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MV Agusta CEO Talks KTM Partnership

MV Agusta is back on the rise since being purchased by Russian entrepreneur, Timur Sardarov in 2019.

KTM AG signs a multi-year deal with MV Agusta to distribute the Schiranna motorcycles in North America.
KTM purchased 25.1% stake in MV Agusta.
KTM to distribute MV Agusta motorcycle and vice versa.

Despite immediately facing serious struggles including the global pandemic, supply and resource shortages and the recent Ukraine-Russia conflict, MV Agusta has been making great strides.

However, the focus now is not just surviving but also ensuring that the MV Agusta brand continue to thrive in the motorcycle market.

In order to do so, the Italian moniker recently agreed to a strategic partnership with Pierer Mobility Group’s KTM.

In a recent interview with Motorcycle.com, Sardarov explained the reason behind the big move.

“And so that’s why for me to partner up with a big business, with a big industrial partner like KTM–it makes my life easier.

“I want to focus on developing the business, on making the company better and more efficient–but it’s very hard to do this when you’re constantly thinking about whether we should ship our wheels from China by plane or by boat!,” he said.

MV Agusta and KTM announced a new distribution deal back in September before it was confirmed a month later that KTM AG has owned a 25.1 per cent stake in MV Agusta.

Interestingly, two KTM senior management team members also joined MV Agusta’s board of directors as a result from the partnership.

“We’re going to develop a network together, so it’s going to be either multi-brand dealers, or standalone dealers, depending on the country, but it’s definitely going to mean better dealers overall.

“I hope some of our existing dealers will stay with us, because many of them have invested heavily in MV, and I’m really grateful to them for doing so, and I will make sure that they are still part of our family.

“But some other dealers simply haven’t performed, so we’ll be letting them go,” added Sardarov.

Although some might suggest that KTM AG could acquire the Italian brand altogether, Sardarov is adamant that this is not the case.

(Source: Motorcycle.com)

Honda Vario 160 Officially Available In Malaysia – From RM9,998

If you’re in the market for a new scooter then you’re in luck as Honda Motorcycles Malaysia (Boon Siew Honda) has officially launched the all-new Vario 160.

The Honda Vario 160 features bigger and more powerful engine than the previous generation.
The 160cc scooter now fitted with ABS as standard.

First introduced in Indonesia earlier this year, the Honda Vario 160 make its way to Malaysia in three exciting colours; Vivacity Red, Pearl Nightfaall Blue, Sword Silver Metallic – available for RM9,998.

However, the fourth colour scheme; Mat Charcoal Grey Metallic is priced at RM10,298 and will be available from February 2023.

Coming in new for 2022 is a bigger 157cc 4-valve, liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that now makes 15.3hp @ 8,500rpm and 13.8Nm @ 7,000rpm replacing the previous 150cc engine.

The Vario 160 also shod with a chunkier tires with 100/80-14 at the front and 120/70-14 at the rear.

In addition, the Vario 160 gets single-channel ABS as standard replacing the CBS system on the previous model and hydraulic disc brake at the front and rear.

Other notable features include:

Smart Key system
UBS-A charging port
18L storage
5.5L fuel tank

GPX Demon GR200R Now Available In Japan

Entry-level sportbike from Thailand, the GPX Demon GR200R has make its way to Japan signalling the brand plans to expand its exposure to a wider market.

GPX has expanded its reach to the Japanese market with the introduction of the 2023 Demon GR200R.
The 200cc sportsbike is equipped with modern features including an adjustable rear monoshock by YSS.

GPX is a Thailand-based motorcycle manufacturer that is popular not just locally but also throughout South East Asia including Malaysia.

Although most of its components, including engines are sources from China, the assembly process is taken place in its Thailand facility.

Currently, GPX offers a wide range of models including maxi-scooters, retro-style cafe racers and streetbikes.

However, the Demon GR200R is the sportiest model available from GPX’s portfolio. Available at JPY539,000, the Demon GR200R is a basic yet capable entry-level sportbike that features front and rear disc, inverted front fork and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock from YSS.

The 2023 model year gets a new full-colour digital LCD display and revised graphics.

Powering the GR200R is a 198cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 4-valve engine that makes 19hp and 17.6Nm of torque.

The GPX Demon GR200R is suspended by a steel trellis frame that uses the engine as a stressed member. Therefore, the centre of gravity remains low and ensure a better handling on the road.

Thanks to the seven-step rear suspension adjustment by YSS, riders can fine-tune the bike’s suspension to their liking.

According to reports, GPX is already accepting pre-orders for the GR200R with deliveries expected to commence early 2023.

KTM 690 SMC And Enduro R Gets New Visuals For 2023

KTM’s 693cc thumper is still strong despite being in the market for years.

KTM 690 SMC R and Enduro R get fresh visuals for 2023.
A 693cc single-cylinder engine powers both KTM 690 SMC R and Enduro R.

For 2023, the KTM 690 SMC R supermoto and Enduro R dual sport returns with new fresh visuals.

Continuing the LC4 tradition, the 690 SMC R sports blue and orange, while the Enduro R gets orange graphics inspired by KTM’s race bikes.

At the heart of the 690s sits the most powerful single-cylinder engine available, capable of producing 74hp. Thanks to KTM’s continuous development of the LC4 engine, the platform has proven to stand the test of time.

Both machines benefit from Cornering ABS, traction control and two ride modes.

Additionally, the optional Off-Road ABS reduces ABS intervention on the front wheel and completely disables ABS on the rear, allowing riders to lock up their rear when they need to slide into a tight turn.

As usual, there is a host of dedicated KTM PowerParts designed specifically to boost both bike’s performance and mobility.

The 2023 KTM RC 8C Sold Out In Just Two Minutes

KTM introduced the track-only RC 8C back in 2021 with all 100 units were quickly snapped up by customers in less than five minutes.

The RC 8C gets reworked engine which now produces 135hp.
Features carbon fiber, GRP and Kevlar bodywork similar to KTM’s RC16 MotoGP racebike.

However, the hype around the specially-built race bike was over the roof and triggered the Austrian manufacturer to come out with a second version for 2023.

Limited to just 200 units, the 2023 model were sold out in a blink with every unit were sold out in just two minutes despite having 100 units more than the first released.

In addition, KTM also bags nearly GBP8 million in the process.

At a glance, there isn’t much to set the 2023 RC 8C apart with the 2021 edition.

Aside from the black finish replacing the orang paint, the 2023 RC 8C continue to feature carbon fiber, GRP and Kevlar bodywork that mirrors the KTM RC16 MotoGP racebike.

Also carried from the original version is the handmade chromoly steel trellis-style frame built by Kramer Motorcycles.

However, the 2023 RC 8C gets reworked engine with LC8c 889cc twin powertrain now makes 135hp from the previous 128hp. This is achieved by equipping a new titanium intake and exhaust valves, titanium connecting rods, larger 48mm throttle body and an increased in compression ratio.

KTM also added new oil cooler and revised the crankcase-balancer shaft while also removing the upper balancer in the cylinder head.

In addition, thanks to a new titanium Akrapovic race exhaust, the 2023 KTM RC 8C tip the scale at just 142kg.

The 2023 RC 8C also gets a revised WP Apex Pro suspension with the firm claimed to improve rider confidence on the track.

Similar to the 2021 RC 8C, the new track bike also allows for a host of adjustment and fine-tuning on both the engine and handling.

That said, the new AiM MXS 1.2 Race dash allows access to the bike’s traction control settings, throttle mapping and engine-braking. The RC 8C triple-clamp offset can also be altered with both the bars and pegs can be adjusted.

Braking is done with a top-of-the-line Brembo Stylema 4-piston radial-mounted callipers regulated via a Brembo 19RCS Corsa Corta master cylinder.

Other notable features include forged alloy Dymags wheels with Pirelli Diablo SC1 slick and GP shift with quickshifter function.

Limited Run Ariel Ace Black Edition To Break Cover At Motorcycle Live

Ariel Motorcycle Company to unveil a limited run of the stealthy Ariel Ace Black Edition at Motorcycle Live.

The Ace Black Edition runs on Honda’s VFR1200 engine.
Features Cerakote-treated, CNC-machined aluminium frame.

The event, running from 19 November through 27 at the NEC Birmingham in England, will showcase a wide range of motorcycles.

However, the most anticipated bike at the event has to be the Ariel Ace Black Edition, which is strictly limited to just five units.

Powering the Ace Black Edition is the same 1,237cc Honda V4 engine found in the VFR 1200, which can punch 172hp and 131Nm of peak torque. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a 6-speed manual transmission with a final shaft drive.

As the name suggests, the Ace Black Edition is finished in a matt black, while the Honda-built engine remains its original bronze colour.

Also, the bike’s Cerakote-treated, CNC-machined aluminium frame makes the bike stands out more than the rest.

According to the company, the Ace Black Edition will be on sale for GBP22,495 (RM122k), a fair price given its exquisite looks.

CFMOTO 800MT Sport R Breaks Cover – Revised KYB Suspension, 17-Inch Wheels

As the name suggest, the CFMOTO 800MT Sport R is a sportier take on the Chinese firm adventure-tourer.

The 800MT Sport R takes inspiration from the firm’s involvement in Moto3.
Features revised suspension, lower ground clearance and 17-inch wheels.

CFMOTO revealed the 800MT back in April 2021 as an adventure-type motorcycle that borrows much of its underpinnings from the KTM 790 Adventure.

That said, the 799cc LC8 parallel-twin engine makes 95hp @ 9,000rpm and 77Nm @ 7,500rpm.

While it was built as a potent adventure bike, CFMOTO decided to give it a twist during a special unveiling at EICMA, last week.

As a result, the 800MT Sport R features some changes to its chassis and ergonomics to make it sharper on the road or track.

Similar to the Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak, CFMOTO ditched the 19-inch rims and shod a road-focused 17-inch wheels.

The smaller wheels ensures the bike can be fitted with a sportier and track-focused tires.

In addition the 800MT Sport R also features revised KYB suspension, lower ground clearance and reworked rebound and compression damping settings.

CFMOTO also upgraded its stock J.Juan brake callipers to a high performance Brembo brakes. Other notable features include CFMOTO Pruestel GP Moto3 team inspired colourway.

Unfortunately, no words from CFMOTO whether the 800MT Sport R will be going into production anytime soon. If it does, expect some tweak than the concept shown in Milan.

Davinci DC100 To Debut In Europe – 135hp, 850Nm

Chinese electric motorcycle manufacturer, Davinci is ready to launch its first electric motorcycle in Europe.

The Davinci DC100 is China’s most powerful electric motorcycle.
The DC100 has a maximum torque output of 850Nm.

Davinci is set to bring the DC100 electric motorcycle in Europe, a almost two years after introducing the motorcycle in China.

The DC100 certainly has the look of a proper electric sportsbike with a bodywork that will stand out among the other bikes in Europe.

The motorcycle features some nifty electronics, including an incline assist that helps the rider to stay in control of the bike at low speed while moving uphill and downhill.

In addition, the DC100 is also equipped with reverse assist making it a friendly motorcycle for those who would struggle with the bike’s weight.

Here comes the most intriguing part, the DC100 does not have a dashboard instead you need to download the Davinci app and placed your phone on the dedicated phone holder which will be use an interactive dash.

Power wise, the DC100 makes 135hp and a whopping 850Nm. It can go up to 357km or range boosted by the bike’s regenerative braking system which Davinci claimed to be similar to the KERS system used by F1 in the final years of the naturally aspirated V8s.

Unfortunately, the bike has no ABS but it does feature Combine Braking System (CBS) and traction control.

That said, the Davinci DC100 is not cheap as it will cost EUR26,000 with delivery set to happen between 2nd and 3rd quarter of 2023.

QJMotor-Owned MBP Rolls Out The T1002V ADV Motorcycle –

QJMotor has been making headlines in the global motorcycle industry over the last few years, particularly via its subsidiary, Benelli and Keeway.

MBP’s is the latest premium brand under Keeway that is owned by QJMotor.
Similar to the Benelli, MBP also has an Italian origin.

Benelli is going strong after the acquisition by QJMotor, with the TRK502 emerging as the most popular ADV bike in its home country, Italy.

Also, thanks to the wide range of models including the upcoming TRK800, TNT500, BKX250 and BKX250 S, the brand will continue to grow its influence with years to come.

That said, QJMotor now wants to carve similar success with Keeway after the brand recently gave birth to a premium subsidiary called the Moto Bologna Passione (MBP).

MBP recently showcased several models at EICMA, but the one that caught our attention is the T1002V adventure-tourer.

Mechanically, the T1002V is fitted with an all-new 997cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 80-degree V-Twin engine that pumps out 95hp @ 7,600rpm and 96Nm @ 6,500rpm. Power-wise, it is on par with the KTM 890 Adventure R and BMW F 850 GS.

Adding to its ADV aesthetic is a set of tubeless wire-spoke wheels and adjustable KYB long-travel suspension. Braking is done via dual front disc brakes at the front and a single disc at the rear paired with Brembo-owned J.Juan callipers.

Similar to QJMotor’s current ADV range, including the SRT800 and TRK800, the MBP T1002V also features a full-colour dash, adjustable windscreen and a center stand.

However, pricing is yet to be made available, as well as when the T1002V will hit the market. Nonetheless, we’ll keep you updated on this interesting development.

Airoh And Autoliv Brings Airbag Technology To Motorcycle Helmets

Motorcycle helmet maker, Airoh has jointly developed a product which is claimed to be capable of reducing skull fracture by 50 percent.

Airoh’s developing an airbag-equipped crash helmet.
Airoh join forces with Autoliv to create a helmet capable of reducing head injury.

The Italian brand in partnership with automotive safety firm Autoliv has developed an airbag equipped motorcycle helmet.

While the airbag technology has been around for many years, only recently the technology is incorporated into the motorcycle world.

That said, the push for making the airbag system a necessity is prevalent including motorcycle gear makers.

Recently shown at EICMA motorcycle show, the prototype helmet with airbag system is still in an early stage of development.

The premise is pretty much the same as any other airbag system. In this case, the airbag is deployed around the crown of the rider’s head when it detects a crash.

Frankly, it’s amazing how Airoh managed to squeeze the system to ensure the helmet looks ‘normal’ without any weird bulge.

According to Autoliv, the system can reduce the risk of skull fractures by 50 percent, a big claim for a system that is still under development. However, considering both parties are expert in their field, we are excited for the project too.

CONFIRMED: Buell Baja DR To Arrive In 2023 – RM91k

Buell Motorcycle recently made a comeback with a new range of motorcycles one of which is includes the upcoming Baja DR dirt bike.

Buell Baja DR to roll out in 2023.
Buell claimed the Baja DR is the world’s fastest production off-road motorcycle.

However, the Baja DR is not your typical dirt bike, it’s more of a hill climber/dune racer than a true motocross machine.

Bull first revealed the Baja DR back in March along with the SuperTouring 1190 which is claimed to be the world’s fastest touring bike.

Powering the Bajaj DR is the firm’s 1190cc 72-degree V-Twin capable of pumping 175hp and 137Nm. According to Buell, the Baja DR will be the world fastest production off-road machine.

In a latest development, the American company has confirmed that the Baja DR is set to roll out in 2023. However, Buell hasn’t exactly provided a specific date for the launch.

Nevertheless, if you’re still interested for the Baja DR, head over to the company’s website to submit your order for the USD19,995 (RM91k) dirt bike.

Harley-Davidson Pan America 975 Could Arrive Early 2023

Reports of a middleweight version of the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 first emerged earlier this year, with the American firm mistakenly mentioning the model name in its list of accessories.

Harley-Davidson to add a new Pan America 975 to its Revolution Max portfolio.
The middleweight Pan America will powered by the same engine found in the Nightster.

According to reports, the site listed the fuel cap as being compatible with the RA1250/RA1250S (Pan America 1250/1250S) as well as RA975 and RA975S, with the latter assuming to be the Pan America models powered by the Revolution Max 975cc engine like the one found on the Nightster.

In addition, the NHTSA, who is responsible for overseeing vehicle recalls, already established a dedicated web pages for the RA975 and RA975S.

That said, Harley is likely to informed NHTSA that a smaller version of the existing Pan America 1250 is on its way.

According to latest report, the Pan America 975 could arrived as early as in the first half of 2023.

While there is no official announcement yet coming from the American firm but it is likely that the middleweight version of the Pan America to make an appearance soon.