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Malaysian media were given a special preview of Italjet’s latest scooter, the Dragster 125 and Dragster 200, ahead of its official launch this weekend.

  • The Italjet Dragster 125 dan Dragster 200 is the most premium and exclusive scooter ever built.
  • The Italian built scooter features unique bodywork and components. 

As previously reported, the Dragster 125 and Dragster 200 share similar bodywork and design language; the primary difference is the engine displacement.

The Dragster 200 features a 181cc single-cylinder DOHC engine, while the 125 trim gets a 124cc single, Euro5 compliant powertrain. 

Power output is claimed to be 17.2hp @ 8,000rpm and 15.5Nm @ 7,750rpm for the Dragster 200, while the Dragster 125 makes 9.2hpp and 10.5Nm.

Meanwhile, power is delivered to the rear 13-inch wheel via an automatic gearbox with belt drive. 

The Italjet Dragster is suspended by a unique independent steering system (ISS) at the front that separates the steering and suspension components. The new feature allows better manoeuvrability for city riding. 

Coming in standard on the Dragster twin is two-channel ABS, Brembo hydraulic callipers mated to a single 200mm disc at the front and 190mm disc at the rear.

Other notable features on the Dragster include bright LED headlights (80,000 lumens to be exact), a 9L fuel tank, a USB port and 140kg kerb weight. 

Meanwhile, Chear Global – the authorised distributor of Italjet’s Dragster in Malaysia – will announce the official price for the two scooters on October 8, 2022. 

Kawasaki UK has officially opened their order books for the 2023 Kawasaki H2R, signalling the arrival of one of the most powerful production motorcycles from Team Green.

  • Kawasaki H2R is a track-only supercharged machine developed by Kawasaki next to the road-legal H2.
  • The H2R makes 326hp and claims a top speed of 380km/h. 

While further detail remains scarce but with more than 300hp, the H2R represents what every manufacturer can do when given the utmost freedom. 

Thanks to its supercharged four-cylinder engine that consumes 200 litres of air a second, Kawasaki claimed the H2R could hit a max speed of 380km/h. 

Nevertheless, we expect the 2023 model year to receive minor upgrades, considering the track-only H2R was already ahead of its time during its introduction in 2015.

The H2R is 20kg lighter than the stock (and road legal) H2 and features slick tyres and a full titanium exhaust. 

We expect the H2R to continue to feature top-notch track components, including Ohlins suspension, KYB shocks and Brembo brakes.

According to Kawasaki UK, interested parties can submit their order for the 2023 Kawasaki H2R with a recommended selling price of GBP50,000 (RM262k). 

Chinese motorcycle manufacturer Excelle is ready to make the jump in the adventure-capable motorcycle with the 450 Rally (ZF450LS). 

  • Excelle 450 Rally is the company’s first attempt at a highly-specialized segment. 
  • The 450 Rally makes 52.3hp and 44Nm. 

The sister brand to Kolove paraded the Dakar-inspired motorcycle in a recent event in which they also revealed the upcoming 800RRR and 800R motorcycle.

Despite no official statement regarding the 450 Rally specifications, Excelle claimed that the 450 Rally makes 52.3hp @ 9,000rpm and 44Nm @ 7,000rpm. 

 According to reports, the 450 Rally features a dual-wing beam steel frame suspended by a 49mm KYB fork and damping-adjustable KYB shock.

In addition, Excelle will offer its customers two different suspension packages to suit their heights and needs.

Meanwhile, the Excelle 450 Rally features a 15L fuel tank, but customers can increase the range with an additional 16L under-seat fuel cell.

Weighing 154kg, the 450 Rally is heavier than KTM’s Rally Replica but is more affordable thanks to its USD6,100 (RM28.2k) price tag. 

EP Manufacturing Bhd (EPMB) received approval from the government to assemble and manufacture electric motorcycles in its upcoming manufacturing plant in Glenmarie, Shah Alam.

  • EPMB plans to manufacture 50,000 electric two-wheelers per year.
  • EPMB will assemble and distribute the Blueshark-branded EVs in the country. 

EPMB, in a statement, said that the firm had received approval from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to produce Blueshark-branded electric two-wheelers in the country. 

That said, the approval will only apply retrospectively from July 25, 2022. 

Nevertheless, EPMB plans to roll out around 50,000 units of Blueshark per year to meet regional demands.

“We expect to commence the construction of the manufacturing plant in early 2023 and target to complete it by Q3 2023.

“The manufacturing facility will not only be technologically-advanced but will also employ at least 80% of Malaysians in the workforce and train them via transfer of skills and technology,” said EPMB Executive Chairman Hamidon Abdullah.

Previously, EPMB has partnered with China-based Sharkgulf Technologies Group Ltd to assemble, manufacture and distribute Blueshark’s electric motorcycles in Malaysia and other neighbouring countries.

(Source: The Edge Markets)

Yamaha is working on a factory bolt-on rally-raiding kit for the Tenere 700 range as part of Yamaha Europe’s Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR) programme.

  • Yamaha Tenere 700 will soon receive GYTR’s specially-built riding aids.
  • The Tenere 700 is Yamaha’s most popular adventure-capable motorcycle. 

 

For those who are unaware, GYTR is Yamaha’s racing division that offers authentic Yamaha performance-oriented components, including bodywork and electronic package for track and motocross riders.

Yamaha’s Leon Oosterhof disclosed the new project to MCN.

“It could be interesting. We are looking into if that could be an option,” he said.

Apparently, the all-new Tenere 700 World Raid played a significant role in spawning the idea of introducing GYTR’s parts for the Tenere 700. 

“That bike had a lot of interest, so that was very motivational for us.

“Sometimes you make a concept and then show it and see how the market reacts and if there’s enough curiosity and interest. We are looking into whether that could be an option.

“In off-road, we are also active with the GYTR programme. 

“So, in motocross, we are almost as active as we are in our R series. We have chassis parts and engine parts – both used by the factory teams. Products derived from those teams are then brought to customers,” Oosterhof added.

In conjunction with the Malaysian MotoGP happening in October, Ducati Malaysia has a special treat for all Ducatisti in the country.

  • Meet and greet Ducati Lenovo Team riders at Ducati Showroom.
  • Take part in a special convoy with Bagnaia and Miller to Putrajaya. 

Ducati Malaysia is organising a meet and greet session with Ducati Lenovo Team rider Francesco Bagnaia and Jack Miller on October 20 at Ducati Showroom, Petaling Jaya.

That’s not even the best bit yet, as you will also get the chance to ride with Bagnaia and Miller from the showroom to the Prime Minister’s office in Putrajaya.

The meet and greet session including the special convoy is strictly for Ducati owners only.

*Jack Miller

Fellow Ducatisti can join in the once-in-a-lifetime experience by scanning the QR code. 

Bagnaia is currently just two points away from claiming his championship lead from Fabio Quartararo after securing a third place finished at Buriram Circuit on Sunday.

*Francesco Bagnaia

MotoGP is set to return to action at Philip Island on October 17 before making its way to Malaysia. 

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