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First look: 2016 BMW G310R – the baby beemer!

After numerous spyshots and being teased as a stunting concept, the worldwide wait for the new small capacity BMW bike is finally over.

Meet the all-new BMW G310R, BMW Motorrad brand’s first ever sub-500cc model that was developed in partnership with Indian manufacturer TVS.

Unveiled online just recently, the new ‘baby beemer’ enters the ever-growing yet lucrative lightweight bikes segment, and will surely stand as a strong rival against segment favourites like KTM and the usuals from Japanese powerhouses. Here’s what we’ve managed to garner so far about this small yet feisty new made-in-India BMW.

As previewed in the concept, the BMW G310R is powered using a newly developed liquid-cooled DOHC 313cc single-cylinder heart with four valves. Unique traits here are its 80mm x 62.1mm bore x stroke figures, followed by its backward-tilted cylinder in open-deck design with the cylinder head turned by 180 degrees, making it possible to position the intake tract at the front.

As a result, the mill develops 34hp at 9,800rpm and peak torque of 28Nm at 7,500rpm. All that power is channelled to the rear wheel using a six-speed constant mesh transmission primed with a wet multi-plate clutch and a chain drive system.

The powertrain is encased within a Tubular steel frame design that was built with a grid structure whilst having a bolt-on rear frame and a long swingarm assembly made using cast aluminium. Up front sees a pair of 41mm telescopic inverted forks that are combined with steering geometry honed towards safe and predictable handling, offering 140mm of fork travel too. The wheelbase stands at 1,374mm with the adjustable rear shock mounted directly whilst boasting 131mm of travel as well.

Next comes a set of lightweight yet strong 17-inch five-spoke wheels front and aft that are shod in 110/70/17 (front) and 150/60/17 (rear) tyre sizes. Anchors come in the form of single discs all round measuring 300mm up front and 240mm in the rear, radially-mounted four-piston caliper in front, as well as the BMW Motorrad ABS suite primed as standard.

Notably, the BMW G310R also gets a decently-sized 11-litre fuel tank, a low unladen weight of 158.5kg and a standard seat height of 785mm. Despite its size, BMW further claimed that the new G310R is capable of reaching a top speed of approximately 145km/h as well.

BMW did mentioned that low and high seat heights are available with optional accessories ranging from 760mm through to 815mm. Other additional accessories available include luggage, top boxes, a centrestand, LED indicators, a 12-volt charging socket and heated grips too.

As far as the design goes, much of the G310R’s lines are inspired by the bigger S1000R streetfighter. The basic paint scheme on offer is a black and white combination with silver highlights, followed by a more premium metallic blue and grey scheme plus a Pearl White option as well.

Excited? So are we, and the news just gets better as insiders at BMW hints at more variants to come soon based on the G310R. That includes a half faired and ‘adventure’ bike versions slated to debut at a later stage.

The new BMW G310R will be debuting at EICMA later this month with markets sales set to commence early next year. We are not sure when it will arrive locally, but all signs indicate that this is one BMW worth waiting for indeed. Check out the extensive gallery we’ve prepared below to see the bike in full detail.

2016 BMW G310R (static)

2016 BMW G310R (action)

Sources BMW Motorrad / Visordown, MCN and MoreBikes

Roland Sands Yamaha MT-09 Faster Wasp unveiled (with video)

The ever popular and acclaimed Yamaha MT-09 has gone under the knife with Roland Sands Design (RSD), resulting in this special one-off Faster Wasp custom concept.

With the reveal, Yamaha further added that this custom is hinting at its newest model based on the MT-09 that will debut at EICMA 2015 this month.

Back to this RSD special, it joins the Yamaha brand’s range of Yard Built custom machineries that are usually followed closely by production model. This RSD-built special follows the footsteps of Shinya Kimura’s Faster Son custom concept (the XSR700 preview) and the Deus Eau Rouge (XJR1300 Racer preview), and it now charts a new chapter in the Yamaha Faster Sons trilogy.

It is plain to see that the Roland Sands Yamaha MT-09 Faster Wasp is more than just a tribute to the famed black and yellow speed-block donned on Kenny Roberts Senior’s legendary TZ750 race bike. Underneath the bespoke aluminium bodywork and is the MT-09’s acclaimed 847cc in-line triple and lightweight aluminium frame. Also exclusive to the Wasp are a whole host of cycle-part updates that are not found on any production model.

Being an RSD creation, it sports plenty of the design firm’s signature elements and traits. These include the hand-fabricated aluminium petrol tank, tail section, intake scoops, radiator covers, front number board and front mudguard fender. The custom also sports a prototype Clarity timing cover, rearsets, rear brake reservoir and case guards, plus chain guard, timing plug, axle sliders and fuel cap.

Sources believe most of these will likely be available as official, or RSD, accessories for the incoming new Yamaha model. Other notable bits and pieces include the Wasp’s forged aluminium wheels, Two Bros Racing stainless steel header with an RSD Slant muffler, Renthal sprockets, Performance Machine radial brake calipers, an RSD radial brake master cylinder and Spiegler brake lines, as well as a custom leather seat is made by the Bitchin Seat Co.

Also primed are a set of RSD Nostalgia handlebar risers plus Renthal Fatbar handlebars with RSD Traction grips. The chassis is further enhanced too thanks to Öhlins fork cartridge kit and rear shock tasked at providing better bike control.

You can check out more of the Roland Sands Yamaha MT-09 Faster Wasp in the video we’ve attached at the top or by browsing the extensive gallery we’ve prepared below.

Roland Sands Design Yamaha MT-09 Faster Wasp

Sources: YouTube, MCN and Visordown

IPONE launches its full product range in Malaysia

The motorcycle industry in South East Asia continues to grow in recent years, with more and more riders reverting back to their motorcycles, not only as a mean of transportation, but also for leisure and recreation. (more…)

First look: 2016 Triumph Speed Triple

After treating fans worldwide with the debut of the all-new Bonneville classic, Triumph has kept its momentum going by revealing the new and improved 2016 Triumph Speed Triple streetfighter range ahead of this month’s EICMA 2015 expo.

We’ve already seen spyshots and reported of the possible updates the new Speed Triple would get, and the result is this heavily revised version for 2016. Firstly, the new models carries new Speed Triple S and Speed Triple R naming schemes for 2016.

Crucially, both versions retain the outgoing model’s chassis but does gain with an extensive update package revolving around its on board electronics and powertrain. Complementing that are a host of mild cosmetic enhancements comprised of sleeker bodywork inspired from the Daytona 675R and a new seat design as well.

For the 2016 model, the Speed Triple gains with a revised 1,050cc triple-cylinder heart that boasts 104 new development. It now offers more power and torque across its entire rev range with fuel efficiency improved by 10%. Highlights here are a new combustion chamber and cylinder head, new machined crank, redesigned pistons and the adoption of new ride-by-wire throttle bodies.

The engine and radiator has been narrowed down in size too with Triumph says grants the entire package with a 20mm narrower standover. Other new bits include a slipper clutch, a smaller new radiator, as well as a revised exhaust system that Triumph claims to have an improved flow rate of 70%.

Triumph has yet to release the official power and torque figures, but sources believe the 2016 Triumph Speed Triple’s revised heart will have at least 140hp.
Perhaps the biggest improvement incorporated in the 2016 Speed Triple is its heavily revamped electronics suite. The update primes the 2016 model with a new ECU and an adjustable ride-by-wire throttle with changeable throttle maps. As a result, the new bike now offers five selectable riding modes: Road, Rain, Sport, Track and a Custom rider-programmable mode. Next up comes the uprated ABS and Traction Control suites that grants riders with selectable levels with both being linked to the riding modes as well.

Updates with the chassis hardware are mild, but there are several notable new bits starting with Brembo monobloc calipers. Next up comes the full compliment of Öhlins suspension all round exclusively for the Speed Triple R, which is comprised of the brand’s NIX30 front forks and TTX36 rear shock.

Also exclusive to the Speed Triple R are several unique and racy exterior trims. These include a carbon-fibre front mudguard, carbon tank inserts and a bellypan. Completing its premium racy looks, the R also boasts new billet-machined bar clamps and risers, swingarm pivot covers and rear wheel finisher, plus a red radiator cowls and a red subframe.

Completing the update are a set of new colour schemes starting with the Speed Triple S model’s ‘Diablo Red’ and ‘Phantom Black’ followed by the R’s ‘Crystal White’ and ‘Matt Graphite’.

We can expect more details surrounding the revised 2016 Triumph Speed Triple range as soon as they make their public debuts at the annual EICMA show in Milan, Italy later this month.

Sources: Asphaltandrubber, Visordown and MorBikes

Honda teases three updated 2016 models

Following yesterday’s report of the Honda CRF250 Rally concept heading to production, Honda has officially teased three updated models that it will introduce for the 2016 model year. Revised for the coming year are the CB500F and NC750S naked bikes plus a revised Integra scooter, with all of which reported destined to debut during EICMA 2015 later this month.

Though the teaser images do not reveal much, Honda did release a few details surrounding each. Here’s what you can expect from the refreshed threesome that’s coming in 2016. More is expected as soon as all three debut in Milan later this month.

2016 Honda CB500F

This should come to no surprise after the firm recently released updated 2016 editions of the CB500X and CBR500R. With the F naked, the entire CB500 family refresher is complete for 2015.

Like its X adventure sport and sport-bodied R siblings, the CB500F naked will receive mild cosmetic enhancements. The most prominent of which will be the presence of LED lighting front and aft.

New on board is an adjustable brake lever, as well as a redesigned ‘lightweight’ exhaust silencer, along with a range of six new vibrant colour schemes. Completing the update are the adoption of new pre-load adjustable front forks and a new fuel tank enlarged by 1-litre to 16.7 litres.

2016 Honda NC750S

After its faired-body NC750X adventure sport sibling, the naked Honda NC750S is set to receive similar updates seen in the X. Leading the list of updated features is a new LCD instrument panel with personalised colour options, as well as the adoption of a newly redesigned and shortened pentagon-shaped exhaust that promises a deeper engine note too.

Variants of the NC750S equipped with Honda’s Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) will offer riders with three sporty levels in ‘S’ mode, each devised to suit different riding styles and scenarios. Also, Honda stated that the NC750S’ parallel-twin heart will now meet strict Euro 4 emissions standards.

Completing the update is a mildly revised exterior design accompanied by LED lighting, plus two new special edition two-tone paint schemes as well. The revised NC750S variant completes the NC750 model series’ 2016 revision after the 2016 NC750X revelation not too long ago.

2016 Honda Integra

Last but not least comes the NC750 series’ maxi-scooter offshoot, the Integra. Like its naked and adventure sport sibling, the maxi also gains with a new LCD instrument panel offering personalised colour options. Aesthetic enhancements remains mild but it will include modern LED lighting front and rear.

Besides the promise of an updated and Euro 4 compliant 745cc parallel-twin engine, variants equipped with DCT will offer three sporty levels in ‘S’ mode yet again to suit different riding styles and scenario.

Though the chassis design is retained, Honda did state that the 2016 Integra will gain further with a new set of Showa fork with ‘dual bending valves’.

Sources: Asphaltandrubber, Visordown ( Link 1 / Link 2 / Link 3 ) and MoreBikes.co.uk

Honda CRF250 Rally coming soon

Japanese motorcycle powerhouse Honda is set to expand the CRF250 dirt bike model range very soon following reports of its intent at putting the Honda CRF250 Rally concept bike into production.

The news comes following patent and trademark files leaked online. No targeted release date was disclosed, but we are led to believe we will see one as soon as EICMA 2015 later this month.

Essentially, the Honda CRF 250 Rally concept underpins the red wing marque’s CRF 250 dirt bike, with the concept donning a new dressing akin to HRC’s Dakar Rally enduro. Minus the enduro-styled aesthetic enhancements, the concept still retains much of the production bike’s mechanicals.

The leaked design patents revealed that the production-bound version gains several predictable changes such as the adoption of a street-legal exhaust silencer and tail light set.

A baby HRC Rally bike replica available for purchase in showrooms worldwide? Count us in Honda!

Sources: Asphaltandrubber via Visordown