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MotoGP: Bastianini Wins In Aragon After Intense Battle, Disaster For Marquez And Quartararo

It was a disastrous comeback for the 8-time world champion, Marc Marquez, as the rider was involved in two separate incidents which saw Fabio Quartararo and Takaaki Nakagami ousted in the early stage of the race in Aragon.

Bastianini claimed his third win of the season after overcoming Bagnaia.
Quartararo ousted in the early stage after colliding with Marc Marquez.

Marquez started the race with brilliant speed as the Honda rider moved up from 13th to sixth, coming out of Turn 1.

However, chaos ensues on the exit of Turn 4 with Quartararo riding straight into Marquez’s RC213V, and due to the intense collision, the reigning world champion crashes out.

Due to the substantial damage to the rear of Marquez’s RC213V, the Spaniard unintentionally ran into Takaaki Nakagami’s side, leading to a hair-raising incident for the LCR Honda rider.

Thankfully, Nakagami escaped from being hit by other riders.

Meanwhile, Gresini Racing Ducati, Enea Bastianini finally got the better of factory Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia to take his third win of the season.

Bastianini overtook Bagnaia in the final lap, something he failed to do in Misano just two weeks ago.

However, unlike Misano, Bastianini has better braking speed coming out of the corner and easily claimed his win in Aragon.

Nevertheless, Bagnaia should feel happy with his result as the Italian is now just 10 points behind Quartararo with five rounds to go.

On the other, Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro also made a brilliant move on KTM’s Brand Binder to claim third despite remaining behind the South African during the majority of the race.

Catch The 2022 Malaysian MotoGP In Style With Ducati Malaysia

The 2022 Malaysia MotoGP is back after two years of absence, and what better way to catch the biggest motorsport event in the country than to get the best seat in the house?

Tribuna Ducati Package allows you to experience the 2022 Malaysian MotoGP in style.
Enjoy various privilege with fellow Ducatisti.

Ducati Malaysia offers a special Tribuna Ducati Package for those who want to witness their favourite Ducati Lenovo Team MotoGP rider along with fellow Ducatisti at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

You can experience the thrills of MotoGP in the sea of red for just RM499.

The Tribuna Ducati Package includes:

Exclusive three days admissions to the Tribuna Ducati Grandstand
Complimentary refreshments
Tribuna Ducati Race Kit
Ducati original apparel & merchandise rebates voucher

Also, the package includes exclusive access to reserved motorcycle parking, so you don’t need to worry about parking. Trust me, the public parking is horrendous during MotoGP weekend, so having exclusive parking close to the main entrance is a blessing.

This is Ducati Malaysia we are on about, mate, so of course, you’re getting the complete Ducati treatment.

For those interested in being a part of the Tribuna, you can simply walk-in your nearest Ducati showroom to make the purchase.

See you there!

FIRST LOOK: 2023 Ducati Monster SP

Ducati has officially unveiled the 2023 Ducati Monster SP during Episode 2 Ducati World Premiere 2023 web series.

2023 Ducati Monster SP debuted in episode 2 of Ducati World Premiere 2023.
Incorporates Ducati Lenovo Team Desmosedici GP colour scheme.

Although the Monster remains as one of Borgo Panigale’s most affordable model, the factory thinks that the Monster deserved some attention.

Lo and behold, the Monster gets the special SP treatment for 2023 that features all the exciting goodies.

First and foremost, the Monster SP is equipped with a fully-adjustable Ohlins NIX30 fornt fork which is now 600g lighter than the base Monster and Monster+.

Braking is done with a 320mm front disc and is paired to Brembo’s top-of-the-range Brembo Stylema brake callipers. In addition, the SP also features Termignoni homologated exhaust.

The SP also incorporates Ducati MotoGP-inspired paint job that further accentuate the bike’s overall look.

Other notable features include:

steering damper
Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres
recalibrated riding modes with new Wet Mode
Launch Control

According to Ducati, the 2023 Ducati Monster SP will arrived at worldwide dealership beginning January 2023.

MotoGP: Augusto Fernandez Signs With GASGAS Factory Racing

Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 rider, Augusto Fernandez has signed with GASGAS Factory Racing for the 2023 MotoGP season.

Augusto Fernandez to promoted to premier class with GASGAS Factory Racing.
Fernandez to form new partnership with Pol Espargaro.

The 25-year-old from Mallorca will teamed up with fellow Spaniard, Pol Espargaro at the newly formed MotoGP team next season.

The announcement will definitely boost the riders effort in Moto2 this season as he currently leads the championship standing with 198 points.

“Wow, this is amazing: to be able to make the jump to MotoGP with GASGAS.

“I want to thank everyone in the racing structure for all their support since I signed with the Red Bull KTM Ajo team last year.

“I’m really happy. It’s a dream. We still have work to do in Moto2 and I want to go for the title and go to the MotoGP class – and this next challenge – in the best possible way,” he said.

Meanwhile, GASGAS Factory Racing Team principal, Herve Poncharal admitted that he’s a fan of the rider for two years now.

“I have been following Augusto for a few seasons now and we already discussed moving up to the higher class two years ago but he was not ready yet for the big jump.

“When we met again recently, it appeared very clear that he was prepared to come to MotoGP.

I am excited about next season because our garage will have a mix of experience and youth through Pol and Augusto.

“They are both Spanish and will work in a positive and constructive way and this is what we have been looking for.

“Welcome to MotoGP Augusto, keep calm and focus on your Moto2 championship. We will be waiting for you in our garage on Tuesday following the Valencia GP for your first MotoGP test,” he said.

Akrapovic Now Makes Rear Silencers For The BMW R 18

BMW R 18 is now getting an aftermarket rear silencers from Akrapovic.

Akrapovic introduced new rear silenceers for the BMW R 18.
Features lighter component and is tuned to the R 18 1,802cc engine.

The Akrapovic rear silencers is 97mm shorter than the standard rear silencers and is made from durable stainless steel, coated in matt black finish.

Together with a silver end cap adjustable in 90-degree steps, the rear of the R 18 now appears sportier than ever.

Interestingly, Akrapovic also designed the end cap with a stylised BMW brand symbol – the propeller – making it extra appealing for the R 18.

The exhaust also features screwed-in heat protection plate to help the rider’s footwear from the exhaust heat.

It’s also important to know that the Akrapovic rear silencers is 1 kilogram lighter than the stock exhaust and have been optimally tuned to the R 18 “Big Boxer” engine to create a powerful sound.

According to BMW Motorrad, the new rear silencers also compliments well to the BMW Motorrad Bobber Kit.

FIRST LOOK: Zero DSR/X Electric Adventure Motorcycle

Electric motorcycle manufacturer, Zero Motorcycles, has pulled the wraps off its first adventure motorcycle, the Zero DSR/X.

The Zero DSR/X is a long-range electric adventure motorcycle.
The DSR/X is capable of hitting 290km city range and 137km highway range.

Coming in new for 2023, the Zero DSR/X features industry-leading Z-Force battery unit, powerful ZF engine and the Cypher III+ operating system that promises to deliver the best riding experience for an electric adventure motorcycle.

According to Zero Motorcycles, the introduction of the DSR/X is to fulfil the customers request of making an electric adventure bike.

“We have invested over 100,000 hours of design to make a model that lived up to our customers’ expectations, while delivering an incredible driving experience, a true mission from Zero Motorcycles,” said Abe Askenazi, Chief Technology Officer, Zero Motorcycles.

Despite its American origin, the DSR/X is injected with European motorcycle DNA.

“The DSR/X is a motorcycle that has European motorcycle culture in its DNA.

“A dual sport motorcycle that meets the needs of riders in the most important motorcycle segment in Europe,” said Umberto Uccelli, Managing Director, Zero Motorrycles Europe.

Thanks to a revamped Z-Force 75-10X engine the DSR/X makes a 100hp and a whopping 225Nm. In addition, Z-Force 17.3 kWh battery offers a city range of 290km and a highway range of 137km.

Meanwhile, DSR/X is built around a completely new perimeter trellis frame that allows for a greater ground clearance, 200mm to be exact. Also, the frame is suspended by an hand-adjustable front fork.

Zero Motorcycles also equipped the DSR/X with new Gates carbon belt drive, specially designed to withstand the massive torque.

In addition, the Zero DSR/X is also the first electric motorcycle to feature state-of-the-art Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control (BMSC) that allows for better stability during cornering and off-road condition.

While in off-road mode, users can disengage the ABS function and the BMSC will autonomously managed the rear grip.

The electronic package also includes Bosch Linked Braking and Bosch Vehicle hold.

Other notable features include:

park mode – low-speed reversing function
level 1 and 2 chargers – requires charging time of 2.5h
compatible with Zero Motorcycles app
Cellular Connectivity Module (CCM)
28L ‘faux’ tank storage

The Zero DSR/X comes in two colour option, Sage Green and Pearl White and is available at a price of EUR27,220 (RM123k).

QJMotor To Venture Into European Market With The SRK700

QJMotor is ready to set foot in Europe after successfully passing the safety and emission regulations.

QJMotor to enter Europe with three new models.
QJMotor is betting on the SKR700, SKR400 and SRV550 for its first batch of bikes to reach Europe.

For those who are not in the loop, QJMotor (Qianjiang Motorcycle) is a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1985.

While the brand is less known in Europe, its subsidiary, Benelli, has been making waves, especially in Italy, with the TRK 502 emerging as the top-selling bike in the country.

That said, QJMotor wants a piece of the pie and is ready to explore the European market by the end of 2022.

Several models, ranging from small capacity motorcycles up to 800cc adventure bikes, have just been awarded European type approval.

According to reports, the first batch of bikes set to reach Europe is the SRK700, SRK400 and the SRV550.

However, the SRK700 is the most unique as there is no Benelli equivalent and runs on a 689cc parallel-twin that makes 74hp peak power and 55Nm of torque.

QJMotor also claimed the SRK700 hit both peaks of power at lower RPM than the Yamaha MT-07.

In addition, the SRV550 shares the same parallel-twin engine that MV Agusta uses in their Lucky Explorer 5.5.

French Exclusive BMW R 1250 GS Spirit Of GS Edition Launched

Since its introduction, the Gelande Strasse nameplate has been BMW Motorrad’s most successful motorcycle.

To this day, the GS is considered the most popular adventure motorcycle of the modern era while also setting a benchmark in the adventure bike segment.

That said, the R 1250 GS sits comfortably on top of the food chain despite numerous attempts by other manufacturer to try and have a piece of the throne.

Currently, the R 1250 GS is available in various trims and colours, but BMW up the ante with the latest rendition revealed at the Alpes Aventures Motofestival.

Exclusive to the French market, the BMW R 1250 GS Spirit of GS Edition is limited to just 1,250 units, all of which will be sold exclusively in the country.

The limited edition motorcycle set itself apart from the base R 1250 GS with several key features, notably the new colourway.

The Spirit of GS edition features grey and orange accents creating an eye-catching aesthetic.

Also, the bike gets black and orange side scoops, wheel accents and an aluminium handguard as standard. BMW also stamped the serial number on the handlebar clamp to remind you of its rarity.

Other notable features include a smoked windscreen, engine spoiler and engine crash guard.

The 2022 BMW R 1250 GS Spirit of GS Edition is priced at EUR27,990 (RM127k).

Aveta SVR 180: The Chinese Super Moped Now Assembled in Malaysia – RM9,980!

If you are wondering what Aveta is, fret not because you are not alone. Up until the point when we received the invite from Aveta to test ride their latest product, we had never heard of the brand before either.

So what is Aveta? Simply put, it is a Malaysian brand that localises China made motorcycles, specifically, it rebadges Rato motorcycles that are made in China.

Rato is part of the CHONGQIN Rato Group and has been building motorcycles and engines since 2007.

But the Aveta brand was born in Malaysia in 2019 to reassemble the motorcycles in Malaysia.

We all know what happened after 2019, so it is no wonder that not many have heard of the Aveta brand.

But the company persevered and survived the pandemic. Not only did it survive but it has introduced new models, and is currently selling about 1,000 – 1,500 new motorcycles a month. Which is an astonishing figure.

And the latest model to be added to its formidable stable on the local front is the SVR 180.

It looks like a Honda RS or RSX that has undergone a slimming program and is now leaner, but that 175cc engine is zippy and has a rev happy character.

It produces about 17hp and 15.5Nm of torque and comes with a 6.6-litre fuel tank. We only got to ride it for about four kilometers, so there really is no telling whether it sips or chugs fuel. A longer test ride is needed to ascertain that.

That rev happy engine is connected to a six-speed multi-plate gearbox. And the powertrain only has to manage a 113kg package. Our 80kg rider came away singing praises about the engine so that says a lot about its capability.

Stopping power is provided by discs front and rear while suspension duties is managed by a telescopic fork up front and a monoshock at the rear.

In terms of features, the SVR 180 comes with a digital LED screen and a USB socket that is able to charge a phone on the move, which gives it a level or practicality that is well suited to the urban environment or for food delivery riders who are always on the go and need their gadgets constantly charged.

At RM9,980, the Aveta SVR 180 seems to check all the boxes. You may think that the price is quite expensive, and you would not be wrong either because at that price point, there’s quite a lot of options from the competition from Japan.

But if you have not already heard, there’s a long waiting period for most motorcycles due to the global semi-conductor shortage, the Aveta SVR 180 though, is available immediately.

Top 10: Bikes That Ruled Malaysian Roads

MotoGP: Marquez To Return This Weekend, Nakagami Gets A Lifeline

Six-time MotoGP world champion, Marc Marquez will return to racing this weekend, it has been confirmed.

Marc Marquez will return to racing at MotorLand Aragon this weekend.
Takaaki Nakagami to remain with LCR Honda after agreeing a 12-month deal.

The Spaniard will be back on board the RC213V at this weekend’s MotorLand Aragon for the first time since June following the Italian Grand Prix.

Marquez rode a Honda CBR600RR at the Aragon kart track before completing the full two day testing at the Misano Test last week.

“After numerous check-ups, consultations and tests, all involved are satisfied with the recovery made and the #93 will now take the next step in his rehabilitation – returning to competition,” said Honda in a statement.

Despite missing 110 days from the world championship, expectations for the rider is still high upon his return this weekend. The 29-year-old has a fantastic record at Aragon, winning every year between 2016 and 2019. The circuit even named Turn 10 after the rider.

Nevertheless, this weekend race is all about getting back to full race fitness as confirmed by his team.

“The objective for the weekend will be to continue improving Marquez’s bike fitness and assessing his performance during the intensity of a Grand Prix weekend and race,” said Honda.

Meanwhile, Takaaki Nakagami will feature at next season’s MotoGP after agreeing a 12-month deal with HRC.

The 30-year-old will remain with LCR Honda IDEMITSU until the end of the 2023 season.

That said, the confirmation ends all rumours regarding his future at the team.

Honda To Roll Out 10 New Electric Bikes By 2025

Honda has unveiled its plans for electrification including the introduction of 10 new electric motorcycles by 2025.

Honda to introduced 10 new electric motorcycles by 2025.
New electric models include Fun EV, a large capacity electric motorcycles.

Honda Motorcycle: Carbon Neutrality through Electrification

The announcement also include the Japanese firm’s effort to meet carbon neutrality by 2050.

“Honda will accelerate the electrification of motorcycles as the primary focus of environmental strategies for motorcycle business,” said Honda in a statement.

That said, Honda will continue the development of internal combustion motorcycle but it wants to decrease the carbon dioxide output of its internal combustion motorcycle engines.

Also, Honda wants to develop motorcycles that is compatible with carbon neutral fuels such as gasoline-ethanol.

Honda has also set 2025 as the date to roll out 10 new electric motorcycles which include models for commuting and fun models. Looking at the photos shared, we are probably looking at a bigger capacity electric motorcycle instead of the usual 125cc-equivalent electric bikes.

Specifically, Honda wants to launch three large fun EV models, including one EV for kids by 2024-2025 for Japan, USA and Europe.

In addition, Honda will also launch two commuter electrics in Asia, Europe and Japan and five electric bicycle and electric moped by 2024.

There are two types of batteries set to be utilised, including an all-solid-state battery and a swappable battery.

Honda is also working to expand the value of its electric motorcycles by working with its software subsidiary, Drivemode.

“Honda will offer user experience (UX) features that continuously enrich the quality of riding through connectivity, such as offering optimal route options that take into consideration remaining range, charging spot notification, safe riding coaching and aftersales service support.”

Honda Patents New Electric Scooter In India

Honda is likely to introduced an all-new electric scooter in India after filing a new patent application in the country.

borrows similar design cue from the Activa.
features 12v battery unit, telescopic fork and double-sided swingarm.

India’s motoring publication, AutoCarIndia published the new patent application showing what could Honda upcoming e-scooter would look like.

As expected, the image showcased an e-scooter that looks similar to the Activa.

Firstly, the front fascia – including the handlebar and headlight – shares similarities with the Activa. However, the rest of the bodywork looks new.

According to reports, the e-scooter is equipped with hub-mounted motor to reduce clutter and the production cost.

The patent also shows a 12v battery unit, telescopic forks, single rear shocks and double-sided swingarm.

The swingarm is mounted to the 10-inch rear wheels with drum brake.

The e-scooter is likely to be introduce in the Indian market in 2023.