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Some rumours have been going around that the 2018 KTM 790 Duke will be arriving soon in Malaysia.

Dealers have already begun accepting bookings for the bike which is said to be officially launched within a few months.

Based on reliable sources, we can confirm that the 790 Duke will be made available in Malaysia within the first half of the year.

Ever since the official launch of the 2018 KTM 790 Duke last December during the EICMA show in Milan, folks from all over the world have been wondering on how and when this magnificent machine will make its way to their respective countries. It’s the same case here in Malaysia and some dealers have already begun accepting bookings for this very impressive middleweight. (more…)

  • KTM MY RIDE telah memperkenalkan kemaskini navigasi serba baru bagi model 2017 mereka yang dilengkapi dengan skrin TFT.
  • Penambahan terbaru bagi aplikasi MY RIDE mereka kini boleh dipaparkan di atas konsol bagi model KTM 1290 Super Adventure S/R.
  • Dengan kemaskini terbaru ini, pemilik KTM kini boleh menikmati muzik, menjawab panggilan telefon, dan pandu arah tanpa menggunakan sebarang peranti luaran.

(more…)

KTM MY RIDE has introduced a brand new navigation update for their 2017 models which come with their TFT screen.

The new addition to their MY RIDE application can be displayed on the dash for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S/R models.

With the new update, KTM owners can enjoy music, answer calls and get turn-by-turn navigation without any external devices.

Fancy a super nifty and handy navigation system for your new 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and/or R? Well, KTM has announced that they’ve released a brand new update for their MY RIDE application which will allow riders to have turn-by-turn navigation shown on their TFT screen display of the bike. (more…)

  • KTM telah mengumumkan satu usahasama yang baru mereka bentuk bersama dengan pasukan Tech3 bagi MotoGP musim 2019.
  • Selepas menjalani satu musim yang cukup memberangsangkan pada tahun 2017, pengeluar dari Austria tersebut telah bersedia untuk mengendalikan sebuah pasukan satelit di atas grid perlumbaan.
  • Empat buah jentera perlumbaan KTM RC16 akan bersaing serentak bermula tahun 2019.

(more…)

KTM has announced their newly-formed partnership with Tech 3 for the 2019 MotoGP season.

After quite an improvement in 2017, the Austrian manufacturer is ready to run a satellite team on the grid.

Four KTM RC16 will run simultaneously starting 2019.

It’s official, folks! KTM has announced that they will be working with the Tech 3 squad starting 2019 where the MotoGP grid will see four KTM RC16s running simultaneously. After several impressive results compared to their maiden season in 2016, the Austrian manufacturer is ready to up the ante with a satellite team. (more…)

  • Kebanyakan jenama Eropah menyaksikan peningkatan positif bagi tahun 2017.
  • Peraih terbesar adalah BMW, KTM, Piaggio, dan Triumph (mengikut turutan huruf).
  • Adakah ini kemunculan semula motosikal Eropah menandingi kekuasaan pengeluar dari Jepun?

(more…)

  • Most European brands saw positive growth in 2017.

  • Biggest earners were BMW, KTM, Piaggio and Triumph (in alphabetical order).

  • Is this a resurgence of European motorcycles over the once unassailable Japanese?

It’s that time of the year when the European motorcycle manufacturers release their 2017 worldwide sales figures.

While BMW Group and BMW Motorrad had revealed their 2017 sales figures last month, here’s a collection of how all the European motorcycle manufacturers performed in the same year.

With fresh models in almost every segment from co-operating with Indian manufacturers and wide distribution networks, besides competitive pricing, it looks very much like a resurgence of the once dominant European motorcycles, over the might of the Japanese.

Here they are, listed according to alphabetical order.

BMW Motorrad

As we’ve reported earlier, BMW Motorrad reported a 13.2% increase (numbering 164,153 units) being sold in 2017, their seventh consecutive record-breaking year.

To recap, 2017 marked the first time that the GS (R 1200 GS, F 800 GS) adventure lineup had sold more than 50,000 units in a single year. The R nineT segment also saw a 9.6% increase with the introduction of three new models: Pure, Urban G/S and Racer. Besides that, 11,595 units of the new G 310 R and G 310 GS models were delivered. Even the sales of the six-cylinder models were positive, driven by the new K 1600 B (Bagger) especially in the US market. 6,719 units were sold, marking a 50% increase in sales.

Please click on the link below for more information.

Another Record Breaking Year for BMW Motorrad in 2017

Ducati

Ducati delivered a total of 55,871 units in 2017, constituting a scant 410 bike increase over 2016.

Please click on the link below for our earlier report.

Ducati sold over 55,800 bikes worldwide in 2017!

While the increase is small, it was still a positive result for the Audi/VW-owned Italian manufacturer.

Ducati has stated that every model was important to them, but it was the Multistrada 950 which proved to be the most popular. The Scrambler lineup continued to performed well, contributing to approximately 25% of total sales, augmented by the Desert Sled and Café Racer.

The two markets that saw strong growth was Spain at 28.3% (due to Jorge Lorenzo joining the MotoGP team?) and China at 31%.

Ducati is looking forward to the Panigale V4, Multistrada 1260, Scrambler 1100, the renewed 821 Monster and 959 Panigale to drive sales in 2018.

KTM Industries AG

Leading the charge is Austrian KTM Industries AG who reported a 17% increase in sales with 238,334 units in 2017. It’s KTM’s seventh year of record sales, in addition of being an all-time high in revenues and profit.

From the sales, KTM’s 2017 revenues increased 14% at EUR 1.533 billion. Net profit before taxes increased to EUR 117.0 million against EUR 108.9 million in 2016.

With the number of KTM and Husqvarna motorcycles sold in 2017, KTM says that it will “further strengthen our Number 1 position as the biggest motorcycle producer in Europe.”

Sales was further bolstered by the smaller capacity models built in India by KTM’s partner Bajaj Auto (namely the 250 and 390 Dukes and RCs), who sold 35,000 units in India along, besides exporting CKD kits to other countries including Malaysia.

Being aware that continual growth is imperative, KTM invested EUR 92 million in product development in 2017. Most of that investment incudes tools, machinery, plant and infrastructure focused on the new high-performance drivetrain production at Pankl and expansion of KTM’s R&D department at Mattighofen.

The entire investment program of EUR 179.6 million was financed by KTM Industries Group’s own cash flow. This strategy also saw suspension supplier, WP Group, fully integrated into KTM AG.

The continuing growth also saw an increase of 818 employees worldwide, bringing the total to 4,568 including in Austria.

KTM expects further growth of their core model segments in 2018, as they are also optimistic about the KTM 790 Duke and Huqvarna Vitpilen and Svartpilen. The Austrian manufacturer has targeted to sell 360,000 motorcycles annually by 2021 (up from the 2017 forecast of 300,000) and 400,000 for 2022.

The increased volume is envisaged as the result of KTM’s joint venture agreement with CFMoto in China to increase KTM’s presence in the Chinese market. KTM owns 49% of the venture known as CFMoto-KTMR2R.

Piaggio Group (Q3 2017)

The Italian manufacturer has not published its annual 2017 sales figures, but did see a 12.4% increase in the third quarter, representing 266,400 motorcycles. That translates to a net sales of € 771.8 million.

Piaggio Group owns a number of motorcycle brands, including Piaggio itself, Aprilia, Derbi, Gilera, Moto Guzzi, Scarabeo and Vespa.

However, Piaggio Group did not publish the sales figures for the individual brands. Moto Guzzi did say they were happy with the “positive sales trend of the V7.”

Triumph Motorcycles

We’ve also reported on Triumph Motorcycles’ growth, by a hefty 22%, no less! 2017 was Triumph’s best in 30 years. The increase equates to £90.9 million for a total of £498.5 million. Net profit before tax increased to £24.79 million.

A total of 63,404 units were sold, 86.1% of those outside of the UK.

Triumph has performed strongly considering the challenges of the current economic condition and currency fluctuations, besides uncertainties arising from Brexit. Triumph continues to focus on R&D, spending £29.2 million in 2017 compared to £26.9 million in the previous year.

As a result of that R&D, as mentioned by Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Stroud during our interview, Triumph has introduced 19 new models in the space of 2 years. Triumph launched 5 new bikes in 2017: Street Triple 765, Bonneville Bobber Black, Bonneville Speedmaster, Tiger 800 and Tiger 1200. The latter four bikes will be launched in Malaysia this weekend (3rd March 2018). Triumph has also revised the Speed Triple 1050.

Another exciting prospect is Triumph’s deal as the exclusive Moto2 engine supplier beginning 2019, which will bring even more recognition to the brand.

Please click on the link below for our earlier report on Triumph Motorcycles’ performance in 2017.

Triumph Motorcycles sees sales growth in 2017 – Over 63,000 sold!

  • KTM Malaysia telah mengesahkan arahan yang dikeluarkan oleh Ibu pejabat KTM di Austria.
  • Motosikal yang terjejas adalah sesetengah unit tertentu dalam rangkaian 1290 Super Duke.
  • Pihak KTM akan menghubungi semua pemilik motorsikal yang disahkan dalam masa yang terdekat.

(more…)

  • KTM Malaysia confirms direction from KTM HQ in Austria.

  • Affected are certain units in the 1290 Super Duke range.

  • KTM Malaysia is now working to identify the bike owners and will get in touch with them soonest.

Following the news of Brembo extending their recall to KTM, we’ve confirmation from KTM Malaysia that certain KTM 1290 Super Duke R and KTM 1290 Super Duke GT are included.

Please refer to previous coverage below.

Brembo official statement released on PR16 master cylinder recall

The recall is specifically for motorcycles that are fitted with the front Brembo PR16 master cylinders that are usually mated to the Brembo M50 Monobloc calipers.

The eminent Italian brake manufacturer has announced earlier with regards to discovering possible defects of the pistons in the master cylinders produced between 2015 to 2017, citing, “The anisotropy of the piston material, in addition to potential porosity introduced during the injection process, could lead to crack generation and thus potential component failure.”

The polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) piston may crack after repeated hard use at the racetrack or with frequent ABS intervention, or after a fall.

Brembo will replace the plastic piston with an aluminium one.

The affected KTMs are:

2015 – 2016 1290 Super R
2016 1290 Super Duke R SE
2016 1290 Super Duke GT
2017 – 2018 Super Duke R and 1290 Super Duke GT

Please be reminded that models not fitted with the PR16 master cylinder are not included in the recall. Similarly, those who fitted the specified master cylinder through the aftermarket channel aren’t affected.

KTM Malaysia advices owners of the above motorcycles to await correspondence from them, as they are working to identify the affected units. For more information, please call KTM Malaysia.

 

  • KTM telah memperkenalkan motosikal sedia litar homologasi dan teramat terhad, KTM RC390 R 2018.
  • Direka untuk lebih mesra litar, KTM juga turut menyediakan kit perlumbaan penuh Supersport 300 bagi motosikal RC390 R tersebut.
  • Ditetapkan harganya pada €8,500 (sekitar RM40,901), motosikal RC390 R ini hanya dihadkan kepada 500 buah unit sahaja di seluruh dunia.

(more…)

KTM has announced the homologated and very limited edition track-ready 2018 KTM RC390 R.

Designed to be more track-friendly, KTM is also offering a full Supersport 300 race kit for the RC390 R.

Priced at €8,500 (around RM40,901), the RC390 R is limited to just 500 units worldwide.

Calling all KTM fans! KTM has just announced the very limited and super exciting 2018 KTM RC390 R. This homologated version has been equipped with a load of track day goodies to blast through circuits looking and feeling like a pro rider. (more…)

  • We had the opportunity to sit down for chat with Chris Birch.

  • Chris Birch was here to coach during the KMOG/KTM Malaysia Weekend Adventure with Chris Birch.

  • It was an eye-opening event to learn about what makes him tick.

We sat down for a chat with Chris Birch after the offroad clinic and trail ride. If there’s something to learn about the experience in the world’s toughest offroad competitions and KTM’s adventure bikes, there’s most probably no other guy.

(Click here for our coverage of the first day and here for the second day.)

The more we chatted through the night, the more we discovered that Chris isn’t just a champion, he’s a regular guy who loves bikes and offroading. Additionally, and no less importantly, he also coaches very well by articulating his instructions in easily-digested nuggets not only for the pros, but especially for the newbies. Let’s be honest, how many champ riders could truly teach? Participants could also get up right next to him and approach him at any point of time to post questions and chat.

Try that with No. 46.

Anyway, we decided to just have a relaxed chat with Chris Birch, rather than conduct a formal interview. A few of the participants had formed a circle around him at this point and it was an eye-opening experience for all of us.

Bikes Republic (BR): You’ve competed in the Dakar Rally and being New Zealand’s most successful effort. How was it like for you?
Chris Birch (CB): It was difficult because my experience of The Dakar is not many people want to hear. For me personally it was okay. Yes, people say it’s “THE MOST GRUELLING EVENT EVER, THE MOST DIFFICULT OF ANY ENDURO” (with emphasis) – it’s not. It’s really not, from my experience.

The Roof of Africa was in December, The Dakar starts in January. I had a small injury before The Roof (in 2009) and my fitness was not where I wanted it to be and I came second. I did no training at all between The Roof and Dakar, (but) I had no problem whatsoever in Dakar.

I’d normally lose 3 – 5 kgs of bodyweight during the Romaniacs, I actually put on a kilogram during The Dakar. (Everyone laughed.)

It’s very mentally challenging ‘cause it’s very long days and the navigation was difficult, but I didn’t find it very physically challenging at all.

BR: Is it because it (The Dakar) was more speed-oriented?
CB: Yeah, yup.

I think also because I had the skills in the technical stuff, so I didn’t find the difficult parts that difficult. The high-speed parts, however, there were a few high-speed stages where I got off the bike and started trembling, “S**t, that was fast! Wooow!” We averaged more than 100 km/h in offroad stages (we rode around 50 – 60 km/h in the fastest sections earlier in the day). It was freaking scary.

You’re completely blind and navigating as well.

Also, I found that raising money for it was really, really stressful. It put a lot of stress on my family as well. That’s the reason I haven’t done it again. It’s so stressful finding the money.

BR: What was your best experience in the Romaniacs?
CB: The best experience was in the first year. It was my first year in extreme enduro. Many people told me I was crazy, even for going, and I came on the podium on that first year. So that was a real life-changing experience.

BR: What was your worse experience?
CB: Nearly chopping my private part off. (Laughs).

I went over the handlebar in the river and caught it on the handguard. Lots of blood, I was like, AAAAGH NOOOO! Definitely that was the worst experience.

BR: How about The Roof of Africa? Is it still running?
CB: Yeah, it is! I’d love to join again, but I won’t be able to compete for the win. I’d probably still get a Top Ten finish, that would be really nice.

BR: You’ve also competed in Hells Gate.
CB: The problem with Hells Gate is it’s in Italy in February. So, it’s freezing cold, it’s snowing, there’s ice in the rivers and while almost everyone in New Zealand is going to beach (it’s summer down there), and I kept thinking, what is wrong with me! Why am I doing this to myself? This is stupid!

BR: (Someone questioned about something in the Romaniacs).
CB: The event isn’t just about straight up riding. You need to look after yourself over five days on the motorbike. It’s tough.

BR: What you did today at the track looked a lot like trial riding? (Climbing over a huge boulder, climbing a nearly vertical hillside, etc.)
CB: That’s true, most people say it looks like trial riding, I guess it is both. I ride my enduro 70% more than my trail bike at home. I can do stuff on my enduro bike that I couldn’t on my trail bike.

I get to Australia and people say, “That’s a trails thing.” I answer, “No, it’s really not.”

BR: (Philip Ho asked, “What can’t you do on a trails bike?”)
CB: The last trials competition I did was a 2-day event. On the first day, I used my 300 KTM (KTM 300 EX/C two-stroke) and I put trials tyres on it. I used a trials bike on the second and did the same stuff on the KTM.

It was funny. There was one section with a steep hill climb. It had mud and a big rock. None of the trials guys could get up it. It was really muddy, so you couldn’t get the drive on the rock. I just went wide open in third gear and jumped the whole thing. It took me just 10 seconds for the whole section.

The marshals called out, “You ready?” I replied, “YEAH!” and just went “Rrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaargh” (the sound of the engine). The trials guys went like, “F*** you!” while flashing the “birdie.”

But there were a few sections where I couldn’t get the enduro to fit in there. I was great fun.

BR: Here’s a bit of a philosophical question. You’ve competed in the toughest events. You know it’s tough, but what makes you push yourself?
CB: It comes to the type of person you are. It becomes addicted too like the greater the challenge, the greater the high you get in overcoming that challenge. So, if you go to an extreme enduro and it’s not giving you enough challenge you go like, “Awwww,” (in disappointment) I don’t get the satisfaction at the end of it. It’s that the feeling of achievement. The deeper you have to dig inside yourself, the better the feeling at the end.

BR: It’s a lot like what’s for us today?
CB: Yeah, yeah! It’s like the Ironman or a marathon. It’s not that fun while doing it, but it’s the feeling you get after that, right?

BR: You’ve been involved with KTM and Red Bull since 2007?
CB: Actually, KTM since 2004. Red Bull was since 2007.

BR: How have they helped you? Have you been riding KTM all the way?
CB: Actually no. (Laughs.) KTM approached me in 1999/2000 and I looked at the bike (back then) and went “Uhhhh…..” I remembered thinking if this KTM brand was going to last, I think I’ll stay with Kawasaki. (Everyone laughed.)

It was different years later, the KTMs improved.

BR: Do you ride road bikes?
CB: No, just enduro.

I got on the KTM and thought this thing’s amazing. KTM improved an awful lot in those three years (2000 to 2003). The earlier bikes didn’t handle that great, but took a big leap forward. I got the (new) bikes and loved them straight away.

BR: (Philip Ho): So the earlier KTMs were bad?
CB: It’s not to say they’re bad, just different. You get off a Japanese bike and onto a KTM and they (KTM) felt very different.

BR: How long have you been riding and competing?
CB: I started riding when I was four. I started doing trials when I was ten. I started riding around with my Dad.

BR: (Philip Ho): How old you now?
CB: I’m thirty-seven.

BR: We were in Australia or a supermoto race a couple of years back. We saw a father buying a Yamaha PW50 for his two-year-old son. Is that why New Zealand has produced many champions? You guys start early?
CB: To be honest, I can’t remember starting to ride a motorbike.

Dad told me I used to drag all the cushions onto the floor and turned them into obstacles for trials riding for my plastic motorbike. My parents must have seen that was my interest.

My Mum and my Dad both ride

My Mum always said I went for my trials competition when I was two weeks old.

BR: You’ve been here a couple of times in Malaysia. What’s your observation of the offroad scene here?
CB: I think it’s pretty much growing and developing scene, which is exciting for you guys. It’s nice to be here at a time when it’s growing.

I followed what the guys had been doing down in Ulu Choh (Dirt Park). I see and watch on Facebook that they’re getting bigger and bigger, it’s gotta be good.

BR: How do you see the future here?

CB: The picture’s good. Definitely with the big bikes here (today). You guys are connected to big land masses, your opportunity to go on adventures and explore is huge. You can get on your bike and ride to different countries; we can’t do that in New Zealand.

BR: What’s your best enduro experience, if you have to pick just one?

CB: It’s definitely winning the Romaniacs. It was something I worked so hard for, for many year. I had to sacrifice so much of life to get there.

BR: What was or were the most difficult thing you encountered in these events?
CB: The most difficult thing has always been the lack of money. There’s not much sponsorship in New Zealand.

And people tend to think that I’m sponsored by Red Bull and KTM, there’s no concern for money, but I’d regularly be sleeping in people’s vans, like hitching a ride, that sort of stuff. Like not near enough money to do it.

BR: Really? That’s surprising!
CB: Yeah, it’s surprising. People think everything is taken care of, no issues, so I was always having to work, train and race at the same time. It’s really challenging and racing on secondhand tyres, that sort of thing.

People are like, “We want you to go to The Dakar again!” Man, if I could find the money, I’d do it in a heartbeat.

BR: What’s the best part about coaching?
CB: It’s when like I see these “lightbulb moments.” They come up and say, “That’s WHY I was struggling with that!” The number one goal is always to make people want to ride their bikes more often.

BR: What about difficult participants?
CB: When people are unwilling to change.

You can see people like thinking, “Yeah, yeah, I know better.’ It used to really bug me but now it’s like whatever. I’d rather focus my energy on those who really want to learn.

We used to get people coming and not listening. Then we put the prices up and they (the difficult people) went away.

No more people showing up late, showing up on broken bikes, all problems solved.

BR: Now it seems whenever there’s a new KTM adventure bike, you’re the first to have a go.
CB: Yeah, my role now is the KTM Adventure Ambassador for the factory.

BR: Thanks for the time, Chris. Hope to see you again!
CB: My pleasure, hope to be here again too!

(Click here for our coverage of the first day and here for the second day.)

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