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PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team Riders Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli to Receive A-Spec Yamaha YZR-M1 in 2020

Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli of PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team will receive A-Spec Yamaha YZR-M1 bikes for the 2020 season.
The deal was struck at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.
Both riders rewarded Malaysian fans with 1-2 fastest lap times in FP1 and FP2.

Both Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli of PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (PETRONAS Yamaha SRT) will receive A-Spec Yamaha YZR-M1 bikes for the 2020 season.

The team is currently running factory bikes. However, one is A-Spec and the other B-Spec machine. The arrangement is without doubt due to the stellar performances shown by both riders this season.

Although the spotlight had mostly been on Quartararo, Morbidelli has also performed well to score front row starts as well as important points for the team. He was only unlucky to have been taken out a number of times by other riders.

As such, PETRONAS Yamaha SRT is currently lying fourth in the Teams Championship. They are also leading the Independent Teams scoreboard with 58 points clear over the next team.

Running an extra pair of A-Spec bikes is also a positive move for the factory team, consisting of Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinalez. Yamaha will have extra data to speed up development of the factory team, which will also benefit the satellite team.

It’s a homecoming race for the PETRONAS teams (including the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Teams in Moto2 and Moto3) and the partisan Malaysian fans will definitely support them over the weekend.

They weren’t disappointed. Both riders recorded the fastest times in both FP1 and FP2.

Quartararo was the fastest of the pair. First, he set a blistering time of 1m 59.027s in FP1, which was just 0m 00.004s off Dani Pedrosa’s outright lap record of 1m 59.023 set in 2015. Proceeding to FP2, he destroyed the record with a time of 1m 58.576s. The Frenchman could’ve gone faster but appeared to have been held up by Hafizh Syahrin on the next lap.

Quartararo’s feat was even more impressive considering that he’s still recovering from the ankle injury he sustained at Philip Island, Australia last week.

2019 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory Unveiled at 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix

Aprilia Malaysia unveiled the 2019 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory at their booth at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix today.
The Tuono V4 1100 has a firm standing in the supernaked segment.
The engine punches out 175 bhp and 121 Nm of torque.

As promised, Aprilia Malaysia unveiled the 2019 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory at their booth at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix today.

The Aprilia Tuono has always basked in the reputation as one of the original supernaked sportbike. In fact, a new name has been coined, called “hypernaked.” It provides pure 4-Four perfromance: Mountain-high torque, a soul-piercing V-Four soundtrack and handling that’ll make other bikes cry.

Some highlights:

The Tuono got bigger as the engine is derived from its RSV4 1100 brother.
The Tuono V4 1100 Factory is the more exclusive version.
It’s fitted with the most advanced semi-active electronic suspension from Öhlins.

It’s not a plug-’n’-play kit, but was developed and tuned through close cooperation between Aprilia and Öhlins.
The Smart EC 2.0 suspension system has a dedicated ECU to handle suspension functions.
Using the OBTi (Objective Based Tuning Interface), rider can tune the suspension to how it reacts in different situations when riding.

For example, more low-speed compression in the forks under hard braking and vice versa in the rear shock when accelerating.
Suspension settings are calibrated via a switch on the handlebar.
The rider can set the suspension manually, as well.
The steering damping works in tandem with the suspension settings.

Aprilia was one of the first manufacturers to incorporate a holistic approach to traction control in their APRC (Aprilia Performance Riding Control) electronics suite. In fact, it was Aprilia who first introduced a gyro-controlled anti-wheelie and rear-wheel lift mitigation way before IMU-based technology became a common place.

For the 2019 Tuono V4 1100 Factory, it remains unchanged as Aprilia deemed that it was the best in the class, already.

Functions include Aprilia Traction Control (ATC), Aprilia Wheelie Control (AWC), Aprilia Launch Control (ALC), Aprilia Quickshift (AQS), Aprilia Pit Limiter (APL), Aprilia Cruise Control (ACC).

Of course, the bike is equipped with cornering ABS, but of the advanced multimap variety. Developed with Bosch, the 9.1MP system monitors everything from motorcycle lean angle to how much lever pressure is applied and how it is being applied, to determine the best braking solution even when cranked gruesomely over into a corner. The Cornering ABS function also works in tandem with the selected ride mode.

Now over to the engine. As in engine power.

Highlights:

Only naked powered by a 65-degree V-Four engine.
The 65-degree Vee-angle was chosen for its compactness.

Exhaust system with exhaust valve and two oxygen sensors.
DLC (Diamond-like Coating) treatment for cylinder walls.
The engine displaces 1077cc and creates arm-yanking 175 bhp at 11,000 RPM and 121 Nm of torque.

There are much more to the 2019 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory that will take an entire article to explore. You can view the bike at Aprilia Malaysia’s booth at SIC.

The bike is priced from RM 119,900.

2020 Triumph Street Triple RS Launched

The 2020 Triumph Street Triple RS was launched today at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.
It features many revisions and updates.
It is now lighter and more powerful.

The much-awaited 2020 Triumph Street Triple RS was launched today at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.

The 2017 models was the most fun motorcycle we’ve ever tested and we wondered even back then how could Triumph possible make it even better. So kudos to the Hinckley based manufacturer in finding ways to make an already great bike greater.

Some of the lessons learned in Moto2 as exclusive engine suppliers were applied to the 2020 ST RS. As we’ve published before, the Triumph Moto2 engines were derived from the standard engine from the 2017 ST RS. From there it was developed only very lightly by Extern Pro.

The results were staggering. Records fell one by one and a Triumph-engined Moto2 bike hit more than 300 km/h at Mugello earlier this year. It was the first a Moto2 bike ever to hit the triple-ton. Then another three bikes went more than 300 km/h at Philip Island, Australia.

Championship organiser and promoter Dorna had wanted a series with closer racing and Triumph’s Moto2 engine delivered the show. The 2019 Moto2 championship is still open with two races to go.

Highlights of the 2020 Triumph Street Triple RS:

Revisions to the engine boost power by 9%, despite having 2 catalytic converters.
Power is up to 121 bhp and 77.3 Nm of torque, up from 116 bhp and 76 Nm.

Engine response tuned to provide fatter mid-range power and torque.
More responsive throttle.

Smoother powerband results from new exhaust cam.
High-precision machining of the crankshaft, clutch and counterbalancer.

Bi-directional quickshift for up and down shifts.
41 mm fully-adjustable Showa forks and Öhlins rear mono shock retained.

Braking handled by the awesome Brembo monobloc calipers up front, with revised master cylinder.

New TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity for phone and multimedia functions.
TFT screen can also pair with and control GoPro action camera.

5 riding modes are provided: Track, Sport, Road, Rain and rider customizable.
New bodywork (or lack of it) — everything unneeded was pared away.

New “eagle-eyed” LED headlamps with Daylight Running Lights (DRL).

New design rear seat.
The result of the revisions results in a bike that weights just 166 kg dry.
That’s the best power-to-weight ration in its category.

No price was given at the moment, as the bike will only be available from January 2020 onwards. But you can already view at Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia.

2019 BMW S 1000 RR, 2019 BMW R 1250 RS, 2019 BMW R 1250 R Launched

The 2019 BMW S 1000 RR, 2019 BMW R 1250 RS, 2019 BMW R 1250 R were launched today at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.
Only the S 1000 RR with M Sport Package is available at the moment.
The R 1250 R and R 1250 RS adds to BMW’s Boxer family.

The 2019 BMW S 1000 RR, 2019 BMW R 1250 RS, 2019 BMW R 1250 R were launched today at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.

2019 BMW S 1000 RR (from RM 138,500.00 for M Sport Package)

The 3rd-generation S 1000 RR has been long-awaited even before its official launch at EICMA 2018. Suffice to say that it was one of BMW Motorrad’s worst kept secrets!

It’s easy to see why BMW’s superbike is so popular these days. It’s one bike that would go fast as you dare and as slow as you want it to without complaining. It’s also a superbike that you could ride to track, whack off the mirrors and indicators, tape up the headlamps and taillamp, blast around the track, and ride it to work the next day.

The bike launched today is the M Sport Package variant.

Highlights:

999cc, liquid-cooled, 16-valve, DOHC, inline-Four with ShiftCam.
The new lump produces 207 bhp (152kW) at 13,500 RPM and 113 Nm of torque.
The ShiftCam technology varies both valve opening timing but also lift.

Hollow-stem lightweight titanium intake valves.
This allows the bike linear and good spread of power.
But also good fuel consumption at 6.4 litres per 100 km.
Oil pump and water pump integrated as one — saves weight and width.

Suspension is handled electronically by next generation of DDC (Dynamic Damping Control).
The rear shock is moved further back, away from exhaust and engine heat.

A new frame called Flex Frame — with specifically tuned zones of stiffness — provides better grip in corners and feedback.
Leaner fuel tank, narrower midsection for better knee grip and support.

The bodywork has short overhangs — the entire bike sits between the wheels.

More compact dimensions are the goal including engine, frame, tank, bodywork.
Revised exhaust system, engine, and M-lightweight battery.

The M Sport package includes M sport seat, country-specific taillamp, M carbon fibre wheels and lightweight M battery.
The revisions cut weight down to just 193.5 kg from the standard bike’s 208 kg.

Standard electronic rider aid include Rain, Road, Dynamic and Race.
Options are the “Pro Modes” — Pro 1, Pro 2, Pro 3 which includes DTC, ABS Pro, DTC Wheelie Detection, engine torque and engine braking adjustments.

Also available are race assistance modes such as Launch Control and Pit Lane Limiter.
Signature S 1000 RR smooth gearshifts are handled by the HP Shift Assistant Pro (standard).
New 6.5-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity.

BMW Motorrad Malaysia brought in the M Sport package as the introduction as the S 1000 RR is of limited stock worldwide. As such, BMW Motorrad Malaysia will send a bike to each dealer for customers to view and place orders.

The base S 1000 RR will arrive in Malaysia in 2020.

2019 BMW R 1250 RS (from RM 106,500.00) and 2019 BMW R 1250 R (from RM 102,500.00)

The R 1250 RS and R 1250 R completes the BMW Boxer family. The RS is the sport-tourer (the R 1250 RT is the luxury sport-tourer), while the R is the Roadster (naked street bike). We feel that the R 1250 RS’s smaller size will make it easier to ride as a daily commuter, as well.

Highlights:

Features the new 1254cc Boxer with BMW ShiftCam technology.
Produces 136 bhp and 143 Nm of torque.

The engine is also economical, consuming only 4.75 litres of fuel per 100 km.
Two standard riding modes that adapt to riding style.

Automatic Stability Control is standard, as is Hill Start Control.
They also feature Riding Modes Pro which includes Dynamic and Dynamic Pro.

The Dynamic Traction Control ties in with the Riding Modes Pro selection.
New 6.5-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity.

BMW Financing

BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia provides financing for these new bikes. You can ride the S 1000 R from RM 1,690 per month, R 1250 R from 1,250 per month, and the R 1250 RS RM 1,300 per month. These amounts are based on estimates 80 percent loan for 4-year tenure.

Shell and Ducati Celebrate 21st Year of Collaboration with Renewal of Technical Partnership

Shell and Ducati have collaborated for 21 years.
They started in World Superbike before joining MotoGP, as well.
They renewed the partnership to celebrate.

Shell and Ducati are two brands symbiotic with each other.

Time flies and it’s been 21 years of collaboration between the petroleum giant and maker of exotic motorcycles. To celebrate that union, Shell and Ducati announced the renewal of their technical partnership, on the eve of the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.

The partnership began in 1999 during Ducati’s age of dominance in the World Superbike Championship. Since then, they have celebrated championship titles together. Shell followed Ducati when the manufacturer ventured into MotoGP in 2003.

The technical partnership extends beyond the racetrack. Each motorcycle that leaves the Ducati factory at Borgo Panigale in Bologna, Italy is filled with Shell V-Power petrol and Shell Advance engine oil. As such, Ducati recommends Shell fuels and Shell Advance engine oils to Ducati owners.

Back on the track, the awesomely powerful (the most powerful MotoGP bike, in fact) Desmosedici GP uses Shell Advance engine oil. Shell then introduced the new Shell Advance with PurePlus Technology to the bikes four years ago.

MotoGP organisers limit fewer and fewer engines year after year, in an effort to cut down on spending to encourage more teams to join. The effect of this ruling is that manufacturers must make their engines more reliable. Using more engines than the allocated units will result in penalties, which no team regardless of position needs.

Releasing the full potential of the fierce Desmosedici GP’s engine is one thing, but the engine oil must also play an essential and critical role of ensuring reliability. How many times have we seen Ducati MotoGP bikes break down due to engine trouble? Virtually none.

The partnership has secured more than 200 wins in both WorldSBK and MotoGP and they will continue to win more.

Is This How the 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade Looks LIke?

More renders of the 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade are going viral.
One is aggressive, the other an evolution of the current model.
The new bike may be unveiled at EICMA 2019.

It’s probably blasé to say that many are anticipating the arrival of the 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.

While the world held a collective breath and anticipated its unveiling at the recent Tokyo Motor Show, it was a no-show. The only other big show event would be EICMA next Tuesday.

Then, pictures of a prototype howling around the Suzuka circuit began circulating the very next day. We could see a number of revisions although the prototype was wearing a camouflage. Even then we wondered if all those changes will end up on the production bike.

Now there two renders by artists have shown up and going viral in social media ahead of EICMA.

One was posted by BikeThrottle. It’s apparent that the tail section and exhaust pipe arrangement mimic Marquez’s RC213V.

As breathtaking as it is, I feel that it may be stretching the truth a little too far. For one, Honda confirmed that the 2020 CBR1000RR will continue to have an inline-Four engine, thus the “stacked” exhaust system makes no sense. Why do you need to route another exhaust under the tail when there’s no Vee engine configuration? Certainly, Honda could do so like in the CBR600RR, but I think the need for simplicity and compactness would overrule this concept.

2020 Honda CBR1000RR render – BikeThrottle

Apart from that, Honda prefers to design bikes that are pretty by having curvy and clean lines. But we would like to point out that the new bike will feature “aerobodies” on both sides of the fairings, instead of winglets. Those aerobodies were clearly seen on the prototype.

Next, Japanese motorcycle magazine, Young Machine rendered this image below, ahead of its anticipated launch at EICMA. Young Machine had always provided renders that closely match the production bikes. The best example was the 2020 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R which was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Their rendering shows a bike that is a evolution rather revolution of the current bike. The profile of the nose, air intakes and windscreen matches the Suzuka prototype closely. The aerobody is also present in this rendering. However, the gills at the bottom of the fairing are missing.

2020 Honda CBR1000RR render – Young Machine

You can read up about it here if you are Japanese literate.

So which one can we believe? I pick Number 2.

Anyway, there are also rumours that the new bike’s engine will produce between 212 to 220 bhp. Honda took the direction of having lower horsepower on their road bikes somewhere along the way. There were those days when they built the fastest street bikes. But it’s time that the manufacturer consider more ponies especially in this, their flagship sportbike. I hope it dawns on them that it’s time to stop getting owned in superbike racing, and that great handling alone isn’t enough to bring home the silverware.

Rumours and renderings of a new CBR1000RR have been running rampant almost more than any other motorcycle. It shows just how popular the bike is. Besides that, you can just sense the hope for Honda to produce a revolutionary new bike to regain its superbike crown.

EICMA 2019 is just four days away.