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Ducati has just unleashed the new Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally for 2023.

  • The 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally features a new adaptive ride height function similar to the Harley-Davidson Pan America.
  • Equipped with longer suspension travel and a bigger fuel tank. 

Set to go head to head with BMW’s R 1250 GS Adventure and Triumph’s Tiger 1200 Explorer range, the Multistrada V4 Rally gets more range, better off-road capability and improved comfort.

However, the new variant is born for dirt, as the name suggests. 

New for 2023 is a longer suspension travel that now sits at 200mm, an increase of 30mm. 

In addition, the top-spec semi-active Showa Skyhook suspension also features self-levelling ability. 

Ducati also added a new power mode on the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally that allows for a better riding experience for extreme off-roading. 

The new Enduro Riding Mode reduced the power to just 114hp and adjusted the traction control switches to a lower intervention level. Wheelie control and rear-wheel ABS are also deactivated to adapt to off-road riding. 

However, peak power and torque remains at 170hp @ 10,500 rpm and 125Nm @ 8,750rpm.

The new Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally also comes with spoked wheels as standard, a feature that is an option on the V4 S.

Coming on to the best bits, the new Multistrada V4 Rally is slapped with a massive 30L fuel tank, pushing the bike’s range to about 370 kilometres. 

According to Ducati, the Granturismo V4 engine now features rear cylinder deactivation that’s not only operates during a standstill but also while riding gently. The new feature can help to boost the bike’s fuel economy.

Also new on the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally is the introduction of an adaptive ride height function similar to the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250.

The suspension will lower the bike’s height when the ignition is turned on, making it easier to get on and off the motorcycle. 

Spy shots from the next generation Yamaha Tracer 9 GT was circulated online in July and showcased the sports tourer getting a major upgrade.

  • 2023 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT to feature radar-assisted cruise control.
  • Patents confirmed the radar unit to sit between the front headlight. 

Reports from reputable media at the time, including CycleWorld indicates that the Tracer 9 GT will feature radar sensor technology. 

However, latest development has confirmed that the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT is getting the  radar technology according to a new patent.

That said, this suggest that the Tracer would become the most affordable (or least expensive) motorcycle to feature the fancy radar-assisted adaptive cruise control and emergency braking systems.

More importantly, Yamaha did a great job to hide the ugly electronic unit as opposed to the Ducati’s Multistrada V4, KTM’s 1290 Super Adventure S and BMW’s R 1250 RT.

Based on the patent, the radar unit can be seen nestled between the Tracer 9 GT’s lower headlights.

Also, Yamaha fitted a thin cover in front of the hardware to ensure better protection from mud, gravel, water or insects from hitting the sensor directly.

In addition, if the thin cover is scratched or chipped, it can be cheaply replaced. 

Yamaha is likely to introduced the new technology to the 2023 Tracer 9 GT.  

We knew that a bigger version of Kawasaki’s ZX-25R is on its way and it will be called the ZX-4R.

  • Kawasaki Indonesia to launch a new motorcycle on October 1, 2022.
  • The motorcycle is likely the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R. 

We also knew that Kawasaki has filed a trademark application of the ZX-4R in various countries including in North America and Asia, signalling the arrival of the new motorcycle.

What we don’t know is that Kawasaki plans to introduced the ZX-4R much sooner than we predicted.

According to a new teaser video posted on Kawasaki’s Indonesia social media account, there is a new Ninja ZX on its way this October. 

To be fair, the 30 second video provides little hints aside from revealing the ZX nameplate.

So far, Kawasaki already updated its current ZX range, including the ZX-25R, ZX-6R and ZX-10R. 

That said, the new product launch is likely to be the upcoming Ninja ZX-4R inline-four motorcycle. 

If the reports are true, then we have something to be excited about for 2023. 

In conjuction with Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) achievement of producing five million motorcycles since 1979, the company celebrates the new milestone by introducing a special edition Yamaha 135LC Fi 5MRO Malaysian Edition.

  • HLYM rolls out 5 million motorcycles since 1979.
  • Limited edition Yamaha 135LC Fi 5MRO Malaysia Edition is priced at RM9,198. 

The limited run motorcycle features the Malaysian flag colourway while also fitted with special components including Yamaha Premium Basket similar to the one found on the 135LC Fi SE. 

According to HLYM, only 5,000 units of the limited edition motorcycle will be on sale beginning mid-October 2022. 

All units will come with a unique serial number from 5,000,001 to 5,005,000 and is priced at RM9,198 (excluding registration and insurance).

Meanwhile, Group Managing Director of Hong Leong Industries Berhad and Managing Director of HLYM, Dato Dr Jim Khor Mun Wei pointed out that this was HLYM’s fastest million-milestone ever achieved. 

That said, it is a strong indicator that the Yamaha is still the most preferred brand in the country. 

Meanwhile, every purchase of the new Yamaha 135LC Fi 5MRO Malaysia Edition is entitled to received Yamaha disc lock and a special commemorative 5MRO Bomber Jacket. 

Triumph Motorcycles has announced its plans to compete in the FIM Motocross World Championship starting in 2024.

  • Triumph Motorcycles to compete at the 2024 MX2 and 2025 MXGP.
  • Triumph set to unveil an all-new 250cc 4-stroke MX racebikes and 450cc bikes soon. 

The British brand will feature in the prestigious race with a factory race programme under an all-new Triumph Racing banner.

Ensuring Triumph Racing Team is up an running smoothly, the brand has teamed up with experienced team owners, Thierry Chizat-Suzzoni.

Triumph will also field two all-new 250cc 4-stroke MX bikes in the MX2 class followed by an entry into the 450cc MXGP class in 2025.

“Our new partnership with Thierry demonstrates Triumph’s long-term commitment to competing at the highest levels of racing. 

“We share a passion for delivering world-class performance, and the experience Thierry and his team bring will prove invaluable in our ambition to make our mark on a very competitive championship. 

“Our entry into the FIM Motocross World Championship with a Factory supported Triumph Racing team signifies a landmark moment at the beginning of our new top-tier off-road racing campaign,” said Nick Bloor, CEO Triumph Motorcycles.

Meanwhile, Chizat-Suzzoni are also excited about the upcoming project in MX2 and MXGP.

“Triumph have made a major commitment to build an MX bike and go racing in the FIM World Motocross Championship. 

I am happy that my team is going to be the official Triumph Racing Team in MX2 and MXGP. Nick Bloor and the Triumph Board of Directors have made their long-term ambitions for the project very clear and I see a huge amount of passion from everyone at the Factory. 

“I am happy with progress on the bike, it looks great, has speed on the track and Vincent and my staff are working with the engineers at Hinckley on building it into a competitive package for entry into the MX2 Championship in 2024. 

“MXGP continues to grow around the world, I am very happy to be back and looking forward to going racing with Triumph,” he said. 

MForce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd recently launched the new MForce Smart Shop SH Bikers showroom in Sri Kembangan.

  • Brixton Cromwell 1200 is to be available in Malaysia soon.
  • Features 1200cc two-cylinder engine capable of producing 80hp and 110Nm. 

During the launch, MForce also previewed the all-new Brixton Cromwell 1200 from Brixton Motorcycles.

For those not in the loop, Brixton Motorcycles is a brand owned by Austrian-based KSR Group. However, the manufacturing plant is located in China to ensure the brand remains affordable for the global market.

Nevertheless, the Brixton Cromwell 1200 (codename GK1200) first appeared at the 2021 EICMA show in Milan. 

The Cromwell 1200 is equipped with a 1,222cc parallel-twin SOCH liquid-cooled engine capable of pushing around 83hp @ 6,500rpm and peak torque of 110Nm @ 3,000rpm.

The retro machine adopts the same basic design as the iconic Triumph Bonneville, with a circular headlight, flat seat, spoke wheels and two long chrome exhausts running parallel to the ground.

Mechanically, the Cromwell 1200 features KYB suspension, Nissin brakes, Bosch electronics including ABS, traction control and multiple riding modes. 

It also packs with full LED light setup and a TFT display.

The bike is also fitted with cruise control, making it suitable for a long trip. 

According to MForce, the bike is still in testing stages and is currently undergoing an endurance test to ensure it passes all the requirements before being put on sale in Malaysia.

The Brixton Cromwell 1200 is said to be available for around RM50k once it is officially launched in Malaysia. 

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