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Harley-Davidson finally unveiled its much anticipated 2016 model year lineup last week, which will see the addition of a few new models, namely the Dark Custom Iron 883, Dark Custom Forty-Eight, the Softail Slim S, Fat Boy S, and of course, the return of the Road Glide Ultra.

Powered by the 883cc Evolution V-twin, the Iron 883 is intentionally raw and comes with clipped fenders, blacked-out powertrain and exhaust, drag-style handlebars and a solo tuck-and-roll seat cover. Other styling elements include a ribbed air cleaner cover and bullet-hole details on the belt guard, exhaust shields and front fender brace. Handling is improved by new cast aluminum black wheels with machined highlights that reduce unsprung weight by about 5kg. Ride quality gets a boost with a new cartridge-style fork and new emulsion rear shocks with progressive-rate springs and a threaded pre-load adjustment collar.

As for the 2016 Forty Eight, it rolls on a fat 130mm front tire suspended by a new 49mm cartridge fork and accented by a chopped fender. The classic 2.1-gallon peanut fuel features horizontal stripes, a throw-back to 1970s style that’s repeated in the seat stitching, slotted exhaust shields, rear sprocket and belt guard. New lightweight cast-aluminum wheels feature nine split spokes and a solid black finish with machined highlights. A side-mount license plate and combination stop/tail/turn signals keep the rear fender uncluttered.

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And then we have the S Series limited-edition cruisers—the Fat Boy S and Softail Slim S, which are powered by the Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110 engine. Restyled with minimal bright work, the new S Series models offer tough curb appeal, as well as electronic cruise control, ABS and the H-D Factory Security System as standard equipment. The Softail Slim S has a classic, lean bobber style, and its Twin Cam 110 features the Screamin’ Eagle Stage 1 high-flow intake with optimized jet-black over/under dual shotgun mufflers.

On the Fat Boy S, the Twin Cam 110 engine has the Screamin’ Eagle Ventilator intake and optimized jet-black over/under dual shotgun mufflers. It rolls on bullet-hole aluminum disc wheels and features a massive headlamp and nacelle, half-moon rider footboards and a classic five-gallon Fat Bob fuel tank. Slammed suspension and a low-slung seat put the rider just 24.25 inches off the pavement.

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Following a two-year absence from the Harley-Davidson Touring line, the Road Glide Ultra has been updated with enhanced style, comfort and performance, all part of the multi-year, customer-led Project Rushmore product development effort. It features improved aerodynamics, optimized touring ergonomics and the power of the Twin-Cooled High Output Twin Cam 103 V-twin.

The 2016 Road Glide Ultra features all of the Project Rushmore enhancements, including a stout 49mm fork, Reflex Linked Brakes with ABS, sleeker fenders, lighter Enforcer cast aluminum wheels, improved instrument graphics and hand controls. Standard equipment includes cruise control and the BOOM! Box 6.5GT infotainment system with color touch screen, GPS and Bluetooth capability.

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The Twin-Cooled High Output Twin Cam 103 engine combines air cooling and precision liquid cooling to maintain peak performance under the most demanding loads and riding conditions, with 10.7 percent more peak torque than the standard Twin Cam 103 engine.

Passenger accommodations are more generous and restyled luggage includes sleeker hard saddlebags and a new Tour-Pak shape that offers 4 percent more capacity than the previous design.

Rumours have surfaced alleging that Ducati are developing an all-new four-cylinder-powered superbike.

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Khairul Idham Pawi gets an early birthday present when Honda Team Asia announced the Malaysian will make his debut in the Moto3 World Championship as a wildcard at Motorland Aragon this 27th September. (more…)

Renowned Italian suspension maker Marzocchi will cease its operations by year-end as parent company pulls the plug.

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New documentary film ‘Hitting The Apex’ starts six MotoGP all-stars narrated by Brad Pitt.

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Zaqhwan Zaidi third from left, Khairul Idham Pawi third from right and Zulhelmi Ahmad second from right Reigning Asian SuperSports 600cc and CP130 Champion, Zaqhwan Zaidi and Asia Dream Cup titleholder, Khairul Idham Pawi has officially inked a new contract with Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd. This agreement will see both riders continue to pursue their racing careers domestically and internationally with the Japanese marque until 2019. (more…)

New second generation Confederate P51 Combat Fighter is more exotic than the last.

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National Malaysian oil firm Petronas launches new Euro 4M-spec Primax 97 RON 97 fuels nationwide.

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COVER CUSTOM

If you are a custom bike aficionado with an Instagram account, here are three top builders you need to have in your daily feed.

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Multi-national oil firm Shell renews title sponsorship for Malaysia MotoGP.

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Zaqhwan Zaidi during the CP130 race in KangarReigning CP130 Champion, Zaqhwan Zaidi said he is relieved to step on the podium in Round 6 of the PETRONAS AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship in Kangar, Perlis last weekend, even though Yamaha’s Ahmad Fazrul Sham and Ahmad Afif Amran outpaced him. (more…)

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Rumour has it that Suzuki and Kawasaki are developing parallel twin 250cc tourers to provide new entry-level additions to their dual-sport ranges.

According to sources in Japan and India, Suzuki is developing the G-Strom 250 (basically a mini V-Strom 650), meanwhile Kawasaki is working on a Versys 250.

The G-Strom 250, which is expected to be based on the Suzuki Inazuma 250, will apparently be providing an adventure-styled bike, with power coming from a 250cc parallel twin engine.

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The Kawasaki Versys 250 on the other hand, is expected to share the frame and the engine of the Ninja 250 and the Z250 sold here.

Although there has not been any official announcement or any solid evidence regarding these two bikes, the idea of smaller-engined, cheaper bikes with the stance and look of ‘big’ adventure-style machines does sound possible as the 250cc bike market has seen rapid growth lately.

With models like the KTM Duke 390, RC 390, Kawasaki Ninja 250, and Z250 selling like hot cakes here, there is no reason for manufacturers to not take full advantage of the high demands of the sub RM35,000 segment.

While the Versys 250 and the G-Strom 250 remain as rumours, let us stay tuned for further updates from the manufacturers.

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