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Ducati Unleashed New 240-Horsepower Panigale V4 R

The fourth episode of the Ducati World Premiere web series takes us to the unveiling of a more powerful Ducati Panigale V4 R.

The 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R gets higher max rev at 16,500rpm.
DLC-coated piston and titanium conrod contributed to higher horsepower.

The introduction of the 2023 model year Panigale V4 R continue to set a new mark for Ducati’s racing department.

Ducati has seen remarkable results this season at the 2022 WorldSBK, with the current Panigale V4 R at the helm of Alvaro Bautista leading the championship with a massive gap.

Watching Bautista flying by rival teams in a straight line is nothing short of excitement, but that doesn’t stop Ducati from upping the ante with the 2023 Panigale V4 R.

On paper, the 2023 Panigale V4 R produces 218hp @ 15,500rpm but Ducati has increased the maximum revs to 16,500rpm at 6th-gear.

However, by adding a new racing exhaust combined with Shell-developed fuel, the new Panigale V4 R can hit a peak power of 240.5hp.

The additional power is boosted by the use of gun-drilled titanium connecting rods and DLC-coated pistons, which Ducati claimed is a first for a road bike even though the technology is common in MotoGP machines and Formula 1 race cars.

Thanks to a new piston geometry, Ducati also reduced the inertia significantly and the weight by 5g.

In addition, the 2023 V4 R gets new engine modes with ‘Full’ and ‘Low’ added to the existing package. As the name goes, the ‘Full’ mode unleashes the full power of the V4 R while ‘Low’ reduces the power to 160hp, allowing for a calmer riding experience on the road. But hey, who are we to tell you not to go full blast on public roads?

Ducati also revised the Ducati Quick Shift system to allow for a smoother shift during partial and full throttle.

The 2023 Panigale V4 R remains faithful with Ohlins suspension, but the travel in the NPX25/30 pressurised fork is increased by 5mm.

Ducati also increases agility thanks to a higher swingarm pivot position that raises the rear height by 20mm. Also new on the 2023MY is a bigger 17L fuel tank.

Finally, the 2023 Panigale V4 R will be a numbered model, with each bike verified by a plaque on the steering head.

2023 ARCH 1S Breaks Cover In The US – RM600k

Arch Motorcycle has announced the new ARCH 1S motorcycle sport cruiser for 2023.

The ARCH 1S is the latest exclusive motorcycle to join the Arch’s family.
The 1S features 2032cc S&S Cycle T124 45-degree downdraft fuel-injected V-Twin engine.

The company, co-owned by Keanu Reeves and Gard Hollinger, adds another sport-cruiser type to the current roster.

Based on the super-exclusive KRGT-1, the ARCH 1S also features billet steel and aluminium construction and top-notch components in the form of Brembo brakes, Ohlins suspension and BST carbon-fibre wheels.

However, 1S is equipped with Arch Motorcycle first ever in-house built, single-sided swingarm, unlike the KRGT-1.

According to Arch Motorcycle, the 1S is sportier and features race-inspired performance than the KRGT-1.

“We just celebrated our 10th Anniversary as a company this past year, yet it feels like only yesterday that I put forth the idea of starting a motorcycle company with Gard.

“It is incredible to see how far we’ve come in such a short period – from the KRGT-1’s amazing reception to the new 1s as our second model.

“And that’s a real testament to our talented design and build teams and their ability to produce something that fulfils ARCH’s ambitions for what a motorcycle company can bring in architecture, style, elegance, and overall experience,” said Keanu Reeves.

Underneath the tube and billet construction sits a 2032cc S&S Cycle T124 45-degree downdraft fuel-injected V-Twin engine that produces 156.33Nm peak torque. However, the information regarding the 1S horsepower is not disclosed.

Equipped with a 20L fuel tank, the ARCH 1S is essentially built to tackle long journeys.

However, like previous Arch’s motorcycles, every unit is made to order for US-based customers. According to official information, the ARCH 1S is available for USD128,000 (RM600k).

Yamaha Jog 125 Scooter Launch In Japan – RM7.1k

Compact scooters is the preferred choice for daily commuting around the city. Which is why pint sized scooters are always in demand even for those who rides big bikes.

Yamaha Jog makes a comeback in 2022 with an all-new engine.
Features spacious underseat storage and equipped with Yamaha’s Smart Motor Generator for quieter startups.

Countries in Asia including Japan are always seeking for pint-sized scooters to stroll around town at ease. As such, Yamaha has released another budget friendly scooter in the form of the Jog 125.

If the Jog nameplate sounds familiar that’s because the a scooter with the same name made its debut back in 1983.

At the time, the Jog is equipped with a small 2-stroke engine but the latest generation Jog is powered by a 125cc single cylinder Yamaha Blue Core engine capable of producing a reasonable 8.2hp.

Despite its small size, Yamaha claimed the Jog 125 has a range of 200km with a full tank and has a spacious 21.3L of underseat storage.

Also important to point out is that the Jog 125 comes with Yamaha’s Smart Motor Generator (SMG) which function as the bike’s stator as well as starter motor.

This allows the bike to execute silent startups.

In addition, the Jog 125 only weighs at just 95kg, making it easy for riders to manoeuvre the bike around town and tight traffic easily.

There’s also a hook at the front for you to hang your groceries bag if needed.

The Yamaha Jog 125 is on sale in Japan for JPY225,200 (RM7.1k).

Yamaha NVX 155 Gets New Visuals For 2022 – From RM9,598

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor has introduced four new exciting colours for the 2022 Yamaha NVX 155.

HLYM best selling scooter gets refresh visuals for 2022.
The NVX 155 makes 15hp and 13.9Nm.

The ABS trim now available in Mystique Ruby and Platinum Navy while the base model gets Cyan and Matt Grey colour scheme.

According to HLYM press statement, all models with the new colourway are already available at every authorized dealership with a starting price of RM9,598 for the base model and RM11,498 for the ABS trim.

As usual, customers are entitled for a special Yamaha disc lock worth RM100 with every purchase of the Yamaha NVX 155.

Powering the Yamaha NVX 155 is a 155cc single-cylinder SOCH with VVA engine capable of producing 15hp @ 8,000rpm and 13.9Nm @ 6,500rpm.

2022 Yamaha TMax Tech Max 560 Roll Out In Malaysia – RM74,998

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has officially launched the new Yamaha TMax Tech Max 560 for the Malaysian market.

All 35 units of the first batch 2022 TMax Tech Max is sold out.
The new TMax Tech Max is a complete knockdown (CKD) unit manufactured from HLYM plant in Sungai Buloh.

The 2022 TMax get sportier style, compact body, and updated wheels and suspension.

At the core of the update is a new radical Supersport-inspired design thanks to a new aluminium frame and sportier riding ergonomics contributed by a slightly aggressive position.

Yamaha also equipped the new TMAX with a revamped adjustable screen with central air vent intake that helps reduce wind pressure.

The maxi-scooter also gets a reshaped front end, slimmer waist and new dual LED headlights that create a sportier front fascia.

The new TMAX is also lighter thanks to a new lighter Spin Forged 10-spoke wheels that helps to reduce front inertia by 10% and 6% at the rear.

It also come equipped with Bridgestone Battlax SC2 tires as standard.

The 2022 TMAX also features a higher-spec 41mm USD front forks and a new single-shock rear.

Nonetheless, the new TMAX and makes the same 47hp and 55.7Nm of torque from the 560cc parallel-twin engine.

Other exciting features include an all-new 7″ full-colour TFT with smartphone connectivity and Garmin maps connectivity replacing the analogue meter and LCD display available on the 2021 model.

More Honda XL750 Transalp Details Emerge

Honda’s latest patent filings have provided us with the opportunity to take a peek at what’s in store for us for the upcoming Honda XL750 Transalp.

The Transalp is likely to share similar specification with the Hornet 750.
The middleweight ADV will share the same 755cc parallel-twin engine.

This is the first time such details are revealed to the public just weeks after the middleweight adventure bike was spotted during a promotional exercise.

So far, we know that the XL750 Transalp is fitted with the same 755cc parallel-twin engine featured on the recently revealed Honda Hornet 750.

Also, thanks to the Hornet’s global unveiling, we know the engine makes 92hp and 75Nm. However, whether the Transalp will feature the same power band still remains to be seen.

Nonetheless, we expect Honda to revise the parallel-twin engine for more grunt in the low-to-mid ranges to suit the adventure bike character.

Despite the differences in characteristics, the Transalp will share the same frame as the Hornet. Such effort is common for Honda, especially for its 500cc and 11000cc range.

Based on the previous spy shots, we can also confirm that the Transalp and Hornet will share a similar front headlamp and tailpipe.

According to the Italian publication, Motoclclismo, it is likely that the two will also share similar electronics, including the TFT instrument cluster, riding modes and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)

However, the Transalp is fitted with a longer swingarm and 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, and longer suspension travel. As expected, the seat is also taller and wider.

Currently, there is no word from Honda on when the Transalp will make its official debut, but one thing is for sure it will happen soon. Stay tuned to find out!

2023 BMW M 1000 RR Gets Revised Aerodynamics, Higher Max Speed

BMW has updated its flagship M 1000 RR homologation-special superbike for 2023.

2023 M 1000 RR gets new bodywork and aerodynamics.
The M 1000 RR now achieved better front and rear grip.

The WorldSBK machine gets extensive wind tunnel testing for 2023 which resulted to a higher max speed without increasing the 999cc inline-four power output that continue to pumps out 205hp and 112Nm.

As such, BMW is confident the M 1000 RR will be at the front of 2023 racing calendar.

“We have achieved an engineering masterpiece in the aerodynamic development of the M RR due to our unwavering ambition, total passion and technical finesse.

“Thanks to countless hours in the wind tunnel as well as in road tests, we were able to considerably increase the top speed with unchanged engine output and at the same time significantly increase the downforce, also when banking in corners.

“Our development work will be rewarded with racing success,” said Project Manager Christian Gonschor.

The 2023 M 1000 RR is able to achieved the new mark thanks to a taller windscreen and a redesigned carbon-fiber fairing that boost the aerodynamic aspect of the motorcycle.

BMW also completely revised the aero winglets to improved tire contact with close to 22.6kg of downforce created at 298km/h and 5.7kg at 150km/h.

Also new on the 2023 M 1000 RR is the introduction of MotoGP-derived carbon-fiber air cooling ducts that’s integrated into the front fender and fork guards.

BMW claimed that the air ducts is capable to reduce the temperature of the radially-mounted M brake callipers by 10-degrees celsius.

Meanwhile, the M Competition Package inclides GPS laptrigger, DLC-coated M Endurance chain, clear anodized swingarm and more carbon fibre components.

FIRST LOOK: 2023 BMW M 1000 R

BMW has officially unveiled the all-new 2023 BMW M 1000 R just weeks after its trademark filings were submitted in Europe.

The M 1000 R makes 205hp and 112Nm.
Features wider handlebar, taller peak torque and unique electronic package.
The roadster/hypernaked machine is the second M-branded motorcycle introduced by BMW after the M 1000 RR.

While the M 1000 R makes used of the M 1000 RR 999cc powertrain, the engine has been reworked to provide a higher peak torque from 10,000rpm to 12,000rpm.

As a result, the engine is now quieter and with a higher redline of 14,600rpm, well over the S 1000 R’s 12,000rpm limit.

The M 1000 R also features shorter gear ratios in 4th, 5th and 6th gear and shorter rear sprocket than the S 1000 R.

Also fitted as standard on the M 1000 R is BMWs Shift Assistant Pro, allowing an up-and-down clutchless shifts and can be adjusted from conventional gear to GP gear.

Electronically, the M 1000 R gets several riding modes including Rain, Road, Dynamic and Race with the addition of track-centric Race Pro 1, Race Pro 2 and Race Pro 3.

Other electronic features inlcude Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with 6-axis sensor and lean angle sensor. The DTC package includes wheelie-limitation function, pit lane limiter, launch control and hill-start control (HSC).

Of course, the most notable aspect of the new M 1000 R is the existence of aero winglets on the side panels.

BMW claimed that the winglets are not purely for aesthetic purposes but also adds 10kg of downforce at 218km/h.

The M 1000 R is suspended by an all-black 45mm upside-down fork (preload/compression/rebound adjustable) with 119mm of travel and a rear shock with 116mm of travel.

In addition, BMW also threw in the Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) (electronic suspension) as standard.

Braking is done with twin 320mm steel disc mated to a 4-pot callipers up front and single 220mm steel disc with aluminium single-piston floating callipers at the rear.

That said, ABS Pro comes as standard including Brake Slide Assist that allow riders to slide the M 1000 R into the turns.

Meanwhile, information is delivered to the rider via a 6.4-inch TFT instrument display with customizable display options.

Should you think the M 1000 R need more juice, BMW is offering the M Competition Package which includes the M GPS Laptrigger suite, carbon wheels, front and rear fenders, tank covers and a carbon chain guard.

Next-Gen Honda CB1000R To Feature Aero Winglets And Power Hike

Honda’s flagship naked motorcycle, the CB1000R, is finally getting a worthy power hike and revised bodywork for 2023.

The next-generation CB1000R will feature a more powerful engine.
The CB1000R is will feature aero winglets similar to its rival.

Although Honda remained relatively quiet on the future of the CB1000R, the latest patent suggests that development is currently underway.

The patent design, as revealed by Moto.it showcased an outline design of the upcoming CB1000R.

From what we could gather, the CB1000R will feature aerodynamic winglets, following the trend of another high-performance naked motorcycle in its segment, like the Ducati Streetfighter V4.

The winglet is placed behind the front fork and just above the radiator.

Just like its rival, the aero winglet will not only serve as an aesthetic feature but also indicate that the CB1000R will get a significant power hike thanks to the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade engine.

The 2018 CB1000R makes 143hp and is lacking behind Ducati’s Streetfighter V4, which pumps out 200hp.

However, with the new CBR1000RR-R engine, the next CB1000R could finally hit the 200hp benchmark similar to the Kawasaki Z H2 and the Streetfighter V4.

As for when the new CB1000R could make its debut, only Honda has the definitive answer, but we expect the Japanese marquee to make a surprise unveiling at the EICMA show in November.

Fantic Debuts New XEF Rally Replica – 450cc, 30L Fuel Tank

Fantic debuted an all-new XEF Rally Replica, marking the Italian company’s first attempt towards the race replica market.

Fantic XEF Rally is the company first foray into the race replica segment.
Features 30L fuel tank, 450cc single engine derived from Fantic’s Dakar Rally.

Similar to KTM and GASGAS, the XEF Rally Replica is developed based on Fantic’s Dakar experience.

Powering the Fantic XEF Rally is a 450cc single-cylinder DOHC engine that sits in a double girder frame with an aluminium front and steel subframe.

As an enduro machine, the XEF Rally is fitted with a massive 30L fuel tank. Interestingly, the tank is separated into two, with the first providing shock protection while the other contributing to the bike’s ergonomics.

The XEF Rally is suspended by fully adjustable KYB 48mm front forks and fully adjustable KYB rear shocks. The suspension offers 310mm wheel travel at the front and 300mm at the rear.

Meanwhile, Fantic also fitted the XEF Rally with a 7-inch shock, dust and waterproof RallyScreen that can be accessed via a touchscreen and controls on the handlebar.

In addition, the RallyScreen is easily removable, allowing riders to program the information on the screen remotely.

Braking is done via a single Moto-Master brake calliper mated to a 300mm front disc and a single 245mm disc at the rear.

Coming in at just 140kg of kerb weight and a seat height of 955mm puts the XEF Rally just 2kg heavier than KTM’s 450 Rally Replica.

That said, Fantic will also release a limited number (50 units) of XEF Rally’ Launch Edition’ that features unique components, including CNC billet wheel hubs and full titanium Arrow exhaust that shaved 1.5kg off the overall weight.

The Fanctic XEF Rally will be available from the end of November 2022.

Limited Edition Justin Bieber X Vespa Now In Malaysia – RM28,000

Vespa Malaysia is proud to bring you the limited edition Vespa in collaboration with Canadian superstar, Justin Bieber.

Singer adds his unique touch to things via all-white aesthetics and drawn on flames.
Each purchase includes a matching helmet, bag, and a pair of gloves.

Bieber adds his unique touch to the Vespa Sprint 150 that features an all-white aesthetics.

According to Vespa Malaysia, the exclusive Justin Bieber x Vespa is complemented by a wide range of accessories including a bag, pair of glove and an all-white helmet that features Bieber’s unique flames.

It’s widely known that Canadian superstar Justin Bieber is huge fan of motorcycles in general. However, there’s much to be said about his recent collaborative endeavour with Vespa.

Besides it’s ‘monochrome’ all-white aesthetics (including the seat saddle, grips and wheels), what really sets the Justin Bieber x Vespa special apart are the drawn-on flames. “Ultimately the goal in creating and designing is always to put your own unique spin on things”, said Bieber about it.

“I love Vespa, and to partner with such a classic brand is so cool. Being able to express myself, whether it’s through art, music, visuals, or aesthetics, being able to create something from nothing – it’s a part of me,” added the superstar further about his collaborative effort with the Italian scooter marque.

Apart from the design, much of the recently revised Sprint model that this special underpins remains unchanged. Highlights include a multi-function digital TFT full-colour dash display with connectivity features, as well as full-LED lighting amongst the highlights.

That said, the limited edition Justin Bieber x Vespa is priced at RM28,000 and inclusive of Vespa flyscreen and a white top box with backrest.

Italjet To Premier 300cc Dragster Prototype And A Concept Bike At EICMA

Italjet recently launched the premium-built Dragster’s scooter range in Malaysia via its authorised dealership, Chear Global.

Italjet is to reveal a bigger 300cc Dragster prototype and a concept bike in November.
The Italjet Dragster 125 and Dragster 200 are now available in Malaysia for RM29,500 and RM34,800.

During the official launch held at Chear Global headquarters, the local press had the opportunity to sit down with Italjet’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Sandro Caparelli, who flew from Bologna, Italy.

Caparelli not only explained to us the exciting development of Italjet’s Dragster 125 and Dragster 200 but also was kind enough to disclose the Italian company’s next project.

According to Caparelli, Italjet is currently working on a bigger displacement Dragster and is scheduled to showcase the prototype at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan this November.

The Dragster prototype will feature a single-cylinder DOHC 300cc engine that was built from the ground up. Apparently, there is a high demand for a bigger Dragster in its home country.

“In EICMA we will show a prototype of the same Dragster but with a bigger displacement because the market in Italy had asked for a bigger engine.

“It will use a bigger engine, a 300cc engine,” he said.

In addition, Caparelli revealed that Italjet would also showcase a concept bike at EICMA alongside the 300cc Dragster prototype.

“There will be a big concept which I can’t disclose now, but the new concept will be the star of the show at EICMA,” he added.

That said, Caparelli also mentioned that the bigger displacement Dragster could materialise in a couple of years, while the concept bike will take a while to be in the near-production stage.

Meanwhile, the Italjet Dragster 125 and Dragster 200 are now available in Malaysia for RM29,500 and RM34,800, respectively.