Kawasaki akan menaik taraf model retro Z650RS dengan fungsi Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) bagi model keluaran 2024.
Naik taraf itu dilaksana bagi memastikan barisan model Kawasaki kekal selamat dan berteknologi tinggi bagi tahun akan datang.
KTRC bukanlah sistem baharu dan merupakan fungsi standard yang ada pada barisan model Kawasaki termasuk Ninja 650 dan Z650. Susulan daripada pengeluar motosikal mula memperkenalkan fungsi traction control sebagai standard sepertimana ABS, maka tidak hairanlah model Z650RS juga diberi layanan sama.
Bagaimanapun, sistem KTRC yang ada pada Z650RS ini berfungsi bersama sistem sensor kelajuan dan bukannya dikawal selia oleh IMU sepertimana yang terdapat pada model ZX-10R, H2 dan Versys 1000.
Dalam pada itu, Kawasaki juga dijangka menaik taraf panel meter analog berkembar Z650RS bagi memuatkan notifikasi KTRC.
Namun begitu, Kawasaki Z650RS 2024 dijangka mengekalkan enjin parallel-twin 649cc yang berupaya menghasilkan 67hp.
Yamaha has yet again created waves in the two-wheeler industry with the launch of its all-new 2023 Aerox 155 scooter in India.
the Aerox 155 now features traction control and OBD-II system.
the traction control system allows for better traction and minimizing wheelspin.
The latest offering from Yamaha is the first in its segment to feature a traction control system (TCS). The innovative feature is designed to provide superior performance by minimizing wheelspin and enabling better control, even in challenging riding conditions.
With the 2023 Aerox 155 scooter, Yamaha has also raised the bar for fuel efficiency by making it E20 compliant, in addition to featuring an on-board diagnostics (OBD-II) system.
The scooter is equipped with a 155cc Blue Core engine with variable valve actuation, which is paired with a CVT gearbox. The liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve motor is capable of producing a maximum power output of 14.7hp at 8,000rpm and a peak torque of 13.9Nm at 6,500rpm.
Safety features are also at the forefront of Yamaha’s design, as the 2023 Aerox 155 comes standard with a hazard system. The new scooter is available in a brand-new silver colour, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Commenting on the launch of the new Aerox 155, a Yamaha spokesperson said, “We are thrilled to introduce the 2023 Aerox 155 scooter, which features our revolutionary traction control system. This is a game-changing feature that will enhance the performance of the scooter, especially in tricky riding conditions. We are confident that our customers will be delighted with the new scooter’s fuel efficiency, safety features and overall performance.”
Kawasaki is set to add traction control to its Z650RS for the 2024 model year, according to an executive order issued by the California Air Resources Board as reported by Motorcycle.com.
Kawasaki Z650RS to received minor upgrade in the form of a traction control.
The Z650RS retro-inspired instrument cluster is expected to be revised.
The update is expected to bring the retro-inspired model in line with Kawasaki’s other 650cc models, the Z650, Ninja 650, and Versys 650, which all received traction control updates in recent years.
The Z650RS was introduced in 2022 and is relatively new compared to its counterparts, which may explain why Kawasaki waited a year to add traction control. The retro-inspired instrumentation on the Z650RS also presented a challenge, as adding traction control would require modifying the dashboard to include new information.
The addition of traction control is a welcome update for the Z650RS, which already boasts an impressive 649cc parallel-twin engine and sleek, retro styling. Kawasaki’s decision to wait until the 2024 model year to introduce traction control will ensure that customers who purchased the first year of production won’t be left out.
Aside from the addition of traction control and a new dashboard, no other changes are expected for the Z650RS in 2024. Fans of the model can likely expect new color options, but otherwise, the bike is expected to remain largely unchanged.
Kawasaki’s move to add traction control to the Z650RS is just the latest example of the company’s commitment to providing riders with cutting-edge technology and performance. With its powerful engine and retro-inspired style, the Z650RS is sure to continue attracting attention from riders looking for a unique and exciting riding experience.
Yamaha telah mengemas kini skuter popular, Yamaha Aerox 155 bagi tahun 2023 di pasaran India.
Lebih dikenali sebagai Yamaha NVX 155 di Malaysia, skuter bersesaran 155cc itu telah dinaik taraf dengan sistem ‘traction control’ (TCS).
Aerox 155 merupakan skuter 155cc kedua selepas Augur 155 yang menerima kelengkapan elektronik baharu itu.
Untuk rekod, TCS mempertingkatkan prestasi menunggang Aerox 155 dengan mengurangkan ‘wheelspin’ lalu memastikan pergerakan lebih efisien dalam apa jua keadaan menunggang. Menurut Yamaha India, Aero 155 juga mempunyai sistem OBD-II (on-board diagnostic).
Bagaimanapun, Aerox 155 masih lagi dikuasakn enjin 155cc Blue Clore 4-stroke SOHC dengan VVA yang berupaya menghasilkan 14.7hp pada 8,000rpm dan 13.9Nm pada 6,500rpm. Yamaha Aerox 155 ini juga datang dengan lampu kecemasan sebagai standard.
Kawasaki telah menaik taraf dua model 650cc, Ninja 650 dan Z650 dengan fungsi ‘traction control’ bagi tahun 2023.
Kedua-dua model terbabit kini tampil dengan tiga peringkat Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) yang boleh diselaraskan mengikut kesesuaian.
Dalam mod 1, sistem tersebut akan mengukur kadar pusingan tayar bagi meningkatkan tahap cengkaman sewaktu masuk dan keluar dari selekoh.
Sementara itu mod 2 pula boleh diaktifkan sekiranya menunggang di atas permukaan licin – jalan basah, berpasir dan berbatu. Mod 2 akan memastikan ‘traction control’ bertindak lebih cepat bagi mengimbangkan motosikal.
Bagi yang mahukan cabaran dan tunggangan lasak terutamanya di litar, pengguna juga boleh menyahaktifkan KTRC sekaligus.
Pengguna boleh akses fungsi KTRC menerusi paparan skrin TFT berwarna yang disertakan.
Bagaimanapun, kedua-dua model ini kekal dikuasakan enjin parallel-twin 649cc yang menawarkan 67.3hp pada 8,000rpm dan 65.7Nm pada 6,500rpm.
Penggunaan kerangka jenis steel trellis juga dikekalkan dan dipadankan bersama fork teleskopik 41mm di depan dan penyerap hentakan jenis ‘back-link’ di belakang.
Adakah model 2023 ini akan turut diperkenalkan untuk pasaran tempatan menerusi pengedar baharu MODENAS? Kita tunggu sahaja pengumuman rasmi nanti.
Yamaha has unveiled the new X-Force scooter in Japan, a feature-laden compact scooter built to get around the urban jungle.
the X-Scooter is a sporty scooter designed primarily for city riding.
powered by Yamaha’s latest 155cc single-cylinder engine. the scooter is develop around a newly built chasis and features traction control.
The Yamaha X-Force is not just another compact scooter by Yamaha, instead the bike gets a host of modern features that usually found on a bigger capacity scooter.
According to the Iwata factory, the X-Force is equipped with traction control and Bluetooth Smartphone connectivity via a dedicated app.
Interestingly, the scooter is designated as “Master of Street Scooter” similar to how Yamaha named its MT line as “Master of Torque”.
As a result, the X-Force features a 1,340mm wheelbase and an accessible seat height of 815mm. The flat saddle also allows riders of every height can enjoy a pleasant riding experience in the city.
However, despite the X-Force already made its bow in Taiwan as Force 2.0, the X-Force gets new colour combination for the Japanese market.
Nevertheless, the Yamaha X-Force is powered by a 155cc liquid-cooled, fuel injected engine. The scooter also employs Yamaha’s Blue Core and VVA Technology that provides high torque over the entire rev range.
Meanwhile, the smartphone connectivity allows riders to monitor incoming calls and messages via the bike’s digital LCD panel.
Despite its compact design, the X-Force gets a large under-seat storage capacity of 23.2L and two helmet holders. Practicality is also another word to describe the bike as it also equipped with a decent 6.1L tank and a USB port.
At present, the Yamaha X-Force is priced 15 JPY396,000 (RM12.9k) putting it around the same price bracket as the Honda ADV 150.
Many modern motorcycles are equipped with electronic rider assist systems.
These systems include ABS and traction control.
But why do we still crash?
The TC and ABS lights blinked like Christmas lights gone crazy as the R 1250 RT’s rear end snapped to the right, threatening to overtake the front. MFG and CSS training told me to hold on to the gas, to not chop the throttle. So, I held a steady. The rear wheel reversed direction and slid to the left, then continued sliding the right and back to the left.
However, the intensity of the slide started to lose momentum, the slide was now smaller in degree and wound down to four right-left-right-left headshakes.
Still keeping the gas on, the bike and I continued down a straight line. Speed had dropped from 140+ km/h down to just below 100 km/h.
The above scenario wasn’t made up (no need to sumpah laknat), as it happened while I was testing the new BMW R 1250 RT. I had hit a huge rainstorm like a continuous ice bucket challenge on the way back from Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur. I steered too quickly over the white line, which triggered the slide.
Traction control did work, as evidenced by the blinking lights and lower speed at the end. But this episode brought up and important question: Why do riders still crash despite rider assistance?
What do we have?
Most bikes these days are equipped with ABS, while those higher up the scale (read: more expensive) feature a whole myriad of rider assistance systems such as lean-angle sensitive traction control and ABS, engine braking control, wheelie control, vehicle stability control (slide control, in other words), rear wheel lift mitigation, etc. etc. The list of rider assistance electronics would stretch almost from A to Z.
So why do we still crash?
Lowside crash due to too much speed – Courtesy of RNikeyMouse
Rider assistance electronics are just that: TO ASSIST. While they do compensate for clumsy riding and mistakes, it’s only to a small degree as it still depends on the rider to make the correct inputs. Think about it: If the systems take over, we might as well just sit back and let the bike ride itself.
There are a number of factors
Over confidence. That’s right. I’ve met riders who think that the rider assist systems will automatically make them better riders. Sorry to burst your bubble – they don’t. Never go out there and ride without thinking of the consequences of your actions just because the “bike has the most advanced traction control system.”
I’ve seen riders keeping the TC and power settings in “slick” mode when their bikes weren’t on slick tyres and riding on public roads. Sure, they probably liked the bike’s aggressive nature in those settings but keep the consequences in mind.
Not knowing how the systems actually work. Sure, the development of rider assist has come a long way. But remember, they still depend on the rider’s inputs to work.
Let’s go back to the opening story. Things could’ve been tragically different had I shut the throttle as soon as the wheel started sliding. Snapping it shut would cause weight to transfer abruptly to the front, taking the load off the rear wheel. Besides that, engine braking will take effect. These factors will in turn worsen the slide and the bike could’ve either slid out from underneath me or worse, having the rear gripping suddenly and sending me over the high-side.
Therefore, not shutting the throttle abruptly didn’t throw in extra variables into the equation and allowed the ECU to determine the best course of action effectively and quickly.
ABS control unit
That’s the same thing with ABS leading riders to think that they wouldn’t hit an obstruction. While ABS does allow you to brake at the maximum level, hence shorten the braking distance, it’s real function is to keep the wheel from locking up into an uncontrollable skid. It also means that you can steer away from the danger – not braking hard and heading straight towards it!
Also, some riders got spooked when the brake lever started pulsing when ABS activated, causing them to release the lever instead of holding on.
So, what should I do?
The first thing you should do is nothing if the bike slides. Yes, you read that correctly. A sliding tyre is actually looking for a stable position and will find that equilibrium if you let it. Fighting it makes it worse.
If the tyres slide when you’re leaned into a corner, all you need to do it countersteer slightly on the outside handlebar to lift a little and reduce the lean angle. Just don’t lift it with your entire body because that will send you wide and overshoot the corner. Keep looking through to where you want to go and keep the bike pointed that way.
2008 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 S
But most of all, keep the gas on. If you really need to slow down, roll the throttle off smoothly. Snapping the throttle off is tantamount to throwing everything down the road.
The best to do is to take up advanced rider training and learn the correct fundamentals of riding. For ultimate slide control, you can learn it at Most Fun Gym (MFG). For performance riding, you can choose from Alpha Track Academy, Ducati Riding Experience (DRE), PTD, Eric Yong, et al. Also, don’t miss California Superbike School Malaysia.
