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Upcoming Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 To Feature Alloy Wheels

It looks like Royal Enfield is set to introduced alloy wheels to its Continental 650 GT motorcycle after the test mule was spotted recently in India.

The new alloy rims appears to be same 18-inch size as the current motorcycle.
Announcement to be made soon.

The alloy rims feature on the test mule sport a 7-spoke design and is likely to be same size as the 18” spoke wheels on the current Continental.

Also, this could mean that the Continental GT 650 will get tubeless tyres, as opposed to the current model.

That said, we expect that the 650 twin, the Interceptor 650 will also get the same update, which is likely to happen in the coming months.

Interestingly, the spy shot (which you can check out HERE) also revealed that the Continental GT 650 is fitted with a new round taillamp, replacing the rectangular unit found in the current model.

Looking at how RE not bother to cover the test mule with the usual camo paintjob, it is safe to assume the motorcycle compay will announced the minor upgrade soon.

(source: autocar)

Austrian GP: Bagnaia Claims First Three-Consecutive MotoGP Victory

Francesco Bagnaia ties Casey Stoner’s record as the only Ducati rider to win three MotoGP races in a row after claiming his fifth win of the season at the Red Bull Ring.

The Italian led into turn one after passing Gresini’s Enea Bastianini who started at pole position.

Keen to make a factory Ducati 1-2, Jack Miller went in front of Bastianini at Turn 3.

Bastianini lost another spot to Pramac’s Jorge Martin before retiring with the team confirmed that the Italian suffered a deflating front tyre.

Meanwhile, reigning champion, Fabio Quartararo begin to close in on Bagnaia, Miller and Martin.

Martin made a mistake after running wide on lap 17 and allow Quartararo to pass.

The Frenchman then produced the best overtaking of the season – at Turn 2(a)-Turn 2(b) – to grab second placed ahead of Miller.

However, the late charge from the world champion was not enough as Bagnaia managed to hold off Quartararo by half a second.

Meanwhile, Quartararo continue to lead the championship with 200 points, 32 points ahead of Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro while race winner Bagnaia sits third with 156 points.

MotoGP will be back in action in September at the iconic Misano circuit, the home of Ducati.

Race results:

Francesco BAGNAIA
Fabio QUARTARARO
Jack MILLER
Luca MARINI
Johann ZARCO
Aleix ESPARGARO
Brad BINDER
Alex RINS
Marco BEZZECCHI
Jorge MARTIN
Fabio DI GIANNANTONIO
Miguel OLIVEIRA
Maverick VIÑALES
Alex MARQUEZ
Andrea DOVIZIOSO
Pol ESPARGARO
Stefan BRADL
Raul FERNANDEZ
Lorenzo SAVADORI
Remy GARDNER

HLYM Previews Yamaha E01 Electric Scooter – 8.1kW, 100km Max Range

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has officially showcased the Japanese motorcycle company first electric motorcycle, the E01.

It features a 4.9kWh lithium-ion battery and electric motor setup with 10.8HP and 30.2NM.
Yamaha claims a maximum range of at least 100KM and ability to hit speeds of 100KM/H.

The electric two-wheeler made its global appearance in January 2022 and was confirmed to make its way to Malaysia after the country was among the few selected to test out the motorcycle.

That said, Yamaha has already tested the E01 in Europe and Japan.

Nevertheless, we were given the opportunity to take a closer look at the E01 at the recently concluded Yamaha GenBlue Carnival, in Pantai Teluk Batik, Perak.

Notably, the Yamaha E01 sports proportions and dimensions similar to that of the Yamaha NMax scooter. But instead of a 155cc VVA-equipped single-cylinder and CVT box setup, the E01 features a that, according to Yamaha, is capable of generating 8.1kW (10.8HP) @ 5,000RPM and 30.2NM @ 1,950RPM.

Furthermore, the Yamaha E01 also offers a decent level of daily practicality thanks to the presence of a sizeable 23-litre under-seat storage bin.

Critically, as an urban scooter, the Yamaha E01 promises a maximum travel range of up to 100KM at least plus whilst also reaching speeds of 105km/h too.

As for charging, there are three options available:

Conventional charger (home) – 6 hours to full
Fast charger (distributor) – 1 hour to 80 percent
Portable charger – 13 hours to full

Pricing and availability of the Yamaha E01 is yet to be announce but it is understood that the new electric motorcycle will be priced similar to Yamaha’s XMax 250 scooter.

SYM Unveils New MMBCU Scooter In China – 150cc, Dual-Channel ABS

Taiwanese motorcycle manufacturer, SYM has launched the all-new MMBCU scooter in China.

SYM MMBCU scooter runs on a 150.8cc engine.
Features futuristic design and minimal body panels.

At a glance, the new 150cc scooter looks amazing, certainly with the front fascia that looks inspired by Kawasaki H2 range.

The unconventional bodywork and a sharp side profile creates something that we have never seen before from a 150cc scooter. Also, the sporty single seat setup completes the look of the scooter.

Powering the MMBCU scooter is a 150.8cc 4-valve, liquid-cooled engine. Unfortunately, SYM yet to revealed the power output but we expect the power to be around 15hp.

The scooter is suspended by a telescopic for and monoshock suspension setup while the braking is regulated with dual-channel ABS mated to a single disc brake at the front and rear.

That said, the new scooter runs on 13-inch alloy wheels (front and back) and tips the scale at 136kg.

Other notable features include a fully digital LCD display, silent start, stop start function, USB charging port and 28L under-seat storage.

In addition, you also get a small storage at the front that can fit a 700ml water bottle.

MotoGP: Marc Marquez Aims To Race Again This Year

Marc Marquez hoped that he could return to racing this year after having surgery on his right arm in June.

Marc Marquez could make a surprise appearance on the grid this season.
The Repsol Honda rider is still the highest-placed Honda rider on the grid.

The six-time MotoGP world champion returns to the paddock for the first time since May and told reporters at the Austrian GP that he is optimistic despite yet to returned to full fitness.

The Spaniard is currently en route to recovery and is increasing his workload.

“My intention is to make some races this year.

“Next week I will have the answer if it will be possible or not.

“When I feel ready I will come back because it will be important to prepare for 2023,” he said.

Honda surely wants their star rider back on the grid as Marquez remains the highest-placed Honda rider in the championship – at 14th – despite missing six races so far.

“Then the next two weeks I started to move my arm, with the physio. The last four weeks I started to work a little bit with elastics. Now I start to increase a little bit the weight.

“If I need to wait one more week, I will wait. When I will feel 70 or 80%, when I feel I can ride a MotoGP bike in a more or less good way, I will come back.

“The last part of the rehabilitation, the best way, is to be on the bike. You cannot wait to be 100% before riding the bike,” he added.

MotoGP returns to action this weekend at the Red Bull Ring.

Benda BD500 V4 Cruiser Breaks Cover In China – 55.5hp, 45Nm

Chinese motorcycle manufacturer, Benda, has just launched a new cruiser in its home market.

The BD500 V4 is the latest middleweight cruiser from Benda.
The motorcycle features a 496cc liquid-cooled V4 engine.

Dubbed the BD500 V4, the cruiser-style motorcycle features an appealing design and a unique engine configuration.

That said, the Benda B500 features a 496cc, liquid-cooled V4 motor that pumps out 55.5hp @ 10,000rpm and 45Nm @ 8,000rpm. That’s ten horses more than the Honda Rebel 500.

Unfortunately, the BD500 V4 tips the scale at 241kg compared to the Rebel’s 185 kilograms.

Nevertheless, the BD500 looks the part with the chunky bodywork, long profile, beefy USD forks, fat tyres and a distinctive flat exhaust.

Unlike some Chinese two-company that tends to copy other established bike designs blatantly, we certainly praised Benda’s originality.

Meanwhile, the Benda BD500 rides on 17-inch wheels and is suspended by upside-down forks and dual shocks. Braking is done by a single disc front and rear and regulated by a dual-channel ABS.

GasGas RX 450F Replica Inbound

GasGas is set to launch a new motorcycle called the RX 450F Replica as confirmed by new type approval documents.

GasGas RX 450F Replica could be based on Sam Sunderland RC 450F.
The motorcycle to feature 449cc engine similar to KTM’s 450 Rally Replica.

The new model is likely to be based on Sam Sunderland’s RC 450F that he rode to victory in the 2022 Dakar Rally.

The RX 450F Replica appeared on an updated list of vehicles approved in Germany, hinting that the new motorcycle is ready for launch, soon.

Despite bearing similarities to Sam’s RC 450F, it is not a perfect match.

Nonetheless, it is safe to assume that the upcoming GasGas RX 450F Replica is a rally-type motorcycle as it listed a similar information to KTM’s 450 Rally Replica.

Considering KTM’s 450 Rally Replica has been in the market for a few years now, it makes sense that GasGas wants its own version in the market, after winning the 2022 Dakar Rally title.

Unfortunately, not many details were unveiled by the latest type approval document a part from it is powered by a 449cc powertrain, features a single saddle setup and classified as an enduro motorcycle.

Nevertheless, it is likely the RX 450F Replica to be based on the KTM latest 450 Rally Replica introduced in June.

(source: Motorcycle.com)

2023 Honda ST125 Dax Arrived In Indonesia – RM24.6k

Honda officially announced the return of the Dax to its MiniMoto range back in March 2022, joining the already available Monkey and MSX125 Grom.

The ST125 Dax officially makes a comeback and further expanding Honda’s MiniMoto portfolio.
The lifestyle motorcycle features a 124cc SOCH air-cooled engine.

Less than six months after its global introduction, the ST125 Dax has now made its way to Indonesia for IDR81.5mil (RM24,600).

The ST125 Dax returns with a 124cc SOCH air-cooled motor that makes 9.25hp and 10.8Nm.

While power is delivered to the rear-wheel via a four-speed gearbox, the bike also comes with a centrifugal clutch.

The Dax weighs 107kg and gets a 31mm upside-down fork, twin-rear shocks, 12-inch mini bike wheels wrapped around with balloon tyres and a full LED light setup.

Other notable features include an LCD and chrome handlebars.

Despite the miniature size, Honda fitted the Dax with a pillion grab rail since the bike is designed from the get-go to support up to two people with the help of the steel frame.

Additionally, the 2023 ST125 Dax comes with single-channel ABS paired to a 220mm front disc, 190mm rear disc and hydraulically-operated brake callipers.

The ST125 Dax is available in two colour options; Pearl Nebula Red and Pearl Cadet Grey.

2022 Honda CB250R Now Available In Malaysia – Features Showa SFF-BP Fork, RM23,999

Coming in new for the Malaysian market is the 2022 Honda CB250R that now features Showa Separate Fork Function Big Piston (SFF-BP).

The Honda CBR250R gets new Showa 41mm SFF-BP front forks.
The new CBR250RR is available two new colours; RM23,999.

The ‘neo-sports cafe’ motorcycle finally received a proper update for 2022 after its last revision in 2019.

The 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD front forks feature a separate damper in one tube and a spring mechanism in the other capable of delivering better dampening performance.

Together with a larger-sized piston, the front-end feel of the motorcycle is significantly improved, thus enhancing the riding experience.

Meanwhile, the rear shock offers a 5-stage of spring preload adjustment.

Other notable improvements include a new fully digital LCD that features a clearer gear indicator than the previous generation.

Mechanically, the 2022 Honda CB250R continue to draw power from its 250cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that produces 27.2hp @ 9,500rpm and 23.4Nm @ 7,750rpm.

Other features include:

Bosch ABS (dual-channel)
slipper clutch
full LED lighting
10.1L fuel tank

According to Boon Siew Honda, the 2022 CBR250R is available in two colour options; Matt Gun Powder Black Metallic and Candy Chromosphere Red and are priced at RM23,999 (exclude registration and insurance).

Belgium Designer Develops Exchangeable Electric Motor For Mopeds

A Belgian designer is working on an electric motor aimed at converting combustion engine to electric for mopeds.

E-Core is a swappable electric motor for mopeds.
features a small 3-5 horsepower equivalent to a 50cc four-strokes mopeds.

As the world is shifting towards electric, most small capacity electric two-wheelers offers the same power equivalent to a 125cc motorcycles.

That said, it is likely that the demand for small capacity electric motorcycle – with 15 to 20 horsepower – will increase significantly in years to come. Moreover, with oil prices showing an upward trend, switching to electric is an option.

However, Belgian designer, Benjamin Surain, foresee a feature of not just low-powered electric motorcycles, but also converting the existing combustion engine mopeds into electric.

According to reports, the electric motor, dubbed E-Core, is an exchangeable electric motor that could be swap with an old combustion engine.

The E-Core exchangeable motor is aimed at mopeds, which are popular globally.

Interestingly, the electric motor allow existing combustion engine to be ‘reincarnated’ as electric instead of discarding the entirety of the old engine which could damaged the environment hence defeating the purpose of sustainability.

Also, this means that people would not be forced into getting a new electric two-wheeler when they can just upgrade their existing petrol-powered mopeds which is potentially more cost-effective.

2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4 Spotted Testing

It’s going to be a busy year for Ducati as the Italian motorcycle company has already planned to introduce seven new launches between September to November.

The 2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4 will feature a similar upgrade to the 2022 Panigale V4.
Notable changes include higher gear ratios, bigger fuel tanks and lighter chassis.

Based on the latest spy shots, we believe one of the upcoming motorcycles would be an updated Ducati Streetfighter V4.

According to these spy shots, the updated Streetfighter V4 might not change much from its predecessor, but upon closer inspection, some subtle changes are applied to the new model.

Firstly, the – black-painted – tank now features similar bodywork to the updated Panigale V4 superbike that was introduced globally last year.

That said, the 2023 Streetfighter V4 will feature a bigger 17L tank as opposed to the 16L previously available on the first-gen hyper-naked motorcycle.

Also, we expect Ducati to introduce the same engine upgrades made to the fully faired bike a year ago, including the redesigned oiling system and exhaust. As such, expect a slight increase of power for the 2023 model.

Ducati also revised the Panigale V4 gear ratios for 2022; thus, the Streetfighter V4 will likely adopt similar changes.

It is also relevant for the updated Streetfighter V4 to get a similar chassis upgrade to the Panigale, including a slightly higher swingarm pivot that helps reduce the bike’s squat under acceleration.

Lastly, it is safe to assume that Ducati will also introduce the higher-spec Streetfighter V4 S and the top-of-the-range V4 SP.

(source: CycleWorld)

TVS-Owned Norton Motorcycles To Fulfil The Commando 961 Backlog From Previous Owners

Norton Motorcycles announced they are fulfilling the 29 outstanding orders of the Commando 961 Classic.

Norton is fulfilling all 29 outstanding orders of Commando 961 left by previous ownership.
The first batch of orders has reached its customers.

The backlog was left from the previous ownership led by the disgraced former CEO, Stuart Garner.

Despite no legal obligation, the TVS-owned company, will fulfil all 29 outstanding orders.

Most importantly, all the Commando 961 have been developed and significantly improved by the firm’s new manufacturing plant in West Midland.

According to Norton, the first batch of bikes has already reached its customers.

Unfortunately, the revised Commandos do not meet Euro5 emission standard, hence the motorcycle were sold via Motorycle Single Vehicle Approval process.

That said, Norton did not disclosed the price and the spec sheet due to its limited volume.

Nonetheless, the British firm has confirmed a new generation of Commando 961 is in the pipeline.

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