Global News Archives

2024 Ducati Desert X Discovery Ready for Long Tours

Here comes the 2024 Ducati Desert X Discovery: The Desert X with all the official touring accoutrements you can shake a stick at.

It uses the stock bike as the base, which is already potent enough what with the 937cc, 90° V-Twin (Ducati insists it is an ‘L-Twin’) that produces 110 hp.

And as if that’s not enough, you have adjustable KYB suspension, Brembo M50 brake calipers, 320mm brake discs up front, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres, and TFT display with connectivity suites. As standard.

To bring it to the Discovery spec, Ducati added:

Engine protectors.
Sump guard a.k.a. bash plate.
Reinforced hand protectors.
Radiator protector.
Larger touring screen.
Heated grips.
Centre stand.
A pair of 76-litre aluminium adventure side cases.

And suddenly the idea of riding the bike to a remote campsite is not such a worrisome prospect.

The 2024 Ducati Desert X Discovery is priced at £17,295 (RM103,185.71), which is £2,300 (RM13,722.29) more than the standard Desert X.

But… that price is actually dearer than the standard Ducati Multistrada V4 which sells for £16,995 (RM101,394.30) in the UK.

BMW R 1300 GS Trophy Competition Motorcycle Revealed

The BMW R 1300 GS Trophy Competition motorcycle has been revealed ahead of the BMW International GS Trophy 2024, this time in Namibia, Africa.

As such, BMW prepared the recently launched 2024 BMW R 1300 GS for this endeavour.

But of course, it is not several one-off specials. Instead, BMW makes it as close to the bike you can buy at your local BMW Motorrad dealer.

The new Boxer engine looks to be untouched and retains its present 145 hp and 149.2 Nm of torque. Apart from that, it is fitted with black cross-spoke wheels with anodised rims, shod with Metzeler Karoo 4 tyres. The suspension is equipped with Adaptive Height Control for safer and easier handling.

Protection for the motorcycle includes engine protection bar, frame guard, large skid plate, headlight guard, white handguard extensions.

An Akrapovič exhaust system, handlebar risers, adjustable gearshift and brake levers, GS Vario rider footrests, enduro hand levers, and a rally seat, complete the equipment list of the competition GS. An adventure tail bag is fitted for storage.

The GS Trophy returns to the continent where it began in 2008 after travelling around the world to locations such as Thailand, New Zealand, Mongolia, Albania, et al. Namibia, which is located at the southwestern coast of Africa promises amazing scenery along with the Big Five animals. However, BMW Motorrad says that this may be the most challenging edition ever.

A total of 60 riders from 22 national teams (16 men’s, 6 women’s) will compete for the coveted trophy GS Trophy 2024 Namibia from September 15th to the 20th. Based on past GS Trophy events, the most successful team will be the one that was best prepared, had the best teamwork, and rode most skilfully.

Japanese Motorcycle Market Declines 8.2 Percent In First Five Months of 2024

The Japanese motorcycle market declines -8.2 percent in the first five months of 2024. This follows a -9.1% drop in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period last year.

This news came as not truly surprising since the newer generation is shunning the motorcycle as a means of transportation and recreation. Japan’s transportation system is excellent and provides many cost effective alternatives to riding or driving.

A survey by Piece of Japan clearly showed that the majority of motorcyclists are between 50 to 60 years old.

However, this news does have a sense of irony since Japanese motorcycles still dominate the global motorcycle market share.

Indeed, Honda who leads the global market declined by -8.5%, Yamaha took a huge -18.1% hit, and Suzuki also saw a double digit drop at -12.1%.

However, the other Japanese manufacturer, Kawasaki saw a big +31% gain.

Other manufacturers such as Harley-Davidson rebounded into the black at +4.6% (yes, Harleys are still popular in Japan), Triumph was up +10.7%, and KTM showed a +23.1% boost.

Seeing the market still declining despite the gains by these other brands just shows the sheer volume of motorcycles sold by the Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki.

This data was put together by MotorCycles Data who tracks the actual deliveries to buyers rather than sales from the manufacturer to dealers.

CFMoto 675 SR A2-Compliant Details Revealed

As we mentioned previously, CFMoto is in the midst of launching two midrange sportbikes. One, a 500cc with an inline-four engine called the CFMoto 500 SR Voom, and a 675cc with a three-cylinder engine called the CFMoto 675 SR.

The manufacturer had shown off the 675 SR-R Aspar edition last month, wearing all the necessary Aspar colours and busy graphics, and they have just filed the type approval application for the production ready standard 675 SR.

CFMoto had said that the three-cylinder engine will produce more than 100hp during EICMA 2023, but the document shows on 70kW (94hp). What gives? Well, that is because of Europe’s restriction for A2 licence holders. Will there be a non-A2-compliant version? We shall see.

The approval document also stated the engine’s capacity at 674cc with three cylinders and a 72mm bore. That means the stroke must be around 55mm, giving a slightly smaller bore and longer stroke than 675cc triples made by the likes of Triumph (73mm bore) and MV Agusta (79mm bore). This could mean that the CFMoto’s engine has a lower rev ceiling but more torque in the lower and middle rev range.

Apart from the engine, this standard 675 SR lacks the longer and bigger winglets of the 675 SR-R Aspar, but it does have a longer tail and pillion seat, passengers footpegs. The Aspar edition is said to be a track-only bike, thus does not have lights, turn signals, mirrors. Good news is the bike retains the prototype’s brake ducts that feed cooling air to the J.Juan four-piston brake calipers.

There may be adjustable KYB forks like those on the CFMoto 800 NK and an aluminium swingarm. The wheelbase is 1399.6mm, slightly shorter than the Honda CBR650R’s. Wet weight is 195kg.

As for you top speed boffins, the manufacturer put the CFMoto 675 SR’s top speed at 219km/h for this A2 version, so the standard version should go faster.

Italjet Dragster Gresini MotoGP Replica Revealed

Observant MotoGP fans may have noticed an Italjet Dragster in the Gresini Racing Team colours in the background during the French GP. Well, here it is officially, the Italjet Dragster Gresini MotoGP Replica.

Italjet and Gresini became partners earlier this year, hence giving birth to the replica wearing the same colour scheme as the Gresini Ducati GP16 MotoGP race bike.

The bike is available in two variants across its range, namely the standard version and a limited edition version. The standard edition is available for the Italjet Dragster 125, 200, and 300, also in Gresini colours.

The limited edition is the flagship version and is only available for the 300cc version, and only 75 units will be built. It has Öhlins suspension front and rear, Akrapovic exhaust system, and rear seat cover with the “triceratops tail” winglets. There is also a special hologram displaying the bike’s authenticity endorsed by the Gresini Racing Team.

Pricing starts from €6,399 (RM32,333.63) for the standard 125cc version to €7,499 (RM37,891.74) for the standard 300cc version. The limited edition Italjet Dragster Gresini MotoGP Replica is priced at €9,499 (RM47,996.76).

CFMoto 500SR Voom Revealed

First the type approval application for the four-cylinder engine, and now the entire bike. The CFMoto 500SR Voom four-cylinder sportbike has been revealed.

As mentioned previously, the DOHC inline-four with 63mm bores and 40mm stroke produces 78hp.

Other specifications revealed in the new type-approval document show that the CFMoto 500SR Voom has a wheelbase of 1394mm, similar to a typical 600cc supersport bike’s. CFMoto claims it weighs 194 kg including fuel. That is and slightly less than the upcoming CFMoto 675SR-R triple, which weighs 195 kg. The top speed, according to the document, is 210km/h. Tyre sizes are 120/70-17 and 160/60-17 rubber.

Pictures in the document show two colour schemes, a the silver/black version plus a blue-and-black variant. Both feature KYB suspension and CFMoto-branded radial-mount brakes, but the silver-and-black bike gets a black fork and bronze engine covers and wheels, while the blue version has a silver fork, white wheels with a black engine. The circular holes on the nose are air intakes ringed with DRL LEDs, with ducts running back to the airbox. The main headlight is the rectangular unit under the nose.

These look good and we can very well expect a naked NK model soon. But we would like to see if CFMoto will make a sportier variant with single-sided swingarm.

Triumph Bonneville T120 Elvis Presley Edition Revealed

The Triumph Bonneville T120 Elvis Presley Edition has been revealed, as an homage to the rock ‘n’ roll legend.

Elvis was an avid motorcycle fan, owning several motorcycles but Triumph was one of his favourite. He first got his leg on a Triumph T120 in 1965 which was owned by his friend Jerry Schilling. Elvis was so impressed that he went straight to ordering a T120 for each of his friends.

This new T120 bike is styled on Elvis’ most iconic ’68 ‘Comeback Special’ performance, which illuminated his name with red lightbulbs. As such, the bike features ‘ELVIS’ gold lettering in similar fashion to those stage lights, together with Presley’s signature on top of the tank. Elvis’ ‘Taking Care of Business in a Flash’ emblem is also featured on the front mudguard of the bike, the design of this is also featured on the necklace presented to each of his Memphis Mafia inner circle members.

The Carnival Red colour scheme was inspired by the Bonneville T120 TT which featured in Comedy Western ‘Stay Away Joe’ and the Bonnevilles which were gifted to the Memphis Mafia in 1965, besides the J Daar custom Bonneville created to raise money for the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation in 2023.

The Triumph Bonneville T120 Elvis Presley Edition is limited to 925 units worldwide, hence the serial number is laser etched onto the handlebar clamp with laser etched Elvis Presley’s signature. Each buyer will receive a Sony gold disc in an exclusive Elvis Presley and Triumph Motorcycles record sleeve, which also includes the certificate of authenticity, signed by Triumph’s CEO Nick Bloor and Jamie Salter, Founder, Chairman and CEO of ABG, Elvis Presley Enterprises.

Price is £14,495 (RM86,780.70) on the road in the UK.

GWM Souo S2000 Eight-Cylinder Cruiser Seen Testing

Remember the eight-cylinder GWM Souo S2000ST and S2000GL tourers? As expected, the manufacturer was not going to stop there and is now adopting the engine to a GWM Souo S2000 eight-cylinder cruiser, which was seen undergoing road testing.

The photos of the prototype have been making rounds in Chinese social media, showing a cruiser inspired by other Hondas namely the F6C and Rune. Well, why not, since both these cruisers were based on the Gold Wing platform, which the Souo S2000ST and S2000GL rivals.

The GWM Souo cruiser’s styling looks like a cross between the F6C and Rune. The rear features a cut off fender like the former, but the headlight, fuel tank, and radiator fairing looks like that of the Rune. However, the Chinese prototype utilises telescopic forks instead of a Hossack-style front suspension on the tourer.

It is easy to see that GWM wants to outdo Honda by building an engine by adding two more cylinders (8 vs. 6), one more camshaft in each cylinder bank (DOHC vs. SOHC), and an eight-speed dual clutch transmission (8 vs. 6). GWM has already won the distinction of building the first production motorcycle flat-eight engine.

However, the engine in the cruiser may have an extra cylinder deactivation feature to provide that signature low RPM thump of cruisers.

The finished product should be revealed soon, like how the tourer showed just weeks after its engine was shown off at the Beijing Motor Show.

Mechanic Creates World’s Fastest Wheelbarrow

“World’s fastest motorcycle,” “world’s fastest car,” world’s fastest truck,” but what about… er… world’s fastest “something else”? Say no more because a mechanic in the UK created the world’s fastest wheelbarrow.

38-year-old Dylan Phillips built the wheelbarrow in his shed in Crymych, Pembrokeshire, before unleashing it at the Straightliners Speed Week 2024 at Elvington Airfield in Yorkshire, where it hit 84km/h. It beat his own record 74km/h.

Dylan completed the mandated two runs through a speed trap on the 100m course in the machine that’s part wheelbarrow, part scrap scooter.

He said: “It’s uncomfortable and it’s terrifying. Slowing down is the issue – it’s only got brakes at the front.”

Like all crazy ideas, Phillips admitted that he thought about it in a pub. Talk about giving the expression “hold my beer” it literal meaning, eh.

“At the moment I’m just happy with it as it is but that’s the thing with being an engineer – you start to dream bigger,” he said.

“I’d be over the moon to be honest, because it just encourages innovation and it would probably motivate me to go and try again and go faster.”

Phillip’s efforts earned him a place in the Guiness World Record book, but you can be sure he will beat the record again.

Honda to Produce Only Electric Motorcycles and Cars from 2040

Honda is set to produce only electric motorcycles and cars from 2040. In other words, no more new gasoline powered internal combustion engine (ICE) from the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer.

This decision was highlighted in the manufacturer’s Summary of 2024 Honda Business Briefing on Direction of Electrification Initiatives and Investment Strategy.

According to the brief, “Honda has not changed its belief that EVs are the most effective solution in the area of small mobility products such as motorcycles and automobiles, and Honda’s electrification target to make EVs and FCEVs represent 100% of its global vehicle sales by 2040 remains unchanged. Honda must look ahead to the period of EV popularization and build a strong EV brand and a strong EV business foundation from a medium- to long-term perspective.”

Honda has a solution to address the issue of range, which is mentioned further into the document. These electric motorcycles will use the upcoming Honda Mobile Power Pack e: (MPP) which “Honda will introduce a micro-mobility product which will be equipped with 4 MPPs in Japan before the end of FY2026.” The company is also planning to launch two new electric motorcycles powered by 2 MPPs later this year.

As for the e-Fuels, Honda did say that they find it intriguing but that technology is not mature yet for the company to plan their future products on.

Yamaha Japan Admits to Falsifying Testing Data

Yamaha Japan has admitted to falsifying testing data in that country. The company’s executives have acknowledged and apologised for having done so.

Yamaha was among three other automotive manufacturers being investigated for falsifying test data. However, in Yamaha’s case, the company falsified noise level tests data for at least three models namely the YZF-R1, YZF-R3, and TMAX. Yamaha Japan maintained that they did not falsify safety data.

The Iwata-based manufacturer has since halted the production of all three models. The Japan News reported that the company had produced some 7,500 units of all three models combined.

They were the second Japanese vehicle manufacturer subjected to on-site inspection by the country’s Land, Infrastucture, Transport, and Tourism Ministry on 5 June 2024 after the scandal regarding falsified data blew open with Toyota.

Investigations began at Toyota HQ on 4 June 2024, after Toyota-owned Daihatsu was mired in a safety testing scandal in 2023. That prompted a stricter review of data filed by Japanese automotive and motorcycle manufacturers.

Further investigations will also take place at Mazda, Honda, and Suzuki headquarters in the coming weeks.

So far, the Transport Ministry has ordered Toyota, Mazda, and Yamaha to halt shipments of their vehicles. The Ministry will also begin conducting independent tests of their own on all affected vehicles, to ensure that they comply with both existing safety and environmental standards. The results will be made public.

We have contacted Hong Leong Yamaha Motor for clarification if local units are involved and are awaiting their answer. In the mean time, this may not be the end of this saga, so stay tuned.

Confirmed: Jorge Martin goes to Aprilia in 2025

So, it is now official after weeks and weeks of speculation that has driven MotoGP fans into a frenzy and some even to exasperation: Jorge Martin goes to Aprilia in 2025.

The saga became all too intriguing since 7-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez’s move to Gresini Ducati for the 2024 season, and has since been tipped to join the factory Ducati team, replacing Enea Bastianini as the teammate to two-time and defending champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia.

It of course drew much back talk from Martin, who had challenged Pecco for the championship throughout 2023, and is currently leading this year’s championship. Martin rightly feels that he deserves that spot on account of that performance.

Ducati now had a problem: They have three other great riders who were vying for the coveted factory seat, probably giving their bosses sleepless nights. As such, the manufacturer seemed to have stalled making a decision. It was not silly season yet, anyway.

The saga heated up further when Martin publicly stated (read: threatened) that either he gets the factory seat or he leaves Ducati altogether. There were reports that he had spoken to KTM, Aprilia, and even Yamaha since.

Ducati was now forced into a corner. And they have to settle this issue quickly to rid themselves of this kind of distraction so early in the season.

A few hours before Martin’s official announcement, Autosport had published news that, although unconfirmed at the time, that Marquez has been picked as Bagania’s teammate, therefore leaving Martin to dry in the wind. La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Ducati management, Marquez, and Martin had a closed-door meeting on Thursday, in which Marquez was asked to move up to the Pramac team. However, Marquez told them “Pramac is not an option for me,” with “an extremely serious face.”

Again, that news was unconfirmed, then this bombshell that Jorge Martin will be in Aprilia next year.

There is no official news from Ducati regarding Marquez’s fate yet. Bastianini, on the other hand, was also reported to have spoken to KTM, Aprilia, and Yamaha (no one wants to go to Honda, eh).

Martin many not be a great choice as Bagnaia’s teammate, nor a good fit in the Italian team given his propensity in making bombastic statements. MotoGP is not like the days of Wayne Rainey and John Kocinski who berated Yamaha openly. Everyone has to toe the politically-correct company line these days.

As for Marquez, he had shown his immense talent by fighting at the front end of the field, despite riding the Desmosedici GP23 which is some 1.5 seconds slower than the GP24. He is also extremely marketable and has companies dying to sponsor him. As such, it will be foolhardy for Ducati to lose him to another manufacturer.

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Global News

2024 Ducati Desert X Discovery Ready for Long Tours

BMW R 1300 GS Trophy Competition Motorcycle Revealed

Japanese Motorcycle Market Declines 8.2 Percent In First Five Months of 2024

CFMoto 675 SR A2-Compliant Details Revealed

Italjet Dragster Gresini MotoGP Replica Revealed

CFMoto 500SR Voom Revealed

Triumph Bonneville T120 Elvis Presley Edition Revealed

GWM Souo S2000 Eight-Cylinder Cruiser Seen Testing

Mechanic Creates World’s Fastest Wheelbarrow

Honda to Produce Only Electric Motorcycles and Cars from 2040

Yamaha Japan Admits to Falsifying Testing Data

Confirmed: Jorge Martin goes to Aprilia in 2025

5 New Things with the 2025 Ducati Panigale V4

KTM Parent Company, Pierer Mobility is Cutting Jobs

Honda CBR600RR Leads Middleweight Sales in UK

2024 Italjet Dragster 700 Twin Fully Revealed

Norton Motorcycles Celebrates a New Era

Kazakhstan MotoGP 2024 Cancelled, Replaced by Second Misano Round

Royal Enfield Guerilla 450 Officially Unveiled!

Italjet Dragster 700 Twin Teaser has Us Going Ga-ga

Vespa Primavera Batik Debuts

DJI Avinox Drive System for E-Bikes Launched

2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure Launched

Valentino Rossi and Francesca Novella Expecting their Second Child

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