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First Look: 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT

The 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT was unveiled to the Asian Pacific Media tonight (Monday).
The bike represents the company’s re-entry into the dual-purpose segment.
While it encompasses the company’s DNA, it’s a modern bike throughout.

The 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT made (huge) waves since its launch. We were looking forward to its launch in Malaysia but received something even better: Attending the Asia Pacific Media Launch in Phang Nga, Thailand.

Before going further, Moto Guzzi did enter the Dakar Rally and Baja Rally many decades ago, but there was hardly any news about their involvement.

Those bikes were painted in yellow and white plus another in red and white. That is why the V85 TT includes two special paint schemes apart from three standard colours.

Anyway, listening to Moto Guzzi’s executives’ presentation made us realize that the manufacturer is also very excited (and hopeful) in introducing this model. To Italians, it would be described as passione (passion).

The bike is an entry into the middleweight dual-purpose segment. However, since Moto Guzzi is the “heritage” arm of the Piaggio Group, the V85TT gets a retro dual-purpose treatment.

The new bike’s heritage extends all the way back to the 1962 Lodola Regolarita, 1985 V65 TT Vestiti Baja, 1996 Quota 1000 and Stelvio 1200. Thus, the manufacturer describes the V85 TT as a dual-purpose with the Moto Guzzi’s DNA and identity.

However, rather than build an off-road-centric bike, the V85 TT was designed to be an all-rounder to fulfill the rolls of a tourer, leisure-bike, sporty bike and commuter. As such, the “TT” moniker means tutto terreno, Italian for all-terrain. (No, not that dude in Fast & Furious.)

But it is a modern bike throughout.

The electronics include three rides modes: Road, Rain and Off-Road (turns off the rear wheel’s ABS). There is also cruise control. The dash display uses a 5.3-inch TFT screen which looks shared with Aprilia. Lighting is LED all-around.

The engine is an 853cc, air-cooled, 90-degree transverse V-Twin which produces 80 hp (CV) at 7,750 RPM and 80 Nm of torque at 5,000 RPM. It’s adopted from the company’s V9 but has a different tune. Being a dual-sport, Moto Guzzi tuned the engine for a flat torque curve for better tractability rather than all-out horsepower. Other updates include titanium intake valves, a 30% lighter crankshaft, dual scavenging oil pumps. The pushrods are aluminium, actuated by roller tappets.

As for the chassis, the frame is made of steel tubes. The front suspension is adjustable for rebound only, while the rear piggyback shock is adjustable for preload and rebound. The front brakes consist of four-piston Brembo calipers.

Moto Guzzi was eager to highlight the engine’s efficiency, in terms of fuel savings. The 23-litre fuel tank is claimed to provide more than 400 kilometres of riding.

In a nutshell, the bike gives Moto Guzzi a dual-purpose/adventure-tourer after the discontinuation of the Stelvio 1200.

The bike looks handsome and much better up-close than in pictures. Stay tuned for our riding impression and full review.

PICTURE GALLERY

2019 TVS Apache RR 310 Launched in India

The 2019 TVS Apache RR 310 was just launched in India.
It now has a slipper clutch.
A new Phantom Black colour option is also added.

The 2019 TVS Apache RR 310 was just launched in India.

The bike had previously been thought as the “RR” version for the BMW G 310 series, but it turned out to be otherwise.

New for 2019 is a slipper clutch which is starting to be the standard equipment in bikes from 250cc and upwards. A slipper clutch avoids the rear wheel from locking up and hopping during aggressive downshifting. It also allows for smoother corner entries, hence higher mid-corner speeds – something which lightweight motorcycles need.

There was no mention of an assist function, however. Opposite of the slipper function, an assist function squeezes the clutch plates together during acceleration. Consequently, clutch pull is lighter.

A new colour is also available for the 2019 version called “Phantom Black.” The previous year’s paint scheme already includes a black option. However, the 2019 Phantom Black has red stripes, making the bike look racier.

The 312.2cc single-cylinder engine produces 34 hp and 27.3 Nm of torque. Pretty healthy for a single.

We’ve oft-wondered if TVS Malaysia will bring in the Apache RR 310. They ought to if there is enough demand.

Dani Pedrosa to Begin Testing for KTM in June

Dani Pedrosa will begin his MotoGP testing duties for KTM in June.
It will be sigh of relief for the Austrian manufacturer.
They had hoped for Pedrosa’s input in improving the RC16 MotoGP racer.

Dani Pedrosa will begin his MotoGP testing duties for KTM in June.

Pedrosa signed on as KTM’s test rider after retiring from the Repsol Honda factory team and active racing after last season. The Austrian manufacturer had hoped for his input on improving the RC16 MotoGP bike. Alas, Pedrosa broke his collarbone which required surgery and stem-cell treatement. After an all too long recovery period for KTM, Pedrosa rode an RC16 at Mugello to gauge his recovery.

The news was conveyed by KTM MotoGP technical chief Mike Leitner.

We imagine this piece of news will be happily greeted by KTM, given the lack of better results by the new manufacturer’s new riders in MotoGP.

Two-time Moto2 champion and 2017 Rookie of the Year Johann Zarco has suffered to no end as he couldn’t gel with the bike. His frustrations got the better of him until he was caught calling the bike’s chassis and electronics “sh*t” during the Spanish GP. He was later chastised by KTM CEO Stefan Pierer.

Hafizh Syahrin who nearly captured the 2018 Rookie of the Year is also having a hard time by qualifying and finishing consistently in last place. Syahrin’s Red Bull KTM Tech 3 Racing teammate Miguel Oliveira fared better by finishing a number of races just behind longtime KTM rider Pol Espargaró but found himself finishing just ahead of Syahrin in the last race in France.

Only Espargaró has done reasonably well by crossing the line in 6^that the same French GP.

KTM hopes Pedrosa will provide the necessary input to fast-track the development of the RC16.

2019 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Iron Ready to Rumble in Malaysia

The 2019 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Iron has arrived at Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya (HDPJ).
The new bike features a new headlamp fairing, handlebar, graphics and paint scheme.
It also includes the Harley-Davidson Smart Security System and anti-lock braking system (ABS).

The 2019 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Iron has arrived at Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya (HDPJ).

The Iron 1200 recipe starts with power. A 1202cc Evolution® 1200 V-Twin engine delivers 36 percent more torque (73.0 ft. lbs. vs. 53.8 ft. lb.) than the 883 Evolution engine that powers the Iron 883, the original urban brawler in the Sportster family. The Iron 1200 brings more punch to the street fight – more power to blast away from green lights and more mid-range to muscle through traffic. More power for more rowdy fun.

The satin-black Mini Ape handlebar is an essential element of the garage-built chopper look that adds instant attitude. This 1.0-inch diameter handlebar offers an 8.75-inch rise, 32-inch spread and 6.5-inch pull back, that opens the rider triangle with a fist-in-the-wind posture. The gloss black speed screen framing the headlamp is a West Coast styling influence that amplifies the attitude of the tall bars, is intended to offer some wind deflection at speed and provides a space for easy personalization. The fast-back Café Solo Seat flows to the rear fender and is shaped to help hold the rider in position when the torque of the Evolution 1200 kicks in.

A classic 3.3-gallon (12.5-litre) Sportster fuel tank features multi-colored striped graphics that wrap around the tank profile. The dark engine finish helps draw the eyes to the bright tank graphics. Fuel tank paint color options include Vivid Black, Twisted Cherry and Billiard White, always contrasting with the Vivid Black speed screen.

The entire powertrain has been styled with a popular color: black upper and lower rocker boxes, black exhaust and muffler shields, and black timer, primary and derby covers. Chrome pushrod tubes and tappet covers are the only brightwork and highlight the V-Twin engine shape. The Iron 1200 is finished with all-black 9-Spoke wheels (19-inch front and 16-inch rear diameter) and a solid black belt guard and rear sprocket.

The Harley-Davidson Smart Security System and anti-lock braking system (ABS) are factory- installed options for the Iron 1200 model.

The Evolution 1200 engine features a black top end and an expanse of brilliant chrome below, including chrome primary, inspection and derby covers, and solid chrome muffler and exhaust shields. Chrome lower rocker boxes, pushrod tubes and tappet covers contrast with the black cylinders to highlight the V-Twin engine shape. High-performance Michelin Scorcher 31 tires front and rear are mounted on Black Split 9-Spoke cast-aluminum wheels (16-inch diameter front and rear).

Since its introduction in 1957, Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycles have been repeatedly reimagined, in the hands of both the Motor Company and bike owners: As a bobber, a chopper, a scrambler and a café racer; as a hero on flat tracks and drag strips and road-race courses; as an accessible entry-point for first-time riders, and as a custom-of-one cruiser.

New fuel tank graphics distinguish both the Iron 1200 and the Forty-Eight Special, and combine bold color stripes with a formal typeface, color and graphic elements originally popular in the 1970s.

“With its introduction and showcased at the showroom, we welcome everyone to come over and see it for themselves for a limited them as this particular unit already has its owner. In addition to the Iron 1200, H-D Petaling Jaya is also hosting their 1st Anniversary Carnival this weekend, and we would like to invite everyone to come over to our showroom” said Ahmad Rano, the Head of Sales for H-D PJ.

They are offering rebates up to RM28,000 on selected Touring models, interest rate as low as 3.6%, and garnished by 2 years factory warranty. Along with 30% discount on General Merchandise and selected Parts & Accessories. So come on down to Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya 1st Anniversary Carnival from 25th to 26th May, starting at 10 AM until 5 PM.

MV Agusta Superveloce 800 Confirmed

The MV Agusta Superveloce 800 has been confirmed for 2020.
The concept first appeared at EICMA 2018.
It’s an F3 800 with a retro touch.

We first saw the MV Agusta Superveloce 800 in concept form at the EICMA 2018 show. Now, the manufacturer has given the green light for the project.

MV Agusta posted this message on their social media: “We feed your desire. The MV Agusta Superveloce. Coming 2020.” The Italian marque seems to have decided on the go-ahead due to the positive response they received after unveiling the concept.

The Superveloce 800 shares the Brutale F3 800’s platform but is given a retro treatment. The bodywork is not just a simple bolt-on job as the styling extends all the way to the tailsection, ending with a rounded taillight.

If the final production model follows the concept, it should include the three megaphone exhaust tips. The new TFT display should also be present. Apart from those, lighting will definitely be LED all-around.

However, if there is one thing MV Agusta ought to do is also roll out a new three-cylinder engine. the 800cc triple has been around for many years now.

BMW Motorrad Cruiser Range to Debut This Year

BMW Motorrad are planning to debut a whole cruiser range this year.
They showed off the R18 Concept as a precursor.
The new bikes should be powered by a new 1800cc Boxer engine.

The BMW Motorrad cruiser range is set to debut this year.

The Bavarian manufacturer has already provided the new 1800cc Boxer engine to Custom Works Zon and Revival Cycles to build custom motorcycles around it, but they had not built their own motorcycle during that time.

But BMW now shows off the R18 Concept which was designed and built in-house. They are keen to entice cruiser and custom fans to think German, rather than American.

The R18 Concept harks back to the 1936 R5. Running on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, the bike is stripped of superfluous parts, leaving a pure motorcycle. Some nice touches are the chromed cylinder head covers, chromed R18 badge on the engine’s transmission case, final drive shaft, teardrop tank, pinstriped fork covers, cantilever rear shock and chromed fishtail exhausts, among others.

The frame takes the appearance of the R5’s “hardtail” but there’s actually a working rear frame for the rear wheel. (Think Triumph Bonneville Bobber.)

“This bike is not about being the fastest,” says Edgar Heinrich, BMW Motorrad Head of Design. “This bike is about making an analogue statement in a digital age. BMW has a rich history of iconic motorcycles and they bear the same design characteristics. We believe that this can still work well today, together with current technology.”

Will this spark another cruiser revolution in Malaysia? We certainly hope so.

Source: MCN