Global News Archives

Repsol Honda Partnership in MotoGP Ends after 2024

It is official, the Repsol Honda partnership in MotoGP ends after 2024, bringing the most successful partnership to an end after 30 stellar years.

The Spanish petroleum giant will not only cease to be the factory team’s main sponsor, but will also stop supplying fuel and lubricants to the team.

Repsol had begun sponsoring factory Honda team in 1995 when Mick Doohan, Alex Crivillé, and Shinichi Itoh were the riders. Since then, the Repsol Honda venture had racked in 183 wins, 455 podiums, 10 teams titles, and 15 rider titles in the 500cc and MotoGP classes, through the exploits of Doohan, Crivillé, Valentino Rossi, Nicky Hayden, Casey Stoner, and Marc Marquez.

The split is not a surprise. In fact, there were rumours that Repsol had wanted out during every contract renewal. However, the rumours grew stronger at the end of last year when it became clear that Honda is struggling in MotoGP, but Marc Marquez’s departure from the team was the true catalyst. As such, it was rumoured that Repsol renewed their Honda sponsorship for only one last season, and at 50% cut (thus explaining the smaller Repsol logo).

News of Repsol’s departure had begun in May when HRC was seen trying to secure a title sponsor plus fuel and lubricant supplier. The factory needs a supplier quickly because of Dorna and FIM’s fuel requirements. The fuels in MotoGP bikes this season is 40% from sustainable sources, before reaching 100% in 2027, when the engines are switched to 850cc. Therefore, fuel and lubricants play a major role in engine development. At this high level, different fuels and lubricants will result in different torque and power characteristics, hence different engine mapping and even construction is required.

So, who will step up? Malaysian fans are certainly hoping Petronas will, since they are already sponsoring MIE Racing where Adam Norrodin and Khairul Idham Pawi are riders. They are riding the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade in the World Superbike Championship and the Honda CBR600RR in the World SuperSport Championship, respectively.

Four-cylinder Honda CBR400R Four on the Way?

Is a four-cylinder Honda CBR400R Four sportbike on the way?

For us old timers, there were several four-cylinder small capacity four-cylinder four-strokes back in the 80s and 90s in the market. They included the Honda CB250, Honda CBR400, Honda CB400 Four VTEC and VTEC II, Honda VFR400 NC30 (the RC30 lookalike!), and of course the Kawasaki ZXR250 with the signature “washing machine hoses.” Then, the manufacturers switched to singles and twins, most likely for ease of maintenance and lower upkeep costs.

More recently, Kawasaki sprung a surprise by releasing the Ninja ZX-25R, followed by the Ninja ZX-4R four-cylinder sportbikes

Is Honda, the world’s largest motorcycle maker going to let their rival in green run amok in the two segments? Of course not!

Truth is, Honda and Kawasaki both have 400cc four-cylinder models in the Japanese market, but Kawasaki took the step to launch theirs to the world market.

The Honda CBR400R in Japan has an engine derived from the two-cylinder CBR500R, which is available in Malaysia, too. However, its bore is reduced fro 66.8mm to 56.6mm, while leaving the stroke at 67mm. Doing so lowers the engine’s capacity from 471cc (twin) to 399cc (four).

As for Honda’s entry, Motorcycle.com said that they have sighted the company’s patent application in the U.S. marked as “Honda CBR400R Four.” While the patent documents may not necessarily translate to a final product, it does show that the company is somewhat interested in that segment.

Who would not want an affordable howling four-cylinder, right?

KTM Parent Company Pierer Mobility will Axe 200 more Jobs

We reported in July that Pierer Mobility – the parent company for KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas and WP Suspension, besides 50.1% owner of MV Agusta – is set to cut jobs. However, the company did not specifiy the number of employees who will lose their jobs.

Now, it has been reported that 200 employees will be axed in the third quarter of 2024. These poor souls are the latest addition to the 373 who were already let go since the start of 2024.

Pierer Mobility is also planning to decrease their Austrian manufacturing quota by 25%, besides focusing on higher manufacturing numbers in India and China. Additionally, they are planning to reduce their sporting activities.

These plans follow lacklustre sales which has since seen the company’s net debt rise to €1.469 billion (RM7.21 billion). They had earlier confirmed that performance in the first half of 2024 had dropped compared to previous years. Overall sales for 2024 is also expected to drop by 15%.

Currently, Pierer Mobility has a total of 6,024 employees, after adding the 213 resulting from their consolidation with MV Agusta.

Thai Motorcycle Market Shrinks in 1st Half of 2024

The Thai motorcycle market, which had boomed for the last three years, begins to see a drop in the first half of 2024.

Industry players reported that they delivered 904,135 motorcycles in the first six month of the year. While that is a huge number compared to us in Malaysia, it was actually a -9.9% drop compared to H1 2023. Thailand is the world’s sixth largest motorcycle market.

The country’s economy is now seen as the weakest in the region due to what the Bangkok Post calls “over-consumption.” The demand for consumption has stripped the supply of cash from income, leading to inadequate domestic liquidity.

The president of Honda Thailand, Yuichi Shimizu said that, “High household debt that stands at 91% of GDP and weak consumer purchasing power caused people to be more cautious about spending. They are worried about the current economic situation.”

It was hoped that 2024 will see the economy rally again, but it is not to be. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has reduced its 2024 growth forecast for Thailand’s economy to 2.2%–2.7%, down from the previous forecast of 2.8%–3.3% predicted in November 2023. The outlook for 2024 is weaker than previously projected due to dimmer export and public investment prospects.

As such, market leader, Honda saw a -7.5% drop, while their arch rival, Yamaha lost -12%. Piaggio, in third saw a large -34% drop, and in fourth, GPX saw a precipitous hit of -62.2%.

However, electric motorcycles are seeing a sustainable growth. Honda and Chinese are well positioned to exploit this sector. Having sold 13,600 units thus far, Honda expects to sell a total of 30,000 units in 2024, up from 21,000 in 2023. In fact, the company is planning to have at least 44 battery swapping stations and increase their share in the motorcycle rental sector.

Somkiat Chantra to MotoGP in 2025

Thai rider, Somkiat Chantra will move to the MotoGP class in 2025.

The news was a source of pride for the people of Thailand as he is the first rider from that country to take part in the premier class. Somkiat, 25, has been recruited as a rider for the LCR Honda satellite team, replacing Japanese rider Takaaki Nakagami.

“Going to MotoGP has always been my dream, and I will finally make it happen.

“I am determined to learn, give my best, and enjoy this new adventure. It will be difficult, but I will give my best,” Somkiat said in a statement.

Somkiat has won two races in Moto2 since making his debut in the class in 2019 and finished last season sixth in the riders’ standings.

He is currently 10th in the championship this year with 64 points from 11 races.

New CFMoto 675 NK Prototype Spotted

A CFMoto 675 NK prototype was spotted wearing camouflage in China.

It could well be the naked version of the recently launched CFMoto 675 SR-R sportbike. The 675 SR-R is the manufacturer’s first three-cylinder engine. As such, the new bike is expected to carry the 675 NK name.

The naked prototype looks to share similar if not the same chassis as the sportbike’s, such as the swingarm mount, aluminium swingarm, upside-down forks. All in all, the bodywork looks strikingly similar to the old Kawasaki Z1000 and Ducati Streetfighter. The engine’s power ought to be the same as the sportbike, namely 95hp, too. Other features should include TFT screen, quickshifter, ABS, traction control, LED lighting, and so forth.

The CFMoto 675 NK will put it in the same company with the Triumph Trident, Honda CB650F, Suzuki GSX-8S, Kawasaki Z650, Yamaha MT-07, among others.

We look forward to the bike to be revealed at the EICMA 2024 show, and the fully production ready version in 2025.

Can-Am Origin and Can-Am Pulse Revealed

The Can-Am Origin and Can-Am Pulse electric motorcycles have been launched, taking the Canadian producer of the three-wheeled Spyder back to their roots.

“Today, we are reclaiming our two-wheel heritage by bringing new excitement to the electric motorcycle industry,” President and CEO of Can-Am parent company BRP, José Boisjoli said. “Fifty years ago, Can-Am celebrated many victories with its Track ’n Trail motorcycles, and we are bringing that pedigree back with a focus on modern electric power, connectivity and thrill.

“We intend to become a global leader in that space with true innovation designed to simplify the riding experience for new riders and introduce electric motorcycles to all.”

Both bikes use BRP’s own Rotax E-Power liquid-cooled motor and a fully automatic transmission. The motor’s output is 78.9NM of torque at 4,600 RPM. The 8.9kWh battery, charger, and inverter are also liquid-cooled and BRP says it helps to reduce battery degradation whilst also boosting charge time.

Speaking about charging time, Can-Am says the battery will go from 20%-80% in 50 minutes by using a Level 2 charger (the type you find in mall carparks and home wall units).

Can-Am Origin

The Origin is the off-road variant of the two, hence rolling on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels. The tyres are Dunlop D605 dual-purpose, and suspension is KYB. Can-Am says the dry weight is 187kg.

The seat is 865mm high, with 274mm of ground clearance for off-road duty.

Can-Am Pulse

The Pulse is the road-oriented version, rolling on 17-in Dunlop Sportmax GPR 300 tyres, plus 41mm KYB forks, and a Sachs shock adjustable for preload.

It features a fairly low 784mm seat height, with just 146mm of ground clearance, and weighs 177kg.

Shared features

Shared between the two bikes though is a large 10.25in touchscreen colour TFT dash, which helps to control your riding modes. On the Pulse, there’s four to choose from; Normal, Eco, Rain, and Sport+ with each one altering the throttle response plus ABS and traction control input. The Origin, meanwhile, gets six to play with consisting of; Normal, ECO, Rain, Sport, Off-Road and Off-Road+. Both get a single 320mm disc braking set up at the front featuring a two-piston J.Juan floating caliper and ABS.

For a little extra bling, both models will also be available in a more exclusive ’73 special trim, featuring additional optional extras and an exclusive silver paint scheme.

Latest KTM 990 RC R Spyshots Reveal Almost Ready Bike

The latest KTM 990 RC R spyshots reveal an almost production ready bike.

The photos were revealed in MCN, showing the all-black prototype being put through its paces on the road. These are the latest pictures adding to a prototype being wrung on a racetrack in May.

It will be available in two versions, one track-exclusive and another for a standard road-ready variant. The latter is said to be arriving in the second quarter of 2025.

Its engine will be the current 947cc LC8c twin-cylinder unit in the 990 Duke which produces 126.2hp and 103.1Nm.

The frame may be the very same as the 990 Duke, or similar, or even new altogether to cater for a full-on sportbike riding characteristic. But the riding position shown in the pictures show similar to that of the 900 Duke, albeit with lower clip-ons.

Other details include WP suspension and radial mounted four piston calipers. Its fairing has winglets up top and another pair down low to promote laminar flow.

Click here for the official pitcures.

Not Possible for Four Wheel Guys to Race on Two Wheels – Mark Webber

Ex-Formula 1, sportscar, and endurance driver Mark Webber rode a motorcycle the first time on track and came away impressed, going on to say that it is “not possible for four wheel guys to race on two wheels.”

Webber, a nine-time Formula 1 race winner rode a Yamaha YZF-R1 alongside 23-time Isle of Man TT winner John McGuiness who rode a Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade ahead of British MotoGP at the Silverstone circuit. However, the R1 appeared to be a race-kitted GYTR Pata yamaha.

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A post shared by Mark Webber (@aussiegrit)

Webber is familiar with the circuit, having raced there many times and won twice there in Formula 1.

Speaking about his day at Silverstone, he said: “It was my first time (on track two wheels)! Completely different. For us four wheel guys it’s not possible for us to race on two wheels.

“It’s so demanding, so different. The skill set you need from a young age to make that transition across if not possible. It seems to be easier for the two wheel guys, they’re probably more gifted than us to go onto four wheels.

“But to watch him take you around and have a look at the track – I think, optically it’s a flat circuit and was used in the war as an air field, but in terms of the optics and your references it’s a tricky venue but it’s fast and flowing. It was a brilliant day.”

Webber was not the first high-profile car racer to try on motorcycles. Other F1 drivers who did so include drivers Fernando Alonso (at Motegi) and Lewis Hamilton (at Valencia). Hamilton famously rode alongside Valentino Rossi. Rossi, on the other hand, has gone on to car racing after his retirement from MotoGP.

But perhaps the most famous F1 driver to race on two wheels was seven-time champion Michael Schumacher. He met with some success while racing in the German superbike series.

Oxford Products Celebrates Best Start Ever in 2024

Oxford Products just celebrated their best ever start to a year, achieving record sales in the first half of 2024.

The company’s products catalogue is extensive – even “extensive” does not truly cover the entire range – which includes almost every motorcycle accessory apart from the mechanicals and electronics, to rider comfort. Oxford Products produces motorcycle covers, grips, replacement turn signals, mirrors, tools, tank grips, tyre pressure gauges, lever guards, battery chargers, earplugs, balaclavas, etc., etc.

Speaking to MCN, Managing Director, Henry Rivers Fletcher said, “The story of 2024 is one of stability. Gone are the ups and downs of recent years. Our sales this year have been much more consistent, our stock management much more accurate, our business practises more disciplined – all enabling us to run the business more efficiently.”

Founded in 1973 by Alec Hammond, the British brand had humble beginnings, with Hammond selling fibreglass boxes from the back of his van. From there, it has grown to offer thousands of products, boasting an annual turnover over £50m (RM 285,497,500).

Hammond added, “Like most businesses in the UK, if not the world, we have experienced some challenging, unpredictable, stormy times since March 2020. But for those of us old enough to remember, there have always been challenges. Recessions, political upheavals, energy crises, financial crashes. We’ve seen them all, but always had the right people with the right ideas, the tenacity, the creativity and the sheer willpower to turn adversity into opportunity and opportunity into success.”

He went on to promise more investment in the coming year.

Oxford Products are officially distributed by Hodaka Motoworld.

New Ducati V2 Superbike on the Way

Ay, just when we thought the recent Ducati Panigale V2 Superquardro Final Edition was the last V-Twin superbike that Ducati will make, they say there is a new Ducati V2 superbike is on the way.

MCN said that an interview with the manufacturer’s Head of Product Communications, Giulio Fabbri during the World Ducati Week revealed that the companyt has other plans.

Fabbri told MCN: “It’s not the V2 that is leaving the market, it’s just that particular engine that is going. It’s just the final edition of the V2 Superquadro, but something new will come.

“For sure, we will continue to see a supersport Panigale with a V2. But it’s still very early to talk about the future. I cannot say when something new will arrive, but for us it is very important and the V2 engine is special. It is part of the culture of Ducati.”

What Fabbri said was correct, as it was the V-Twin (also known as V2 or L-Twin in Ducati’s parlance) was what brought the brand to prominence – from the Imola bikes to the 851, 916, and all the way to the Panigale 1299 – prior to the current Panigale V4.

But of course, the Ducati man did not revealed the new bike’s specifications. The last Panigale V2 Superquardro engine displaced 955cc and produced 153hp.

BMW Buys Suzuki’s MotoGP Data

BMW has purchased Suzuki’s MotoGP data, possibly to fast-track their entry into the premier class.

According the Motosport.com, this was an insider’s news during the British GP over the weekend. And if it was true, BMW is seeking to pay €18 million for all the GSX-RR’s data acquired.

While BMW knows how to build high powered engines, they possibly need the data in terms of chassis setup and traction control strategies. 18 million is a lot of money, for sure, but it is definitely cheaper than throwing it at a blank sheet. Having the data in hand means BMW has a base to work from and develop their bike.

Dorna has been leaving an empty slot on the grid for the Bavarian brand and it is hoped that the latter will join the championship in 2027. 2027 is the year when MotoGP will go through another large revision, including the use of smaller 850cc engines in place of the current 1000cc engines, and not unimportantly, limiting the use of aerodynamic devices. BMW is already currently making an inline-four engine for their S 1000 RR superbike, so the MotoGP bike could very well adapt that engine.

At the time being, BMW has gleaned a lot of data from the WSBK project. They may have scored only one win in each of the 2021, 2022, and 2023 seasons, but the signing of Toprak Razgatlıoğlu has since yielded 12 wins from 18 races this year. Will the Turkish rider be apart of BMW’s MotoGP assault? We can bet on this one.

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Global News

Repsol Honda Partnership in MotoGP Ends after 2024

Four-cylinder Honda CBR400R Four on the Way?

KTM Parent Company Pierer Mobility will Axe 200 more Jobs

Thai Motorcycle Market Shrinks in 1st Half of 2024

Somkiat Chantra to MotoGP in 2025

New CFMoto 675 NK Prototype Spotted

Can-Am Origin and Can-Am Pulse Revealed

Can-Am Origin

Can-Am Pulse

Shared features

Latest KTM 990 RC R Spyshots Reveal Almost Ready Bike

Not Possible for Four Wheel Guys to Race on Two Wheels – Mark Webber

Oxford Products Celebrates Best Start Ever in 2024

New Ducati V2 Superbike on the Way

BMW Buys Suzuki’s MotoGP Data

Hakim Danish Wins at Aragon

Toprak Razgatlıoğlu in MotoGP in 2026

BMW Concept RR Revealed, Confirms Commitment to Future S 1000 RR

Bajaj Saves KTM with €800 Million Package

Honda Outlines Future EV Plans

2027 BMW S 1000 RR to Debut on 24 May

All-New BMW R 1300 RT and BMW R 1300 RS Debut

KTM Stops Production (Again)

Flying Flea ‘Mototem’ – One of its Kind Art Bike

Honda NC750X Wins 2025 Red Dot Design Award

Harley-Davidson is Searching for New CEO

2026 Ducati Desmo450 MX Previewed

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