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The 2025 Ducati XDiavel V4 has made its debut and is now powered by a V4 engine.

Powertrain

The Granturismo V4 engine already powers the Diavel S and Multistrada V4 lineup. As such, the new bike boasts 168 hp (124 kW) at 10,750 RPM and 126 Nm at 7,500 RPM, compared to 160 hp (118 kW) and 127 Nm at 5,000 RPM of the previous 1262cc Testastretta DVT V-Twin engine. That is an 8hp peak power gain, although maximum torque has moved up the powerband by 2,500 RPM.

But maximum power is just part of the story, as the V4 engine features a counter-rotating crankshaft which promotes nimbleness. Additionally, the 2025 Ducati XDiavel V4 weighs in with a kerb weight of 229 kg, which is a whole 6 kg lighter than its predecessor. Yes, the V4 engine is actually lighter than the V2. So, more power, less weight equals a faster and more nimble motorcycle.

Chassis

Suspension duties are handled by 50mm fully-adjustable upside-down forks up front, complemented by a fully-adjustable monoshock at the back, acting on a single-sided aluminium swingarm.

Still about the chassis, the brakes consist of none other than Brembo Stylema four-piston monobloc calipers that grip dual 330mm discs at the front. The rear brake features a single 265mm gripped by a two-piston Brembo caliper.

The riding position has likewise been revised with the handlebar lowered and brought closer to the rider. The seat now features thicker material for better comfort.

Electronics

Over to the electronics, the 2025 Ducati XDiavel V4 has three power modes with four riding modes namely Sport, Touring, Urban, and Wet. Traction control, wheelie control, cornering ABS, cruise control, quickshifter, are all there.

A new 6.9-inch colour TFT has been fitted. It offers Bluetooth connectivity to pair the smartphone for calls, text messages and music, or use the turn-by-turn navigation system (only available as an accessory) via the Ducati Link App.

Colour options

There are two new colours for the 2025 Ducati XDiavel V4 called Burning Red and Black Lava, both metallic. The price has not been revealed.

Honda expects to sell 20.2 million motorcycles globally in their 2024 fiscal year which ends on 31 March 2025.

Should that come to be, it represents an 8% increase from the 2023 fiscal year, which saw the sales of 18.7 million units.

The number equates to almost 40 percent of the world’s motorcycle market. The largest contributor is expected from where else but Asia, more specifically in Indonesia, Thailand, India, and Vietnam. This region alone will see some 17.1 million sales (84.6 percent).

Other markets such as Japan, Europe, and the USA will make up a combined 1.2 million motorcycles (5.9 percent).

Honda produces motorcycles of all shapes and sizes, thus is able to find demand in any market. The smaller capacity motorcycles rule South East Asian streets, while the larger capacity models are the staple in the European and North American continents.

The company is setting their sights on the South West Asian region where 50 million motorcycles had been sold.

By the way, just for comparison, BMW Motorrad sold 210,408 bikes in 2024. So, that means Honda will sell 100 more than that.

There are two special liveried Honda Gl1800 Gold Wing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the model.

First launched in 1975 as the GL1000 flat-four, the Gold Wing has grown over the years to the current 1833cc flat-six. The last complete update was in 2018 which saw it gaining girder forks and Honda’s DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission).

Updates have been given to both the standard and Tour variants of the bike – including two new paint finishes said to be influenced by models of the past. Amongst them is a combination of Eternal Gold and Mahogany Brown, which draws inspiration from the 1988 GL1500 variant – with unique badging also marking the special birthday.

An additional O2 sensor is fitted to the exhaust system, plus tweaks to the ECU to make the 124.7hp engine to meet the Euro5+ regulations. Buyers can choose between the manual transmission and DCT options.

Further nods to the milestone include a Gold Wing emblem on the key and seven-inch TFT display, which come complete with 50th Anniversary and ‘Since 1975’ emblem.

On top of this, the first 1833 bikes sold across Europe (a nod to the engine capacity) will come with a replica model measuring 280mm long, by 152mm high.

Tweaks have also been made to the audio and rider/pillion technology on board, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available, alongside a new speaker system for better audio at high speeds.

Further to this, a ‘Ducking’ feature will automatically lower background music during conversations over comms, and you get two USB-C charging sockets for smartphones on both the standard and Tour variants.

It has been confirmed: MV Agusta is back in Timur Sardarov’s control. It was sold to Art of Mobility S.A., a company controlled by the Sardarov family.

Pierer Mobility AG (PMG), the parent company of KTM AG, officially confirmed that they had sold their 50.1% controlling stake of the legendary brand. PMG has purchased 25.1% of MV shares in November 2022, before acquiring a further 25% in the spring of 2024.

The Austrian company had decided to let MV Agusta go almost as soon as they went into an ongoing “self-administration process” for 90 days.

PMG says that the transaction will be completed in the first half of 2025. The value of the sale is said to be in the “mid-double-digit million range.”

Timur Sardarov said, “This is a moment of pride for all of us at MV Agusta. Regaining full control of the company means we are now stronger and more focused than ever on delivering excellence.

Over the past two years, the company has significantly strengthened its processes, systems, and workforce. These structural changes are the foundation of the extraordinary results achieved in 2024 and will continue to drive our success in the years to come.

I have full confidence in our leadership team, whose vision, combined with the dedication and professionalism of our renewed dealer network, will take MV Agusta to new heights. My commitment, and that of my family, is to be a vital force for the Varese team, the region, and all our partners.

According to MV, all of their 219 global dealers and 41 service centres will continue as business as usual. The number of dealers is also predicted to rise to 270 by the end of 2025. The company sold 4000 motorcycles, representing an annual growth rate of 116% compared to 2023.

The 2025 Yamaha XSR155 modern retro model has been launched in Indonesia.

We do not have the XSR900 modern retro in Malaysia, either, although it shares the same platform as the MT-09. However, an XSR155 makes sense as it shares the same engine platform with two of Yamaha’s bestsellers, namely the Y16ZR sport moped, NVX scooter, and R15M sportbike. To recap, it features four-valves and variable valve timing (VVT).

Yamaha Indonesia claims the engine to produce 19 hp at 10,000 RPM and 14.7 Nm at 8,500 RPM. Comparatively, both figures are higher than the Y16ZR’s in Malaysia i.e. 17.7 hp at 9,500 RPM, and 14.4 Nm at 8,500. Looks like the Indonesian model’s ECU is less restricted and revs higher.

Anyway, the 2025 Yamaha XSR155 in Indonesia features a classic brown colourway called “Metallic Brown Authentic”. Complementing the colour is a “bread loaf” seat. The Yamaha Indonesia brochure did not show any saddlebag, but we are sure brown saddlebags will look great on the bike.

So, how about it, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor? It may be a little harder to find a market for the XSR900, but the XSR155 should be easily afforded by many.

As a follow up to the prototype unveiling at EICMA 2024, the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R and 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X have been officially announced.

Looking back to EICMA, we expected the off-road biased “R” variant but did not expect KTM to roll out an all-new road-biased model, too. The road-biased model now has the letter “X” affixed to it, instead of having no letters after the “Adventure” name.

Both are powered by the same updated 399cc LC4c single-cylinder engine, which produces 44 hp at 8,500 RPM  and 39 Nm at 7,000 RPM. The engine receives a new stainless steel exhaust system which is 5 kg lighter, revised fuel injection, airbox, and cylinder head. The gearbox has been reworked and the slipper and assist clutch is standard.

Also shared are the suspension and frame. Although the latter is based on the 390 Duke, there are new subframe mounts, steering head angle, and 25mm taller handlebar. The suspension is taken from the recently launched 390 Enduro R, with WP APEX 43mm open cartridge forks paired to matching a monoshock – both of which are good for 230mm of travel.

The main differences between the “R” and “X” are a five litre larger tank on the Adventure R (now 14-litres), plus the rally inspired fairing and tower which houses a full LED lighting setup, and wheel sizes. The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R rolls on 21/18-inch wheels, while the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X has 19/17-inch rims.

Electronic tech includes a five-inch TFT and three ride modes (Street, Off-Road and Rain – which limits power delivery and heightens traction control (TC) intervention). Whichever of these modes is in use when the bike is turned off will remain engaged upon start up.

There’s also dual channel ABS, switchable cornering sensitive TC, and, for a touch of mile munching comfort, optional cruise control as well.

The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R sells for £6699 (RM38,854.20) and 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X is priced at £5399 (RM31,314.20) in the UK.

The 2025 Triumph Speed Triple RS has been launched, replacing the half-faired Speed Triple RR.

As such, the RS naked is now more powerful and has higher specifications. To start, the three-cylinder engine gets a 3hp boost for a total 180 hp. Torque has also increased from 125.0 Nm to 127.5 Nm. The maximum torque also arrives a lower RPM than its predecessor. The performance increase is due to updates to the ECU and a new free-flowing Akrapovic exhaust.

The RR had Öhlins semi-active suspension, thus it has now been moved to the RS, although it is not 100% the same. On the other hand, the 2025 Triumph Speed Triple RS gets the latest Öhlins Smart EC3.0, which is backed up by the Objective Based Tuning Interface (OBTi). The rider can adjust the front and rear suspension’s firmness, braking support, acceleration support, initial acceleration support, cornering support, and comfort. All without needing to turn a screwdriver or wrench. The 2025 bike also gets an adjustable steering damper.

Other electronic support include Front Wheel Lift Control, Engine Braking Control and Brake Slide Control, IMU controlled cornering ABS. The new lighter wheels are shod with Pirelli Super Corsa tyres and braking duty is handled by Brembo Stylema calipers.

Buyers can choose from three colours, Jet Black, or the premium options of Granite and Diablo Red or Granite and Performance Yellow.

The 2025 Triumph Speed Triple RS sells for £17,495 (RM95,685.75) in the UK.

Kawasaki is building a turbocharged two-stroke engine. The great news was announced on the Kawasaki US Instagram platform.

The short video showed a bunch of comments by social media users who called for Kawasaki to bring back the two-stroke engine, plus that two-strokes are the best, etc. IThe video ends with “WE HEARD YOU” and the revving of a two-stroke engine in the background.

 

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Of course, there is not much else to go on from the teaser. However, there have been reports that patent documents submitted by the manufacturer in July 2024 showed a revolutionary engine. It has fuel injection which is not new but get this: The intake valves are camshaft operated and it has a turbocharger. A turbocharged two-stroke engine. This is enough to get us salivating!

1980 Kwasaki KR-1S

Fuel injection, coupled with camshaft operated valves promises efficiency and most importantly, cleaner emissions, as two-stroke motorcycles were banned in many countries for being polluting. Traditional two-stroke engines do not have mechanical valves and that led to unburned air-fuel and 2T mixture leaking out of the exhaust port. Kawasaki’s engine may well change that. The turbocharger adds in more air to the mixture so the engine burns leaner thereby saving fuel. The interesting now is to know what is its lubrication method.

But hang on. There is still no word on what kind of motorcycle that the engine will be used for. I could be a dirt-bike because there are countries allow its use on closed circuits and/or private lands, but not on the road. Or (god forbid) used for the hydrogen hybrid that Kawasaki had invested much into. Then again, Kawasaki already has the KX250 two-stroke MX bike.

2025 Kawasaki KX250

Harley-Davidson today revealed all-new and refreshed motorcycles for its 2025 model line-up. New to this diverse line of bikes are the Street Glide Ultra, a fully equipped long-haul touring model, and the pavement-ready Pan America 1250 ST adventure sport motorcycle. The 2025 Harley-Davidson Cruiser motorcycle collection includes six models with significantly revised performance and technology features. The powerful Sportster S model is updated with revised suspension for enhanced comfort. The collection of limited-production Custom Vehicle Operation™ (CVO™) motorcycles includes three models and completes the most-desirable portfolio of motorcycles ever offered by Harley-Davidson.

These new Harley-Davidson models complete the collection of 2025 Harley-Davidson Grand American Touring, Cruiser, Sport, and Adventure Touring motorcycles, all presented on H-D.com and will be available at authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships globally.

NEW 2025 Cruiser Models

The reinvigorated 2025 Cruiser collection includes six very distinctive motorcycles, each infused with new technology, elevated performance and refreshed styling. Each Cruiser model features a new Milwaukee-Eight® 117 powertrain and technology advancements and utilizes the Harley-Davidson Softail chassis with hidden mono shock rear suspension. The 2025 Cruiser line includes the following models, each representing a specific stylistic personality, from nostalgic to high performance to boldly custom: Low Rider S, Low Rider ST, Breakout, Heritage Classic, Fat Boy and Street Bob.

NEW 2025 Street Glide Ultra Model

The highway is calling. The new Street Glide Ultra model elevates the long-distance touring experience. This new model combines the comfort, technology, performance and design elements introduced on the 2024 Street Glide with new features intended to support two-up, long-haul travel for riders seeking freedom and adventure. This is the most capable regular-production Grand American Touring motorcycle offered by Harley-Davidson.

NEW 2025 Pan America 1250 ST Model

The new Pan America 1250 ST model is a dynamic adventure sport motorcycle that can be a practical daily ride, an exciting back-road apex chaser, and a capable weekend touring mount. Designed to appeal to riders ready to exchange a sport bike or streetfighter for an agile bike with more comfort and longer distance capability, the Pan America 1250 ST model offers a commanding and comfortable upright rider position, the flexible power delivery of the liquid-cooled Revolution Max 1250 engine, a 17” front wheel, and premium suspension and braking components.

NEW Sportster S Model

Underpinned by newly revised suspension, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S model is designed to deliver an extraordinary riding experience rooted in the thrill of unleashing on-demand torque for an exhilarating blast of thrust and adrenaline. Its light weight, technology features and bold design appeal to experienced riders, new riders and those ready to step away from the crowd on a motorcycle that discards traditional styling tropes. Newly revised front and rear suspension offers a 60 percent increase in rear wheel travel without impacting seat height to improve rider comfort on some pavement conditions. Both front and rear suspension are fully adjustable for compression and rebound damping, and preload.

NEW 2025 Harley-Davidson® Custom Vehicle Operation™ Models

For its 26th annual installment, Harley-Davidson CVO models offer discerning riders three super-premium, limited production motorcycle models. Each makes a bold statement of power and prestige and represents the pinnacle of Harley-Davidson style and design with new finish and design details for 2025.

  • CVO™ Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models elevate design, technology and performance to meet the expectations of the most demanding and discerning bagger rider.
  • CVO™ Road Glide ST model, inspired by the Screamin’ Eagle Factory Team Road Glide bikes competing for the MotoAmerica Mission Foods King of the Baggers championship, combines an exclusive Milwaukee-Eight 121 H.O. engine with a host of high-performance components with attention to custom detail to create a bagger that’s quick, fast and sophisticated.

Stefan Pierer has stepped down from the position of CEO to the Pierer Mobility Group (PMG) and KTM AG.

However, he will remain in both companies as the Co-CEO to Gottfried Nuemeister, who joined PMG as the Co-CEO last year.

Stefan Pierer will hand over the role of CEO of Pierer Mobility AG and KTM AG to Gottfried Neumeister,” according to a statement from PMG. It adds that Pierer “will continue to support [Neumeister] as Co-CEO during the restructuring process.

On the announcement of his departure from the CEO role, Pierer said: “For me, KTM was always more than just a company – it was and is a passion, a mission and a family. 

The decision to hand over the helm was not an easy one. I am deeply convinced that Gottfried Neumeister, with his strategic foresight and commitment, is the right choice to lead KTM into the future.

KTM stands for courage, innovation and passion – values that we will continue to live by and carry into the future. Together with our team, we will continue to strengthen KTM and set new standards to build the best motorcycles in the world.

Pierer’s term as CEO was supposed to end on 31 December 2025.

The news comes amid financial difficulties for KTM AG which has seen it commence insolvency proceedings which remain ongoing in an attempt to avoid bankruptcy. KTM is currently in self-administration proceedings, and has and will continue measures to cuts costs within the company.

Part of this has been reducing the size of the workforce, which the PMG statement announcing the change in CEO adds has been cut by 1,800 employees.

The reduction in workforce was combined with a reduction in production volume to 230,000 in 2024, which the statement says has “relieved by around 40,000 units. This represents an important first step in the restructuring plan.” The 40,000 unit reduction in production is equals to -18%.

The Zontes 703F adventure bike which we recently tested is set to enter the UK market in April.

To refresh, it was first revealed at EICMA 2024, followed quickly by the factory getting it into production. The 703F variant uses a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels. It is powered by a 699cc, DOHC, three cylinder engine which produces 93.9hp at 10,000 RPM. This engine is shared across the 703 platform which also consists of the 703T adventure-tourer and 703RR sportbike.

Its frame is revolutionary, cast as one piece for both halves, then joined without welds. The subframe is also cast aluminium. The suspension is fully adjustable on both ends.

Other specs include an 8-inch TFT screen, 22-litre fuel tank, under engine bash plate, 830mm seat height, J.Juan brakes, Bosch ABS, Michelin Anakee Adventure tyres, LED lights, etc.

According to MCN the bike will be initially offered at £6,999 (RM38,312.11 at the time of publication). UK buyers need to add £999 (RM5,467.12) for the crash bars, 3-piece aluminium luggage, and spotlights. The price is cheaper than the Suzuki V-Strom 650 in the UK.

Zontes has been selling their motorcycles in the UK and European Union for several years now.

Zontes 703F First Ride Review

BMW announced the revamped 2025 BMW R 18, including styling updates to the R 18 and R 18 Classic, and fresh paint for the R 18 B, R 18 Transcontinental, and R 18 Roctane.

The 1802cc air/oil-cooled Boxer is shared across the board without different tuning corresponding to different models. It has received a 5.4Nm bump in torque, taking the total to 163Nm at 3,000 RPM. 149Nm is already available between 2,000 to 4,000 RPM. Maximum horsepower remains at 90hp at 4,750 RPM. The engine is now Euro 5+ compliant.

2025 BMW R 18

The base R 18 receives the most substantial changes. The most significant update is an 18-inch rear wheel replacing the previous 16-inch as the standard option. You can still get a 16-inch rear, but only as part of the Option 719 Olivine package. The front wheel remains at 19 inches.

The rear suspension receives new spring and damping rates tuned for the 18-inch rear wheel and new 180/55B18 tire. The front suspension is mechanically unchanged, though the R 18 loses the fork covers.

The fishtail exhausts from the previous model are gone, replaced with cylindrical exhausts to match the rest of the lineup. The side cover and front and rear fenders were likewise reshaped, getting more modern, squared-off shapes than the previous design.

BMW also redesigned the solo seat, using a thicker and softer foam and adding a new release button under the seat cover. Combined with the larger rear wheel, the seat is now 720mm from the ground, compared to the 690mm seat height found on the previous R 18.

Rounding out the updates to the standard R 18 is a new USB-C charging socket.

The 2025 BMW R 18 is available in Black Storm Metallic with a silver-colored powertrain. A blacked out engine and dark chrome exhaust is available as a styling package. More premium paint options include a two-tone Brooklyn Gray Metallic, and Mineral Gray Metallic Matte, both with dark chrome exhausts and optional black powertrain finishes. Additionally, BMW offers an Option 719 Olivine version in Velvet Green Metallic with a 16-inch rear wheel.

2025 BMW R 18 Classic

For 2025, the R 18 Classic gets a 19-inch front, 16-inch rear wheel combination, replacing the previous 16 and 16 combo. With the larger front wheel, the seat height has increased to 730mm from the previous 710mm.

The front fender is significantly larger than the previous design, giving it more of a retro look. For that same reason, the R 18 Classic retains the fork covers that are now missing from the standard model. Like the R 18, the Classic receives reshaped side covers and a USB-C charging port.

The 2025 BMW R 18 Classic is available in Black Storm Metallic with a silver-colored powertrain and chrome exhausts and wire-spoke wheels. The Classic will also be available in Mineral Gray Metallic Matte with a chrome exhaust and an optional silver-colored powertrain, or in Brooklyn Gray Metallic with blacked-out finishes, dark chrome exhausts and 18-inch rear/19-inch front cast alloy wheels. There’s also an Option 719 Blue Planet Metallic version with a number of accessories including chrome fender trim.

2025 BMW R 18 B

Apart from the updated engine and updated colors, the only change to the R 18 B (“B” for bagger) is a new FAVOURITES button on the right hand switchgear. Replacing the previous central locking system button, the FAVOURITES button allows quick access to specific functions, such as activating heated grips.

The standard colour for 2025 BMW R 18 B is Black Storm Metallic with a silver-colored powertrain and chrome exhausts. Paint options include Mineral Gray Metallic, and Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic. BMW will also offer an Option 719 Black Pearl version.

2025 BMW R 18 Transcontinental

The Transcontinenal is the full-dress touring version of the bagger. and it also receives a quick-access FAVOURITES button.

The standard colour option is the same Black Storm Metallic with a silver-colored powertrain and chrome exhaust. Pictured above is the new Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic which comes with a blacked-out powertrain and dark chrome pushrod tubes and airbox cover. An Option 719 Tanzanite version comes with Blue Planet Metallic/Asian Blue Metallic with a number of accessories including machined alloy wheels.

2025 BMW R 18 Roctane

The Roctane is the most recent addition to the R 18 family, so it’s no surprise it receives the fewest of updates. Apart from new paint and the revised engine, the only change is a new optional body-colored panel to fill the gap between the side cases and rear fender.

As with the other variants, the standard colour for the 2025 BMW R 18 Roctane is Black Storm Metallic. You also have a choice of Mineral Gray Metallic Matte, or Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic.

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