parallel-twin Archives

2023 CFMoto 450NK Rolls Out In The Philippines

CFMoto officially introduced the highly-anticipated CFMoto 450NK in the Philippines. Following its initial launch in China just a couple of months ago, this naked sport bike has now landed in the archipelago, marking a significant step for CFMoto’s expansion into South-East Asian markets.

the 450NK replaces the 400NK and is powered by the same parallel-twin engine with 270-degree crank found in the 450SR.
the 450NK follows the same design language as the bigger 800NK.

Replacing its predecessor, the popular 400NK, the CFMoto 450NK presents an impressive blend of style, performance, and innovation, aiming to raise the bar in the competitive SEA motorcycle scene.

This move comes on the heels of the successful progression of CFMoto’s NK lineup, evolving from the 400NK and its larger sibling, the 650NK, to the latest 800NK. Now, the 450NK takes center stage, inheriting several features from the 450SR, showcasing the brand’s commitment to continuous improvement.

Design-wise, the 450NK draws inspiration from its predecessor, the 800NK, boasting a revamped headlight, bold fairings that exude aggression, and a striking color palette. Its tail design shares similarities with the 250 and 450SR models, tailored to complement the bike’s overall proportions and distinctive aesthetics.

Under the hood, the 450NK mirrors the performance DNA of the 800NK, sporting a parallel-twin engine with a similar firing order. With a 270-degree crankshaft, the engine delivers a robust power output of 46.9hp and 39Nm. Its 449cc displacement pairs with a six-speed transmission featuring a slipper clutch, ensuring a seamless and exhilarating riding experience.

The 450NK finds balance on a compact wheelbase of just 1,370mm. The accessible seat height of 795mm accommodates a diverse range of riders. Despite its muscular performance, the bike maintains a manageable curb weight of 165kg.

Suspension duties are entrusted to KYB, featuring an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a central mono-shock at the rear. Braking confidence is ensured through a 320-millimeter single disc equipped with a J.Juan four-piston calliper, complemented by a 220mm single disc rear brake with a single-piston calliper. Notably, CFMoto prioritizes safety by incorporating anti-lock brakes (ABS) as standard, alongside a traction control system for added stability.

As the CFMoto 450NK accelerates into the Philippine market, we are sure that the new sport naked will make it’s way to Malaysia soon probably by the end of the year.

QJMotor Lancar SRV 700 Flash 2023 Di China – 76HP, 65Nm

QJMotor terus mengukuhkan kedudukan selaku pengeluar motosikal China paling aktif dengan pelancaran SRV 700 Flash yang telah dikemas kini bagi tahun 2023.

Motosikal segmen cruiser itu kini tampil dengan dua varian, dibezakan dengan penggunaan rantai dan ‘belting’. Namun begitu, tidak dapat dipastikan sama ada kedua-duanya akan dipasarkan di China atau salah satu daripadanya akan dijual di pasaran luar.

Selain daripada kemaskini kecil itu, SRV 700 Flash terus dikuasakan enjin parallel-twin 693cc dengan penyejukan cecair dan suntikan bahan api yang berupaya menghasilkan 76hp dan 65Nm. Enjin tersebut dipadankan bersama transmisi manual 6-kelajuan.

Bahagian casis pula merangkumi kerangka besi konvensional yang dipadankan bersama fork jenis inverted di bahagian depan dan monoshock tunggal belakang yang diimbangi ke sebelah kanan.

Ciri moden lain ditawarkan termasuk ABS dwi-saluran dengan cakera brek berkembar depan selain daripada penggunaan rim 16-inci depan dan belakang.

Dalam pada itu, SRV 700 Flash ini juga didakwa akan menembusi pasaran global lain namun tidak dapat dipastikan sama ada pasaran tersebut membabitkan Malaysia.

Di China, SRV 700 Flash ini dijual dengan harga CNY39,999 (RM25.6k).

Suzuki GSX-8R In The Works?

Could a Suzuki GSX-8R be in the works? According to reports from the Japanese motorcycle press, Suzuki might be gearing up to launch a sports bike based on the GSX-8S platform that could potentially become the GSX-8R.

the new 776cc parallel-twin engine could potentially leads to a new fully-faired sportsbike from Hamamatsu.
popular Japanese publication, Young-Machine hints at the arrival of the so called GSX-8R.

Last year, Suzuki introduced the GSX-8S and V-Strom 800DE, which marked the brand’s first all-new models in quite some time. These bikes showcased a new engine platform and chassis from the Japanese manufacturer. However, the spotlight has now shifted to what Suzuki might do with the parallel-twin platform in the future.

Rumours have been circulating about a possible new sports bike from Suzuki, and popular sources like Young Machine have hinted that it could be the next release from the company.

These rumors have gained attention and even sparked the imagination of motorcycle designer and YouTuber Mich Superbikes, who has created his own vision of a fully-faired machine based on the GSX-8S, which could potentially evolve into the GSX-8R.

For Suzuki, this would be an interesting move considering their recent decision to discontinue the iconic GSX-R1000 and withdraw from motorsport in an official capacity.

As of now, Suzuki has not made any official announcements about the potential GSX-8R. However, with the growing anticipation and speculations, motorcycle enthusiasts eagerly await any news regarding the development of this exciting new addition to Suzuki’s range

RASMI: Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 Mendarat Di Malaysia – Lengkap Quickshifter, RM50,800

Suzuki Malaysia telah memperkenalkan motosikal segmen ‘sports naked’ terbaru untuk pasaran tempatan menerusi Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 yang ditawarkan pada harga RM50,800.

Suzuki GSX-8S ini merupakan entri terbaru bagi segmen motosikal naked dan dikuasakan enjin parallel-twin 776cc DOHC serba baharu yang dibangunkan di Hamamatsu. Menariknya, enjin tersebut direka bagi menghasilkan kuasa pada rev rendah di samping dlengkapi dengan Suzuki Cross Balancer, yang menjaminkan tahap gegaran yang lebih rendah.

Untuk rekod, platform baharu itu menghasilkan 82hp pada 8,500rpm dan 78Nm pada 6,800rpm dan dikawal oleh sistem ‘ride-by-wire’. Selain itu, GSX-8S ini juga menawarkan tiga tahap sistem ‘traction control’ – yang boleh dinyahaktifkan – dan tiga mod enjin dengan kedua-duanya boleh diakses menenerusi skrin TFT.

Bagi memastikan tunggangan lebih mengujakan, model naked ini juga dilengkapi dengan sistem quickshifter dua arah (up/down) secara standard.

Spesifikasi lain juga tidak kurang hebatnya, dengan bahagian chasis dipadankan bersama suspensi KYB depan dan belakang manakala bahagian ‘swingarm’ pula direka khas bagi meningkatkan tahap ketangkasan.

Untuk rekod, Suzuki GSX-8S ini datang dengan tiga pilihan warna; Pearl Cosmic Blue, Pearl Tech White dan Matt dan Sparkle Black.

RASMI: Suzuki Malaysia Lancar V-Strom 800DE – Dari RM60,800

Suzuki Malaysia dengan rasminya melancarkan motosikal adventure terbaru, Suzuki V-Strom 800DE untuk pasaran tempatan dengan harga -pengenalan rasmi RM60,800 (untuk 50 unit pertama yang berdaftar).

Selepas pelancaran global di EICMA, November tahun lalu, motosikal serba baharu itu akhirnya mendarat di Malaysia.

ENJIN

Buat kali pertama, keluarga V-Strom tidak lagi dihidupkan enjin V-Twin sebaliknya dikuasakan platform parallel-twin 776cc serba baharu yang dibangunkan di Hamamatsu, Jepun. Enjin tersebut juga telah disaluti dengan Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) yang membantu mengurangkan tahap geseran dan haba sekaligus memastikan ketahanan enjin yang lebih baik dan beroperasi lebih lancar.

Meskipun konfigurasi bukan lagi V-Twin namun enjin tersebut menawarkan ‘270-degree crank’ sekaligus menjaminkan perwatakan enjin yang hampir sama.

Kemudian, bagi memastikan enjin beroperasi pada tahap optimum, sistem penyejukan dikendalikan oleh dua cara. Pertamanya, bahagian radiator dilengkapi dengan System Inlet Control Thermostat Valve yang berfungsi dengan mengekalkan suhu enjin secara konsisten. Kedua, suhu enjin kekal rendah dengan bantuan sistem penyejukan cecair yang kompak.

Operasi transmisi manual 6-kelajuan pula menawarkan pertukaran gear yang lancar dibantu dengan sistem ‘quickshifter’ yang sama terdapat pada GSX-8S.

Pada masa sama, Suzuki Clutch Assist System pula memastikan pertukaran gear kekal efisien meskipun penunggang menurunkan gear secara agresif.

Walaupun enjin parallel-twin terkenal dengan gegaran yang ketara namun masalah tersebut berjaya diatasi menerusi Suzuki Cross Balancer yang pertama kalinya diwujudkan pada sebuah motosikal ‘production’.

Menurut Suzuki, terdapat dua pengimbang telah diletakkan pada kedudukan 90-darjah di bahagian ‘crankshaft’ dan bertujuan memastikan enjin kekal ringan sewaktu menunggang.

CHASIS

Untuk rekod, enjin parallel-twin tersebut turut dibangunkan sebagai tekanan utama (stress member) bahagian chasis. Menurut Suzuki, gabungan kerangka dengan enjin mewujudkan geometri yang baik terutamanya bagi tunggangan ‘off-road’.

Ditambah dengan jarak kelegaan tanah yang berada pada 220mm, V-Strom 800 DE ini sememangnya berupaya menangani permukaan yang lasak. Selain itu, Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE ini turut dilengkapi dengan tayar (spoke) 21-inci depan dan 17-inci belakang yang dipadankan bersama tayar Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour secara standard.

Aspek memberk pula dikendalikan kaliper brek Nissin dua-piston depan dan kaliper Nissin satu-piston belakang yang mengapit cakera brek 310mm (depan) dan 260mm (belakang).

ELEKTRONIK

Menariknya, Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE ini datang dengan pakej elektronik yang serba lengkap termasuk Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS). SIRS merangkumi ride-by-wire, empat mod menunggang termasuk mod Gravel, quickshisfter, Suzuki Easy Start System dan Low RPM Assist.

Segala informasi dan akses kepada tetapan elektronik pula boleh dilakukan menerusi panel meter TFT berwarna serba baharu. Pencahayaan pula hadir menerusi lampu LED penuh (depan dan belakang).

REKA BENTUK

Tidak dinafikan, rekaan keseluruhan V-Strom 800 DE ini diilhamkan daripada ‘abang besar’ V-Strom 1050 namun bentuk lampu depan yang lebih moden dan unik yang diinspirasikan daripada GSX-S1000 tampak serasi.

Bahagian ‘mudguard’ depan pula diletakkan lebih tinggi berbanding V-Stom 650 dan menonjolkan lagi elemen ‘adventure’.

FIRST LOOK: 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 450

Kawasaki has recently revealed its latest creation, the Eliminator, a light-to-middleweight standard motorcycle that aims to meet the demands of everyday riders. With a focus on rider-friendliness, this machine combines performance, comfort, and retro styling reminiscent of Kawasaki’s power cruisers from the 1980s.

powering the new Eliminator is the firm’s brand-new 451cc parallel-twin engine.
in some markets, the Eliminator will continue to run with the tried and tested 399cc engine.

At the heart of the Eliminator lies a brand-new 451cc parallel-twin engine, derived from the renowned Ninja series. To enhance low-end torque, Kawasaki has increased the stroke by 6.8mm, resulting in a total displacement boost of 52cc.

The engine features the same 32mm throttle bodies as the 400cc model, along with a 5.8L airbox. It wouldn’t be surprising to see this upgraded powerplant making its way into other Kawasaki models in the future, although some markets, like Japan, will continue to use the 399cc engine.

Designed for lightness and agility, the Eliminator boasts a lightweight chassis with an upright riding position and a seat height of 734mm. The trellis frame, developed using advanced dynamic rigidity analysis, contributes to both the overall weight reduction and the low seat height.

Additionally, the square-tube swingarm, bolted directly to the engine via an aluminum swing arm mount plate, ensures improved torsional rigidity without the need for extra bracing.

Equipped with 18/16-inch wheels, the Eliminator sports a 130/70-18 tyre at the front and a 150/80-16 tyre at the rear. Braking power is provided by a single 310mm rotor with a two-piston caliper at the front, complemented by a 220mm rear disc also gripped by two pistons.

It’s important to note that ABS will only be available on select models of the Eliminator.

In the era of connectivity, the Eliminator embraces technology with Bluetooth functionality integrated into the instrument panel. Riders can utilize the Kawasaki Rideology app to access vehicle information, log their rides, receive mobile phone notifications, and customize various bike settings.

Kawasaki Eliminator 400 Hidup Semula – 47HP, 37NM

Kawasaki membuat kejutan beberapa hari lalu apabila mengumumkan kembalinya model Eliminator 400 bagi tahun 2023.

Bagaimanapun, beberapa hari selepas itu, motosikal gaya ‘cruiser’ itu turut membuat penampilan mengejut di Bangkok International Motor Show 2023 sekaligus menandakan ketibaan model itu bagi pasaran di Thailand.

Perkembangan tersebut secara langsung mengesahkan kembalinya lencana Eliminator selepas model itu dihentikan pengeluarannya pada 2007.

Digerakkan enjins sama yang menghidupkan Ninja 400 dan Z400, Kawasaki Eliminator 400 ini menawarkan 47hp pada 10,000rpm dan 37Nm pada 8,000rpm.

Mengguna pakai kerangka trellis besi seperti Ninja 400, Eliminator 400 tampil dengan gaya ‘cruiser’ klasik dengan reka bentuk rendah dan panjang. Meskipun begitu model ini hanyalah seberat 176kg sekaligus sesuai untuk mereka yang mahu berjinak dengan motosikal ‘cruiser’.

Antara ciri lain ditawarkan termasuk tangki 13L dan ketinggian tempat duduk 735mm. Menurut laporan, Kawasaki Eliminator 400 itu dipasarkan di Thailand dengan harga jualan THB224,900 (RM29k).

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Slated For July Launch

Royal Enfield recently opens its second exclusive showroom located in Perai, Penang.

The Super Meteor features an all-new frame and revised suspension setup.
The Super Meteor 650 features the same 650cc parallel-twin engine found in the 650 Twins.

During the launch, Mr. Rewi Hamid Bugo Chairman of Didi Group also confirmed that the highly-aniticpated Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 will hit Malaysian shores tentatively in July 2023.

The Super Meteor 650 is the third motorcycle to feature Royal Enfield’s 650cc parallel-twin engine after the Continental GT and Interceptor.

However, this is not simply an engine swap from the smaller Meteor 350 or a different aesthetic from the existing 650 Twin. Instead, the Super Meteor 650 gets a newly built frame, revised suspension geometry, redesigned fuel tank, new side panels and a new swingarm.

Also, the Super Meteor 650 is the first 650cc model from Royal Enfield to be equipped with full-LED lighting. In addition, the Super Meteor is also the first Royal Enfield to be fitted with upside-down forks.

Nonetheless, the motorcycle continues to offer conventional cruiser-style riding ergonomics similar to the 350.

Meanwhile, instrumentation comes from a digital-analogue display with tripper navigation.

Chinese-Made Harley-Davidson X350 Confirmed For The US Markets

Harley-Davidson held a huge event just last week to celebrate the firm’s 120th anniversary.

The Chinese-build Harley-Davidson X350 is heading to the US.
The X350 is equipped with a parallel-twin 353cc engine similar to the Benelli 302s but with a bigger bore.

The American motorcycle company took the opportunity to announced it’s 2023 lineup, including the Nightster Special and the Breakout.

Unfortunately, the highly anticipated Chinese-build X350 and X350RA was not included in the announcement.

However, latest report suggest that the X350 and X350RA, a product of Harley-Davidson’s partnership with China’s Qianjiang Motors is also heading to the US as confirmed by new VIN information.

Interestingly, Motorcycle.com managed to obtained o copy of the X350 owner’s manual and an image of the motorcycle.

According to reports by Dennis Chung, the owner’s manual disclosed some of the bike’s information including the powertrain. That said, powering the Harley-Davidson X350 is a 353cc parallel-twin with eight-valve liquid-cooled mill.

However, while the X350 makes 36hp the X350RA power output is restricted to just 26hp.

The VIN information also confirms that the X350 is equipped with analog speedometer with small digital display, damping adjustable inverted front fork, ABS and dual-petal disc brakes.

Also, the X350 runs on 17-inch front and rear wheels shod with Pirelli’s Angel CT tires with 120/70-17 up front and 160/60-17 at the rear. However, the X350RA is equipped with slimmer wheels, 110/70-17 at the front and 150/60-17 at the rear.

The X350 also claims a weight of 199.5kg and 12.8 litres of fuel tank.

(source: Motorcycle.com)

Kove Cobra 321 Breaks Cover In China – 40hp, 27.1Nm.

Kove is likely to become a household name in a few years particularly after the company successfully partake in the 2023 Dakar Rally by fielding three bikes.

Kove begins the 2023 calendar year with an all-new naked roadster.
The Cobra 321 makes 40hp and 27.1Nm from its 321cc parallel-twin mill.

Since the brand also sets out to compete in the 2023 SSP300, the Chinese motorcycle manufacturer is looking serious to make itself global despite only made its global debut at the 2022 EICMA show.

In another move, Kove recently expanded its range of motorcycles by introducing the Cobra 321. As the name suggest, the naked roadster features a 321cc parallel-twin engine which Kove claimed makes 40hp and 27.1Nm.

Interestingly, the 321cc mill resembles to that of the Yamaha MT-03 and R3. That said, it is likely that the Kove-build engine was develop with reference to the Japanese powertrain.

Power is then delivered to the rear wheel via a six-speed manual transmission.

Housing the engine is a steel tubular frame linked to a single-sided swingarm, a feature commonly found in bigger and high-performance road bike.

Other notable features include a full-LED lighting, 17-inch front and rear wheels, inverted front forks and a rear monoshock (preload adjustable).

Stopping power comes from a front and rear disc brakes equipped with ABS paired to an radially-mounted Nissin callipers.

Next-Gen KTM 990 Engine Emerged In New Design Registrations

Detailed images of KTM’s next-generation parallel-twin engine have emerged via the latest design registrations.

KTM latest generation LC8c engine appears in design registrations.
The new 990cc parallel-twin engine likely to make more than 130hp.

While the overall design looks similar to the current LC8c twin, there is a new casting for the block, cylinders and head.

It’s essential to take note that the LC8c mill is unique, mainly because it started out as a 799cc (790) and had a bump to 889cc (890) thanks to a bigger bore – increased from 88mm to 90.7mm.

Nevertheless, it’s given an extensive rework to achieve the bigger 990cc while retaining the LC8c (liquid-cooled 8-valve compact) nomenclature.

To allow for easier comparison, refer to the side-by-side images below.

Why the similarities? It would allow the new mill to slot into existing models if needed.

Also, the images prove that despite some similarities, every major part, including the crankcases, cylinder head, and transmission, has received extensive revisions.

The cylinders also appear taller, indicating an increase in the engine’s stroke.

According to reports, the engine is likely to be manufactured in China by the CFMOTO-KTM partnership and could appear in CFMOTO-branded bikes soon after.

The current 890 engine makes a good 119hp – although KTM managed to squeeze 133hp from the RC 8C – therefore, in 990 forms, it could pass the 130hp mark, particularly the RC 990.

That said, we expect the new mill to find its way first into the 990 Duke later this year, followed by the RC 990.

KTM-Powered CFMoto 800NK Inbound – 799cc, 99hp

Just a few months ago, CFMoto unveiled its NK-C22 concept motorcycle that was likely to make it to production anytime soon.

CFMoto to introduced the 800NK roadster.
Features KTM 799cc LC8c parallel twin-cylinder engine.

The naked-type roadster were believed to be powered by KTM’s 799cc parallel twin-cylinder engine.

However, latest development has confirmed that a production model, resembling the NK-C22 concept already in the works with the finished product bearing the 800NK name emerged in a new type-approval documents filed in China.

The documents not only showed one but two versions of the 800Nk are to be made.

Based on the single photo shared, the 800NK looks like a proper roadster with sharp bodyworks and exposed frame.

Interestingly, the production model mirrors most of the NK-C22 features except a couple of key changes with the main alteration is the adoption of a conventional double-sided swingarm.

Similar to other CFMoto machines, the 800NK is likely designed by Kiska Studios, the same company responsible for many KTM’s in recent years.

CFMoto also claimed that the KTM-powered 800NK makes 99hp from the 799cc LTM LC8c engine. The same mill also powered CFMoto’s 800MT adventure motorcycle.

According to the documents, both iterations of the 800NK also shares the same key figures including engine and other components. They also have similar parts, including an USD front fork, J.Juan radial-mount brake callipers and TFT instrument display.

However, we expect the higher-spec 800NK to feature an additional electronic package, possibly similar to KTM’s 790 Duke range.

The all-new CFMoto 800NK is likely to hit the global market in 2023.

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