Global News Archives

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.

Brembo GP4-MotoGP Caliper Wins Red Dot Award

The new Brembo GP4-MotoGP caliper has won the Red Dot Award for Design.

This new front brake caliper had just been launched in November 2023. Closely resembling the actual caliper used in MotoGP and WSBK, it is actually meant for sporting use and road riders who want the ultimate in braking performance.

So, what is different about this caliper, you ask?

Let us start with the oblique pad abutments that adds stiffness to the caliper, which is already machined from a solid piece of aluminium alloy (hence, monobloc). Doing so also adds to stopping power since the body of the caliper does not flex. Furthermore, it gives the rider much better feel at the lever, especially great when you are trail-braking into a corner.

Brembo also plated the four pistons with nickel to allow for better action. These pistons are designed to pull the brake pads off the disc’s face to reduce friction when there is no braking pressure. As such, the pads last longer and there is less parasitic power loss.

The fins you see at the front of the caliper, facing the inside, are as what they appear to be: cooling fins, just like on your air-cooled motorcycle engine. This is the distinguishing feature of the “civilian version” of the Brembo GP4-MotoGP compared to the its MotoGP and WSBK counterpart, as the racing version has fins at the back of the caliper, too.

Do we really need these for the road or odd trackday? Who cares! We WANT them!

Kazakhstan Replaces Indian MotoGP 2024

The previously postponed Kazakhstan MotoGP round will replace the Indian MotoGP, from 20 – 22 September 2024.

The rights holder of MotoGP, Dorna Sport and FIM decided to postpone the Kazakhstan round at the Sokol International Circuit due to massive flooding in the country. On the other hand, the Indian round will take place in March next year. This in turn pushes Qatar Grand Prix as the season opener to a later date.

This is another twist for the Indian MotoGP, after the CEO of Fairstreet Sports, Pushkar Nath Srivastava, “confirmed” the event was still going ahead. Speaking on 15 May to The Times of India he said “The race is very much on […] These are just rumours floating around. All of the contractual obligations will be met in June.”

However, it was also known that Dorna had given the promoter up until 20 May to settle the matter.

Now, Srivastava told the Indian news agency, PTI “It was mutually decided to shift the race to March next year. We are looking at the first or second week of March … All the stakeholders including Dorna agreed that the September weather is not conducive for the race and it is tough on the riders and marshals as experienced last year.”

Zontes 703RR Sportbike Going into Production

The Zontes 703RR sportbike is going into production. Finally.

It has been five years since we visited the Zontes factory in Guangzhou, China, where we spotted their engineers designing a three-cylinder engine. But the boss told us to keep it a secret so we did not publish about it until it became official a year afterwards.

There was plenty of news about the engine since then, but nothing tangible came out until EICMA 2023, when the Zontes 703RR and Zontes 703F concepts were unveiled.

Why did it take so long? Well, it is because the philosophy held by Zontes’ President to build almost everything in-house rather than outsource components elsewhere. Building in-house means they can control the quality of their components and finished products, as well as cutting the red tape to get problems solved.

Back to the Zontes 703RR, the bike’s type approval document have been sighted along with its performance figures.

Its three-cylinder engine is homologated to 101 hp. The bore and stroke dimensions are 70mm x 60.6mm, giving it a 699cc displacement (“70” means 700cc, “3” mean three cylinders). The crankshaft is space at 120-degree intervals, like all other three-cylinder engines, except the T-Plane crank in the Triumph Tiger 900.

A top speed of 230 km/h was cited in the said documents, putting the bike in the same region of the Honda CBR650R, Aprilia RS 660, Triumph Daytona 660, while beating the Yamaha YZF-R7. However, the CFMoto 675SR may be higher.

It is a great move for Zontes when the 703RR is launched because it has allowed them to break out of their single-cylinder rut. Still, they had better launch this quickly as many more manufacturers, including Chinese rivals that have or will launch their own sportbikes.

CFMoto 500SR 500cc Four-Cylinder Engine Revealed

The CFMoto 500SR’s 500cc four-cylinder engine has been revealed.

Hot on their surprise unveiling of two SR sportbikes last September – a 675cc and a 500cc – CFMoto has filed the patent for the latter’s engine. The 675cc sportbike, on the other hand, uses a three-cylinder engine.

The patent’s drawings show several elements of the powerplant, including the cooling system which is designed to get the engine up to working temperature quickly to lower emissions. It is because the catalytic converter is only truly functions when its elements reach 400-deg Celsius.

The drawings also shows an engine that is fully CFMoto’s own design, and now “inspired” by other 500cc engines. There is no 500cc inline-four in the market these days, anyway.

As such, the company does it the conventional way, such as chain-driven DOHC, with the cam chain located at one end of the crank. The cam lobs act directly on buckets, rather than the current trend of finger followers. Also, there are four individual ignition coils for each spark plug.

The crankshaft follows the 180-degree convention, hence not a “crossplane” or “Big Bang” arrangement.

The gearbox is a conventional six speed item, but the drawings did not show a quickshifter. The engine’s oil sump is offset for exhaust down-pipe routing.

This new CFMoto 500cc four-cylinder engine is expected to produce somewhere in the regions of 80 hp, hence placing in between CFMoto’s 100hp 675SR and 50hp 450SR. It will also rival the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR and Kove 450RR.

The 500cc bike, which should be named the CFMoto 500SR, looks to have the ergonomics of a street-biased sportbike like the Ninja ZX-4RR, such as higher placed handlebars compared to track-going sportbikes. The prototype showed some aerodynamic elements such as the covers underneath the front brake calipers to channel airflow around the bottom fairing.

The CFMoto 500SR is expected to be launched later this year.

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Global News

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

Brembo GP4-MotoGP Caliper Wins Red Dot Award

Kazakhstan Replaces Indian MotoGP 2024

Zontes 703RR Sportbike Going into Production

CFMoto 500SR 500cc Four-Cylinder Engine Revealed

MotoGP Rider Communications to be Introduced in 2025

Ryota Haga, Son of Noriyuki Haga Died in Race Crash

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

Latest KTM 990 RC R Spyshots Reveal Almost Ready Bike

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

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