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Aprilia “RS660” May Debut in 2020

The Aprilia “RS660” concept may be sold as a 2020 model.
The engine could be derived from the RSV4 superbike, without the back two cylinders.
We hope it is priced within reach of the masses.

Remember the stunning 660cc sportbike concept which Aprilia showed off at EICMA last year? Sources whispered to Moto-Station in France that it will be available as a 2020 model. That means it could be ready by the third quarter this year!

It could very well be so, since the bike was caught testing at a track, also late last year. The spyshots even showed a race-ready version and a roadgoing one.

No performance of mechanical details have been released so far. There’s also speculation that the engine is based on the RSV4’s. However, if true, the 660’s engine is just without the two rear cylinders. Can we expect 100 hp? We may just, given Aprilia’s racing heritage. It should also include the APRC electronics package.

The more pertinent question among Malaysian bikers is price. Yup, always price before anything else. It depends on Aprilia to whether position this bike as a premium millionaire boys’ club material or superbike for the masses.

We do hope it’s the latter since we don’t have millionaire daddies.

10 things you need to know about the new Ducati Diavel 1260S!

1. The Ducati Diavel 1260S is 90% new.

That’s right, almost the entire bike is new, only the headlight, tail light and the dash has been carried over, and that too from the X-Diavel. Everything from the mud guards to the swing arm and even the tyres are all new.

2. The bike is longer than before.

Just by a few mm, but the longer wheelbase makes a world of difference especially in long sweeping corners. The bike feels more stable and more like a cruiser, but with a mighty engine to match its power cruiser persona.

3. The standard is only available in one colour while the S is available in 2 colours.

Ducati found that the Diavel was hugely popular in black colour and then chose to offer it only on the high-spec S version. The standard version is available in the sandstone grey colour seen here, which is also available on the S version. Disappointed? Don’t be. The sandstone grey is a stunning colour, even when it is totally dirty.

4. The seat is 10mm higher than before.

That’s right, the seat of the new Diavel is slightly taller which is great news for tall riders. If you are vertically challenged, don’t worry, Ducati has you covered with a low seat option.

5. The electronics package has been substantially upgraded.

The riding modes are brilliant, especially Sport mode as it makes the bike feel like a full on sports bike. You get 3 riding modes – Sport, Touring and Urban – a vast array of parameters like ABS, Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Cornering ABS, Ducati Power Launch (for those MotoGP-ish traffic light drag wars), a hands-free system that operates the keyless start and connects your bike to a dedicated mobile app, and a whole bunch more. And best thing is, you can tune these electronic safety nets down to the tiniest detail. Don’t like ABS interference but you want full the wheelie control on full alert? The bike will do that for you. No issues there.

6. There is no Carbon edition, just a standard model and a S model.

Just two models for now, and a X-Diavel later on for those who prefer a more cruiser-ish feel to their Diavel. The standard 1260 with no Ohlins and limited electronics and a 1260S which gives you all the toys, and some.

7. The Daytime Running Light is only available on the S model.

Yes that’s right. If you want the ultra-cool DRL headlight, that will cost you more moolah.

8. Ducati Quick Shifter is available as standard on the S, and as an option on the standard 1260.

Even you are thinking of buying the standard Diavel, opt for the DQS. It is the most amazing feeling to be banging home the gears with no loss of power and speed, no down time as you engage the clutch to hit the gears. You will thanks us for it later.

9. The tyres on the new Diavel are super sticky and work brilliantly in both wet and dry conditions.

The Pirelli Diablo Rosso III features dual compound technology (soft on the outside and hard on the inside). The outer, softer area is wider than before which gives you more grip even from mid-lean. The tyre gives you so much confidence in both dry and wet situations that it makes you feel like a better rider than you actually are, as this writer found out.

10. It is going to be launched in Malaysia next month – price unknown! Yet.

We are not sure of the exact date, but the new Diavel will be here very soon. And if you are in the market for a power cruiser that has performance to hunt down a sports bike, then this will be worth the wait.

Full review coming soon!

Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Trials and Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Trials Launched

The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Trials and Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Trials have been launched.
The launching followed the teaser videos of a bike being ridden off-road.
Both borrow heavily from the Bullet 350 and Bullet 500, but with a number of difference.

The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Trials and Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Trials are launched, after teasing with scrambler-like bike being ridden off-road.

However, unlike the scramblers that are all the rage these days, Royal Enfield went the route of equipping the Bullet 350 and Bullet 500 for off-roading.

Their “Trials” moniker may also be considered a bit misleading in this day and age. That’s because trial bikes are those compact, lightweight and seatless machines that are used to climb over obstacles.

But Trials here allude to the extreme off-road bikes in the 1960s.

As such both Bullet Trials are equipped with off-road features compared to their roadgoing brethren. The model uses 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, shorter wheel fenders, upswept exhaust muffler, spring mounted saddle, and a luggage rack in place of the passenger seat.

In terms of styling, the tank and panel are taken from the Bullet and so are the engines. However, the headlamp is different, and the handlebar is taller. The Trials 350’s frame is painted in red, while the Trials 500’s is in green.

They look cool, don’t they? Can we get to see them in this year’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride?

Ducati Diavel 1260 and Yamaha Niken Win 2019 Red Dot for Design Awards

The new Ducati Diavel 1260 and and Yamaha Niken won the prestigious 2019 Red Dot for Design awards.
The judges award the accolades to products in terms of design and innovation.
Winners can display the Red Dot label on their products.

The just-launched Ducati Diavel 1260 and three-wheeled Yamaha Niken won the prestigious 2019 Red Dot for Design awards in Germany.

The awards recognize the most worthy and original design and innovation, since its inception in 1955. Winners are allowed to display the Red Dot label on their products.

A jury of 40 international design experts evaluate more than 5,500 products in different categories. Among them are motorcycles, cars, electronics, furniture, watches, retail, and so forth.

But although there is a winner in each category, only the top design is awarded the Best of the Best.

The 2019 Red Dot for Design award for the Ducati Diavel 1260 means the manufacturer has now won it the third time. Previous winners from Ducati were the Panigale 1199 in 2013 and XDiavel S in 2016. So, not only do the Italian bikes look good to us, even design experts think so.

Yamaha won an award for the Niken this year, no doubt for its three-wheel design execution. It was also the third Red Dot accolade for the Japanese manufacturer. Previous winners were the MT-07 in 2015 and XSR900 in 2017.

It’s Legal! MotoGP Court of Appeals Rules in Favour of Ducati

The MotoGP Court of Appeals ruled that Ducati’s swingarm scoop was legal.
It follows the protest logged by four manufacturers after the Qatar MotoGP race.
The ruling means Andrea Dovizioso keeps his win, points and lead in the championship table.

The MotoGP Court of Appeals has ruled that Ducati’s “scoop” attached the bottom of the swingarm as legal. The appendage was fitted to three Desmosedici GP19s at the Qatar MotoGP race.

Although the court only released their decision, they did not assign a reason to why or what data convinced them.

But it’s safe to assume that they found the device cools the rear tyre instead of providing extra aerodynamic downforce. Moving forward, Ducati is allowed to use the scop ONLY IF it’s fitted together with the front wheel spoilers.

The decision also means that Andrea Dovizioso keeps his Qatar win and points, while Ducati also retains their manufacturer points earned at that first round.

However, this may open up another problem: How will Dorna and FIM enforce that scoops used in the future, whether by Ducati or other manufacturers, DO NOT provide aerodynamic downforce?

In the meantime, we can expect a new round of regulations.

The issue came to light and became hotly debated after four manufacturers protested post-Qatar race. The four – Aprilia, Honda, KTM, Suzuki – were of the opinion that the scoop provided downforce to the Ducati’s swingarm to keep the rear tyre on the ground more often, aiding stability and prolonging tyre life. Therefore, it’s illegal as the scoop falls outside the set guideline for “aerobodies.”

Ducati, on the other hand, insisted that it only functions to direct air to the rear tyre and cooling it. The manufacturer had submitted the design to MotoGP Technical Director Danny Aldridge prior to the race. It was subsequently approved and memos were sent to all the teams.

Other manufacturers weren’t convinced, of course. Aprilia were vehement: They had earlier submitted the plans of such a device earlier to the Technical Director but was rejected along the aerobody rules.

They logged their protest after the race, but their complaints were thrown out, thereby it was referred to MotoGP’s Court of Appeals.

Riders Turn Race into Boxing Match in Full Leathers

Watch as these two Costa Rican riders get into each other.
The action caused both to engage in a melee.
The Latin American Motorcycle Association DQ’ed and banned both riders.

Boxing match and fisticuffs are a rarity in motorcycle racing these day as riders have to “behave professionally” on the track and off. But sometimes, adrenaline and emotions take over resulting in a slugging match.

Case in point was the famous incident at the Misano Moto2 race, in which hothead Romano Fenati grabbed Stefano Manzi’s front brake lever. The incident aroused a furious backlash that circled the globe about 3 billion times. Fenati was kicked out of his present team at the time and was supposed to be banned for life. But Dorna and the FIM were generous enough to allow him to race in Moto3 this year.

Well, that ought to serve a warning to riders, doesn’t it? Maybe. Because when the red mist descends, it’s all handbags.

The following boxing match between Marion Calvo and Jorge Martinez in the Costa Rica national race.

Both riders touched while braking for the turn, knocking Martinez off his bike. Martinez ended up clinging to Calvo’s seat hump, in turn causing him to lose control.

When the bike came to a stop, Martinez could’ve run to his bike to continue the race. Instead, his anger got the better of him and he swung at Calvo. Calvo was knocked off his bike.

Calvo then went after Martinez and shoved him on his back, before both riders got back to riding again.

As expected, the Latin Motorcycle Association kicked them out of the race and subsequently banned them. They can now join boxing or MMA.

Bikesrepublic

Latest News

The Aprilia “RS660” concept may be sold as a 2020 model.

The engine could be derived from the RSV4 superbike, without the back two cylinders.

We hope it is priced within reach of the masses.

The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Trials and Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Trials have been launched.

The launching followed the teaser videos of a bike being ridden off-road.

Both borrow heavily from the Bullet 350 and Bullet 500, but with a number of difference.

The new Ducati Diavel 1260 and and Yamaha Niken won the prestigious 2019 Red Dot for Design awards.

The judges award the accolades to products in terms of design and innovation.

Winners can display the Red Dot label on their products.

The MotoGP Court of Appeals ruled that Ducati’s swingarm scoop was legal.

It follows the protest logged by four manufacturers after the Qatar MotoGP race.

The ruling means Andrea Dovizioso keeps his win, points and lead in the championship table.

Watch as these two Costa Rican riders get into each other.

The action caused both to engage in a melee.

The Latin American Motorcycle Association DQ’ed and banned both riders.

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