmet) Rules 1973 and can be charged a maximum compound of up to RM300.

Reliving The Old Days With Zeths Latest ZFR 500 R Avenger

Something interesting just came across our news desk this week, and it is probably one of the best-looking retro-style motorcycles we’ve ever seen.

Zeths is a motorcycle company based in China.
The ZFR 500 R Avenger is the company’s maiden sports bike.

Chinese motorcycle company, Zeths has just announced the ZFR 500 R Avenger, a retro-inspired machine that could take us back to the old days’ thanks to its exciting design.

The 500 R Avenger is not only a departure from the firm’s current range of bikes but also the brand’s maiden sports bike in the lineup.

However, we have to give credit to Zeths for coming up with a motorcycle that is inspired by race bikes from the 70s instead of copying and pasting designs of existing models from other manufacturers.

Also, the ZFR 500 R Avenger looks good and features decent specs, including a parallel-twin 500cc engine, adjustable suspension, single-sided swingarm and even four-pot radial Brembo brakes and twin disc.

The specs might be standard for a European or Japanese machine, but it is an interesting development for a bike coming from China.

Nonetheless, it remains to be seen if the bike will ever make its way outside of China.

KTM 390 Adventure Gets Spoked Wheels For 2023

The KTM 390 Adventure has been updated for 2023 with an upgrade that fans of the entry-level machine have been asking for – spoked wheels.

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

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.

“BMW More Interested In Selling Bikes Than Winning Races” – Scott Redding

Scott Redding is not holding back for his latest statement towards BMW after claiming that the manufacturer focuses too much on selling motorcycles instead of winning in WorldSBK.

The British rider joined BMW at the beginning of the 2022 season, with the team looking adamant about closing the gap of their M 1000 RR with the front row.

Despite tremendous effort, the BMW M 1000 RR race bike still needs to catch up to the likes of the Yamaha R1M, Ducati Panigale V4 R and Kawasaki ZX-10RR.

As a result, Redding could not break into the top seven in the championship last season, further increasing the riders’ frustration towards the German manufacturer.

“I signed the contract because I wanted to win and they told me they would do what I wanted to win.

“And they made changes. The fork and brakes have changed, but some things will never change and you have to accept that.

“I want to win the championship so are they but maybe selling motorcycles interest them more than winning the World Championship,” he said.

During last week’s two-day test in Jerez, Redding ended the session in 12th place, 1.4s down on Razgatlioglu. He’s currently in Portimao for another round of tests.

This 1908 Strap Tank Harley-Davidson Just Sold For RM3.9 Million

A vintage 1908 Strap Tank Harley-Davidson has just been sold, or USD 935,000 (RM3.9 mil), including auction fees at the Mecum Auction, held in Las Vegas.

The bike gained the ‘Strap Tank’ name due to its fuel and oil tank that wraps around the cross-bar of the frame by nickel straps.
The Strap Tank is said to be an evolution from Harley-Davidson first built motorcycle.

While the numbers themselves don’t make it the most expensive motorcycle ever sold at an auction, it is still a considerable amount for a Harley-Davidson built machine.

According to reports, the motorcycle was owned by its owner, David Uihlein, since the 40s, and he kept it for 66 years before letting it go.

The bike gained the ‘Strap Tank’ nameplate due to its fuel and oil tank that wraps around the cross-bar of the frame by nickel straps.

Although the motorcycle got restored at some point, the bike is mainly in its original state, including the tank, wheels, engine belt pulley, seat cover and muffler sleeve.

Some suggest that the Strap Tank is an evolution from the first Harley-Davidson that William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson built together.

Reportedly, there were 450 models made, but these days, less than a dozen remain in complete condition.

Meet Europe’s Fist Underbone Motorcycle, The Malaguti Spectre GP125

Underbone motorcycles are standard in Asia, particularly South East Asia, with millions sold yearly. In Malaysia, these type of motorcycles is widely known as ‘kapcai’.

The Malaguti Spectre GP125 is Europe’s first underbone motorcycle.
The Spectre GP125 features a 125cc single-cylinder with air-cooled engine.

While underbone motorcycles are a hit in Asia, the motorcycle is almost nonexistent in Europe. However, that is about to change thanks to the introduction of Malaguti’s Spectre GP125.

Malaguti is an Italian motorcycle company commonly known for offering a wide range of affordable motorcycles, including scooters, enduro, supermoto, adventure and street bikes.

However, its latest model, the Spectre GP125, is the first underbone-type motorcycle available for the European market.

Mechanically, the Spectre GP125 makes 10hp @ 8,500rpm and 9.6Nm @ 6,500rpm thanks to its 125cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke and air-cooled engine.

Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a manual 5-speed transmission with a final chain drive.

Braking is done via a massive 320mm hydraulic disc brake with axial callipers at the front and a 190mm disc with single-piston callipers at the rear. Also, the Spectre GP125 runs on 17-inch wheels with 120/70 front and 90/80 at the rear.

Other notable features include LED lights, a semi-digital instrument cluster with an analogue tachometer and telescopic forks.

The entry-level motorcycle is currently on sale for EUR2,499 (RM11.5k).

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