Triumph has penned a new deal with MotoGP commercial rights holder Dorna Sports to test sustainable fuels that could be used in Moto2 for the 2024 season.
Moto2 to move to E40 fuel in 2024.
Triumph to test sustainable fuels in Hinckley.
The plan is to have E40 (40 per cent non-fossil) fuel in Moto2 by 2024 and E100 by 2027.
Triumph will conduct the testing programme at the firm’s Hinckley base. The aim is to ensure sustainable fuel can produce the same performance as standard fossil fuels.
According to Triumph, the project further underlines the company’s focus on ensuring that motorcycles can be enjoyed responsibly for many years to come.
“Ultimately, our aim is always to take all the learnings we gain from racing to make our road bikes even better, which of course, encompasses not just performance but also their impact on the environment.
“I can tell you that everybody here at Triumph is very excited to be involved in such significant developments at such a pivotal moment in motorcycle history,” said Steve Sargent, Triumph’s Chief Product Officer.
Recently, six-time MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez was in Jarama to test renewable fuels with Repsol after MotoGP was required to meet the E40 standard in 2024.
Repsol also completed a test of renewable fuels with Honda’s trial team riders, Toni Bou and Gabriel Marcelli.
The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R gets a minor update for 2023, focusing on refining the Austrian brand’s flagship adventure bike.
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R gets minor update similar to the 2023 Super Adventure S.
The Super Adventure R makes 160hp and 132Nm of torque.
The “R” nomenclature represents the most ‘off-road’ capable variant of the brand’s big-bore adventure bike, designed to overcome the most extreme terrains.
Coming in new for 2023 is a new 6D lean angle sensor from Bosch, a new WP XPLOR suspension which now features a split cartridge technology in the front fork.
Additionally, the 2023 1290 Super Adventure R gets Bridgestone AX41 tires as standard and a new ‘Turn-By-Turn’ navigation system previously introduced on the 2023 Super Adventure S.
However, the most visible update is the new colour scheme, with the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R donning a more standout white paint job.
Mechanically, the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R features the tried and tested LC8 V-Twin engine that makes 160hp and 138Nm.
A self-balancing motorcycle is a technology that several motorcycle manufacturers have been working on in the last few years.
Yamaha developing Advanced Motorcycle Stability Assist System for road-legal machines.
AMSAS is regarded as a more relevant approached compared to Motobot and Motodroid system introduced in 2017.
Brands like Harley-Davidson, BMW, and Honda are all reportedly working on robotic technology.
However, Yamaha is the one brand pushing for innovation, beginning with the project Motobot, announced in 2015 before it was superseded by Motodroid two years later.
However, the Motobot and Motodroid have yet to make significant progress, until now.
In the latest development, Yamaha provides a glimpse into a new self-balancing bike that could soon make its way to production.
The standard-looking Yamaha R3 features an innovative self-balancing system called Advanced Motorcycle Stability Assist System.
Unlike the Motobot and Motodroid, the AMSAS system is bolted directly onto the R3 chassis. It features a six-axis inertial measurement platform that offers self-stabilisation at speeds below 5km/h.
Interestingly, the system works while the rider sits on the saddle but with no hands on the handlebars.
According to Yamaha, 70 per cent of bike crashes occur within two seconds after the initial moment of cause, allowing zero time window for riders to react to avoid a collision. This is where AMSAS will play a significant role in saving the day.
However, it remains to be seen whether the technology will find its way to street bikes soon.
Voge presents the new 525 ACX scrambler-type motorcycle in Europe, a rendition of the brand’s 500 ACX range.
Voge expand its 500cc range with a new scrambler-type motorcycle.
The Voge 525 ACX features similar specification with the 500 AC albeit a more rugged bodywork.
The introduction of the new 525 ACX is set to boost Voge’s presence in Europe alongside the smaller 300 ACX.
Borrows much of its components from the naked 500 AC, the scrambler trim features raised tailpipe, wire-spoke wheels, a shorter front mudguard and a small windshield.
However, while the 500 AC features a 471cc parallel twin-cylinder DOHC engine, the 525 ACX retains a similar configuration but with the displacement increased from 471cc to 494cc.
As a result, the scrambler version gets a power bump to 47.6hp and 44.5Nm. Also, the bike tips the scale at 185kg (dry).
In the meantime, the 525 ACX now features 19-inch wire-spoke wheels replacing the 17-inch wheel on the 500 AC.
Nonetheless, the Voge 525 ACX continue to run on the same chassis, suspended by a tubular steel frame with a 41mm USD fork at the front and an adjustable rear shock absorber.
Braking is done by two-piston Nissin callipers on a dual 300mm front disc and a single-piston Nissin calliper on a single 220mm rear disc.
Pricing and availability are yet to be announced, but it might be reasonable to expect the Voge 525 ACX to be available in early 2023 with a price tag slightly similar to the 500 AC currently on sale in Europe for EUR6,199 (RM29.2k)
The all-new Ducati DesertX has finally landed in Malaysia exactly a year after its global introduction back in December 2021.
The DesertX is Ducati first fully-capable off-road middleweight adventure bike.
Features the tried and tested, Testastretta 937cc 11-degree Desmodromic engine.
Coming in at RM112,900, the Ducati DesertX is the latest contender in a competitive ADV category which includes the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally, Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin and the upcoming MV Agusta Lucky Explorer 9.5.
Catch our review of the 2022 Ducati DesertX in Italy:
According to Ducati, the DesertX is heavily inspired by the rally raiders that competed in the Paris-Dakar Rally during the 80s and 90s.
Dressed in an all-white with red accents, the DesertX appears in a heavy off-road elements combines with a distinctive twin circular LED headlights with DRL (Daytime Running Light).
The Ducati DesertX is built around an all-new steel trellis frame, aimed to improve rigidity especially in rough terrain. It also come equipped with a dedicated long travel suspension settings paired to a 21″ front and 18″ rear wheel.
The suspension system is handled by a full-adjustable Kayaba 46mm upside-down front forks and full-adjustable Kayaba monoshock with preload adjustment.
Other standard features available on the DesertX includes:
Wheelie Control
Engine Brake Control
Ducati Quick Shift
Cruise Control
Ducati Brake Light
USB power Socket
Steering damper
21L tank (with additional 8L tank as optional)
Meanwhile, braking is done by 320mm aluminium flange semi-floating disc paired to a Brembo M50 callipers and assisted by Bosch Cornering ABS.
At the heart sits the 937cc Testastretta 11-degree Desmodromic engine capable of producing 110hp @ 9,250rpm and 92Nm @ 6,500rpm.
However, in respect to the same engine used on the Monster and Hypermotard, Ducati has updated the powerplant with lighter components.
In turn, the new Testastretta on the DesertX is now 1.7kg lighter, contributed by a new sound absorbing covers, new clutch, new clutch cover, revised gearbox and ignition stick coils.
According to Ducati, the engine has also been tweaked to allow for more seamless low-speed changes.
Ducati also optimised the riders seat, to ensure comfort on-road and off-road with an adjustable saddle. The pillion seat can also be remove.
Taller dashboard also allow riders to to see the 5″ TFT dash while standing up.
The DesertX offers six riding modes comprising of Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro and Rally. Riders can also adjust the power modes accordingly.
In addition, Ducati Malaysia also brings a wide range of accessories and DesertX-themed apparel for every Ducatisti.
Americans will soon find a new range of affordable motorcycles from the Italian-Chinese company Moto Morini.
Moto Morini set to bring the X-Cape 650 and Seiemmezzo to the US.
The Moto Morini brand is currently available throughout Europe and Asia.
In the last couple of years, Moto Morini has been making great strides in Europe and Asia with the introduction of the X-Cape 650 adventure bike and the retro-style Seiemmezzo.
Just a few months ago, Moto Morini made its way to India.
However, Moto Morini is ready to set foot in the U.S., as confirmed by new U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
Based on the document, listed the official manufacturer as Zhejiang Morini Vehicle Co. Ltd, operating under the Moto Morini brand.
While it remains to be seen which model will make its way to the Big Apple, it is likely to include X-Cape 650 and the Seiemmezzo range.
Mitt is a Spanish motorcycle company that offers affordable, entry-level machines for young and new riders, mainly in Spain and Portugal.
Mitt to offer the 530TT Adventure motorcycle in Europe by 2023.
The 530TT is the biggest and most powerful motorcycle from the company’s portfolio.
The company can retain its affordable price tag by manufacturing its product in China via Zongshen.
Thanks to its Chinese partnership, Mitt is ready to take it up a notch by introducing the 530TT Adventure motorcycle for the European market.
The 530TT Adventure is the biggest and most powerful model in the brand’s lineup so far, featuring a 476cc parallel-twin engine that makes 47.5hp and 43Nm.
That said, the 530TT Adventure will go head-to-head with the Honda CB500X and Benelli TRK502X. However, it remains to be seen if the 530TT Adventure will feature the typical 180-crank or the modern 270-crank.
Similar to its competitor, the Mitt 530TT Adventure also features a straightforward setup, including a simple ABS, adjustable inverted front forks and adjustable monoshock at the rear.
Completing the adventure looks is a pair of wire-spoked wheels shod with dual-purpose tires.
Other notable features include:
LED lighting
adjustable windshield
full-colour TFT instrument display
crash guard
radiator guard
The Mitt 530TT Adventure will be available in Europe by 2023 and is priced at EUR 7,905 (RM37.1k).
To celebrate Ducati’s most successful year in 2022, the Italian motorcycle company has teamed up with Artioli Editore 1899 of Modenas to introduce the Ducati Corse 2022 Official Yearbook.
Ducati marks its 2022 success with an official Ducati Corse Yearbook.
The official yearbook features more than 250 images printed in full colour.
The 2022 season marked the highest achievement for Ducati at the pinnacle of two-wheel racing, taking home the Riders, Constructors and Team titles at the MotoGP World Championship and SBK World Championship.
The book takes readers through some of the most spectacular events, including an inside look at the Ducati Corse.
The book also features the Ducati Lenovo Team, Aruba.it Racing – Ducati, Francesco Bagnaia, Jack Miller, Alvaro Bautista, Michael Ruben Rinaldi, together with the other satellite teams and riders in MotoGP, World Superbike and the most important national championships including BSB, MotoAmerica, CIV and Endurance.
Beautifully illustrated in 208 pages with a hardcover and dust jacket, the Yearbook is an excellent addition for any two-wheel enthusiast.
With Christmas just around the corner, The Ducati Corse 2022 Official Yearbook will be a great gift for every Ducatisti.
Get your hands on the official Yearbook via www.artioli.it.
Chinese motorcycle giant QJMotor has launched its latest entry-level motorcycle, the SRK400, in Europe.
QJMotor ready to compete the entry-level naked bike segment with the all-new SRK400.
The SRK400 features 400cc parallel-twin engine and is equipped with modern equipment including ABS.
The naked-style motorcycle is set to please new and young European riders thanks to its sporty and aggressive design and nifty equipment.
Mechanically, the SRK400 is equipped with a 400cc parallel twin-cylinder with a liquid-cooled and fuel-injected engine that makes 41.5hp @ 9,000rpm and 37Nm @ 7,000rpm.
The power figure puts the SRK400, on average, in the entry-level segment, making it a good option for new riders seeking that extra kick.
In addition, the SRK400 also features dual-channel ABS for added safety.
However, similar to other QJMotor ranges of bikes, the SRK400 tips the scale at 176kg, making it the heaviest among its rival.
That said, the bike might not offer the best handling and acceleration due to its longer and taller dimension.
Nonetheless, the standout part of the SRK400 is the price tag, coming in at just EUR5,790 (RM27.1k).
The Honda CB range has existed for over 50 years and has undergone various changes, including configurations and displacements.
Limited to just 720 units.
The CB1300 Super Bol d’Or and CB1300 Super Four celebrates the uniqueness of Honda’s CB range.
While the CBR is Honda’s crème de la crème, the CB on the other hand represents Honda’s legacy.
That said, Honda has released a special edition of the CB1300 Super Bol d’Or SP and CB1300 Super Four motorcycles for the Japanese market commemorating the CB1300’s 30th anniversary.
Limited to just 720 units, the two models come in a unique trim to pay homage to the original 1992 Project Big-1.
The 30th Anniversary Editions is distinguishable (from the base model) with a gold accent on the bodywork and a special anniversary badge planted on the fuel tank.
Also, the bike is fitted with a special gold-painted rim, Ohlins suspension, and dual radially mounted Brembo 4-piston callipers at the front.
Other notable features include full LED lights, heated grips, a UBS charger, a liquid-cooling system and electronic fuel injection.
As mentioned, the Honda CB1300 Super Four and CB1300 Super Bold d’Or 30th Anniversary Edition are only available in Japan with a limited run of 720 units.
Harley-Davidson first announced its partnership with China-based Qianjiang Group back in 2019 as part of a plan to expand its range to smaller-capacity motorcycles.
Harley-Davidson to roll out the Chinese-made X350 and X500 in Asia soon.
The smaller capacity Harley-Davidson will be built by Zhejiang Jisheng Motor Vehicle Co. Ltd.
Back then, the small Harley was referred to as the 338R, further confirmed by a leaked photo that revealed the side profile of the motorcycle.
However, the latest type-approval filed in China has revealed that not just one but two bikes have been approved for sale in the country with the name X350 and X500.
Accompanying the type-approval document is two photos that showcase the X350 and X500.
Firstly the X350 looks identical to the early sketches Harley showed back in 2019, mainly the flat-track-inspired bodywork.
According to reports, the upcoming X350 shared most of its components from QJMotor’s SRK350 and Benelli’s 302S, including the same 353cc parallel-twin engine.
That said, the document revealed that the X350 makes a good 36hp but tips the scale at 195kg, making it a pretty heavy bike.
In addition, the X350 is also fitted with the same rubber as the 302S, 120/70-17 at the front and 160/60-17 at the rear.
Meanwhile, the X500 features the same frame and engine as Benelli’s Leoncino 500. The X500 makes 47hp and weighs in at 206kg.
Despite being fitted with the same front and rear wheels as the X350, the larger bike features radial-mount callipers and a bigger brake disc similar to the Leoncino 500.
For your information, both of these bikes will be made by Zhejiang Jisheng Motor Vehicle Co. Ltd, a joint venture company set up by Harley-Davidson and Qianjiang in China.
