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Kalashnikov Producing Military and Police E-Bike

Russian arms maker, Kalashnikov is producing electric bikes for the military and police.
Kalashnikov will also supply the bikes to law enforcement during the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Militaries are getting into e-bikes because they are silent and don’t require fuel.

Kalashnikov, the Russian arms manufacturer best-known for producing the AK-47 (Avtomat Kalashnikova) assault rifle has recently shown off an electric motorcycle to be produced for the Russian military and police forces, reports Popular Mechanics. Kalashnikov Group presented the bikes at the 2017 Army International Military-Technical Forum in Moscow.

The e-bike is operational, evidenced by the promotional video (click here to watch), showing a rider unplugging the bike and proceeding to ride in sunglasses and a cap over rough terrain. The police version looks like a supermoto, for urban patrolling.

The manufacturer also announced supplying 50 of the bikes to law enforcement for the 2018 World Cup, which will be held in major cities across Russia.

Kalashnikov didn’t publish any technical data and we can’t read Russian, but a caption in the video shows 100km, most probably meaning the bike’s range. The police bike, however, is said to have a range of 150km.

The news of Kalashnikov’s e-bikes comes after the American firm, Logos Technologies’ announcement that they have been awarded the DARPA contract to research and built an electric motorcycle for the American special forces. According to Logos, their SilentHawk e-bike is based on the Alta Redshift MX e-bike with a range of 170km.

E-bikes are appealing to the military mainly because they are virtually silent compared to the racket of internal combustion engines. Besides that, being electric means planners do not have to sweat over the logistics of sending fuel to remote locations, especially during special operations. Also generally, motorcycles are smaller and lighter, hence the ease of transporting them.

But one thing that intrigues us is if the Kalashnikov bike is as resilient and reliable as the AK-47.

KTM Unveiling KTM 790 Adventure at EICMA

KTM will unveil the KTM 790 Adventure at EICMA 2017.
It shares the same parallel-Twin as the KTM 790 Duke.
We may see a road-going S-version and off-road R-version.

KTM has confirmed the unveiling of the all-new KTM 790 Adventure at EICMA 2017.

First spotted undergoing road tests in December 2016, KTM has confirmed that the 790 Adventure will be available from 2019. The KTM 790 Duke roadster, however, is slated to be available from 2018 (click here for the promo video of the prototype).

The 790 Adventure will use the same 800cc parallel-Twin of the 790 Duke. While there are no official specifications, the new engine is said to produce more than 100bhp.

Although the spy pictures provide a sketchy view, the 790 Adventure will most probably feature a fully-LCD instrument console, twin fuel tanks with their own fillers, LED headlamp, 21-inch spoke front wheel and 18-inch spoked rear wheel. If a road-going version is available, it should sport a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels.

The spyshots show the front end as similar to the 1050/1090 Adventure’s, and electronic semi-active suspension should be ruled out due to cost concerns. The rear monoshock can be clearly seen as almost horizontal and bolted directly to the swingarm, since more space has opened up from having a rear cylinder. Doing so forgoes the complexities of having linkages.

ABS is mandatory, thus we could safely expect it; same for electronic rider aids such as riding modes and traction control.

Introduction of the 790 Adventure will no doubt spice up the hotly-contested middleweight adveture-touring/dual-purpose market.

The 790 Adventure is seen as the direct replacement for the 640 Adventure, which distinguished itself in the Dakar Rally. However, the 790 Adventure is ineligible, as the current regulations allow capacities of only up to 450cc singles or twins. (Click here for the Dakar Rally’s regulations.)

We do hope that the KTM 790 Adventure is a true dual-purpose/adventure-tourer motorcycle that’s not only fully capable off-road but also for long distance touring.

Honda Asian Journey 2017 – The journey continues!

Boon Siew Honda has planned their second ever Honda Asian Journey 2017 which will start from 26 October 2017 to 29 October 2017.

In conjunction with this year’s MotoGP round at the Sepang International Circuit, over 600 riders from Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines and India will take part.

The Honda Asian Journey’s main purpose is to promote all of the Honda Big Bikes range from the dual-purpose 2017 Honda CRF250 all the way to the powerful CBR1000RR.

In conjunction with this year’s Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix which will be held at the infamous Sepang International Circuit from 27 October 2017 to 29 October 2017, Boon Siew Honda is planning their second ever Honda Asian Journey 2017 grand convoy. (more…)

Kelantan Police Chief Gives Advice About Travelling to Thailand

Kelantan police chief issued a travel advisory to Malaysians travelling to Thailand
Malaysians are not prohibited from riding into Thailand
Southern Thailand has been the scene of violence

Kelantan police has issued an advice to Malaysians travelling to southern Thailand to be more vigilant, following the fatal accidental of a Malaysian national in Tak Bai, Narathiwat Province, on 16th October.

It was learned that Wan Mohd. Zain W. Hussain, 46, from Kampung Ketil, Tumpat, Kelantan was visiting his relatives when he was hit by a stray bullet when a group of armed men fired upon the police at the Ban Taba checkpoint.

Later, the superintendent of Tak Bai police station, Police Colonel Patcharapol na Nakhon, was lucky to escape a bomb explosion near a petrol station as he led a team to the scene of the attack.

The blast brought down power lines and caused a local blackout. An inspection of the scene of the bombing revealed what bomb technicians believed to be an IED (improvised explosive device) weighing between 22 to 25kgs.

Daylight inspection revealed a food stall and an electricity pole riddled with bullet holes. Police collected spent bullet casings from M16 assault rifles.

Patcharapol believed the attacks were the work of Famee Mudo, who leads a militant group active in the district. He is a suspect in similar attacks on Oct 21, 2012.

The attacks were believed to be linked to the approaching 13th anniversary of the “Tak Bai incident” on Oct 25, when 85 Muslim men suffocated after being arrested and stacked on top of each other in the back of army trucks after soldiers violently broke up an anti-government protest.

Southern Thailand has been the scene of bombings and violence. On 9th October, a bomb planted on a roadside killed a Ranger and seriously wounding another. On 26th September, a bomb disposal team defused a roadside 20kg IED. On 29th September in Mae Lan district a motorcycle bomb exploded at a checkpoint. Another bomb killed one and wounded 18 in Yala when bomb disposal units went to investigate after two explosions.

So please be careful when riding into Thailand.

2018 Yamaha MWT-9 three-wheeler finally ready for production?

Yamaha Motor Europe has released a teaser video entitled “Ride the Evolution” which may point towards the 2018 Yamaha MWT-9 three-wheeler.

Set on 25 October 2017, Yamaha will introduce a host of new bikes at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show.

Rumours also pointed out that there will be a brand new Yamaha MT-09 which will receive a bunch of new upgrades for 2018.

Yamaha Motor Europe has just released a short teaser video entitled “Ride the Evolution”. Although the short clip doesn’t show much except for a few ninjas doing what ninjas do (I think), there’s a strong indicator that this might just be something that will make waves in the motorcycling industry. We are of course talking about the infamous Yamaha MWT-9 three-wheeled monster. (more…)

KTM Malaysia set to Rock Malaysian MotoGP 2017

KTM Malaysia is set to set the Malaysian MotoGP 2017 ablaze in READY TO RACE Orange.
KTM Malaysia is also offering the KTM MotoGP Fan Package.
Expect to see the latest KTM motorcycles plus Meet & Greet session with top KTM riders.

It’s the best time of the year for motorcycle racing fans in Malaysia and around the region. No, not Christmas, but it’s the Malaysian MotoGP.

The Malaysian MotoGP has without doubt grown over the last 3 years to capacity crowds and this year is no different. But what will make the difference is what KTM Malaysia has in store for fans and visitors.

KTM’s signature orange-coloured pavilion at the Malaysian MotoGP has always been one of the biggest crowd pullers. Not only do they display the latest road-going models, but also the dirtbikes and off-roaders that have conquered the world. Visitors are allowed to get up close to touch, feel and even smell these awesome machines, what more to selfie with them.

Additionally, KTM-branded riding gear and wear, called Powerwear, and KTM’s proprietary motorcycles accessories, called Powerparts will be displayed in all their grandeur.

Visitors could expect to see the latest 250 Duke, 390 Duke (click here for our first ride and here for our review), RC 250 and RC 390, 1290 Super Duke R, 1290 Super Adventure S, 1290 Super Adventure R, 1050 Adventure Travel Pack, 1290 Super Duke GT, 250 EX/C-F, 350 EX/C-F, 450 EX/C-F, 250 SX-F, 450 SX-F and many more. The latter two bikes are the same as those ridden by Gabit Saleh to multiple Malaysian motocross wins and the 2016 FIM Asia Supermoto Championship.

Visitors will also be able to catch a glimpse of the RC Cup racebike and replica of the RC16 MotoGP racer, ridden by Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith.

As such, fans can expect meet-and-greet sessions with the FIM Supermoto Champion, RC Cup riders and, Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP riders (subject to the riders’ schedule and availability). KTM Malaysia is in the midst of working with SIC and Dorna for Gabit Saleh to perform a stunt show at the starting grid and front straight on race day, so stay posted!

KTM Malaysia has offered the Fan Package, which includes a ticket for the KTM Tribune in the Main Grandstand, limited edition T-shirt, cap, bag, raincoat and flag.

As many as 500 KTM fans will mass at the KTM Tribune and turn it into a sea of READY TO RACE Orange. There is nothing better than being in the company of people who share the same passion and cheering for the same riders. The KTM Tribune faces the starting grid and paddock, ensuring a great view of proceedings throughout the day, be it for the support classes, Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP.

KTM Malaysia will also host a myriad of activities at the Tribune. KTM fans can look forward to gifts and lucky draws.

You may also refer to KTM Malaysia’s official Facebook page for more information.

Bikesrepublic

Latest News

Russian arms maker, Kalashnikov is producing electric bikes for the military and police.

Kalashnikov will also supply the bikes to law enforcement during the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Militaries are getting into e-bikes because they are silent and don’t require fuel.

KTM will unveil the KTM 790 Adventure at EICMA 2017.

It shares the same parallel-Twin as the KTM 790 Duke.

We may see a road-going S-version and off-road R-version.

Boon Siew Honda has planned their second ever Honda Asian Journey 2017 which will start from 26 October 2017 to 29 October 2017.

In conjunction with this year’s MotoGP round at the Sepang International Circuit, over 600 riders from Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines and India will take part.

The Honda Asian Journey’s main purpose is to promote all of the Honda Big Bikes range from the dual-purpose 2017 Honda CRF250 all the way to the powerful CBR1000RR.

Kelantan police chief issued a travel advisory to Malaysians travelling to Thailand

Malaysians are not prohibited from riding into Thailand

Southern Thailand has been the scene of violence

Yamaha Motor Europe has released a teaser video entitled “Ride the Evolution” which may point towards the 2018 Yamaha MWT-9 three-wheeler.

Set on 25 October 2017, Yamaha will introduce a host of new bikes at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show.

Rumours also pointed out that there will be a brand new Yamaha MT-09 which will receive a bunch of new upgrades for 2018.

KTM Malaysia is set to set the Malaysian MotoGP 2017 ablaze in READY TO RACE Orange.

KTM Malaysia is also offering the KTM MotoGP Fan Package.

Expect to see the latest KTM motorcycles plus Meet & Greet session with top KTM riders.

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