Malaysian race car driver Jazeman Jaafar announces entry into competitive Blancpain Sprint and Endurance series for 2016. (more…)
Malaysian race car driver Jazeman Jaafar announces entry into competitive Blancpain Sprint and Endurance series for 2016. (more…)
MV Agusta will reportedly unleash a volley of six new models this year in both sport and naked forms. (more…)
Dutch OEM brand Pinlock releases a new range motorcycle gear and accessories for 2016. (more…)
Island nation Sri Lanka gears itself up to host the first ever major motorcycling festival, the inaugural Colombo Bike Week 2016. (more…)
BMW Motorrad rocked the motorcycling world when it finally decided to go big by going down-market. The firm has a strong foothold in the large-capacity segments already, so perhaps the creation of the all-new BMW G310R was inevitable.
It may be small, BMW has set its sights for world domination with its newest model. The firm recently released a promotional video that details some of the bike’s special traits and features in better.
If you didn’t know, the BMW G310R is the fruit of the German powerhouse’s partnership with India’s leading bike manufacturer, TVS. It comes powered using a newly developed 313cc single-cylinder engine with a claimed output of 34hp to propel a claimed unladen weight of 158.5kg (more details in our launch story).
Taking a few notes from Austrian rivals KTM, the BMW G310R is being mass-produced in India. The effort should see the baby beemer being priced similarly to its Austrian segment rival (read KTM 390 Duke). Suffice to say, this is one bike we are anxiously waiting for in 2016.
It seems that the cash flow injection by new shareholders Mercedes-AMG have done wonders for the MV Agusta brand. MV Agusta looks set to end the year on a high note after it recorded a 30% increase of its sales for 2015.
The firm reportedly sold up to 9,000 units worldwide this year, with much of the brand’s growth recorded outside of its Italian home market. The brand’s performance in its home market remain rather flat with a0.1% decrease this year compared to 2014, but elsewhere, the MV brand is thriving to say the least. One key market for the brand is the UK where it recorded a staggering 140% increase compared to 2014.
The firm states that revenue is up by 30% for 2015, which means it is enjoying larger-than-average contribution margin of 40%. Much of this is contributed by strong sales performance of several premium models, notably the likes of the Tursimo Veloce and Dragster RR.
However, it is worth noting that MV Agusta did not unveil a new-for-2016 model during the recent EICMA 2015 show. Whether the brand is able to retain this momentum next year without a substantially new model remains to be seen.
Sources: Asphaltandrubber and Visordown
In its announcement, the firm confirmed that it would not be applying for a Moto2 constructor’s license for 2016.
For 2016, the firm did announce that all of its efforts would be concentrated on the development of the Mahindra Moto3 machine whilst supplying a range of parts for various outfits and factories in said junior class.
Suter’s withdrawal was a move many had expected after the firm declined to reveal as to how many bikes it would have supplied in the Moto2 class for 2016. This year saw just two bikes line up the Moto2 grid in the Qatar season-opener.
Suter has had several high points in the class starting with its three consecutive constructors’ titles won in 2010, 2011 and 2012, followed by one riders’ title claimed by Marc Mar quez in 2012. Despite this and several strong performances in 2014, the switch to Kalex bikes en masse by most teams was inevitable, leading to Suter’s decline and eventual resignation from the Moto2 class next year.
2016 will see just three constructors remain in Moto2, with the bulk of it comprised of Kalex bikes (26 entries in total) other alongside independent constructors Tech 3 and Speed Up.
Suter’s exit is in part down to its performance, however this is also a strong sign of the strong conservatism reigning within the paddock. It is more or less a clear case of most teams seeing other teams winning and trying to copy their success by acquiring the same, of not similar, equipment.
Another interesting thing to note here is how exactly will organisers and commercial rights holders Dorna intend to resolve the situation since the Moto2 class was conceived with the creation of a diverse environment in mind. A good reminder of that was back in 2010 when the class was held for the first time and saw up to 14 constructors that entered and scored points.
Sources: Suter Racing Facebook via Asphaltandrubber
The famed Hinckley-based brand first got its ball rolling when it introduced the fully revamped Triumph Bonneville range towards the end of October, followed by the refreshed Speed Triple model just weeks before EICMA 2015 opened its doors.
Now, the firm is strengthening itself further for 2016 after it introduced the refreshed range-topping Triumph Explorer model for 2016. This mid-life refresher sees the flagship dual-sport gaining with a series of new kit and features, with much of the updates mirroring what Triumph did with the smaller Tiger 800 range last year indeed.
For 2016, the Triumph Tiger Explorer will be available in six variants altogether – XC, XCx, XCa, XR, XRx and XRt. The range is separated simply by the fact that the XR range is optimised more for road and street whilst the XC line-up boasts more off-road optimisation instead.
All six models share the same 1,215cc inline three-cylinder 12-valve powerplant; all of which standing rather unique in the class thanks largely to the cylinder configuration it boasts, along with the shaft-drive layout as well. The looming Euro4 legislation prompted Triumph to update the Explorer’s engine in order for it to be compliant in two fronts of said legislation: emissions and noise.
Triumph remains rather coy about the mechanical changes, but sources online report that the powertrain has received a completely new exhaust system accompanied by a larger new catalytic converter, ride-by-wire software, as well as a hike in both power and torque figures too.
Like the smaller Tiger 800 range that was updated for 2015, the 2016 Tiger Explorer gains with a host of tech upgrades aimed at improved stability and control. These include Triumph’s first ever semi-active suspension primed in all but the two base XR and XC variants, followed by other features such as cornering ABS and traction control, four selectable pre-set rider modes available plus an additional fifth riding mode which riders can tailor to their own settings.
Also updated is the ABS system with entry-level models offering switchable ABS and traction control whilst the remaining four models gaining further with the aforementioned advanced cornering ABS and traction control suites. These four models are also further primed with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which uses an array of sensors to measure five axes of movement: including lean angle, acceleration and deceleration ensuring the traction control and ABS suites are at their most optimal level of performance. There is also the option of a Hill Hold Control (HHC) feature that electronically holds the brakes on to stabilise the bike during hill start.
Other notable changes here include a mild exterior styling revamp, the presence of heated grips and seat, an adjustable windscreen, plus a rich choice of luggage as well. Overall, Triumph have indeed granted its flagship dual-sport adventure bike with a much more complete package for 2016, allowing it to stack up well against new and improved rivals such as the new Ducati Multistrada Enduro.
Sources: Asphaltandrubber / Visordown / MCN
For 2016, the Aprilia RSV4 will feature several minor but essential enhancements over the model it replaces.
Firstly, the 2016 Aprilia RSV4 RF gains with new ‘Superpole’ graphics to enhance its looks further. Crucially though, the 2016 model now gains with a revised rear suspension setup, which Aprilia claims to be ‘more effective’.
Giving it a better tech edge, Aprilia have also updated the 2016 model’s electronics where it will include its V4-MP system. The new suite is in fact a full-blown telemetry system with smartphone connectivity, with the level of detail available for change covering all the way down to setting individual parameters for each corner or section of a track.
However, should the road-going RSV4 line not tickle your fancy for not being track-focused, then enter the newly introduced Aprilia Factory Works program. Essentially, the program sees Aprilia offering to produce RSV4 R-FWs that are optimized for track performance, or in accordance with the superbike and superstock regulations of race series across the world.
It is open to full time racers and teams, as well as members of the public alike who have race team-like budgets. Factory Works bikes gain with special chassis preparations, electronics packages and engine tunes to suit whatever class they’re competing in, right up to a top-level of tune exceeding 230hp.
Previewed as the Yamaha MT-09 Faster Wasp concept just weeks earlier, the new XSR900 not only sees Yamaha expanding the MT-09 naked’s range, it also now joins in the ranks of Yamaha’s “Sport Heritage” line as well.
Sitting above the MT-07-based XSR700 model, the Yamaha XSR900 revealed at EICMA 2015 features the brand’s iconic yellow-black speedblock paint scheme, with much of the Roland Sands Design (RSD) concept’s lines being retained as well.
Underneath, all remains business as usual as it retains the MT-09 base bike’s chassis architecture and 847cc triple-cylinder powertrain. However, like the updated 2016 Yamaha MT-09, it gains with a newly added traction control feature and offers three selectable riding modes as well.
There’s also an assist and slipper clutch feature as well lifted from the updated 2016 MT-09. Other notable features include a pair of 41mm inverted front forks, an adjustable shock, as well as radially mounted brake calipers with ABS.
Yamaha also stated that a wide array of accessories will be made available for customers when the bike’s sales commence in March next year.
Check out more photos of the new Yamaha XSR900 in the extensive gallery we’ve prepared below.
Sources: Asphaltandrubber / MCN / Visordown
Previewed just weeks ago in prototype form, the new 2016 KTM 690 Duke boasts several enhanced new features and hardware starting with its powertrain. The heavily revised 690cc LC4 single-cylinder now thumps out a higher output of 73hp and 73.8Nm whilst gaining a powerband that is 1,000 rpm wider than before too.
Part of the major changes made in the engine included the revised intake camshaft that now doubles up as an additional balancer shaft, resulting in lower vibrations. KTM states that both the intake and exhaust systems have been also been optimised for Euro4 emissions compliance too, making it KTM’s first engine to comply with Euro4 as well.
Apart from that comes the addition of new a cornering ABS suite, making the 2016 KTM 690 Duke the first bike in class to feature it. The naked also underpins a newly redesigned chassis frame with increased handling stability, followed by the adoption of new and re-profiled seats, LED rear lighting, as well as a nifty new TFT instrument display.
Sitting at the top of the range is the racier 2016 KTM 690 Duke R variant. Besides the offer of a bigger 75hp punch, it is set apart from the standard 690 Duke thanks to its orange-painted frame and wheels, not forgetting the signature Akrapovič exhausts system added into the package as well.
As it is, this is one nutty middleweight that we know many around the world will be anxiously waiting for.
Sources: Asphaltandrubber / MCN / Visordown
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