Motorcycle news, Motorcycle reviews from Malaysia, Asia and the world

Aprilia Tuono 457 Launched at EICMA 2024

The Aprilia Tuono 457 was also launched at EICMA 2024, filling the gap between the Tuono 125 and Tuono 660.

The Tuono range is based on their larger sportbike siblings, thus the Tuno 457 is based on the Aprilia RS 457 sportbike. As such, the engine is the same 457cc parallel-twin which produces 47.6hp at 9,400 RPM and 43.4Nm of torque at 6,700 RPM. 82% of the peak torque is available from as low as 3,000 RPM. The Tuono’s shorter final drive contributes to the extra 2% of torque at those RPMs.

Also sharing the same chassis as the RS 457, this model uses an aluminium frame. This makes it as the only naked motorcycle in its class to sport an aluminium frame. As such, Aprilia claims the same dry weight of 159kg.

Suspension duties are handled by 41mm upside-down forks up front and a monoshock at the rear. Both ends are adjustable for preload. The monoshock is mounted to an asymmetricla steel swingarm, just like the RS 457, too.

The brake system consists of a single ByBre four-piston caliper up front, which clamps on a single 320mm disc. A single 220mm disc is at the back. The front brake lever is adjustable. A two-channel Bosch ABS is standard. Tyre sizes are 110/70-R17 and 150/60-R17, front and rear, respectively.

A new 5-inch TFT screen with smartphone connectivity also allows the rider to choose his preferred ride modes namely Eco, Sport, and Rain. A bi-directional quickshifter is optional.

The Aprilia Tuono 457 is offered in two colour options called Piranha Red and Puma Gray. Aprilia has not released the price of the bike.

Production-Ready Fantic Imola and Fantic Stealth Shown at EICMA 2024

The Fantic brand is still very much under the radar here in Malaysia, but it is gaining some traction, especially with the Caballero Scrambler 500’s success in Rimba Raid. Now, the company shows off the production ready Fantic Imola sportbike and Fantic Stealth naked bike at EICMA 2024.

Both are powered by a new 460cc single-cylinder engine which was developed in-house in partnership with the engine maker Motori Minarelli. It had been developed over three years and meets the Euro5+ regulations. This is a clear move from using engines supplied by Zongshen.

The engine is said to produce 44.4hp at 8,250 RPM, weighs less than 40kg, and incorporates a slipper clutch besides ride-by-wire throttle. There is a smaller 125cc engine which produces 15hp.

The engine is houses in a frame which combines steel trellis up top, with aluminium side plates below. There is 5-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity, multi-level traction control, and cornering ABS.

As for the variants, the Fantic Imola is a sportbike complete with winglets, while the Fantic Stealth is a naked sportbike which includes a Ducati Streetfighter-like headlight unit. Both also feature a high-mounted exhaust muffler.

We expect these bikes to be launched in the first half of 2025.

Suzuki DR-Z4S and Suzuki DR-Z4SM Launched at EICMA

Suzuki did produce some real fun (and bulletproof) adventure bikes, in the DR range. Many Suzuki fans shed tears when the maker stopped producing the DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM. Well, we can now live fulfilling lives again with the launch of the all-new Suzuki DR-Z4S and Suzuki DR-Z4SM, because they look FUN!

As you can see from the photos, the “S” variant is for off-roading, while the “SM” version is shod with road tyres for supermoto duties.

Engine:

New 98cc, single-cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC, four-stroke, Euro 5B-compliant engine which produces 38PS (37.5hp) at 8,000rpm, and 37Nm at 6,500rpm.
The new engine is up-to-date, as expected, featuring titanium(!) intake valves and hollow sodium-filled exhaust valves, new cam profiles, dual spark-plugs for smoother and linear power delivery along with low RPM torque.
There is also a new airbox and exhaust, along with an assist and slipper clutch.
Suzuki claims a fuel consumption figure of “over 3.5 litres/100km (80mpg)”.

Electronics:

The Suzuki Intelligent Ride System provides a package of electronic rider aids including the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) with three power modes.
There are also two standard traction control modes, with each variant equipped with its own specific G (Gravel) mode.
G mode aims to maintain maximum off-road performance by allowing a certain amount of wheel spin. On the DR-4S it focuses on enabling riders to enjoy off-road riding with confidence. On the DR-Z4SM it is tailored more towards flat-dirt surfaces.

The ABS system allows the rider to tailor it to his needs and riding conditions. On the DR-Z4S, the rider can disengage the ABS at the rear, or at the front and rear. On the DR-Z4SM, the rider can disengage the rear ABS.
All rider information is displayed via a compact LCD dash.

Chassis:

A brand new, twin-spar steel frame was developed for the new Suzuki DR-Z4S and Suzuki DR-Z4SM.
It is then mated to a new aluminium subframe and an aluminium swingarm.
The new chassis is rigid, yet supple, meaning it can absorb impact and bumps on rougher terrain, and reduce rider fatigue.

Long-travel suspension on both the DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM comes from KYB, specifically tuned for each model’s intended application.
There is 280mm of front fork travel and 296mm of rear wheel travel on the DR-Z4S.
The DR-Z4SM has 260mm of front suspension travel and 277mm of rear wheel travel.
Both have compression and rebound damping adjustment at the front and rear. There is also preload adjustment on the rear shock.

The DR-Z4S is fitted with a 21” front and 18” rear, fitted with IRC GP-410, dual purpose, tubed tyres.
The DR-Z4SM uses 17″ rims front and rear, shod with Dunlop SPORTMAX Q5A tyres.
There are disc brakes all round, and an aluminium under guard as standard.
Ground clearance is 300mm on the DR-Z4S, and 260mm on the DR-Z4SM.
Seat heights are 920mm and 890mm and they weigh 151kg and 154kg, respectively.

Styling:

Lighting all-round is LED, from the single assembly headlight, rear combination lights, and indicators.
The DR-Z4S is available in Suzuki’s signature off-road Champion Yellow, and Solid Iron Grey, both with black rims. The DR-Z4SM comes in a new blue/grey colour scheme, dubbed Sky Grey, plus a Solid Special White, equipped with blue rims.

The manufacturer has not confirmed the prices of the Suzuki DR-Z4S and Suzuki DR-Z4SM yet.

2025 Yamaha YZF-R3 Launched Overseas, after being Teased Last Month

The 2025 Yamaha YZF-R3 has been launched overseas, following several teases through October.

It is obvious from the pictures that the new bike’s design has been completely overhauled to look even closer to its YZF-R7, R9, and R1 brethren with a strikingly aggressive take.

Gone are the dual headlamps, their positions taken by dual LED DRLs. The headlamp is now a single projection LED er… headlamp placed in the what used to be the faux central air intake. The rest of the bodywork features sharp lines compared to the previous bulbous look. The panel of the rear seat has also been redesigned to more closely resemble that of its bigger siblings, and the taillight of the YZF-R15.

Yamaha says the ergonomics have been revamped for a close to 50/50 weight distribution and that hints at a more aggressive riding posture.

Several new features include a new LCD screen with Yamaha Y-Connect, a USB charging port, assist and slipper clutch.

But that is as far as it goes. The engine remains the same 321cc parallel-twin, the frame is the same, and even the exhaust muffler is unchanged.

The 2025 Yamaha YZF-R3 will surely become the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R25 when it gets to Malaysia.

2024 Aprilia RS 457 Launched in Malaysia

The 2024 Aprilia RS 457 has finally arrived and launched in Malaysia, bringing the promise of a high performance, lightweight sportbike to Malaysian enthusiasts.

Although it shares some of the design cues of the bigger Aprilia RS 660, it is not scaled down from the RS 660. Instead, it is a motorcycle packed with features on its own.

Highlights:

New 457cc, parallel-twin, DOHC, eight-valve engine which produces 35kW (47.6hp) at 9,400 RPM and 43.5Nm of torque at 6,700 RPM.

82% of that maximum torque is delivered from as low as 3,000 RPM, with a good spread of 2,700 RPM between peak torque and maximum horsepower. This would give the bike a power everywhere in the RPM range performance.
Granted, the horsepower could be higher but 47.6hp is the limit for countries that have the A2 license regulations.

Several steps were taken to reduce frictional losses in the engine including offsetting the cylinders by 6.5mm from the crankshaft’s centreline, the water pump and counterbalancer shaft rotate on needle bearings, and the piston pins are DLC coated.
The gearbox also runs on roller cages instead of bushings.

The engine is housed in a twin-spar aluminium frame. The spars are bolted to the headstock.
However, the swingarm is steel instead of aluminium and pivots on the engine casing.

The forks are 41mm and adjustable for preload, as with the rear monoshock.
Braking up front is handled by a 320mm disc which is gripped by a ByBre four-piston caliper.

ABS is standard, utilising a Bosch two-channel system. Rear ABS can be turned off by pressing and holding the Riding Mode button.
The rims are fitted with 110/70-R17 and 150/50-R17 tyres.

On the electronics front, there are three riding modes, namely ECO, SPORT, RAIN.
Aprilia Traction Control (ATC) is standard and can be adjusted through three levels on-the-fly.

The Aprilia Quickshifter (AQS) is standard for clutchless up and down gearshifts.
A 5-inch backlit TFT is also standard, and the owner can opt for the Aprilia Multimedia (MIA) platform to connect his smartphone for phone calls, music streaming, navigation, and data recording.

Last, but not least, the 2024 Aprilia RS 457 weighs 159kg dry, and a 175kg kerb weight.

There are three colours: Racing Stripes priced at RM35,900, while the Prismatic Dark, and Opalescent Light are both priced at RM33,900.

BMW M RR WSBK Champion Edition 2024 Commemorates Razgatlıoğlu’s Crown

BMW Motorrad launched the BMW M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024 to commemorate factory rider Toprak Razgatlıoğlu’s winning the 2024 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK).

Special edition of the BMW M 1000 RR M Competition with world champion honors

With 18 victories and a total of 27 podium finishes, as well as 527 points at the end, “El Turco” was the dominant rider of the 2024 season, securing the first world championship title for BMW Motorrad Motorsport. The 28-year-old further emphasized his outstanding season performance with six pole positions, 13 fastest race laps, and winning the Pirelli Best Lap Award. For Razgatlıoğlu, this was already his second world championship title in WSBK after 2021, and with a total of 57 victories, he currently ranks fourth in the all-time best list.

Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW Motorrad: “Toprak’s incredible performance, culminating in the world championship title, was a joyful occasion for us to create a genuine replica of his M 1000 RR world champion machine for BMW Motorrad’s motorsport-affine fans. Limited to 54 units, corresponding to his starting number.”

Signed BMW M 1000 RR M Competition in world champion design

The basis for the BMW M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024 is the M 1000 RR
M Competition of the 2024 model year. The M Competition package includes:

Activation code for using the M GPS Laptrigger.
M Motorsport paintwork with the base color Blackstorm metallic.
Maintenance-friendly DLC-coated M Endurance chain.
M Carbon package includes high-quality components made from visible carbon and coated with clear lacquer and the M billet package.
In addition to the standard single rider tail, the passenger package including a carbon pillion seat cover is also included.

All 54 units of the M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024 are equipped with the original design and sponsor stickers of the factory racing machines.
Ilmberger carbon components such as covers for the tank, frame, swingarm, wiring harness, and clutch cover, as well as fairing parts, an exhaust heat shield, and a carbon license plate holder, complement the M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024.
Buyers of the special edition receive a voucher for a matching Akrapovič Evolution Line titanium exhaust system.
All 54 units are consecutively numbered from 01/54 to 54/54, featuring a special graphic commemorating the world championship title on the M Carbon tank cover, and are personally signed by world champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu.

The world champion graphic and the champion’s signature have been sealed with clear lacquer.
Buyers will also receive a meet and greet session with world champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu in person.

The number 1 of the M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024 goes to the world champion himself

While the number 54/54 of the M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024 will remain with BMW Motorrad and will be on display at the BMW Museum in the future, the motorcycle with the number 01/54 goes to world champion Toprak himself.

Toprak “El Turco” Razgatlıoğlu: “Wow, what a season and we became world champions. I can’t thank BMW Motorrad, my team, and everyone involved in this fantastic success enough, and it is a great honor for me to receive the number 1 of the M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024. It will definitely have a place of honor at my home.”

The M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024, equipped with a certificate, is approved in Germany through individual acceptance. The price is EUR 54,000 (RM254,778.95 before duties and taxes, etc., of course!).