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

New Zontes 500T Adventure Tourer Coming Soon!

If there is still any doubt in your mind about the capability of Chinese motorcycle manufacturers, it would probably be best to remove it entirely. Take Zontes for example, it is fast emerging as a formidable contender aiming for prominence in the international arena.

Zontes’ latest release is strategically targeting the lucrative entry-level middleweight segment, which typically falls within the 300cc to 500cc displacement range.

The new Zontes 500 T adopts the form of an adventure-tourer and is anticipated to hit the global market in 2024. The Zontes 500 T will come in two versions – one featuring alloy wheels for a road-focused experience and another with wire-spoke wheels for enhanced off-road performance.

Powering the Zontes 500 T is a 498cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine. Generating an impressive 51 horsepower and 50 Nm of torque, this places the bike ahead in power compared to its parallel-twin-equipped counterparts within a similar displacement range.

However, owing to its single-cylinder configuration, some vibrations can be expected. Zontes claims a top speed of 180km/h for the 500 T.

In terms of aesthetics, Zontes uses the standard adventure bike design. The 500 T features angular bodywork, a tall windscreen, and crash bars on the sides for added protection in case of a tip-over. The off-road-inspired design is accentuated by a front beak.

The bike rides on a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel with dual-purpose rubber, while the road-focused variant opts for 17-inch wheels both front and back. Suspension is handled by an inverted front fork and a mid-mounted monoshock, with braking managed by twin front discs and a single rear disc.

As of now, Zontes has not disclosed the pricing and availability details for the 500 T. It is likely to enter the European market in 2024, leveraging the brand’s established distribution network in countries such as France, Germany, and Italy. Given the trend among Chinese-made motorcycles, the 500 T is expected to offer an attractive price point, undercutting its Japanese and European counterparts significantly.

SYM ADXTG 400 Adventure Scooter Set For 2024 Global Debut

Scheduled for a 2024 debut, the SYM ADXTG 400 is poised to make an exciting entrance into the adventure scooter realm, boasting a fierce design and impressive specifications.

Supposedly inspired by the ancient predator smilodon, also known as the ‘sabre-toothed tiger,’ SYM has infused the ADXTG 400 with aggressive lines that set it apart in a market saturated with either ‘neo-retro’ or ‘aggressive’ designs. Rarely do we see comparisons to prehistoric flesh-tearing predators in the motorcycle landscape.

Powering the ADXTG 400 is a robust 399cc engine delivering an equivalent of 35 horsepower, with a claimed maximum torque of 36Nm.

Positioned as an adventure scooter, SYM confidently asserts the ADXTG 400’s capability “across a variety of terrain,” and the specifications indeed support this claim. The scooter features a rigid aluminum swingarm with centralized Sanyang Multilink Suspension. The handlebar’s rigidity is adjustable to cater to rider preferences, as is the screen. Additionally, the scooter comes equipped with hand guards, long-travel suspension (exact measurements undisclosed), dual sport Maxxis M6017S tires, and a standard sump guard.

SYM emphasizes an “intensively considered” no-compromise, off-road standing position for the rider, and the inclusion of a USB socket provides convenience for charging devices during extended rides.

Breaking new ground for SYM in terms of electronics, the ADXTG 400 introduces several firsts. Notably, it features an off-road mode within the Bosch ABS system. This innovative system, commonly found on off-road bikes, disengages the ABS at the rear wheel while maintaining functionality at the front.

Furthermore, engaging in hard deceleration from speeds above 70 kph activates the emergency brake light (EBL). SYM says that its commitment to advancing electronic features underscores their dedication to enhancing the overall riding experience.

Gallery: Ducati Celebrates Victorious 2023 With Road Legal Race Replicas

Ducati is celebrating its exceptional performance in 2023 by launching a series of five collector’s limited edition Panigales. These motorcycles pay homage to the triumphs of riders Bagnaia, Bautista, Bulega, Martin, and Bezecchi in MotoGP, WorldSBK, and WorldSSP.

The lineup comprises four Panigale V4 models and one Panigale V2, all produced in a limited and numbered series, with each rider’s authentic signature adorning the tank, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. In addition to the customary features of collector-worthy limited editions, Ducati is including the technical equipment for each model, along with a wooden shipping crate.

These exclusive bikes were unveiled at the “Campioni in Festa” event, where Ducati celebrated its remarkable season and introduced the limited-edition motorcycles. Each model boasts the rider’s original autograph on the tank, protected by a layer of transparent varnish.

Among the Panigale V4s, three have been transformed into tributes honoring the Desmosedici GP bikes of Francesco Bagnaia (63), Jorge Martin (89), and Marco Bezzecchi (72) in MotoGP. These models commemorate Ducati’s consecutive victories at MotoGP in 2022 and 2023. Another Panigale V4R is dedicated to Alvaro Bautista’s (19) WSBK triumphs, marking Ducati’s two consecutive years at the top of WSBK. Lastly, a Panigale V2 pays homage to Nicolò Bulega’s (11) WorldSSP race bike, celebrating the team’s world title win in 2023.

The Panigale V4s receive notable upgrades, featuring a nine-disc STM-EVO SBK dry clutch, an Akrapovič homologated silencer (2kg lighter than the standard), new Brembo braking system, Rizoma billet aluminum adjustable footpegs, and race-grade plexiglass.

The special edition Bulega Panigale V2 is equipped with Öhlins suspension, Akrapovič racing silencers (reducing the bike’s weight by 5kg), adjustable Rizoma billet aluminum footpegs, and various carbon fiber components, including front and rear mudguards, chain guard, clutch cover guard, swingarm guard, and shock absorber guard. Additionally, the Panigale V2 dedicated to Bulega offers further customization with a number plate and mirror removal kit, along with a billet aluminum racing tank cap.

For those interested in acquiring these limited editions, the pricing is as follows:

– Panigale V2 Bulega 2023 World Championship Replica: $43,000 USD or RM210,000 (Limited to 111 units)
– Panigale V4 Bezzecchi 2023 Racing Replica: $63,000 USD – RM295,000 (Limited to 72 units)
– Panigale V4 Martin 2023 Racing Replica: $68,000 USD – RM318,000 (Limited to 189 units)
– Panigale Bautista 2023 World Champion Replica: $68,000 USD – RM318,000 (Limited to 219 units)
– Panigale V4 Bagnaia 2023 World Champion Replica: $73,000 USD – RM342,000 (Limited to 263 units)

Delivery of these 2023 Panigale Race Replicas is scheduled to commence in July 2024.

Yamaha Uses Intake Amplifiers To Make The 2024 MT-09 Sound Amazing!

Yamaha has implemented measures to optimize the auditory experience for riders on their new MT-09 naked models.

In adherence to Euro 5 regulations, which closely monitor and restrict noise emissions, the design of exhausts, intakes, and engine covers has been influenced to dampen undesirable (and desirable) sounds.

While the commitment to environmental responsibility is evident, the importance of the engine’s sound as a source of riding pleasure has always been part of the joy of riding, especially when dealing with a distinctive motor like the 890cc CP3 engine featured in Yamaha’s 2024 MT-09 naked range.

Recognizing that intake noise often holds equal allure to exhaust sound, Yamaha has introduced a patent-applied intake amplifier.

This innovative device directs the intake sound specifically towards the rider without escalating overall noise levels on the MT-09.

In reference to the 2024 model, Yamaha recently stated, “Following the Jin-Ki Kanno philosophy to stimulate the rider’s senses and make them feel at one with the bike, sound was an important consideration in the latest EU5+ CP3 engine”.

The new MT-09’s sound experience is enhanced by a modified airbox with two redesigned air-intake ducts, accentuating high-frequency sounds while maintaining a smooth throttle response.

To further emphasize this sound, especially at higher speeds and revs, Yamaha has introduced a novel acoustic amplifier grille atop the bike. This component, subject to a patent application, serves as the key element in the system. Visually, it’s discreetly integrated into the bike’s design, with a plastic cover surrounding the fuel filler and extending to the ignition key, featuring two metal grilles resembling speaker covers.

Contrary to expectations, these grilles are not housing speakers. Instead, they represent visible exits for a complex passage that leads directly to an opening in the airbox’s top side. This design enables the noise from the intake to be channeled upward through the grilles toward the rider without increasing the overall volume.

A critical aspect of this design involves preventing water from reaching the airbox through the grilles. Yamaha achieves this by extending a thin section of the fuel tank forward, in front of the fuel filler, creating a barrier between the grilles and the airbox intake.

This allows sound to travel forward and around this shielding section, reaching the grilles, while water entering through the grilles is directed forward over the tank and then downward through an opening at the front, avoiding contact with the airbox.

The thickness of the shielding is finely tuned to absorb certain frequencies, enhancing the overall quality of the noise emitted through the grilles. Yamaha’s attention to detail in the MT-09’s air intake amplifier underscores their commitment to providing riders with an enriched auditory experience while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.

Aveta Motorcycles Introduces New Initiative For Better Ownership Experience

Aveta Motorcycles Malaysia reached a significant milestone with the introduction of the Aveta Service Corner (ASC). The ASC, located within Aveta dealerships, is designed to ensure a hassle-free ownership experience for Aveta Motorcycle customers.

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Vespa and Aprilia Arrives in Melaka With New 3S Centre!

Didi Group, the official distributor of Vespa & Aprilia scooters in Malaysia, has announced the opening of a new Vespa & Aprilia Showroom in Klebang, Melaka.

The new showroom, designed as a dynamic concept store, features the complete range of iconic Vespa & Aprilia scooters. Additionally, it houses a comprehensive customer service center, establishing itself as the ultimate destination for Melaka based two-wheel enthusiasts.

For Didi Group, the inauguration of Zen Sports marks a significant moment and a new milestone, as it stands as the first Vespa & Aprilia scooter 3S Showroom in Melaka.

As the official 3S dealer of Didi Group in Melaka, Zen Sports embraces the new Piaggio showroom Corporate Identity. The showroom meticulously curates a diverse range of models tailored to meet the preferences and desires of Vespa and Aprilia scooter enthusiasts, particularly in Klebang and the surrounding areas.

For existing customers, Zen Sports (Ban Zen Motors Sdn Bhd), located at Lot 332, Klebang Besar, 75200 Klebang Besar, Melaka, offers comprehensive sales and after-sales services.

The showroom proudly displays all Vespa and Aprilia scooter models available nationwide. In addition to the Service Centre, the facility features a comfortable waiting lounge and various lifestyle amenities, providing customers with a more enriching ownership experience that aligns with the distinctive personality of the brands.