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Ducati @ EICMA 2015: Nine new models revealed

In conjunction with its 90^th anniversary next year, Ducati has taken the wraps off nine new models for their 2016 range ahead of the EICMA show in Milan, Italy.

The nine models were:

Scrambler Sixty2
Scrambler Flat Track
XDiavel
Multistrada 1200 Enduro
Multistrada 1200 Pikes Peak Edition
Hypermotard 939
2016 Hypermotard SP
2016 Hyperstrada
Panigale 959

Present during the media preview to unveil the new line up were Ducati’s CEO Claudio Domenicali, three-time WSBK Champion Troy Bayliss, Ducati MotoGP riders Andrea Iannone and Andrea Dovizioso, as well as Ducati WSBK rider Davide Giugliano.

Scrambler Sixty2

The Scrambler Sixty2, which Ducati is targeting towards new riders and new markets, is powered by a 399cc, 41hp desmodromic air-cooled L-twin, with styling largely identical to its larger capacity siblings in the Scrambler range. Its Sixty2 moniker is drawn from 1962, the year of the first Ducati Scrambler.

Scrambler Flat Track Pro

Based on last year’s Scrambler’s 803, the Scrambler Flat Track Pro features a dedicated livery, side panel and seat along with a full throttle exhaust. Inspired by Ducati riders Troy Bayliss and Johnny Lewis at the 2015 American AMA Pro Flat Track championship, the model also comes with low variable section handlebars, a Termigoni exhaust and alloy wheels.

Multistrada 1200 Enduro

Designed to go against bikes like the BMW R1200GS and the KTM Adventure 1190, the new 1200 Enduro is a reworked machine that was built primarily for off-road use with 19 inch front and 17 inch rear spoked wheels, semi-active Sachs suspension and a massive 29-litre fuel tank, which Ducati is claiming will get up to 448km per tank. According to Ducati, the new Multistrada is its first full-fledged off-roader, and comes with a huge range of accessories designed exclusively for it, including all aluminum panniers and top boxes.

Multistrada Pikes Peak

The 2016 Multistrada line sees a continuation of the Pikes Peak nameplate, and the same style of upgrades on the DVT version of the Multistrada 1200. Notable features include an Öhlins fork and Öhlins TTX36 shock, Termignoni mufflers, a carbon fiber windscreen, red stitching on the seat, and stripes on the 3-spoke wheels.

XDiavel

Featuring an aggressive ground-up redesign from the 2011 Diavel, the XDiavel is the first Ducati to come with belt drive, and is aimed at those looking for a cruiser. The main highlight of the XDiavel is that its ergonomics are adjustable up to 60 different positions, with a standard fitment which includes an extended seat and passenger backrest. Power on the other hand, is supplied by a 1262cc Testastretta DVT (Ducati Valve Timing)-equipped L-twin that’s been tuned for massive low-rpm torque.

959 Panigale

The Ducati 959 Panigale is essentially the updated 899 panigale with bigger engine capacity, more power and some stylistic and feature related changes. Sharing the stylistic features with the bigger 1299 Panigale, Ducati claims that the 959 is a more useable everyday bike which is also a potent race track tool.

Hypermotard 939

For 2016, Ducati has fitted the Hypermotard with a larger, more powerful 939 motor which will also power the track-oriented Hypermotard 939 SP, as well as the touring-tuned Hyperstrada 939. All three bikes will have fully adjustable suspension, Brembo brakes with Bosch-backed ABS, adjustable traction control, and ride modes.

Check out more pictures in the extensive gallery we’ve prepared below.

2016 XDiavel S

2016 Multistrada Enduro

2016 Multistrada Pikes Peak

2016 959 Panigale

2016 959 Panigale (non Euro 4 compliant)

2016 Hypermotard 939

2016 Hypermotard 939 SP

2016 Hyperstrada 939

2016 Scrambler Flat Track Pro

2016 Scrambler Sixty2

Boon Siew launches new Honda Wave Alpha

Malaysian assembler and distributor of Honda bikes Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd has updated its line up for the Malaysian market after the firm introduced its latest offering, the new and enhanced Honda Wave Alpha moped earlier today.

Present to launch the bike were several of Boon Siew’s top tier management personnel alongside several members from the Wave Alpha’s development team as well.

As it is, the Wave Alpha replaces the previous Wave 110 model, bringing along with it an enhanced exterior design and an improved powertrain as well. The moped can be had in two forms starting with a basic variant primed with drum brakes and spoked wheels followed by a higher-spec version equipped with disc brakes and cast wheels instead.

Both however share the same air-cooled 109.1cc single-cylinder engine that produces 8.3hp @ 7,500rpm and peak torque of 8.59Nm @ 5,500rpm. The engine is paired with a four-speed constant mesh transmission. Not only more powerful than the previous Wave 110’s unit, the new powertrain is also much more efficient as it boasts a fuel economy rating of 51.8km/litre.

Underneath, the moped also features a convenient U-box storage for added practicality as well as a colourful new and clear instrument panel design. Other notable features include the contoured new exhaust silencer design plus improved leg protection from the stylishly redesigned forward fairing.

Available for viewing and purchase via authorised dealers starting today, the all-new base drum brake-equipped Honda Wave Alpha carries a basic starting price of RM4,132.94 (6% GST inclusive) whilst the disc brake-equipped unit is priced from RM4,556.94 (6% GST inclusive).

Honda Wave Alpha launch @ Pullman Hotel, Bangsar

Honda Wave Alpha

BITTERSWEET FIM CEV 2015 SEASON FOR KHAIRUL IDHAM

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2016 MV Agusta Brutale 800 fully ‘teased’ in video

Italian motorcycle artisans MV Agusta have just released its teaser video for the refreshed 2016 MV Agusta Brutale 800 naked model. Though called a ‘teaser’, the video ironically reveals the revised bike in full, showing off some of the cosmetic changes the Varese brand has performed for its core naked bike model.

Though we are visually clear on the aesthetic revisions, MV Agusta have withheld any further information surrounding the refreshed naked. Seems the brand wants to save the details for the bike’s scheduled debut at the annual EICMA show in Milan that is set to open its doors this week.

In any case, the changes are rather clear in comparison to the outgoing 2015 model. Firstly, this 2016 model sports a revised tail section, complemented with a redesigned triple-exhaust and tail lamp as well. Up front comes a smartened up front fascia thanks to the revised and rear-swept headlamp design, a restyled fuel tank, as well as a set of new intake ducts and radiator fairings.

Visually, it is difficult to ascertain any mechanical revisions from the video. However, sources are led to believe that much of the oily bits remain unchanged from the outgoing 2015 version. Of course, this is still subject to confirmation, so we will have to wait until MV Agusta things official once EICMA 2015 opens its doors.

Sources: YouTube / Moto.it / Asphaltandrubber / Visordown

BMW Motorrad reveals electric superbike

BMW Motorrad has unveiled a very interesting model recently – an electric superbike called the eRR.

Using the same chassis as the S1000RR, BMW said that it created the eRR to unite the high-speed performance of the S1000RR with the the quick acceleration of the c-Evolution scooter, which is able to go from standstill to 50km/h in under three seconds.

Stephan Schaller, Head of BMW Motorrad, said, “Since it’s market launch, the RR is giving the creeps to motorsport athletes. Regardless of whether it is acceleration, handling or top speed – the RR is setting standards.”

“However, if acceleration on the first metres, up to 50 or 60km/h, is the point, the RR’s 199 bhp has to admit defeat by another BMW product: the C evolution with its electric drive.”

BMW Motorrad added that the motivation behind the eRR ‘experimental vehicle’ was to find out what happens when a sports bike gets an electric drive, and also to produce a bike with zero emission.

Revealed at a corporate news announcement, BMW Motorrad has not revealed any technical details on the eRR, yet.

Product review: Shark Skwal LED Sak Art Design

When Winmaster Sdn Bhd, the authorised distributor of Shark helmets in Malaysia announced the arrival of the Skwal; the market’s first helmet to incorporate LED lights into its design, the level of excitement in the air was definitely on the higher side, as it was nothing like we have seen before. Although the brand had many other models that ranked higher in the product line up, it was the Skwal which got all the attention, as it was a potential game changer.

So, in order to find out if the Shark Skwal was just a novelty or if it really delivers, we managed to get our hands on one, thanks to Winmaster Sdn Bhd, to get a first-hand feel of the helmet.

Now, for those who are unaware, the Skwal is the latest helmet to be released by Shark into the existing Pulse range, and is the first helmet to incorporate LED lights into its design in the market. According to Shark helmets, it is confident that the Skwal marks the beginning of a new era in rider safety and electronic helmet functionality.

The Skwal has three cleverly integrated neon green LED’s, which are situated in the front mouth piece, the front air intake, as well as the rear air vents, which not only enhance the sleek and aggressive look of this helmet, but is also a huge factor in visibility and rider safety.

Among all the colours in the spectrum, neon green was the colour chosen by Shark for the LED as it was a prime colour, alongside red and blue. However, since red and blue are used by authorities, green was the best option for visibility.

In case you’re wondering how the LED’s operate, they are powered by a small in-built battery, which is fully rechargeable via a micro USB cable. The company said that the helmet’s battery has up to 5000 recharge cycles and an impressive battery life of five hours on the continuous light mode, or ten hours on the flashing light mode. The two light modes can be selected with a press of the button positioned on the lower right side of the helmet.

Although it seems like there are a lot of components involved, the Shark Skwal only weighs 1,470 grams, including the lights and battery pack, putting it into the feather weight category of the helmet market.

In terms of standard features, the Skwal comes with a flip-down internal sun visor, Shark ‘easy fit’ feature for riders who wear glasses, a micro-lock buckle system, a fully removable and a washable lining made of bamboo.

A couple of interesting things about the bamboo inner lining is that it has a generous dosage of anti-bacterial properties to keep it clean at all times. In addition, the material is much more odour resistant than other materials that are usually used to make inner linings.

It also features a clever Autoseal visor adhearing gasket, which makes the helmet one of the most stable helmets today. What the Autoseal feature does is that it pushes the visor inwards when it is pulled down, making it air-tight, quiet, and waterproof.

As much as the design is concerned, the Shark Skwal is quite neutral. It doesn’t look too futuristic or too traditional, not too complicated or too simple, and not too rounded or too angular.

The good thing about this is that it suits riders who are astride any type of motorcycle, regardless of whether it’s a cruiser, a sports bike, or even a scooter. Simply put, it looks good with anything.

What we love most about the Shark Skwal LED helmet is the drop down integral anti-scratch and anti-UV sun visor. Not only is it scratch-proof, but it is designed in a way that it drops much lower than many helmets out there in the market, making the rider feel like he or she is wearing sunglasses.

As safe as it is from wind, and water, it couldn’t escape from the infamous fogging woes. However, Winmaster Sdn Bhd said that it will not be an issue for its customers as a helmet pinlock worth RM120 will be given for free with every purchase of the Shark Skwal LED helmet.

Catered towards riders of all age, the Shark Skwal is available in black, white, matte and gloss finishes, as well as a wide range of graphic and colour scheme for those who would like to stand out from the rest. The model you are looking at now, however, is more special, as the livery was designed by Sak Art design; an internationally renowned graphic design house that has collaborated with numerous companies in the automotive industry.

Priced very competitively at RM950 for solid finish and RM1,030 for the units with graphics, the Shark Skwal is worth every sen it asks for. Not only does it look good, but it is feature-packed, comfortable and has decent build quality. Although it is not the quietest helmet around, features like the LED lights, and the visor systems work well. Besides that, most importantly, for what is being offered, RM1,030 is as sweet as a deal can get.