Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen

Team Classic Suzuki (TCS) just took the expression of “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” to a whole new level.

For starters, the good people at TCS managed to build a GSX-R1000 Katana out of a 2008 World Superbike during last year lockdown.

Build around the engine of a 2008 Alstare GSX-R1000 race bike, the newly born Katana now produces around 200hp.

According to TCS, the engine now features world superbike headers, Racefit link pipe with an end can, factory radiator, and oil cooler matched with aluminium oil and water pipes.

In an effort to ensure the monstrous Katana is manageable (a statement which we think has been watered down), the motorcycle comes with Yoshimura EM Pro kit ECU.

Although the dimension of the frame is the same as the GSX-R1000 K8, TCS has redesigned the swingarm and subframe from Alpha Performance Fabrications to fit in the twin shock set-up to pay homage to the original Katana.

Other exciting features include:

  • Ohlins suspension
  • Brembo disc and callipers
  • custom seat from Race Seats with Katana logo
  • traditional red Suzuki logo on the tank

Aprilia introduced the RS660 Trofeo as a track-legal machine to compete in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup and the one-make Aprilia Racing RS660 Trophy series in January.

However, the Noale-based company has now made the RS660 Trofeo available to the public as well for a price of USD17,892 (RM74,000) with orders can be made online via  FACTORYWORKS.APRILIA.COM.

Nonetheless, the RS660 Trofeo remains a track-only motorcycle as all the homologation parts have been removed.

The motorcycle now weighs at just 153 kilograms (dry) compared to the 169 kg found on the road-legal model.

The Trofeo edition also makes 5hp more than the standard RS660 (100hp).

Other than that, the Trofeo also comes with a lot of goodies such as:

  • full power engine mapping
  • SC Project race exhaust
  • MotoGP-inspired switchgear
  • seat cowl
  • brake lever guard
  • racing triple clamp
  • adjustable clip-on
  • race footpegs
  • front fork with Misnao by Adreani cartridge kit
  • Ohlins AP948 shocks

Meanwhile, the standard RS660 and the Tuono 660 are now available in Malaysia.

Current MotoGP championship leader Fabio Quartararo has been hit with a total of 6-second penalty at the GP Catalunya.

The race saw Miguel Oliveira took his first win of the season after a fierce battle against Quartararo before Johann Zarco overtook his fellow Frenchman to finished second.

Quartararo had to settle for third place before Race Direction slapped a 3-second penalty due to a ‘shortcut at Turn 1-2’, thus seeing him losing his place to Ducati’s Jack Miller.

However, after further investigation, Quartararo was hit with another 3-second penalty, this time for finishing the last 3-laps with an open racing suit while also caught throwing away his chest protectors.

The initial penalty dropped the factory Yamaha ride to 4th place while the new penalty demotes the Frenchman to 6th in classification.

The situation now reduces his title lead from 17 to 14 points ahead of Zarco.

Triumph Motorcycles already introduced a wide range of new products for 2021, including the exciting Trident 660 and the newly launched Scrambler.

Now, the Hinckley-based company has officially unveiled the 2021 Speed Twin.

Engine and performance

Powered by the same twin-engine found on the Thruxton R but with a more accessible setup, the 1200cc High Power powerplant now updated to meet Euro 5 standards.

Despite meeting lower emission, the engine now makes 3PS more peak power, resulting to a 100PS @ 7,250rpm and 112Nm @ 4,250rpm.

According to Triumph, the new engine now makes more power in the mid-range and better responsiveness thanks to a 17 per cent reduction in inertia by using a lighter crankshaft and alternator.

Improve handling

The 2021 Speed Twin now comes with upgraded suspension consist of upside/down 43mm Marzocchi front forks matched to an adjustable twin rear suspension with 120mm rear-wheel travel.

The motorcycle also gained better braking with Brembo M50 4-piston radial callipers with 320mm brake disc at the front and Nissin 2-piston with 220mm disc at the rear, including ABS.

Enhanced electronics and technology

Build to enhanced riders experienced; the new Speed Twin now comes with ride-by-wire technology that ensures precise throttle control.

Available with three riding modes; Rain, Road and Sport, the new function allow riders to make necessary adjustments to throttle and traction control settings.

The motorcycle now comes with a full LED light setup and DRL (daytime running light) incorporated into the headlight to create a modern-classic look.

Other exciting features:

  • digital display with an analogue meter
  • Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
  • USB charging socket
  • immobiliser with a transponder (integrated into the Triumph Key)

The 2021 Speed Twin are now available for booking at the price of:

  • RM77,900.00 – Jet Black Colour
  • RM78,900.00 – Premium Metallic Colours

According to Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Triumph Motorcycles in Malaysia, those who place their bookings by July 15 are entitled to receive two free lube services and eligible for a 35% discount on accessories.

Customers can also choose from three complementary kits comprising protective and styling components.

Kawasaki has just launched the 2021 Ninja 650 for the American market with the Japanese two-wheeler updated the middle-weight sports tourer with updated colours.

The (not so new) Ninja 650 now comes with Pearl Robotic White with Metallica Carbon Grey with a shade of Kawasaki signature Green.

However, the 2021 model retains the 649cc parallel-twin engine that produces 67hp and 65Nm while mated to a 6-speed transmission with a slipper/assist clutch.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Ninja 650 now comes with LED headlights with DRL and a TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity as standard.

Other key features:

  • 41mm telescopic fork
  • preload-adjustable monoshock
  • twin 300mm disc with 2-piston callipers (front)
  • 220mm disc (rear)
  • 17″ alloy rims
  • Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires

Jonathan Rea revealed plans to move to professional motocross once he leaves the WorldSBK Championship.

Rea admitted the doors to MotoGP have closed despite winning the WSBK six years in a row.

“To leave Superbike… it would need to be something that sets me on fire, as I’m comfortable in the Superbike environment.

“To consider something else – like MotoGP – I would need something concrete, like a factory bike, and this has never materialised. I don’t think the opportunity will come now that I am 33. SBK is my world and I’m happy. Then after the races I enjoy my little ones,” said Rea.

Rea did have a go at MotoGP in 2012 when he replaced the injured Casey Stoner at Repsol Honda. The rider finished 8th at Misano and 7th at Aragon before returning to SBK duties.

The British rider joins Kawasaki in 2015 as Tom Sykes new teammate and won his WSBK title after recording 14 wins.

Rea retained the title in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, becoming the first rider to win six successive SBK champions.

According to Rea, despite retiring from WSBK one day, he would like to keep himself match fit via motocross.

“I would like to enjoy Anaheim Supercross. Also, I have a desire to do a national motocross championship race after retiring, probably something in Northern Ireland, like a championship race in Ulster.

“I ride my dirt bike quite regularly, so I’d love to do that,” he added. – GPOne

Italian motorcycle brand Moto Morini has unveiled the X-Cape 650 at the 2021 Beijing Motor Show.

Design in Italy and build in China after a change of ownership to Zhongneng Vehicle Group in 2018, the X-Cape 650 are expected to be available as early as 2022.

This is not the first time the X-Cape 650 make its appearance as it was first unveiled at the 2019 EICMA before the company decided to keep it under wraps for a few more years.

Nonetheless, the X-Cape 650 retains most of the design features displayed in 2019, including a dual-lens LED headlight and 7″ TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity.

Despite manufactured in China, the X-Cape 650 offers some of the best features, including Marzocchi front forks and adjustable KYB rear shocks and Brembo callipers paired to a Bosch dual-channel ABS.

The motorcycle also comes with 19″ front and 17″ rear tires.

As for the engine, the X-Cape 650 is powered by a twin-cylinder 649cc water-cooled powerplant capable of producing 60hp @ 8,500rpm and 56Nm @ 7,000rpm.

According to reports, Moto Morini plans to introduce a few more models in the upcoming months.

Johann Zarco and Jorge Martin will remain with Pramac Racing for the 2022 MotoGP season after agreeing on a new deal with the Ducati satellite team.

Zarco currently sits second in the championship thanks to three podium finish after six rounds of MotoGP.

The Frenchman, alongside Martin (who are directly under contract with Ducati), will race onboard the Desmosedici GP 2022 next year.

Paolo Campinoti, Pramac Racing Team Principal, expressed his satisfaction over the new deal.

“We are very satisfied to be able to continue on this “project” with Johann and Jorge, two boys with whom we get along very well and with whom we are reaching excellent results.

“Both Ducati and ourselves firmly believe in their abilities; we couldn’t be happier,” he said.

Meanwhile, Paolo Ciabatti, Ducati Corse Sporting Director, revealed the decision behind it because the two riders were able to compete at a very high level with the GP21.

“Johann and Jorge this year have inserted themselves very well in the Pramac Racing team. For this reason, together with Paolo Campinoti and Francesco Guidotti, we have decided to proceed with them into 2022.

“We will put at the disposition of both, the official bikes for next season as well. We are certain that they will provide us with many satisfactions,” said Ciabatti.

Qianjiang Motorcycle, the parent company of Benelli, has unveiled the QJ7000D electric motorcycle concept at the 2021 Beijing Motor Show.

According to reports, the electric motorcycle will go on sale under the Benelli brand for the international markets.

Despite Qianjiang efforts not to disclose the technical specifications, reports suggest the upcoming model will set a new benchmark for high performing electric motorcycle.

Based on the images, there is some exciting aspect of the motorcycle that is worth mentioning.

For starters, a compartment is located at the tank that can fit a full-face helmet and is noticeable from the side.

The bike also comes with USD front forks, a monoshock at the rear, a fully digital LCD display, and a full LED light setup.

At a glance, we like how it looks and the idea behind it; however, it is still unknown when will the QJ7000D goes into production.

Nevertheless, like other manufacturers, the future is definitely electric. – GaadiWaadi

The Kawasaki Z900 RS garnered a lot of attention when it was introduced back in 2018, with the motorcycle was heavily inspired by the original 1972 Z1.

Last year, Kawasaki updated the Z900 RS with the 1973 Z1 paint jobs, but for 2022, the new Z900 RS gets its unique colour scheme from the 1975 Z1.

 

The latest generation Z900 RS now sports a Candy Tone Blue base with the gold accent, a straight inspiration from the 1975 model.

 

Despite the new retro paint job, the updated Z900 RS continues to be powered by the inline-four, 948cc, DOHC, a liquid-cooled engine capable of producing 111hp @ 8500rpm and 98.6Nm @ 6,500rpm.

 

However, the new model gets a host of refinements which includes:

  • ABS braking
  • assist and slipper clutch
  • tuned exhaust note
  • smartphone connectivity
  • Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC)

(source: Young Machine)

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Ducati first world title in the 2001 Superbike championship, the Borgo Panigale firm has set up a temporary exhibition, “Troy Story: The Legend of a Champion” at the Ducati Museum.

The exhibition display new and exclusive content for the fans to get up close to the success of Troy Bayliss at the Superbike championship.

According to Ducati, the date of 21 May, chosen for the reopening of the Ducati Museum, is not accidental.

On this day, 20 years ago, the virtually unknown Troy Bayliss accomplished a feat that turned him overnight into a motorcycling legend in the hearts and memories of all Ducati and Superbike fans; the extraordinary quadruple overtaking move at the Monza circuit.

Interestingly, Bayliss was coming in for the injured Carl Fogarty before Ducati decided to allow him to finish the championship onboard the factory 996R.

In the 2000 season, Bayliss finished sixth in the championship, accumulating 243 points, two wins and seven podiums.

Ducati then awarded a seat in the Ducati Infostrada team, where Bayliss won his first WSBK title in 2001.

Those who visited the Ducati Museum will get to admire all of the Australian rider machines which include:

  • 996 Factory 2000 – his Ducati World SBK debut and used at Monza in the famous quadruple overtake.
  • 996 Factory 2001 Testastretta – his first world title with the livery used at Imola in 2001.
  • 998 Factory Testastretta 2002 – the protagonist of the breathtaking duel with Edwards at Imola.
  • 999 Factory 2006 “Superman” – Ducati’s 250th victory in SBK, and Troy’s second title.
  • 999 Factory 2007 – used in the photo-finish against James Toseland at Assen.
  • 1098 R Factory 2008 – his last title won at Magny-Cours

For those living outside of Europe, you can get a chance to view the exhibition via Ducati Museum Online Journey.

The temporary exhibition “Troy Story: The Legend of a Champion” will remain at the Ducati Museum until 19 September 2021, with the sole exception of the days between 1-4 July, when the bikes will be exhibited in Modena at the 2021 edition of Motor Valley Fest.

Brad Binder will remain with the KTM Factory Racing Team for the next three years after agreeing on a new contract.

The South African was a product of KTM GP Academy, competing in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup before earning himself a spot in the Moto3 and Moto2 championship with Red Bull KTM Ajo.

The 25-year-old rider also recorded his maiden victory in the premier class in his debut season onboard the RC16 last year.

“I am super happy to have signed again for three more seasons with KTM, and it will take us up to ten years.

“It’s incredible to have been with this manufacturer for such a long time now, and we’ve always had a good relationship.

“I’m extremely happy in KTM colours, so it’s extra happy to sign a long-term contract. It’s an honour,” said Binder.

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