Last year, Honda introduced the H’ness CB350 to go against the famous Royal Enfield Classic 350 in India.
The introduction of the H’ness led to speculation that the manufacturer is also seeking to launch a modern cafe racer-ish motorcycle for 2021.
And here it is, the new CB350 RS, a modern take based on the H’ness CB350 with the main differences are with the styling and a few mechanical tweaks.
The RS comes with a new paint job and dual colour option with black finishing visible on the engine and exhaust.
Nevertheless, the RS is still powered by the same 348cc single-cylinder engine that produces 21hp and 29Nm mated to a 5-speed gearbox with slipper clutch.
However, currently, the CB350 RS is only available in India, and we have no idea whether we will be able to see it up close anytime soon.
Recently, Bajaj allegedly will introduce a 400cc version of the Pulsar RS, sharing the same platform as the Dominar.
However, the latest updates suggest that the Pune-based motorcycle manufacturer will launch a 250cc version of the Pulsar NS and RS later this year.
The report indicates that Bajaj has produced a prototype of the 250cc twins with the road testing will commence soon.
*Bajaj Dominar 250
The report came as no surprise as Bajaj has already introduced a 250cc version of the Dominar and is enjoying considerable success in India.
That said, we can expect the Pulsar NS250 and RS250 to come equipped with the same component as you get on the Dominar 250 such as inverted fork and LED headlights.
Currently, the 248.8cc single-cylinder engine that powers the Dominar 250 produces 24hp @ 8,500rpm and 23.5Nm @ 6,500rpm.
KTM is said to be working on a new concept motorcycle specifically built for track days.
According to Speedweek, they managed to track down a prototype, an 890cc two-cylinder motorcycle.
This is not the first time a KTM engine has been turned into a track-only machine, as Kramer Motorcycles developed GP2 890 R with the 890 Duke engine.
*Kramer GP2 890 R
However, the images shown are not a motorcycle built by Kramer; instead, reports suggest this is a bike built 100% by KTM.
In 2014, KTM was rumoured to produced a slightly lower spec of the MotoGP RC16 machine for the mass market.
Sadly, the idea was opposed by KTM CEO, Stefan Pierer.
“f you want to build a racing motorcycle as close as possible to the MotoGP version, it costs so much money that nobody can or will pay for it,” he said.
Nevertheless, the track-only prototype still gets us feeling excited even though we have yet to know when will the motorcycle be made for the public.
Boon Siew Honda (BSH) officially announced the 2021 Honda CB650R and CBR650R with significant upgrades.
The middleweight motorcycle now comes with Showa 41mm Separate Function Big Piston (SF-BP) forks, USD Type-C socket, refresh LCD and new graphics and colour.
According to BSH, The new fork provides a high-quality suspension system that offers better handling ability.
The SF-BP fork puts a pressure separation damper in one fork tube, and spring mechanism in the other delivers high damping performance and lighter weight.
Meanwhile, a USB Type-C socket located under the seat provides easy charging for smartphones, increasing motorcycle practicality as daily transportation.
Both motorcycles continue to use the same 649cc, DOHC 16-valve Euro 4 engine that produces 93.8hp @ 12,000 rpm and 63Nm @ 8,500rpm.
The 2021 CB650R is available with two colour options, Candy Chromosphere Red and Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic and priced at RM43,499, while the CBR650R is available in Grand Prix Red and Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic and priced at RM45,499.
Before you get too excited, the said Ducati 1299 Superleggera on sale is in the United Kingdom, the same guys that are offering the 1996 Kawasaki ZX7-RR for approximately RM224,500 last week.
This time around, they offer a zero-mileage 2014 model from Italy for a price of GBP69,995 (RM392,900).
The 1299 Superleggera was the focus of 2014 when the bike was firstly introduced at Milan Motorcycle Show as a replacement to the older 1199.
As the name goes, the 1299 Superleggera is a lightweight motorcycle with Ducati claimed the weight at 167 kilograms with the help of a carbon fiber monocoque frame and carbon fiber rims.
It is also fitted with the most-powerful Superquadro L-twin cylinder 1,285cc engine that produces 215hp @ 11,000rpm and 146.5Nm @ 9,000rpm.
Since Ducati only built 500 units of these bad boys and the unit no.197 with zero-mileage is being put on sale in West Yorkshire is easily one of the rarest 1299 Superleggera you can find in the present time.
The question is, if you can afford it, what do you plan to do with it? Well, we think if you keep it for another 15-20 years, the motorcycle might get you close to a million ringgit.
All of those aside, who would not want to have a Ducati in their garage?
Bajaj Auto is planning to expand the current Pulsar range to target more significant demographics.
Based on latest reports in India, Bajaj is looking to launch its top of the line Pulsar RS400 later this year.
Even though the “rumours” were squashed last year, it looks like the Pune-based manufacturer is going ahead with the plans after a great response with the Dominar 400.
The RS400 will be powered by the same liquid-cooled, 373.2cc engine that powers the Bajaj Dominar and KTM 390 and produces 41hp and 34.5Nm.
Meanwhile, Bajaj is also looking to launch a Pulsar 180 naked sports motorcycle based on the semi-faired 180F.
It will be powered by a single-cylinder, air-cooled 178.6cc engine that generates 16.6hp and 14.52Nm and mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
2020 MotoGP World Champion, Joan Mir, will head into the 2021 season with his usual #36.
The Suzuki rider opted to stay loyal to his current #36 instead of using the #1 after winning the title last season.
“The number will be the same as always, the loyal one, #36.
“I think it would have been awesome to use the #1, a unique experience and a dream.
“But I believe that 36 is the number with which I’ve worked hard, and it has taken me to where I am now, winning two world championships [MotoGP and Moto3],” he explained.
The #1 was last seen in 2012 with Casey Stoner at Repsol Honda, while Marc Marquez and Valentino also kept the usual numbers with 93 and 46, respectively.
MV Agusta has officially revealed the updated Brutale RR, RR SCS, Rosso and Dragster RR for 2021.
The two triple-cylinder naked sportsbike have received extensive updates mostly focusing on the engine, frame and suspension.
*MV Agusta Brutale Rosso
The 798cc engine on the Brutale and Dragster are now Euro 5, thanks to the reworked done with the counter-rotating crankshaft to reduce friction.
*MV Agusta Brutale RR
The crankshaft and conrod now use micro-bored bearings, which require less oil than the conventional bearings, which leads to a lower amount of work the oil pump needs to do, which subsequently reduced energy wastage.
*MV Agusta Dragster 2021
Other improvement includes a new electronic control unit, reinforced clutch and 3rd-generation EAS semi-automatic transmission.
Both the motorcycle also received a redesigned frame that is now stiffer with the bikes also boast new suspension setup as standard including a more comfortable seat and a steering damper.
*MV Agusta Dragster 2021
Nevertheless, the iconic triple exhaust still presents, and in our books, that’s enough for MV Agusta to received an A-plus!
Other significant improvements are as follows:
43mm Marzocchi fork
newly improved 6-axis IMU
Continental MK100 ABS
front lift control
5.5″ TFT Screen with MV Ride App Connectivity System
Harley-Davidson potentially planning to introduce an all-new supercharged engine based on the latest patent.
The Milwaukee based company is looking to integrate a supercharger into its Big Twin lineup.
However, the patent does not specify whether the supercharger unit will be fitted in the current engine or future powerplants.
Nevertheless, the patent shows how Harley plans to apply the technology.
According to the documents, the crankshaft will power the supercharger via a covered belt drive.
Air will then enter the intake system, and the pulley-driven supercharger compresses the air before delivering it to the combustion chamber.
Currently, the Kawasaki H2 is the only supercharged motorcycle available in the market.
The H2 is an embodiment of power and speed, which then raises the question on Harley’s supercharger project, are they also trying the grasp the same idealogy?
BMW Motorrad Malaysia has launched the “40 Years GS Edition” F 850 GS for the local market priced at RM85,500.
The model offers new black and yellow colour schemes to further intensify the unique GS experience for owners old and new. They also come with expanded standard equipment that was previously offered as optional.
The major changes that can be found on the F 850 GS as standard are new tape designs with unique styling on the side fairings, LED signal lights, USB charging port, ABS Pro, and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).
Customers will also get a windscreen adjustment mechanism and a 6.5″ TFT display as standard complete with the BMW Motorrad Connectivity.
The motorcycle retains its liquid-cooled 4-valve, 2-cylinder 853cc engine that produces 95hp at 8,250 rpm, and 92Nm at 6,250 rpm.
The BMWF 850 GS “40 Years GS Edition” comes with a 3-year warranty and 3-year roadside assistance.
Ducati MotoGP has presented its 2021 factory Desmosedici during the team’s official presentation with Lenovo as title sponsor.
The Italian outfit will start the 2021 MotoGP world championship with two new riders, Jack Miller and Francesco Bagnaia, replacing Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci last season.
The GP21 features a more dominant red, including the now painted aero winglet, which was in standard carbon black displayed last season.
Ducati also continues partnership with long-time sponsors, Audi, Givi, Flex-Box, and Riello.
*Jack Miller #43
For 2021, Ducati once again fields six machines on the track, with Miller and Bagnaia leading the pack alongside Pramac’s Johann Zarco and Jorge Martin and Avintia’s Enea Bastianini and Luca Marini.
#Pecco Bagnaia #63
Bastianini and Marini will kickstart the 2021 season with the GP19.
Luigi Dall’Igna, General Manager of Ducati Corse, expect big things coming from the two new riders.
“The start of a new season is always a special moment, and this year even more, as we have a completely new team. We have two new riders with us, Jack Miller and Pecco Bagnaia. Both are extraordinarily talented, they’re young, but they already have a lot of experience on our bikes.
“Jack (Miller) and Pecco (Bagnaia) have great potential, and I think that together we can fight not only to defend the Constructors’ Title won in 2020, but we can also aim for the Riders’ Title,” he said.
Meanwhile, Miller and Bagnaia could not contain their excitement after witnessing the GP21.
“The emotions I felt seeing my all-red Desmosedici and wearing my new suit for the first time were incredible! I still have to realize that I’ll be part of the official Ducati Team this year.
“It’s taken a long way to get this far, and finally being “in red” gives me a great sense of satisfaction, but also the right motivation to continue working with commitment and dedication towards my future goals,” Miller said.
“This will be a significant season for me because, for the first time, I’ll be wearing the colours of an official team. I’m proud to have achieved this first goal, and this year I will set my sight on even greater results,” explained Bagnaia.
Miller and Bagnaia will taste the new GP21 during the official pre-season testing in Qatar next month.
