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EICMA 2015: All-new Suzuki GSX-R1000 finally unveiled

After being absent from the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, the long wait is finally over after the covers were pulled off an all-new Suzuki GSX-R1000 superbike.

Its been a full 11 years since Suzuki fully updated the model, and this new GSX-R1000, which bears the ‘L7’ chassis code, arrives sporting plenty of new hardware and an all-new look as well.

Suzuki claims this new sixth generation GSX-R1000 is the lightest, most powerful and best handling GSX-R ever built, and we have very little reason to doubt that claim. This 6th generation GSX-R1000, or better known as the ‘Gixxer’ thousand amongst fans, is also the most highly equipped version of the superbike ever built.

As far as looks go, the sixth-gen Gixxer thousand now boasts a brand new face and yet, the bike’s lines remains rather distinctively unmistakable as a Gixxer. There’s new LED lighting all round that is complimented with a new LED dash display as well, giving this new L7 Gixxer a very high-tech touch. Of course, what counts for the most is what’s beneath the pretty new metal and this sixth-gen Gixxer has got plenty to boast.

For starters, it gains with a new and improved 999cc in-line four-cylinder engine primed with variable valve timing (VVT). The S-brand’s new litre-sized screamer offers 200hp and about 111Nm of peak torque. Highlights here include Suzuki Racing Finger valve train follower rocker arm to improve valve control and allow higher rpm, while the Suzuki Exhaust Tuning-Alpha (SET-A) and Suzuki Top Feed Injector (S-TFI) systems, which all combine to make what Suzuki call their Broad Power System. Crucially though, much of these were developed off the S-brand’s GSX-RR MotoGP bike.

The mill is encased within an all-new chassis design made using lightweight aluminium, but the icing on its cake has to be the Showa Balance Free Front Forks (BFFF) that was first seen in the rivalling 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. The Gixxer takes things up a notch though by pairing that with Showa’s Balance Free Rear Cushion at the back, and if our trained eyes are correct, you even get of twin Brembo anchors up front as well.

Like the rivalling Yamaha YZF-R1 and Kawasaki ZX-10R, the new Gixxer thousand also arrives with a full array of new electronics and advanced rider aids. Things start off with a quick-shifter and auto-blipper, followed by a 10-level traction control system, launch control, as well as three different riding modes thanks to ride-by-wire, not forgetting the all-important advanced ABS suite too.

The new sixth-generation Suzuki GSX-R1000 is expected to hit markets starting early next year but prices are still undisclosed for now. Nevertheless, this is one superbike we know will stack well against its other Japanese- and European-made litre-classed rivals indeed.

2016 Suzuki GSX-R1000 (L7)

Sources: Asphaltandrubber and MCN

Boon Siew launches new Honda Wave Alpha

Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd introduces all-new and improved Honda Wave Alpha for the local market.

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Boon Siew launches new Honda Wave Alpha

Malaysian assembler and distributor of Honda bikes Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd has updated its line up for the Malaysian market after the firm introduced its latest offering, the new and enhanced Honda Wave Alpha moped earlier today.

Present to launch the bike were several of Boon Siew’s top tier management personnel alongside several members from the Wave Alpha’s development team as well.

As it is, the Wave Alpha replaces the previous Wave 110 model, bringing along with it an enhanced exterior design and an improved powertrain as well. The moped can be had in two forms starting with a basic variant primed with drum brakes and spoked wheels followed by a higher-spec version equipped with disc brakes and cast wheels instead.

Both however share the same air-cooled 109.1cc single-cylinder engine that produces 8.3hp @ 7,500rpm and peak torque of 8.59Nm @ 5,500rpm. The engine is paired with a four-speed constant mesh transmission. Not only more powerful than the previous Wave 110’s unit, the new powertrain is also much more efficient as it boasts a fuel economy rating of 51.8km/litre.

Underneath, the moped also features a convenient U-box storage for added practicality as well as a colourful new and clear instrument panel design. Other notable features include the contoured new exhaust silencer design plus improved leg protection from the stylishly redesigned forward fairing.

Available for viewing and purchase via authorised dealers starting today, the all-new base drum brake-equipped Honda Wave Alpha carries a basic starting price of RM4,132.94 (6% GST inclusive) whilst the disc brake-equipped unit is priced from RM4,556.94 (6% GST inclusive).

Honda Wave Alpha launch @ Pullman Hotel, Bangsar

Honda Wave Alpha

2016 MV Agusta Brutale 800 fully ‘teased’ in video

Italian motorcycle artisans MV Agusta have just released its teaser video for the refreshed 2016 MV Agusta Brutale 800 naked model. Though called a ‘teaser’, the video ironically reveals the revised bike in full, showing off some of the cosmetic changes the Varese brand has performed for its core naked bike model.

Though we are visually clear on the aesthetic revisions, MV Agusta have withheld any further information surrounding the refreshed naked. Seems the brand wants to save the details for the bike’s scheduled debut at the annual EICMA show in Milan that is set to open its doors this week.

In any case, the changes are rather clear in comparison to the outgoing 2015 model. Firstly, this 2016 model sports a revised tail section, complemented with a redesigned triple-exhaust and tail lamp as well. Up front comes a smartened up front fascia thanks to the revised and rear-swept headlamp design, a restyled fuel tank, as well as a set of new intake ducts and radiator fairings.

Visually, it is difficult to ascertain any mechanical revisions from the video. However, sources are led to believe that much of the oily bits remain unchanged from the outgoing 2015 version. Of course, this is still subject to confirmation, so we will have to wait until MV Agusta things official once EICMA 2015 opens its doors.

Sources: YouTube / Moto.it / Asphaltandrubber / Visordown

First look: 2016 BMW G310R – the baby beemer!

After numerous spyshots and being teased as a stunting concept, the worldwide wait for the new small capacity BMW bike is finally over.

Meet the all-new BMW G310R, BMW Motorrad brand’s first ever sub-500cc model that was developed in partnership with Indian manufacturer TVS.

Unveiled online just recently, the new ‘baby beemer’ enters the ever-growing yet lucrative lightweight bikes segment, and will surely stand as a strong rival against segment favourites like KTM and the usuals from Japanese powerhouses. Here’s what we’ve managed to garner so far about this small yet feisty new made-in-India BMW.

As previewed in the concept, the BMW G310R is powered using a newly developed liquid-cooled DOHC 313cc single-cylinder heart with four valves. Unique traits here are its 80mm x 62.1mm bore x stroke figures, followed by its backward-tilted cylinder in open-deck design with the cylinder head turned by 180 degrees, making it possible to position the intake tract at the front.

As a result, the mill develops 34hp at 9,800rpm and peak torque of 28Nm at 7,500rpm. All that power is channelled to the rear wheel using a six-speed constant mesh transmission primed with a wet multi-plate clutch and a chain drive system.

The powertrain is encased within a Tubular steel frame design that was built with a grid structure whilst having a bolt-on rear frame and a long swingarm assembly made using cast aluminium. Up front sees a pair of 41mm telescopic inverted forks that are combined with steering geometry honed towards safe and predictable handling, offering 140mm of fork travel too. The wheelbase stands at 1,374mm with the adjustable rear shock mounted directly whilst boasting 131mm of travel as well.

Next comes a set of lightweight yet strong 17-inch five-spoke wheels front and aft that are shod in 110/70/17 (front) and 150/60/17 (rear) tyre sizes. Anchors come in the form of single discs all round measuring 300mm up front and 240mm in the rear, radially-mounted four-piston caliper in front, as well as the BMW Motorrad ABS suite primed as standard.

Notably, the BMW G310R also gets a decently-sized 11-litre fuel tank, a low unladen weight of 158.5kg and a standard seat height of 785mm. Despite its size, BMW further claimed that the new G310R is capable of reaching a top speed of approximately 145km/h as well.

BMW did mentioned that low and high seat heights are available with optional accessories ranging from 760mm through to 815mm. Other additional accessories available include luggage, top boxes, a centrestand, LED indicators, a 12-volt charging socket and heated grips too.

As far as the design goes, much of the G310R’s lines are inspired by the bigger S1000R streetfighter. The basic paint scheme on offer is a black and white combination with silver highlights, followed by a more premium metallic blue and grey scheme plus a Pearl White option as well.

Excited? So are we, and the news just gets better as insiders at BMW hints at more variants to come soon based on the G310R. That includes a half faired and ‘adventure’ bike versions slated to debut at a later stage.

The new BMW G310R will be debuting at EICMA later this month with markets sales set to commence early next year. We are not sure when it will arrive locally, but all signs indicate that this is one BMW worth waiting for indeed. Check out the extensive gallery we’ve prepared below to see the bike in full detail.

2016 BMW G310R (static)

2016 BMW G310R (action)

Sources BMW Motorrad / Visordown, MCN and MoreBikes

First look: 2016 Triumph Speed Triple

After treating fans worldwide with the debut of the all-new Bonneville classic, Triumph has kept its momentum going by revealing the new and improved 2016 Triumph Speed Triple streetfighter range ahead of this month’s EICMA 2015 expo.

We’ve already seen spyshots and reported of the possible updates the new Speed Triple would get, and the result is this heavily revised version for 2016. Firstly, the new models carries new Speed Triple S and Speed Triple R naming schemes for 2016.

Crucially, both versions retain the outgoing model’s chassis but does gain with an extensive update package revolving around its on board electronics and powertrain. Complementing that are a host of mild cosmetic enhancements comprised of sleeker bodywork inspired from the Daytona 675R and a new seat design as well.

For the 2016 model, the Speed Triple gains with a revised 1,050cc triple-cylinder heart that boasts 104 new development. It now offers more power and torque across its entire rev range with fuel efficiency improved by 10%. Highlights here are a new combustion chamber and cylinder head, new machined crank, redesigned pistons and the adoption of new ride-by-wire throttle bodies.

The engine and radiator has been narrowed down in size too with Triumph says grants the entire package with a 20mm narrower standover. Other new bits include a slipper clutch, a smaller new radiator, as well as a revised exhaust system that Triumph claims to have an improved flow rate of 70%.

Triumph has yet to release the official power and torque figures, but sources believe the 2016 Triumph Speed Triple’s revised heart will have at least 140hp.
Perhaps the biggest improvement incorporated in the 2016 Speed Triple is its heavily revamped electronics suite. The update primes the 2016 model with a new ECU and an adjustable ride-by-wire throttle with changeable throttle maps. As a result, the new bike now offers five selectable riding modes: Road, Rain, Sport, Track and a Custom rider-programmable mode. Next up comes the uprated ABS and Traction Control suites that grants riders with selectable levels with both being linked to the riding modes as well.

Updates with the chassis hardware are mild, but there are several notable new bits starting with Brembo monobloc calipers. Next up comes the full compliment of Öhlins suspension all round exclusively for the Speed Triple R, which is comprised of the brand’s NIX30 front forks and TTX36 rear shock.

Also exclusive to the Speed Triple R are several unique and racy exterior trims. These include a carbon-fibre front mudguard, carbon tank inserts and a bellypan. Completing its premium racy looks, the R also boasts new billet-machined bar clamps and risers, swingarm pivot covers and rear wheel finisher, plus a red radiator cowls and a red subframe.

Completing the update are a set of new colour schemes starting with the Speed Triple S model’s ‘Diablo Red’ and ‘Phantom Black’ followed by the R’s ‘Crystal White’ and ‘Matt Graphite’.

We can expect more details surrounding the revised 2016 Triumph Speed Triple range as soon as they make their public debuts at the annual EICMA show in Milan, Italy later this month.

Sources: Asphaltandrubber, Visordown and MorBikes

Video: New 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R in detail

After our extensive launch report, you’d think you already know everything you need to about the new and massively upgraded 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. However, Kawasaki doesn’t think so, explaining its newly released video below that details the brand’s flagship superbike in all its glory.

To cut things short, what Kawasaki have done was essentially taking the vast input from its World Superbike Championship (WSBK) team’s riders and engineers in the superbike’s development, resulting in the creation of one of its most potent machines ever.

You could say that the new ZX-10R has leaped ahead of its predecessors significantly, and you could perhaps measure that in lightyears if needed. But, lets not forget the 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R’s core mission, which is to grant the Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) with a strong machine to defend its WSBK title in the coming years.

The full upgrade package starts with an uprated powerplant that’s caged within a revised chassis that boasts built-in resonance chambers and a longer swingarm. The follow up to that is the redesigned exterior with improved aerodynamic stability as well.

However, one of its most critical new gains lies in its generously upgraded electronics, the icing of said cake though being the Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) that ties all the systems together.

Then comes some of the impressive new hardware starting with the production bike debut of the adjustable Showa Balance Free Front Fork system featuring gas-charged tubes. Complementing those further are the adoptions of new radially mounted Brembo monobloc calipers up front that grabs a pair of larger 330mm rotors that is tasked with the bulk of arresting this superbike to a halt.

Check out the video from Kawasaki we posted above and revel in this precision instrument of speed and aerodynamic in all its green glory. Alternatively, you could also read our extensive report here.

Source: Kawasaki via YouTube

Suzuki shows off turbocharged engine

Having shown us the Recursion concept during the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, Suzuki’s intent at bringing forced induction into bikes is very clear indeed. Fuelling the flame further are rumours of said concept being finalised for production in the last few months, followed by the fact that the mighty S-brand’s move towards trademarking the ‘Recursion’ name and filing patents for designs surrounding the bike’s unique powerplant.

Well, at the on-going 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, it appears that Suzuki are indeed one step closer towards making the Recursion a production reality. At the heart of Suzuki’s stand was this, a compact and turbocharged two-cylinder engine called the EX7, presumably made for Recursion.

Other than the fact that it has twin camshafts (DOHC) and four valves, Suzuki did not say much about this turbocharged and intercooled parallel twin. It is presumed that the mill displaces about 588cc, which was the quoted engine size of the Recursion concept. The concept also envisioned the mill to generate just over 100hp and at least 101Nm of torque too – not bad for its size.

There is still no sight of the Recursion concept’s production version during the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, which likely suggest that we will only see it next year or early in 2017. However, we are led to believe that Suzuki could surprise all with a reveal in this year’s edition of EICMA that will take place in just several weeks time in Milan, Italy.

Sources: Asphaltandrubber and Visordown

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After being absent from the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, the long wait is finally over after the covers were pulled off an all-new Suzuki GSX-R1000 superbike.

2016 Suzuki GSX-R1000 (L7)

Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd introduces all-new and improved Honda Wave Alpha for the local market.

Malaysian assembler and distributor of Honda bikes Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd has updated its line up for the Malaysian market after the firm introduced its latest offering, the new and enhanced Honda Wave Alpha moped earlier today.

Honda Wave Alpha launch @ Pullman Hotel, Bangsar

Honda Wave Alpha

After numerous spyshots and being teased as a stunting concept, the worldwide wait for the new small capacity BMW bike is finally over.

2016 BMW G310R (static)

2016 BMW G310R (action)

After treating fans worldwide with the debut of the all-new Bonneville classic, Triumph has kept its momentum going by revealing the new and improved 2016 Triumph Speed Triple streetfighter range ahead of this month’s EICMA 2015 expo.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn. Bhd. (HLYM)expands its big bike line up with the introduction of the Yamaha XV950R Bolt.

New 2016 KTM 690 Duke previewed with new images of pre-production prototype.

Ageing Kawasaki ZX-10R supersports will receive sharpened enhancements soon.

All-new Ducati Monster 1200 R officially teased – slated to become Ducati brand’s most powerful naked bike ever.

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