Global News Archives

A More Powerful BMW R18 in the Works?

The BMW R18 has been enjoying successful sales numbers worldwide, if not in Malaysia, since its launch in 2020. However, is there going to be a more powerful BMW R18 in the works to rival the Ducati Diavel and Triumph Rocket 3?

All this talk began after the new BMW Motorrad CEO, Markus Flasch posted a teaser on his Instagram post. Flasch has said before that he is very enthusiastic about motorsports in a recent interview about whether the German automotive giant will enter MotoGP. And in the photo, we see him grinning about something under a cover, besides adding the caption “There is something big coming…”

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A post shared by Markus Flasch (@markusflasch)

Although there is not much we can derive from that photo, we can see than the bike’s rear wheel hub and swingarm. Firstly, the swingarm of the current R18 consists of welded steel sections. From Flasch’s post, we can see that the top run of the swingarm is boxed aluminium, while the bottom is a large steel tube bolted onto the hub. Apart from that, the angle of the universal joint of the driveshaft has a different angle.

As such, it shows an articulated (moving) hub akin to the GS series, rather than a fixed hub like the current R18’s.

Next, the rear wheel is different altogether and it appears to hold a much larger tyre. The Diavel and Rocket 3 are both wearing 240mm section tyres and this prototype BMW may seem so, too. As such, the engine needs a lot of torque and power to support that big shoe, hence will BMW hot-rod the R18’s engine?

BMW has some tinkering to do since the Diavel’s engine does 168hp, while Triumph moved the goal post by giving the Rocket 3 Storm 180hp. But BMW can surely do something.

Yamaha YZF-R1 Jonathan Rea Replica

We love race replica motorcycles. We love rare race replica motorcycles even more. We would probably go to extraordinary lengths to get one, even if means we have to eat nothing but tapioca for the rest of our lives. This kind of passion is difficult to understand for many but, one look at this Yamaha YZF-R1 Jonathan Rea Replica and you would understand why.

It commemorates Jonathan Rea’s move to Yamaha from Kawasaki. The six-time WSBK champion made the surprising move beginning this year’s season, after the 2021 champion Toprak Razgatlioglu vacated the spot. Rea must have seen the strengths of the R1 in Toprak’s hands when it beat him that season.

The Yamaha YZF-R1 Jonathan Rea Replica is not just some fancy paint job you can get at the shop around the corner. There are so many performance goodies underneath. These include an Akrapovic exhaust system, Marchesini forged-aluminum wheels, Öhlins TTX fork cartridge kit, Öhlins NIX rear shock, and an adjustable steering damper.

You may also upgrade the front brakes to racing Brembo GP4RX calipers and T-Drive discs, for an additional price, of course. Another option is the Garage Pack which includes GYTR front and rear stands, a bike mat, and a custom Jonathan Rea bike cover.

Crescent Yamaha says that the Yamaha YZF-R1 Jonathan Rea Replica is available for worldwide shipping. There are only 65 of these that will be made, corresponding to Rea’s race number. You just need £29,995 and it will be yours. Oh, it is offered in the stealthy Winter Test colours, too.

Another thing that makes this replica super special is because 2024 is the last year of road production for the Yamaha YZF-R1.

Arai Isle of Man TT Limited Edition 2024 Marks 15th Anniversary

The Arai Isle of Man TT Limited Edition 2024 returns, marking the 15th anniversary of the Japanese company’s dedication to the event.

Arai had produced an IoM TT version since 2008, only missing in 2020 and 2021 when the race itself was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This new version utilises the sublime Arai RX-7X Evo and features the iconic IoM and TT symbols, such as the Triskelion (Three Legs of Men), the term “Ellan Vannin” (which means Isle of Man in Manx), and TT logo. The thematic colours on the helmet follows what the TT has used on since it returned from the pandemic. Famous helmet designer Aldo Drudi arranged the palette of white, red, and various shades of blue and orange in neo-retro style.

Akihito Arai, Arai Helmet Europe B.V. Managing Director, said: “This is always a special moment for all of us at Arai Helmet and the 2024 RX-7X Limited Edition EVO IoM TT is absolutely amazing. Drudi Performance has excelled and created something so fresh, yet with all the elements of the design that fans and collectors expect. We had no idea when we started 15 years ago how important every year’s special TT helmet would become to so many people. All I can say now is – roll on next year’s TT!”

Looks like Arai fans in Malaysia have something to look forward to!

Honda EM1 e: Electric Scooter Wins Red Dot Desgin Award

The Honda EM1 e: electric scooter has won a Red Dot Design Award. Honda had actually won four awards at one go, with two for their electric scooters.

The EM1 e: made its debut last year as Honda’s first production electric scooter to use the Honda Mobile Power e swappable battery. The previous PCX Electric, on the other hand, was Honda’s first production electric scooter but did not feature a swappable battery.

Another Honda scooter to win the design award was the Honda Motocompacto. It is clearly an homage to the Honda Motocompo, which saw production from 1981 – 1983. It was a foldaway scooter, small enough to fit in the boot of the Honda City Turbo II hatchback. Now how is that for a cute last yard solution?

The current version is electric-powered, and looks to be much bigger than its predecessor. Honda says the Motocompacto’s design “also enables a high level of customer personalization and tailoring through the application of stickers and other decorations.” So get your Manga and Hello Sticker sets ready!

The other two awards were for Honda’s robotic lawnmower and outboard boat engine. They had also won the Red Dot Award for the XL750 Transalp and CB750, previously.

Other manufactures who have won this award include Ducati and Yamaha.

2025 KTM Motocross Range Launched

It is only April 2024, but Team Orange has already launched the 2025 KTM motocross range, for both two- and four-strokes.

However, there are only chassis updates throughout the lineup while other mechanical aspects remain unchanged. Even then, these updates were already available on the 2024 Factory Edition versions of the 250 SX-F and 450 SX-F.

These “new” frames have cutouts for the rear engine mounts, besides a different thickness at the front engine mounts, and the shock mounts. In all, it saves 300g and alters the frame’s flex.

A new swingarm with a machined chain guide is also installed, along with a new more durable rear brake pedal. Additionally, the rear shock linkage has smaller diameter bolts and new seals.

Besides the changes, KTM has also adjusted the WP XACT AER forks’ setting. The tyres are now Dunlop Geomax MX34.

On the electronic front, the owner can opt for the KTM Connectivity Unit Offroad suite which allows for adjustments through the KTMconnect app.

Lastly, there are new graphics with stretch KTM logo on the side panels.

The two-stroke SX range consists of the 50 SX, 65 SX, and 85 SX mini bikes, besides the 150 SX, which joins the existing 125 SX, 250 SX, and 300 SX.

As for the four-strokes, there are the 250 SX-F, 350 SX-F, and 450 SX-F. KTM adds the Adamo Edition 250 which celebrates Andrea Adamo’s winning the 2023 MX2 World Championship title.

Suzuki V-Strom 800RE Tour Launched

The Suzuki V-Strom 800RE Tour variant has been launched, adding extra luggage for your er… tour.

The Suzuki V-Strom 800RE was launched last year as a road-biased variant of the V-Strom 800 lineup, while its brethern, the V-Strom 800 DE is the off-road focused adventure version.

As the name suggests, the Tour places importance of carrying everything but the kitchen sink on long distance rides. It includes a 38-liter top box and two 37-liter side cases for a total of 112 litres.

Yes, yes, these cases are not new as they are sold as separate options for the standard RE. It is just that the boxes are priced lower when you buy the V-Strom 800RE Tour package. A set side cases cost £938 (RM5,627.53) while the top case sets you back £515 (RM3,089.74), when purchased as options. Ouch.

So, Suzuki priced the V-Strom 800RE Tour at £11,199 (RM67,188.40) compared to the standard version at £9,699 (RM58,189.15). Therefore, you save £706.94 (RM4,241.29) on the cases.

In any case (no pun intended), the cases come in red or silver. The bike is still sold in the same colours called Pearl Vigour Blue, Metallic Matt Steel Green, and Glass Sparkle Black as the standard RE.

All features remain the same between the standard and Tour editions.

Only thing is: Will Suzuki sell the Tour version in Malaysia?

MV Agusta Enduro Veloce – The Final Form and New Name

The MV Agusta Enduro Veloce has been launched. It is a new MV, instead it is “just” the third name for the Lucky Explorer 9.5.

It was initially called the Lucky Explorer 9.5, as an homage to the Lucky Strike-sponsored Cagiva Elefant which won the Dakar Rally in the ‘90s. Last year, the name was then changed to the LXP Orioli after Edi Orioli who rode that Elefant to that victory. And now, the MV Agusta Enduro Veloce. Production will begin in May 2024 and are expected to arrive in overseas dealers’ showrooms before the end of the year.

As such, the current bike is the same as the aforementioned LXP Orioli.

Highlights:

931cc inline-three-cylinder engine producing the 124bhp and 102Nm.
The engine has a counter-rotating crankshaft to reduce the crankshaft’s gyroscopic effect.
Fully adjustable 48mm front forks and adjustable for preload only monoshock provide 210mm of travel.
Brake brake calipers are Brembo Stylema, gripping 320mm discs.
Eight levels of traction control i.e. five for road, two off-road settings, and one for wet surfaces.
The rider can input whether he is using on-road or off-road tyres and the traction control system will have distinctly different settings.
Other electronic features such as engine braking control with two settings, launch control, cruise control, wheelie control, cornering ABS, rear wheel lift control.
Four riding modes (yes, they are separate from traction control), Urban, Touring, Off-Road, Custom All-Terrain.
Traction control data is fed into a six-axis IMU.
A 7-inch TFT display, and the usual MV Agusta backlit handlebar controls.
Colour options are any colour you want as long as it is Ago Red and Ago Silver (two tone).
Recommended selling price in the UK is £21,800 (RM130,789.10).

There Won’t be Five MotoGP Rounds in Iberia – Dorna

There will not be five MotoGP rounds in Iberia in the future, said Dorna’s CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.

The Iberian peninsula consists of Spain and Portugal. As it currently stands, they have the highest number of MotoGP rounds of any region. They are:

Portugese Grand Prix at the Alrgarve International Circuit.
Spanish Grand Prix at the Angel Nieto Jerez Circuit.
Catalunya Grand Prix at the Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit.
Aragon Grand Prix at Motorland Aragon.
Valencia Grand Prix at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo.

Spain has four GPs, in addition to three test sessions year round. Such monopoly by a single country has fans questioning the need and reasons.

However, in light of Liberty Media’s purchase and the new owner of MotoGP from 2025, there will be a shakeup in the championship’s schedule. It is because the company is aiming for more than one Grand Prix in the United States.

The United States is an important calendar as the country is a major motorcycle market, plus it is the sole representative of both the American continents after Argentina’s withdrawal.

On the other hand, the calendar is already nearly at its maximum of 22 possible rounds. This means certain venues will need to make way for one or two additional American rounds. As such, the ready candidates would be those in the Iberian peninsula, or more specifically, Spain in order to retain the Portugese GP.

This was confirmed by Ezpeleta when asked by GPOne.com, ‘Definitely, but not until 2027. We cannot have more than 22 Grand Prix per season and certainly in the future, there will not be five in the Iberian Peninsula’.

Apart from Spain, Italy is the other country to host more than one GP per year, namely the Italian GP at Mugello and San Marino GP at Misano.

Aprilia Ready to Defend Africa Eco Race Title

Aprilia is ready to defend their Africa Eco Race (AER) title which they won on their first attempt on the Tuareg 660.

The Noale-based manufacturer took the victory of the 15th AER race in January this year, which saw Jacopo Cerutti beating the favourite pairing of Pol Tarres and Alesssandro Botturi on the Yamaha Tenere T7.

Aprilia’s commitment to theAER followed an encouraging result in the Tuareg 660’s debut race in the 2023 Transanatolia Rally (TAR). Although Yamaha took the win, Aprilia finished third with Francesco Montanari riding.

Aprilia had also won the Italian Motorally Championship with Cerutti in 2023, apart from the Africa Eco Race and Transanatolia Rally. The team will also defend this title.

Jacopo Cerutti said during the announcement of the project, “We won on our debut, so expectations are high. The goal is to win the Italian Championship again and strive for the best possible performance in Africa. I started training immediately after the Africa Eco Race, and I feel in good shape for the new season.”

Francesco Montanari added: “I am training and preparing as hard as possible. I hope to repeat last year’s performance and improve my results, especially in the Africa Eco Race. We are also determined for the Italian Championship, and I’ll try to do my best.”

The project is now called Aprilia Tuareg Racing and is even more ambitious than before, with them competing in:

Africa Eco Race is scheduled for 28 December 2024 – 12 January 2025.
Italian Motorally Championship begins on 20 April.
Hellas Rally Raid from 24 May – 2 June
Transanatolia Rally scehduled for 31 August – September 7.

Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Racing CEO, said: “After such an extraordinary debut last year, both in Italy and in Africa, expectations are very high. The goal is to confirm our leadership in this new sector. We have a historic and important name as Tuareg, and to see such a beautiful and powerful motorcycle in its natural habitat is a source of pride for Noale.”

Thai Motorcycle Sales sees 11% Decrease

The Thai motorcycle industry sees an 11% decrease in the 1st quarter of 2024.

The Kingdom’s motorcycle market had enjoyed three years of consecutive growth previously, making it the sixth largest motorcycle market in the world. However, there were only 454,795 motorcycles sold (-11%) in the first three months of the year

Honda, while retaining their top spot, saw a decrease of -9.9%. Their closest rival Yamaha has lost -10.6%. Following in third was Piaggio with a decrease of -29.6%, and local brand GPS who sees a massive -52.2% drop.

However, it is not all doom and gloom for some emerging brands such as Lambretta who saw a +29.8% increase, Lion +302%, and EM +1,534%.

However, the drop is not due to over saturation. Instead, it is due to Thailand’s current economical state which is already in recession due to high household debts, lack of stimulus (investments) and economic reform. The country’s economy is the slowest in the region.

Despite hopes that the economy rebounds this year, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has reduced its 2024 growth forecast for Thailand’s economy to 2.2%-3.2%, from the 2.7%-3.7% predicted in November. The forecast was based on a 1.7% GDP growth in Q4 2023, driven by exports and private investment, but a 3% drop in government spending.

Several Thai news outlets had already predicted a decrease in 2024 motorcycle sales in as early as January 2024.

Thailand is the 5th largest major motorcycle manufacturing base with a capacity for 2 million motorcycles, behind China (23 million), India (20 million), Indonesia (8 million) and Vietnam (3 million).

There are 7 motorcycle manufacturers in Thailand. They are Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, BMW, Triumph and Ducati.

CFMoto 450 CL-C Cruiser, or Bobber?

Chinese manufacturer CFMoto adds the CFMoto 450 CL-C cruiser (or bobber?) to their 450cc lineup.

As part of the 450 CL lineup, “CL” denotes classic while the last “C” designates it as a cruiser. The case of the 450 CL-X, the “X” means the bike has some off-roading capability.

Highlights:

It utilises the same twin-cylinder, 449cc engine as the CFMoto Ibex 450 adventure bike, with the same state of tune.
The powerplant produces 44 hp at 8,500 RPM and 44 Nm of torque at 6,250 RPM.
The engine also uses the now ubiquitous 270-degree crank configuration and dual counterbalancers.

Power is sent six-speed gearbox, with slipper clutch.
The engine is carried by a chromoly steel tube frame.
Front suspension consists of a pair 37mm upside-down forks.
The rear is supported by a monoshock and twin-spar swingarm.

A four-piston, radially-mounted J.Juan caliper grabs a single 320mm disc in the front.
Front and rear wheels are 16-inches.
Bosch ABS is standard for both ends.
A round 3.6-inch TFT display. It does not appear to feature connectivity, though.

Fuel capacity is 12-liters.
CFMoto claims a curb weight of 181kg.

Truth is, the bike does not only invoke memories of the Triumph Bobber, but many parts do look like the Bobber’s. Check out the engine fins and engine capacity plate on the side of the cylinder. That fuel tank, round headlight, etc.

Anyhow, the CFMoto 450 CL-C cruiser does look good and at a more affordable price.

It’s Official! Liberty Media Acquires MotoGP by Year-End

It is official. Liberty Media is set to acquire MotoGP by year-end 2024 from Dorna.

As we reported earlier, Liberty Media who currently owns Formula 1 (F1) will pay €4.2 billion (RM21.34 billion) for the acquisition. However, the deal is not a complete takeover but rather only 86% of Dorna, while the balance 14% remains with Dorna.

Dorna Sport S.L. currently holds the television rights to the premier MotoGP championship as well as the World Superbike Championship (WSBK). They are also involved in the managment and marketing of several other motorcycle championships including the Spanish Road Racing Championship (CEV), British Superbike Championship (BSB), the Trials World Championships (Indoor and Outdoor).

This stunning development will unit the world’s premier two-wheel motorsport series with the world’s best four-wheel series.

There is no shake up in Dorna’s management at this moment as it was announced that Dorna will remain as an independently operated company. As such, Carmelo Ezpeleta will remain the Dorna CEO, and his his team will continue to run the business from Madrid, Spain. Apart from that, Dorna will be part of Liberty Media’s Formula One Group tracking stock.

“We are thrilled to expand our portfolio of leading live sports and entertainment assets with the acquisition of MotoGP,” said Greg Maffei, Liberty Media President and CEO. “MotoGP is a global league with a loyal, enthusiastic fan base, captivating racing and a highly cash flow generative financial profile. Carmelo and his management team have built a great sporting spectacle that we can expand to a wider global audience.

The deal will be completed by the end of 2024 and is subject to the receipt of clearances and approvals by competition and foreign investment law authorities in various jurisdictions. This is why Liberty Media did not acquire 100% of Dorna’s interest in MotoGP, so as to not send up a red flag for anti-competition regulators.

Of course, the news has attracted no shortage of comments from netizens, albeit the majority being negative. The most obvious theme is the fear of MotoGP turning into another F1 circus. However, let us be reminded that F1 had grown by leaps and bounds since Liberty Media acquired it from CVC Capital Partners in 2017.

With all being said, let us see what Liberty Media has in store for MotoGP for next season.

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Global News

A More Powerful BMW R18 in the Works?

Yamaha YZF-R1 Jonathan Rea Replica

Arai Isle of Man TT Limited Edition 2024 Marks 15th Anniversary

Honda EM1 e: Electric Scooter Wins Red Dot Desgin Award

2025 KTM Motocross Range Launched

Suzuki V-Strom 800RE Tour Launched

MV Agusta Enduro Veloce – The Final Form and New Name

Highlights:

There Won’t be Five MotoGP Rounds in Iberia – Dorna

Aprilia Ready to Defend Africa Eco Race Title

Thai Motorcycle Sales sees 11% Decrease

CFMoto 450 CL-C Cruiser, or Bobber?

It’s Official! Liberty Media Acquires MotoGP by Year-End

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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