Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

MotoGP: Suzuki Commits Future Until 2026

Suzuki has officially extended their stay in MotoGP for the next five years from 2022-2026.

The Japanese marquee now joins KTM, Ducati, Honda and Yamaha in signing the new contract extension.

Suzuki recorded their first premier-class win in 2000 with Kenny Roberts Jr, who clinched the title with two races to spare.

Then between 2002-2011, Suzuki only claimed one race win before bowing out of MotoGP due to the financial crisis before returning in 2015 with an all-new GSX-RR that helps propelled the career of Maverick Vinales, Alex Rins and Joan Mir.

Mir emerged as Suzuki 2nd world champion by defying the odds to rule the 2020 season despite the global pandemic.

Suzuki is currently interested in fielding a satellite team ahead of the 2022 season, with Petronas, VR46 and Gresini as possible candidate.

Aprilia is now the last remaining manufacturer that has yet to re-sign with Dorna.

EU Impose 56% Tariff On Harley-Davidson Imports

EU lawmakers have proposed a 56 per cent trade tariff to be imposed on imported Harley-Davidson motorcycles from the United States.

Taking effect on June 1, the ruling is seen as a second major blow to Harley-Davidson as the EU already placed a 25 per cent total tariff in 2018 on motorcycles imported into Europe from the USA.

Previously, Harley managed to escape the higher levies place in 2018 by shifting some of its motorcycle production to Thailand.

This allowed the Milwaukee-based company to imports its motorcycle into Europe via Belgium at a lower 6 per cent tariff.

However, the European Commission said that the “loophole” would not work this time around.

According to Daniel Ferrie, the EU has requested Belgium to revoke the decision as Harley-Davidson production in Thailand fell foul of “Binding Origin Information” rules.

“This (Belgian) decision was examined by the European Commission, and it proved that the decision was incorrect. We have therefore requested Belgium to revoke this incorrect decision.

“The reason why it was proven to be incorrect was that there was a change in location of production of the motorbikes in question,” he said.

The 56 per cent tariff move couldn’t come at a worse time as Harley-Davidson is scheduled to introduce the all-new Pan America in the UK next month.

BMW Unveils The F 900 R Force – Limited To 300 Units!

BMW Motorrad France has launched the F 900 R Force; an aviation-inspired model limited to just 300 units.

Exclusive to the French market, the middle-weight motorcycle still maintains the 895cc parallel-twin engine that pumps out 103hp @ 8,500rpm and 92Nm @ 6,500rpm.

However, the limited-edition motorcycle comes in a unique colour scheme by combining a striking San Marino Blue shade with a Fluorescent Yellow highlight.

According to BMW France, the colour evokes the design of a fighter plane.

Despite being a limited edition machine, the F 900 R Force also gets a host of optional upgrades, consisting of a windshield, belly pan, seat cowl, and rims with yellow highlights.

The F 900 R Force also gets a quick shifter.

Other than that, you get the usual full-LED lighting, 6.5″ TFT display and Brembo brake callipers.

PREVIEW: SYM JetX Scooter and WMoto Xtreme shown in Malaysia!

MForce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor for SYM and WMOTO brand in Malaysia, has just revealed two new exciting scooters for the local market.

Introducing the SYM Jet X 150 and WMOTO Xtreme 150i, a 150cc scooter that offers two completely different experience.

SYM Jet X

The SYM Jet X is an urban city scooter that offers the latest features with a full LED lights setup, 7.5L fuel tank, digital LCD instrument and smart-key system (keyless).

The scooter is powered by a single-cylinder 149.6cc SOHC 2-valve engine capable of producing 12.3hp and 12Nm and matted to a CVT transmission.

You also get a huge 18L under-seat storage, USB port with 2.0 QC and adjustable (preload) twin mono-shock at the rear.

WMOTO Xtreme 150i

Since the introduction of the Honda ADV 150, the 150cc scooter segment has seen a considerable design change.

Following the footstep of the ADV 150, WMOTO introduces their own version of a 150cc adventure theme scooter, the Xtreme 150i.

This is not your regular Chinese made scooter; instead, the Xtreme 150i offers the latest features, including a dual-channel ABS, a key aspect usually found on a 250cc and above motorcycle.

The motorcycle is powered by the latest Euro 4 149.6cc engine offering 9.0kW @ 8,500rpm and 11.8Nm @ 5,000rpm.

Despite the lack of power, the Xtreme 150i comes with an 11L fuel tank with a (claimed) range of 400km.

The Xtreme 150i also comes with a complete LED light with Daytime Running Light (DRL), Smart/Stop function, full digital LCD instruments, 13L storage space, and two power outlets consisting of a USB port a 12V outlet.

During the official preview, MForce announced that the two motorcycles would be available around May and June with a price tag between RM8,000 to RM10,000.

Latest Patent Reveal BMW Motorrad Working On Gesture Control System

Imagine controlling your motorcycle with a slight movement of your finger. Well, that is what BMW Motorrad is planning to do, as the latest patent reveals.

The patent drawings show what appears to be a set of sensors that is mount somewhere on the handlebar capable of detecting gestures from the rider’s fingers.

This new technology is expected to increase a rider’s mobility on the bike while navigating through a series of rider-aids, such as setting up cruise control and selecting riding modes.

According to reports, the sensors will read specific gestures to engage particular functions on the motorcycle. Who would’ve thought communicating with your bike is possible via sign language?

Modern bikes now come with an array of settings and buttons on the handlebar, which is sometimes a hassle to navigate around.

The gesture control system will set a benchmark for other manufacturers if it ever manages to materialise in the near future.

Introducing Moxiao 500RR, Looks Like A Ducati But Isn’t One!

It’s no secret that Ducati is most definitely on every rider dream list. Not only because they look good, but they are every bit as ferocious on the racetrack.

However, they do come with a hefty price tag (obviously), with the Panigale lineup as the most attractive looking machine available from the Bologna-based company.

Understanding the demand for Ducati Panigale is always available, Chinese motorcycle manufacturer, Moxiao Motor, decided to launch the Moxiao 500RR.

Heavily “influenced” by Ducati, the Moxiao 500RR is everything you thought of, another Chinese knock-off attempt at selling the looks from a Panigale 959.

Personally, at a glance, it looks like the real deal thanks to the headlamp design, the shock absorber cover and the single-sided swingarm.

As the name goes, the 500RR is powered by a 471cc twin-cylinder liquid-cooled engine capable of producing 47hp @ 8,500rpm and 43Nm at 7,000rpm, 110hp and 64Nm shy from the 959.

Surprisingly, the Moxiao 500RR comes with a dual-channel ABS as standard, a 320mm upfront with radial callipers and a 260mm disc at the rear and a generous 22L fuel tank.

Despite the blatant copy of the Panigale 959, the 500RR does come with good specifications. If only Moxiao were diligent enough to come out with their own original design.

Meet The Russian Hamster, An All-Terrain, Mono-Tracked Motorcycle

From time to time, we will find a unique machine being build in someone’s garage.

Most of the time, these vehicles are only in for the looks, but sometimes, a few turned out practical and works like a charm.

Introducing the HAMYAK ATV, an all-terrain motorcycle build by a Russian engineer, Eduard Luzyanin.

The HAMYAK or HOMYAK – hamster in Russian – was named due to the motorcycle ‘unprecedented mobility’ to occupy every sort of terrain with ease, especially in the snow, sand and mud.

Luzyanin previewed his latest inventions via a shared video on YouTube, and as you can see, the motorcycle does not feature steering.

Instead, the only way to turn the bike is by shifting the rider’s body, much like surfing on a skateboard.

The HAMYAK is powered by a 150cc engine capable of reaching a top speed of 43km/h (but with a recommended speed of 20km/h due to its lack of shock absorbers and suspension).

Weigh-in at only 83 kilograms, the HAMYAK can easily be fitted inside your average vehicle.

Harley-Davidson 300cc Cruiser Spotted In China

It has been two years since the news broke out about Harley-Davidson announced a collaboration with the Chinese brand Qianjiang Motor (QJ Motor).

The agreement sees the two produce a small-displacement and affordable motorcycle for the Asian market.

Fast forward to 2021, a new image of a cruiser recently made its way online, and it looked suspiciously familiar.

Dubbed the Qianjiang SRV300, the motorcycle is scheduled to be on sale in China but will be rebadged as a Harley-Davidson for other Asian markets.

According to reports, the SRV300 is powered by a 296cc V-twin capable of producing 30hp and was inspired by Harley’s Iron 883 with a teardrop tank, single-seat, round headlamps and extended rear fender.

MotoGP: Masterful Quartararo Wins In Portimao, Claim Championship Lead!

MotoGP: Quartarao Wins In Portimao, Claim Championship Lead!

Fabio Quartararo grabs his second win of the 2021 MotoGP season with a spectacular ride on Sunday in Portimao.

The Yamaha factory rider now leads the championship standings after Johann Zarco crashed out at Turn 10, ending his chance of adding the 40 pts he claimed after two races in Qatar.

Despite starting from pole, Quartararo had to fight his way up from sixth place after losing his spot after Turn 1.

However, after just three laps, he was back in contention, piling the pressure on Suzuki’s Alex Rins and Pramac’s Zarco.

The 21-year old managed to overtake his opponents and lead the pack, with only Rins able to chase him down.

However, heading into the final five laps, Rins lost his front grip at Turn 4 and immediately crashed out of the race, giving Quartararo a comfortable win.

Meanwhile, Francesco Bagnaia bagged his second podium of the season as he finished runner-up, followed by defending champion Suzuki’s Joan Mir.

Speaking to the press after the race, Quartararo admitted he feels confident with the YZR-M1 pace.

“I knew that we had a little bit extra pace compared to Alex [Rins]. He was running so fast but he made a mistake.

“But honestly, the pace that we set today was unexpected from myself, but it feels great to enjoy this track, this unique track,” he said.

Apart from an improved Factory-spec, Quartararo admitted he is mentally stronger than last season.

“Yamaha made a big step compared to last year. But for me mentally I feel stronger.

“Last year after Aragon we more or less lost the opportunity to fight until the end with Joan [Mir] for the championship. I was even more frustrated that we lost that moment.

“But I’ve learned a lot. When the bike was not going so great, I was always thinking negatively, but I totally changed this, and now I’m always thinking positively, which I think is great,” added the 21-year-old.

Norton To Produce 8,000 Units Motorcycle With New Factory In Solihull

Norton Motorcycles was on the brink of a total disaster under the former CEO, Stuart Garner, due to a pension scandal dating back to January 2020.

However, the British brand is now on the verge of a solid return under new ownership, India based motorcycle manufacturer TVS Motor Company.

With the current workforce currently expanded and a new model launch is in the works, Norton now seeks to produce 8,000 units of motorcycles thanks to a new facility in Solihull, West Midlands.

According to the new CEO, John Russel, the 75,000 sq. ft is build ready for future expansion and is a drastic improvement over the old Donington Hall facility.

“The environment people worked in was appalling, it’s rare for a country house with a call centre in the garden to turn into a motorcycle factory.

“So we had to move, and it became an emergency when the COVID arrived since the building did not comply with health rules.

“We are over 110 people now, and we have major capabilities that we did not have before. TVS has big ambitions for Norton.

“They want to make it the brand it should always have been and this can only be done by doing things right, therefore with investment,” he explained.

Norton is planning to bring the new Commando 961 as soon as possible.

(source: Le Repaire Des Motards)

Honda America Recalled 2021 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP Due To Faulty Cushion Connecting Plate

American Honda Motor Co. has issued a recall on the 2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP due to a faulty installation of the rear cushion connecting plates.

The recall involved a total of 89 units of the all-new Fireblade SP.

According to documents filed, the rear cushion plates was installed incorrectly and may cause the plates to break.

An incorrectly installed plate can break, hence increases the risk of a crash.

If the plates break, the rider will suffer a sudden drop in the ride height of the motorcycle, which eventually could lead to an accident.

All 89 units of affected Fireblade SP will have to make an appointment with an authorized Honda Powersports dealer to perform inspection and replacements.

(source: Honda)

KTM Sold 270,047 Motorcycles Worldwide In 2020

KTM sales recorded a drop of 3.4 per cent at the end of 2020 after selling 270,047 units of motorcycles worldwide.

The slight drop was due to the coronavirus pandemic that struck the world early last year as compared to 280,099 units sold in 2019.

However, KTM reports revealed a 1.8 per cent increased (with 265,321 units) in global motorcycle production despite the production in Austria decreased by 12 per cent to 160,098 units.

Nonetheless, the Austrian manufacturer is set to grow in 2021 with the help of its Chinese counterpart, CFMoto, who is set to produce the 790 Duke and 790 Adventure in China.

According to KTM, CFMoto will assemble the company mid-range motorcycle starting this year with the China brand will also be producing their own lineup based on the KTM parallel-twin engine.

CFMoto recently revealed the all-new 800MT, an adventurer tourer motorcycle powered by the same engine found on the 790 Adventure.

Bikesrepublic

Amirul Azreen

MotoGP: Suzuki Commits Future Until 2026

EU Impose 56% Tariff On Harley-Davidson Imports

BMW Unveils The F 900 R Force – Limited To 300 Units!

PREVIEW: SYM JetX Scooter and WMoto Xtreme shown in Malaysia!

SYM Jet X

WMOTO Xtreme 150i

Latest Patent Reveal BMW Motorrad Working On Gesture Control System

Introducing Moxiao 500RR, Looks Like A Ducati But Isn’t One!

Meet The Russian Hamster, An All-Terrain, Mono-Tracked Motorcycle

Harley-Davidson 300cc Cruiser Spotted In China

MotoGP: Masterful Quartararo Wins In Portimao, Claim Championship Lead!

Norton To Produce 8,000 Units Motorcycle With New Factory In Solihull

Honda America Recalled 2021 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP Due To Faulty Cushion Connecting Plate

KTM Sold 270,047 Motorcycles Worldwide In 2020

Ducati Dirt Bike Project Announced

Touratech Offers An Array Of Accessories For The New BMW R 1300 GS

Royal Alloy Youth Edition Launched – From RM12,800

14-Year-Old’s Joyride Ends In Fatal Motorcycle Collision

Daewoo To Make A Comeback With Electric Motorcycles

Female Rider Becci Ellis Sets New Top Speed Record On A 350HP Suzuki Hayabusa

Bridgestone Rolls Out New Battlax Hypersport S23

YADEA E8S Pro Electric Scooter Now Available In Malaysia – RM5,999

Ducati Rolls Out Panigale-Powered Ducati Multistrada V4 RS

CFMOTO Goes Electric With Company’s First Dirt Bike

EU Court Of Justice Ruling Redefines E-Bikes

Honda’s Next-Gen Gold Wing Features Auto-Adjusting Windscreen

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