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CFMoto 1250NK In The Works

CFMoto has successfully utilised its partnership with KTM in the last few years mainly by employing the same LC8c parallel-twin mill into its range including the 800MT and the 700CL-X.

CFMoto working on a KTM-powered 1250NK.
The 1250NK is a naked-style motorcycle powered by KTM’s LC8 1,279cc V-Twin engine.

The same powertrain will also be powering the upcoming 800NK naked motorcycle. Not to mention, CFMoto also builds the 790 Duke and 790 Adventure for the Austrian OEM.

Nevertheless, CFMoto plans to expand its naked bike range by introducing the 1250NK.

According to reports, CFMoto intends to used KTM’s LC8 1,279cc engine – which currently powers the Chinese brand 1250 TR-G grand tourer – for the 1250NK.

Currently, the LC8-powered TR-G makes 140hp but it is likely that the V-Twin mill will be revised for a higher peak power to feed the 1250NK.

Borrowing much of the design concept as KTM’s 1290 Super Duke R, the 1250NK also sports single-sided swingarm.

While it may share some design traits including a similar steel trellis frame, the 1250NK features its own unique identity. More importantly, the 1250NK borrows much of its design from the firms’ upcoming 800NK which is set to debut soon.

With that in mind, the 1250NK might not hit the road anytime soon therefore we expect some design change between then and now.

(source: Bennetts)

Chinese-Made Harley-Davidson X350 Confirmed For The US Markets

Harley-Davidson held a huge event just last week to celebrate the firm’s 120th anniversary.

The Chinese-build Harley-Davidson X350 is heading to the US.
The X350 is equipped with a parallel-twin 353cc engine similar to the Benelli 302s but with a bigger bore.

The American motorcycle company took the opportunity to announced it’s 2023 lineup, including the Nightster Special and the Breakout.

Unfortunately, the highly anticipated Chinese-build X350 and X350RA was not included in the announcement.

However, latest report suggest that the X350 and X350RA, a product of Harley-Davidson’s partnership with China’s Qianjiang Motors is also heading to the US as confirmed by new VIN information.

Interestingly, Motorcycle.com managed to obtained o copy of the X350 owner’s manual and an image of the motorcycle.

According to reports by Dennis Chung, the owner’s manual disclosed some of the bike’s information including the powertrain. That said, powering the Harley-Davidson X350 is a 353cc parallel-twin with eight-valve liquid-cooled mill.

However, while the X350 makes 36hp the X350RA power output is restricted to just 26hp.

The VIN information also confirms that the X350 is equipped with analog speedometer with small digital display, damping adjustable inverted front fork, ABS and dual-petal disc brakes.

Also, the X350 runs on 17-inch front and rear wheels shod with Pirelli’s Angel CT tires with 120/70-17 up front and 160/60-17 at the rear. However, the X350RA is equipped with slimmer wheels, 110/70-17 at the front and 150/60-17 at the rear.

The X350 also claims a weight of 199.5kg and 12.8 litres of fuel tank.

(source: Motorcycle.com)

CONFIRMED: Upcoming Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R Heading To The US

The all-new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R will make its way to the US as confirmed by latest type approval documents filed in the USA.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R is due for launch in February.
The 400cc inline-four is expected to makes 70hp.

More importantly, the NInja ZX-4R is likely to be launched on February 1st, 2023 based on the latest teaser shared by Kawasaki USA, recently.

While the documents don’t disclosed the bike’s styling in general, it is widely reported that the bike will look similar to the Ninja ZX-25R currently on sale in Asia.

The documents also denotes ZX400PP and ZX400SP which possibly refers to the model type, in this case with and without ABS as claimed by Motorcycle.com.

One thing for sure, we don’t have to wait for too long as the official launch is happening soon.

The talk of a 400cc inline-four screamer has been around for some time, particularly after the introduction of the high-revving ZX-25R in 2020.

There is no talk regarding how much power the ZX-4R might produce but reports suggest that it could hit around the 70hp mark, putting it on par with the Yamaha R7.

2023 CFMoto 700CL-X ADV Price Announced In Europe – From RM35.8k

Chinese motorcycle manufacturer, CFMoto has officially introduced the 700CL-X Adventure, becoming the third variant from its neo-retro scrambler range.

the ADV features larger 19-inch wheels and raised beak.
powered by the same 693cc two-cylinder engine.

Joining the already available 700 CL-X Heritage and Sport, the 700 CL-X ADV features a more rugged and aggressive bodywork than it siblings.

The 700 CL-X ADV finally make its way to production, three years after it was presented as a prototype at the 2019 EICMA.

Coming in at EUR7,590 (RM35.8k), the 700CL-X ADV is only available in Aurora Blue colour scheme.

Despite the robust look, the ADV variant is not a serious off-road capable machine compared to the brand 800MT motorcycle, but it does have a resemblance akin to a Scrambler.

That said, the 700 CL-X ADV gets a larger 19-inch front wheel, dual-purpose tyres, wire-spoke wheels and a raised beaked typically found on a scrambler.

Nonetheless, majority of the 700 CL-X ADV still retains the same signatures, including the X front headlamp.

In addition, the 700 CL-X ADV also fitted with panels to install panniers.

Mechanically, the ADV version gets the same 693cc two cylinder engine producing 74hp @ 8,500rpm and 68Nm @ 6,500rpm.

While no official price is mention yet, we expect the ADV to priced slightly higher than the Heritage and Sport.

Kove Cobra 321 Breaks Cover In China – 40hp, 27.1Nm.

Kove is likely to become a household name in a few years particularly after the company successfully partake in the 2023 Dakar Rally by fielding three bikes.

Kove begins the 2023 calendar year with an all-new naked roadster.
The Cobra 321 makes 40hp and 27.1Nm from its 321cc parallel-twin mill.

Since the brand also sets out to compete in the 2023 SSP300, the Chinese motorcycle manufacturer is looking serious to make itself global despite only made its global debut at the 2022 EICMA show.

In another move, Kove recently expanded its range of motorcycles by introducing the Cobra 321. As the name suggest, the naked roadster features a 321cc parallel-twin engine which Kove claimed makes 40hp and 27.1Nm.

Interestingly, the 321cc mill resembles to that of the Yamaha MT-03 and R3. That said, it is likely that the Kove-build engine was develop with reference to the Japanese powertrain.

Power is then delivered to the rear wheel via a six-speed manual transmission.

Housing the engine is a steel tubular frame linked to a single-sided swingarm, a feature commonly found in bigger and high-performance road bike.

Other notable features include a full-LED lighting, 17-inch front and rear wheels, inverted front forks and a rear monoshock (preload adjustable).

Stopping power comes from a front and rear disc brakes equipped with ABS paired to an radially-mounted Nissin callipers.

HJC Unveils New I71 With ECE22.06 Ratings

Thanks to Europe’s latest ECE22.06 regulations, HJC were motivated to update its current range of helmets.

HJC adds the new i71 to its range of ECE22.06-approved helmets.
The i71 replaces the previous i70 sport-touring helmet.

As a result, HJC replaced the long-running CS-15 with a new C10 while also introducing new models including a new RPHA range and the retro-styled V10.

The latest to join the lines of HJC new range is the i70 full-face helmet.

Replacing the i70, the sport-touring helmet not only meet the latest ECE22.06 certification but also features revised shape, reworked air vent for better air flow and additional air duct a the chin bar to help improves aerodynamics.

Also the newly advanced polycarbonate shell offers better protection as a result from the more rigorous testing including energy attenuation, penetration resistance and chin strap structural integrity.

As a sport touring helmet, the i71 also features a drop-down sun visor. According to HJC, the new sun visor provides a 3-position option for the rider to adjust the sun shield forward thus delivering ideal sun visor protection.

Also, the i71 comes with three shell sizes throughout the six available sizes to help optimise weight and comfort.

Interestingly, despite a major reworked to replaced the i70, the i71 still retains the same affordability thanks to its EUR229.90 (RM1,075) price tag.

Ultraviolette Unveils F99 Factory Racing Platform

Indian electric mobility company, Ultraviolette made headlines when it introduced the futuristic-looing F77 roadster which subsequently blew the brand awareness.

Interestingly, Ultraviolette does not plan to stop there, instead the company made another bold step at this year’s India Auto Expo by unveiling the F99 factory racing platform.

Despite its race-ready bodywork, the F99 borrows much of its design from the road-legal F77. However, while the F77 features the standard 60V system, the F99 boast a 120V powertrain.

Thanks to the bigger and more powerful mill, Ultraviolette claimed that the F99 makes 65hp and able to hit a max speed of 200km/h.

Ultraviolette also fitted the F99 with MotoGP-inspired winglets on the side fairings and rear tail. As a track-only machine, the F99 also replaces the headlamp with a face plate to improve aerodynamics.

Other notable components includes a carbon fiber bodywork and a single-seat configuration.

According to Ultraviolette, the F99 marks the company intentions to enter a race in the coming years.

MotoE: Ducati Begins Production Of V21L Race Bikes

Ducati has officially begin the production of the V21L electric motorcycles that is set to compete at the 2023 MotoE World Championship.

Ducati is the official MotoE supplier for the 2023 season replacing Energica.
The Ducati V21L will be used by competing teams for the MotoE World Championship.

The Italian motorcycle company enters a new chapter in 2023 after they were signed as the new MotoE race bike supplier replacing Energica.

The Ducati V21L were unveiled last year after undergoing rigorous testing by a number of riders including Dcuati’s Michele Pirro, Chaz Davies and Alex De Angelis.

However, the V21L itself marks a big step for the Borgo Panigale outfit as they enter a new world of electrification and at the same time promoting sustainability and clean energy.

“The start of production of the Ducati MotoE is a historic moment for our company, which with this project is thoroughly studying the technologies of the future for the world of motorcycling,” said Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati.

He also lamented how the V21L will also marks the firm’s ambition towards building an electric road bike that delivers similar excitement to the current petrol powered machines.

“It is an important area of experimentation, in which we are investing to build know-how, so that we will be ready when battery technology should allow the creation of an exciting electric road bike with the weight, performance and range that enthusiasts expect from a Ducati.

“We are therefore embarking on this new adventure with the aim of developing the people and skills within the company to shape what the character of a future Ducati electric road bike might be.

“The MotoE project represents a decisive step for Ducati to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions on the product side, alongside research into synthetic fuels (eFuel) that can reduce the total CO2 emissions of internal combustion engines to zero.

“Environmental sustainability is something that all individuals and all companies must consider a priority if the delicate balance of the planet is to be preserved,” he added.

Fans of MotoE will get a closer look at the Ducati V21L race bike at Jerez Test between 6-8 March and Barcelona on 3-5 April.

MotoGP: Monster Energy Yamaha Ready To Take On The 2023 Season

Monster Energy Yamaha has officially unveiled its latest livery ahead of the 2023 MotoGP season.

The official unveiling ceremony was done in Indonesia during Yamaha S3 Dealer Meeting.

Joining the glitzy event were Yamaha MotoGP team boss Lin Jarvis, Yamaha President Yoshihiro Hidaka, Yamaha MotoGP team director Massimo Meregalli and two lead rider, Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli.

While the Yamaha M1 still features Yamaha’s iconic blue, the fairing and nose cone of the 2023 race bike now features a distinctive dazzle-camo paint scheme.

According to Yamaha the 2023 livery is designed by legendary helmet designer, Aldo Drudi.

“I always felt our previous bike was the most beautiful and clean in the racing world, but now you will notice it’s a little bit more aggressive.

“A little bit younger. You can see some camouflage feel and this is not by accident. The [livery] has been designed by one of the top designers in our world, Aldo Drudi in Italy, and the idea is to be aggressive.

“We are going to battle! We are going to war! We are going to challenge!,” said Jarvis.

Also, the same design will be applied to every official Monster Yamaha team as confirmed by Jarvis.

“You will also see later this week a similar [livery] design in Supercross and Motocross. So this is a Monster Yamaha new look and feel,” he added.

Meanwhile, Quartararo will not only begin the new season with a new livery, the Frenchman will also donned the all-new HJC RPHA 1 race helmet.

Honda Developing New Navigation System For The Gold Wing

Honda is working on a new navigation system as confirmed by latest patents.

Honda latest navigation system could provide better convenient to riders.
The navigation system collects data from weather reports and Honda cars.

According to reports, the new system will not only showcased the typical navigation information but also will take into account weather conditions before presenting the safer route to take.

Interestingly, the system will also collect data from other Honda vehicles including cars to gain a more accurate result.

That said, it’ll help to reroute the bike’s navigation and be ahead of oncoming bad weather.

In addition, Honda also plans to connect the bike’s electronics to the new navigation system allowing the bike to adjust its electronic windscreen and heated grip automatically as per the weather change.

Nevertheless, the system is currently in early development stages and it could take a while before Honda puts them in a production motorcycle, in this case the said bike is likely the GL1800 Gold Wing.

Registrations For The 2023 Isle Of Man TT Are Now Open

The Isle of Man TT is set to return in 2023 with registration for the Tourist Trophy are now officially opens.

2023 season to commence with three races instead of two.
2023 season will mark the race 102nd edition since its inception in 1907.

According to the official information, the 2023 season will kick-off from May 29 to June 10, 2023.

That said, the iconic race is set to turn the calm and serene town of Isle of Man into a road racing circuit with bikes blazing through the street at more than 300km/h.

The 2023 season will mark the race 102nd edition having run continuously since 1907 – skipped several times due to World War I and World War II and recently the pandemic.

Nevertheless, similar to last year’s edition, the 2023 season will return in full blast with revised schedule consisting of ten races.

However, unlike the previous edition, 2023 season now has three races instead of two:

June 3 (Saturday) – Monster Energy SuperSport and 3 Sidecar TT Races
June 4 (Sunday) – RST Superbike TT
June 6 (Tuesday) – first RL360 Superstock Race and Supertwin Race
June 7 (Wednesday) – second RL360 Superstock Race and Supertwin race

Yamaha Malaysia Launches New EZ115, Priced at RM5,598!

The new EZ115 is aimed at who value practicality and convenience.
But it also boasts performance, there’s a one-make series in CubPrix being planned.
Priced at RM5,598, other underbone makers should be worried.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor kicked off 2023 with the launch of a new underbone motorcycle, the Euro-4 compliant Yamaha EZ115.

Yamaha says the new EZ115 boasts features that promise better performance and easier utility for any lifestyle need. And it is not difficult to see why Yamaha would be so confident to release such a statement.

At the core of the new Yamaha ‘kapcai’ is a single-cylinder 114cc engine that puts out 8.7PS at 7,000rpm and 9.5Nm of torque at 5,500rpm. This is good enough for anyone’s day to day utility usage.

And it’s quite economical to run too, with a fuel tank that measures in at just 3.9-litres, that will cost just RM7 to fill up.

But the true nature of the Yamaha EZ115 is in the convenience that the bike has to offer. The EZ115 offers a large headlight for clearer nighttime visibility, an ECO light indicator that will allow the rider to keep an eye on his riding style to maximise fuel consumption, and more importantly, there’s decent under-seat storage for any grocery runs.

Yamaha though has full confidence in the performance of the bike and will be organising a one-make race series.

“To demonstrate the exemplary performance and capabilities of the Yamaha EZ115, we will be having a one-make-race with this model in the 2023 Malaysian CubPrix race. We hope to show everyone the potential of this new motorcycle, and what Yamaha’s new model can do,” said Dato Dr Jim Khor, Group Managing Director, Hong Leong Industries Berhad.

The all-new Yamaha EZ115 comes in three colours: Red, Blue and Cyan. The new EZ115 will be available at all authorised outlets beginning today (January 16th, 2023) at a recommended retail price of RM5,598 excluding registration fees and insurance coverage.

Blue