Is a new BMW F 850 GT or XR middleweight sport-tourer being tested?
The engine is clearly a parallel-Twin most likely the 853cc unit in the F 850 GS.
This model will fill BMW’s middleweight sport-tourer gap.
Is Motorrad testing a BMW F 850 GT or XR middleweight sport-tourer? BMW Motorrad understands that they need a bike to fill the void of a more accessible middleweight sport-tourer in terms of performance, weight and especially price.
From the pictures, we can deduce that the new bike is equipped with new 853cc parallel-Twin which powers the F 850 GS and F 850 GS Adventure. The prototype bike has a sharp styling like that of the S 1000 XR sport-tourer.
You can also see large side cases (panniers) and top boxes fitted to them. So, could this be the future F 850 GT or F 850 XR to replace the current F 800 GT?
Panniers and top boxes akin to those on the S 1000 XR
The spy shots also show a lowered seat height, complementary of the 17-inch road wheels and shorter, road-oriented suspension. The F 850 GS, on the other hand, wears a 21-inch wheel up front and longer suspension for off-road duties.
Another observation is the taller windscreen with a TFT screen below it. The new sport-tourer ought to feature traction control, cornering ABS, cruise control, quickshifter, Dynamic ESA and LED lighting should it follow the premium F 850 GS’s specs.
We’re guessing that BMW is gunning for the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer GT, but will the German manufacturer match the Japanese’s low price?
Boon Siew Honda has launched the 2019 Honda PCX Hybrid, 2019 Honda Forza 300, 2019 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.
The launch was at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow (KLIMS).
The bikes are part of BSH’s pledge to introduce 12 new models in 2018.
They are among the bikes we’ve waited a long time for but they are finally here. That’s right: Boon Siew Honda launched the 2019 Honda PCX Electric, 2019 Honda Forza 300 and 2019 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade. The launch was at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow (KLIMS), in the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
2019 HONDA PCX HBRID
Launched at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show alongside its EV (electric vehicle) sibling, Honda Japan had planned to market it around Asia this year. The prospect of having a hybrid motorcycle from a major manufacturer is thus exciting. We reported on its initial launch in 2017.
Highlights:
Powered by a 150cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder petrol engine.
The engine is mated to an electric motor.
The motor is assisted by a high-output Lithium-ion battery, in turn.
Besides that, the motor assist system is coupled to an ACG starter.
The petrol engine delivers 14.5 bhp (10.8 kW) at 8,500 RPM and 13.6 Nm of torque at 6,500 RPM.
On the other hand, the electric motor produces 1.9 bhp (1.4 kW) at 3,000 RPM and 4.3 Nm at 3,000 RPM.
The Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) and Idling Stop System (ISS) features provide additional fuel economy.
The 2019 PCX Hybrid features 3 riding modes: Drive (D), Sport (S), Idling OFF (deactivates ISS and maintains D mode power level).
Other features are Combined Braking System (CBS), Honda SMART KEY, full-LED lighting, fully digital console, DC socket for charging devices, large underseat compartment, 8-litre fuel tank.
Only the Pearl Dark Night Blue colour option is available at the moment.
BSH prices it at RM 13,499 (retail selling price exclusive of road tax, insurance, registration fee).
2019 HONDA FORZA 300
The Forza 300 has been Honda’s best-selling maxi scooter in Europe for many years running now. The 2019 model has a new, more aggressive styling with a number of convenient features.
Highlights:
Its 279cc, four-valve, SOHC, water-cooled engine produces 24.8 bhp (18.5 kW) at 7,000 RPM and 27.2 Nm of torque at 5,750 RPM.
31 km/L fuel consumption.
11.5-litre fuel tank.
12 kg lighter than the 2015 model.
Wheelbase is 35mm shorter at 1510mm.
First Honda automatic scooter to feature Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) – equivalent to traction control.
LCD screen with analogue gauges.
ABS is standard.
Honda SMART KEY.
Underseat storage space for two full-faced helmets.
12V charging socket.
Electrically adjustable windscreen.
All-around LED lighting.
The 2019 Forza 300 is available in Pearl Horizon White, Sword Silver Metallic, Asteroid Black Metallic.
BSH prices it from RM 30,999.00 (retail selling price exclusive of road tax, insurance, registration fee).
2019 HONDA CBR1000RR FIREBLADE
The “Fireblade” stands for low weight hence higher power-to-weight ratio since the introduction of the groundbreaking CBR900RR in 1992. Honda says the new CBR1000RR was inspired by the “Next Stage Total Control” concept.
Highlights:
The 998cc, DOHC, 16-valve, inline-Four engine produces 189 bhp (141 kW) at 13,000 RPM and 114 Nm of torque at 11,000 RPM.
Harnessing that power are Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), Selectable Engine Braking (SEB), ABS, Power Selector, and optional quickshifter with Downshift Assist.
A 3-mode Riding Mode Select System (RMSS) combines with HSTC, SEB and engine power.
Mode 1 is for track use, Mode 2 is for winding roads, and Mode 3 for street riding.
There are also 2 rider-customizable modes.
It is available in Grand Prix Red and Matt Ballistic Black Metallic.
Boon Siew Honda prices the 2019 CBR1000RR Fireblade from RM 91,999.00 (retail selling price exclusive of road tax, insurance, registration fee).
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.
