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

KTM Bikes To Be Made in China and India

Pierer Mobility Group, now the leading European two-wheel manufacturer after acquiring KTM, achieved notable success in the first half of 2023 with 190,293 bikes sold — a 16.5 percent increase from 2022.

Looking ahead to 2024 and according to reports circulating the web, the group aims to strengthen its position by selling the R Raymon and Felt bicycle brands and focusing on Husqvarna and GasGas e-bicycle production.

This strategic decision concentrates efforts on the core motorcycle brands: KTM, GasGas, Husqvarna, and MV Agusta. Simultaneously, the group plans to cut 300 jobs in Austrian plants and shift production to partnerships in India (with Bajaj) and China (with CFMoto), along with relocating some R&D activities.

This move is prompted by an analysis of Europe’s economic situation, anticipating a 2024 contraction, particularly with the European Central Bank maintaining current interest rates. Despite economic challenges, the group’s solid liquidity enables support for dealers and suppliers, making 2024 a consolidation year.

The decision to relocate production to China is justified by a positive collaboration with CFMoto. The 790 Duke and 790 Adventure mid-displacement models have already been moved to China, capitalizing on lower production costs and enhancing KTM’s presence in Far East markets.

Pierer Mobility Group and CFMoto plan to double joint production from 50,000 to 100,000 units. The board remains optimistic about maintaining 2023 sales levels in 2024, targeting an EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Taxes) margin of 5 to 7 percent. To ensure profitability, the management plans double-digit million cost-cutting measures in 2024.

Expressing confidence in MV Agusta’s legacy, Pierer Mobility Group highlights the success of the new MV Agusta LXP Orioli adventure model with a 900cc three-cylinder engine. To boost MV Agusta’s global presence, models will be distributed through the Pierer Mobility Group dealer network.

Finally, the call option for KTM AG to acquire a majority stake in MV Agusta, based on the annual financial statements as of December 31, 2025, will be exercised in spring 2026—a significant turning point for the Italian legend, ending years of financial uncertainty.

Kawasaki Versys Hybrid Under Development

An upcoming Kawasaki hybrid motorcycle has been uncovered through new patent illustrations. The images, disclosed by the Italian publication Motociclismo, depict a bike based on the Kawasaki Versys touring model, yet distinguished by the integration of a hybrid power unit, departing from the conventional internal combustion engine.

This development aligns with Kawasaki’s existing hybrid offerings, namely the faired Ninja 7 Hybrid and the naked Z 7 Hybrid. The hybrid system comprises a 9kW electric motor working in tandem with a 451cc parallel twin-cylinder combustion engine.

The prospective ‘Versys Hybrid’ signifies a departure from Kawasaki’s current partially electric models, the Ninja 7 Hybrid and Z 7 Hybrid, which cater to the sports and naked categories, respectively. These categories prioritize performance over extended journeys, unlike the touring segment.

The significance of a hybrid in the touring context goes beyond mere range considerations. While a hybrid ensures continued operation once the battery is depleted, its advantage lies in maintaining robust performance during lengthy rides—an assurance that traditional power units, relying on a single power source for the rear wheel, offer.

Despite the seemingly modest 1.4kWh battery employed in the Ninja 7 Hybrid and Z 7 Hybrid, Kawasaki couples it with the 451cc parallel twin, delivering 69bhp to the rear wheel in both models. This output, slightly surpassing the Versys 650’s 66bhp, emphasizes the potential for sustained performance over extended distances.

While Kawasaki has yet to commit to a complete transition from combustion models to hybrids with comparable performance, the efficacy of a hybrid Versys over extended distances, coupled with Kawasaki’s assertion of 250cc-like fuel consumption from its existing hybrid bikes, suggests the possibility of the Versys 650 being considered for such an innovative transformation.

Ducati Sets Up Corse Off-Road Division To Manage Upcoming MotoCross Ventures

In the wake of a recent announcement detailing an upcoming project featuring a lineup of off-road models set to debut in the near future, Ducati has positioned itself to harness the competitive spirit of national motocross competitions as a pivotal component of its product development strategy.

With plans to enter the fray as early as 2024, the initiative includes fielding a 450 prototype entrusted to Alessandro Lupino, with the expertise of Antonio Cairoli contributing as the high-performance test rider.

Responding to this dynamic venture, Ducati has officially established the Off-Road Division within Ducati Corse. This newly formed division will be responsible for the orchestration and oversight of the comprehensive sporting program, encompassing participation in the MXGP World Championship and the AMA Supercross Championship in the forthcoming years.

Paolo Ciabatti, who served as the Sporting Director of Ducati Corse from 2013 to 2023, has been appointed as the General Manager of the newly minted Ducati Corse Off-Road. Tasked with propelling the Borgo Panigale company to triumph in the realm of off-road racing, Ciabatti will report directly to the CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, Claudio Domenicali.

In addition to his new role, Ciabatti will retain responsibilities for coordinating Ducati’s sporting endeavors in prominent national SBK and SSP championships, including MotoAmerica, British Superbike, All Japan Superbike, Australian Superbike, and CIV throughout 2024.

Meanwhile, Mauro Grassilli, currently the Head of Marketing and Sponsorships at Ducati Corse, is set to assume the multifaceted role of Sporting, Marketing, and Communications Director within Ducati Corse. Reporting directly to Ducati Corse General Manager Luigi Dall’Igna, Grassilli will play a pivotal role in steering the strategic direction of Ducati’s involvement in off-road racing.

Ducati Corse says that it remains unwavering in its commitment to managing the MotoGP and WorldSBK championships concurrently. The overarching objective is to build upon the remarkable string of successes that has become synonymous with the Borgo Panigale company.

KTM’s Academy Of Speed Is Your Chance To Learn From Dani Pedrosa

Have you wanted to learn how to ride on track or simply polish your track riding skills? While there are many riding schools around the world that say they can make you a better rider (and some that truly can), you rarely get to learn from a former MotoGP rider.

But that is what you can do with KTM’s upcoming ‘Academy of Speed’ set to debut in the summer of 2024.

Taking place at the Salzburgring, Red Bull Ring, and the Slovakiaring, the Academy of Speed is open to riders of all levels, from novices to seasoned racers, and provides a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the world of high-performance riding.

The ‘Pro’ level package, priced at €3490, spans two days on the track and includes exclusive access to MotoGP-inspired pit boxes. Participants at this level can also benefit from valuable insights provided by KTM’s factory MotoGP test riders, Mika Kallio and Dani Pedrosa.

The Academy of Speed offers three distinct levels tailored to riders’ experience levels, each package ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience. The ‘Rookies’ level, priced at €450, is designed for individuals with minimal or no track experience, providing a one-day event featuring off-track technical skills and safety training, culminating in a thrilling 20-minute on-track session.

For ‘Ambitious Amateurs’ seeking to elevate their riding prowess, the €890 one-day event is the perfect fit. Geared towards riders beyond the beginner stage, this package includes technical skill training and three on-track sessions in the afternoon to refine and enhance techniques and racing skills.

At the core of the Academy of Speed is the commitment to cater to riders at every level. Instructors and KTM ambassadors will be on hand to provide guidance, while MotoGP stars and former GP racer and team manager, Mike Leitner, will offer coaching both on and off the track.

The event is scheduled to take place at the three iconic locations: Salzburgring, Austria, on June 20-21; Red Bull Ring, Austria, on July 17-18; and Slovakia Ring, Slovakia, on September 4-5.

Additionally, each package includes an evening dinner and entertainment to complement the thrilling on-track action, ensuring an unforgettable and holistic motorcycling experience. Find out more about KTM’s Academy of Speed here.

New Triumph Daytona 660 Will Launch on January 9th, 2024?

Following the emergence of spyshots in August 2023, Triumph is said to be prepared to unveil the Daytona 660 sportsbike on Tuesday, January 9th.

The revelation came through a teaser image on social media, featuring a sleek sportsbike silhouette with dual LED headlights.

Although there’s no official confirmation regarding the new model, previous photographs circulating online seemed to depict a faired Daytona model based on the existing Trident 660 and Tiger Sport 660 platform, utilizing the same three-cylinder 660cc engine. This assumption is further supported by a Triumph website landing page prominently displaying ‘660’ in large font in the background.

Unlike its predecessors, this Daytona is expected to offer a more comfortable approach to the sportsbike scene, designed for everyday riding and likely to compete with machines such as Honda’s CBR650R, Yamaha’s R7, and Suzuki’s latest GSX-8R parallel twin.

The spyshots from August are said to have revealed the prototype with identical left-hand engine cover, along with a matching exhaust collector box, swingarm, and front end. It is also anticipated to house a 660cc triple engine, generating approximately 80bhp.

The design is likely to feature new bodywork, including full sports fairing reminiscent of the now-defunct Daytona 675. Additionally, expect new side panels and a seat unit, as well as a redesigned tank to accommodate the sportsbike’s steering lock, avoiding interference with the Trident’s more bulbous design.

Given its Trident 660 underpinnings, the new Daytona is expected to share some of its basic electronics, such as two rider modes and switchable traction control. The suspension setup is likely to include non-adjustable Showa 41mm inverted forks and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock, coupled with dual Nissin twin-piston brakes.

Triumph has remained tight-lipped about the details during the time the spy images were captured, heightening anticipation for the January reveal.

Fantic Caballero Range Updated For 2024 – Still No News Of Malaysian Debut

Fantic’s Caballero bikes are getting a makeover for 2024, bringing in some cool new features while keeping their classic look. These bikes, the Caballero 125 and 500, are known for their rugged, retro style and powerful single-cylinder engines.

Even though the outside looks the same with that cool, vintage design – there are some awesome changes inside. One big update is the super-bright LED headlight with 24 LEDs, making it easy to see on even the darkest roads. The turn signals and tail light also use LED technology, making it more visible when it’s not so bright out.

Inside the cockpit, where you control everything, there’s a new 4-inch LCD display. This display shows you important things like what gear you’re in, how fast you’re going, and the temperature. Plus, you can connect your smartphone to it through Bluetooth, so you won’t miss any calls or notifications while you’re cruising.

In terms of power, the engine got a bit of a tune-up to make it run even smoother. The Caballero 500 got a new map to make the throttle response better. The 125 still has the Minarelli engine with variable valve timing.

But it’s not just about looking good and going fast. They’ve made the Caballero lighter and more agile. The 2024 models have a new aluminum swingarm, which is both stronger and lighter than the old steel one. The Caballero 500 now weighs just 149 kilograms without fuel, making it one of the lighter bikes in its class.

The bikes come with dual-channel ABS, which you can turn off if you want to go off-road. There’s also a new app called Fantic Garage, where you can control and monitor your bike’s features and maintenance using your smartphone.

Both bikes will be launched in 2024. As for when they will be introduced in Malaysia, there really is no telling. We first reported about the setting up of the company back in 2022, and a quick check online has shown that the company has been registered. But there has been no news since then, so it is unclear if the bikes will be made available in Malaysia.