QJMotor is ready to set foot in Europe after successfully passing the safety and emission regulations.
QJMotor to enter Europe with three new models.
QJMotor is betting on the SKR700, SKR400 and SRV550 for its first batch of bikes to reach Europe.
For those who are not in the loop, QJMotor (Qianjiang Motorcycle) is a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1985.
While the brand is less known in Europe, its subsidiary, Benelli, has been making waves, especially in Italy, with the TRK 502 emerging as the top-selling bike in the country.
That said, QJMotor wants a piece of the pie and is ready to explore the European market by the end of 2022.
Several models, ranging from small capacity motorcycles up to 800cc adventure bikes, have just been awarded European type approval.
According to reports, the first batch of bikes set to reach Europe is the SRK700, SRK400 and the SRV550.
However, the SRK700 is the most unique as there is no Benelli equivalent and runs on a 689cc parallel-twin that makes 74hp peak power and 55Nm of torque.
QJMotor also claimed the SRK700 hit both peaks of power at lower RPM than the Yamaha MT-07.
In addition, the SRV550 shares the same parallel-twin engine that MV Agusta uses in their Lucky Explorer 5.5.
Since its introduction, the Gelande Strasse nameplate has been BMW Motorrad’s most successful motorcycle.
To this day, the GS is considered the most popular adventure motorcycle of the modern era while also setting a benchmark in the adventure bike segment.
That said, the R 1250 GS sits comfortably on top of the food chain despite numerous attempts by other manufacturer to try and have a piece of the throne.
Currently, the R 1250 GS is available in various trims and colours, but BMW up the ante with the latest rendition revealed at the Alpes Aventures Motofestival.
Exclusive to the French market, the BMW R 1250 GS Spirit of GS Edition is limited to just 1,250 units, all of which will be sold exclusively in the country.
The limited edition motorcycle set itself apart from the base R 1250 GS with several key features, notably the new colourway.
The Spirit of GS edition features grey and orange accents creating an eye-catching aesthetic.
Also, the bike gets black and orange side scoops, wheel accents and an aluminium handguard as standard. BMW also stamped the serial number on the handlebar clamp to remind you of its rarity.
Other notable features include a smoked windscreen, engine spoiler and engine crash guard.
The 2022 BMW R 1250 GS Spirit of GS Edition is priced at EUR27,990 (RM127k).
If you are wondering what Aveta is, fret not because you are not alone. Up until the point when we received the invite from Aveta to test ride their latest product, we had never heard of the brand before either.
So what is Aveta? Simply put, it is a Malaysian brand that localises China made motorcycles, specifically, it rebadges Rato motorcycles that are made in China.
Rato is part of the CHONGQIN Rato Group and has been building motorcycles and engines since 2007.
But the Aveta brand was born in Malaysia in 2019 to reassemble the motorcycles in Malaysia.
We all know what happened after 2019, so it is no wonder that not many have heard of the Aveta brand.
But the company persevered and survived the pandemic. Not only did it survive but it has introduced new models, and is currently selling about 1,000 – 1,500 new motorcycles a month. Which is an astonishing figure.
It looks like a Honda RS or RSX that has undergone a slimming program and is now leaner, but that 175cc engine is zippy and has a rev happy character.
It produces about 17hp and 15.5Nm of torque and comes with a 6.6-litre fuel tank. We only got to ride it for about four kilometers, so there really is no telling whether it sips or chugs fuel. A longer test ride is needed to ascertain that.
That rev happy engine is connected to a six-speed multi-plate gearbox. And the powertrain only has to manage a 113kg package. Our 80kg rider came away singing praises about the engine so that says a lot about its capability.
Stopping power is provided by discs front and rear while suspension duties is managed by a telescopic fork up front and a monoshock at the rear.
In terms of features, the SVR 180 comes with a digital LED screen and a USB socket that is able to charge a phone on the move, which gives it a level or practicality that is well suited to the urban environment or for food delivery riders who are always on the go and need their gadgets constantly charged.
At RM9,980, the Aveta SVR 180 seems to check all the boxes. You may think that the price is quite expensive, and you would not be wrong either because at that price point, there’s quite a lot of options from the competition from Japan.
But if you have not already heard, there’s a long waiting period for most motorcycles due to the global semi-conductor shortage, the Aveta SVR 180 though, is available immediately.
Six-time MotoGP world champion, Marc Marquez will return to racing this weekend, it has been confirmed.
Marc Marquez will return to racing at MotorLand Aragon this weekend.
Takaaki Nakagami to remain with LCR Honda after agreeing a 12-month deal.
The Spaniard will be back on board the RC213V at this weekend’s MotorLand Aragon for the first time since June following the Italian Grand Prix.
Marquez rode a Honda CBR600RR at the Aragon kart track before completing the full two day testing at the Misano Test last week.
“After numerous check-ups, consultations and tests, all involved are satisfied with the recovery made and the #93 will now take the next step in his rehabilitation – returning to competition,” said Honda in a statement.
Despite missing 110 days from the world championship, expectations for the rider is still high upon his return this weekend. The 29-year-old has a fantastic record at Aragon, winning every year between 2016 and 2019. The circuit even named Turn 10 after the rider.
Nevertheless, this weekend race is all about getting back to full race fitness as confirmed by his team.
“The objective for the weekend will be to continue improving Marquez’s bike fitness and assessing his performance during the intensity of a Grand Prix weekend and race,” said Honda.
Meanwhile, Takaaki Nakagami will feature at next season’s MotoGP after agreeing a 12-month deal with HRC.
The 30-year-old will remain with LCR Honda IDEMITSU until the end of the 2023 season.
That said, the confirmation ends all rumours regarding his future at the team.
Honda has unveiled its plans for electrification including the introduction of 10 new electric motorcycles by 2025.
Honda to introduced 10 new electric motorcycles by 2025.
New electric models include Fun EV, a large capacity electric motorcycles.
Honda Motorcycle: Carbon Neutrality through Electrification
The announcement also include the Japanese firm’s effort to meet carbon neutrality by 2050.
“Honda will accelerate the electrification of motorcycles as the primary focus of environmental strategies for motorcycle business,” said Honda in a statement.
Honda Motorcycle: Carbon Neutrality through Electrification
That said, Honda will continue the development of internal combustion motorcycle but it wants to decrease the carbon dioxide output of its internal combustion motorcycle engines.
Also, Honda wants to develop motorcycles that is compatible with carbon neutral fuels such as gasoline-ethanol.
Honda Motorcycle: Carbon Neutrality through Electrification
Honda has also set 2025 as the date to roll out 10 new electric motorcycles which include models for commuting and fun models. Looking at the photos shared, we are probably looking at a bigger capacity electric motorcycle instead of the usual 125cc-equivalent electric bikes.
Specifically, Honda wants to launchthree large fun EV models, including one EV for kids by 2024-2025 for Japan, USA and Europe.
Honda Motorcycle: Carbon Neutrality through Electrification
In addition, Honda will also launch two commuter electrics in Asia, Europe and Japan and five electric bicycle and electric moped by 2024.
There are two types of batteries set to be utilised, including an all-solid-state battery and a swappable battery.
Honda Motorcycle: Carbon Neutrality through Electrification
Honda is also working to expand the value of its electric motorcycles by working with its software subsidiary, Drivemode.
“Honda will offer user experience (UX) features that continuously enrich the quality of riding through connectivity, such as offering optimal route options that take into consideration remaining range, charging spot notification, safe riding coaching and aftersales service support.”
