In 2024, Benelli is set to broaden its adventure range with the introduction of a new model tailored for less experienced riders – the Benelli BKX 300. What’s more, enthusiasts can also look forward to an ‘S’ variant of the BKX 300, featuring a motard-style design.
Both the Benelli BKX 300 and BKX 300 S share the same technical foundation, centered around an upgraded version of Benelli’s single-cylinder 250cc engine. Notably, the engine’s displacement has been increased to 292.4cc, achieved through a larger bore of 78mm. This enhancement is complemented by updates to the transmission, an enlargement of both the intake and exhaust valves, modifications to the combustion chamber design, and the integration of a new counterbalance shaft aimed at improving rideability and reducing vibration.
Laser headlights are nothing new and have been in the automotive market for a while already. However, they have been largely absent from the motorcycle world until 2016 when BMW introduced it for the K1600GT. But for the regular rider, laser headlights have been out of reach.
One of the benefits of laser headlights is the remarkable distance they are able to illuminate, with the potential to reach up to 600 meters.
However, their adoption has been hindered by significant production costs and the added weight, particularly in less central areas of the motorcycle. Consequently, leading manufacturers have predominantly favored the more cost-effective, lighter, and sufficiently efficient LED light technology.
Recently however, Yamaha has taken a bold step by registering patents that could revolutionize laser headlamp technology.
Recognizing the challenges associated with the weight and cost of individual laser bulbs, Yamaha has proposed an innovative solution. The patented system involves installing a single laser in the central area of the motorcycle, close to its center of gravity.
Optical connections then distribute the illumination to various components such as front lights, rear lights, indicators, and the dashboard. This central light “generator” proves to be highly effective and efficient for all lighting needs, both for service and road visibility.
Looking ahead, it is anticipated that future lighting systems may adopt a hybrid approach, combining LEDs and lasers. This would leverage the short-range effectiveness of LEDs and the unparalleled depth of action provided by lasers.
Beyond enhancing system efficiency, this innovation holds the potential to reduce the overall weight of the motorcycle, particularly in areas away from the center of gravity. Such weight reductions can translate into improved handling and overall performance, marking a significant advancement in motorcycle lighting technology.
However, we are still years away from practical application for the masses.
It is difficult to start an article about Brembo because the brand does not need an introduction.
Being at the very top of braking technology in all classes, Brembo knows what is best for a motorcycle.
The company has never stopped innovating and many a rider can probably credit the company for saving their lives once, twice or more.
And the innovation has continued for 2024 with the introduction of two new callipers:
GP4-MotoGP
This is the latest in the GP4 family and is available in 100mm fixing version and with four-pistons.
According to Brembo, the new GP4-MotoGP boasts exceptional performance achieved through an oblique pad slide which is typical of MotoGP callipers. This allows for greater braking power without using excessive force on the lever. This is also said to have a greater anti-drag effect with instant pads release and less pad wear.
If you are wondering why the design of the calliper looks a little unconventional, well those ventilation fins on the outer body help to manage heat and keep the calliper cool. There are also new racing pistons as well and this too needs to be cooled, which is achieved by the ventilation fins.
Of course the best way to cool brakes is the movement of the bike, but these fins also cool the callipers via rotational-induced air movement of the discs and the wheel.
But there is no denying that those fins also make the calliper look exceptionally cool.
And just like the Brembo callipers used at the top tier of racing in MotoGP and SBK, the new monobloc calliper is machined from a solid billet of aluminium.
The main benefit of machining from solid is that it offers greater resistance even in extreme operation and this improves the performance of the entire braking system without compromising on durability.
Hypure
Specifically tailored for high-performance bikes, the Hypure is said to boast “unparalleled performance and a boundary-breaking design”.
The Hypure is also 10% lighter than the next closest Brembo calliper, making it the lightest calliper in its class.
One of the key benefits of the Hypure is its ability to transfer heat which allows for consistent braking performance.
The patented spring/pad/pin system along with a specially crafted bearing surface between the calliper and pad is said to minimise residual torque.
And if you are wondering what Hypure means, it is said to reflect Brembo’s innovative spirit – Hyper and Pure.
It is not known which bikes will feature these callipers right out of the factory floor, but one thing is for sure though they look seriously cool.
Can you believe that the Duke has been around for 30 years already? The year 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of KTM’s Duke series and it has been an awesome run.
And there is no better way to celebrate than to release the maddest iteration of the Duke, ever.
Asians are probably more familiar with different types of Keeway’s – scooters, undertones and the like. But the photos you see here mark a huge departure from the Keeways we know.
Known as the TX450R, this rally race-inspired bike marks a new chapter for the Chinese bike maker.
The design is not exactly new and we have seen such race-bred designs with the Yamaha Tenere 700 and the Aprilia Tuareg 660.
And as with all things that are popular, you can expect the Chinese bike makers to capitalise on a popular fad.
Keeway is a brand under Chinese conglomerate Qianjiang Motors, or better known to all as QJ Motor. And the TX450R was first shown at this year’s EICMA show in Milan.
Its race-bred design that undoubtedly looks hardcore also looks like it belong in the deserts of Dakar or the jungles. But it is not all good-looks, it also features some modern tech such as a full-LED multi-optic headlight, a massive full-colour TFT screen, a cast-aluminium double-cradle frame as well as fully adjustable Fast Race inverted forks.
The race suspension is also part managed by a multi-linkage equipped monoshock that offers an impressive 280mm of wheel travel, which is a hint at what this bike is made to do.
Power is provided by a 449cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 42hp at 8000rpm and 38Nm of torque. Gear shifting duties is managed by a 6-speed gearbox where else the wheels measure in at 21-inches up front and 18 at the rear.
Stopping power is provided by Nissin callipers.
Interestingly, it comes with three fuel tanks that is located at different areas of the bike to provide optimal balance. Fuel capacity measures in at 28 litres.
It is not yet known when the bike will go on sale and if it will be offered for the Malaysian market. In fact, not much is known about the bike at all, except for the fact that it looks really cool.
