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Motorcycle Show Season for 2019 Motorcycles

It is motorcycle show season again.
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 (2^nd October), Tokyo Motor Show (27^th October) and the big one, EICMA (8^th 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

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 24^th 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 Launches 2019 KTM Off-Road Range, Priced from RM 38,500

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

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

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.

MV Agusta Presents Dragster 800 RR Pirelli

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).

Demak shuts down: What could have happened to this promising Malaysian motorcycle builder?

Ducati Malaysia launches THREE new bikes! From RM60,900

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…)

PDRM: Marshals Have No Right to Stop Traffic During Convoys

Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) has again warned that marshals are not to direct traffic during convoys.
Marshals can only exist with Traffic Police escort.
Also, convoy organizers must apply for the right to convoy with the Traffic Control Division (Bahagain Kawalan Lalulintas).

Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) has once again reminded that marshals in motorcycle convoys are prohibited against stopping or directing traffic.

The post in PDRM’s official Facebook page also stated that the use of marshals in competitions, convoys or programs on public roads must be accompanied by the Traffic Police.

Members of the public or road user are considered in violation of this specific order if they request right of way, stop traffic, redirect traffic or other such activities.

Furthermore, ride marshals are not allowed without the presence of police escorts. Marshals are also not allowed to direct traffic in the presence of police escorts. Rather, the marshals’ duties are to ensure the ride participants adhere to traffic rules.

The police will act against individuals who attempt to control traffic flow without police escort under Section 21 of the Police Act (1967) or Section 79(2) Road Transport Act (1987).

Bikes Republic has also placed a called to the PDRM’s Traffic Control Division (Bahagian Kawalan Lalulintas) at their headquarters in Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur to seek confirmation on the matter. The need to apply for organizing convoys has existed for many years.

We were told that every motorcycle convoy must be applied to the aforementioned division ahead of time for approval. Besides that, Traffic Police escort is specifically for matters of national importance, thus escort for motorcycle convoys is due to the discretion of the PDRM.

Bahagian Kawalan Lalulintas can be reached at 03-22663358. You may submit your applications by hand to:

Bahagian Kawalan Lalulintas

Tingkat 1, Menara 1

Ibu Pejabat Polis Diraja Malaysia

Bukit Aman

50560 Kuala Lumpur.

Moto2: Triumph Hands Over Engines for 2019

Triumph has handed over the Moto2 engines to their technical partner over the Aragon GP weekend.
Technical partner ExternPro will build and maintain the engines throughout the season.
The handover signals the end of development and the beginning of a new Moto2 era.

Triumph has officially handed over the first batch of engines that power the Moto2 field in the 2019 season. The engines were presented to Triumph’s technical partner ExternPro who will build and maintain them. The ceremony was carried out at ExternPro’s base at Motorland Aragon ahead of the weekend’s races.

The handover signifies the end of the engine’s development for the 2019 season. The engines will be assembled by ExternPro and installed into the individual chassis makes in Moto2, namely Kalex, Speed Up, Tech 3, NTS and KTM.

While it is the end of the race engine development, it is the beginning of a new era for the Triumph 765cc Triple in the intermediate class and re-entry of the Hinckley-based marque into motorsports, albeit as an engine supplier.

The new engines will be ridden in anger the first time during the Moto2 Winter Test from 23^rd to 25^th November 2018 at Jerez, Spain.

Triumph’s Chief Product Officer, Steve Sargent said, “The excitement and positive response already seen from our customers, the army of Triumph fans worldwide and in the Moto2 paddock has shown us how powerful this partnership will be for Triumph.”

“For me this is just the beginning as we will continue to support the engine programme and feed the key learnings into our motorcycle development, particularly in our class-leading Street and Speed Triples.”

(A Moto2-inspired Street Triple? Shaddup and take my money – Ed.)

As we reported earlier, the Triumph 765cc inline-Triple Moto2 engine carries over many stock parts from the Street Triple including the pistons, cams, crankshaft and conrods. The engine will then be hooked up to a Dorna-issued Magneti Marelli standard ECU which features traction control, launch control and quickshifter with autoblipper for the first time in Moto2.