The Ducati Diavel is a one-of-a-kind cruiser that ever existed.
New generation Diavel to feature Ducati’s latest Gran Turismo V4 engine.
Ducati is expected to reveal the new Diavel V4 at the Ducati World Premiere 2023 web series.
Introduced in 2010 as a so-called ‘power cruiser’, the Diavel has since become the reference for other manufacturers to adopt a similar design language for their own modern-looking cruiser.
After introducing the second generation Diavel in 2015, it appears that Ducati is ready to roll out the new generation Diavel over the next few weeks in one of the firm’s seven World Premiere web series.
One of the episodes is almost certain to feature the new Diavel after the test mule was spotted in spy photos published by Motorrad.
Based on the photos, it appears that Ducati has swapped the Diavel’s long-serving 1260 DVT Testastretta with the firm’s Gran Turismo V4 1158cc engine.
The Gran Turismo V4 is currently powering the Multistrada V4 and features a unique configuration as Ducati ditched the iconic desmodromic valve for a spring valve return system.
As a result, the Multistrada V4 major service maintenance sits at 60,000km instead of the usual 30,000km.
Also, the new platform might suggest that the next-gen Diavel features a new revised frame.
The question is, which episode is likely to reveal the new Diavel V4? We’ll find out soon enough!
Yamaha is expanding its electric mobility presence by introducing a new electric motor called the PWseries S2.
the PWseries S2 is an electric motor strictly for Yamaha e-bikes.
the electric motor is lighter and more powerful than its predecessor.
The new generation electric motor has a maximum torque output of 75Nm and weighs just 2.85kg.
That said, the new motor is not for electric motorcycle, instead it is for the firm’s e-bikes.
Also the e-bike engine is not applicable to motorcycles, considering that e-bikes operate with the power of the cyclist leg.
Nevertheless, the technology can still be a reference for future Yamaha electric motorcycles and scooters.
Yamaha already launched two electric scooters this year with the NEO’s and E01. We aslo got the chance to see the E01 up close during Hong Leong Yamaha’s recently concluded GenBlu Karnival.
However, we are still waiting for Yamaha’s first electric motorcycle and with Kawasaki set to introduce its first electric two-wheeler in November, we expect Yamaha to follow soon.
It seems like the global semi-conductor shortage has not only affected cars, but also motorcycles.
These days it is common to wait a few months for your new car or bike, but to wait over a year? Wow!
But that is exactly the response we got when we contacted a few Honda Big Wing outlets in search of a Honda X-ADV.
A member of our team was poking around to see how long it would take to get a brand new Honda X-ADV, and to our surprise, the general answer was that the waiting period was at least a year! AT LEAST!
We called a few Honda Big Wing outlets in KL, Selangor and the one in Penang, and shockingly the general answer was that the waiting period is now at least a year and a half to two years.
One outlet even said that the waiting period is now two years and the booking list is closed and they are no longer accepting any more bookings for the X-ADV.
An outlet in Penang said that it has over 170 people in its waiting list waiting to get their Honda X-ADV delivered.
Why would anyone wait more than a few months for a new motorcycle is beyond us when there are so many options out there, and there’s no telling if a better bike may become available in the next few months.
The global semi-conductor issue has truly affected all industries, and there is no telling when it will end.
The Honda X-ADV is undoubtedly popular, but is it worth waiting 2 years for?
But the good thing is, those that already own the Honda X-ADV can expect the second hand prices to go up!
Suzuki recently spotted testing new motorcycles in Europe, which appears to be the eventual successor to the SV650.
New generation Suzuki SV650 with parallel-twin engine caught testing.
Features new bodywork including a new front LED headlamp.
The naked motorcycle has been running Suzuki’s trusted 645cc V-Twin engine since its introduction in 1999.
Since then, Suzuki has only run a minor update to ensure the bike complies with the global emission standards.
On that note, Suzuki is finally ready to up the ante by introducing a new generation SV650 running on an all-new 700cc parallel-twin engine.
That said, the SV650 successor was recently caught undergoing road test in Europe, according to Motorcycle.com.
Based on these spy photos, we can see an all-new bodywork, including a modern front fascia with a horizontal LED headlamp similar to the firm’s latest GSX-S1000.
Despite the heavily taped-up bodywork and front fender, the new generation SV650 appears more aggressive and bolder.
Also, based on the photos, we got the chance to see a clearer look into Suzuki’s newest parallel-twin platform. Other notable features include an inverted front fork and Nissin brake callipers.
While technical details remain scarce, we know now that Suzuki has put in a lot of work to introduce the SV650 successor.
However, with a new engine configuration, the House of Hamamatsu will likely drop the SV650 nomenclature for something new.
Yamaha has unveiled a new track-only R1 GYTR motorcycle.
The Japanese marquee recently filed a new trademark filing for the R1.
The latest generation R1 is ineligible for the road but we could see a road legal version soon, likely at the EICMA show in November.
That said, what’s new about the track-only R1?
Firstly, like the previous track-oriented R1, it is developed by Genuine Yamaha Technologies Racing (GYTR).GYTR also responsible for developing practice bikes for racers.
In addition, GYTR also sponsors GRT Yamaha WorldSBK team and the Yamaha Austria Racing Team (YART) competing in the Endurance World Championship (EWC).
According to Yamaha, the R1 GYTR features track-ready components including:
Akrapovic Race muffler and mid-pipe system
AIS plug set
Engine cover set
GYTR ECU
Wiring harness
PC interface cable
GYTR ABS Emulator
GYTR On/Off Switch
15/42T 520 sprockets
GYTR R-Series 520 racing chain
BS R11 tires
GYTR Racing Fuel Cap
GYTR Stainless Steel Brake Line Set
Callipers with GYTR steel piston kit
Brembo Z04 brake pads
Race handlebars
Steering stoppers
Shark Fin Rear Sprocket Guard
Billet Front Brake Lever Guard
Race Rear Set with reverse shifting option
Rear stand hooks
R-Series Racing Rear Stand
Complete Race Cowling Kit in primer white
Racing screen
GYTR Race seat
Unfortunately, the race-ready R1 GYTR can only be purchased from GYTR Pro Shops. Customers can also personalised the settings with the help of GYTR.
Also, GYTR will introduce more than 400 components developed specifically for the R1 including race parts currently used on Yamaha’s WorldSBK machine.
The GYTR Pro range includes:
GYTR PRO Swingarm
GYTR PRO large capacity and low gravity fuel tank
GTTR PRO Carbon rear subframe
GYTR PRO Triple clamp
GYTR PRO Carbon cowling set
GYTR Pro screen
GYTR PRO Dashboard
GYTR PRO Dash support
GYTR PRO Handlebars
GYTR PRO Handle bar switches
GYTR PRO Marelli electronics (customised)
GYTR PRO Airducts for brake calipers
GYTR PRO Brake lines
GYTR PRO Brembo wheel adaptors
GYTR PRO Clutch
GYTR PRO Side steering damper with bracket and clamp
GYTR PRO MB radiator
GYTR PRO Akrapovic system
GYTR PRO Brake lever protector
According to Yamaha, the entire GYTR Pro range will be announced by the end of the year.
Kawasaki has introduced the traction control function on the 2023 Ninja 650 and Z650.
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 and Z650 gains traction control.
Retains the same 649cc parallel-twin engine.
While the same features are regarded as industry standard, this is the first time that traction control function is equipped on the Ninja and Z650.
The two motorcycle will feature three diferent Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) settings to meet the rider’s need.
In Mode 1, the KTRC system is more preserve while Mode 2 the intervention sets in earlier to deal with lower-traction situation especially riding on wet roads.
Also, users can turn off the traction control system entirely, allowing more fun factor especially on the track.
Riders can also access their preferred KTRC setting via the Bluetooth-enabled TFT instrument colour.
Nonetheless, the Ninja 650 and Z650 runs on the same 649cc parallel-twin engine capable of producing 67hp and 65Nm.
The bike is suspended by a non-adjustable 41mm telescopic fork and a horizontal back-link rear shock.
GASGAS officially unveiled the all-new GASGAS RX 450F Replica for 2023.
The RX 450F Replica is the closest thing to GASGAS Dakar-wnning racebike.
features 450cc SOHC single cylinder engine.
As mentioned a few weeks ago, the RX 450F Replica is based on the firm’s 2022 Dakar-winning race bike ridden by Sam Sunderland Daniel Sanders.
According to GASGAS, the RX 450F Replica is the closest thing you’re going to get to the actual motorcycle.
As predicted, the GASGAS RX 450F Replica is fundamentally the same as KTM’s 450 Rally Replica albeit some minor changes including colours and front fender.
However, the RX 450F Replica is fitted with WP Xplor Pro 7548 front fork and 7750 rear shock while the KTM is suspended by a XACT pro front fork and rear shock.
Nevertheless, the RX 450F Replica features theshares the same 450cc SOHC single-cylinder engine powering the GASGAS MC 450F racebike.
Other notable features include:
carbon fiber navigator tower
red anodized X-TRIG forged triple clamp
red Supersprox Stealth rear sprocket
Neken handelbar
Akrapovic exhaust
Hinson clutch cover
Braking is regulated by Brembo brakes with the bike running on Continental TKC 80 tires with black anodized EXCEL rims.
The Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX is a quarter-litre ‘baby’ dual-sport adventure motorcycle recently introduced in India.
All new Suzuki V-Strom SX is a ‘baby’ dual-sport packing the right style and features.
It harnesses the 250cc single lifted from the Suzuki GSX250R, offering 26HP and 22.2NM.
Key features include dual-channel ABS, digital dash with connectivity function, and more.
At the time, the baby V-Strom is an India-only motorcycle but the bike’s potential in similar Asian markets in undeniable.
That said, it is likely that the Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX could make its way to Malaysia soon.
We recently managed to witness the test mule on Malaysian road, indicating Suzuki Malaysia intention of introducing the baby V-Strom for the local market.
This is certainly an exciting development considering the 250cc market lacks ADV-type motorcycle.
Currently, the Benelli TRK 250 is the only contender in this segment in Malaysia.
For starters, it harnesses the same 250cc single derived from the Suzuki GSX250R, delivering about 26HP and 22.2NM of twist through a six-speed constant-mesh transmission.
The Suzuki V-Strom SX reportedly weighs in at about 167KG, which makes said output figures rather adequate.
The pint-sized V-Strom features a telescopic front fork with 120mm of stroke dialled in, and it’s paired with a rear swingarm-mounted rear shock offering seven-level pre-load adjustment.
The wheels, on the other hand, measure 19-inches un front and 17-inches at the rear. As for braking, it’s a single disc brake setup both front and aft, and both are tied to a dual-channel ABS suite as well.
Other notable features include a digital meter panel display brimmed with Bluetooth connectivity, USB charging port, all-LED lighting, as well as the novel Suzuki Easy Start System electric ignition suite.
In conjunction with Aprilia’s 30th anniversary of its maiden Grand Prix title, the Noale factory has introduced a specially built RSV4 Xtrenta.
The Aprilia RSV4 XTrenta is the first production bike to feature a MotoGP-derived under-wing (aka The Spoon).
The XTrenta makes a 230hp with 165kg.
The timing couldn’t be better as Aprilia is currently having its best season so far in MotoGP, with the likes of Aleix Espargaro winning the Argentinian GP followed by Maverick Vinales seizing his second podium of the season at Misano.
Jumping on Aprilia’s Grand Prix racing pedigree, the RSV4 Xtrenta features all the goodies from the firm’s RS-GP machine.
Firstly, the RSV4 Xtrenta utilized the same PAN Compositi process used by MotoGP teams. As such, the bike track-only motorcycle gets the same aerodynamic appendages and rear winglets similar to the RS-GP.
The XTrenta is also the first production bike to feature the swingarm-mounted MotoGP under-wing (The Spoon) that helps to regulate tire temperature.
Aprilia also revised the 1,099cc V4 engine on the RSV4 Xtrenta by increasing the compression ratio. Also, thanks to the newly-developed SC-Project titanium carbon exhaust system, the Xtrenta makes a whopping 230 peak horsepower.
Ensuring the engine runs at optimal temperature, the XTrenta features superbike-derived Taleo Tecnoracing water and oil radiators.
Other unique features available on the RSV4 Xtrenta include a specially-calibrated Magneti Marelli control unit, JetPrime racing panels, refined Ohlins suspensions and forged magnesium Marchesini M7R Genesi wheels.
Also, thanks to its lightweight construction, stopping is easier with Brembo GP4-MS billet monoblock callipers paired with a 330mm T-drive disc.
Limited to just 100 units, the Aprilia RSV4 Xtrenta will go on sale on 6 September for EUR50,000, which easily translates to RM222,400.
Ducati kicked off episode 1 of its Ducati World Premiere 2023 with the limited edition Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini.
The Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini is limited to just 630 units.
Inspired by Lamborghini’s Huracan STO.
Using the Streetfighter V4 S as the base and Lamborghini Huracan STO as the inspiration, the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini is limited to just 630 units worldwide.
That said, the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini features the special Verde Citrea and Arancio Dac livery taken from the Huracan STO.
Ducati also threw in Francesco Bagnaia’s number 63, which can also be found on the helmet and leathers available with the unique collaboration.
Also, Bagnaia became Ducati’s first ever MotoGP rider to win four consecutive GP races on Sunday, making the number a bit more special.
The Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini also sports the Huracan STO forged wheels design, including the similar titanium lock nut.
As expected, the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini also boasts carbon fibre components, with much being made to mimic the Huracan STO.
In addition, the special collaboration motorcycle is also fitted with Akrapovic titanium exhaust complete with a carbon fibre endcap.
Mechanically, the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini features the same 1,103cc V4 engine that makes 208hp @ 13,000rpm and 123Nm.
There is no denying the fact that motorcycles are a big part of our lives. We are surrounded by bikes. We feel that it is safe to say that almost every Malaysian has been on a motorcycle at least once in their lives.
Although two-wheelers have been around Malaysia since independence, their popularity grew massively only after the Honda Cub took over the world. Since the first ever Honda Cub, hundreds of bikes landed on our shores, but only a handful went on to become icons, thanks to either good design or downright reliability.
That said, below is our list of the top 10 iconic bikes that basically ruled our roads. In fact, some of them are still going strong today.
1) Honda Cub (Also known as the Honda ‘Bulat’)
Unveiled in 1958, the Honda Cub did not only rule Malaysian roads, but the whole world. It is in fact, the bike that was responsible for changing the image of bikes on a global scale. Just like how Air Asia made flying accessible to the masses, the Honda Cub was the first motorcycle to reach homes. First introduced as the C70, the Cub has gone through many generations, and is still going strong. We won’t be surprised if this bike, which is also dubbed as the greatest bike ever built by many, outlives many of us.
2) Honda EX5
The EX5, which is the Honda Cub’s “grandchild”, is without a doubt, the most popular bike to be on our streets. Unveiled in 1986, the EX5 was the first motorcycle for many Malaysians. Initially powered by a 97cc made in Japan, the EX5 was updated with a 110cc engine. Known for its durability and reliability, the EX5’s legacy is still going strong, and doesn’t seem like it will be slowing down any time soon.
3) Yamaha Sport 100
Photo courtesy of malaysianbikers.com.my
Also unveiled during the same era as the EX-5, the Yamaha Sport 100, which is also more commonly known as the “100 sports” by Malaysians, was the next most popular thing after the EX-5. Still being used by many riders, both young and old, the Sport 100, which is infamously known for emitting white smoke(it is a two-stroker), is still being widely used nationwide, 30 years after its debut.
4) Suzuki RGV 120
In the 1990s, the Malaysian ‘Kapchai’ market saw a new buying trend – the demand for two-strokers was on the rise. Younger riders were more interested in “radical” models, that came with a clutch, and could easily go past the speed limit, and looked more modern than bikes like the EX-5 and the Yamaha Sport 100. This was when the Suzuki RGV 120 came into the picture and took over the streets. Sought mostly by the youth back in the days, the first thing that will come to our mind when we see the RGV 120 is definitely the infamous modified screaming exhaust pipes. How can we forget that?
5) Yamaha RX 115
Photo courtesy of Yamaha RX 115 Fan Club Facebook
The Yamaha RX 115 was a naked 115 cc bare-boned motorcycle which made its debut in 1981. Besides Malaysia, the RX 115 is also very popular in Thailand, Pakistan, Turkey, Uruguay, Singapore and Colombia. Today, the RX 115 will surely be present at any and every retro motorcycle show or gathering held in Malaysia.
6) Yamaha RXZ
If there was one bike that was guaranteed to get you attention from the ladies back in the 1990s, it was definitely the Yamaha RXZ. Powered by a potent two-stroke 135cc engine with insane amount of torque, the RXZ was not only good looking, but packed quite a punch in terms of performance as well. Truth be told, it was arguably the best looking bike of its time.
7) Kawasaki KR-150 Series (KIPS)
First unleashed in 1990 by Kawasaki, the Kawasaki KR-150, which is also known as the KIPS, was one of the favourites among speed-demons of the 90s. Looking like a mini GPZ 600, the KR150 was among the most powerful and reliable tw0-strokers to rule our streets. Even though the glory days of two-stroke engines are long gone, we can still see a few running around our roads till today.
8) Yamaha TZM 150
Photo courtesy of Motomalaya.net
A legendary bike based on the TZR 250 that could kick out an impressive 35hp at 10,500RPM. Thanks to the powerful liquid-cooled, two-stroke engine with 59.0mm x 54.0mm bore and stroke setup, the TZM could rev to insane rpm. Complemented by 30mm Mikuni carbs, the engine was capable of propelling this bike up to 208km/h. How is that for performance?
9) Suzuki TXR 150 Panther
If there was one bike that could match, or outdo Yamaha’s RXZ in terms of styling and performance, it was none other than the Suzuki TXR 150 Panther. Some say that it could even outperform the TZM. First launched in 1982, the Panther’s production ended in 1991. Although the official production of the Panther didn’t go on for as long as some of its rivals, the bike has a massive cult following and still remains popular among retro bike enthusiasts.
10) Yamaha 125Z
The Yamaha Y125Z or better known as Yamaha Z (in Europe) is a 125 cc two-stroke underbone bike which made its debut in 1998 as a successor of the Y 110 SS. It is said that the 125Z was the first 2-stroke underbone motorcycle to come with a catalytic converter. Beside being sold in most Southeast Asian countries especially in Malaysia and Singapore, it was also sold in Greece.
The world might be going bonkers, but the Suzuki SV650 will always be around.
The 2023 Suzuki SV650 features a new fresh colourway.
The 2023 SV650 retains the same mechanics and specifications.
That said, the House of Hamamatsu seems content to continue the SV650 production.
Recently, Suzuki introduced a new 2023 colourway for the SV650 in Italy. Unfortunately, the 2023 model continues to run on outdated features and specs.
That said, the 2023 SV650 now comes in Blu Las Vegas, Gray London and Black Dubai.
The Blu Las Vegas features a navy blue tank and tail section, with a bronze-painted trellis frame and rims. While the Black Dubai gets a gloss black paint base.
On the other hand, Gray London features a grey-painted fuel tank and tail section along with red rims. Give it a squint, and you might see a Ducati Monster instead.
Jokes aside, there is absolutely nothing new to report apart from the new colours. The 2023 SV650 still runs on the same 645cc 90-degree V-Twin engine that makes 75hp and 64Nm.
