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The 2025 Ducati Multistrada V2 has been launched, using the same 890cc V-Twin with the 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 and 2025 Streetfighter V2.

Ducati claims that the new model is 18kg lighter than the previous Multistrada V2 which used the 937cc Testastretta V-Twin engine. The 2025 “S” variant weighs 202kg wet, with an empty fuel tank, while the standard model weighs 199kg wet, also with an empty tank.

Highlights:
  • The new engine is more powerful, producing 113.4hp at 10,750 RPM and 92Nm of torque at 8,250 RPM.
  • This engine version also includes variable intake valve timing, providing 70% of the peak torque from 3,500 RPM, and does not drop below 75% from this point until 11,000 RPM.
  • However, this engine need a clearance check at every 30,000km.
  • There is a heavier crankshaft for smoother riding, and a more powerful generator to allow for more electrical equipment.

  • The engine gear ratios have been revised with shorter first and second gears. Quickshifter is standard.
  • A new aluminium monocoque frame holds the engine, with a cast aluminium double-sided swingarm.
  • Wheels are 19-inches front and 17-inches rear, as before.
  • The new bike’s styling is closer to the Multistrada V4’s rather than the old 1260 Multistrada’s.

  • Aerodynamics have been redesigned for rider comfort, including a new screen and sides of the bodywork to channel fresh air to the rider’s legs to reduce engine heat.
  • Seat height is adjustable between 830mm and 850mm. Taller 870mm or lower 810mm accessory seats are optional.
  • The 2025 Ducati Multistrada V2 S receives electronic semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS).
  • On the other hand, the standard Multistrada V2 gets 45mm upside-down fully-adjustable Marzocchi forks, and a fully-adjustable Sachs rear shock.

  • Both variants are fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres and offer a road-focused 170mm of suspension travel.
  • There is a full suite of electronic aids, controlled via a new 5-inch colour TFT dash.
  • There are five riding modes, with configurable settings for power, traction control, anti-wheelie, and engine braking.
  • Cruise control is standard too, plus options for turn-by-turn navigation.
  • The ‘Coming Home’ function that keeps the low beams on momentarily after the ignition has been switched off, to make things easier in the dark.

Prices have not been announced but the 2025 Ducati Multistrada V2 will be available in certain markets from January 2025.

Is the Honda CB500RS in the works, following in the footsteps of the intriguing CB350RS?

The 350cc version is currently unavailable in the US, perhaps prompting Honda Motors Corporation to develop a 500c model. The rumours follow trademark applications filed in the country for a GB500. The CB350RS is sold under a different name as the GB350S in some markets, including Japan.

However, the 500 looks different in Japan, as scooped by the Japanese magazine, Young Machine. Pictures show a truly retro design, compared to the roadster/cafe racer design of the CB350RS.

The magazine also mentioned that the engine could possibly be a 525cc, two-valve, single-cylinder, air-cooled unit.

Should it go to plan, the Honda 500cc range will now have a new addition to the current Rebel 500, CBR500R, and NX500.

Any BMW motorcycle with “GS” name means it is an adventure motorcycle. GS, in its original form was G/S which stood for Gelände/Straße meaning Off-Road/Road. However, that does not mean the BMW R 1300 GS and its predecessors could not be ridden aggressively on the road! So, from the aftermarket specialists Puig, here is the radical Puig Pista Kit which turns your BMW R 1300 GS into a racer.

The kitted out GS was shown at EICMA. Pista means track and the resulting bike became a big capacity supermoto like the KTM 890 SMT. BMW does have a fully-faired Boxer model, called the R 1250 RS (the 1300 model should be in the works) but it is a sport-tourer.

The Puig prototype was fitted with 17-inch Rotobox carbon fibre wheels that were shod with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tyres, Galfer 320mm brake discs, and Arrow exhaust system.

The most striking feature of the kit is the revised front end of the bike, looking more raptor-like, with hey! winglets on the sides. The windscreen is also Puig’s (of course), which the maker says reduces turbulence.  There are also side mounted deflectors which can be opened or closed to increase or decrease airflow to the rider’s legs.

Additionally, the kit includes a revised mudguard (to accommodate the smaller front wheel and tyre), tank cover, rear cowl, pillion seat cover, belly pan and lower spoiler.

And then there are the brake cooling ducts to channel cool air to the front brake calipers, painted in striking yellow.

The kit remains a concept but who knows Puig may produce it if there is enough demand to produce it.

All photos by Puig.

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) recalls vehicles for inspection by the relevant car manufacturers to ensure safety on the road.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said all recalls are official announcements from JPJ to vehicle owners.

He said that previously if there was a vehicle problem related to technical issues, the manufacturer would issue a recall notice. “However, vehicle owners usually ignore the announcement notice and think it is a trivial matter.

Now, we have stipulated that if there is a technical problem with the vehicle, the company must inform JPJ before the department will make an announcement to recall the vehicle for inspection.

Owners must be aware of every announcement regarding the matter and send the vehicle back to the workshop designated by the company with the cost borne by the company,” he said when met after officiating the Negeri Sembilan-level MyLesen Program at the Kuala Klawang Great Hall here today.

Also present were Secretary-General of the Ministry of Transport Malaysia (MOT) Datuk Jana Santhiran Muniayan and JPJ Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli.

Anthony Loke said that owners face safety risks when using the vehicle if they ignore the recall process.

The 2025 Yamaha XSR900 has been updated. This is one model which some quarters have been asking for in Malaysia but unfortunately, it is available overseas only.

Anyway, the 2025 model sports a new 5-inch TFT screen, replacing the previous minuscule 3.5-inch item. Apart from that, the engine is now Euro5+ compliant.

The rest stays the same, being powered by the 890cc, three-cylinder engine shared with the Yamaha MT-09. It makes the same maximum power of 117.3hp at 10,000 RPM and 93.0Nm of maximum torque at 7,000 RPM.

2025 Yamaha XSR900

Its chassis is also unchanged, running on spin-forged wheels, suspended by 41mm forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Brakes consist the same Brembo master cylinder and dual 298mm discs up front. Seat height is 810mm and wet weight remains at 193kg.

It seems that the manufacturer has not updated the model in big steps as it is still extremely popular where it is available. Except that it is not here.

Price for the 2025 Yamaha XSR900 in the UK is £11,000 (RM62,114.66) and available in Legend Red, and Midnight Black colours.

There is still no news about the Yamaha XSR900 GP model.

The 32.1KM to 33.2KM (kilometre) stretch on the North-South Expressway between Jitra and Hutan Kampung has been reopened today.

The North-South Expressway Corporation (PLUS) Malaysia announced in a post on its Facebook page that the right lanes for both directions have been reopened for traffic. However, the left lanes for both directions are still closed due to flooding.

Northbound vehicles were diverted off the highway via the Alor Setar North Interchange and re-entered the highway via the Jitra South Interchange, during the closure of the route.

Several states in Peninsular Malaysia such as Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Pahang, Melaka have experienced severe flooding since last week following the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon. The massive flooding has seen more than 300,000 residents in the affected states temporarily evacuated. More and more flood victims have been allowed to return to their homes, but the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a warning of a monsoon surge expected to occur next week.

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