Following yesterday’s report of the Honda CRF250 Rally concept heading to production, Honda has officially teased three updated models that it will introduce for the 2016 model year. Revised for the coming year are the CB500F and NC750S naked bikes plus a revised Integra scooter, with all of which reported destined to debut during EICMA 2015 later this month.
Though the teaser images do not reveal much, Honda did release a few details surrounding each. Here’s what you can expect from the refreshed threesome that’s coming in 2016. More is expected as soon as all three debut in Milan later this month.
2016 Honda CB500F
This should come to no surprise after the firm recently released updated 2016 editions of the CB500X and CBR500R. With the F naked, the entire CB500 family refresher is complete for 2015.
Like its X adventure sport and sport-bodied R siblings, the CB500F naked will receive mild cosmetic enhancements. The most prominent of which will be the presence of LED lighting front and aft.
New on board is an adjustable brake lever, as well as a redesigned ‘lightweight’ exhaust silencer, along with a range of six new vibrant colour schemes. Completing the update are the adoption of new pre-load adjustable front forks and a new fuel tank enlarged by 1-litre to 16.7 litres.
2016 Honda NC750S
After its faired-body NC750X adventure sport sibling, the naked Honda NC750S is set to receive similar updates seen in the X. Leading the list of updated features is a new LCD instrument panel with personalised colour options, as well as the adoption of a newly redesigned and shortened pentagon-shaped exhaust that promises a deeper engine note too.
Variants of the NC750S equipped with Honda’s Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) will offer riders with three sporty levels in ‘S’ mode, each devised to suit different riding styles and scenarios. Also, Honda stated that the NC750S’ parallel-twin heart will now meet strict Euro 4 emissions standards.
Completing the update is a mildly revised exterior design accompanied by LED lighting, plus two new special edition two-tone paint schemes as well. The revised NC750S variant completes the NC750 model series’ 2016 revision after the 2016 NC750X revelation not too long ago.
2016 Honda Integra
Last but not least comes the NC750 series’ maxi-scooter offshoot, the Integra. Like its naked and adventure sport sibling, the maxi also gains with a new LCD instrument panel offering personalised colour options. Aesthetic enhancements remains mild but it will include modern LED lighting front and rear.
Besides the promise of an updated and Euro 4 compliant 745cc parallel-twin engine, variants equipped with DCT will offer three sporty levels in ‘S’ mode yet again to suit different riding styles and scenario.
Though the chassis design is retained, Honda did state that the 2016 Integra will gain further with a new set of Showa fork with ‘dual bending valves’.
Meet the Yamaha LMW – MWT – 9 concept, or just the Yamaha MWT-9 concept in short. Unveiled at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, the concept shows off how the successful Yamaha MT-09 naked would look like if it were to become a leaning-multi-wheel (LMW) or trike.
A closer inspection reveals that this is not just merely an oversized rendition of the Yamaha Tricity three-wheeled scooter revealed not too long ago. Underneath, the concept carries over much of the MT-09 naked’s mechanicals from the tank forwards, including the 847cc triple-cylinder engine.
Besides a radical new face, Yamaha has indeed taken the Tricity’s intricate front suspension, but the layout has been altered in the MWT-9 whereby the forks now stand on the outside of the wheels instead, presumably for greater stability and rigidity through turns. Crucially though, this setup varies drastically against that found in the Piaggio MP3 three-wheeled maxi scooter.
It goes without saying that we are fully behind the idea of putting such a beastly-looking thing into production. Well, what are you waiting for Yamaha?
The mighty red wing marque that is Honda has finally taken the wraps off its two updated-for-2016 adventure sport models. Meet the 2016 Honda NC750X and Honda CB500X twins. Both models were unveiled online ahead of their slated public debut at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.
Here are the details we’ve managed to garner as of now.
2016 Honda NC750X
Compared to its previous iteration, the 2016 model sees the NC750X gaining with a facelift. It now looks more rugged and adventurous than before, but we’ll agree if you think the facelift is rather ‘mild’.
Complementing the aesthetic revisions are other updates such as LED lights front and aft, followed by a taller windscreen for increased wind protection, a pair of new Showa ‘dual-bending valve’ forks, as well as increased helmet storage space.
Furthermore, variants primed with Honda’s DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) have gained with additional riding modes for riders to select too.
2016 Honda CB500X
Unveiled alongside its revised big brother is the revised 2016 Honda CB500X. The second of the CB500 range to undergo an update after the CBR500R, exterior changes are once again mild in this mid-sized adventure-sport.
Underneath, revisions here include a 100mm-taller windscreen, LED lighting front and aft, a revised front suspension set with pre-load adjustability and new colour schemes too.
If you happen to be one of those who has just obtained your B-Full license; looking for a first big bike that has decent amount of power, offers practicality for daily usage, yet doesn’t blow a big hole in your bank account, you’ve come to the right place, as we have a list of middleweights compiled for your reference.
Although the definition of a middleweight motorcycle may vary from one person to another, we have decided to refer to what the Japanese Big Four (Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda) have agreed upon – that a middleweight bike should displace 500cc—800cc. However, not all bikes within this displacement range are suitable for beginners, as there are various models with different characteristics.
That said, here are 10 middleweight bikes in our market at the moment that are ideal for those looking for their first big bike.
1) Kawasaki ER-6N
You know that a bike is ideal for beginners when you see it being used by driving schools to teach B-Full license applicants the basics. Offered at a very competitive price, the Kawasaki ER-6N also deserves full credit for changing the big bike scene in Malaysia, becoming the first bike to make Malaysians believe that “now everyone can ride a big bike.”
Specifications
Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin, DOHC 8-valve
Fuel system: Digital Fuel Injection
Displacement: 649cc
Max power: 71hp at 8,500rpm
Max torque: 64Nm at 7,000rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 17-litres
Price: RM32,000
2) Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F
Capable of handling anything from daily commuting, weekend blasts, as well as long distance touring, the XJ6 Diversion F is the latest variant of the XJ6. The bike runs on a reliable 600cc in-line 4 cylinder engine and the compact chassis is designed to deliver agile handling and confidence-inspiring road holding. This all-rounder XJ6 Diversion F is equipped with smooth action suspension systems to ensure top class riding comfort.
Specifications
Engine: Liquid cooled, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve
Displacement : 600 cc
Maximum Horsepower: 77hp at 10,000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 59.7Nm at 8,500 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17 litres
Price: RM39,800
3) Honda CB500X
Ideal for both beginners and seasoned riders, the CB500X delivers plenty of performance, thanks to the thoroughly modern, torquey 471cc parallel-twin DOHC engine. Its upright handlebar, the shape and height of the seat, and the way the power is delivered accommodates a wide variety of riders, and gives riders a lot of freedom. The CB500X is an excellent choice for riders ready to move up a displacement class, or for anyone who appreciates a great middleweight motorcycle for practical in-town riding, or fun adventure-sport touring.
Specifications
Engine: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valves, parallel-twin
Displacement : 471cc
Maximum Horsepower: 46.9 hp at 8500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 43 Nm at 7000 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.3 litres
Price: RM28,688
4) Kawasaki Versys 650
Kawasaki’s third-generation Versys 650 has grown into a serious entry-level sports tourer that is worth every sen it asks for. Despite all the upgrades that has been added, it is still perfect for the less experienced, as well as the veterans. However, due to the height of the bike, it is not suitable for small-sized individuals. On the brighter side, it is among the more powerful candidates in its class.
Specifications
Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel twin
Displacement: 649cc
Fuelling: Fuel Injection
Max power: 68hp at 8,500rpm
Max torque: 64Nm at 7,000rpm
Fuel capacity: 21-litres
Price: RM38,369
5) Suzuki Gladius 650
Launched during last year’s Malaysian MotoGP round, the Suzuki Gladius is a naked bike that is ideal for both daily riding and some occasional canyon carving. Featuring the same 645cc V-Twin engine that is fitted on its sibling – the V-Strom 650, the bike features fuel injection technology and SDTV system among other technology.
Specifications
Engine: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90-degree V-Twin
Displacement: 645cc
Transmission 6-speed
Max power: 71 hp at 9000 rpm
Max torque: 63.1 Nm at 7600 rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 14.5-litres
Price: RM39,900
6) Kawasaki Vulcan S
Honestly, it doesn’t get any better than this. Never have we had a good looking 650cc cruiser with an asking price below RM30,000. No, it has no V-twin, and it doesn’t sound like a Harley-Davidson but it serves its purpose very well, both in town and on the highway.
Specifications
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, parallel twin
Displacement: 649cc
Transmission: Six-speed
Max power: 61hp at 7,500rpm
Max torque: 63Nm at 6,600rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 14-litres
Price: RM29,989
7) Honda CB650F
Made for those who want more than the 500cc offered by the CB500 range, the CB650F, which is powered by Honda’s completely new inline four-cylinder engine produces generous amounts of low to mid-range torque, making it a formidable bike in the city and during quick runs. However, the comfortable upright sitting position, ergonomically placed levers and pegs make it an ideal bike for long distance riding as well. In all, the CB650F is catered towards those with a thirst for torque.
Specifications
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC Inline-4
Displacement: 649cc
Transmission: Six-speed
Max power: 87hp at 11,000rpm
Max torque: 63Nm at 8,000rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 17.3-litres
Price: RM39,999
8) Ducati Monster 795
If Japanese bikes are not your thing, and you want something more exotic, Ducati Malaysia is here to make your day with the Monster 795. Priced below RM60,000, the Monster is so user-friendly that even female riders are loving it. But that doesn’t mean that the bike is not powerful. Powered by a 795cc engine, the Monster 795 is just as exciting as any other Ducatis in the stable.
Specifications
Engine: L-Twin, 2 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, air cooled
Displacement: 803cc
Transmission: 6-speed
Max power: 87hp at 8,250rpm
Max torque: 78Nm at 6,250rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 15-litres
Price: RM59,900
9) Kawasaki Z800
Ever since it was launched in 2012, the Kawasaki Z800 has gained massive popularity, becoming arguably the most popular middleweight on our roads today. Among the factors that contributed towards the Z800’s success include its competitive price, fierce design, and of course, the generous dose of power.
Specifications
Engine: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
Displacement: 806cc
Transmission: 6-speed
Max power: 113hp at 10,200rpm
Max torque: 83 Nm at 8000rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 17-litres
Price: RM47,989
10) Triumph Bonneville
Different riders have different preferences. Some potential first bike owners might have a soft spot for modern classics. If you fall under this group, the Triumph Bonneville is here to make your day. As much as the Bonnie looks like a classic, it rides and feels just as modern as any other new bike out there. Ideal for both daily usage and long distance cruising, the Bonnie is among the best modern classics out there in the market, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Specifications
Engine: Air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin, 360º firing interval
Displacement: 865cc
Transmission: 5-speed
Max power: 68hp at 7500rpm
Max torque: 68Nm at 5800rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 16-litres
Price: RM53,900
Malaysian Honda motorcycles assembler and distributor Boon Siew Honda (M) Sdn Bhd officially launched the refreshed CBR250R and previewed its upcoming the CBR650R and CB650F models earlier today. (more…)
After several days of searching and connecting the dots online, we bring you these first leaked images and details of KTM’s new RC125, RC200, and RC390 models. (more…)
According to a Japanese bike magazine, Yamaha is considering to develop two new middleweight class models, supposedly christened the YZF-R400 and YZF-R650. (more…)
