Archive Archives

FIRST LOOK: 2023 KTM 790 Duke

Following a short hiatus, KTM has decided to reintroduced the original 790 Duke for 2023.

KTM 790 Duke makes a comeback for 2023.
Powering the 790 Duke is the same LC8c mill that makes 105hp and 82.3Nm.

KTM previously replaced the 790 Duke with a bigger 890 Duke in 2021 to meet the tighter emission standard while also increasing the peak power.

However, in an interesting development, the returning Original Scalpel will also eplaced the base 890 Duke while the up-spec 890 Duke R remains in the lineup for 2023.

Also, the 790 Duke revival comes with the help of KTM’s partnership with CFMOTO who’s now in charge of the 799cc LC8c engine.

That said, the parallel-twin mill continue to make 105hp @ 9,000rpm and 82.37Nm @ 8,000rpm.

Nonetheless, it’s important to take note that the reborn 790 Duke comes with a number of exciting updates for 2023.

In addition, the 790 Duke now features new Track mode joining the existing Sport, Street and Rain mode. There’s also nine levels of lean sensitive traction control, anti-wheelie, launch control and three throttle response settings.

Also new on the 2023 790 Duke includes Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) and Supermoto mode.

Suspending the 2023 790 Duke is the same non-adjustable 43mm WP Apex front fork and a preload-adjustable Apex shock.

An Entry-Level Ducati Not Happening Anytime Soon

In the last five years, we have seen a significant shift from a premium motorcycle company to not only offering top-of-the-range bikes but also a more affordable model for the masses.

Ducati to continue positioning itself as the number one premium motorcycle brand.
No plans to introduced an “affordable” Ducati.

BMW – in partnership with TVS Motor Company – introduced the G 310 R and G 310 GS to make motorcycle ownership more affordable.

Triumph is set to follow suit with an upcoming scrambler-type motorcycle built in partnership with India’s Bajaj Auto, while MV Agusta is currently developing an adventure bike called the Lucky Explorer 5.5 that borrows the same parallel-twin engine from Benelli’s TRK502.

All of these are part of an initiative to expand each brand’s presence towards a bigger market.

However, Ducati has no interest in following in the same footstep, according to the firm’s Head of Design, Andrea Ferraresi, during a recent interview with MCN.

“Actually, no, because we want to move the brand up more. We are already a premium brand, and we are already on the top of the premium segment.

“We want to stay there and raise a bit.

“To do this, one of the most important things is to keep the entry price into the range at a certain level. We want to keep this price not lower than the Monster.”

“What to do with the young riders? We have the Scramblers, which have a more affordable price.

“But there is no entry Ferrari or entry Porsche, so you start with other brands and keep in mind Ducati and then as soon as you can, you buy a Ducati,” he said.

That said, don’t expect an entry-level Ducati anytime soon.

(source: MCN)

Royal Enfield Takes Over UK Distribution

Royal Enfield will be taking over its UK distribution beginning 2023.

Royal Enfield UK takes over UK distribution from MotoGB.
The move is part of Royal Enfield’s initiative to increase the brad presence in the country.

The move is part of Royal Enfield’s plan to boost its presence in the UK after previously used third-party distributors, MotoGB to run its operation in the country including sales and marketing.

However, Royal Enfield UK will handle its UK distribution totally in-house on 1 May 2023, subsequently ending the 9-year relationship with MotoGB.

“The Royal Enfield senior leadership team extends sincere thanks and appreciation to MotoGB for their association with the brand over the last 9 years,” said Royal Enfield in a statement.

Meanwhile, Arun Gopal, Royal Enfield’s Head of International Business is adamant that the business will continue to grow despite ending long partnership with MotoGB.

“The United Kingdom is a key home market for Royal Enfield, having a long legacy of cooperation with India and a rich history.

“From the foundation of the brand in 1901 to the first UK import sale of India produced motorcycles in 1977 and the sales growth in recent years with the assistance of MotoGB, Royal Enfield has seen good sales momentum and acceptance in the UK market.

“We will continue to make investment in the UK localising our operations and giving our stakeholders the best possible brand experience,” he said.

WorldSBK: Danilo Petrucci Returns To Barni Racing Team Ducati

Danilo Petrucci is set to pilot the Ducati Panigale V4 R after inking a deal with Barni Racing Team for the 2023 WorldSBK season.

Petrucci to compete at the 2023 WorldSBK with Barni Racing Team.
The former MotoGP rider to ride the Ducati Panigale V4 R.

What started as a rumour is now confirmed that the Italian will race at the 2023 WorldSBK with Barni Racing.

Previously, Petrucci was linked with a move to the Ducati factory team at the WorldSBK before the factory team decided to renew Michael Ruben Rinaldi’s contract for the new season.

However, it turns out the ex-MotoGP rider will shift to WorldSBK with the Barni Racing Team riding the same Panigale V4 R as the factory team.

Interestingly, Petrucci s all too familiar with Barni, having raced with the team in 2011, finishing second place in the Superstock 1000 class before his big jump to MotoGP the following year.

“I’m really pleased to be back with Barni. 2011 was one of my best ever seasons, but, more importantly, I couldn’t say no to the chance to race in World Superbike with such a competitive bike,” said the 32-year-old.

Seeing the former Ducati and KTM MotoGP rider back on the grid at the WorldSBK is undoubtedly the news that the fans are hoping for. After all, we need someone experienced to take the fight to Alvaro Bautista, Toprak Razgatlioglu and Jonathan Rea next season.

SPY SHOT: Moto Morini X-Cape 1200

The Moto Morini brand is growing thanks to the introduction of the middleweight adventure motorcycle, the X-Cape 650, back in 2021.

Moto Morini is to introduce the X-Cape 1200 soon.
The big V-Twin adventure motorcycle is powered by the firm’s V87 twin-cylinder Bialbero Corsacorta engine.

The X-Cape 650 is currently doing well thanks to its affordability, as all bikes are now manufactured in China after the acquisition of Zhongneng in 2018.

Back in September, Moto Morini was reportedly working on a bigger adventure-type motorcycle, later confirmed by a CAD sketch that revealed a 1200cc V-Twin engine.

However, fast forward to November, and the X-Cape 1200 has appeared in a complete form, as revealed on social media.

The motorcycle is reportedly powered by the firm’s V87 twin-cylinder Bialbero Corsacorta engine, which is found in the 2005 Corsaro and 2020 Scrambler 1200.

While further details remain scarce at the moment, Moto Morini is likely to make an announcement soon as the bike is already in a finished form.

Nonetheless, from the spy photos, we can see that the X-Cape 1200 is equipped with premium features, including Brembo callipers, upside-down forks, twin discs, tubeless spoke wheels and an aluminium sump guard.

Interestingly, the side profile, including the front headlamp design, looks similar to the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin.

Could the X-Cape 1200 make its way to 2023? We’ll find out soon enough.

Arai Unveils New Isle Of Man TT Special Edition RX-7V EVO Helmet

The recently concluded Motorcycle Live event witness a host of motorcycle manufacturers unveiling their new and upcoming motorcycle.

Arai celebrates the Isle of Man TT with a special edition RX-7V EVO helmet.
The IOMTT special helmet has been a hit since its introduction in 2007.

However, helmet maker like Arai also took the opportunity to revealed its latest product, the Isle of Man TT Special Edition RX-7V Evo helmet.

Arai teamed up with Dudi Performance to design the new limited edition RX-7V Evo to celebrate the 2023 Isle of Man TT event.

If you’re a fan of Arai then you would know that since it first edition in 2007, every special edition TT helmets is a must have for riders around the world.

Using the RX-7V as base, the Isle of Man TT special meets the latest ECE22.06 safety standard and offering the best sports and track riding features.

In terms of colours, the TT special RX-7V EVO comes in black, red and white colour combination along with some fluorescent yellow. Also features on the helmet is the Ellan Vannin text and TT logo.

“We so look forward to the TT! It was great to get back to the Isle of Man again finally this year and it’s an event that means so much, to us at Arai.

“We are very glad to reveal the 2023 IoM TT Limited Edition RX-7V Evo at Motorcycle Live, a highlight of our year. Drudi Performance has produced another beautiful design on our top of the range RX-7V Evo which combines the signature TT elements with fresh, flowing lines,” said Ingmar Stroeven, Arai Helmet (Europe) B.V Managing DIrector.

According to Arai, the 2023 IOM TT RX-7V EVO is expected to arrive in Q2 of 2023.

Scorpion Covert FX Retro-Inspired Helmet Breaks Cover

Speaking of helmets, brands like AGV, Shoei and Arai have cemented their status in the motorcycling industry, including protecting some of the world’s greatest motorcycle racers.

Scorpion introduces new Covert FX retro-style helmets.
The Covert FX meets the latest ECE22.06 homologation standards.

However, in recent times, Scorpion has also proven to be part of the elite, especially with the successful partnership with 2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo and 2022 WorldSBK Champion Alvaro Bautista.

Of course, a helmet brand doesn’t play a big part in a racer’s success on the track, but it indeed jumps on the bandwagon surrounding the racer’s achievement, thus making it widely known.

Thanks to the brand’s success in recent times, Scorpion has been able to release a new range of helmets called the Covert FX.

The Scorpion Covert FX is a retro-inspired helmet with similar vibes to Simpson and Biltwell.

Despite the retro-touch, the Covert FX meets the latest ECE22.06 safety standard thanks to its TCT fibre construct shell that offers excellent impact dissipation.

The Covert FX is also fitted with a Kwickwick3 inner lining with soft and hypoallergenic coating. Other standard features include a drop-down sun visor and adequate front, top and rear ventilation.

The Scorpion Covert FX will be available starting December 2022 for EUR249.90 (RM1.2k).

MODENAS Ninja 250 Gets The Ohlins Treatment – Only 180 Units, RM20,500

Coming in new for the Malaysian market is the new MODENAS Ninja 250 Ohlins edition.

The Ninja 250 (non-ABS) Ohlins Edition is limited to just 180 units.
Features the same 249cc parallel-twin DOHC, 4-valve engine.

Priced at RM20,500, the Ninja 250 Ohlins Edition features fully-adjustable Ohlins KA 744 STX 36 Supersport monoshock.

That said, the STX 36 monoshock is adjustable for compression and rebound. In addition, the Ohlins monoshock is fully covered by MODENAS.

Limited to just 180 units, the Ohlins monoshock is fitted to the non-ABS Ninja 250 only.

According to MODENAS, the Ohlins KA 744, STX 36 Supersport monoshock offers better stability and handling especially during cornering.

Nevertheless, other specification remains unchanged with the Ninja 250 Ohlins Edition continue to be powered by a 249cc, twin-cylinder, eight-valve, DOHC engine that makes 36hp at 12,500rpm and 23Nm of maximum torque upon hitting 10,000rpm.

Power is transferred down to its rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox enhanced with Kawasaki’s assist and slipper clutch for ease of riding.

Other highlighted aspects include:

164kg (wet weight)
14-litre fuel tank
Front 310mm single semi-floating disc brake with 2-piston caliper
Rear 220mm single disc brake with 2-piston caliper
41mm telescopic front forks

SHOEI Release Limited Edition Opticson Heads-Up Display Helmet

In April, we first saw SHOEI’s Opticson heads-up display helmet prototype at the Osaka Motorcycle Show 2022.

SHOEI Opticson is to be available in limited numbers in Japan.
The Opticson is SHOEI’s first futuristic helmet that features a heads-up display.

At a glance, the SHOEI Opticson looks like a regular helmet, but there is a vertically-adjustable display piece that sits in front of the rider’s right eye.

SHOEI also fitted a projection unit hidden neatly inside the chin bar, which can be connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth. The projection unit will display information such as navigation instructions on the display pane for the rider to look at while riding.

While the feature seems exciting, at the time, the Opticson is still just a prototype.

That is, until now, as SHOEI is offering a limited run of the Opticson exclusively in Japan. The helmet will only be available in three Shoei Gallery around Japan and is priced at JPY137,500.

Unfortunately, SHOEI has no plans to release the Opticson in a market outside of Japan.

Rieju Aventura 500 Legend Breaks Cover – 30L Fuel Tank, 47hp

The middleweight adventure motorcycle segment is growing especially those in the 500cc range.

The Rieju Aventura 500 is equipped with a massive 30L fuel tank.
Features Honda’s trusted 471cc parallel-twin engine manufactured by Loncin.

Latest to join the rank is Spanish brand Rieju with the Aventura 500 Legend that was recently showcased at the EICMA show in Milan.

The company was founded in 1934 and begin producing bicycles for before entering the motorcycle market in 1953.

More than 20 years later, Rieju established itself as a notable presence in the enduro racing scene.

However, the Aventura 500 is the company first attempt at moving away from its enduro and supermoto heritage.

That said, the Rieju Aventura 500 features the biggest engine in the company portfolio.

A closer look at the 471cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine and you’ll notice that it shares similarities with the same engine found in the Honda CB500X.

That’s because the engine is under license by Honda and is manufactured by Loncin for Rieju.

As a result, the Rieju Aventura 500 makes the same 47hp and 43Nm.

However, unlike the CB500X, the Aventure 500 is fitted with spoked 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, making it more off-road adept than the former.

Nevertheless, the most jaw-dropping features on the ADV is the 30L fuel tank that’s fitted above the engine and another within the rear subframe.

In other words, the Aventura 500 potentially has a range of more than 950 kilometres.

Currently, further details remain undisclosed but we’ll keep an eye on any update regarding this exciting middleweight ADV.

Honda Trademarks Motocompacto Logo Design

Honda first revealed the Motocompacto nameplate in 2020 when the Japanese firm filed a trademark application with the US Patent and Trademark Office.

The iconic Motocompo to make a comeback with an all-new name and look.
Two separate trademark application indicates the Motocompacto to be available outside of Japan.

Although the moniker has more letters than the original Motocompo, it’s clearly a nod to the iconic pocket-size machine.

However, that was the last time the Motocompacto name came up.

That is, until now, as Honda recently filed a new trademark application, this time with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.

The application encloses two different spellings of the same word; Motocompacto and Moto Compacto.

Interestingly, the application referred to the two nameplates as “Goods: Land vehicles, namely, self-balancing electric scooters; electrically-powered motor scooters.”

Also in the application is the logo design for the scooter, which showcased a compact, blocky and almost briefcase-like scooter.

While all other information regarding the scooter remains scarce at the moment, we know now that Honda intends to bring the miniature motorcycle back to the modern world.

That said, the Motocompacto or Moto Compacto is likely to be a small electric scooter intended for city riding that offers a short range with swappable battery capabilities.

BSA Scrambler Concept Revealed At Motorcycle Live

BSA has revealed a beautifully-built scrambler-style concept motorcycle at the Motorcycle Live Show 2022.

BSA showcased the Scrambler concept bike alongside the BSA Gold Star at Birmingham.
The Scrambler is equipped with a 652cc single engine.

The BSA Scrambler features long-travel suspension, off-road-ready tires, and a stealthy paint job with a #28 side plate.

At the heart of the concept sits an all-new 652cc single-cylinder engine. Unfortunately, BSA did not disclose the engine’s detailed information at the time.

From the photos, we can see the bike is also fitted with wide handlebars, a tall front fender, a retro-style fuel tank and wired-spoke wheels at the front and rear.

There is also a single-disc brake setup with a dual-exit exhaust system and dual-shock absorbers.

According to reports, there are no official words regarding the BSA Scrambler’s availability despite the bike already looking ready for production.

Bikesrepublic

Archive