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Italjet Dragster 125 And Dragster 200 To Launch In Malaysia This Weekend

Malaysian media were given a special preview of Italjet’s latest scooter, the Dragster 125 and Dragster 200, ahead of its official launch this weekend.

The Italjet Dragster 125 dan Dragster 200 is the most premium and exclusive scooter ever built.
The Italian built scooter features unique bodywork and components.

As previously reported, the Dragster 125 and Dragster 200 share similar bodywork and design language; the primary difference is the engine displacement.

The Dragster 200 features a 181cc single-cylinder DOHC engine, while the 125 trim gets a 124cc single, Euro5 compliant powertrain.

Power output is claimed to be 17.2hp @ 8,000rpm and 15.5Nm @ 7,750rpm for the Dragster 200, while the Dragster 125 makes 9.2hpp and 10.5Nm.

Meanwhile, power is delivered to the rear 13-inch wheel via an automatic gearbox with belt drive.

The Italjet Dragster is suspended by a unique independent steering system (ISS) at the front that separates the steering and suspension components. The new feature allows better manoeuvrability for city riding.

Coming in standard on the Dragster twin is two-channel ABS, Brembo hydraulic callipers mated to a single 200mm disc at the front and 190mm disc at the rear.

Other notable features on the Dragster include bright LED headlights (80,000 lumens to be exact), a 9L fuel tank, a USB port and 140kg kerb weight.

Meanwhile, Chear Global – the authorised distributor of Italjet’s Dragster in Malaysia – will announce the official price for the two scooters on October 8, 2022.

2023 Kawasaki H2R To Launch Soon

Kawasaki UK has officially opened their order books for the 2023 Kawasaki H2R, signalling the arrival of one of the most powerful production motorcycles from Team Green.

Kawasaki H2R is a track-only supercharged machine developed by Kawasaki next to the road-legal H2.
The H2R makes 326hp and claims a top speed of 380km/h.

While further detail remains scarce but with more than 300hp, the H2R represents what every manufacturer can do when given the utmost freedom.

Thanks to its supercharged four-cylinder engine that consumes 200 litres of air a second, Kawasaki claimed the H2R could hit a max speed of 380km/h.

Nevertheless, we expect the 2023 model year to receive minor upgrades, considering the track-only H2R was already ahead of its time during its introduction in 2015.

The H2R is 20kg lighter than the stock (and road legal) H2 and features slick tyres and a full titanium exhaust.

We expect the H2R to continue to feature top-notch track components, including Ohlins suspension, KYB shocks and Brembo brakes.

According to Kawasaki UK, interested parties can submit their order for the 2023 Kawasaki H2R with a recommended selling price of GBP50,000 (RM262k).

Chinese-Built Excelle 450 Rally Ready To Hit The Trail

Chinese motorcycle manufacturer Excelle is ready to make the jump in the adventure-capable motorcycle with the 450 Rally (ZF450LS).

Excelle 450 Rally is the company’s first attempt at a highly-specialized segment.
The 450 Rally makes 52.3hp and 44Nm.

The sister brand to Kolove paraded the Dakar-inspired motorcycle in a recent event in which they also revealed the upcoming 800RRR and 800R motorcycle.

Despite no official statement regarding the 450 Rally specifications, Excelle claimed that the 450 Rally makes 52.3hp @ 9,000rpm and 44Nm @ 7,000rpm.

According to reports, the 450 Rally features a dual-wing beam steel frame suspended by a 49mm KYB fork and damping-adjustable KYB shock.

In addition, Excelle will offer its customers two different suspension packages to suit their heights and needs.

Meanwhile, the Excelle 450 Rally features a 15L fuel tank, but customers can increase the range with an additional 16L under-seat fuel cell.

Weighing 154kg, the 450 Rally is heavier than KTM’s Rally Replica but is more affordable thanks to its USD6,100 (RM28.2k) price tag.

EPMB Gets Green Light To Assemble And Manufacture Electric Motorcycles In Malaysia

EP Manufacturing Bhd (EPMB) received approval from the government to assemble and manufacture electric motorcycles in its upcoming manufacturing plant in Glenmarie, Shah Alam.

EPMB plans to manufacture 50,000 electric two-wheelers per year.
EPMB will assemble and distribute the Blueshark-branded EVs in the country.

EPMB, in a statement, said that the firm had received approval from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to produce Blueshark-branded electric two-wheelers in the country.

That said, the approval will only apply retrospectively from July 25, 2022.

Nevertheless, EPMB plans to roll out around 50,000 units of Blueshark per year to meet regional demands.

“We expect to commence the construction of the manufacturing plant in early 2023 and target to complete it by Q3 2023.

“The manufacturing facility will not only be technologically-advanced but will also employ at least 80% of Malaysians in the workforce and train them via transfer of skills and technology,” said EPMB Executive Chairman Hamidon Abdullah.

Previously, EPMB has partnered with China-based Sharkgulf Technologies Group Ltd to assemble, manufacture and distribute Blueshark’s electric motorcycles in Malaysia and other neighbouring countries.

(Source: The Edge Markets)

Yamaha Tenere 700 To Get GYTR Treatment

Yamaha is working on a factory bolt-on rally-raiding kit for the Tenere 700 range as part of Yamaha Europe’s Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR) programme.

Yamaha Tenere 700 will soon receive GYTR’s specially-built riding aids.
The Tenere 700 is Yamaha’s most popular adventure-capable motorcycle.

For those who are unaware, GYTR is Yamaha’s racing division that offers authentic Yamaha performance-oriented components, including bodywork and electronic package for track and motocross riders.

Yamaha’s Leon Oosterhof disclosed the new project to MCN.

“It could be interesting. We are looking into if that could be an option,” he said.

Apparently, the all-new Tenere 700 World Raid played a significant role in spawning the idea of introducing GYTR’s parts for the Tenere 700.

“That bike had a lot of interest, so that was very motivational for us.

“Sometimes you make a concept and then show it and see how the market reacts and if there’s enough curiosity and interest. We are looking into whether that could be an option.

“In off-road, we are also active with the GYTR programme.

“So, in motocross, we are almost as active as we are in our R series. We have chassis parts and engine parts – both used by the factory teams. Products derived from those teams are then brought to customers,” Oosterhof added.

Here’s Your Chance To Ride With Francesco Bagnaia And Jack Miller To Putrajaya

In conjunction with the Malaysian MotoGP happening in October, Ducati Malaysia has a special treat for all Ducatisti in the country.

Meet and greet Ducati Lenovo Team riders at Ducati Showroom.
Take part in a special convoy with Bagnaia and Miller to Putrajaya.

Ducati Malaysia is organising a meet and greet session with Ducati Lenovo Team rider Francesco Bagnaia and Jack Miller on October 20 at Ducati Showroom, Petaling Jaya.

That’s not even the best bit yet, as you will also get the chance to ride with Bagnaia and Miller from the showroom to the Prime Minister’s office in Putrajaya.

The meet and greet session including the special convoy is strictly for Ducati owners only.

Fellow Ducatisti can join in the once-in-a-lifetime experience by scanning the QR code.

Bagnaia is currently just two points away from claiming his championship lead from Fabio Quartararo after securing a third place finished at Buriram Circuit on Sunday.

MotoGP is set to return to action at Philip Island on October 17 before making its way to Malaysia.

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25RR Breaks Cover In Indonesia

Launched in 2020, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R was an instant hit in neighbouring Asian countries.

Currently, the ZX-25R is only available in Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
The Ninja ZX-25R makes 51hp and 22.9Nm of torque.

Last year, the quarter-litre screamer got a new colourway in Indonesia, including Lime Green, Passion Red, Metallic Matte Graphene Steel Grey and Metallic Spark Black.

Unfortunately, all other specifications remain unchanged.

However, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R gets new equipment and electronic package for 2023, including a new RR trim, announced by Kawasaki Indonesia.

Priced at IDR129,900,000 (RM39k), the Ninja ZX-25RR features a new fully adjustable Showa SFF-BP 37mm front fork and adjustable horizontal back-link BFRC lite gas-charged shock.

Also new on the 2023 model year is a new TFT instrument cluster replacing the semi-digital meter on the previous model. Thanks to the new dash, riders can now connect the bike to their smartphone via the Kawasaki Rideology app.

In addition, Kawasaki also introduced a new exhaust system that now meets Euro 4 emission standards.

Other notable features include:

assist & slipper clutch
economical riding indicator
electronic throttle valve
KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter)
KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control)
power modes

Powering the 2023 Ninja ZX-25RR is an inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC mill displacing 249.8cc that produces 51hp @ 15,500rpm (with Ram Air) and 22.9Nm @ 14,500rpm.

Power goes through a 6-speed transmission with a claimed max speed of 197km/h.

Fantic Motor To Debut In Malaysia, Official Announcement Soon

The 2022 GIVI Rimba Raid witnessed hundreds of off-road capable motorcycle racing against one another at the Taman Negara, Kuala Tahan, Pahang, last weekend.

Fantic Motor to be distributed in Malaysia by Fantic Motor Malaysia.
The Fantic Caballero 500 Rally managed to secured a fourth place finished in Class C – DP Rally.

Out of 223 participants, only a handful managed to cross the finish line, including a 500cc scrambler from Italy.

That particular motorcycle is Fantic Motor’s latest bike, the Caballero 500 Rally.

*Hazim Hayazi clocked the fourth fastest time in Class C – DP Rally onboard the Fantic Caballero 500 Rally.

From what we could gather, the appearance of Fantic’s Caballero 500 Rally is not purely for racing purposes; instead, the brand is using Rimba Raid as a platform to test the capabilities of the new motorcycle.

This is because Fantic Motor is coming to Malaysia under the newly established Fantic Motor Malaysia.

While information is still scarce, we believe that AFY Mobility Industries Sdn Bhd (AMI) is the responsible party in bringing the Italian brand to Malaysia.

Fantic Motor has various motorcycles under its wing, ranging from 125cc up to 500cc. The Caballero 500 has four variants, including Rally, Explorer, Flat and Scrambler.

Powering the Caballero 500 Rally is a 449cc single-cylinder engine capable of producing 40hp and 42Nm.

While the new development is exciting for the Malaysian motorcycle market, further details can only be confirmed by Fantic Motor Malaysia. Nevertheless, we expect an official announcement to be made soon.

AMI was also recently announced as the official distributor of MV Agusta in Malaysia, with the company set to assemble the Italian firm’s motorcycle in the country.

Kazakhstan And India To Host 2023 MotoGP

India and Kazakhstan will make their debut on the MotoGP calendar in 2023.

India and Kazakhstan announced as host for the 2023 MotoGP season.
Buddh International Circuit and Sokol International Racetrack selected as the 2023 host.

India to host the world’s biggest two-wheel event at the Buddh International Circuit while Kazakhstan to begin their new five-year deal at the stunning Sokol International Racetrack.

Located just outside Kazakhstan’s largest city, Almaty, Sokol is a brand new motorsport complex constructed in the heart of Central Asia.

Meanwhile, with over 200 million motorcycles on its roads, India is the perfect venue to host MotoGP as the Grand Prix of Bharat.

The new circuit is located in Uttar Pradesh to the south of New Delhi. The location is strategic as it allows for more access for the fans in the country.

“We’re very proud to announce that Buddh International Circuit will be on the 2023 calendar.

“We have a lot of fans in India and we’re excited to be able to bring the sport to them.

“India is also a key market for the motorcycle industry and therefore, by extension, for MotoGP as the pinnacle of the two-wheeled world.

“We very much look forward to racing at Buddh International Circuit and can’t wait to welcome the fans through the gates to see this incredible sport in person,” said Dorna CEO, Carmelo Ezpeleta.

Single-Cylinder Ducati Motorcycle To Debut Soon?

Ducati has revealed three new motorcycles since the start of the 2023 Ducati World Premiere thus far.

Latest VIN decoder reveals a new single-cylinder motorcycle on its way from Ducati.
The 659cc single could be the final piece of Ducati’s 2023 World Premiere.

The 2023 DWP kicked off with the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini, followed by the new top-of-the-range Monster SP and, recently, the new Multistrada V4 Rally.

So far, we know that an all-new Ducati Diavel V4 is on its way, along with a new Scrambler and Panigale V4 R. That alone completes six out of seven DWP web series.

While most of the bikes launched are already known to us beforehand, Ducati might have something up its sleeve for the final episode. Thanks to latest reports by Motorcycle.com, we now know for sure Ducati plans to unveil an all-new single.

On September 22, 2022, Ducati renewed a vehicle identification number (VIN) document at the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

That particular document revealed a liquid-cooled, four-valve, 659cc single-cylinder engine. While a single-cylinder Ducati powertrain sounds alien to some of us, the Borgo Panigale factory is no stranger to a single-cylinder machine.

In fact, Ducati’s Scrambler of the ’60s and ‘70s runs on a single-cylinder thumper.

Also, the ultra-limited Ducati Supermono manufactured in the ‘90s features a 500cc single capable of generating 75hp @ 10,000rpm.

The question is, what kind of motorcycles could use the new 659cc single? While it is likely to power a new scrambler-type bike, it could also signal new entry-level two-wheelers from the Italian firm.

There’s one way to find out, and that is to keep your eyes on the upcoming episodes of the 2023 Ducati World Premiere.

(source: Motorcycle.com)

FIRST LOOK: 2023 BMW S 1000 RR

BMW Motorrad has officially announced the new 2023 BMW S 1000 RR.

2023 BMW S 1000 RR gains major styling updates including M 1000 RR-inspired winglets.
New for 2023 includes revised electronic package and higher horsepower.

The most notable change in the 2023 model year is the appearance of the M 1000 RR-inspired winglets at the front. According to BMW, the winglet adds up to 10kg of downforce at high speed.

Although the winglets are not as big as the M 1000 RR, which contribute to 16kg of front-end downforce, the new piece puts the 2023 S 1000 RR on par with the rest of the litre bike in its segment.

However, the 2023 S 1000 RR not only features styling updates and a lot of changes underneath the skin, including a revised chassis and a tweaked engine.

Despite retaining the same frame from the previous generation, BMW claimed that 2023MY allows for more flex due to adding more holes in the die-cast alloy frame.

Also new for 2023 is the steering-head angle, now sitting at 23.6 degrees rather than 23.1 degrees. The wheelbase is now longer, from 56.7-inches to 57.4-inch.

Interestingly, BMW’s adjustable swingarm pivot, previously available on the M Chassis Kit, is now standard on the new S 1000 RR.

BMW also added a new height-adjustable linkage for the rear shock and revised the wheel bushings and brake to allow for a faster tire change.

Other changes include a bigger rear sprocket (up from 45 to 46) that helps to improve acceleration, a new airbox and shortened variable-height intake funnels, all taken from the M 1000 RR.

Meanwhile, thanks to a revised 999cc ShiftCam four-cylinder engine, the 2023 S 1000 RR now makes 207hp @ 13,750rpm and 112Nm @ 11,000rpm.

Electronically, BMW adds a Slide Control function to the existing traction-control system that estimates the bike’s drift angle after reading the information from the new steering-angle sensor.

In addition, the 2023 S 1000 RR also features a Brake Slide Control function that allows the rear wheel to push out a step further under braking.

For track junkies, BMW adds a new Slick setting for the ABS that works specifically when the bike is fitted with race tires.

Other key features include:

lightweight battery
UBS port
redesigned wiring harness
updated Shift Assistant Pro quickshifter

Meanwhile, thanks to the upgrade mentioned above, expect a significant price hike over its predecessor.

2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally Breaks Cover

Ducati has just unleashed the new Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally for 2023.

The 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally features a new adaptive ride height function similar to the Harley-Davidson Pan America.
Equipped with longer suspension travel and a bigger fuel tank.

Set to go head to head with BMW’s R 1250 GS Adventure and Triumph’s Tiger 1200 Explorer range, the Multistrada V4 Rally gets more range, better off-road capability and improved comfort.

However, the new variant is born for dirt, as the name suggests.

New for 2023 is a longer suspension travel that now sits at 200mm, an increase of 30mm.

In addition, the top-spec semi-active Showa Skyhook suspension also features self-levelling ability.

Ducati also added a new power mode on the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally that allows for a better riding experience for extreme off-roading.

The new Enduro Riding Mode reduced the power to just 114hp and adjusted the traction control switches to a lower intervention level. Wheelie control and rear-wheel ABS are also deactivated to adapt to off-road riding.

However, peak power and torque remains at 170hp @ 10,500 rpm and 125Nm @ 8,750rpm.

The new Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally also comes with spoked wheels as standard, a feature that is an option on the V4 S.

Coming on to the best bits, the new Multistrada V4 Rally is slapped with a massive 30L fuel tank, pushing the bike’s range to about 370 kilometres.

According to Ducati, the Granturismo V4 engine now features rear cylinder deactivation that’s not only operates during a standstill but also while riding gently. The new feature can help to boost the bike’s fuel economy.

Also new on the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally is the introduction of an adaptive ride height function similar to the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250.