The 2019 Kawasaki W800 was unveiled at EICMA 2018.
Kawasaki claims the bike is 90% new.
It is offered in Street and Café variants.
There were many cries of disbelief when the W800 was axed in 2016. But mourn no more as the 2019 Kawasaki W800 broke cover at EICMA 2018.
The previous model was dropped as it did not comply with the Euro4 emission standard.
Launched back in 2011, the W800 replaced the W650. They were considered ahead of time, before the modern retro revolution. However, Kawasaki dealers were without a modern-retro when production stopped. Compared to the Z900RS and Z900RS Café, the W800 was a “true” classic and was a cheaper option.
Kawasaki says the 2019 bike is 90% all-new. The engine remains a 773cc, air-cooled, SOHC parallel-Twin, though. Its most distinguishing feature is the bevel gear operated cam, like old-fashioned Ducatis. The crank is 360o(both pistons rise and fall together), instead of the traditional 180o(one piston up, the other down) or more contemporary 270o. Power output is 47bhp. A slipper clutch connects the engine to a five-speed gearbox.
Rolling stock consists of 41mm forks and twin rear shocks. A rear disc brake is new.
The 2019 Kawasaki W800 is offered in two forms. The Street is a “standard”-type modern-retro. The Café is a café racer complete with a headlamp cowling, lowered handlebar, solo-type seat.
Modern equipment include LED headlight, multifunction LCD screens in dual round gauges, and standard ABS.
The official ARRC 2019 calendar has been released where a total of seven rounds will commence next season.
For the very first time, The FIM Asia Road Racing Championship will feature a brand new 1000cc premier class, the ASB1000 (Asia Superbike).
The first round will take place at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) from 8 to 10 March 2019.
Attention to all fans and enthusiasts of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC), this news is for you. The 2019 season calendar is officially released and a total of seven rounds will take its course from 8 March 2019 all the way to 1 December 2019 right after the official test session will commence on 5 and 6 March 2019 at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC). (more…)
All competitors’ helmets need to conform to a single FIM standard.
The certified helmets will receive a label with hologram and QR label.
The regulatory body hopes such helmets will be available to the public to improve safety.
All helmets in MotoGP, Moto3, Moto2 must conform to a new FIM standard.
Although there is still contention to whether this ruling is beneficial, there may be a positive aspect to it. Current helmet manufacturers may seek a certain safety certification, although most, if not all, conform to the ECE 22.06 standard. However, a manufacturer may produce helmets to conform primarily to other standards. Current helmet certification are standards JIS (Japan), Snell Foundation, DOT (American) and so forth.
For example, AGV and HJC (among others) conform primarily to the ECE 22.06 standard. Arai helmets need to pass the tougher Snell Foundation tests, on the other hand.
Each standard has different testing methods to qualify for certification.
With the new FIM mandate in place, helmets from AGV, Arai, Bell, HJC, Scorpion, Shark, Shoei, Suomy, X-Lite, et al need to conform to a single standard.
The FIM has not provided the parametres of their tests, however. But we can expect the helmets will be tested for a variety of criteria such as impacts at low, medium and high speeds as well as penetration.
An FIM-certified helmet will receive a hologram label with QR code. The QR code allows race officials to scan, identify and track each helmet used in competition.
The FIM hopes that such measures will result in truly race-tested helmets making their way to consumers.
The changes include riders, qualifying and technical areas.
Looks like it is going to be another exciting season.
The 2018 MotoGP season had just ended nary a week ago, but the MotoGP 2019 season has already begun.
The MotoGP field is now testing in Valencia. Certain riders have made the move to their new teams, new teams are formed, and new bikes have arrived. There are many changes for next year and it’s going to be another exciting season.
So, let’s take a look at the ten things to look forward to.
1. Hafizh Syahrin on Factory KTM
Hafizh Syahrin and teammate Miguel Oliveira – Courtesy of Malaysiazine
Hafizh Syahrin is retained by the Tech 3 team for the 2019 season. As we’ve reported earlier, Tech 3 made the move as KTM will supply the team with full factory bikes. There was no doubt that his performance in the second half of 2018 had been hampered by the 2017 Yamaha YZR-M1. Hafizh will certainly climb the rankings once he gets to grips with the RC16. Hafizh’s teammate is ex-Moto2 rider Miguel Oliveira. The KTMs will be developed by test rider Dani Pedrosa.
It was a big surprise when five-time world champion Lorenzo announced his move to Repsol Honda to join nine-time world champion Marc Marquez. Honda had made it clear that they will not produce two different bikes to suit each rider, but will it be a compromise or will it still favour Marquez? Both riders have distinctively different riding styles, after all.
4. Johann Zarco on Factory KTM
Johann Zarco on KTM – Courtesy of visordown
Two-time Moto2 Champion, MotoGP Rookie of the Year 2017 and top independent rider for two years running, Johann Zarco is promoted to the factory Red Bull KTM team for 2019. Zarco isn’t shy to run up front with the leaders and we hope he’ll do it again, besides securing his maiden MotoGP win.
5. Danilo Petrucci on Factory Ducati
Danilo Petrucci had proved himself well on the satellite Pramac Ducati since 2017. His efforts have been rewarded with a factory ride from next year, partnering Andrea Dovizioso. Will that elusive first MotoGP victory happen in 2019?
6. Jack Miller on Ducati GP19
Jack “Jackass” Miller will relish his chances on the Ducati Desmosedici GP19, the same bike as factory riders Dovizioso and Petrucci. Miller is already a winner in the class and had qualified on pole position a number of times in 2018. Look out for this guy.
7. Standard IMU
Unlike Formula 1, technical changes seem to have worked wonders for MotoGP. Racing is now much closer since the introduction of a standard ECU since 2016.
The IMU measures the pitch, yaw and lean angle of the bike and sends the signal to the ECU to formulate precise traction control strategies. This technology is currently used on certain road bikes for the same purpose, plus Cornering ABS. But ABS is not allowed in MotoGP.
There’ve been concerns that there may be teams who are manipulating the signals from their own IMUs to trigger advantageous strategies from the ECU. The results are telling especially in terms of tyre wear. A standard IMU should close the gap between rival teams further.
8. Standard CAN Bus Connector
CAN (Controller Area Network) bus connectors are the “middle men” between the sensors and ECU. Similarly, there is also suspicion that electronics are used inside the connectors to manipulate signals that are being sent to the ECU.
As such, MotoGP will also issue standard CAN bus connectors in 2019.
9. Triumph in Moto2
Let’s head over to Moto2. Triumph is the exclusive engine supplier beginning next year. The 765cc triple is based on the Street Triple RS. Riders who had tested the new engine loved it for its mix of torque and horsepower. It has even broken lap records before the start of the official testing season!
10. New Moto3 and Moto2 Qualifying Format
The two classes will see a new practice and qualifying format as MotoGP. The difference is the 14 fastest riders on combined times from FP1, FP2 and FP3 will automatically go through to Qualifying 2 (Q2). The 4 fastest riders in Q1 are promoted to Q2.
Boon Siew Honda (BSH) has unveiled the all-new Honda Wave 125i.
The versatile and robust 125cc cub now features a more fresh and modern design.
BSH has priced the new Honda Wave 125i at from RM5,999 to RM6,299 (basic price without road tax & insurance).
Ahead of the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 (KLIMS 2018) where we’re informed that Boon Siew Honda (BSH) will be launching three new exciting models, they’ve decided to serve their appetiser before the big show with the introduction of the all-new Honda Wave 125i. (more…)
Triumph Motorcycles maintains the Number 1 position as a Western big bike maker in Thailand.
The manufacturer managed the feat despite an overall downturn in the Thai motorcycle market.
Triumph Motorcycles Thailand remains optimistic as the next two months usually mark high demand.
Triumph Motorcycles is still the best-selling Western motorcycle brand above 400cc in Thailand.
The British brand sold a total of 2,175 units by end-October despite a downturn which impacted all brands.
The number represents a 14.7% drop year-on-year, the first for Triumph since its entry into the market. Yet, the brand beat out other western brands by a large margin in total sales. In second place is BMW which has sold 1,226 units thus far, followed by Ducati with 709 units, and Harley-Davidson with 695.
Courtesy of Bangkok Post
The country’s general manager Jakkrapong Santirat remains upbeat, however. “But we are confident sales will improve over the two remaining months as the fourth quarter is the high season for motorcycles.”
Santirat cited a number of reasons for the drop. The country’s entire big bike market had shrunk due to lower purchasing power of the Thais. Additionally, potential buyers hesitated to purchase big bikes while current owners are still servicing their loans. Financial institutions have also tightened their approvals for loans.
Thailand’s Land Transport Department reported a total of 1.506 million new motorcycle registration, a decrease of 1.4% year-on-year.
We had the pleasure of visiting Triumph’s manufacturing facilities in Thailand in 2016, courtesy of Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia.
Triumph was the first Western big bike manufacturer to enter the kingdom. The first factory was opened in May 2002, producing components such as frames, fuel tanks, headers, swingarms, engine covers and chrome-plated parts.
The second Thai factory opened in 2006, complete with a painting facility and assembly line. Finally, the third plant opened in 2007 with high-pressure die casting and machining facilities. All factories are located in the Amata City Industrial Estate in Chon Buri. The three facilities have a combined investment of THB 3 billion.
A workforce of 1,100 workers produce some 80,000 bikes a year. The motorcycles are shipped to 57 countries afterwards. The number represents 65 to 70% of Triumph’s worldwide sales.
