Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

2023 Yamaha YZF-R25 Gets New Purple Livery In Japan

Yamaha has updated its YZF-R25 sportsbike with a trendy purple livery called Dark Blueish Purple Metallic.

The R25 gets new updated with new colour scheme in Japan.
Underpinnings of the quarter-litre sportsbike remains unchanged.

If you seen such colours before that’s because it is the same colour scheme introduced in the US for the YZF-R3.

Interestingly, the new colour not only look exciting but also gives the bike somewhat of a throwback of the old sportbikes from the 90s. Perhaps something from the 1994 FZR1000?

Thankfully, the out of place Vivid Orange Metallic introduced last year has been retired. However, if the purple is too much, you can opt for Deep Purplish Blue Metallic and Black Metallic instead.

Nevertheless, the 2023 R25 continue to offer the same bodywork and underpinnings.

Mechanically, the R25 feature s a 249cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that cranks out 35.5hp @ 12,000rpm and 30Nm @ 10,000rpm. That said, the quarter litre sportsbike offers decent performance for both the city and twisty roads.

Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali Reconfirmed President Of Motor Valley Development

Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati, will continue his helm as the President of Motor Valley Development after he was reconfirmed for another two years during a recent shareholders’ meeting.

Ducati’s CEO, Claudio Domenicali reconfirmed as the President of Motor Valley for another two years.
The Motor Valley incorporates 16,500 companies and 90,000 employees.

“In recent years I have carried out the task of President of the Motor Valley Development association with pride and responsibility because I believe that enhancing the uniqueness of this territory is a duty for those who, like us, are part of it.

“It is an honour to be able to continue in this role in the next two years and I would like to thank all the partners and institutions for their trust”, he said.

According to Claudio, the association will continue its pursuit in promoting Emilia-Romagna brands of motors.

“The industrial, tourist and cultural region of the Emilia-Romagna Motor Valley deserves to be supported and promoted in all its components, continuing to give value to the prestigious universities, historical and artistic culture and unrivalled motoring and technological expertise.”

Motor Valley is a unique industrial region in the world, notably for housing 16,500 companies and over 90,000 employees that contributes to an annual turnover of EUR16 billion.

That said, the Motor Valley has become a strategic tourist asset for the region thanks to 13 specialized museums including the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena, the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, the Automobili Lamborghini Museum, the Ferruccio Lamborghini Museum, the Ducati Museum in Borgo Panigale and the Horacio Pagani Museum.

No Longer Compulsory To Display Road Tax – MoT

Private vehicles owned by Malaysians are no longer compulsory to display their ‘road tax’ effective today, according to transport minister, Loke Siew Fook.

That said, all motor vehicle licenses including driving (motorcycle) license are now accessible via the MyJPJ app.

According to Loke, the move is part of the ministry’s efforts to digitise JPJ’s services.

“This will be done in stages, with the first phase involving individual private vehicles, including motorcycles, owned by Malaysians,” he said.

However, vehicles owned by private firms, foreigners, commercial vehicles and public service vehicles will continue to display their ‘road tax’.

“I welcome all drivers and vehicle owners to transition to the digital platform. With this, the congestion and long lines at JPJ counters will be reduced,” he added.

Also, physical driving licenses are still required for foreigners, holders of learners and vocational licences.

Czech-Made Praga ZS 800 Breaks Cover – Limited To Just 28 Units, RM395k

Praga, the Czech Republic based motorcycle company has introduced the Praga ZS 800.

Praga ZS 800 is limited to just 28 units worldwide.
Priced at GBP75,550 (RM395k) the ZS 800 was built by the same team behind the Praga Bohemo hypercar.

Claimed to be a modern take on the iconic 1928 Praga BD 500, the ZS 800 – which is limited to just 28 units – is build by the same engineering team behind the acclaimed Praga Bohema hypercar.

Featuring a chrome molybdenum steel frame and titanium exhaust system including a unique woven carbon wheels, the Praga ZS 800 tips the scale at just 142kg (dry).

Powering the ultra-limited motorcycle is a 773cc parallel-twin SOHC and 4-valves engine that makes 50hp and 65Nm. Power is fed to the rear-wheel via 5-speed transmission with final chain drive.

Braking is done via a 200mm hydraulic drum brakes at the front and rear omitting the conventional disc brakes that is commonly found on modern machines.

The retro features also applies to the suspension with a steel girder fork at the front and a hard-tail suspension at the back. However, both components is supplied by Ohlins.

According to Praga, deliveries for the ultra-limited ZS 800 will start in mid-2023 with a recommended selling price of GBP75,550 (RM395k).

LiveWire S2 Del Mar Release Is Delayed

The launch of LiveWire upcoming electric motorcycle, the S2 Del Mar has been put on hold.

The announcement were made by LiveWire president, Ryan Morrissey during the company quarterly presentation.

According to Ryan, the S2 Del Mar which originally planned to start rolling out in the first half of 2023, has been pushed to a later date.

Also, LiveWire plans to shipped around 7,000 units of the S2 Del Mar has been adjusted downward to just 2,000 units.

Looking back, things have been moving slower since LiveWire inception and to this day, it’s still not clear how well the bikes are selling.

So the question is, when will the S2 Del mar eventually make its way to the public? Only time will tell but we’ll be sure to keep you updated.

2023 Modenas Elegan 250 EX Updated With Euro 4 Engine – RM16,997

Coming in new for the Malaysian market is the 2023 Modenas Elegan 250 EX maxi-scooter which has been updated to meet the latest Euro 4 emission standard.

The popular maxi-scooter continue to make 22hp and 22.4Nm.
The Elegan 250 EX offers premium features but at an affordable price range.

That said, the Elegan 250’s 250cc single-cylinder engine now meets the Euro 4 emission standard as required by the Malaysian government. Despite the revised mill to meet the new emission, the Elegan 250 EX continue to make 22hp @ 7,000rpm and 22.4Nm @ 6,500rpm.

Power is fed to the rear wheel via a CVT gearbox with a final belt drive.

Apart from the engine, Modenas also revised the front projector headlamp to complement the DRLs.

Nevertheless, the 2023 Elegan 250 EX continue to feature the same equipment from the 2020 Elegan 250 ABS including LED lights, 14-inch front and 13-inch rear wheels, 240mm hydraulic brakes, X-shaped LED taillights, twin-channel ABS and a USB charging socket.

The Elegan 250 EX also carries a 12.4L of the fuel tank and tips the scale at 198kg.

The 2023 Modenas Elegan 250 EX now comes with an updated price of RM16,997 and is available in two exciting colours; Matte Silver Crystal and Petroleum Blue.

Arai And Pinlock To Combat Fog, UV Rays With Latest Innovation

While most motorcycle helmet manufacturers adopt drop-down, internal sun visors, especially for sport-touring helmets, Arai is the only maker to steer clear of such feature thus far.

The decision is to ensure that the brand’s helmet continues to feature top-notch protection for riders.

That said, those who want to ride on a sunny day opted for a darker tint visor. However, the dark tint visor is a disaster when riding at night.

To overcome this, Arai has a new solution capable of adapting to different lighting conditions while maintaining the brand’s protective standards.

Developed in partnership with Pinlock, the new ProtecTINT photochromic lens offers optimal vision during the day and adjusts the tint according to the lighting situation.

However, at night the ProtectTINT remains in a clear state. Therefore riders can wear their Arai’s worry-free.

In addition, the ProtecTINT are compatible with Arai’s older models, including Corsair V, Defiant, Defiant Pro-Cruise, RX-Q, Signet-Q, Signet-Q Pro-Cruise, and Vector 2.

Meanwhile, the VAS-Z and CT-F ProtecTINTs cater to the brand’s open-face helmets, while the VAS-V version covers Corsair-X, Signet-X, Quantum-X, Contour-X, and Regent-X owners.

The Pinlock ProtecTINT is priced at EUR59.95 (RM276).

Back To The 80s With CFMoto Papio XO-1

CFMoto is ready to take another aim at Honda’s MSX125 (Grom) with the upcoming Papio XO-1, as confirmed by the latest type-approval documents filed in China.

The Papio XO-1 is CFMoto’s upcoming minimoto range.
The XO-1 is equipped with a 126cc, air-cooled single, making a claimedt 9.4hp.

The Papio XO-1 (as shown on the side fairing) is a second variation of the current 126cc, single-cylinder Papio mini bike currently on sale in the US and Europe.

However, while the base Papio is somewhat a mini version of a modern naked bike, the upcoming XO-1 has styling that is clearly inspired by motorcycles from the 80s.

That said, the single photo in the document reveals a dual-headlight semi-fairing motorcycle reminiscent of a classic bike.

Interestingly, the Papio XO-1 is not just a case of putting on new bodywork onto the standard Papio; instead, the former features a new inverted fork, clip-on handlebars and cast aluminium rear footpegs.

Also new is a new chain-guard, body panels and redesigned fuel tank.

The retro theme continues with a single, circular LCD instrument cluster.

KTM 890 SMT Spotted Testing In Spain

Despite scrapping its 490cc platform and working on an all-new 990cc and 690cc engine, KTM still has some plans for its 890 range.

KTM 890 SMT shares the same 889cc LC8c engine as the 890 Adventure.
The 890 SMT is fitted with a taller windscreen and redesigned fuel tank.

That said, the Austrian manufacturer was recently spotted testing the new KTM 890 SMT, as reported by Cycle World.

However, since the 990 platform is considered a replacement for the current 889cc engine, we expect the 890 SMT to have a relatively short lifespan before evolving to a 990 SMT.

Nevertheless, while the upcoming KTM 890 SMT borrows much of its features from the 890 Adventure, the sport tourer version gains a taller windscreen and a higher front mudguard.

Also, the fuel tank on the 890 SMT is now singular and mounted above the engine, unlike the dual, side-mounted tanks featured on the 890 Adventure. The new tank design is likely a better fit for the SMT.

Nonetheless, the exhaust pipes are still the same as the ones found on the 890 Adventure, indicating that the 890 SMT gets the same 889cc LC8c engine tune.

We also expect that the 890 SMT and 890 Adventure shares similar weight.

While KTM is yet to announce plans for the 890 SMT, the bike is clearly in a production-ready stage and could make its way soon.

(source: Cycle World)

The Honda Hawk 11 Could Make Its Way To India Soon

Motorcycle fans worldwide were ecstatic when Honda introduced the Hawk 11 early last year.

Powering the Honda Hawk 11 is a 1082.96cc parallel-twin engine capable of pumping 100hp @ 7,500rpm and 103Nm @ 6,000rm.
The Hawk 11 is fitted with ththe Hawk 11 offers quite a sporty ergonomics yet not as aggressive as a typical sportbike.

The neo-retro motorcycle has gained much attention since its global debut at the Osaka Motorcycle Show 2022. Unfortunately, Honda threw a curveball by unveiling that the Honda Hawk 11 is a Japan-only release.

However, thanks to constant enquiry and demand from Honda fans around the globe, the Hawk 11 might make its way to the global market, as confirmed by the latest patent application filed with Intellectual Property India.

According to reports, Honda filed the design application on August 2, 2022, before the design went to the IP India Patent and Design Journal for official publication on December 9, 2022.

Interestingly, although the design application is now made available to the public, Honda has yet to formally announce its plans to introduce the Hawk 11 in markets outside Japan.

While it could take years before the Hawk 11 to officially debut, a filed application may mean something other than that a motorcycle will get released in that country.

Nonetheless, it could be an indication from Honda that the Hawk 11 could be available in a market outside of Japan.

(Source: BikeAdvice)

Someone Just Bought A Shoei J-Force 2 Jack Yellow For RM86,000!

Only in Malaysia is someone willing to pay a huge sum of money for things that were relatively cheap a few years ago.

For example, a new-old-stock (NOS) Yamaha RX-Z two-stroke motorcycle could cost more than RM30,000. A few years ago, someone allegedly paid RM70,000 for the bike, making it one of the most sought models today.

However, the ludicrous price tag involved not only motorcycles but also helmets.

A few days ago, a seller on Facebook managed to sell the Shoei J-Force 2 Jack Yellow for an insane RM86,000!

While some might think that the price tag is absurd, according to the post, the sale was legit. The buyer – who is a lady – paid the amount in cash, which can be seen clearly in the shared photos.

The question is, are you willing to spend that much for a motorcycle helmet?

Ducati DesertX To Feature Turn-By-Turn Navigation In 2023

Ducati has announced that the DesertX will be equipped with Turn-by-Turn navigation in 2023, making it the first Ducati to have the feature.

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.

The DesertX is the Italian’s most outstanding bike since its introduction in 2022, as it is Ducati’s first real foray into the off-road arena.

According to the Italian motorcycle company, the DesertX will display the Turn-by-Turn information on the bike’s TFT dash. Unfortunately, the new feature does not come as standard but as an added option.

Another update to be carried out for 2023 is a new paint option dubbed the “RR22” livery. The same livery applied to Danilo Petrucci’s DesertX that he rode in a demo last year in Sardegna.

Meanwhile, the same Turn-by-Turn navigation system will also be available on the upcoming Diavel V4.

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Amirul Azreen