Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

KTM 390 Adventure With Spoked Wheels, Adjustable Suspension, Rolls Out In India

KTM globally introduced the 2023 KTM 390 Adventure earlier this year which saw everyone’s favourite entry-level adventure bike getting the spoked wheels as standard.

2023 KTM 390 Adventure now equipped with wire-spoked wheels as standard.
the entry-level ADV continue to make 44hp and 37Nm.

Fast forward a few months later, India became the first country in Asia to received the updated motorcycle.

The upgrade enhanced the bike’s aesthetic and beefed up the bike’s durability off-road. Also, the spoke sits within black-anodized aluminium rims with 19-inch at the front and 17-inch at the rear.

Aside from the new rims, the 2023 390 Adventure continues to make 44hp and 37Nm of peak torque from its Bajaj-built 373cc single-cylinder DOHC engine. Additionally, the bike features two catalytic converters.

Other notable features remain available, including ride-by-wire throttle, traction control, cornering ABS and an ‘Off-Road’ riding mode. The mode allows for more rear wheel slip and reduces ABS intervention.

KTM also retained the steel trellis frame for the 2023 model year, including the WP Apex suspension that offers adjustable rebound, compression and preload.

Braking is done via Brembo’s ByBre radial callipers with 320mm disc at the front and 230mm disc at the rear. Also complementing the 2023 edition is a new colour scheme inspired by the KTM racing background.

Verge Motorcycles Unveils Limited Edition E-Bike – 1,000NM, 350KM Range

Verge Motorcycles has announced the launch of a new electric superbike designed in collaboration with Finnish Formula 1 legend Mika Häkkinen.

Verge Motorcycles teamed up with F1 legend, Mika Hakkinen to create a limited edition e-bike.
Based on the Verge TS Pro, only 100 units of the signature edition will be built.

The partnership between the two powerhouses has resulted in a luxurious and powerful bike that is sure to make waves in the motorcycle industry.

According to Verge Motorcycles CEO Tuomo Lehtimäki, the signature model developed with Häkkinen is a perfect combination of two leading experts in their respective fields. Häkkinen himself has also expressed his excitement about the project, stating that he wanted to design the bike “right down to the smallest detail.”

The new electric superbike boasts a range of 350 kilometres and a fast charging time of only 35 minutes. It also features an integrated rim motor within the rear wheel, which was invented by Verge and has been internationally recognised.

The bike’s fairings are constructed from carbon fibre and feature a unique ceramic coating that repels any damages or scratches. Additionally, the bike is made with the highest-grade materials available, making it truly one of a kind. Its powerful and graceful design is sure to turn heads on the road.

Only 100 of these signature electric bikes crafted by Häkkinen and Verge Motorcycles will ever be produced, making them an incredibly rare and unique item.

The bike can be purchased through Verge Motorcycles’ online store in several European countries, as well as their flagship store in Monaco during the Monaco GP event launch. By the way, the limited machine will cost you a whopping EUR80,000 (RM390k).

Kawasaki To Unveil 16 New Models On June 6

Kawasaki USA has some exciting news for motorcycle enthusiasts as they plan to unveil 16 new models on June 6, 2023.

The upcoming event has created a buzz among fans, and the official Kawasaki USA webpage features a countdown clock that builds anticipation for the grand reveal.

Although not all of the 16 new vehicles will be motorcycles, there will be a considerable number of them. The webpage features silhouettes of new vehicles, which include street bikes, dirt bikes, and at least one UTV. Fans are eagerly waiting to see what Kawasaki has in store for them.

Kawasaki has provided some hints on its YouTube and Facebook pages, adding to the excitement of fans. A video posted on YouTube teases viewers with the caption “6.6.23 – Your Supersport Obsession begins.” The social media post suggests that an updated Ninja ZX-6R and/or RR will be showcased during the event.

Kawasaki also posted the same video on its Facebook page, along with two additional teaser images. One of the images showcases a closeup of a single round gauge, while the other is an extreme closeup of the front right corner of a UTV.

Fans can also expect to see the much-awaited 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 450 during the event. The Eliminator 450 was first introduced in Japan in March 2023 and later made an appearance at the Bangkok Motor Show. In April 2023, the 450cc model was spotted in California Air Resources Board filings, indicating that it will soon be released in the American market.

With just three weeks left until the event, fans are eagerly waiting for more teasers from Kawasaki. Although there have been no announcements on Twitter or TikTok, the upcoming event has generated a lot of excitement among motorcycle enthusiasts.

No Plans To Diversify Current Retro Range – Ducati

Ducati has confirmed that it has no plans to expand its retro motorcycle lineup. Instead, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer is focused on its six-strong Scrambler range.

Ducati latest Scrambler features revised frame, reworked electronics and a new swingarm.
The Icon 800 now available in nine new colours.

Accoding to the head of Ducati’s Scrambler program, Rocco Canosa,the company was concentrating on the Scrambler to provide a modern motorcycle with a classic flavour.

The Scrambler range, which was introduced in 2015, was updated in late 2022 with an 800 range that features an updated frame, lean-sensitive electronics, a new TFT dash, and a new swingarm.

The existing line-up consists of 18-inch front-wheeled uprights, with Ducati no longer selling the enduro-styled 800 Desert Sled, or clip-on clad Café Racer options.

Canosa stated that the Scrambler range was much larger than it appears, with the Icon available in nine different colors.

“You can choose nine different bikes. It’s not just a matter of color. It’s a matter of personality and style,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ducati is set to travel across Europe specifically to showcase the new Scrambler range to the masses.

Nevertheless, Canosa also suggested that Ducati might introduce new models in the future based on customer demand, citing the Nightshift, which was created by looking at how customers customized their Scramblers.

Some retro and Scrambler fans may be disappointed by the lack of diversity in the range compared to other brands such as Triumph and BMW. However, Ducati’s focus on Scrambler seems to have been well-received by customers.

The company sold over 60,000 Scrambler motorcycles globally since 2015, making it one of the most successful Ducati models in recent history.

(source: MCN)

FIRST LOOK: 2024 Honda EM1 e: Electric Scooter

Honda has officially unveiled its first production electric scooter, the Honda EM1 e:.

The EM1 e: is part of Honda’s e-mobility range and stands for “electric moped”.
The EM1 e: features a 1.7kW/2.3 horsepower motor that can reach a top speed of 45kmh.

The EM1 e: boasts Honda’s own removable lithium-ion battery, called Honda Mobile Power Pack e:, which offers a maximum range of 48km when using the ECON mode. However, Honda notes that the range was only 30km in testing conditions. The battery can charge from 25% to 75% in 160 minutes.

The EM1 e: also offers customers a new leasing option instead of buying it outright. Honda claims this is to ensure customers do not have to take responsibility for the disposal or recycling of the Honda Mobile Power Pack e:. The scooter comes in three colors: Pearl Sunbeam White, Digital Silver Metallic, and Matte Ballistic Black Metallic.

In terms of ergonomics, the EM1 e: offers 3.3 litres of underseat storage, a compartment in the left side of the fairing front for a 500ml bottle, a USB port for phone charging, and a hook to hang a bag from. If more storage is required, Honda offers a 35-litre top box as an add-on.

Honda has not announced a launch date for the EM1 e:, but it should arrive in dealerships later in 2023. The official launch comes after Honda committed to producing at least 10 different electric powered two-wheeler (PTW) models by 2025.

MV Agusta Is Lining Up Nine New Models

Thanks to a strong backing by KTM, MV Agusta is preparing to launch a range of new motorcycles, including upgrades to existing models and all-new machines.

MV Agusta is expanding its range for the new year thanks to a strong support from KTM.
MV Agusta in an official statement has confirmed that KTM AG now holds 25.1 per cent of the Italian company’s share.

The Italian company has filed documents with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in America which inadvertently revealed the names of the upcoming models.

The new models include upgrades to the existing three-cylinder Brutale and Dragster ranges, with the Brutale 950 and Dragster 950 expected to replace the 798cc versions.

The Lucky Explorer 9.5 adventure bike, which features a 931cc engine, will also be added to the lineup. The E1 line, which is the company’s first adventure bike range, will see the addition of two new models, the Lucky Explorer Premium and Lucky Explorer Orioli.

Meanwhile, the F1 range, which features MV’s sportier, faired triples, including the F3 and Superveloce models, may also get new additions, including the limited-edition Superveloce 98 Edizione Limitata.

The B7 models will also see new Superveloce 1000 S and Superveloce 1000 R versions.

With these new models, MV Agusta aims to meet the demands of motorcycle enthusiasts who are looking for high-performance machines with cutting-edge technology and sophisticated designs. With the backing of KTM, the company can now leverage its resources to develop new and innovative models that meet the evolving needs of the market.

(source: Cycle World)

MotoGP: Jorge Martin Claims Sprint Race Win At Le Mans

Jorge Martin has delivered a stunning performance at Le Mans, winning the French GP sprint race and claiming victory for Pramac Ducati.

The race saw a mixture of success and disappointment for the home crowd as reigning MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia made a brilliant start and led into turn one from Jack Miller, only for Martin to take the lead by lap four.

Miller, using a medium front tyre that had caused many riders to crash in practice, suffered an early exit at turn seven.

Meanwhile, Martin’s lead over Brad Binder was up to 1.5 seconds, and Bagnaia, who was all over Marc Marquez, regained a podium spot by overtaking Marquez with a brave move at turn one.

The race was a huge disappointment for Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 world champion, who made brilliant progress from 13th to eighth prior to his crash at turn nine with four laps remaining.

Quartararo’s crash was a major letdown for the home crowd.

At the front, the top three remained unchanged as Martin took his first win of 2023, with Binder and Bagnaia completing the podium at 2nd and 3rd place.

Meanwhile, Luca Marini takes 4th place ahead of Marquez who struggled at the end.

New Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R On Its Way, Will Adhere To Euro 5 Standard

Kawasaki is preparing to launch an updated version of its Ninja ZX-6R in 2024, according to a recent listing on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved road-going motorcycles list.

the updated model will offer less power than the previous generation to meet the strict emission standard.
expected to feature a longer final-drive gearing to accommodate the lower-revving engine.

While the new model will be less powerful than its predecessor, it will feature more advanced technology and improved emissions performance, making it more attractive to riders in Europe and other parts of the world that have seen the existing ZX-6R removed from the market due to emissions regulations.

The EPA document reveals that the new model, internally coded as “ZX636J” and “ZX636K,” will have a peak power output of 122 hp and a rev peak of 13,000 rpm, which is down from the 127 hp and 13,500 rpm of the previous model.

The change in power is likely due to Kawasaki’s efforts to meet the latest Euro 5 emissions standards, which require a specific limit on “non-methane hydrocarbons” that is difficult for high-revving bikes to achieve.

To meet these standards, Kawasaki has likely reduced the engine’s outright revs and peak power, without compromising on its performance.

The new model is expected to feature a longer final-drive gearing to accommodate the lower-revving engine, but will weigh around the same as the current model. This suggests that there won’t be wholesale alterations to the chassis, but rather more up-to-date styling and electronics upgrades, such as a color TFT instrument panel, IMU-assisted cornering ABS, wheelie control, launch control, and stability control.

The updated Ninja ZX-6R will face tough competition in a market that has shrunk considerably since its peak in the 1990s, but Kawasaki is hoping to leapfrog its aging Japanese rivals in terms of technology.

While the drop in power may disappoint some riders, the new model’s improved emissions performance and advanced technology could make it a more attractive option for those looking for a high-performance supersport bike that meets the latest environmental standards.

2024 BMW R 18 Roctane Breaks Cover

BMW has announced the release of its newest member to the Heritage R 18 family, the R 18 Roctane.

The Roctane is a contemporary cruiser style bike, featuring bagger trim without the front fairing.
BMW describes the bike as “a cruiser, a bagger, and everything in between.”

The Roctane is equipped with mid-rise bars, a painted hard side case, integrated turn signals, blacked-out engine, dark chrome exhaust, and a 21/18-inch wheelset.

The motorcycle design takes inspiration from BMW’s air/oil cooled boxers from the past, with the large boxer engine as the focal point of the bike.

Metal body panels cover the motorcycle’s exterior, with the standard color being Black Storm Metallic. However, BMW offers options for those who prefer Mineral Grey Metallic Matte or Manhattan Metallic Matte.

With 27-liter bags on each side, the R 18 Roctane is ideal for long-distance rides.

Similar to the base model, the R 18 Roctane is powered by a 1,802cc boxer engine, generating 91 hp and 157Nm of torque.

Despite its classic bodywork, the motorcycle is equipped with modern electronics inlcuding automatic stability control, dynamic brake control, cruise control, torque control assist, dynamic engine brake control, and riding modes, among other electronics features. However, adaptive headlights, hill start control, and reverse assist are optional features for the bike.

The headlight houses an integrated instrument cluster inspired by the 1936 BMW R 5, displaying all relevant information expected of a modern bike. The matte paintwork contrasts with the high-gloss black chassis, adding sophistication to the motorcycle’s look.

FIRST LOOK: 2024 BMW R 12 NineT

BMW has offered a sneak peek of its highly anticipated R NineT successor, the new R 12 NineT, set for release in 2024.

The R 12 NineT follows in the footsteps of the classic roadster styling of its predecessor, the R NineT, providing a platform for customization.

The new model boasts an updated frame design that includes a removable rear subframe, offering customizers more freedom to create. The solo seat, with an integrated LED taillight, has a thicker appearance than the current NineT’s saddle, and a rear pad is incorporated into the tail cover.

New side panels covering the rear suspension add to the retro feel, and the black fuel tank, with metallic knee cutout surfaces, adds to the classic look.

The R 12 NineT maintains its air/oil-cooled Boxer motor, though it is not yet clear whether there are any changes to the engine’s displacement.

The new model has a modernized intake system and updated exhaust system with conical end caps. A new housing design on the left side hints at a modified transmission, though further details have not been released. The R 12 NineT also features an inverted Marzocchi fork and a cardan shaft drive.

BMW has stayed true to the classic round headlight design and dual round instrument dials, with the tachometer now showing double digit numbers marking every 100 rpm instead of single digits marking every 1,000 rpm.

BMW says the new R 12 NineT is designed to give riders an authentic roadster feel, resembling R models from the ’70s.

The German automaker is expected to reveal full technical specifications and pricing later in the year.

BMW Patents New Lightweight Frame For An Upcoming Three-Cylinder Engine?

BMW Motorrad is rumored to be developing a new lightweight frame that will integrate with a three-cylinder engine for an upcoming motorcycle.

According to Cycle World, the patent application shows a half-frame that directly bolts onto the engine using massive bolts that also connect the cylinder head to the block, resulting in a design that is lighter and more compact than conventional motorcycle chassis.

According to the patent images, the design features a conventional transverse engine, but instead of wrapping an aluminum or steel structure around it, a simple cast-alloy front chassis is attached directly to the engine. This provides a direct connection to the steering head, allowing the swingarm to pivot on the gearbox, with the engine serving as the stressed member.

The design aims to minimize the bike’s width, a common issue for bikes with transverse-mounted inline engines. It also reduces the parts count and weight, making the design more efficient. BMW’s patent hints at using this new chassis design for a three-cylinder engine, which will further reduce the bike’s width, making it more aerodynamic and less complex than bikes with V-twin or V-4 engines.

BMW has had successful four-cylinder engines like the S 1000 RR, but a three-cylinder engine would be narrower, providing an opportunity for the company to create a narrower bike. BMW has explored the use of three-cylinder engines before, notably in its MotoGP project in the early 2000s. The project yielded a prototype that was later dropped due to technical issues, but it provided the company with the knowledge base needed to develop the S 1000 RR.

Since then, rumors have circulated about a three-cylinder BMW sportbike, with little evidence to support them. However, this patent application, with its specific mention of a three-cylinder engine, provides the first real indication that such a motorcycle is under development.

(source: Cycle World)

Honda Working On Supercharged Africa Twin?

Honda is reportedly working on a supercharged adventure motorcycle that could potentially become a future Africa Twin model as confirmed by latest patent.

The patent shows the supercharger unit mounted on top of the gearbox, behind the engine barrels.
The intake air is fed to the supercharger inlet via a long snorkel that runs up the left side of the down-tube, meeting with a plenum chamber by the steering head.

It is not entirely clear why Honda is turning to supercharging, as it is not known whether the company is interested in creating the most powerful adventure bike on the market. Instead, the company may be looking ahead to a future where current Africa Twin engines may become obsolete due to emissions regulations.

Honda has never been interested in participating in the outright power wars, but the addition of a supercharger could potentially add more excitement to the already impressive Africa Twin.

The patent design clearly shows that the new adventure bike will be built with a focus on high performance, and the supercharger will be an essential component in achieving that goal.

Nevertheless, the addition of a supercharger could potentially make the Africa Twin an even more desirable motorcycle for adventure riders. Honda has not released any official statements regarding the supercharged Africa Twin, but it is exciting to see the company focusing on creating innovative and exciting new models for adventure bike enthusiasts.

(source: Visordown)

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Amirul Azreen