Motorcycle sales in Europe has risen 7.2%, but 49% of those sole are electric motorcycles.
Out of the 49%, two of three electric two-wheelers are urban-oriented electric pedal-assisted mopeds and scooters, however. Electric motorcycles, on the other hand, makes up only one in four but the trend is on the uptick.
The growth is significant, and manufacturers have started to showcase many electric motorcycles at the recent Intermot motorcycle show in Cologne, Germany. They fit virtually every intended segment.
The most well-known electric motorcycle of the moment has to be Energica, who will supply eighteen Ego Corsa race bikes for the 2019 MotoE World Cup. The series will be held at selected MotoGP rounds. The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will also take part with a team of their own.
The Energica Ego Corsa took centre stage at the show, which happens to be the Italian company’s first visit.
The Ego Corsa is powered by a synchronous oil-cooled motor, providing a continuous power of 160.8 bhp (120 kW) and a whopping 200 Nm of torque. That kind of power pushes the bike from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h. (Still think electric bikes are slow?) There is no transmission and clutch, as power control is regulated by the Ride-by-Wire system.
Energica also unveiled a black version called the Ego Sport Black at the show.
So this begs the question: When will our government be serious in pushing for green tech? Many countries around the world, including those less developed than Malaysia will have the infracstructure in place within the next decade.
Where are we? Still slinging dirt and pointing fingers at each other in the Parliament.
The 2019 Triumph Street Scrambler was also launched alongside the 2019 Triumph Street Twin at Intermot 2018.
The updates will definitely up the fun quotient over the current and already super fun Street Scrambler, which is the soul successor of the TR6 Trophy used in the classic movie The Great Escape.
The 900cc, liquid-cooled, 270o crank, parallel-Twin engine is shared with the Street Twin, hence it reaps the benefit of a 10 bhp increase, along with the flexibility of a higher 7500 RPM rev ceiling.
Other updates to the engine include lighter magnesium cam cover, dead shafts and balancer shaft, in addition to a torque assist clutch which reduces lever effort and also results in a more positive feel.
Braking power has also been increased now that the bike features a Brembo 4-piston front caliper. The forks are cartridge type and spaced wider for better control. Triumph also offers an optional tyre pressure monitoring system.
Triumph updated the electrical system too, by adding an immobilizer, LED taillight and USB charging socket.
Power modes, traction control and ABS are standard. The ABS is switchable should the rider take the bike off-road.
The 2019 Triumph Street Scrambler’s has also been given new aesthetics without altering its overall look. There is a new speedometer, seat cover and number board panels and graphics.
As with the Street Twin, Triumph also offers an Inspiration Kit for the Street Scrambler. Called “Urban Tracker,” the kit includes a 25-litre pannier and mounting kit, Vance & Hines exhaust, CNC black oil filler cap, black handlebar brace, number board kit, black bench seat and dresser bar kit, headlamp grille and bezel, high level front mudguard and sump guard.
KTM has also unveiled a couple of new bikes at the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany. New for 2019 are the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT and 1290 Super Duke R.
First introduced in 2016 before the advent of the 1290 Super Adventure S and R, the previous GT was “old tech.” Indeed, the 2016 model didn’t have a TFT screen and the LC8 engine was based on the older 1290 Super Duke R, although it did have excellent WP Semi-Active electronic suspension.
https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/2019-ktm-1290-super-duke-gt-spied/
So it’s no surprise that the 2019 1290 Super Duke GT receives many updates.
The 1301cc 75o V-Twin engine has been revised to produce 175 bhp by using new resonator chambers, titanium inlet valves and engine mapping. There is now Track riding mode in addition to Tour, Sport and Rain.
The traction control system is now lean angle sensitive, while the quickshifter has been upgraded to Quickshifter+.
The WP Semi-Active suspension is retained and still allows the rider to select from Comfort, Street and Sport, besides picking the preload for single rider, single rider with luggage, rider and passenger, rider and passenger with luggage.
There is now a 6.5” TFT screen which displays all the needed data. It is also possible to operate it with just one hand.
The biggest cosmetic update is to the front of the bike, with the signature split LED headlamp and taller windscreen.
The smartphone connectivity feature KTM My Ride is still offered as an option.
Triumph has launched the updated 2019 Street Twin at the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany.
The present Street Twin is already a fun motorcycle to ride and it’s certainly one of this writer’s favourite motorcycles. Its appeal being its simplicity hence ease of operations and accessibility to a wide range of riders. There isn’t any complaint from riders per se, but one can always do with more power.
The 2019 version may look outwardly unchanged but look closer and you will find a host of new details.
Triumph also launched two “inspiration kits” along with the 2019 Street Twin.
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