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  • It has been rumoured that the new R 1250 GS will be powered by a new Boxer engine with variable valve timing.

  • A promotional video has surfaced online confirming the rumors.

  • The video also illustrates how the “Shift Cam” technology works besides the look of the new GS.

It was hotly rumoured that the new 1254cc Boxer engine in the new 2019 BMW R 1250 GS will feature variable valve and cam timing but there was no concrete proof. But now, a promotional video has surfaced online which illustrates the new Boxer engine with “Shift Cam” technology, courtesy of Motocular.com.

The system aims to provide the best acceleration along with high power gains, while maintaining smooth power delivery, and lower fuel consumption as well as exhaust emissions to meet the tough Euro 5 standard.

To achieve those targets, the BMW Shift Cam system is simple, utilizing an intake camshaft with two cam profiles and a mechanical shift gate at one end.

At low engine loads (lower RPMs), the shift gate engages the camshaft and locks the low lift and short duration cam lobes over the finger followers. That way, both intake and exhaust vavles shut quickly for less overlap, promoting low-end torque.

Conversely, at high engine loads (higher RPMs), the shift gate… er… shifts the camshaft to present the high lift and longer duration cam lobes. Consequently, the intake valves shut later for more valve overlap timing, raising the engine’s power output.

It is the best of both worlds. (You may read more about valve overlap in this article.)

The new Boxer is claimed to produce 136 bhp and 143 Nm of torque, up from 125 bhp and 125 Nm of the present 1176cc engine.

Valve cover of the new engine – Courtesy of motocular.com

Besides seeing how the new engine works, the video also revealed how the 2019 BMW R 1250 GS will look like.

As we have reported earlier, the new engine may also power the entire Boxer-engined line-up. The R 1250 GS and new models should make their first official appearance at the Intermot show in a few weeks’ time.

  • The Moto Guzzi V85 TT replaces the cancelled Stelvio 1200.

  • The photos of the production version show that it is off-road capable.

  • The production V85 TT should appear at EICMA in November.

Moto Guzzi has finally unveiled the V85 TT adventure bike’s official production model photos.

The V85 concept was unveiled at EICMA 2017 to much anticipation as it seeks to replace the Stelvio 1200 which had been cancelled as it could not meet the Euro 4 emissions standards.

Moto Guzzi V85 Dual-Sport Patents Leaked

The production V85 TT looks remarkably similar to its EICMA concept, with only small changes. While Moto Guzzi did not release the bike’s specs, we could draw a few conclusions from these pictures.

Firstly, it surely looks more off-road capable that the V7 III Rough. We could see the headlamp mounts have been beefed up.

Apart from that, the handguards also carry the mirrors. Moving to the back, the rear portion of the subframe has fewer joints in its latticework. The production version’s exhaust canister is also larger and painted in black, besides having a heat shield next to the passenger’s footpeg.

The shape of the fuel tank is the same, although the paint scheme’s striping is diagonal instead of being horizontal.

The front brakes consist of twin discs clamped by radially-mounted, four-piston Brembo calipers.

The engine should be a new 850cc unit, said to produce 79 bhp, compared to the V9’s 850cc engine which produces 53.6 bhp.

The V85 TT will feature a fully-digital LCD instrument display. There is a compass bearing surrounding the screen. We wonder if it is merely decorative? (Please refer to the photo below).

What intrigues us is the two-helmet symbol in the display. The bike does not seem to be suspended by electronically-adjustable suspension, so that symbol could only mean integrated Bluetooth connectivity between the rider and passenger.

The smartphone symbol points towards Piaggio’s app which integrates with the bike to show upcoming service, locating the bike in a parking lot, locating the nearest petrol station and helping to call pre-stored emergency contacts.

Going further, notice the rain symbol and the word “PIOGGIA”? Pioggia means rain in Italian and it looks like the bike has ride modes and a ride-by-wire throttle.

  • The fully-faired BMW G 310 made its appearance at the BMW Motorrad Days in Japan.

  • The concept looks like a smaller S 1000 RR, clad in carbon-fibre.

  • BMW should show off the production model at Intermot and EICMA.

It looks like the BMW G 310 range will gain a sportbike, called the G 310 RR.

The BMW G 310 R (roadster) and G 310 GS (adventure) versions were launched to a great reception, not only in Asia where they were first intended but also in Europe and the Americas. Heck, we even saw many G 310 GS entered in the recent GIVI Rimba Raid Mat Daling and they performed well. What is missing from the line-up though is the sport version.

While it has been rumored for some time that the German manufacturer is working on a G 310 RR, they have been very secretive about it, hence there were little news and pictures to reveal the bike.

Well, BMW has dropped a bomb on us. The fully-faired version made its first appearance at BMW Motorrad Days in Japan.

As evident from the photo, the G 310 RR concept’s styling is heavily influenced by its popular sportbike sibling, the S 1000 RR, including the headlamps and the sinewy fairing on the right side complete with the trademark shark gills. Yes, we are sure some may even all it the “Baby S.”

Courtesy of autocarindia.com

The exhaust has been moved from the side to underneath the seat, and all the bodywork is in carbon fibre.

Speaking about carbon fibre, we do not think the material will be used in the final production bike. Still, having one more entry to the 300cc single-cylinder in the market will definitely light up the lightweight sportbike wars.

The production model should make its debut at the Intermot show at the earliest, or EICMA in November. Let us hope the production model looks as great as this concept!

  • The Malaysian Cub Prix has officially launched the Mini Cub Prix KBS racing series.

  • The one-make pocket bike racing series is in collaboration and support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

  • The aim is to develop the grassroots racing level from young talents aged 6-12.

The Malaysian Cub Prix Championship together with the massive collaboration and support from the Malaysian Ministry of Youth (KBS) has officially launched the Mini Cub Prix KBS, a pocket bike one-make race series aimed at developing young talents age 6-12. (more…)

  • The 2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough is the Italian manufacturer’s “scrambler” variant.

  • Built on the V7 III platform, the Rough has limited off-road capabilities.

  • Apart from the tyres and a few design cues, the Rough is fundamentally the same as other V7 III.

It seems that virtually every manufacturer which has a modern retro line-up features at least one “lightweight adventure” variant, usually called a “scrambler.” Moto Guzzi is not left out in this revolution either, with this 2018 V7 III Rough.

The Rough is part of Moto Guzzi’s popular V7 III line-up. Its styling outline is the same, with minor differences.

The fuel tank is painted in matt silver, while the front and rear fenders are polished aluminium. It also sports larger sized wire-spoke wheels shod with adventure tyres and minimal bodywork, signaling its intent. This means the bike could be ridden on the road and on light off-road situations.

The V7 III Rough is powered by the same 744cc transversely-mounted 90o V-Twin which serves the V7 III range. The fuel-injected, air-cooled, OHV engine produces 52 bhp @ 6200 RPM and 60 Nm of torque at 4900 RPM.

It has Moto Guzzi Traction Control (MGTC) but no power modes. ABS is standard on both ends. The front brake consists of a 320mm floating disc clamped by a Brembo caliper.

Unlike other “scramblers,” the Rough’s dual exhausts are mounted in the standard positions instead of being mounted high up. As such it should be able to tackle the lighter off-road stuff. On the plus side, the low exhausts allow for more luggage mounting options.

All in all, the V7 III Rough provides Moto Guzzi fans with another option. Priced at RM 69,900 (basic selling price excluding tax, road tax and insurance), it is now available at Moto Guzzi Malaysia’s showroom in Petaling Jaya.

Please follow Moto Guzzi Malaysia’s official Facebook page for more details or drop by at the location below.

  • Don’t let money hold you back from your passion.

  • TOC Automotive College offers an education loan for anyone who wishes to enrol in the Superbike Technician Course.

  • The TOC Bina Bakat Program study loan means students do not have to pay until find a job.

A good education is lot like using a good umbrella when it rains. It protects you from everything that life throws at you and equips you with the necessary skill to survive situations. A certification program does exactly that and more often than not, lets you indulge in your passion.

TOC Automotive College recently introduced the Superbike Technician Course, a specialist course that aims to equip future motorcycle mechanics with the proper knowledge and certification to secure jobs. The course also aims to address the fact that motorcycle mechanics generally do not have any form of certification or professional training, but rather rely on knowledge handed down by friends or family.

There is an obvious glut in the industry when it comes to certified motorcycle mechanics. In a recent interview with the after sales manager of GB Workshop Idon Pang, it was made clear that the industry lacks “engineers” who are well trained to handle modern motorcycles.

“There is a big gap between current motorcycle technology and the people who are certified to handle and maintain these technologies or make it even better. The gap is very big,” explained Idon.

Working with Certified Technicians: An Employer’s View

The TOC Automotive College aims to address the obvious lack of professional talent in the industry through the Superbike Technician Course. But acknowledging the fact that certification courses can be expensive to pursue, the TOC Automotive College is offering a unique education loan called TOC Bina Bakat Program.

The TOC Bina Bakat program offers up to 100% loan for youths who want to pursue a course at the TOC Automotive College. Youths who qualify for the loan are not required to repay the education loan until the day they secure a job and begin to earn a salary.

Are you interested to pursue your passion in motorcycles, to begin a career that lets you indulge in your passions? Then click here for more information regarding the Superbikes Technician Course and the Bina Bakat education loan program.

So what are you waiting for? If it has always been your dream to work in the motorcycle service line, or to start your very own motorcycle workshop, then this is the perfect platform to get you started on the path to achieving your dreams. Don’t wait, find out more about the TOC Superbike Technician Course at www.toc.edu.my or call (+603) 7960 8833 for more details.

CLICK HERE to know more about TOC’s Superbike Technician Course.

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