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spy shot

As the summer of 2023 heats up, the motorcycle industry is abuzz with anticipation. Moto Guzzi and Aprilia, prominent members of the Piaggio Group, are gearing up to make significant announcements in the coming months.

  • Aprilia is making significant progress in introducing the RS440. 
  • Seen in the photos is also the upcoming Moto Guzzi Stelvio. 

Rumours have been circulating about the revival of the Moto Guzzi Stelvio since the end of June, with sources suggesting a release before the year’s end, possibly even at the EICMA event in November. On the Aprilia front, the RS 440 has been generating excitement for several months, and the Piaggio Group further stoked the flames earlier this year by discussing their development plans for a 400-450cc Aprilia sportbike.

RS660

Now, in July 2023, we have tangible evidence of the Aprilia RS 440 in action, thanks to a series of spy photos. Interestingly, accompanying the RS 440 in these images is another camouflaged Piaggio Group motorcycle, likely to be the new Moto Guzzi Stelvio, based on the V100 Mandello platform. It seems these two models are keeping each other company during testing.

The styling of the alleged Aprilia RS 440 is strikingly similar to its sibling, the Aprilia RS 660. In fact, the manufacturer went to great lengths to conceal the true identity of the RS 440, employing clever graphics decals to make it appear as an RS 660. 

However, upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that the RS 440 features a single brake calliper and disc at the front, unlike the RS 660. While no official specifications have been released for the RS 440, it is highly plausible, if not likely, that this cost-conscious model will come equipped with a single front brake setup.

With these spy shots circulating, motorcycle enthusiasts eagerly await an official announcement from Aprilia regarding the RS 440. 

**Image credit goes to the respective owners

Exciting news for motorcycle enthusiasts! The 2024 GasGas ES 900 and SM 900 have been spotted testing, giving a sneak peek into what can be expected from the expanding GasGas range.

  • The two test mule is build based on existing KTM platforms but with different styling altogether. 
  • Powering the ES 900 and SM 900 is the tried and test KTM LC8c parallel-twin engine. 

KTM, the parent company of GasGas, is using its established LC8c parallel-twin engine to power these new models.

According to reports by Cycle World (CLICK HERE TO SEE THEM), the bikes spotted on test are a supermoto and an enduro, both based on existing KTM parts. The enduro-style ES 900 prototype uses the chassis and engine from the KTM 890 Adventure R, while the supermoto-style SM 900 prototype borrows components from the KTM 890 Duke R.

GasGas, which entered the streetbike market last year with the launch of the SM 700 supermoto and ES 700 enduro models, plans to expand its range. Similar to Husqvarna, GasGas will use existing KTM platforms, but will add distinct styling to differentiate itself from other brands in the market.

The new GasGas models are expected to be either 799cc or 889cc, using the existing LC8c engine. As the current GasGas range already includes the SM 700 and ES 700, it’s likely that the firm will use the 889cc twins in the new models, along with the names SM 900 and ES 900.

Both the ES 900 and SM 900 prototypes feature new bodywork with side panels that mimic the motocross-inspired shapes used on other GasGas models. They also have similar headlights to the ES 700 and SM 700, with a trapezoid shape.

It’s exciting to see GasGas expanding its street-focused range, and with KTM’s expertise in engineering and design, these new models are sure to be impressive. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the 2024 release date.

This isn’t the first time that the next-generation KTM 390 Duke has been spotted testing in India. 

  • Next-gen KTM 390 Duke caught testing again in India. 
  • The upcoming single-cylinder naked motorcycle could feature bigger displacement. 

In fact, from the previous sighting, we already conclude that the upcoming 390 Duke will feature a revised engine and rerouted exhaust system.

However, there’s also an ongoing rumour that the 390 Duke will get a bump in displacement to 399cc. 

In an exciting development, the latest spy shot does suggest that the next-gen 390 Duke sports a larger radiator with a twin-fan setup (the current model only has one) as reported by AutoCarIndia. 

This could suggest that the upcoming model offers more power, likely due to the increase in displacement. 

While the turn of events sounds exciting, there is also the possibility that the extra fan is simply to help improve cooling for the current engine, similar to the one found in the 390 Adventure.

Also, the spy shot revealed a revised swingarm, assuming it’s lighter than the current model. The test mule also features a sharper fuel tank design, redesigned headlight and a wider saddle.

The new 390 Duke is expected to be launched sometime this year. 

Gambar intipan Ducati Hypermotard – Sumber imej: MCN
  • Ducati mungkin sekali akan merombak semula motosikal Hypermotard bagi tahun 2019.
  • Ia pasti akan tampil sedia untuk piawaian emisi Euro5 yang akan dikuatkuasa bermula tahun 2020.
  • Walaupun masih belum disahkan lagi, sudah ada desas desus mengatakan yang enjin baharunya akan dilengkapi dengan DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing).

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  • Ducati could be revamping the Hypermotard for 2019.

  • It should be ready for Euro 5 emissions standard since it will be implemented in 2020.

  • While it is not confirmed, there is speculation that the new engine will be equipped with DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing).

A revamped Ducati Hypermotard has been caught undergoing road trials. Could it be released for 2019?

Looking at the spy shot, the “new” bike looks to have a new engine, styling changes and twin underseat exhaust silencers.

According to MCN, the exhausts are the obvious sign that the new Hypermotard will comply with the Euro 5 emissions standards that’s set to be introduced in 2020. The new rulings are even tougher on carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and noise emissions.

Hence, the new Hypermotard’s exhaust system separates the baffles and catalytic convertor rather than having both in the same unit. The new Supersport and Multistrada may also follow this same route.

Speaking of the new Multistrada 1260, the Hypermotard’s engine may just be equipped with DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) too since the system allows for better efficiency throughout the rev range.

Other takeaways from the spy photo are a new steel trellis subframe which replaces the previous one-piece cast unit, the clutch and alternator covers beefed up for more sound-proofing, and Marzocchi forks and Sachs rear monoshock.

Expect the 2019 Hypermotard to be unveiled at EICMA.

A bike enthusiasts had just sent us some spy shots of what could be a Zongshen RX3.

The pictures was taken by Wahi Abdul Rahman, said that he spotted the bike while on his way to work this morning in Sungai Petani.

IMG-20141113-WA0008_1

The bike looks like its going through a road rest with a trade plate.

The RX3 is an adventure ready 26hp 250cc bike, complete with panniers and windscreen.

The same bike is also sold under a Russian brand in Europe as the M1nsk TRX300i.

In otherwords the bike might also be sold under a rebadged brand here in Malaysia.

So what do you think about it? Is it a Zongshen RX3 or did you spot something we missed?

More info as we dig around so stay tuned.

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