Suzuki could preview next generation GSX-R model with newly-teased Suzuki GSX concept bound for this year’s Tokyo Motor Show.
Suzuki could preview next generation GSX-R model with newly-teased Suzuki GSX concept bound for this year’s Tokyo Motor Show.
Can-Am has announced that it will be adding two new models to its product range, called the Can-Am Spyder F3-T and Spyder F3 Limited. According to the company, both new models will feature built-in panniers and a four-speaker audio system as standard feature, as well as Can-Am’s UFit system, which enables riders to modify the position of the footpegs and handlebars for the ideal fit. 
Besides the features mentioned above, it is said that the F3 Limited will come with additional goodies such as heated grips, rider foot-boards, chrome wheels and trim and a suede comfort pillion seat. Powered by the same 1330cc three-cylinder Rotax engine used in the Spyder models we have at the moment, the models will be kicking out a maximum output of 115bhp and 130Nm of peak torque.
If you thought that BMW’s S1000XR is as wild as an adventure-tourer can get, let us assure you that something crazier is on its way. Meet the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, a tourer that is based on the manic 180hp 1290 Super Duke R. Expected to be unveiled officially at the upcoming EICMA International Motorcycle Exhibition in Milan in, Italy in October, the bike is still wearing the camouflage present in the earlier sightings. 
From what we can see, it features an orange frame, a black sub-frame, a black exhaust heat shield, and comes with a lower and longer rear subframe than the R. As much as the engine is concerned, we can expect the GT to share the same 1301cc LC8 twin that’s in the Super Duke R, only with different engine mapping to make it more suitable for long distance riding, as well as to help it meet Euro 4 regulations. Other gizmos that are most likely to be offered on the bike include heated grips, semi active suspension with four modes, cruise control and self-cancelling indicators. We believe it’ll have a quick-shifter as standard and Sport, Street and Rain riding modes. 
Sources have also reported that it’s highly likely to have KTM and Bosch’s MSC (Motorcycle Stability Control) cornering ABS system, which will feature four settings – Street, Sport, Rain and Supermoto. It’s also said to have a hill start feature called Hill Hold Control (HHC) and a system called Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) which improves engine braking when climbing. Now, how is that for an adventure-tourer? Excited yet?
Yamaha YZF-R1S: Long-rumoured third variant of the all-new Yamaha R1 revealed in the US and positioned as budget edition. (UPDATE: Made for US market only).
First unveiled at the 2013 EICMA International Motorcycle Exhibition in Milan, Italy following its debut in the Marvel blockbuster ‘Captain America: Winter Soldier’, the Harley-Davidson Street 750, which is the brand’s new entry level model, finally made its debut here after much anticipation in April. Unlike the rest of the models in the stable, Naza Prestige Bikes, the authorised distributors of Harley-Davidson motorcycles in Malaysia said that the Street 750 is aimed at a new target audience for the brand here, specifically younger urban riders.
Another highlight about the Street 750 is that it is assembled in India, and is targeted towards markets where big bikes are booming, namely India itself, China, and the South East Asian region. When the Street 750 was launched at Harley-Davidson Kuala Lumpur showroom at the Naza Automall in Petaling Jaya, Naza Prestige Bikes also introduced a Naza World Customs programme which allows owners to dress up their Street 750 any way they like it. Not one or two, but four customised examples were exhibited at the launch just to give us an idea on what can be done to the bike for about RM6,000.
However, the test unit which we got our hands on last month was the base model with a few aftermarket additions such as the Screamin’ Eagle exhausts, special rims, panniers, as well as a pillion backrest. Powering the Street 750 is Harley-Davidson’s new Revolution X 750cc liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin engine which produces 56 hp at 8,000 rpm and 59 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm, mated to a six-speed belt-drive transmission. The first thing we noticed after sitting on the Street 750 was that the seat is positioned quite low at 720mm. In addition, the fuel tank is also low-slung, making the bike feel very short as the rider’s knees were protruding above the tank while riding, but it was not a bad thing though.
Once we started rolling, the bike felt super comfortable, and due to the low centre of gravity, the bike could be manoeuvred easily without breaking a sweat. However, after about an hour of riding, the rider’s buttocks did want to call it a day, due to the slanting sitting position. What we loved most about the Street 750 is its engine. The output figures might not seem like a big deal on paper but believe us when we say that this thing delivers massive amount of low-end torque. Throughout our stint with the bike, it was a case of “just ask and you shall receive” with the throttle. Power was just delivered instantly and so smoothly that before we knew it, we were clocking speed that could’ve got us into trouble with the authorities.
Regardless of whether we were leaving a traffic light or needed to overtake vehicle, the engine and the six-speed gearbox could be worked easily, with light and precise shifts, which was something quite surprisingly unlikely for a Harley-Davidson. Now, those who are familiar with Harleys know for a fact that smooth gear shifting is not something that these bikes are known for. However, in the case of the Street 750, the company has done a good job in getting it right; ideal for beginners.
As enjoyable as it was to ride the Street 750, it didn’t feel like any other Harley Davidson we’ve ridden before. While we’re all used to the loud, thumping exhaust note capable of waking up a whole neighborhood, the Revolution-X engine was much quieter than what we had expected. Besides that, it was much smoother than other Harleys as well. Although these new characteristics are exactly what Harley needs to help build a pool of future motorcyclists, they might not appeal to the purists.
It was also quite practical for an entry-level model, as it comes with a 13-litre fuel tank, and could be fitted with saddlebags without making the bike look hideous, unlike the Sportster (which was the cheapest Harley-Davidson before the Street 750) that failed miserably in the practicality department. Overall, the Street 750 still had its shortcomings. For instance, the brakes felt too spongy and lacked bite. And then, there were the wires and cables that exposed behind the headlamp, and parts like the fuel cap that felt flimsy.
If these things could be improved, the Street 750 would do more justice to the RM62,888 it is asking for, in our humble opinion. Besides that, things were fine and dandy with the bike. If you’re a beginner and are in pursuit of a middleweight cruiser that offers a world of customization options, the Street 750 may just be the right bike for you.
Specifications of the Harley-Davidson Street 750
Engine: Liquid-cooled 749cc 60-degree V-twin
Displacement: 750cc
Fuelling: Fuel Injection
Max power: 58hp at 7,955rpm
Max torque: 59Nm at 3,790rpm
Front Suspension: Forks
Rear Suspension: Twin rear shocks
Wheelbase: 1,534mm Seat height: 720mm
Fuel capacity: 13-litres Price: RM62,888
Equipment: Shark Skwal LED helmet
