Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen

About a year ago, Honda held an important meeting with various well-known VFR750R (RC30) owners across Japan and Europe.

During the meeting, the owners expressed their desire to keep the iconic RC30 motorcycle in the best possible condition by using genuine Honda parts.

Fast forward to 2021; Honda decided to launch the “RC30 Forever” program to allow owners to maintain and ride the RC30 in total safety and tranquillity.

Under the program, Honda will produce 150 genuine parts consisting of the RC30’s engine, chassis, body and electronics.

 

According to Honda, the choice of components was discussed beforehand based on the owner’s request and the experts at Honda R&D departments.

In the latest news, all 150 components of the RC30 will be available for order via Honda Official Dealership across Europe.

The iconic RC30 was first unveiled at the 1987 Tokyo Motor Show before arriving in Europe a year later.

With the production limited to only 5,000 units worldwide, the motorcycle was designed to compete in the Superbike World Championship.

The RC30 featured a liquid-cooled 748cc 90 ° V4 engine and other racing features, including the use of notable material such as carbon fibre, kevlar and magnesium.

MV Agusta has unveiled the latest version of the Rush with a revised engine and electronics, including a new colour scheme.

Although the 998cc inline-four engine derived from the Brutale 1000 RR now adheres to Euro 5 regulations, MV Agusta claimed the motorcycle still maintain the same power output of 208hp at 13,000rpm and 116Nm at 11,000rpm.

The hyper naked motorcycle also comes with a new camshaft timing which improves low-end and mid-range torque.

According to MV Agusta, the 2021 Rush also packs with DLC-coated valve guides to reduce friction and improve reliability.

The unique ‘lenticular disc’ rear wheel also remains on the 2021 model, including the round LED headlight and trimmed tail section.

The updated Rush also comes with a jet-inspired paint job that can be paired with an (optional) AGV helmet and a bomber style jacket.

Every purchase of the new Rush also comes with a race kit consisting of an SC exhaust and dedicated racing ECU that will help boost the horsepower to 209hp.

Other exciting features include:

  • 3rd generation EAS 3.0 electronic gearbox
  • Ohlins suspension
  • Brembo Stylema callipers with twin 320mm disc
  • GPS and Bluetooth connectivity
  • 5.5″ TFT display

The 2021 MV Agusta Rush 1000 Limited Edition is priced at EUR38,000 (RM192,400).

Yamaha recently revealed the 2022 YZF-R7 after months of speculations.

Despite the R badge, the R7 is actually an MT-07 clad in a full-fairing body panel as the motorcycle shares the same CP2 689cc engine and offer the same 72.3hp and 67.9Nm.

However, before the dust settled, fans already asking about the possibility of an R9, powered by the CP3 889cc engine found on the MT-09.

While there is no confirmation Yamaha even considering a bigger version of the R7, a mechanic with a Yamaha dealership in Veneto, Italy, decided to build his own R9M using the Japanese CP3 powerplant.

 

Jacopo Marzaro took the Tracer 900 GT and stripped the sport tourer down to its bone before constructing a new subframe and upgrading the suspension with Ohlins fork legs and Ohlins monoshock.

Marzaro completes the R9 with a new Akrapovic exhaust system and ECU modifications to fit the R image, instantly boosting the power from 115hp to 140hp.

Interestingly, the fairing kit and livery were all done by hand in an effort to custom fit the Tracer 900 GT chassis.

Valentino Rossi will decide whether to continue racing beyond the 2021 MotoGP amid his worst start to a season.

The Italian made the switch from factory Yamaha to Petronas Sepang Racing Team (PSRT) at the end of last season that sees Fabio Quartararo heading the other way.

Despite getting the factory treatment with the M1, the seven-time MotoGP champion is yet to finish a race within the top ten after five rounds. Meanwhile, his partner, Franco Morbidelli, managed to secure a podium finish in Jerez onboard the old A-spec M1.

Nevertheless, Rossi revealed that he would decide on his future during the summer break.

“Speaking with Petronas and Yamaha it’s more half-season, because after nine races we have the summer break and I think I will decide for next year in that period, after nine races,” said Rossi.

Rossi currently sits at 19th place in the championship standings with 9 points together with Miguel Oliveira and his half brother, Luca Marini.

(source: Visordown)

Ducati has updated the Hypermotard 950 range to meet the Euro 5 regulation standards while introducing an all-new livery for the SP.

The Bologna-based manufacturer took some time to introduce the revised Hypermotard after focusing 2020 on the all-new Monster and Multistrada V4.

However, Ducati could not pick a better time to reveal the updated hooligan machine as the Italian marquee about to kickstart its 2021 WorldSBK campaign.

Despite the transition to Euro 5, the Testastretta 11-degree twin-cylinder engine continues to splash 114hp at 9,000rpm and 96Nm at 7,250rpm.

Meanwhile, the SP received a new colour scheme and graphic inspired by Ducati racing DNA in MotoGP.

Apart from the updated graphics, the SP is 2kg lighter and 20mm higher seats than the Standard and RVE variants.

The SP also comes with the top of the range Ohlins suspension, Marchesini forged wheels and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) EVO as standard.

Singapore will introduce a stricter emission regulation starting from April 1 2023, in an effort to reduce air pollution.

According to Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA), every motorcycle registered before July 1 2003, is affected.

“These motorcycles can continue to be used until June 30 2028, as long as they meet the tightened in-use emission standards,” said NEA in a statement.

The new ruling also applies to every foreign motorcycle.

“This is similar to current rules requiring foreign motorcycles to adhere to the same exhaust noise limit as local motorcycles and not to emit any smoke or visible vapour,” explained the agency.

However, motorcycle registered after July 1 is covered by the new regulations.

Nonetheless, every motorcycle registered before July 1 2003, will be banned from the road starting July 1 2028.

Meanwhile, the Singaporean government offers SGD3,500 (RM10,800) for owners who de-register their old motorcycle earlier.

Building on the success of the ZX-25R, Japanese motorcycle manufacturer, Kawasaki is planning to develop a 400cc version dubbed the ZX-4R.

According to reports by Young Machine, Kawasaki is planning to develop the new model by increasing the bore of the ZX-25R, changing the piston and the crank and pairing it to an updated ECU.

Although this is purely speculation Young Machine rarely gets it wrong and we expect the inline-four version of the motorcycle will produce higher power and torque than the current Ninja 400.

Despite the ZX-25R already making wave around Asia including South East Asia, the bike is yet to make its way to Malaysia.

Nevertheless, a 400cc version of the ZX-25R is definitely something to be excited about.

Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer, Italjet, introduce Andrea Dovizioso as the company new ambassador.

The agreement with the Italian manufacturer will also see Dovizioso contribute to the development of the new Dragster 125 and 200cc scooter.

According to the President and CEO of Italjet, Massimo Tartarini, other than helping to boost the company brand, Dovizioso will also support the technical team during the Dragster pre-production test.

“When I designed the new Dragster, I imagined it as a small superbike to be used in cities. One scooter capable of giving the feeling of a real motorcycle.

“I want the Dragster to express its full potential to the fullest. This is why I decided to entrust the development of the Dragster to Andrea (Dovizioso). A person I have always admired,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dovizioso also shared his impression of the Dragster.

“When I saw it for the first time, I was impressed. I am happy to contribute with the technicians to fine-tune the chassis, the braking system and the engine. It’s the details that make the difference, and in Dragster, the details are very accurate,” he explained.

Italjet claimed the company had received thousands of bookings from all over the world, including Japan.

Yamaha recently released the second ‘teaser’ trailer titled the R/World, which is rumoured to be the YZF-R7. However, a few photos of the motorcycle leaked online on the same day hence confirming the Japanese manufacturer move to introduce the all-new R7.

Despite taking a design cue from its bigger sibling, the R1, the R7 carries the same DNA from the naked sport, MT-07, including the CP2 689cc engine.

Not only that, like the 2021 MT-07, the R7 also get an LED projector headlamp flanked by Daytime Running Light (DRL).

It also comes with the same chassis, swingarm and exhaust system found on the MT-07.

The R7 is expected to directly rival the existing Honda CBR650R, Ninja 650 and the latest Aprilia RS660.

The R7 will be officially revealed tomorrow (May 18).

Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak Edition was first spotted testing in March this year on a public road.

However, this time around, the Italians are testing the new motorcycle at a European track.

Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak Edition Spotted – Single Sided Swingarm, 17″ Front Wheel!

Like the current Multistrada V4, the Pikes Peak Edition shares the same design scheme, except the special edition comes with 17-inch wheels compared to the 19″ found on the standard model, thus making it road centric.

The Pikes Peak Edition is powered by the same Granturismo V4 engine, including a USD Ohlins fork and other electronics setup.

Another notable difference compared to the standard variant is the return of the iconic single-sided swingarm.

According to reports, Ducati will reveal the Pikes Peak Edition in 2022.

(source: RideApart)

Despite an early trip through the gravel and slapped with a double long-lap penalty, Jack Miller still managed to find himself as the winner at the French GP ahead of home favourites Johann Zarco and Fabio Quartararo.

It was a chaotic race at Le Mans as the race started in dry conditions before heavy rain hit the circuit after a few laps.

The scenario forced all rider to come into the pit lane to swap their bike.

The Ducati rider ran off the track and into the gravel on his way to pit lane and later caught speeding, resulting in the double long-lap penalty.

Quartararo also handed the same punishment for bike swap mishaps after he went into his teammates, Maverick Vinales, garage before jumping on his M1 with the bits of help from the pit crew.

The Frenchman managed to clinch a podium finish at third place to secure a lead at the championship standings with one point ahead of Francesco Bagnaia.

Meanwhile, Zarco returns to the podium with second place after missing out at the previous two rounds.

Miller later shared his takes on the crazy race.

“Winning two races in a row is a dream for me, especially after such a difficult race where I even had to take a long double lap and ended up in the gravel. So to be able to get this result is really extraordinary! The race was really long and tough mentally.

“I tried to keep my concentration and kept telling myself to stay calm. In this way, I managed the tyres well and saved them until the end, managing the advantage over Johann (Zarco), who was getting very close towards the end. It was really a fantastic victory!,” said the Australian.

Miller’s teammate, Bagnaia, wasn’t far off as he secured fourth place finished despite a bad start.

“I got a bad start and made a mistake on the first lap, going wide at Turn 6. Then, there was the flag-to-flag: it was the first time for me! It wasn’t easy, but in a way, I enjoyed it. In the beginning, I didn’t feel completely comfortable on the bike, but in the wet, I was able to find my rhythm right away.

“Finishing fourth in these conditions is a really good result, also considering that last year I was very slow in the rain. Now I am second in the Championship, just one point behind Quartararo, so I’m delighted,” he said.

Ducati will be back in action at their home turf in Mugello for the Italian GP at the end of the month.

Thanks to augmented reality (AR) technology, you are now able to take a closer look at the all-new 2021 Ducati Monster via the Monster Experience AR.

The initiative by Ducati allows fans around the globe to experience the new Monster via their smartphone at any time.

Anyone interested in viewing the all-new Monster can do so by simply clicking on the link provided (CLICK HERE) via your smartphone or tablet, followed by allowing the operation to access your camera and selecting the available model for viewing.

The 3D image of the motorcycle will allow you to discover all the details up close, thus providing a proper insight into the new Monster without the need to walk into a physical store.

 

The AR technology also allows you to take a creative picture with the 3D model and share it on social media.

Interestingly, Ducati is inviting everyone to show support for the initiative by experimenting with the Monster Experience AR and sharing it on social media with the #MonsterAR and tagging @ducati_asiapacific.

Ducati will select the best photos and share them on the company digital platform.

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