Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Royal Enfield Interceptor Bear 650 Launching Soon

Royal Enfield enthusiasts have something to look forward to as the company gears up to launch its latest addition, a retro-styled scrambler.

Royal Enfield has trademarked the “Bear” nameplate suggesting a rugged-style motorcycle befitting a scrambler.
The Bear will borrow much of its components from the Interceptor 650.

The 650cc parallel-twin engine model will be derived from the Interceptor and is expected to bear the name “Bear” after parent company Eicher Motors filed trademark applications in Australia and New Zealand.

The upcoming scrambler is the most likely candidate for the Bear title, which aligns neatly with a name that suggests it’s a sub-model of the Interceptor. It’s expected to offer the sort of rugged, outdoorsy overtones that would suit a scrambler.

Based on several spy shots uncovered in India, the scrambler will feature an upside-down fork and longer-travel twin shocks to increase ground clearance. The frame and tank are straight from the Interceptor, and the 650cc, 47 hp parallel-twin engine will power the upcoming model.

The Royal Enfield 650 scrambler is expected to launch before the end of this year and will join the 2024 model range. However, the Bear is not the only new 650 machine in the pipeline, as Royal Enfield is also believed to be developing a bobber derived from the Super Meteor 650, with a short rear fender and single seat to match the SG650 concept shown in 2021.

That bike is believed to be getting the name “Shotgun,” which Eicher Motors owns the trademark rights to in much of the world, including the US.

BMW R 1250 R, R 1250 RS Now Available For Purchase – From RM114,500

BMW Motorrad Malaysia has launched the New BMW R 1250 R and BMW R 1250 RS, both designed to complement the dynamic nature of sports tourers with innovative features.

According to Hans de Visser, the Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia, the company’s heritage has been defined by a century of relentless innovation, which has enabled them to deliver powerful advancements tailored to the diverse desires of motorcycling enthusiasts worldwide.

The New BMW R 1250 R presents a more advanced and honed version of the purist roadster from BMW Motorrad, providing even more roadster pleasure for solo or pillion riding on winding country roads. The New BMW R 1250 RS, on the other hand, promises to deliver the ultimate sporty, dynamic touring experience.

The New BMW R 1250 R and BMW R 1250 RS are standard equipped with the BMW Integral ABS Pro braking system, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) for safety and excellent traction.

Riding Modes Pro is also included, offering individually configurable riding modes, and the innovative BMW ShiftCam engine technology enhances fuel efficiency.

A TFT colour display is included as standard for connectivity and navigation, with customised screen displays for different purposes. The Comfort, Touring, and Dynamic packages, which include features such as Keyless Ride, Cruise Control, and case holders, are also included as standard.

The New BMW R 1250 R and BMW R 1250 RS are available in Sport and Triple Black model variants, each with unique body colours. The BMW R 1250 R and R 1250 RS is priced at RM114,500 and RM118,500, respectively.

KTM 390 Adventure Gets Low Seat Option In India

KTM has introduced the 390 Adventure V in India, a new iteration of its popular adventure bike with a low seat height to appeal to shorter riders.

the low seat height allows for shorter riders to enjoy the 390 Adventure.
the new variant offers the same engine specification as the standard.

To achieve the approachable 830-millimeter seat height, KTM swapped out the bike’s entire suspension setup and installed the forks and monoshock of the 390 Duke naked bike.

The result is an adventure bike that’s much more approachable than the standard model. However, the reduced ground clearance may be a downside for tackling technical off-road terrain.

The 390 Adventure V is powered by the same 373cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine producing 44 horsepower and 27.2 pound-feet of torque. It also flaunts sophisticated technology such as a full-color TFT display, cornering ABS, and traction control.

Essentially, apart from the lowered suspension setup, the 390 Adventure V is exactly the same as the standard 390 Adventure, even sporting the same graphics and colorways.

The low seat height option will cater to budget-conscious riders who previously struggled with the tall seat height of the 390 Adventure. The bike’s affordability and performance-oriented features are expected to make it a popular choice in India’s adventure bike market.

HLYM Issues Safety Inspection Notice For Yamaha YZF-R25 & MT-25 Owners

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn. Bhd. has issued an official notification to all Yamaha YZF-R25 & MT-25 owners who purchased their bikes between September 2022 and March 2023, for an inspection of their Anti Brake lock System Hose routing.

The safety inspection is a precautionary measure to ensure that all bikes meet the standard specification and are safe for riders.
Individual notices will be sent out to the owners of affected units from the second week of May 2023 onwards.

Upon receiving the notice, owners are advised to immediately contact their nearest Yamaha authorized dealer or Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn. Bhd. to schedule an appointment for the inspection.

Meanwhile, affected owners can CLICK HERE to access the frame numbers involved with the recall.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn. Bhd. requests that owners continue to follow the instructions stated in the owner’s manual for riding and maintaining their bikes in the meantime. If any owners find that their motorcycle is unsafe to ride, they can directly go to their nearest Yamaha authorized dealer or Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn. Bhd.

The safety of Yamaha riders is of utmost importance to Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn. Bhd., and the company is committed to ensuring that all Yamaha motorcycles meet the highest safety standards. By conducting this safety inspection programme, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn. Bhd. aims to ensure that riders can continue to enjoy their Yamaha YZF-R25 & MT-25 bikes with peace of mind.

Yamaha owners are advised to refer to Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn. Bhd.’s web-site and Apps (Yamaha Motor Malaysia) for contact details and any further updates regarding the inspection.

#WeRideAsOne : 349 Ducatisti Across Malaysia Come Together For An Epic Ride

Over 349 Ducati riders from across Malaysia recently participated in the global #WeRideAsOne event, showcasing their love and passion for Ducati for the world to see.

The event brought together Ducatisti from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Terengganu, and Kelantan.
The 349 riders rode in unity to carve through the winding roads with style and passion.

The #WeRideAsOne event was a testament to the strong bond and camaraderie among Ducati riders in Malaysia. The riders displayed a true sense of unity and passion for the brand, making it a remarkable showcase of what it means to be part of the Ducati family.

The event provided a great opportunity for riders to connect with one another, share their experiences, and create lasting memories. It was an experience like no other, where riders came together to celebrate their shared passion for Ducati, showcasing their riding skills and their bikes.

The riders’ enthusiasm for Ducati was palpable, and it was evident that the brand had made a lasting impression on them. The riders took pride in their bikes and showcased them with style, highlighting the unique design and performance features that make Ducati motorcycles stand out.

The #WeRideAsOne event was not just a celebration of the Ducati brand, but also a showcase of Malaysia’s beautiful scenery. The riders had the opportunity to explore the winding roads of the country, taking in the breathtaking views and enjoying the open road.

In addition, the group in Kuala Lumpur was escorted by authorities from the Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) to ensure a smooth ride. Interestingly, the group managed to capture an epic photo right in front of the iconic Petronas Twin Tower thanks to help of the police officers.

Ducati Ends Q1 2023 With Record Numbers, 14,725 Motorcycles Sold

Ducati, the Bologna-based manufacturer of premium motorcycles, has had a great start to 2023 with record deliveries in the first quarter of the year.

Ducati delivered 14,725 motorcycles to customers worldwide, marking a 9% increase compared to the same period in 2022.
The Multistrada V4 continue to be most popular model in the Ducati lineup.

The CEO of Ducati, Claudio Domenicali, is very pleased with the company’s performance: “After closing our best year ever in 2022, we began 2023 with strong results that confirm a company strategy that is paying off with a great outcome.”

Italy, the home country of Ducati, leads the pack with 2,717 motorcycles delivered and a 7% increase compared to last year. The United States, the second-largest market for Ducati, saw a 21% increase in deliveries with 1,677 bikes. Germany follows closely with a 21% growth compared to the same period in 2022, delivering 1,666 motorcycles.

The Multistrada V4 remains the most successful motorcycle in the Ducati range with 2,668 models delivered worldwide in the first three months of 2023, followed by the Monster with 2,005 motorcycles. The third most popular model is the DesertX with 1,442 deliveries, reflecting the brand’s strategy to broaden its product range and enter new segments.

Ducati has a widespread sales network in over 90 countries with more than 800 dealers, and the company plans to open 55 new dealers in 2023. Some have already been inaugurated in the first quarter of the year, including the first Audi Ducati Retail integration dealership in Switzerland, which opened in Volketswil (Zurich) in March.

Husqvarna FS 450 Supermoto Gets Minor Update For 2024

The iconic Husqvarna FS 450 gets minor update for 2024 following an extensive upgrade from the previous year.

the 2024 Husqvarna FS 450 gets new seat cover and graphics.
the powerful supermoto continue to offer 63hp from its high compression powertrain.

According to the Swedish firm, the 2024 FS 450 gets a new high-grip seat cover and striking graphics featuring gray, yellow, and white colors.

Powering the FS 450 is a 450cc single overhead cam, single-cylinder engine with a five-speed gearbox that pumps out 63hp thanks to a higher compression ratio of 13.1:1. The engine is designed to provide exceptional performance while maintaining a lightweight structure, tipping the scales at just 27kg.

The bike is fitted with a 48mm WP XACT front fork and a WP XACT rear shock that features a CFD-optimized main piston and tool-free adjustment. The suspension system provides front and rear suspension travel of 285mm and 266mm, respectively, and a ground clearance of 281mm.

Additionally, the FS 450 is equipped with Brembo brakes, a pair of black Alpina spoked wheels with Metzeler Racetec SM rubber, and a polyamide-reinforced, two-piece aluminum subframe.

Riders can enjoy an easy-to-use map select switch located on the handlebar, which can activate launch control, traction control, the quickshifter, and switch between two different engine maps as needed. The fuel tank holds 7.2L and is positioned to ensure more time in the saddle per tank.

Husqvarna Motorcycles has not yet announced pricing and availability for the 2024 FS 450, which will vary by country. Nevertheless, we’re looking forward to it’s arrival.

WMOTO Gemma 125 Debuts At Malaysia Autoshow – RM6,988

Mforce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd unveiled the new WMOTO Gemma 125 scooter model at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023 held at MAEPS, Serdang.

WMoto Gemma 125 is another compact scooter to excites the brand’s lineup in Malaysia.
The retro-style scooter combines modern aesthetics with classic bodywork.

The scooter is now available for purchase at a starting price of RM6,988.00 and comes in two colors, Refined Gray and Special Purple.

The WMOTO Gemma 125 is powered by an air-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 117.3cc, capable of producing a maximum power of 8.31Hp at 7,500rpm, and a maximum torque of 9.3Nm at 6,000rpm.

The scooter also features a 13 diameter roller rocker that reduces friction, leading to reduced mechanical damage and an extended life of the swing arm and camshaft.In addition, the scooter’s screen panel display features a 3.5-inch TFT type screen, providing clearer and easier-to-read data. A USB charging port is also included in the front compartment, making it easy for riders to charge electronic devices while riding.

The Gemma 125’s lighting system is entirely composed of full LED lights, with the front light featuring automotive-grade LED with a brightness of 50K candela. The headlight’s diamond-shaped design and the rear lights’ retro elements showcase a combination of modern and retro fashion styles.

The scooter also features a Smart Key System or Passive Keyless Entry (PKE), allowing for an automatic start function to activate and deactivate the vehicle. Storage under the seat can accommodate a 3/4 size helmet and personal items.

Mforce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd. offers a two-year manufacturer guarantee or a 20,000 km travel distance (whichever comes first) and an online pure spare parts purchase service for every purchase of the WMOTO Gemma 125.

Yamaha Y16ZR Doxou ‘Tech Art’ Edition Launched – RM11,818

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn Bhd (“HLYM”) has unveiled the limited edition 2023 Yamaha Y16ZR Doxou ‘Tech Art’.

Limited to just 5,000 units, the special edition motorcycle features a unique colourway.
Powering the Y16ZR Doxou Tech Art edition is the same 155cc SOHC with VVA engine.

As the name, the Y16ZR Doxou ‘Tech Art’ edition features cyan-colored sports rims on both front and rear wheels that accentuate the already sporty-looking bike. The overall design showcases a perfect fusion of innovation and style.

Powering the limited-edition motorcycle is the tried and tested 155cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke, 4-valve, SOHC engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA). The engine is linked to a new 6-speed gearbox that’s capable of generating a maximum power of 17.7hp @ 9,500 rpm, and 14.4 Nm.

Similar to the base model, the Y16ZR Doxou ‘Tech Art’ also features assist and slipper clutch system helps reduce clutch lever load, making it easier to change gears during downshifting.

In addition, new owners will also receive a limited edition Y16ZR Sports Fender, a memorable Y16ZR emblem with bike production number, and a special thank you certificate as an appreciation of their purchase.

CFMoto Latest Mini-Moto The Papio XO-1 Now In Malaysia – RM8,888

Despite making its global introduction just a couple of months ago, the all-new CFMoto Papio XO-1 officially make its way to Malaysia at the 2023 Malaysia Autoshow.

The Papio XO-1 is a mini-bike inspired by the neo-retro sportsbikes from the 80’s.
Powering the Papio XO-1 is a 125cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine.

The latest addition to CFMoto Malaysia line-up is the Papio XO-1 mini-bike, a neo-retro sportbike-style machine based on the existing Papio ST-125. The Papio XO-1 is not just a fun ride for beginners, but a stylish machine that will appeal to younger motorcycle enthusiasts.

The Papio XO-1’s 125cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine pumps out 9.5 horsepower at 8,500 rpm, and 5.8 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm, providing a performance similar to that of a Honda Grom. However, it’s the bike’s style that really sets it apart.

The twin LED headlamps are symmetrical but feature a different bulb pattern, with the right headlamp sporting an “X” design, which adds to the bike’s custom, cartoonish appeal. The twin taillights at the rear are housed beneath shutters, just above the centrally-mounted tail-exit exhaust, giving the bike a unique retro look.

Other notable features include, a combination of circular analogue meter with digital LCD screen, 7L fuel tank, dual-channel ABS, 210mm front and 190mm rear disc, full LED lights and bar-end mirrors.

Priced at RM8,888, the addition of the Papio XO-1 mini-bike is available in three exciting colours; Nebula White, Fiery Red, and Moss Green.

Off-Road Capable Suzuki V-Strom 1050 DE Now In Malaysia – RM88,800

Suzuki Malaysia has launched the 2023 V-Strom 1050 DE (Dual Explorer) with a price tag of RM88,800. The latest V-Strom 1050 DE boasts a range of off-road features that make it perfect for adventure enthusiasts.

the V-Strom 1050 DE boast off-road oriented features including 21″ wheels and longer travel suspension.
Also added to the electronic package is Gravel Mode which increases the bike’s off-road capabilities.

One of the most significant improvements in the V-Strom 1050 DE is the 21-inch front tires, which provide better stability and control on rough terrains. The swingarm section of this bike is also longer than its predecessor, the 1050 XT, which increases the wheelbase and improves handling.

Moreover, the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 DE offers a ground clearance of 190mm, which is significantly more than the 165mm provided by the V-Strom 1050 XT with 19″ front tires. The Kayaba suspension on this variant has also increased by 10mm at the front and rear, providing a total travel distance of 170mm.

Suzuki has also improved the electronic package on the V-Strom 1050 DE, featuring a ‘Gravel’ mode matched with the latest IMU system. The bike’s ABS system can now be entirely turned off, and it is equipped with the latest setting from Bosch. Additionally, the 1050 DE comes with a 5″ TFT screen replacing the LCD digital display found on the 1050 XT, making it easier for riders to navigate.

The V-Strom 1050 DE also comes with a ‘quickshifter’ function as standard, enabling riders to shift gears without having to use the clutch. This feature makes the bike more comfortable to ride and is perfect for adventure touring.

Powering the 1050 DE is the 1,037cc 4-stroke, 90° V-twin DOHC engine – similar to the one found in the previous 1050 XT – that makes 107hp and 100Nm.

In conclusion, the new Suzuki V-Strom 1050 DE is a perfect motorcycle for adventure enthusiasts who love to explore off-road terrains. With its off-road features, improved electronic package, and enhanced TFT screen, this bike is a must-have for anyone looking for a perfect adventure tourer.

WorldSBK: Ducati Rev Limit Lowered By 250rpm, Kawasaki Raised

The FIM and Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO) have recently announced updated rev limits for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship category.

The new rev limits will come into effect starting from this weekend’s event at the Prosecco DOC Catalunya Round.
Ducati rev limit decreased by 250rpm, Kawasaki gained extra 250rpm.

After analyzing the performance of the machines over the first three rounds of the 2023 season, it has been decided that the maximum rev limit for Ducati will be decreased by 250 rpm as per article 2.4.2.2-3 of the regulations. This move is aimed at ensuring a level playing field for all participants in the championship.

In contrast, Kawasaki has elected to use 5 concession points to benefit from a 250 rpm rev limit increase as per article 2.4.3.3 of the regulations. This decision comes after careful consideration of their performance in the first three rounds of the championship.

According to article 2.4.2.3 of the regulations, the rev limit may be updated at the end of every third event provided at least three events remain in the season. That said, there may be further updates to the rev limits in the coming weeks.

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Amirul Azreen