Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

BMW To Introduce Advanced Facial Recognition System To Unlock/Start A Bike

BMW is set to launch its latest motorcycle security feature using advanced facial recognition technology.

the system will be use to unlock and start a motorcycle.
the system will also notify owners in case of any attempt to start or move the bike.

The system, known as iFace, will use a combination of 3D facial mapping and infrared iris-cornea scanning to unlock and start the bike. The iFace system is set to be introduced on BMW’s boxer-engined bikes later this year.

When a rider is not wearing a helmet, the system uses a stripe projection to create a 3D map of the rider’s facial features. The system takes into account the depth and contours of the face, creating a virtual model that is then used to unlock and start the bike. For riders who wear a helmet, the system uses infrared iris-cornea scanning to recognize the rider’s eyes. A polarisation filter is used to cut through dark-colored visors and lenses, ensuring the system works in any light conditions.

The iFace system also includes notifications that are sent to the rider in case of any unauthorized attempts to start or move the bike. This feature operates like the Ring doorbell system, alerting the rider of any suspicious activity.

Although facial recognition technology has become more commonplace in recent years, the use of the technology in the context of motorcycle security is a new development. BMW’s iFace system is set to be unveiled at a motorcycle show in autumn 2023. While the technology has the potential to offer enhanced security for bike owners, some may be concerned about the reliance on the technology to protect their bike from theft.

Ride 5 Announced For PS5, XBox Series X/S And PC

Milestone has announced the launch of the fifth iteration of their motorcycle racing game, Ride 5, which is set to release on August 24th, 2023.

said to be more personal than previous iterations, focusing on both the simulation aspect and gaming elements.
In addition to the traditional motorcycle and rider customization, the game will feature AI rivals with specific backgrounds, a free-roaming mode, and a “race creator” with unlimited possibilities.

Milestone hopes that these new features will immerse players in a comprehensive world, creating their own rivalries and extending the enjoyment beyond the track.

In terms of new tracks, the game will feature Autopolis in Japan, Sonoma in the US, and a new fictional circuit, as well as returning tracks such as Suzuka, Cadwell Park, the North West 200, and Brands Hatch.

In addition, the game will feature endurance races such as the Bol d’Or and Suzuka 8 Hour. Although there is no license with the Endurance World Championship, the inclusion of these races confirms the presence of the Paul Ricard circuit in the game.

On the simulation side, Ride 5 will feature a new suspension model, a new tire model that simulates the physical and graphical deformation of the tire, and enhancements to the endurance mode thanks to improvements to the dynamic weather system that simulates clouds. Additionally, the game promises motorcycles with more realistic top speeds, and endurance races will be available in online modes.

Ride 5 will be available in two editions on new-generation consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series X/S) and PC via the Epic Games and Steam stores.

The release of Ride 5 is eagerly anticipated by fans, who have appreciated the lifelike graphics, variety of bikes and tracks, and overall improvements in each edition of the series.

Nine Motorcycles, Four E-Scooters Destroyed In Fire Outside Of KLCC

A fire broke out in front of Suria KLCC on April 13, destroying nine motorcycles and four electric scooters.

The Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department responded to the incident at 3.45pm, dispatching a team of 15 firefighters with three fire engines from Tun Razak and Keramat fire stations to the scene.

The firefighters found that nine motorcycles and four electric scooters were completely burned, while four other motorcycles suffered varying degrees of damage ranging from 3% to 20%.

The fire was brought under control at 4.04pm without any reported casualties.

The cause of the fire and the total losses are currently being investigated.

(source: BERNAMA)

CFMoto Papio XO-2 Breaks Cover

CFMoto has revealed a second version of its Papio minibike series – the Papio XO-2.

The new model features a retro scrambler styling, in contrast to the sporty look of the previous model, Papio XO-1.
Powering the Papio XO-2 is the same 126cc air-cooled engine.

Both models share the same 126cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces 9.4 horsepower and is paired with a six-speed gearbox. While the Papio XO-1 is available only in the US, the retro-styled XO series could be exported to other markets, with an official announcement expected this summer.

The Papio XO-2 has a high-mounted front fender, a one-piece seat, and a pillion grab rail, which gives it the look of a 1980s Dakar racer. The handlebars are taller and wider than those on the XO-1, and the footpegs are lower and farther forward, resulting in a more upright riding position.

The bike has more deeply treaded tires for off-road use, and the bellypan has been removed to add more ground clearance. The twin headlights and mirrors carry the same XO design theme as the XO-1, with an “X” shape hidden inside one headlight and an “O” in the other.

The Papio XO-2 has the same dimensions as the XO-1 in terms of wheelbase, length, and weight, but it is wider due to the longer handlebar and taller due to the more upright riding position.

CFMoto has been expanding its Papio range rapidly, with the electric version, Papio Nova, already available in China and expected to reach export markets in 2023. The Papio XO-1 joined the lineup last month, and the XO-2 is likely to follow with an official announcement this summer.

While the export plans for the retro XO models have yet to be announced, they may be unveiled at international shows later this year and could hit markets outside China in 2024.

Yamaha To Use Recycled Plastics For Motorcycle Production

Yamaha, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer, has announced that it will be adopting a new recycled polypropylene material in its manufacturing processes for its powered two-wheelers.

the new recycled materials have no risk of containing hazardous substances.
the material could also be used in other areas.

According to Yamaha, the adoption of the new recycled polypropylene has been successful in its development process, offering even higher levels of strength and quality looks compared to conventional recycled materials.

While Yamaha has used recycled PP before, the new material has been developed from raw materials that have not yet reached customers and have no risk of containing environmentally hazardous substances.

The newly-developed recycled PP will be used in the construction of the main exterior bodywork of its powered two-wheelers, specifically consumer motorcycle models marketed in ASEAN markets.

However, Yamaha has stated that the new recycled PP material could also be used for areas requiring greater aesthetic appeal and that it plans to expand its use into other product areas.

Bell Helmets Shuts Down Headquarters In California

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the motorcycle industry, Bell Helmets’ parent company Vista Outdoor Action Sports has announced that it will shut down Bell Helmets’ headquarters in Scott’s Valley, California, on September 1, 2023.

This comes as part of a USD50 million (RM220 mil) cost-cutting and earnings improvement program that includes significant staff layoffs and headcount reductions across its brands and corporate teams.

The decision to shut down the Bell – and Giro Helmets’ – headquarters is expected to have a major impact on the marketing, brand, and creative departments, with many employees facing heavy losses. However, Vista Outdoor Action Sports president Jeff McGuane has assured customers that the move will not impact the separate brand identities under Vista Outdoor’s umbrella.

“We are accelerating the merger between Bell, Blackburn, Copilot, Fox, Giro, Krash, and Raskullz,” McGuane told Bicycle Retailer and Industry News.

“Plans are underway to unite our teams at the current Fox offices, which will soon be transformed into a revamped Innovation Center that unites our teams under one roof while honoring each brand’s culture and ethos, which are unique, valued, and untouchable.”

The decision to shut down the Bell and Giro Helmets’ headquarters comes after a series of slumping sales in key areas for Vista Outdoor. Despite a revenue increase of 34 percent compared to the same period the previous year, gross profit still declined by 15 percent, operating expenses rose by 16 percent, and earnings before interest and taxes fell by 39 percent.

In the SEC filing, Vista Outdoors also cites “elevated retail inventory levels, rising interest rates, and inflation” as contributing factors. McGuane hoped to reassure customers by stating that the merger wouldn’t impact the separate brand identities under Vista Outdoor’s umbrella.

Nevertheless, the decision to shut down the Bell and Giro Helmets’ headquarters is a major blow to the cycling industry, and many will be watching closely to see how this story develops.

Ewan McGregor Stars In New Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello Campaign

Moto Guzzi, the historic Italian motorcycle brand, has launched a new campaign for their latest model, the V100 Mandello, featuring Hollywood actor and avid motorcyclist, Ewan McGregor.

The 60-second video explores the relationship between man and machine, with McGregor lending his voiceover to enhance the storytelling and using historic.
he video has a nostalgic feel, evoking the golden years of Hollywood, while still feeling contemporary and artistic.

The 60-second video, directed by Duncan Winecoff, tcdakes viewers on a journey through California, exploring the relationship between man and machine and the emotional history that shapes identity.

McGregor, who is known for his love of motorcycles and has an impressive collection himself, lends his voiceover to the campaign and even suggested using historic motorcycles from his personal collection to enhance the storytelling.

The video showcases the V100 Mandello’s unique blend of modern technology and classic design, with McGregor describing it as “totally Moto Guzzi at heart.”

Shot entirely on 35mm film, the video has a nostalgic feel, evoking the golden years of Hollywood, while still feeling contemporary and artistic. The locations chosen, such as Eric Lloyd Wright’s brutalist house in Malibu, the Pacific Coast Highway, and the L.A. River, add to the sense of adventure and freedom that comes with riding a motorcycle.

The V100 Mandello represents the culmination of a century-long history of innovation and craftsmanship for Moto Guzzi, and the video highlights the deep connection between rider and machine.

“Human beings build their identity in relation to objects and memories, which – in turn – make up their emotional baggage. Their emotional history is with them through their lives, and it helps them project themselves into the unknown, in constant balance between past and present,” says the campaign’s description.

Indian Announces Extremely Limited 2023 Pursuit Elite And Chieftain Elite

Indian Motorcycle has revealed the debut of two extremely limited edition motorcycles, the 2023 Pursuit Elite and the Chieftain Elite. Both bikes will be produced in small numbers and available for purchase worldwide.

Only 150 units of the Pursuit Elite and 175 units of the Chieftain Elite is produced.
The Indian Pursuit Elite and Chieftain Elite is available for purchase worldwide.

The 2023 Indian Pursuit Elite will have a production run of just 150 bikes and comes in a Super Graphite Metallic and Black Metallic paint scheme with Shadow Bronze Chrome accents. It is powered by a 1,768cc PowerPlus V-twin engine that delivers a claimed 120.7 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque.

The Pursuit Elite boasts features such as a Fox rear suspension with electronically adjustable preload and a seven-inch touchscreen for managing the suspension. It also has a Bosch inertial measurement unit that governs traction control, ABS, and torque.

The motorcycle is equipped with full LED lighting, a Ride Command infotainment system with Apple CarPlay integration and Bluetooth connectivity, and remote-locking weatherproof saddlebags and top box.

The Indian Chieftain Elite, which will be produced in a run of just 175 bikes, comes in a Super Graphite Smoke colorway with Shadow Bronze chrome accents. It is powered by Indian’s air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 mill, which delivers a claimed 126 pound-feet of torque, and features an Adaptive Pathfinder LED headlight and LED saddlebag lights.

The Chieftain Elite has a seven-inch touchscreen powered by Ride Command, with Apple CarPlay integration and Bluetooth connectivity, and weatherproof, remotely lockable saddlebags.

The Pursuit Elite has an MSRP of USD39,999 (RM176k) in the US, while the Chieftain Elite is priced at USD35,499 (RM156k). Both bikes are expected to be in high demand due to their limited production numbers.

Indian Motorcycle fans will want to act quickly to secure one of these exclusive machines, as they are sure to sell out fast.

Bajaj Takes Over Triumph Operations In India As Part Of Strategic Partnership

Bajaj Auto, an Indian multinational two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturing company, has announced that it will be taking over all sales and service operations for Triumph Motorcycles in India.

Bajaj takes over Triumph Motorcycles distributorship in India.
The showroom will only be dedicated to selling Triumph bikes.

The move is part of the strategic partnership that was established by the two companies a few years ago. Bajaj and Triumph have also collaborated to co-develop new entry-level mid-capacity Triumph models that will be produced by Bajaj at its Chakan facility.

With this announcement, Triumph’s India operations will now be under Bajaj’s Probiking business. The business will be headed by Sumeet Narang, while Shoebh Farooq, who was previously the business head for Triumph India, has moved to Bajaj’s electric mobility arm, Chetak Technology Ltd.

As part of the partnership, the first new model is expected to launch in 2023, and it is anticipated to arrive in the next few months. Bajaj and Triumph have revealed that the new models will have various displacements ranging between 200 and 700cc.

To accommodate the new Triumph models, the company’s dealer network will be expanded from 15 cities to 120 cities within the next two years. The showrooms will be tiered, with some of them solely dedicated to higher-end bikes developed solely by Triumph and located in India’s biggest cities.

It has been made clear that Bajaj and Triumph-branded motorcycles will not be sold under the same roof. The Triumph operation will remain independent of both Bajaj and KTM, and the showrooms will be exclusive to the brand. The press release also states that “these new showrooms will be created in line with Triumph’s global standards.”

Tissot Launches Limited Edition 2023 T-Race MotoGP Chronograph

Attention all Tissot and MotoGP fans! Tissot has just announced the release of its highly anticipated limited edition 2023 T-Race MotoGP chronograph.

Only 8,000 of these watches will be made and sold worldwide, each one individually numbered.
The watch has a racing-inspired design, with features such as a blacked-out brake disc and caliper on the bezel.

This stunning timepiece boasts an exquisite design inspired by MotoGP racing bikes, making it a must-have for any motorsport enthusiast.

The watch features a black and red color scheme with white lettering and numbering, giving it a sleek and modern look. The front bezel displays a blacked-out brake disc and caliper, while the pushrods are inspired by the handlebars of a racing bike. The profile of the watch showcases engine cooling fins, adding to its racing-inspired design.

The case is made of stainless steel with a black PVD coating, providing both protection and style. The back of the case features an engraved MotoGP logo, Tissot 1853, and the text ‘World Championship Official Timekeeper’ around the MotoGP and Tissot logos placed in the center. Each of the 8,000 limited edition watches is individually numbered, with the number displayed at the bottom of the back of the case.

The 2023 T-Race MotoGP Limited Edition chronograph has a scratch-resistant, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, as well as a Swiss-made quartz movement. It is waterproof up to 10 bar pressure and includes features such as an end-of-battery-life indicator, a 60-second central chronograph hand, 30-minute and 1/10-second counters, and additional time and split time functionality.

The watchband is a red rubber unit with a tire-tread-like pattern on the underside, adding to its sporty design. It comes in a special case that’s designed to look like a miniature MotoGP helmet, with the watch displayed inside. Unlike a real helmet, this case is hinged, and the entire top flips up so you can admire and wear the chronograph inside as you choose.

The limited edition 2023 T-Race MotoGP chronograph from Tissot is priced at €725 (RM3.5k). With only 8,000 available worldwide, this watch is a collector’s item and is expected to sell out quickly. Get yours before they’re gone!

Yamaha Aerox (NVX) 155 Updated With Traction Control For 2023

Yamaha has yet again created waves in the two-wheeler industry with the launch of its all-new 2023 Aerox 155 scooter in India.

the Aerox 155 now features traction control and OBD-II system.
the traction control system allows for better traction and minimizing wheelspin.

The latest offering from Yamaha is the first in its segment to feature a traction control system (TCS). The innovative feature is designed to provide superior performance by minimizing wheelspin and enabling better control, even in challenging riding conditions.

With the 2023 Aerox 155 scooter, Yamaha has also raised the bar for fuel efficiency by making it E20 compliant, in addition to featuring an on-board diagnostics (OBD-II) system.

The scooter is equipped with a 155cc Blue Core engine with variable valve actuation, which is paired with a CVT gearbox. The liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve motor is capable of producing a maximum power output of 14.7hp at 8,000rpm and a peak torque of 13.9Nm at 6,500rpm.

Safety features are also at the forefront of Yamaha’s design, as the 2023 Aerox 155 comes standard with a hazard system. The new scooter is available in a brand-new silver colour, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.

Commenting on the launch of the new Aerox 155, a Yamaha spokesperson said, “We are thrilled to introduce the 2023 Aerox 155 scooter, which features our revolutionary traction control system. This is a game-changing feature that will enhance the performance of the scooter, especially in tricky riding conditions. We are confident that our customers will be delighted with the new scooter’s fuel efficiency, safety features and overall performance.”

2024 Kawasaki Z650RS To Feature Traction Control

Kawasaki is set to add traction control to its Z650RS for the 2024 model year, according to an executive order issued by the California Air Resources Board as reported by Motorcycle.com.

Kawasaki Z650RS to received minor upgrade in the form of a traction control.
The Z650RS retro-inspired instrument cluster is expected to be revised.

The update is expected to bring the retro-inspired model in line with Kawasaki’s other 650cc models, the Z650, Ninja 650, and Versys 650, which all received traction control updates in recent years.

The Z650RS was introduced in 2022 and is relatively new compared to its counterparts, which may explain why Kawasaki waited a year to add traction control. The retro-inspired instrumentation on the Z650RS also presented a challenge, as adding traction control would require modifying the dashboard to include new information.

The addition of traction control is a welcome update for the Z650RS, which already boasts an impressive 649cc parallel-twin engine and sleek, retro styling. Kawasaki’s decision to wait until the 2024 model year to introduce traction control will ensure that customers who purchased the first year of production won’t be left out.

Aside from the addition of traction control and a new dashboard, no other changes are expected for the Z650RS in 2024. Fans of the model can likely expect new color options, but otherwise, the bike is expected to remain largely unchanged.

Kawasaki’s move to add traction control to the Z650RS is just the latest example of the company’s commitment to providing riders with cutting-edge technology and performance. With its powerful engine and retro-inspired style, the Z650RS is sure to continue attracting attention from riders looking for a unique and exciting riding experience.

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Amirul Azreen