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Sungai Petani International Circuit Project Back On Track – Kedah MB

Kedah Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Noor has confirmed that the development of the Sungai Petani race track will resumed soon.

Kedah to resume its international race track project in Sungai Petani.
PKB Open Road will be responsible for developing the new circuit.

To ensure the project will continue as planned, PKB Open Road company has agreed to take over the RM75mil mega project.

In an exciting development, the new race track will be built as an international circuit instead of its initial plan of becoming a Litar Rakyat.

“We are aware that the original plan was to develop a Litar Rakyat however, due to several amendments, the state government has agreed to proceed to upgrade the project to an international circuit,” he said.

Muhammad Sanusi also claimed that the new 1.8km long circuit would also be equipped with commercial areas and exhibition centres.

Despite the upgrade to international standards, the Kedah MB assures that the facility will be accessible to the public.

Meanwhile, the track layout will be designed by a team from the UK who is also the same group of people responsible for developing the Formula 1 racing circuit in Miami.

Honda Plans To Develop New Electric Scooter For India

Electric is no longer the future; it’s already here, with every manufacturer keeping their hands busy working on the new platform as we speak.

HMSI to work closely with Honda Japan to build a proper electric scooter.
The upcoming electric two-wheeler is expected to be based on the popular Honda Activa.

Due to the rapid growth of the electric motorcycle segment, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is set to launch its first electric scooter in India soon.

To ensure the progress of the upcoming electric scooter goes smoothly, HMSI will work closely with Honda’s headquarters in Japan to create the essential platforms for the Indian market.

Given the increase in petrol prices and dedicated subsidies for electric vehicles in India, the demand will likely shift towards electric motorcycles. As such, HMSI needs to develop a suitable platform for upcoming electric two-wheelers quickly.

In addition, HMSI has a hill to climb as a host of electric motorcycles are already available in the market, including Ola S1 Pro, TVS i-Qube, Ather 450X and Bajaj Chetak.

However, collaboration with Honda Japan will undoubtedly boost the brand’s establishment in the electric motorcycle sector.

According to the latest report, HMSI plans to debut an electric version of the highly popular Honda Activa; a motorcycle considered the most sought-after compact scooter in India.

The demand for a reliable and well-made electric motorcycle is currently high in India, and the close partnership could also expand HMSI’s reach to the Asian markets.

OFFICIAL: 2022 Petronas Grand Prix Of Malaysia Is Coming To You This October

The Malaysia MotoGP fever officially returns to Sepang International Circuit after a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sepang International Circuit (SIC) officially welcomes the 2022 Malaysia MotoGP after a two-year absence.
SIC announced Damok as the official ‘wildcard’ rider in Moto3.

This time around, Petronas – the new official title sponsor – welcomes all two-wheel racing enthusiasts across the country to witness the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia 2022 happening on the 21 – 23 October.

The 23rd edition of the Malaysian GP also marks Petronas’s official debut as the new title sponsor after successfully reaching an agreement with MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports earlier this year.

During the launch, Chief Executive Officer of Sepang International Circuit (SIC), Azhan Shafriman Hanif, also announced the ‘wildcard’ slot for the upcoming MotoGP Malaysia goes to FIM Junior GP rider Syarifuddin Azman @ Damok, who will race with team VisionTrack.

“This year marks the first year of PETRONAS as the title sponsor for the Grand Prix. SIC is set to #WelcomeHome all the local and international motorsports fans to Sepang after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“With no Malaysian riders competing full season in the championship, I believe Damok will be the pull factor for Malaysian to cheer fellow Malaysian on the grid,” said Azhan.

Also present is Petronas Senior General Manager of Group Strategic Communications, Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz, who shares her excitement about the latest project.

“PETRONAS is excited to see the return of MotoGP to Malaysia, and it gives us great pride to headline the event, as the championship is synonymous with passion, innovation, pace and performance – values that resonate well with PETRONAS.

“As such, to celebrate the occasion, PETRONAS has lined up a series of thrilling family-friendly experiences on and off the track, including around KLCC which will be announced in due course.

“The Grand Prix title sponsorship offers an opportunity for PETRONAS brand to grow and help re-energise Malaysia’s sports tourism and provides a unique platform for us to showcase PETRONAS Primax – the Official Fuel for the Moto2 and Moto3 championships – to the world,” she said.

Meanwhile, the most exciting catch for this year is the #MalaysianGP2022 Mega Lucky Draw contest, whereby two lucky winners will walk away with Yamaha NVX and Y15ZR, which features limited-edition SIC livery worth RM22,000.

Tickets can be purchased at www.sepangcircuit.com.

2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT Now In Malaysia – RM85,700

There is a new player in the sport-touring segment, and it goes by the name Suzuki GSX-S1000GT.

The new sports-tourer now available in Malaysia for a recommended price of RM85,700.
The new Suzuki GSX-S1000GT features everything you need on a grand tourer, including a comfortable seat and top-notch electronics.

Starting with the design, the GSX-S1000GT has an entirely different design concept than the current Hamamatsu range.

The alien-like fairing features a pointed nose and a non-adjustable windshield at the front paired to a LED headlights and DRL (daytime running light).

Although it was build based on the heavily revised GSX-S1000 frame and powerplant, the GSX-S1000GT brings an altogether different vibe.

With optional panniers, comfy riding ergonomics, and an all-new electronic system, the GSX-S1000GT could be Suzuki’s ultimate sport tourer motorcycle.

At the heart of the motorcycle sits the same inline four-cylinder 999cc Euro5 engine you get from the GSX-R1000 and is detuned with revised cams, new air-box, and new exhaust to deliver 152hp @ 11,000rpm and 106Nm @ 9,250rpm.

Major electronics upgrade is a new electronic actuated throttle and Suzuki Intelligent Ride system that brings together riding modes, traction control and most importantly, cruise control system.

While it may share the same twin-spar aluminium frame with the GSX-S1000, the Japanese firm has heavily revised the subframe to make it sturdier to allow the GT to carry extra load, including pillion and panniers (that comes as standard for the Malaysian market).

The dash offers a large 6.5″ TFT display that allows riders to access navigation features, accepting calls, music selection and more via the Suzuki mySPIN app.

Other features include:

19L fuel tank capacity
226kg dry weight
inverted telescopic front fork
rear link-type suspension
twin disc front and a single disc at the rear
17″ wheels

2022 Yamaha XMax 250 Gets New Visual Updates In Japan

Yamaha has updated the XMax 250 with visual updates for 2022 in Japan.

The popular Yamaha XMax 250 gets four new colours for 2022.
The maxi-scooter retains the same engine and bodywork.

The quarter-litre Japanese maxi-scooter is now available in four new colours; Matte Dark Green, Glossy Red, Glossy White and Dark Grey.

In terms of design, the 2022 XMax 250 retains the same bodywork as the previous year’s model, including the iconic sharp split LED headlight.

Mechanically, the 2022 XMax continue to feature the same 250cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces 22.5hp and 24.3Nm.

Also retained for 2022 is the semi-digital instrument cluster and traction control.

Meanwhile, the scooter is suspended by a conventional telescopic forks and dual shocks at the rear while braking hardware consist of front and rear disc with dual-channel ABS.

According to Yamaha, the 2022 XMax 250 is available in Japan at JPY654,500 which translates to RM21.9k.

Japanese Aftermarket Specialist Makes Carbon Kit For 2019 Suzuki Katana

Japanese aftermarket parts specialist, Magical Racing, has introduced a number of carbon components for the 2019 Suzuki Katana 1100.

Magical Racing introduced a bespoke carbon parts for the 2019 Suzuki Katana.
The carbon kit includes the iconic longtail seat inspired by the 80s Katana.

The kit consist of bar ends, belly pan, headlight cowl. front and rear fender and a windscreen. However, Magical Racing also introduced the nostalgic longtail seat which was previously available on the 80s Katana.

The longtail unit includes a tail light and is available in three trims, FRP Black, Plain Weave Carbon and Twill Weave Carbon.

Also, there is an option to put a piece of carbon on the back of the tank.

Other carbon parts available for the 2019 Katana also includes a carbon-black BST wheels.

According to Magical Racing, the longtail unit is available from JPY177,000 (RM5.9k) up to JPY273,600 (RM9.1k).

Meanwhile, the Suzuki Katana is available in Malaysia for RM77,989.

Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR And SCR Lands In Europe – 61hp, 54Nm

Moto Morini has introduced a new pair of middleweight motorcycles, the Seiemmezzo STR and Seiemmezzo SCR.

The Moto Morini Seiemmezzo is a middleweight motorcycle with a 649cc parallel-twin engine.
The Seiemmezzo range consists of a naked (STR) and scrambler (SCR) motorcycle.

For those who don’t speak Italian (including us), Seiemmezzo translates to “six and a half,” which is self-explanatory.

The Seiemmezzo range consists of two mid-range 649cc motorcycles, the STR (naked) and SCR (scrambler).

The main visual difference between the STR and SCR is the wheels, with the latter featuring wire-spoked wheels and the former getting alloy rims. However, both bikes get the same Pirelli Angel GT 120/70-18 front and 160/60-17 at the back.

The motorcycle is equipped with the same 649cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine that makes 61hp and 54Nm.

Morini claimed the STR and SCR could hit a maximum speed of 170km/h despite weighing around 200kg (dry) and carrying a large 16L fuel tank.

Other notable features include:

dual 298mm front disc
single 255mm rear disc
dual-channel Bosch ABS

Also, the Seiemmezzo STR and SCR are suspended by 43mm Kayaba front forks with 120mm of travel and a Kayaba monoshock at the rear, with adjustable preload.

In addition, the rear shock is linked to the rear wheel by an aluminium swingarm.

According to Moto Morini, the Seiemmezzo STR is available in “Starlight White”, “Fire Red”, and “Smoky Anthracite”, while the SCR features “Navy Green” and “Night Black” colourways.

Ex-MotoGP Andrea Iannone Vows Return To Racing After Doping Ban

Andrea Iannone wants to return to two-wheel racing after his doping ban ends in 2024.

Andrea Iannone’s doping ban will end in 16 months.
Iannone wants to return to competitive racing after facing a four-year ban.

The former MotoGP rider was handed a lengthy ban after testing positive for a banned substance during a routine drug test at the Malaysian GP in 2019.

FIM gave Iannone an 18 month-ban before World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed that the sanction was too lenient and requested a four-year ban.

The Italian rider took the case to the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) to fight the sanction. However, a successful countercase from WADA resulted in Iannone’s four-year ban.

As a result, Iannone refrained from racing or testing until 16 December 2023.

Despite being sidelined since 2020, Iannone is ready to put himself in the market and hopes to secure a top-level seat for 2024.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 33-year-old is adamant about returning to the track once his ban is lifted.

“I’ll be back. I don’t know where, how and when, if in MotoGP or Superbike, but I guarantee it: I still can’t fill my life with things [other] than the bike or the speed.

“Dancing with the Stars was like a diversion and I’m spoiled for choice for everything that’s offered to me. If I get offers from TV it means that people are interested in me, but I guarantee you that I am focused on one thing: to get back to [riding]. And I will do it,” he said.

While his effort to get back to competitive riding is commendable, it seems unlikely that the former Ducati, Suzuki and Aprilia rider to make the MotoGP list for 2024.

The championship has changed drastically since the rider’s ban, and with every team vying for MotoGP’s glory, Iannone’s – who will turn 34 by 2024 – chance is slim.

However, there is still a window of opportunity for Iannone at the WorldSBK, especially since more privateer options are available.

That said, Iannone still needs to prove that he can still compete at the highest level.

Zontes Completes 3-Cylinder Engine Development, To Launch New Bike Range Soon

Zontes is prepping to launch a new range of motorcycles after completing development of its triple-cylinder engine.

Zontes officially completes its triple-cylinder engine development.
The new project was announced back in June 2021.

The Chinese motorcycle manufacturer announced its ambitious plans back in June 2021. The announcement was a part of the company effort to take on the likes of Yamaha and Triumph with its own triple-cylinder powertrain.

With a number of Chinese brand already penetrating the big bike segment, Zontes also wants a piece of the cake after spending much of its time on the lower end of the engine range with its 310cc motorcycles.

Nevertheless, Zontes is ready to climb up the scale after completing the new engine development and showing it off to the public as proof.

Frankly, we like at what we are seeing as the new engine is more of an innovation instead of tracing existing design from other manufacturers.

Also, this is a proof that Zontes is working on something solid, further hinting its plan to become a new contender in a segment that features established line up.

As for which models that could feature the new engine is still unclear but looking at other Chinese counterpart including CFMoto and QJ Motor, we assume one of the new model could be an adventure-type motorcycle.

Piaggio Developing New Suspension System For Scooters

Italian motorcycle manufacturer Piaggio is currently developing a new suspension system for its scooter range inspired by an 18th-century inventor, James Watt.

Piaggio to revived the linkage system introduced by James Watt in 18th century.
Watt’s linkage system to be applied on Piaggio’s two-wheel and three-wheel scooter.

James Watt was a renowned Scottish physicist in the 18th century and was the first person to coin the term “horsepower”.

More than 250 years ago, Watt was also responsible for the Watt’s linkage, a mechanical linkage type in which the linkage’s central moving point is constrained to travel on a nearly straight line.

The Watt’s linkage was described in James Watt’s patent specification of 1784 for the Watt steam engine.

As it turns out, Piaggio is reviving the two-century-old technology for modern time according to a newly filed patent according to Motorrad.

Based on the report, Piaggio wants to use Watt’s linkage to suspend the motorcycle compared to a traditional telescopic fork.

The new system will allow a less sideways movement of the axle hence allowing the rider more precise control of the motorcycle.

Looking at the drawings, you can see that the suspension component is located on each side of the wheels rather than closer to the handlebar like a conventional telescopic fork.

However, there are no words when Piaggio plans to introduce the new system. Nevertheless, it is an exciting development to see 250 years old technology coming back for modern times.

(source: Motorrad)

2022 Rimba Raid: The Battle Of Big Bore ADV Bike Returns!

While some owners tends to unnecessarily accessorised their big bore adventure bikes just so it looks good in front of a ridiculously priced coffee shop on a Sunday morning, there are those who are actually taking their ADV bike for its actual purpose, going on a proper adventure.

230 riders from 13 countries will endure a more than 200km of deep rainforest jungle.
XCape Resort, Kuala Tahan, returns as host for the 2022 edtion after successfully hosting the 2018 edition.

This is one of many reasons why Rimba Raid is born, to gather every adventure bike riders around the world to compete against one another for the ultimate prize, being the best enduro rider of the competition.

Also, it gives you the honour to tell others that your bike is probably the best ADV bike available in the market.

That said, the 2022 Rimba Raid Taman Negara will witness the battle between big-bore adventure motorcycle, including BMW R 1200/1250 GS(A), Honda CRF1000/1100 Africa Twin, KTM 1050/1190/1290 Adventure/Super Adventure and Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere.

Interestingly, this time around, there is a new competitor in town, the 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 will also try to get a piece of the action.

Also making its first appearance at Rimba Raid is the Moto Morini XCape 650, WMOTO SX300 and Fantic Caballero 500.

A total of 230 riders from 13 countries will set foot in Kuala Tahan, including riders from Malaysia, Colombia, Canada, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, Poland, USA, UK, Indonesia, Netherlands and Italy. The 2022 edition also welcomes four female riders, Elissa Airin (Malaysia), Shamira Azhar (Malaysia), Cherie Tan (Singapore) and Kanthaphat Kitisophonchodiran (Thailand).

The 2022 Rimba Raid will kickstart on 24th September 2022 at XCape Resort, Kuala Tahan, Pahang who is the main host of the race, after successfully hosting the 2018 edition.

Family Confirms Gino Rea In Medically-Induced Coma After Suzuka 8 Hours Horrific Crash

English motorcycle racer, Gino Rea suffered a crashed during the second free practice at the 2022 Suzuka 8 Hours, last Saturday.

Gino Rea sustained a serious head injury during the second practice round at Suzuka.
The rider was flown to the nearest hospital for immediate medical attention with doctors kept Rea in medically-induced coma.

Medical personnel rushed to care the FCC TSR Honda France rider, but due to severe injuries, Rea was airlifted to a local hospital.

The team had earlier confirmed that the rider sustained a serious head injury due to the crash and remained in critical condition.

As a result, Rea is put under medically-induced coma for days.

International media tried to get a hold of Rea’s condition but due to the injury’s severity, no recent updates were collected.

However, Rea’s family has shared an update regarding the situation.

“We couldn’t make a post earlier due to the Japanese culture, as they do not release any news to media without the direct contact with the family first.

“We arrived in Japan on August 8 and 8pm with many thanks to the EWC, FIM, Suzuka Circuit, British Consulate, and TSR Racing Team for all the help in arranging emergency visas for us,” said Rea’s family in a statement.

The statement also explained that doctors kept the rider in medically-induced coma as an effort to reduce the swelling on his brain.

However, according to the family latest update via Rea’s official Instagram account, the rider showed a sign of recovery with reduced swelling after undergoing CT-Scan.

“He is in a stable condition and recovering from the usual side effects from such a trauma. We are looking forward to a speedy recovery from him as we all know he is capable of it,” the statement read.