Dutch students unveil groundbreaking electric-powered Storm Pulse experimental touring bike.
Dutch students unveil groundbreaking electric-powered Storm Pulse experimental touring bike.
Image by ZEMScienceI write this just as I am drying off after being caught in the typical Malaysian thunderstorm. Soaked, I am still grateful for the rain as it offers a much deserved respite from the haze. There are no hard facts to support this, but it is probably okay to say every motorcyclist has had to ride in the rain at least once before. There is no getting away from it. (more…)
Zainal Baharudin and his wife Celeste have already travelled half-way across the planet on their bike, and they are not showing any signs of slowing down. (more…)
Suzuki could preview next generation GSX-R model with newly-teased Suzuki GSX concept bound for this year’s Tokyo Motor Show.
Can-Am has announced that it will be adding two new models to its product range, called the Can-Am Spyder F3-T and Spyder F3 Limited. According to the company, both new models will feature built-in panniers and a four-speaker audio system as standard feature, as well as Can-Am’s UFit system, which enables riders to modify the position of the footpegs and handlebars for the ideal fit. 
Besides the features mentioned above, it is said that the F3 Limited will come with additional goodies such as heated grips, rider foot-boards, chrome wheels and trim and a suede comfort pillion seat. Powered by the same 1330cc three-cylinder Rotax engine used in the Spyder models we have at the moment, the models will be kicking out a maximum output of 115bhp and 130Nm of peak torque.
If you thought that BMW’s S1000XR is as wild as an adventure-tourer can get, let us assure you that something crazier is on its way. Meet the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, a tourer that is based on the manic 180hp 1290 Super Duke R. Expected to be unveiled officially at the upcoming EICMA International Motorcycle Exhibition in Milan in, Italy in October, the bike is still wearing the camouflage present in the earlier sightings. 
From what we can see, it features an orange frame, a black sub-frame, a black exhaust heat shield, and comes with a lower and longer rear subframe than the R. As much as the engine is concerned, we can expect the GT to share the same 1301cc LC8 twin that’s in the Super Duke R, only with different engine mapping to make it more suitable for long distance riding, as well as to help it meet Euro 4 regulations. Other gizmos that are most likely to be offered on the bike include heated grips, semi active suspension with four modes, cruise control and self-cancelling indicators. We believe it’ll have a quick-shifter as standard and Sport, Street and Rain riding modes. 
Sources have also reported that it’s highly likely to have KTM and Bosch’s MSC (Motorcycle Stability Control) cornering ABS system, which will feature four settings – Street, Sport, Rain and Supermoto. It’s also said to have a hill start feature called Hill Hold Control (HHC) and a system called Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) which improves engine braking when climbing. Now, how is that for an adventure-tourer? Excited yet?
Yamaha YZF-R1S: Long-rumoured third variant of the all-new Yamaha R1 revealed in the US and positioned as budget edition. (UPDATE: Made for US market only).
Long-awaiting small-capacity BMW bikes slated for unveiling very soon.
Victory Motorcycles announced that it has chosen Akrapovic as the aftermarket exhaust supplier for its cruiser range, which includes the Gunner, Judge, Hammer S, Hammer 8-Ball, Vegas 8-Ball and the High-Ball. The Akrapovic exhausts, which come with a two-year warranty, will only be available in two colour choices – either matte black or chrome.
Uroš Rosa, the CEO of Akrapovic said, “This is a very a significant event for all of us here at Akrapovic, and we are extremely proud to be the performance exhaust of choice for Victory Motorcycles’ cruiser category.” “We have a history of creating innovative exhaust solutions using the latest technology, and it is this philosophy that we see in this collaboration. Victory Motorcycles has breathed new life into the American V-Twin cruiser market with its pioneering range of bikes, and we are delighted to align our own unique exhaust knowledge with them.”
“Akrapovic will give part of its world and a whole new character to each and every bike fitted with one of its exhaust systems, and, through the performance, quality, design, technology, and unmistakable sound that we deliver with each exhaust system, all Akrapovic-equipped Victory Motorcycles cruisers will be bikes that stand out from the rest,” he said. Victory Motorcycles’ head of parts, apparel and accessories, Andreas Geisinger, on the other hand, said that he is very excited to work with Akrapovič on this exclusive exhaust line for our Victory Motorcycles line up. “Akrapovič, with their well-known class-leading quality and performance levels, goes perfectly with Victory Motorcycles’ push to produce machines with ‘Modern American Performance’. These handmade exhausts are like works of art.” That said, we know that you can’t wait to hear how the Akras sound on the Victory cruisers, so jump to the video below and feast your ears.
Honda has released a few images and some details about their motorcycle concepts that are all set to premiere at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. While we expected only one concept to come from Honda, the company has revealed three – a super sports, a moped, and a three-wheeler. Dubbed to be the next CBR250RR, the Light Weight Super Sports concept (pictured above), which features a low crouching position and a long nose, has made it clear that it will be performance oriented. Although there has not been any information on the technical specifications, the Akrapovic exhaust has given it away.
And then, there is the EV-Cub concept, which is basically an electric Kapcai. Billed as a personal commuter developed specifically for short distances, Honda says that it was created to ease the process of mounting and dismounting, which explains why Honda’s engineers have decided to put the battery in the lower central area. According to the company, the battery is detachable and can be recharged using a domestic wall socket.
Last but not least, we have the Neowing concept, which appears to be somewhat a rugged three-wheeler. From what we have heard from Honda so far, this model uses a hybrid system comprising a four-cylinder horizontally-opposed engine and an electric motor which provides what Honda claims to be “plentiful torque for powerful acceleration.” Honda has officially announced that the three concepts will share the spotlight at the Tokyo Motor Show which will go on from October 30 until November 8.
