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By now, an all-new Moto Guzzi V850X is undoubtedly on its way.

  • the V850X puts out 66hp @ 6,700rpm.
  • features the same 853cc twin from the V7. 

The V850X nameplate first appeared back in October 2021 with what seemed to be a new Moto Guzzi motorcycle.

The Italian company recently took a leap of faith with the all-new V100 Mandello, a motorcycle intended to break out of the company’s conventional motorcycle categories. The V100 combines the appeal of a naked roadster and a tourer and also features modern technology.

Moto Guzzi looks set to continue the same pursuit with the all-new V850X.

Build based on the current V7; the V850X features the firm’s twin-shock frame and the new 853cc V-Twin engine. However, the V850X gets wire-spoke wheels with Michelin Anakee rubber, signalling the bike’s off-road capabilities.

A spy shot published last year showcased a motorcycle that fitted a nose cowl incorporating an almost circular LED headlamp.

Nevertheless, further details of the V850X have appeared in European type-approval documents.

The document confirms the V850X is essentially a V7 variant, but while the frame and engine are similar, the overall dimension is different.

According to the info, the V850X is shorter and measures around half an inch lower than the V7.

The V850X is also fitted with an 18-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel, similar size to the V7 Stone and V7 Special. In addition, V850X is also lighter than the V7 Stone and V7 Special.

Powering the V850X is the identical 853ccc twin as the V7, but thanks to a different exhaust system, the V850X makes 66hp @ 6,700rpm instead of 64hp @ 6,800rpm.

After several teasers and leaked photos, TVS Motor Company has officially unveiled the Ronin in India.

  • Features 200cc single-cylinder engine that makes 20hp and 19Nm.
  • Equipped with Showa suspension and digital display with smartphone connectivity.

At a glance, the Ronin is a neo-retro scrambler style motorcycle thanks to the teardrop-design fuel tank and exposed bodywork. The circular LED headlight and a single-piece saddle further accentuate the retro appeal.

The Ronin also features an upright seating position to ensure better comfort for city riding.

Powering the Ronin is a 225.9cc air and oil-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces a decent 20hp @ 7,750rpm and 19.93Nm @ 3,750rpm. In comparison, the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 makes 24.5hp and 18.7Nm.

Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a 5-speed transmission with a final chain drive. TVS claimed the Ronin could reach a top speed of 120km/with the engine retuned for better mid-range and low-end torque.

While not much power is coming out of the 200cc mill, the Ronin still flaunts some fancy features, including a 41mm Showa Big Piston USD fork and gas-charged monoshock and dual-channel ABS.

It also features two riding modes, Urban and Rain, that adjust the power and traction accordingly.

Other notable features include:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • 160kg (kerb)
  • 795mm seat height
  • fully digital instrument display with smartphone connectivity
  • low-speed assist
  • silent starter
  • USB charger

Chinese motorcycle company, Zontes is set to penetrate the Indian market by introducing five new models.

  • Zontes to introduce five new models in India.
  • the 310 X and 310 T could be among the models. 

While some Chinese motorcycle manufacturers are only trying to make money by producing obscure copycats version of an established brand, there are those who are serious about contributing to the global industry.

Brands like QJMotor and CFMOTO are the best examples of Chinese two-wheel companies that are really developing affordable yet reliable motorcycles for the global market.

As such, Zontes is next in line to bring affordable – but not necessarily cheaply made – motorcycles to a new market.

While the brand has already established itself in Asian countries, Zontes is ready to take the next big step by infiltrating the world’s biggest motorcycle market, India.

To do so, Zontes will release five models in India, mainly ranging from 125cc to 310cc. According to reports, a few of those could be the 310 X and 310T2 tourers which is likely to do well in India.

Moreover, the 310 series will go up against the ever-popular Indian-made KTM 390 range. This could well be the main objective for Zontes, offering a cheaper option than the KTM 390 model in the country.

We are already at the start of the second half for 2022 and usually this is the time where motorcycle manufactures starts to unveil what’s in store for the coming year.

  • The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT likely getting the adaptive cruise control function for 2023.
  • 2023 Tracer 9 GT could feature radar technology similar to Ducati Multistrada V4.

Looks like Yamaha has some big news for us already as the Japanese firm is likely introducing radar-assisted cruise control function for the upcoming Tracer 9 GT.

Yes folks, the sports tourer motorcycle will feature the fancy radar technology as reported by Motorrad.

The German publication managed to capture a spy shot of what appears to be the Tracer 9 GT underwent a road test in southwest Germany. You can check their spy shot photos HERE.

From the photos, you can see that there is a conspicuous box attached in between the front headlamp. Motorrad also claimed that it could be a Bosch unit, similar to the one installed on the Ducati Multstrada V4.

However, while the Multistrada V4 also feature radar technology at the rear for its blind spot function, the Tracer 9 GT could be missing out on that particular technology.

Nevertheless, while these spy shot did not revealed much a part from the new technology, it could be well enough to highlight that Yamaha is moving towards radar-assisted function for the future.

Then again, everything is mere speculation at this point and the adaptive cruise control system could still be in an early stage and the Tracer 9 GT might just be a lab rat for Yamaha to test out the new feature.

One thing is clear however, we might know the rest of the story from Yamaha in the coming months.

(Source: Motorrad)

India-based Ultraviolette is now accepting pre-orders for the F77 electric sports bike.

  • The F77 makes 33.5hp and 90Nm.
  • The bike is 7 kilograms lighter than the Yamaha R25.

Ultraviolette developed the F77 thanks to an investment by TVS Motor Company, the same entity that acquired Norton Motorcycle’s brand in the UK.

Despite running on an electric motor, other areas are relatively conventional.

That said, the F77 features a steel trellis frame with an upside-down front fork and preload-adjustable gas-charged rear shock absorbers.

Braking is done by a 320mm disc with single four-pot radially-mounted ByBre callipers at the front and 230mm disc with single-piston floating calliper at the rear.

The bike also features dual-channel ABS for better braking and traction during the wet condition.

The best bit, though, is the motor; while most electric bike runs on a 125cc-equivalent electric powertrain, the F77 produced 25kW (33.5hp), 2hp less than the 250cc Yamaha R25.

However, thanks to the superiority of electric motors, the F77 puts out a massive 90Nm as compared to the R25 22.6Nm. Despite the big battery, the F77 weighs only 158kg, 7kg less than the R25.

 

Meanwhile, Ultraviolette takes pride in its new battery technology.

“Our batteries are more than power modules.

“State of the art cooling mechanisms, new-age sensors, multiple mechanical, electrical and thermal fail-safe protocols – make these among the most advanced and robust batteries worldwide.”

The F77 battery is one of the bike’s unique features because the batteries communicate not only with one another but can also communicate with batteries from other F77s.

Additionally, the batteries can be fully charged within five hours with a standard wall charger and to 80% in just three hours. However, the F77 can be fully charged in just 90 minutes with a fast charger.

The battery is also entirely removable and can be charged elsewhere without the bike.

Ducati MotoGP rider Francesco Bagnaia might have taken his Dutch GP win a bit too far as the rider was involved in a car crash in Ibiza, Spain.

  • Bagnaia failed his breathalyzer test after scoring higher than the allowed limit.
  • the Ducati rider went out partying until 3am in the morning. 

The Italian won the Dutch GP last month before the season went into a five-week summer break.

After attending a party with his friend to celebrate his third win of the season, he left at around 3 am while driving. However, at a roundabout, he crashed his car into a ditch.

When the police arrived, he was required to undergo a breathalyzer test; local media outlet Periodico de Ibiza y Formentera reported that he failed the test after recording 0.87 – the legal limit in Spain is 0.5.

The Italian issued a statement via his social media regarding the incident.

“As I was leaving the disco at 3am, I was facing a roundabout when I ended up with the front wheels in a ditch without involving other vehicles or people.

“However, the alcohol test carried out by the police found that the blood alcohol level was higher than what is allowed by Spanish law.

“I am sorry for what happened; I am practically a non-drinker, and it was a serious carelessness that should not have happened. I apologize to everyone, and I can assure you that I have learned my lesson. Never get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. Thank you.”

While Bagnaia might regret his action, the rider might face severe repercussions from the law as the act of driving under the influence is a serious offence in country.

Thousands of Malaysian flock to Malaysia Agro Exposition Park (MAEPS) to witness Art Of Speed (AOS) 2022 on its return after two-year of absence.

  • AOS 2022 wraps up in full fashion at MAEPS.
  • two EV conversion Vespa was awarded to two lucky winners.
  • Elders Elettrico and 405 Industries signed an MOU to expand the EV conversion in Malaysia. 

It was another successful year for AOS, with the annual motorcycle and car culture returned to full blast for the 10th time.

In typical fashion, fans alike were allowed to meet some distinguished guests, including Emi Suganuma, Sunny Yano, and Michi “NATQQ” from Mooneyes Japan, Scott Johnson from Mama Tried Motorcycle Show USA, Warren Heir Jr. from Flat Out Friday USA, Australian Chopper artist Russel Murchie, Dino Dalle Carbonare from Speedhunters.com, Yasuo Sekijima and Satoru Ise from Vibes Magazine Japan, Indonesian pinstripe artist Mil from Millart, and Aekalak Kitdusitpong a diecast modeller from AKARA; Thailand.

Meanwhile, seven talented builders across the nation competed in the AOS Invitational Bike Build-Off 2022 for an RM10,000 cash prize (jury selection) and RM5,000 cash prize (public choice).

SKATECTURE from Sarawak walked away with RM10,000, while MOTO BURUK GARAGE from Penang took home RM5,000 after successfully stealing the public’s hearts.

As always, Hot Wheels continue to bring its epic-ness to AOS, and this time around, a life-sized Bone Shaker Monster Truck was on display at the centre of Hall A.

AOS 2022 also played host to NoEqual.co‘s ‘NEAT FEST’ and ‘Hail Vintage’ workwear exhibition.

Newly introduced for 2022 are the ‘Off The Grid’ outdoor camping and lifestyle on display at Hall D, while this year’s Kustom & Koffee Talk featured Scoot Johnson (Mama Tried Motorcycle Show) and Warren Heir Jr. (Flat Out Friday). The two-panel and host Qhalis Najmi from NoEqual.co discussed the latest trends in bike and car industries.

Also, two lucky winners managed to walk away with an electrified Vespa scooter, fully restored by Kluk Klek Soul, while Indonesia’s Elders Elettrico did the EV conversion.

The bike went to Muhammad Khairul Anas Bin Rohani from Perak, while the second winner (Hausboom lucky draw) went to Muhammad Khairul Izwan from Selangor.

Last but not least, Elders Elettrico and 405 Industries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand the EV conversion market in Malaysia. 

The newly established partnership will work hand in hand with the government in developing regulatory matters regarding EV conversions.

For those who missed out on this year’s event, worry not, as AOS will return next year on the 29-30 July 2023. 

Benelli is making great strides in 2022, with over 8,522 new motorcycles registered in Italy.

  • Benelli sold more than 8,000 units in the first six months of 2022.
  • The TRK 502 is the brand’s most famous motorcycle, with more than 4,000 units registered in Italy in 2022.

According to the company, the sales projection marks a six per cent increase compared to last year’s period.

For a company that Chinese-based QJ Motors own, the numbers certainly seem that Italian riders are satisfied with the brand.

Thanks to the trust, Benelli became the best-selling motorcycle brand in Italy for the first six months of 2022.

Moreover, for a brand that has to compete with big players like Ducati and Aprilia, becoming the best-selling motorcycle brand in Italy is a historical moment.

While some might question the authenticity of Benelli as an Italian brand, the reality is that plenty of companies are financed by other firms that is based elsewhere.

Considering Benelli is making great strides in terms of sales in Italy; clearly Italians are in love with the brand.

Interestingly, the TRK 502 has played a pivotal role in Benelli’s 2022 success so far. Out of the total, Benelli sold 4,436 units of the TRK 502 in the first six months of 2022.

“Today, we are facing a historic result. An extraordinary milestone, achieved thanks to the incredible commitment, passion and determination of all those who are part of this company,” said Benelli Italia sales manager Gianni Monini.

Honda is set to introduce the all-new Transalp 750 soon and is set to compete in the middleweight enduro motorcycle category.

  • the new Transalp 750 will fill the gap between Honda’s CB500X and CRF1100L Africa Twin.
  • the bike will run on a new parallel-twin engine built from the Africa Twin architecture. 

The Transalp 750 will compete against already popular Yamaha Tenere 700, KTM 890 Adventure, Tuareg 660 and BMW F 850 GS.

This time, new details have emerged, particularly about the engine of the upcoming motorcycle.

German publication, Motorrad Online, claimed that the Transalp 750 would feature a parallel-twin engine. While previous reports suggest that the machine is the same in the NC750X, the latest news suggests this is not the case.

Instead, the Japanese marquee developed a new engine based on the African Twin architecture.

That said, we could see the Transalp 750 appearing in two variants, standard manual transmission and DCT.

The Transalp 750 will finally fill the gap between Honda’s adventure-touring model range that includes the CB500X and CRF1100L Africa Twin.

Meanwhile, the publication suggests that the new Honda Transalp 750 will break cover at EICMA 2022.

Kawasaki is set to roll out the new generation Ninja 1000SX sports tourer motorcycle on July 15, 2022.

  • to feature a similar design language as the ZX-10R.
  • engine revised for improved power delivery and comfort. 

According to reports in Japan, the 2023 model will feature a sportier design with the engine and ergo’s updated for better performance and comfort.

Other notable upgrades include a new 4.3-inch TFT display and seats optimised for touring.

Moreover, the visual aspect of the 2023 Ninja 1000SX will be revised for a sportier stance with a visual comparison that could be made to an older variant of the ZX-10R sports bike.

Kawasaki already got rid of the bike’s two tailpipes configuration to just one, further mimicking the ZX-10R sports bike looks.

Powering the Ninja 1000SX will be a 1,043cc inline-four cylinder engine that packs a decent punch but is revised for better power delivery at the low and mid rev range.

Meanwhile, a Japanese publication, Bike News, reports that the new generation Ninja 1000SX will cost around JPY1,595,000 (RM51.7k).

HJC has established itself as one of the top brands in the motorcycle industry thanks to the firm vast array of helmets.

  • The HJC RPHA 11 now comes in Toothless, Green Goblin and Punisher graphics for 2022.
  • The RPHA 11 is HJC’s most popular and highly seek helmet thanks to its menacing designs like Venom, Carnage and Joker.

However, what sets HJC apart from the rest is perhaps the multitude of graphics to pick from. The Korean-based company is famous for its themed helmets from the likes of Marvel, DC, Disney and Pixar.

Currently, the company’s flagship RPHA 11 helmets comes in Captain America, Deadpool, Monster Inc, and, not to forget, Star Wars graphics.

This time, the already impressive repertoire of cartoon and superhero characters will join by three new graphics.

Marvel characters, Green Goblin and Punisher, including Toothless from the movie How To Train Your Dragon, are the latest lineup for 2022.

The Green Goblin showcased the most vibrant graphics among the three new designs, combining the classic green and purple colours associated with the iconic villain from Spiderman’s franchise.

While the Toothless graphics look cute and clean, the iconic Skull logo from The Punisher is robably our favourite. The overall design looks neat and, most importantly, bad-ass.

Currently, there’s no word when will all three new graphics make its way to our shores but once they do, we be sure to let you know about it!

Chinese motorcycle manufacturer Voge has introduced the 2022 Valico 300 Rally variant in Italy.

  • the 300 Rally now joins the base strim in Italy.
  • features 292cc single-cylinder engine that puts out 28.6hp and 25Nm. 

The Rally variant will now join the based model launched just one month ago in the country.

Powered by the same engine as the standard trim, the Valico 300 Rally features a 292cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine that pumps a respectable 28.6hp @ 9,000rpm and 25Nm @ 6,500rpm.

The drivetrain is mated to a six-speed manual transmission with the engine fed from an 11L fuel tank. In addition, Voge claimed that the Rally could reach around 300 kilometres with a full tank of gas.

Like the base model, the Valico 300 Rally is fitted with high-strength steel tubes, an upside-down front fork with 205mm of travel, and an adjustable preload mono-shock at the rear.

Braking is done with a single axial-mounted calliper with a 265mm disc at the front and 220mm disc at the rear and regulated by a dual-channel ABS. The ABS can also be deactivated. 

Considering the Rally is a motorcycle built for gnarly road conditions, the Valico 300 Rally features all the necessary aspects to make it off-road capable, including a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel, 1,430mm wheelbase and seat height of 905mm. Weighs just 150kg (dry), the Rally is suitable for not only experienced riders but also beginners.

Other notable features include:

  • digital LCD instrument cluster
  • USB port
  • handleguards
  • halogen headlamps with LED taillights

According to Voge, the Valico 300 Rally is available in Italy for a recommended selling price of EUR4,440 (RM20.4k). 

 

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