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Wayne Rainey Rides Again at Laguna Seca

Three-time 500cc World Champion, Wayne Rainey rode again at Laguna Seca after 32 years.

Rainey was paralysed from the chest down since his life-changing accident at the Misano Circuit in 1993. The legend had won several races at the Laguna Circuit when he campaigned in the AMA championships, prior to moving up to the 500cc World Championship.

This time, Rainey rode on the parade lap ahead of the 2025 AMA Superbike GP, and led several other legends including Kenny Roberts Sr., Kenny Roberts Jr., Freddie Spencer, and Ben Spies.

Rainey’s appearance on the circuit was an emotional affair, as many long-time MotoGP fans missed the Californian’s fiery determination to be the best of the best, and his precise skills on the track.

Yamaha Motor Europe and Yamaha Motor US had presented Rainey with a specially-built Yamaha XSR900 GP. It featured the maker’s Y-AMT (Yamaha Automated Transmission) system, making it the only XSR900 GP to be equipped with it. For your reference, the Yamaha MT-09, on which the XSR900 was based, has the Y-AMT option. Apart from the transmission, the bike which Rainey rode also has a cushion on the back of the fuel tank to prop up his torso.

This was Rainey’s third ride on a motorcycle. He had previously rode at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2022, on a specially-modified 1992 Yamaha YZR500 which he won his third and last 500cc championship.

Honda CB1000F SE to be Launched at Suzuka 8 Hours?

The Honda CB1000F concept had garnered many calls for it to be produced since it was shown off at Osaka Motorcycle Show in March. Now, Honda Global says there will be special booth to preview the model at the Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race, from 1st to 3rd August.

Judging from the photos, this upcoming CB1000F uses the 2025 CB1000/Hornet 1000’s frame, swingarm, and engine. The engine is adopted from the 2017 CBR1000RR Fireblade and tuned for low- and midrange torque, which produces 150 hp (155 hp on the 2025 CB1000 SE due to the RC exhaust valve).

Honda Global has not provided any detail on the suspension yet, but while the CB1000 uses Showa BFF-SP forks and monoshock, the CB1000 SE uses gold coloured Showa BFF-SP forks and an Öhlins TTX36 monoshock.

The main difference between the two is the styling: The CB1000 is a naked bike, while the CB1000F is full retro, like the CB900F which Freddie Spencer rode to the 1982 AMA Superbike class win at the Daytona Super Speedway.

Elsewhere, the CB1000F includes a rectangular taillight and muscular fuel tank with an elevated central section where the filler cap sits. The circular headlight gives the bike a fresh style with LED running lights.

Also note that the concept shown at the Osaka show had a round headlight only, while the teaser silhouette had a bikini fairing over the headlight.

We can’t wait!!!

Triumph Scrambler 400 XC Launched in the UK

We knew that the Triumph TR 400 platform will beget more models, apart the first two, namely Street 400 and Scrambler 400 X that were launched simultaneously. There were rumours of a much “hotter” Speed and Thruxton-like café racer, but alas, not yet, because the third member of the family is this Triumph Scrambler 400 XC. For now, hopefully.

Still, the Scrambler 400 XC is not something to sneeze at; considering that we did not want to return both the Street 400 and Scrambler 400 X after Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia loaned them to us. Both bikes entertained us to no end – this despite us having tested hundreds of other bikes.

Anyhoo… The Scrambler 400 XC brings more off-road capabilities compared to the already very-capable Scrambler 400 X. It is like drawing a parallel to the Scrambler 1200 family: The 400 X is like the Scrambler 1200 XC, while 400 XC is like the Scrambler 1200 XE. Don’t ask us why the letters are different…

Mount a gun rack/holster to the 400 XC and you are ready for the apocalypse.

Highlights

The 400 XC model is fitted with new side-laced spoked wheels and lightweight aluminium rims, shod with tubeless Metzeler Karoo Street tyres.
19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels give the XC a proper Scrambler stance and elevates (no pun intended) the bike’s off-road capabilities.

High-level front mudguard.
Flyscreen as well as handguards, engine bars and a solid aluminium sump guard.

Two-piece pillion seat.
16,000km service intervals., a two-year unlimited mileage warranty.

More than 20 official accessories, from luggage to security.
Colours are Racing Yellow, Storm Grey, and Vanilla White.

The Triumph Scrambler 400 XC sells for £6,545 (RM37,843.36), on the road in the UK. For comparison, the Scrambler 400 X sells for £5,945.00 (RM34,374.14) on the road in the UK, while the Malaysian price is only RM29,900.

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BMW F 450 GS Concept to be Revealed End-2025

The BMW F 450 GS has been rumoured for several months, now. From what we could gather, the maker has been receiving positive feedback since the concept was first revealed online.

Now, accordng to MCN, BMW Motorrad confirmed that the F 450 GS concept bike will be revealed publicly by the end of 2025.

The new model will be powered by an all-new 450cc parallel-twin engine which is claimed to produce 47.3 hp, and weighs just 175 kg. The bike will also be “packed with tech” and sharing some of the features of its bigger brethern i.e. F 900 GS, R 1300 GS.

According to a BMW official who was interviewed by MCN, “There will be rider modes, the option to have a quickshifter and more, as even though the capacity is small, it will still offer everything that a rider will need to have the best experience on and off-road. In-keeping with the R1300GS, we’ll also only be offering it with a 19-inch/17-inch wheel combination too.”

But the juiciest element to the baby GS saga came when talking through various gearboxes – and that the 450 will have the option of some form of ASA (Automated Shift Assistant) technology, although it will potentially be a slightly different system to the one that is currently available on BMW’s flagship models.

Additionally, there will be two transmission options – one manual and the other an automatic.

BMW Motorrad could develop several variants based on this new 450cc platform, too, so let us look forward to a naked/roadster and sport-tourer.

Suzuki GSX-8T and Suzuki GSX-8TT Launched in Japan

We kind of wondered if the sublime Suzuki GSX-8S would platform will spawn more variants, and it came true with the GSX-8R. Now there are two more, fitting into what the manufacturer terms as “neo-retro” niche, called the Suzuki GSX-8T and and GSX-8TT.

Being based on the GSX-8 platform means both variants are fitted with modern features including the engine, chassis, and electronics. Both he GSX-8T and GSX-8TT share the same features, which we will get into.

Suzuki GSX-8T

Suzuki says the GSX-8T was designed to evoke the spirit of the Suzuki T500 which was produced from 1968 to 1975. Featuring a 492cc, parallel-twin, two-stroke engine which produced 47 hp, it was the Suzuki that cemented the company’s reputation of producing bulletproof (extremely reliable) engines. As such, some 100,000 units were sold during its production run.

The T500 was also a favourite among production racers, with Frank Whiteway winning the Production 500cc class at the 1970 Isle of Man TT. Stan Woods would follow up on that achievement in 1972.

It was the the T500’s engine which gave rise to the TR500 Grand Prix racer, which gave Suzuki their very first 500cc GP victory in 1971.

So, it is only right that Suzuki “reissue” the T500’s form in the GSX-8T.

Suzuki GSX-8TT

This variant on the other hand, evokes the styling of the 1970s road racers with its headlight-mounted “bikini” fairing. Other styling cues include a black body colour with black front forks and shrouds, and grey seat rails, along with sporty accents of the wheels and decals. The “TT” in the name stands for a combination of the base model GSX-8T with “Timeless”, signifying the revival of classic bikes in a modern context.

Highlights:

776cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 270° crank, parallel-twin engine which produces 82 hp at 8,500 RPM and 78 Nm at 6,800 RPM.
Suzuki Cross Balancer, the first primary balancer of its type on a production motorcycle, contributes to smooth operation and a compact, lightweight engine design.

Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS) with bi-directional quickshifter.
5-inch TFT screen.

Ride-by-wire throttle allows for 3 Suzuki Drive Mode Selector SDMS) riding modes, and 3 levels of Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS), which can be switched off.
Suspension consist of KYB upside down forks up front, and KYB monoshock at the back.

Front brakes are twin 310mm discs with radially-mounted calipers.
Dual-channel ABS.

16.5-litre fuel tank.
The European-spec GSX-8T has a kerb weight of 201 kg, while the GSX-8TT weighs 203 kg.

The net selling price of the GSX-8R was RM53,800, so these two variants may be cheaper. Let us look ahead to the Malaysian launch!

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Phone Snatching Rampant in London

A surge in mobile phone snatching is plaguing central London, with criminals predominantly using electric scooters or bicycles to snatch devices from unsuspecting victims.

Official reports indicate last year saw record numbers, with a staggering 81,000 cases recorded – representing a 20% increase from the previous year. Over the past four years, more than 230,000 phones have been reported stolen. Alarmingly, phone snatching now accounts for two-thirds of all street crimes in the capital.

Authorities believe the actual figures are significantly higher due to widespread underreporting. Police suspect organized crime networks are orchestrating much of this theft, either smuggling stolen devices overseas or dismantling them for parts, fueling a black market estimated to be worth £50 million (RM287.43 million).

Most thefts are carried out by criminals on electric motorcycles or pickpockets, targeting victims in busy areas such as Bloomsbury, Waterloo, and Regent’s Park.

According to the latest data from the Metropolitan Police (Met), an average of 37 people lose their phones daily in the West End, the central tourist and entertainment hub of London.

Proactive Measures by the City of London Police

Proactive efforts by the City of London Police to prevent phone theft this year have led to a nearly 30% drop in such crimes.

Figures released today show that reports of phone snatching in the Square Mile have decreased in the first four months of 2025 compared to the previous year.

These statistics were released as the police force announced Operation Swipe, a new initiative introduced in the City of London, involving more intensive law enforcement days.

Since the beginning of the year, 213 phones have been reported snatched or stolen in London. During the same period last year (January 1 to April 30), there were 294 reported cases.

Police officers will be deployed to phone theft hotspots to deter, track, arrest, and prevent robberies.

Police presence will be increased across the Square Mile, supported by specialized resources in the control room monitoring the area through the City’s extensive CCTV network.

The Police Cycle Team will seize illegal e-bicycles and e-scooters and will be joined by Metropolitan Police officers riding Surron bikes to demonstrate tactical capabilities. The City of London Police have confiscated over 500 illegal e-bicycles and e-scooters since July 2023.

Honda E-Clutch Extends to CL250

The trick Honda E-Clutch technology will be extended to more models in the maker’s line-up. Besides the current CBR650R, CB650R, and Rebel 250, the next model is Honda CL250.

Granted, those two models are not sold in Malaysia (yet), it is good to see it being offered on more models, and who knows, to the entire line-up, those with DCT not withstanding. So how about bringing it to the CBR250RR?

The Rebel 500 is available in Malaysia but who knows, it may also gain the E-Clutch technology (do not quote us, though). The bike shares the same 471cc, parallel-twin with the CL500, NX500, CBR500R, and CB500 Hornet.

The E-Clutch allows the rider to shift into gear from Neutral without using the clutch lever. And it is active as long as we do not use clutch lever while riding. Following this procedure allows us to stop in gear without needing to pull the clutch lever. The system also allows the rider to customise the clutch and gear engagement speed, for upshifts and downshifts independently i.e. SOFT, MEDIUM, HARD. Besides that, unlike Honda’s DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) which allows for fully automated gear changes, E-Clutch retains the gear and clutch levers, and the rider still needs to change gears using the gear lever.

Do note that the E-Clutch system is entirely different from the centrifugal clutch found in small capacity motorcycles which allows for clutch-less shifting. The E-Clutch retails the standard multi-plate clutch but uses electro-mechanical actuators.

Honda’s E-Clutch technology also set forth the development and implementation of automatic clucth gearboxes in the industry, with several manufacturers developing their own systems: Yamaha’s Y-AMT, BMW Automated Shift Assistant, and KTM’s AMT. Ducati has also filing a patent for their automatic gearbox.

Michelin is WorldSBK Tyre Supplier from 2027

Michelin supply tyres to the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) from 2027.

The French tyre giant inked a five-year deal with Dorna, WorldSBK’s rights holder to supply tyres to all classes including WorldSBK, World SuperSport (WorldSSP), FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR), and the newly introduced World Sportbike (WorldSPB) classes.

Michelin takes over from Pirelli, the latter who have been the sole supplier since 2004. On the other hand, Pirelli takes over as the sole tyre supplier in MotoGP. Pirelli is currently supplying tyres to the Moto3 and Moto2 classes.

From WorldSBK’s Press Release

Michelin will become the exclusive official tyre supplier for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship from the 2027 season onwards. The five-year partnership, running through to 2031, highlights the shared commitment of Michelin and the Championships to innovation, sustainability, safety, and ongoing development benefiting motorcycle users. Michelin will focus specifically on continuous improvement in tyre quality, durability, and safety, aligning closely with the Championship’s high technical standards and competitive spirit.

Michelin will supply tyres to all categories, including WorldSBK, WorldSSP, and the newly introduced World Sportbike (WorldSPB) class, as well as the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR).

Michelin’s extensive motorsport experience and technological know-how will ensure consistent performance across diverse conditions and the range of tracks featured on the Championship calendar, supporting teams and riders in maintaining a highly competitive field throughout the season.

Until then, Pirelli will remain the Official Tyre Supplier through to the close of the 2026 season, continuing to provide dedicated support to participants competing at the highest level while further developing its tyre line-up.

This will mark the end of a significant era, as Pirelli’s pioneering partnership with WorldSBK since 2004 established the Championship as the first global motorsport series to adopt a single tyre supplier, setting a standard later followed by other leading racing series.

Hakim Danish Wins at Aragon

National rider Hakim Danish won Race 2 of the 2025 Red Bull Rookies Cup at the Aragon Circuit, Spain, yesterday.

Hakim overtook his closest championship rivals, Brian Uriarte and David Gonzalez, in the final corner to secure the top spot on the podium this time.

Speaking about his victory on the Red Bull Rookies Cup website, Hakim said: “Finally, we’re in P1. This race was fantastic and tough because our tyre performance dropped very sharply. I tried to manage the tyres as best as I could. Then, on the final lap, I accelerated early in the last corner, so I crossed the finish line in P1.”

“I had to fight hard for the win because on the second-to-last lap, I made a gear mistake in the final corner and lost the lead, dropping several positions. I pushed to recover, passing riders wherever I could. I don’t know how I did it, but I made it happen.”

Hakim had finished second five times in a row across the previous five races. He has also been the most consistent rider in the top group. With this win, he now leads the overall standings with 125 points, followed by Uriarte (95 points) and Benat Fernandez (63 points).

Toprak Razgatlıoğlu in MotoGP in 2026

After months of speculations, two-time World Superbike (WSBK) Champion, Toprak Razgatlıoğlu is moving to MotoGP in 2026.

Although his manager, Kenan Sofuoğlu (yes, the guy who went to 400 km/h on a Kawasaki Ninja H2R and also a WSBK champion) had not confirmed which team Razgatlıoğlu has signed for, insiders say it is Pramac Yamaha.

The 28-year-old has been highly in-demand among teams in MotoGP for a number of seasons. Razgatlioglu had frequently refused advances from the MotoGP field to stay in WSBK, as he could not join a competitive factory team.

However, Yamaha managed to seal his signature after fighting off rival interest from Honda to fulfil Razgatlioglu’s move to MotoGP in the 2026 season once his contract at BMW lapses in WSBK. Who he will replace in the satellite Yamaha squad is still undecided.

Honda was said to have met Razgatlioglu’s manager to discuss a move to MotoGP. Their plan was for the Turkish rider to stay in World Superbikes with the Japanese brand in 2026 while helping to develop their MotoGP bike for the 2027 regulations. But Razgatlioglu sought to make an earlier switch to the series. The rider won his first WSBK title with Yamaha.

According to SPEEDWEEK, a source close to Razgatlioglu confirmed that he agreed to a contract for Yamaha and also said that Yamaha will announce the signing of Razgatlioglu prior to the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello this June.

A vital factor in their negotiations to bring the two-time World Superbikes champion over to MotoGP next season was that Razgatlioglu will run ‘identical equipment’ at Pramac to Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins in Yamaha’s factory rider line-up. He will not get a B-spec machine.

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

Well, it did not turn out to be the new generation of S 1000 RR yet, at least not in its production form, but BMW Motorrad had revealed the BMW Concept RR early this morning. The Concept RR was shown to an exclusive list of special guests at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este event on the banks of Lake Como, in Italy.

In doing so, BMW Motorrad have confirmed their commitment to future RR superbike models. The striking new concept is powered by the same 1000cc engine as Toprak Razgatlıoğlu’s World Superbike-winning S 1000 RR. It is not an 800cc engine as some may have speculated. In fact, it is the engine that produces more than 226 hp.

Unfortunately, it is not for sale at the moment, especially since that engine is not constrained by emissions standards. But we can be sure that BMW will surely draw upon the concept for the future RR.

One example are the headlights, which suggest that it will be also available as a road-legal machine, while the race-only model will also be available such as the Yamaha YZF-R1 and Suzuki GSX-R1000RR in Europe.

In terms of electronics, it retains the same electronic control systems as the World Superbike racing machine, which governs engine management, traction control, engine braking, race derived switchgear, with the standard full colour TFT dash display stripped out for a smaller, track-only dials, etc.

The frame features swingarm pivots and footpegs with adjustable positions, too.

The BMW Concept RR is wrapped in a stunning bodywork, made of carbon fibre. BMW say that they emphasise aerodynamics for high top speeds, and cornering speeds. However, the winglets are smaller than those on the current S 1000 RR and M 1000 RR, There are gold-trimmed eyelashes-like secondary fins to smooth out airflow beside the headlights.

The only thing to wait for now is BMW Motorrad’s announcement that it will be made available to the buying public and race teams. It will happen.

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Bajaj Saves KTM with €800 Million Package

KTM has been thrown a lifeline at the 11th hour by their long-time partner Bajaj Auto, as most expected. And in doing so, Bajaj is set to become the majority and controlling stakeholder in Team Orange.

The news came on the back of a news that KTM had secured an €600 million infusion last week. Rumours began circulating that it was Bajaj who brought that bag of cash. However, KTM did not disclose the “donating” party while Bajaj kept mum.

And then…

Come Thursday, Bajaj Auto made the formal announcement that they plan to acquire majority control of KTM AG, through their wholly owned subsidiary, Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV (BAIHBV). Besides that, the full funding plan will be €800 million in order to stabilise KTM’s finances and support its ongoing restructuring.

The deal marks a significant transformation in Bajaj Auto’s global two-wheeler strategy, as it transitions from a minority shareholder to majority stakeholder in KTM. The Pune-based company has long partnered with KTM, but this move will give it deeper operational and financial control, bolstering its position in the high-performance and sports motorcycle segment globally.

According to Bajaj Auto’s stock exchange filing dated May 22, 2025, the Board approved the proposal on May 21. The funding initiative is designed to provide immediate liquidity to KTM and meet a court-imposed deadline in Austria related to the company’s debt restructuring plan.

May 23rd deadline

The funding is aimed at meeting a critical deadline of May 23, 2025 set by Austrian courts. Under the court-approved restructuring plan, KTM must settle 30 percent of creditor claims by that date. Failure to do so could result in insolvency proceedings and removal from self-administration.

Bajaj Auto’s financial backing is essential to avert this scenario, ensuring KTM’s operational continuity and shielding its global reputation as a premium motorcycle brand.

Breakdown of the €800 million rescue package

As part of the rescue package, BAIHBV has executed a facility agreement to extend a secured loan of €450 million to KTM AG. This will be held in escrow until approved by the court in Austria. Additionally, Bajaj’s subsidiary has subscribed to €150 million worth of convertible bonds issued by Pierer Bajaj AG (PBAG), a KTM group entity.

These new commitments are in addition to the €200 million already infused by Bajaj as shareholder debt, bringing the total financial backing to €800 million.