Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Ducati Streetfighter V2 To Break Cover Later This Year?

We had the pleasure to take the Ducati Streetfighter V4 out for a few days, which you can check out for the full review below.

The so-called hyper-naked machine is one of a kind motorcycle thanks to its Panigale V4-derived powerplant that churns out more than 200hp.

However, all those power comes with a hefty price tag of RM115,900 for the base model, while the range-topping V4 S will set you back at RM145,900.

For those who want the Streetfighter V4 but are unwilling to spend that much, worry not, as we might be getting some good news from the folks at Bologna.

The latest development suggests that there could be a V2 version of the Streetfighter.

Moreover, alleged photos show what could be the Ducati Streetfighter V2 currently undergoing testing in Italy along with the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak.

Nonetheless, if the rumours and the spy shot is somewhat true, the basic is easy to guess; strip away the fairing from the Panigale V2 and boom! You get the Streetfighter V2.

The current Panigale V2 makes around 153hp and 104Nm from its twin-cylinder 955cc Superquadro, which is still plenty for a naked version V2.

Considering the fully-faired Ducati Panigale V2 is currently available at RM109,900, the Streetfighter V2 could have a lower price point. All we have to do now is to wait until November, as the Borgo-Panigale factory might reveal the new Streetfighter at the 2021 EICMA in Milan.

WorldSBK: Tom Sykes Hospitalised With Head Injury After Heavy Crash

FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) was overshadowed by a heavy crash involving BMW Motorrad’s Tom Sykes in Race 2.

The British rider was rushed to the hospital, whereby initial examinations revealed he suffered a concussion.

It was a day of poor luck for BMW Motorrad as Michael van der Mark fell on the first lap during morning’s Superpole race, thus sending Sykes into the gravel trap.

The race was later suspended after another accident, which resulted in neither of the BMW Motorrad riders being allowed to participate in the restart.

At the start of Race 2, Sykes fell off his bike. This time, he was hit by another rider, sending the 36-year-old to the medical centre before officials proceeded to take him to the hospital for further assessment.

The incident resulted in another suspension of the race before it was restarted which saw fellow BMW rider van der Mark crossed the line at 9th place.

Nonetheless, Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director, has confirmed that Sykes is conscious and is currently undergoing further hospital examinations.

“Our main concern is that Tom is well. He is conscious and in hospital for further checks at the moment. We have our fingers firmly crossed that he has come through the crash relatively unscathed.

“It was not an easy day. Unfortunately, Mickey also took out Tom when he crashed in this morning’s Superpole race.

“As they had already completed three laps by the time the red flag appeared, we were unfortunately unable to join in when the Superpole race restarted.

“In race two, Tom fell and was then unfortunately hit by another rider. Mickey was ninth in race two. They were probably difficult conditions for many riders, but that was obviously not the result we were striving for.

“It was a difficult end to a weekend that actually started very positively,” he said.

WorldSBK will return to action next weekend a the iconic Circuito de Jerez, Spain.

MotoGP: Bagnaia Holds Off Quartararo To Take Chequered Flag In Misano

Francesco Bagnaia secured his back-to-back victories in Misano just a week after claiming his first MotoGP win in Aragon.

The win was a major boost for the Ducati rider, who even held off championship leader Fabio Quartararo at the later stage of the race.

Bagnaia took the chequered in style as he led the entire race from the start before crossing the finish line ahead of the Frenchman while fellow Ducati’s, Enea Bastianini, took his first podium of the season at 3rd place onboard a two-year-old Ducati machine.

According to Bagnaia, the start of the race played a pivotal role in his home win.

“I knew that it was very important to start well and already be pushing from the start because, with the soft, the grip initially was better.

“I also knew that Fabio (Quartararo) in the last part of the race would be faster with the medium. So, I just tried to be fast and constant from the start.

“I did my best start ever because I started when the light went off, so it was incredible.

“I trained a lot for this. When I passed the first straight, I was already looking to the board, and it was plus 1.0 seconds which was incredible already,” said the 24-year-old Italian.

The win also reduces Quartararo championship lead to just 48 points with four more rounds to go.

MotoGP will return to action in the first week of October at the Circuit of the Americas.

Misano GP: Bagnaia Claims Back-To-Back Pole And New Lap Record

Francesco Bagnaia continues his strong form as the Ducati rider secured a back-to-back pole position after setting a new lap record in Misano.

He will start the race on Sunday ahead of teammate Jack Miller while championship leader Fabio Quartararo completes the first row at P3.

Quartararo set the pace during the opening run of Q2 with the fastest lap time before Bagnaia sensationally went three tenths quicker than the Frenchman.

However, Quartararo had to settle with P3 as Miller clocked in a better time to take P2.

Meanwhile, this is the third time Bagnaia has recorded a new all-time lap record just as he managed a week ago in Aragon.

“I am happy about today. A week ago, we were feeling great in Aragon, and today is the same.

“Everything is going so well, and I am very comfortable with the bike,” said the 24-year-old.

Bagnaia currently sits behind Quartararo in the championship with just 53 points gap with only four rounds to go.

MotoGP: Rossi Casually Unveil Marini And Bezzechi As VR46 Ducati Riders

VR46 Racing will debut in the 2022 MotoGP World Championship with Luca Marini and Marco Bezzechi, as confirmed by Valentino Rossi.

VR46 will make its inaugural appearance in the premier class with the two Italian riders as one of the Ducati satellite teams.

In the latest update, Rossi casually unveils the 2022 riders lineup during a recent interview ahead of San Marino GP despite no confirmation.

“We have worked hard over the years because we knew that unfortunately, sooner or later, I would have to stop, but we have done a good job. We have a lot of very strong academy riders. Next year there will be four in MotoGP.

“Bagnaia and Morbidelli will be in the factory Ducati and Yamaha teams respectively, two of the best teams, so they will start with the clear objective of winning the world championship. Then we also have Luca and Bezzecchi with the Ducatis,” he said.

Bezzecchi was previously linked with a move to Sepang Racing Team (SRT), now rebranded as RNF MotoGP Racing for the 2022 MotoGP season.

OFFICIAL: SRT Reborn As RNF Racing For 2022 MotoGP

Sepang Racing Team (SRT) waves goodbye to MotoGP as the team will now venture into the upcoming 2022 season as RNF MotoGP Racing.

RNF Racing has signed a five-year deal with IRTA that sees the rebranded team continue participating in the premier class as an Independent Team, spearheaded by team principal Datuk Razlan Razali.

“It has been a whirlwind journey for us.

“In recent months, we have put all our efforts to reset, rebrand and relaunch as a fresh and stronger MotoGP team.

“I would like to thank Carmelo for his continued trust and confidence in me to begin this second chapter with a newly rebuilt team competing in MotoGP’s premier class for the next five years.

“For the season ahead, under the new entity of RNF MotoGP Racing, the rebranded team will continue our blueprint that has proven success before,” said Razlan in a statement.

Despite the uncertainties, especially when the team is yet to name the other rider that will race alongside Andrea Dovizioso in 2022, Razlan is adamant RNF Racing is ready to take up the challenge.

“Expectations will be high, and we will push hard to meet these aspirations. Equipped with the experience we gained and having achieved multiple highlights in the past, we look forward to the 2022 season as an even stronger team entry,” he added.

SRT entered the premier class in 2019 with a bang thanks to Fabio Quartararo, who recorded seven podiums, while Franco Morbidelli consistently finishes the majority of the race in the top five.

Quartararo then went on to win Rookie of the Year in his debut season.

SRT then recorded six premier class win last season, with both Quartararo and Morbidelli sharing three apiece.

CONFIRMED: All-New Triumph Tiger 1200 To Feature T-Plane Crank

Just a few weeks ago, Triumph Motorcycles unveiled the Tiger 1200 Prototype, which is launching soon.

When the guys at Hinckley dropped the first set of teasers, there were questions about whether the Tiger 1200 will received the same innovative T-plane crank as the Tiger 900.

However, the latest teaser by Triumph has confirmed that the Tiger 1200 will feature the new innovative T-plane crank, which will take the newest adventure bike to greater heights.

The T-plane crank improves power delivery at low and high rpm making which helps to propel the Tiger 900 as a leading middleweight adventure bike.

While the full details of the new engine are still unknown, including the specs, it is safe to assume that the Tiger 1200 with its T-plane crank is something to look forward to.

“The new Tiger 1200 official prototype testing showcases Triumph’s signature T-Plane triple advantage for the first time in the large capacity adventure world.

“Delivering more power and character than its closest competition, the only other shaft-driven bike in the class, the new 1200 engine brings all of the low-down torque delivery of a twin, married to the top-end punch and an incredible soundtrack that only the Triumph triple delivers.

“The new T-Plane triple is beautifully smooth and refined, with incredible response and tractability, equally perfect for kicking up the dirt, sweeping through the corners, or crossing continents in style,” said Triumph in a statement.

2022 Yamaha R-Series Range Gets World GP 60th Anniversary Livery

Yamaha celebrates the World GP 60th Anniversary by unveiling a special livery for its R-series range consisting of the 2022 YZF-R1, R7, R3 and R125.

The livery features a classic white paint job, Yamaha’s iconic red horizontal split block, gold rims, black levers and special badging on the airbox cover.

The new colourway celebrates Yamaha’s first world championship entry in 1961 French GP competing in the 250cc class with the RD48.

The World GP 60th Anniversary range will be available from November 2021 onwards and will be sold alongside the 2022 model range.

According to Yamaha, the special edition range will be on sale with limited availability.

However, there is no confirmation whether the World GP 60th Anniversary range will make its way here in Malaysia.

Ducati Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary Enters Production

The limited run of the Ducati Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary has entered the production phase, as confirmed by the Italian firm.

The special edition Panigale V2 was built to pay homage to Troy Bayliss careers at the Superbike World Championship.

The Panigale V2 is characterized by the combination of livery and graphics inspired by the 996 R that helped Bayliss clinched his maiden win in the 2001 WSBK.

According to Ducati, since the official presentation at WSBK in Assen, the company has received tons of orders, already covering a large part of the production for the coming months.

To better enhance performance on the track, the V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary is fitted with Öhlins NX30 front fork and TTX36 rear shock absorbers.

Moreover, adopting a lithium-ion battery and a single-seat configuration allows the bike to shed off 3 kilograms of weight.

Troy’s number 21 is added on the saddle in white alongside a red and green stripe that makes up the Italian flag.

Lexmoto Unveil New Pegasus 300 Maxi-Scooter – 276cc, 26hp

British motorcycle manufacture, Lexmoto, begins its venture into the French market with the new Pegasus 300 maxi-scooter.

The new motorcycle faces challenges from prominent Japanese models, namely the Honda Forza 350 and Yamaha XMAX 250.

However, the Pegasus 300 comes with a much lower price tag thanks to the British firm’s sourced its motorcycles from China.

While its competitor comes with advanced characteristics, the Pegasus 300 takes a more basic form. Still, it does come with handy features such as under-seat storage, UBS socket, full-LED lighting, a big saddle, a large windscreen and a TFT colour display.

Underneath the body sits a Euro5-certified single-cylinder 276cc and a liquid-cooled engine capable of producing 26hp @ 8,000rpm, which is plenty considering the Forza (with extra 50cc) produces just 1.8 horses more. The Pegasus 300 is also 7 kilograms lighter than the Forza 350.

Not only that, the Lexmoto Pegasus 300 retails at just EUR4,600 (RM22k).

2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 Lands In Malaysia – RM135,900

Last year, we witnessed the official unveiling of the new Ducati Multistrada V4 at the 2021 Ducati World Premier.

Fast forward into September, Next Bike Sdn Bhd the official distributor of the Ducati brand in Malaysia has finally unveiled the all-new Multistrada V4 for the local market.

Starting with the design, the new 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 still carries that iconic Italian ADV bike looks where form blends exceptionally well with function.

At the front, the headlight is inspired by the very sporty Panigale series thanks to its full-LED setup and daytime-running lights with cornering illumination functions.

You’ll also see a strange square box embedded upfront, which is the bike’s internal radar system linked to its Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection systems.

A more sporty appeal is seen on the sides thanks to those wind-shaped curves that not only looks superb but also helps to increase stability as well as provide thermal and aerodynamic comfort.

This also helps with the overall riding ergonomics due to its slim subframe for ‘greater control and riding pleasure.

The heart of the new Multistrada V4 lies a 1,158cc Ducati Granturismo V4 engine that puts out 170hp at 10,500rpm and 125Nm of torque at 8,750rpm.

Features like a counter-rotating crankshaft (MotoGP inspired) and dedicated gearshift (Panigale V4 inspired) offer even more versatility, especially with its shorter first gear and longer sixth gear.

Safety features include:
Riding Modes
Power Modes
ABS Cornering
Ducati Traction Control
Ducati Wheelie Control
Daytime Running Light
Ducati Brake Light

Pricing for the new Multistrada V4 starts from RM135,900.

2022 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR Breaks Cover

Triumph Motorcycles has officially unveiled the 2022 Speed Triple 1200 RR after a series of teasers.

As confirmed by previous reports, the new Speed Triple RR is based around its naked cousin (the Speed Triple RS) but with additional electronic suspension and semi-front fairing.

While it may feature the same frame, subframe and fuel tank, the Speed Triple RR is an altogether new motorcycle.

The most notable change is the introduction of the semi-active Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 electronic suspension, replacing the NIX30 inverted fork and TTX36 twin-tube monoshock on the RS.

Other significant revisions include more aggressive ergonomics thanks to 5 inches lower and 2 inches forward clip-on handlebars and raised footpegs.

Moreover, the use of a single circular LED headlamp paired to a retro-ish front panel, and Red Hopper/Storm Grey colour scheme creates a striking image.

Nonetheless, underneath the elegant looking sports bike sits the same liquid-cooled, DOHC, 1,160cc triple-cylinder engine with 177hp and 125Nm that powers the Speed Triple RS, including a 6-speed gearbox with slip and assist function.