In a groundbreaking move, Ducati is diving headfirst into the world of motocross. 

After two years of relentless development, Ducati is gearing up to make its debut in the Italian Motocross Championship next season, raising the stakes in the competitive off-road motorcycling arena.

Ducati’s decision to enter motocross marks a significant milestone for the company, echoing its unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and innovation. 

The strategy underscores the same principle that has set Ducati apart in the motorcycle industry for decades – a philosophy that begins with racing and culminates in the creation of high-performance production models that bring joy to enthusiasts worldwide.

This ambitious venture heralds a multi-year project that will see the birth of a comprehensive range of off-road engines and motorcycles. 

These models will come together under the banner of Ducati, gradually expanding to cover a family of knobby-tired motorcycles. It all starts with motocross.

At the heart of Ducati’s foray into off-road is a relentless pursuit of lightweight design, top-of-the-line components, and engines known for their broad power delivery curves. Ducati’s adoption of the Desmodromic system, a technology renowned in the racing world, elevates the performance of its off-road machines.

This system, also employed in Ducati’s high-performance production bikes, including MotoGP racers, sets Ducati apart as the only company globally using the same valve return system for both racing prototypes and production models.

The decision to venture into the specialized off-road sector signifies a pivotal strategic move for Ducati, made possible by its remarkable achievements in recent years. Ducati’s entry into motocross cements its commitment to exploring uncharted territory.

The move also paves the way for a new generation of young motorcyclists to experience the allure of the Borgo Panigale brand and join the thriving community of Ducatisti.

In September 2023, BMW left the adventure riding community awestruck with the debut of the thoroughly revamped R 1300 GS, signaling a long-awaited evolution of their flagship model. Now, the spotlight shifts to Touratech, the renowned German purveyor of adventure riding accessories, who has wasted no time in tailoring a suite of offerings to complement the impressive capabilities of the new GS.

Touratech’s name has become synonymous with enhancing the touring and off-road prowess of adventure motorcycles, and their latest lineup for the BMW R 1300 GS solidifies this reputation. Their comprehensive range of accessories is designed to cater to both globetrotting touring enthusiasts and avid off-road adventurers.

Protecting the Heart of the Beast

First in line, the Sport engine crash bar takes the stage, designed to shield the brand-new 1300 Boxer engine in the unfortunate event of a tip-over or a slide. It boasts the remarkable ability to absorb the brunt of impact and sliding forces while ensuring that the bike maintains the agility necessary to tackle corners with enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, the Classic engine guard steps up to the plate, offering protection not just for the engine but also for the fairings, bodywork, and radiator. Additionally, riders have the option to add a reinforcement strut for an extra layer of fortification.

Enhancing Off-Road Capabilities

For those looking to maximize their R 1300 GS’s off-road performance, Touratech has introduced the Expedition engine guard. This accessory is not a newcomer to the scene; it has already been tried and tested over millions of kilometers on previous BMW models and has now been meticulously optimized for the R 1300 GS. Constructed from four-millimeter thick aluminum sheet, this guard ensures that even the most unforgiving terrain won’t jeopardise the engine’s underbelly.

Luggage Solutions for Adventurers

When it comes to luggage solutions, Touratech doesn’t disappoint. The brand offers a stainless steel pannier rack, a notable absence in the BMW’s standard equipment list. The rack incorporates Touratech’s patented connecting elements, 3D lugs for added strength and weight reduction, all while maintaining the bike’s svelte profile. It’s fully compatible with a selection of panniers, including Touratech’s very own aluminum panniers, which come in various sizes and capacities, as well as the Zega top case and luggage rack.

Availability and Expansion

All the Touratech accessories tailored for the new BMW R 1300 GS are now available through the brand’s official website. However, Touratech assures enthusiasts that their product catalog for the new GS will continue to expand to meet the evolving needs of adventure riders. For precise pricing information, prospective buyers are encouraged to visit Touratech’s official website, as pricing may vary according to their respective regions.

As the adventure motorcycling world embraces the new BMW R 1300 GS, Touratech stands ready to empower riders with a range of carefully crafted accessories designed to take their two-wheeled adventures to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned globe-trotter or a rugged off-road enthusiast, Touratech’s offerings provide the means to unlock the full potential of this iconic ADV machine.

Royal Alloy has just launched its latest range of scooters, and they are aimed squarely at the younger generation with their stylish design and affordability.

Say hello to the 2024 Royal Alloy Youth Edition scooters, making their grand entrance into the Malaysian scooter market. These snazzy rides promise to be both an eye-catching spectacle and a practical choice for riders, with an exciting price tag that starts from RM12,800.

The Youth Edition lineup comprises three distinct models: the GP250, the GP180 ABS, and the GP125, each tailored to cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of the modern youth.

Prices for the Youth Edition models are RM13,800 for the GP250, RM17,300 for the GP180 ABS, and RM13,800 for the GP125 CBS. As usual, all these prices do not include road tax, insurance, and registration fees.

One of the standout features of the Royal Alloy Youth Edition scooters is their see-through bodywork, a unique design element that sets them apart from the crowd.

Royal Alloy GP250

The GP250, in particular, is bound to turn heads with its transparent engine covers, available in striking Blue and Green options. For those who prefer a more conventional appearance, the GP250 also comes in Sherwood Green and Scotland Grey standard color options.

The GP250 boasts a single-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of 244 cc. It packs a punch with 24.8 hp @ 7,250rpm and a peak torque of 19Nm @ 5,000 rpm. Braking is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes at both the front and rear, and ABS comes standard. Weighing in at 152 kg, it can carry up to 10.5 liters of fuel in its tank.

Royal Alloy GP180

The GP180 ABS introduces a wide range of color variants, including a Blue clear bodywork version, for those who appreciate a bit of flair. Other color choices include Pink, Modern Orange, High Class Grey, Sherwood Green Matte, and Matte Bronze, ensuring that riders can find the perfect hue to match their personality.

The mid-range GP180 ABS is powered by a 169 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. It delivers a reliable 10.2hp @ 7,250rpm, with 10.6Nm @ 5,250rpm. Braking is handled by ABS-equipped hydraulic discs, and the suspension features telescopic forks at the front and a shock absorber at the rear.

The GP180 ABS is a lighter ride at 130 kg, with the same 10.5-liter fuel capacity as its sibling.

Royal Alloy GP125

The GP125 is no slouch in the style department, offering five color variants, with the Ivory option featuring a transparent engine casing. Solid color choices include Ivory White, Flame Red, Matte Black, and Pink, providing plenty of choices to suit individual tastes.

The GP125 offers a 125 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, producing 9.8hp @ 7,500rpm and 9.2Nm @ 7,000rpm. Equipped with a combined braking system (CBS), it weighs 130 kg and shares the 10.5-liter fuel capacity with the GP180 ABS.

In a tragic turn of events, a 14-year-old girl’s reckless joyride in her friend’s mother’s car resulted in a fatal collision with a motorcycle, claiming the life of a 32-year-old woman and inflicting injuries upon the victim’s sister in Kuala Kedah,” as reported by the New Straits Times.

The incident unfolded at approximately 7 pm along Jalan Kuala Kedah, where Nur Shafiqah Abdullah, the victim, met a sudden demise while her elder sister, Nooraliza Abdullah, 43, sustained multiple injuries, according to Kota Setar’s acting police chief, Superintendent Syed Basri Syed Ali.

The accident took place in proximity to a fuel station, where the two sisters were riding a motorcycle from the Taman Bersatu traffic light towards Kuala Kedah. 

Simultaneously, a Proton Satria, operated by the aforementioned 14-year-old girl, approached from the opposite direction. It appears that the young girl lost control of the car amidst a rainy spell, causing the vehicle to swerve into the opposing lane, resulting in a catastrophic collision with the victims’ motorcycle.

Preliminary investigations have unveiled that the root cause of this tragedy was the juvenile driver’s reckless behavior, which led to a loss of control over the vehicle, as noted by Superintendent Syed Basri Syed Ali.

In an unexpected twist, the 14-year-old driver, a school dropout with no employment, survived the accident with only minor injuries to her nose. In response to these unfortunate circumstances, Syed Basri emphasized that the authorities will take action against the car owner for allowing a minor to operate the vehicle, as their negligence in this matter cannot be overlooked.

To further shed light on the details of this case, the police are appealing to witnesses to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation. The incident is currently under examination as per Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

(source: NST)

Becci Ellis, a seasoned rider from Britain, has shattered records and made history as she achieved a remarkable top speed of 372.384 kilometre per hour, setting a new record for female riders on a naked bike.

The awe-inspiring feat was accomplished from a standing mile and left the previous record of 340.212km/h, established at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 2015, in the dust.

While you might wonder how a Suzuki Hayabusa could qualify as a ‘naked’ bike, Ellis’s two-wheeled rocket underwent significant modifications. To meet the criteria of a naked bike, the ‘Busa was stripped of its entire bodywork, including side fairings, front cowl, tail, and rear side panels, with only the front fender and fuel tank remaining. This left the fearless female rider with zero wind protection during her record-setting run.

Speaking about the exhilarating experience, Ellis revealed, “You don’t really feel anything until you’re actually at full pelt, to be honest. But I did feel that my head may well have not been low enough because towards the end of the run, I was wishing that it was over because my neck was being pushed back quite severely.”

In addition to the bold move to race without wind protection, Ellis’s Suzuki Hayabusa, affectionately named the “Odyssey,” received various performance upgrades. A turbocharger was discreetly incorporated alongside internal engine enhancements and a straight pipe, resulting in a staggering 350 horsepower. The bike also featured fully tuned suspension, a custom subframe, and lighter wheels, further enhancing its performance.

What makes Ellis’s achievement all the more impressive is the age of the Hayabusa she rode. The “Odyssey” is based on a 1999 model, predating the current-generation 1,341cc Hayabusa and producing 14hp less from its 1,299cc, inline-four engine.

Setting such a record is no small feat, but for Becci Ellis, it’s a challenge she has conquered before. In 2014, Ellis achieved a remarkable speed of 425km/h over a standing mile, earning her the title of the overall fastest female rider in the world. Despite being 56 years old, she shows no signs of slowing down and has no plans to retire.

For those interested in following Becci Ellis’s remarkable journey, she often shares her accomplishments and updates on her Facebook page, where her passion for speed and motorcycles shines brightly.

In a significant stride towards promoting electric mobility in Malaysia, MForce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd has unveiled the YADEA E8S Pro, a sleek electric scooter designed to revolutionize urban transportation. 

This exciting launch aligns perfectly with the government’s latest Electric Motorcycle Incentive Scheme, introduced in the 2024 Budget, which aims to make electric vehicles more accessible and environmentally friendly for the masses.

The YADEA E8S Pro, which first graced the stage at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023 event in May, is set to change the way we think about urban commuting. Notably, it boasts TTFAR technology, ensuring more efficient energy usage, which not only benefits the environment but also provides cost savings for riders.

With a base price of RM5,999 (excluding registration, insurance, and road tax costs), the YADEA E8S Pro comes equipped with a robust 72-volt Graphene battery pack with a 38Ah capacity. The heart of this eco-friendly machine is a 2000W electric motor, delivering an impressive 140 Nm of torque. The power is efficiently transferred to the rear wheel via a belt drive system. That said, the E8S pro can hit a max speed of 60km/h and able to offer a range up to 150km. 

One of the standout features of the YADEA E8S Pro is its two riding modes, Eco and Sport, catering to the diverse needs of urban commuters. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed, energy-efficient ride or a burst of exhilarating speed, this electric scooter has you covered.

In terms of practicality, the YADEA E8S Pro doesn’t disappoint. It comes with an array of features such as an LED lighting system, a digital meter panel, and reliable front and rear disc brakes. Storage won’t be an issue with a spacious 32-liter compartment, making it ideal for everyday errands. With a saddle height of 740 mm, it provides a comfortable riding position for a wide range of riders.

Style-conscious buyers will appreciate the YADEA E8S Pro’s aesthetic choices, as it is available in three attractive color options: Space Gray, Matte Sea Blue, and Black.

What’s particularly noteworthy about the YADEA E8S Pro is that it complies with the standards set by the Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ), ensuring that it can be registered and used just like conventional engine motorcycles.

In a surprising move, Ducati has unveiled the Panigale-powered Ducati Multistrada V4 RS, a remarkable addition to its adventure bike lineup. The Multistrada V4 RS bears a striking resemblance to the Multistrada Pikes Peak, but the true standout feature lies within its engine.

Gone is the Granturismo V4 (currently found in the Multistrada V4 S and Pikes Peak), and in its place resides another V4, derived from the infamous Desmosedici Stradale unit found in the Panigale V4. Boasting a staggering 180hp and 118Nm this engine upgrade offers an exhilarating and dynamic riding experience.

To ensure comfort in urban traffic conditions, the Multistrada V4 RS’s ECU intelligently deactivates the rear bank of cylinders when the bike is stationary and in neutral, and the engine temperature exceeds 70 degrees. Ducati’s thoughtfulness extends to maintaining rider comfort during everyday rides.

The Multistrada V4 RS features a monocoque aluminum frame identical to the Pikes Peak model, optimizing the steering head angle and trail and wheelbase values for enhanced sports performance. This precision engineering showcases Ducati’s commitment to delivering a thrilling adventure on any terrain.

Equipped with Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 smart suspension, the Multistrada V4 RS ensures a smooth and adaptable ride. The electronically controlled fork and monoshock continually adjust according to riding conditions, and riders can customize the setup further by selecting from the available riding modes: Race, Sport, Touring, and Urban.

Building upon the Multistrada V4 S’s remarkable braking system, the Multistrada V4 RS features a Panigale V4-shared braking system, enhanced with 330mm front discs and Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers. 

Additionally, Panigale V4 pads and a 265mm rear disc with a Brembo floating caliper provide exceptional stopping power. The Bosch-Brembo cornering ABS setup ensures maximum safety while maneuvering through corners.

Ducati hasn’t overlooked rider comfort either. The riding position of the Multistrada V4 RS has been optimized with higher and further back footrests and a rigidly fixed handlebar. The handlebar has been lowered and narrowed, coupled with softer grips, ensuring a comfortable and confident riding experience.

Ducati’s Panigale-powered Multistrada V4 RS is set to redefine the adventure bike segment. With its combination of raw power, cutting-edge technology, and thoughtful design, this motorcycle promises an exciting and exhilarating journey on any road.

GALLERY: 2023 DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 RS

Chinese motorcycle manufacturer CFMoto is making its mark in the dirt bike industry with the highly anticipated release of its first electric off-road motorcycle, the EVMX. Breaking away from conventional combustion engine models, CFMoto is diving into the electric power arena.

The EVMX was recently revealed in a camouflage-style prototype, featuring an exciting video presentation with renowned FMX star and former professional motocross racer Ronnie Renner, who has been chosen as a brand ambassador for CFMoto Global and CFMoto USA.

While technical and performance details are still under wraps, the absence of a radiator suggests that the EVMX will rely on air cooling for its batteries. The video doesn’t provide a clear view of the chassis material, but CFMoto’s connections with KTM suggest a likely steel frame construction.

CFMoto’s foray into the electric dirt bike market puts it in competition with players like the Stark Varg, a Spanish-built electric dirt bike known for its impressive 80bhp power output. Although CFMoto’s EVMX project is behind Stark Varg in development, the company’s extensive manufacturing capabilities and strategic partnerships with brands like KTM and Yamaha give it a strong position in the market.

This move towards electric motocross further confirms CFMoto’s commitment to sports bikes and competition, as seen in its sponsorship of the PruestelGP team in Moto3 and its involvement in rally raid events, including the Dakar, and the recent announcement of the CFMoto 675SR, indicating a growing interest in road-going sports bikes. CFMoto’s EVMX is set to bring a fresh, electric perspective to the dirt bike scene, offering an exciting alternative to traditional combustion engine models.

When it comes to the term “e-bikes,” different individuals may have varying interpretations. For many, it’s a colloquial abbreviation for “electric bicycles,” which are typically equipped with electric motors designed to provide pedal assistance, rather than entirely replacing human pedal power.

However, within the motorcycle enthusiast community, there has been an ongoing debate over the use of the term “e-bikes” when referring to electric motorcycles, a classification often perceived as incorrect, though not without reason. After all, traditional internal combustion engine-powered motorcycles, often called “bikes” in the UK and other Commonwealth nations, might justify such a nomenclature. It is a perspective that raises a valid point.

This debate took a significant turn with a recent ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union, definitively addressing the classification of electric bicycles within the European legal framework. In a judgment issued on October 12, 2023, the court declared that electric bicycles do not meet the criteria to be considered “vehicles” under EU law. In contrast, motorcycles are unequivocally classified as vehicles. In essence, e-bikes, as legally defined within the European Union, are distinct from motorcycles.

This judicial milestone arose from a tragic incident that occurred in Belgium in October 2017 when a cyclist, riding an electric bicycle, was involved in a collision with a car and subsequently succumbed to his injuries. Following this fatality, a legal dispute emerged, focusing on the essential matter of compensation. The key point of contention rested on the legal classification of the cyclist’s electric bicycle.

The question at the heart of the legal battle was whether the electric bicycle met the legal definition of a “vehicle.” This classification would entail that it must be insured, akin to other road-bound vehicles. The specific electric bicycle in question featured a motor capable of providing pedal assistance, including a boost function, but this boost feature could only engage when a rider initially applied human muscular effort to set the bicycle in motion.

The implications of this judgment may reverberate through future legal cases within the European Union. However, it remains unclear whether this precedent will influence other regions worldwide. Nonetheless, for those who feel disconcerted when the term “e-bike” is used to describe electric motorcycles, this ruling provides a pertinent fact to remember and keep on hand, alongside your multitude of open browser tabs.

While electric windscreens are not a novelty, Honda’s Gold Wing has been a relatively late adopter of this technology. 

Prior to the introduction of the current Gold Wing model in 2018, the tourer featured a tall, fixed windscreen. To catch up with contemporary trends, the 2018-on Gold Wing introduced an automatic screen adjustment that lowered the windscreen when the bike was turned off, raising it to its previous setting upon resuming operation. 

However, the latest patent application introduces a more sophisticated system.

The height-adjustment mechanism remains similar to the current model, utilising electric actuators to move the windscreen up or down, with controls accessible to the rider. 

Honda has recognised that the ideal windscreen height can vary depending on factors such as speed and weather conditions. As a result, the system incorporates the standard height actuators, but it also incorporates a computer, a microphone, and a set of cameras, all working together to maintain the windscreen in the optimal position at all times.

A microphone, positioned on the rider’s helmet, is part of a broader system enabling phone calls and voice control over various bike systems, including navigation. 

In the context of automatic screen adjustment, the microphone also monitors wind noise, not only for rider comfort but to prevent interference with the voice-recognition system.

As the bike’s speed increases and wind noise exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit instructs the windscreen to move upwards, following a pre-programmed pattern of adjustments designed to minimize wind noise and turbulence.

To address potential issues related to the windscreen obstructing the rider’s line of sight, Honda has integrated an additional safety feature. A pair of cameras, one on top of each mirror, continuously monitors the rider and relays images to the computer. 

The computer then analyses the rider’s eye position and height to determine areas where the windscreen’s edge could potentially be distracting. 

The auto-adjustment system ensures the windscreen stops only when it is positioned higher or lower than the rider’s eye-line. Additionally, the computer maintains a database of rider preferences, allowing riders to prioritise visibility or wind protection according to their preferences.