It is based on the bike which won the 2018 Dakar Rally.
Only 75 will be built for rally privateers.
Want to ace the next Rimba Raid rally? Or want to take it all the way to The Dakar? Here’s the 2019 KTM 450 Rally Replica for you.
The 450 Rally Replica is built from the same bike which Matthias Walkner won on in the 2018 edition of the Dakar Rally. However, it is meant for privateers – racers without the bottomless budgets of factory teams.
The 2019 model has been redesigned from the contact patch up with a new chassis to improve mass centralisation.
Additionally, the swingarm, shock linkage and shock, airbox, fuel tanks and seat are new. These items were also redesigned for the theme of mass centralization.
Just as with the Austrian manufacturer’s 2019 450 SX-F, the 450 Rally Replica’s cylinder head has been redesigned for extra power. The gearbox is also new, made to withstand the toughest conditions, according to KTM
As with all KTMs, the 450 Rally Replica is fitted with WP suspension. The front is suspended by WP XACT PRO 48mm forks with closed cartridge cone valve technology. Brakes are of course Brembo.
KTM says they will build the 2019 450 Rally Replica in small numbers – 75 – to be exact. But before you run off to KTM Malaysia to order one, every single unit has been pre-booked.
The new Suzuki Katana is finally revealed in the fourth and final teaser video.
It appears Suzuki have learned their lesson with the later Katanas and have now returned to the bike’s ancestor.
The bike will be officially launched at the Intermot show which starts on 2nd October.
The sword has been unsheathed: The Suzuki Katana finally appears in the final teaser video.
It is apparent from the video that Suzuki is going back to the original 1980 GSX1100 Katana’s design. That’s certainly wonderful news as the later Katanas were so ugly they earned the “Kan-O’-Tuna” pejorative.
Besides, if Kawasaki can go modern retro with their Z900RS, surely Suzuki can too since it was the classic Katana which revolutionized motorcycle design, anyway.
The original GSX1100 was the work of BMW’s ex-Design Chief, Hans Muth. He gave not only the BMW R90S and BMW R100S the distinction of being the first faired production bikes.
It was said that he approached BMW with a concept called “79 Target Design” but was turned down as being too funky. So, Muth brought the design to Suzuki instead and it became one of history’s most iconic motorcycle.
The 1980 Katana’s design changed the convention of motorcycle styling. Apart from the angular bodywork, the “tank/body interface” where the downward sloping line of the rear part of the fuel tank join the forward portion of the seat.
So, heritage is all good and dandy, but where do we go from here?
The new bike’s design still retains some of sharp panels but a little more rounded to feel more contemporary. The silver-coloured bodywork is then mated to a blacked-out frame, engine and swingarm. The seat looks to be a stepped one-piece design, although the more observant among us would probably question the lack of a dual-tone seat.
The exhaust has also gone single-sided instead of exiting on both sides.
The handlebar appears to be high and wide. The rider’s knees seem to be pushed wide apart at the fuel tank. These points may allude to a seating position that’s halfway between a all-out sporty crouch and a totem pole-like upright.
Well, there’s just four days to got to the Intermot show when this went to print. We are just as curious as you about the technical specs of the bike.
Many manufacturers have unveiled their new bikes ahead of the shows.
But there may be more in store.
The end of the year brings MotoGP, heavy rain and touring season to Malaysia. On the international scene, however, the year-end marks the motorcycle show season.
We have reported on many new motorcycles that have broken their cover over the past months, notably the new-Boxer powered BMWs, Moto Guzzi V85 TT adventure bike, new Harleys and many more but they have yet to be officially launched. There are teasers, as well, such as Triumph who have promised the new 1200 Scrambler and Suzuki with their new Katana.
So, we decided to put together a list from A-Z of we expect to see at the Intermot (2nd October), Tokyo Motor Show (27th October) and the big one, EICMA (8th November).
Aprilia
You could very well expect an updated RSV4 superbike. But rumours have been circulating about a 600cc superbike, too. Expect them to be shown off at EICMA as Italian manufacturers prefer to unveil their new bikes on home turf.
BMW Motorrad
BMW is expected to launch nine new bikes for 2019 but it still is not clear whether they would do it at one go or spaced out over the next year.
Like the Italians, the German manufacturers tend to introduce their new bike at Intermot since it is in Germany.
However, models that are sure to be unveiled officially are the new R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT.
Apart from the Boxers, you could reasonably expect the new S 1000 RR superbike which is said to feature a counter-rotating crankshaft, besides being Euro 5 compliant.
There is also talk of the F 800 GS Adventure making its debut.
Ducati
Ducati have since introduced the updated Scrambler Icon (our Editor Sep Irran rode the bike in Tuscany, Italy last week).
Let’s see, what does that leave us with, then? How about the homologation special Panigale V4 R for the World Superbike Championship? Oh yes, that ought to do it.
Energica
We hope the Italian electric motorcycle manufacturer will launch the roadgoing version of their MotoE World Cup racer.
Harley-Davidson
The Motor Company has unveiled their Touring, CVO and FXDR models a couple of months back, but the prototypes of the Pan America adventure bike, Custom 1250, Streetfighter 975 and LiveWire electric bike may make their appearances.
Honda
Computer rendering of CBR1000RR – Courtesy of MCN
There is a heady expectation for the updated CBR1000RR Fireblade to break covers. If that does happen, it should first appear at the Tokyo Motor Show and EICMA later.
Indian Motorcycles
Time to finally unveil the FTR1200 dirt tracker!
Kawasaki
It has been reported that Kawasaki will unveil their bikes at Intermot without waiting for the Tokyo Motor Show. That may signify that Big Green could have something interesting for the European market.
The updated Ninja ZX-10R superbike will surely be there but the Z400 naked sport bike may be launched.
KTM
KTM fans the world over have been holding their breath for the 390 Adventure and 790 Adventure. KTM may also show off updated models to counter BMW’s foray into variable valve timing technology.
MV Agusta
Milan, the city where EICMA is held is just 30 minutes away from MV Agusta’s HQ at Varese. However, there is no news of new models except for the F3 675 equipped with an Inertia Measurement Unit (IMU).
Moto Guzzi
The V85 TT adventure bike has been revealed very recently but it will be the first opportunity for the public to see it in the metal.
Suzuki
Katana concept at EICMA
Oh yes. Suzuki will be present at Intermot ahead of Tokyo. That ought to set alarm bells ringing of something important. How does the new Katana sound?
There has also been lots of rumors about the Japanese manufacturer working on a turbocharged bike to go up against the Kawasaki Ninja H2.
Or how about something wild like a turbocharged Katana? Ooooh.
Triumph
Triumph will launch the new 1200cc Scrambler of October 24th at Hinckley, UK (we’ll be there for it!), and that means it will be launched after Intermot.
However, there have been hints of a new Rocket III and long-awaited replacements for the Thunderbird and America cruisers.
The Moto2 engined Daytona test mule/demonstrator should make an appearance at Intermot.
Yamaha
The Tenere 700 prototype was unveiled at EICMA 2017 and Yamaha has been testing the bike all over the world ever since. This could very well mean they will launch it this year.
KTM Malaysia has launched the 2019 KTM Off-Road Range.
The range consists of SX-F motocross and EXC enduro models.
The bikes are priced from RM 38,500 and up.
KTM Malaysia has announced and presented their 2019 Off-road range.
After revolutionizing the off-road motorcycle scene with in 2016, KTM is back with a more powerful, stronger, lighter, nimbler and innovative 2019 line-up to raise the bar even higher.
2019 KTM SX and SX-F RANGE
2019 KTM 250 SX-F
At the hearts of the new motocross- and supercross-ready SX and SX-F ranges are the potent two-stroke and four-stroke engines derived from the already powerful 2017 model. However, KTM did not just concentrate on the engines, instead almost every aspect of the new bikes was revised to delivery packages that simply walks away from the competition.
The two-stroke engines in the 125 SX, 150 SX and 250 SX are all equipped with new cylinders, that incorporate new power valves. The power valve combines seamlessly with the lateral exhaust port mechanism to deliver a seamless powerband throughout the engine’s RPM range.
The 125 SX, 150 SX, 250 SX-F and 350 SX-F receive a new diaphragm steel (DS) clutch which was developed specifically for off-road riding. Instead of traditional coil springs, a steel plate forms a diaphragm spring. KTM claims the DS is more reliable and requires less effort at the lever.
The clutch basket is one-piece with perforations on the back to reduce weight. Apart from that, the primary gear made from high-strength steel billet to ensure bulletproof reliability. The friction discs are extremely heat-resistant and pre-tensioned by the diaphragm spring.
These changes reduced weight by 190g over normal clutch.
Reliable and Gearbox made by drivetrain specialists Pankl.
The class-ruling 450 SX-F’s engine, on the other hand, receives a new SOHC (single overhead camshaft) cylinder head that is 15mm lower, more compact and 500g lighter. Rigid rocker arms activate four lightweight titanium valves. The intake rocker arms are coated with DLC (diamond-like coating) material. The chain guides are also now low friction items. Together, these improvements yield an impressive 11,500 RPM peak engine speed.
A new Keihin EMS (Engine Management System) with 44mm throttle delivers fuel to the uniquely-placed fuel injector. This set up promotes optimal atomization of the fuel/air mixture for quicker combustion and enhancing throttle response as well as power delivery.
A new frame is also to enhance handling. The new frame consists of hydroformed chromium molybdenum steel tubes that are precision welded by robots. It is tuned for specific flex characteristics to enhance handling, high-speed stability and comfort. It now has a 40mm longer subframe to provide rearward stability to the rider.
Riders and pundits alike swooned over the WP AER forks on the previous bike but they have been improved even further to feature new damping settings. Furthermore, the forks are now clamped in new CNC machined triple clamps that has a stiffer top clamp to mate perfectly to the characteristics of the new frame.
A new 5mm longer swingarm for better straightline stability.
A new CFD (computational fluid dynamics) designed cooling system has also been developed for the 2019 SX models. There are also new protectors to brace against impact and flying debris around the radiators. The radiators have lower centre of gravity.
The seat’s ergonomics has also been revised with silicone strips for more grip (previously available on PowerParts seat only) to provide easy movement for the rider.
Lithium-ion battery for improved starting, lower-weight and long-lasting lifespan.
New fuel pump routing for optimised internal routing.
The benchmarks for performance, playful handling, lowest weight of 100kg were achieved.
2019 KTM XC-W, EXC, EXC-F and EXC-F SIX DAYS RANGE
2019 KTM 300 EXC-F Six Days Edition
KTM offers no less than seven models in this range for enduro racers and trail riders alike, from the lightweight 125 XC-W to the ground-breaking 300 EXC TPI two-stroke, from the agile 250 EXC-F to the extremely powerful 500 EXC-F; besides the Six Days Edition consisting of the 250 EXC TPI Six, 250 EXC-F and 450 EXC-F.
KTM rewrote the rules when the 250 EXC TPI and 300 EXC TPI two-strokes were introduced. The TPI (Transfer Port Induction) engine has its fuel injected directly into the transfer ports via a pair of injectors. Lubricating oil (2T) is not pre-mixed but pumped with air through the crankcase.
Premix (2T) supply regulated electronically regulated and supplied by an oil pump.
As two-strokes are sensitive to differences in air pressure and temperature, fuel and premix supply are compensated for automatically by the ECU.
KTM’s TPI engines are not only more powerful than their peers due to the technology but also less polluting than traditional two-strokes.
The 450 EXC-F and 500 EXC-F engines, on the other hand, are fuel-injected, and with single overhead camshaft. The engine is the most compact 450/500cc engine on the market, yet they produce a mountain of controllable torque.
All 2019 KTM enduro range are fitted with fully-adjustable WP suspension that was specifically developed for enduro riding and competition. The forks are the excellent WP XPLOR 48 upside-down units while the rear is a WP XPLOR PDS shock. They are tuned for damping excellence besides higher sensitivity and bottoming resistance.
KTM now offers Optional Traction Control for the EXC-F range which can be activated on-the-fly. The package is included on all Six Days models.
All 2019 enduro line-up will feature new, bolder graphics as a statement to KTM’s READY TO RACE spirit.
KTM Malaysia is bring in only select models from the 2019 Off-road Range. They are priced at (RM):
250 SX-F priced from RM 38,500.00
250 EXC TPI RM 39,000.00
250 EXC TPI Six Days RM 42,500.00
250 EXC-F RM 44,000.00
250 EXC-F Six Days RM 48,500.00
300 EXC TPI RM 43,500.00
300 EXC TPI Six Days 48,000.00
350 EXC-F RM 45,000.00
350 EXC-F Six Days RM 49,500
450 EXC-F RM 46,000.00
450 EXC-F Six Days RM 50,500.00
Please follow KTM Malaysia’s official Facebook page for more information.
The MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR Pirelli is a limited edition model.
It features many details that pay homage to the famed Italian tyre maker.
No word yet on how many will be built and price.
MV Agusta has a knack for launching limited edition models. Well, as the saying goes, if you have the look, flaunt it. And flaunt it they do with this eye-popping Dragster 800 RR Pirelli.
MV Agusta is always on the cutting edge of motorcycle design and the 2018 Dragster800 RR is a result of that philosophy. However, the bike begs to be customized despite already looking great as stock (especially that truncated tail).
On the other hand, famed tyre maker Pirelli is not a stranger to style, either, so it is only right that these two Italian firms worked on a motorcycle together.
The project started with the bike as a canvas with cosmetic changes added to it. There two models, one in black and yellow and the other in white and blue.
Either way, both models stand as homages to Pirelli brand, therefore there are plenty of Pirelli designed details scattered throughout the bike.
For example, the rub tank pad, passenger seat and instrument cluster nacelle bear the Pirelli Supercorsa SP’s lightning bolt-like tread pattern. The three exhaust tips are coated in a special ceramic paint.
Other cosmetic touches are the yellow or blue power-coated trellis frame, prominent Pirelli stencil, Diablo logo on the tank, vinyl on the rims and specially lettered and lined Supercorsa SP tyres.
There is no news yet of how many MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR Pirelli will be produced and its price. We also wonder if it could appear in Malaysia, given the mess left behind by DNC Asiatic (Demak).
Ducati Malaysia (Next Bike Sdn Bhd) has officially launched three new models for 2018.
The three models are the 2018 Ducati Panigale V4, Multistrada 1260 S, and the new Monster 821.
Prices start from RM60,900 all the way to RM362,900.
The official distributor of Ducati here in Malaysia that is Next Bike Sdn Bhd has officially launched three of their latest bikes for 2018 in the form of the 2018 Ducati Panigale V4 and V4 S, 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S, and the highly-awaited 2018 Ducati Monster 821. The launch was held at the heart of Kuala Lumpur together with their extensive range of models for 2018. (more…)