Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Meet BMW R 18 ‘Iron Annie’, The Latest Build From VTR Motorrad AG & VTR Customs

The iconic Junkers Ju 52, also known as “Aunt Ju,” was a popular three-engine commercial and transport plane in the 1930s. The D-AQUI aircraft, painted in Lufthansa’s grey-black colour scheme in 1936, gained worldwide recognition.

The R 18 ‘Iron Annie’ is inspired by the popular D-AQUI aircraft.
The project was initiated by Switzerland-based VTR Motorrad AG & VTR Customs.

During its time in the United States from 1970 to 1984, the aircraft was renamed “IRON ANNIE” by its owner, Martin Caidin, under the American registration N52JU.

A BMW R 18 customization project was initiated by a client of VTR Motorrad AG & VTR Customs, a BMW partner based in Schmerikon, Switzerland, who was inspired by the “IRON ANNIE” aircraft. The project aimed to incorporate aviation-style elements from aircraft construction into the design. The project started with a BMW R 18 First Edition, with the engine removed and painted black. All chrome parts were painted black, while the fork stanchions received a Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating.

The tank’s speedometer dial was integrated into the design to resemble old cockpit instruments, while access panels with quick-release fasteners were added, as seen on aircraft. The bike’s unique look was completed by borrowing the corrugated aluminium planking from the Ju 52, a riding saddle-style seat, and grey-black paintwork, all reminiscent of the “IRON ANNIE” aircraft.

To create a streamlined appearance, the cockpit trim was pulled back as narrow and flat as possible, and the bike’s stance was lowered with a shorter fork and a height-adjustable Wilbers shock absorber. Large 18 and 21-inch wheels made by Kineo were added to make the bike appear smaller and more delicate between the wheels. Magura’s racing-style HC3 pumps replaced the standard R 18 brake and clutch fittings, providing further technical enhancements. The speedometer’s dial was customized with a handcrafted piece by watchmaker Zeitzone Zurich.

Creating replica cooling fins in the area of the rear silencers proved to be a significant challenge, as shaping these parts into parallel and aesthetically pleasing radii while harmoniously attaching them took several attempts.

Countless hours of work went into the aluminium sheet metal work, which involved hand-forming the fuel tank, tail with a suggested tail fin of an aeroplane, side panels, and cockpit. The numerous lens-head rivets provide reminiscences of traditional metal aircraft construction.

The team was pleased with the outcome, despite feeling slightly regretful about painting the handmade, bright aluminium sheets. The R 18 IRON ANNIE will receive road approval and undoubtedly attract attention in its new home on Lake Geneva. It will remain a one-of-a-kind model, as promised to the client.

BMW Innovates with Adaptive Cooling System For Motorcycles

If you look at modern BMW cars, you might notice their kidney-shaped grille, which may seem like a blocked-off fake air intake rather than a functional one.

BMW Motorrad developing ‘adaptive cooling’ for motorcycles.
The technology is similar to the one found in BMW cars.

This is because BMW uses shutters that close off the grille to enhance aerodynamics when maximum cooling is not needed. Now, BMW is applying the same idea to motorcycles.

A recent BMW patent application describes a “tilting vehicle” that has a movable air-guiding device in its cooling system as reported by Cycle World.

The patent application includes illustrations that clearly show a shutter-style system located in front of the radiator of a liquid-cooled boxer twin motorcycle.

Similar to cars that use a similar system, the purpose is to provide enough cooling to support high-performance engines that are working at their maximum level, but also to improve aerodynamics when the engine is not stressed and producing less heat.

The patent identifies the issue with motorcycle radiators being mounted where they’re exposed to the most airflow possible, which creates a significant aerodynamic obstacle.

This issue is compounded by the fact that the cooling system has to be designed to handle extreme weather or performance conditions, unlike the conditions that will be encountered on a daily basis.

According to BMW’s patent application, “the cooling arrangement is typically designed based on the highest power requirement that can be expected, which can occur during extreme operating conditions. In everyday situations where the cooling system has lower performance requirements, it is consequently ‘oversized'”.

Most motorcycles use a radiator to cool the engine, but this can create air resistance and inefficiency. BMW has come up with a solution called “active shutters.” It’s like a venetian blind that can open or close in front of the radiator to let in more or less air, depending on how much cooling is needed.

By redirecting air around the radiator instead of through it, active shutters can reduce drag and make the motorcycle more efficient.

BMW has illustrated this idea on an adventure bike and it could be used on their new R 1300 GS boxer engine model. BMW already uses a similar system in their cars, so it should be easy to adapt it for motorcycles if it works as well as they hope.

(source: Cycle World)

Jedi Motors To Debut The Vision K750 Sportbike Soon

Jedi Motors, a new motorcycle manufacturer from China, had expressed interest in entering the global market. Now, it seems that this plan is becoming a reality as the company has announced its latest sportbike, the Vision K750.

Jedi Motors is another Chinese motorcycle company aims to make it big in the global market.
The Vision K750 is Jedi’s first attempt to penetrate the two-wheel segment.

Set to debut in 2023, the Vision K750 started as a futuristic concept before gradually evolved into a production-ready model in late 2022, with significant changes to its styling.

While the concept looked like it belonged in the Star Wars universe, the production model’s aesthetics now resemble the MV Agusta F3, with diamond-shaped headlights and aggressive lines on the bodywork.

The sportbike appears to feature premium technology, including radially mounted Brembo calipers, inverted forks, a rear monoshock, and a single-sided swingarm on the rear end.

Mechanically, the Vision K750 is expected to feature a 730cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine, with an output of around 70 horsepower.

It is uncertain whether it will have an uneven firing order or a 180-degree crank, but it will likely be comparable in power to the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and Yamaha YZF-R7.

Rev Up Your Ride With A Complimentary Termignoni Slip-On Exhaust For Your Ducati Monster – RM75,900

If you’re a motorcyclist, then you know that one of the most important aspects of any bike is the sound it makes. Whether it’s a low rumble or a loud roar, the sound of your bike can make all the difference in your riding experience.

Enjoy a complimentary Termignoni Slip-On Exhaust worth RM11,000 with every Ducati Monster bike purhcase.
The promotion is valid until 31st March 2023.

And if you’re a Ducati Monster fan, then you know that nothing beats the sound of a powerful engine revving up to speed.

But what if you could take that sound to the next level? What if you could make your bike roar even louder and more powerfully than ever before? Well, now you can, thanks to the Slip-On Termignoni Exhaust, available on your next Ducati Monster bike purchase priced at RM75,900.

This complimentary upgrade is worth RM11,000, and it’s an opportunity that no Ducati rider should miss out on. The Slip-On Termignoni Exhaust is a masterpiece of Italian engineering, designed to enhance the power and sound of your bike like never before.

With this exhaust, you can hear the difference in every rev of the engine. It’s not just a louder sound, it’s a fuller, more robust sound that matches the look and feel of your Ducati Monster perfectly. You’ll feel the power of your bike in a whole new way, and you’ll turn heads every time you ride by.

But don’t wait too long to take advantage of this amazing offer. As with any great opportunity, there are terms and conditions that apply. So if you want to upgrade your ride and experience the full power and sound of Italian engineering, then now is the time to act.

Get The New Ducati Hypermotard And Enjoy A Complimentary Peak V5 Helmet, Quickshifter – RM85,900

If you’re thinking about getting the new Ducati Hypermotard, this is the best time to do so as Ducati Malaysia has something exciting to get your adrenaline pumping.

enjoy a complimentary Peak V5 Helmet and Quickshifter with every purchased.
promotion is valid until 31st March 2023.

From now until the 31st March 2023, enjoy a complimentary Peak V4 helmet with every purchase of the new Ducati Hypermotard. The special offer also includes a quickshifter fitted onto your dream machine.

Coming in at RM85,900, the Hypermotard is the ultimate hooligan motorcycle you need to get your adrenaline going.

Powering the Hypermotard is a 937cc Testastretta twin-cylinder engine capable of cranking 114hp @ 9,000rpm and 96Nm @ 7,250rpm. Tipping the scale at just 176kg and a seat height of 890mm, the Hypermotard is truly the bike for anyone seeking liberation.

Here’s How You Can Win A Brand New Honda CBR250RR From Boon Siew Honda

Planning to purchase a 160cc and below motorcycle for Boon Siew Honda? Well, you are in luck as BSH is giving away a brand-new motorcycle and many other prizes worth RM999,999 for its latest ‘Buy Honda Win Kaw Kaw’ campaign.

Purchased any 160cc (and below) motorcycle from Boon Siew Honda and stand a chance to win a new bike.
The ‘Buy Honda Win Kaw Kaw’ is the latest excitement from Boon Siew Honda for its loyal customers.

Starting from 1st February 2023 until 31st March 2023, customers who purchased any of the new Honda motorcycles (160cc and below) will stand a chance to win the Honda CBR250RR, Forza 250, CBR150R and the newly launched ADV160.

To qualify, all you need to do is to follow these three steps:

capture the most exciting photo of you and your newly purchased Honda motorcycle and share it on Facebook/Instagram.
please ensure that every posting includes the hashtag #BuyHondaWinKawKaw and don’t forget to tag Honda Motorcycle Malaysia.
Also, submit the Google Form with your full details.

Winners will be announced on 13 March 2023 and on 17 April 2023 via the Honda Motorcycle Malaysia Facebook page.

For more info log on to https://boonsiewhonda.com.my/en/buy-honda-win-kaw-kaw/.

SW-Motech Introduces Compact Tank Bag For Ducati DesertX

SW-Motech introduced a new clip-on tank bag for the all-capable Ducati DesertX for 2023.

The DesertX is Ducati first ever fully-capable off-road motorcycle.
At the heart sits the 937cc Testastretta 11-degree Desmodromic engine capable of producing 110hp @ 9,250rpm and 92Nm @ 6,500rpm.

Dubbed one of the most exciting motorcycles to come out of the Borgo Panigale factory, the DesertX is the firm’s maiden attempt at a proper off-road-focused ADV machine.

That said, it’s not surprising that there are more aftermarket parts available for the DesertX including SW-Motech’s latest PRO Micro Tank Bag.

Completely expandable, the bag offers extra space to stash your essentials including your smartphone, power bank, action cameras, documents and more.

Thanks to the bag’s laminated EVA shell and a water-resistant inner coating, the shape will remain intact whilst offering better protection from the rain.

Also, if you need that extra assurance, the contents can be separated with mesh-divide compartments to ensure that every stuff you put in would not get smashed against one another.

According to SW-Motech, the tank bag is also glove-friendly thanks to large zip pulls.

Interestingly, the PRO Micro Tank Bag is designed to be fitted centrally on the DesertX fuel tank, allowing easy access to its off-centre fuel-filler cap.

To those interested, the SW-Motech Pro Micro Tank Bag is priced at GBP112.96 (RM597).

BMW To Bring Back Electric-Assist Centerstand

Powered-assisted centre stand was an option back in 2004 with the BMW K 1200 LT, which combines electrics and hydraulics to allow for easier lift.

However, the latest patent application has confirmed that the German marquee is set to bring back the electric centre stand but with improved features.

According to Cycle World, the component works like a conventional centre stand but minus the effort. Therefore, it differs vastly from the slow, push-button-operated system on the K 1200 LT.

While we understand that an electric-powered centre stand is not a priority for modern motorcycles, some would appreciate such innovation, typically riders who need help to lift a 300kg beast.

Also, if it’s relatively cheap to develop and does not affect the price tag, we’d say go for it.

The patent tells us that the power comes into play when the stand touches the ground after you push it down with your foot. That said, the conventional way of applying the centre stand still applies in this case.

The system also allows the stand to be retracted manually without waiting for it to retract electrically.

Nevertheless, similar to other patents, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the system will be incorporated into production bikes anytime soon. However, with BMW expected to debut a range of heavyweight motorcycles, there is a possibility that the system could be adopted earlier than expected.

(source: Cycle World)

Next-Gen KTM Duke Spied Testing In Spain

Several spy photos have emerged what looks like a new small-capacity KTM Duke undergoing testing in Spain.

The test mule is likely to be an updated version of the 125 Duke.
The bike features a new redesigned headlight and revised subframe.

The test mule can be seen HERE as published by European publication Motociclimso. However, from the looks of it, the test mule is still in an early stage given that many components are not yet completed.

While we have no information regarding the engine capacity, it is likely an update for either the 125 Duke or 390 Duke. However, looking at the engine size and exhaust exit, it is possible that we are looking at the 125.

Taking a closer look at the bodywork, we can see a design language that is similar to the KTM 1290 Super Duke R and Super Duke R EVO.

That said, the front shroud bodywork extends towards the front past the fork legs. The rear subframe also appears to be a cast aluminium instead of the steel tubular design.

The test mule also features a redesigned headlamp but continue to portray the Duke’s DNA.

While the new development seems exciting, it is difficult to predict when will the new machine make its way to production.

Honda CBR750RR In The Works?

Honda recent introduction of the CB750 Hornet seems to be doing well particularly among motorcycle journalist who managed to get a taste of the bike.

Honda CB750 Hornet is the latest bike to features Honda’s newest parallel-twin mill.
The Hornet could spawn a fully-faired CBR750RR.

The Hornet is the second machine to be equipped with Honda’s latest parallel-twin 750cc mill after the XL750 Transalp. With that in mind, could the new platform make a good sportbike? Well, according to credible European and Japanese publication, that seems to be the case.

Moreover, looking at Honda’s tendency to introduce a fully-faired machine alongside a naked bike, the idea doesn’t seem far-fetched.

Also, with the market currently shifting towards middleweight sportsbike like the Aprilia RS660 and Yamaha YZF-R7, it is likely that Honda plans to take on the same route.

After all, the 750 mill is impressive as it is capable of cranking 91hp and 70Nm.

At the same time, Honda could easily make use of the Hornet’s lightweight frame as well as the adjustable inverted Showa forks for the fully-faired version.

Design wise, we expect that the 750RR to follow the same design language as the CBR500R and CBR650R.

KTM BRABUS 1300 R Edition 23 Announced – Limited To Just 290 Units, RM198k

KTM and German tuning company BRABUS continued their partnership for 2023 with the introduction of the BRABUS 1300 R Edition 23.

KTM announced second collaboration with German tuning experts, BRABUS with the 1300 R Edition 2023.
The 2nd-generation motorcycle continue to crank 180hp and 140Nm.

Unveiled in Hanoi, Vietnam, the BRABUS 1300 R Edition 2023 is an evolution of the original 1300 R introduced last year.

Limited to just 145 units in Superblack and another 145 in Stealth Gray, the BRABUS 1300 R Edition 23 is again build based on the KTM 1290 Super Duke R EVO. Similar to last year’s model, the 1300 R Edition 23 features a number of bespoke BRABUS components including carbon fiber and CNC-machined parts.

That said, the BRABUS 1300 R Edition 2023 looks similar to the original except for a few modifications mainly by adding more carbon fiber components including the headlight trim and air scoops.

Completing the changes are new BRABUS Monoblock Z forged wheels with platinum black finish.

Powering the beast is the same 1,301cc LC8 V-Twin engine that makes 180hp @ 9,500rpm and 140Nm @ 8,000rpm. Meanwhile, WP supplies the semi-active APEX suspension and steering damper.

Priced at EUR42,500 (RM198k), all 290 units will be sold only via an online pre-order site which opens on February 16,2023.

Fun fact, the previous BRABUS 1300 R sold out in just under two minutes.

All-New Buell Super Cruiser Set For 2025 Launch

Buell Motorcycle is ready to expand its brand into the cruiser segment with its all-new super cruiser.

Upcoming Buell Super Cruiser plans for 2025 launch.
The Super Cruiser to feature the firm 1190cc V-Twin engine.

Designed in partnership with Roland Sands Design, the super cruiser is equipped with the firm’s ET-V2 1190cc V-Twin engine that’s also found in the Buell Hammerhead 1990, 1190 SX, Baja Dune Racer and the Supertouring.

However, while the Hammerhead and 1190 SX is already available for purchase in the US, the Super Cruiser along with the Baja Dune Racer and Supertouring will not be available until 2025.

That said, 2025 is set to be a busy year for the American motorcycle company.

While Buell remains tight lipped on the bike’s specifications, they willingly shared several photos of the upcoming bike on social media.

Interestingly, the current 1190cc V-Twin engine makes 185hp and 138Nm, presumably no changes is done to the mill, the Super Cruiser could possibly be the most powerful cruiser ever build.

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Amirul Azreen