Motorcycle news, Motorcycle reviews from Malaysia, Asia and the world

BMW To Introduce Advanced Facial Recognition System To Unlock/Start A Bike

BMW is set to launch its latest motorcycle security feature using advanced facial recognition technology.

the system will be use to unlock and start a motorcycle.
the system will also notify owners in case of any attempt to start or move the bike.

The system, known as iFace, will use a combination of 3D facial mapping and infrared iris-cornea scanning to unlock and start the bike. The iFace system is set to be introduced on BMW’s boxer-engined bikes later this year.

When a rider is not wearing a helmet, the system uses a stripe projection to create a 3D map of the rider’s facial features. The system takes into account the depth and contours of the face, creating a virtual model that is then used to unlock and start the bike. For riders who wear a helmet, the system uses infrared iris-cornea scanning to recognize the rider’s eyes. A polarisation filter is used to cut through dark-colored visors and lenses, ensuring the system works in any light conditions.

The iFace system also includes notifications that are sent to the rider in case of any unauthorized attempts to start or move the bike. This feature operates like the Ring doorbell system, alerting the rider of any suspicious activity.

Although facial recognition technology has become more commonplace in recent years, the use of the technology in the context of motorcycle security is a new development. BMW’s iFace system is set to be unveiled at a motorcycle show in autumn 2023. While the technology has the potential to offer enhanced security for bike owners, some may be concerned about the reliance on the technology to protect their bike from theft.

Ride 5 Announced For PS5, XBox Series X/S And PC

Milestone has announced the launch of the fifth iteration of their motorcycle racing game, Ride 5, which is set to release on August 24th, 2023.

said to be more personal than previous iterations, focusing on both the simulation aspect and gaming elements.
In addition to the traditional motorcycle and rider customization, the game will feature AI rivals with specific backgrounds, a free-roaming mode, and a “race creator” with unlimited possibilities.

Milestone hopes that these new features will immerse players in a comprehensive world, creating their own rivalries and extending the enjoyment beyond the track.

In terms of new tracks, the game will feature Autopolis in Japan, Sonoma in the US, and a new fictional circuit, as well as returning tracks such as Suzuka, Cadwell Park, the North West 200, and Brands Hatch.

In addition, the game will feature endurance races such as the Bol d’Or and Suzuka 8 Hour. Although there is no license with the Endurance World Championship, the inclusion of these races confirms the presence of the Paul Ricard circuit in the game.

On the simulation side, Ride 5 will feature a new suspension model, a new tire model that simulates the physical and graphical deformation of the tire, and enhancements to the endurance mode thanks to improvements to the dynamic weather system that simulates clouds. Additionally, the game promises motorcycles with more realistic top speeds, and endurance races will be available in online modes.

Ride 5 will be available in two editions on new-generation consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series X/S) and PC via the Epic Games and Steam stores.

The release of Ride 5 is eagerly anticipated by fans, who have appreciated the lifelike graphics, variety of bikes and tracks, and overall improvements in each edition of the series.

Nine Motorcycles, Four E-Scooters Destroyed In Fire Outside Of KLCC

A fire broke out in front of Suria KLCC on April 13, destroying nine motorcycles and four electric scooters.

The Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department responded to the incident at 3.45pm, dispatching a team of 15 firefighters with three fire engines from Tun Razak and Keramat fire stations to the scene.

The firefighters found that nine motorcycles and four electric scooters were completely burned, while four other motorcycles suffered varying degrees of damage ranging from 3% to 20%.

The fire was brought under control at 4.04pm without any reported casualties.

The cause of the fire and the total losses are currently being investigated.

(source: BERNAMA)

CFMoto Papio XO-2 Breaks Cover

CFMoto has revealed a second version of its Papio minibike series – the Papio XO-2.

The new model features a retro scrambler styling, in contrast to the sporty look of the previous model, Papio XO-1.
Powering the Papio XO-2 is the same 126cc air-cooled engine.

Both models share the same 126cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces 9.4 horsepower and is paired with a six-speed gearbox. While the Papio XO-1 is available only in the US, the retro-styled XO series could be exported to other markets, with an official announcement expected this summer.

The Papio XO-2 has a high-mounted front fender, a one-piece seat, and a pillion grab rail, which gives it the look of a 1980s Dakar racer. The handlebars are taller and wider than those on the XO-1, and the footpegs are lower and farther forward, resulting in a more upright riding position.

The bike has more deeply treaded tires for off-road use, and the bellypan has been removed to add more ground clearance. The twin headlights and mirrors carry the same XO design theme as the XO-1, with an “X” shape hidden inside one headlight and an “O” in the other.

The Papio XO-2 has the same dimensions as the XO-1 in terms of wheelbase, length, and weight, but it is wider due to the longer handlebar and taller due to the more upright riding position.

CFMoto has been expanding its Papio range rapidly, with the electric version, Papio Nova, already available in China and expected to reach export markets in 2023. The Papio XO-1 joined the lineup last month, and the XO-2 is likely to follow with an official announcement this summer.

While the export plans for the retro XO models have yet to be announced, they may be unveiled at international shows later this year and could hit markets outside China in 2024.

Yamaha To Use Recycled Plastics For Motorcycle Production

Yamaha, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer, has announced that it will be adopting a new recycled polypropylene material in its manufacturing processes for its powered two-wheelers.

the new recycled materials have no risk of containing hazardous substances.
the material could also be used in other areas.

According to Yamaha, the adoption of the new recycled polypropylene has been successful in its development process, offering even higher levels of strength and quality looks compared to conventional recycled materials.

While Yamaha has used recycled PP before, the new material has been developed from raw materials that have not yet reached customers and have no risk of containing environmentally hazardous substances.

The newly-developed recycled PP will be used in the construction of the main exterior bodywork of its powered two-wheelers, specifically consumer motorcycle models marketed in ASEAN markets.

However, Yamaha has stated that the new recycled PP material could also be used for areas requiring greater aesthetic appeal and that it plans to expand its use into other product areas.

Bell Helmets Shuts Down Headquarters In California

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the motorcycle industry, Bell Helmets’ parent company Vista Outdoor Action Sports has announced that it will shut down Bell Helmets’ headquarters in Scott’s Valley, California, on September 1, 2023.

This comes as part of a USD50 million (RM220 mil) cost-cutting and earnings improvement program that includes significant staff layoffs and headcount reductions across its brands and corporate teams.

The decision to shut down the Bell – and Giro Helmets’ – headquarters is expected to have a major impact on the marketing, brand, and creative departments, with many employees facing heavy losses. However, Vista Outdoor Action Sports president Jeff McGuane has assured customers that the move will not impact the separate brand identities under Vista Outdoor’s umbrella.

“We are accelerating the merger between Bell, Blackburn, Copilot, Fox, Giro, Krash, and Raskullz,” McGuane told Bicycle Retailer and Industry News.

“Plans are underway to unite our teams at the current Fox offices, which will soon be transformed into a revamped Innovation Center that unites our teams under one roof while honoring each brand’s culture and ethos, which are unique, valued, and untouchable.”

The decision to shut down the Bell and Giro Helmets’ headquarters comes after a series of slumping sales in key areas for Vista Outdoor. Despite a revenue increase of 34 percent compared to the same period the previous year, gross profit still declined by 15 percent, operating expenses rose by 16 percent, and earnings before interest and taxes fell by 39 percent.

In the SEC filing, Vista Outdoors also cites “elevated retail inventory levels, rising interest rates, and inflation” as contributing factors. McGuane hoped to reassure customers by stating that the merger wouldn’t impact the separate brand identities under Vista Outdoor’s umbrella.

Nevertheless, the decision to shut down the Bell and Giro Helmets’ headquarters is a major blow to the cycling industry, and many will be watching closely to see how this story develops.

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Latest News

BMW To Introduce Advanced Facial Recognition System To Unlock/Start A Bike

BMW is set to launch its latest motorcycle security feature using advanced facial recognition technology.

Ride 5 Announced For PS5, XBox Series X/S And PC

Milestone has announced the launch of the fifth iteration of their motorcycle racing game, Ride 5, which is set to release on August 24th, 2023.

Nine Motorcycles, Four E-Scooters Destroyed In Fire Outside Of KLCC

A fire broke out in front of Suria KLCC on April 13, destroying nine motorcycles and four electric scooters.

CFMoto Papio XO-2 Breaks Cover

CFMoto has revealed a second version of its Papio minibike series – the Papio XO-2.

Yamaha To Use Recycled Plastics For Motorcycle Production

Yamaha, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer, has announced that it will be adopting a new recycled polypropylene material in its manufacturing processes for its powered two-wheelers.

Bell Helmets Shuts Down Headquarters In California

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the motorcycle industry, Bell Helmets’ parent company Vista Outdoor Action Sports has announced that it will shut down Bell Helmets’ headquarters in Scott’s Valley, California, on September 1, 2023.

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