The Kazakhstan MotoGP has been postponed due to heavy flooding in the country.
A freak weather system had caused unprecedented flooding across Central Asia, while Kazakhstan was particularly heavily affected by flash flood in many parts of the country. Reports state that some 119,000 people were evacuated from the affected areas. Seven souls were lost due to the disaster.
As such, the FIM, IRTA, and Dorna Sports felt that it would be irresponsible and insensitive to carry on with the MotoGP round slated for 16 June 2024. “As our utmost priority, MotoGP sends our condolences and support to the people of Kazakhstan and all those affected by the flooding in Central Asia. We hope the nation, region and communities affected can recover as soon as possible.”
The organisations have not revealed the substitute track, nor when they will return to the Kazakhstan MotoGP.
It was due to be the Sokol International Racetrack’s debut in the world of MotoGP. The 4.495km circuit was designed by the same engineer and circuit designer, Hermann Tilke, who had also designed many new circuits globally, including the Sepang International Circuit. Sokol had hosted many international racing events and has many events for this year.
We have saved the best for last, and it is the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R which was also launched in Malaysia.
One can only use superlatives to describe the bike, being the most bonkers among the Orange Team. It still deserves “The Beast” moniker despite not holding the title of the most powerful supernaked. This is one serious motorcycle that will leave your brain struggling to catch up after you have whacked the throttle fully open.
In any sense, the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R represents the apex of 30 years of the Duke, hence getting a total revamp.
Highlights of the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R
The LC8 V-Twin engine’s capacity gets bumped up from 1301cc to 1350cc.
New camshafts, along with 4mm bigger throttle bodies kick maximum power to 190 hp at 10,000 RPM and 145 Nm of torque, from 177 hp and 140 Nm.
The frame was tweaked for better stiffness and flex characteristics by using thicker diameter tubes but with a thinner wall.
Up front are 48mm WP APEX Open Cartridge forks with full adjustability.
At the back is a WP APEX monoshock with separate oil and gas reservoirs, and also fully adjustable.
Front brakes consists of Brembo MCS master cylinder, with twin 320mm floating discs, and twin Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers.
New, 5-inch bonded glass TFT screen, which provides access to ride modes and the connectivity suite.
There are 3 standard ride modes, namely SPORT, STREET, and RAIN.
There are 2 optional ride modes: TRACK and PERFORMANCE.
The most apparent update is the bike’s styling, which the 990 Duke also shares.
Centred around a new headlamp cluster, the bike is made to look even more masculine, even beastlier than before.
The DRL and headlamp’s intensity varies automatically according to ambient light.
The new bodywork also allowed a 1.5-litre increase in fuel capacity, now totalling 17.5 litres.
KTM quoted the bike’s dry weight at 200.5 kg
The recommended selling price for the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R is from RM 151,300 (not on the road).
The 2024 Yamaha MT-15 is offered in two new colours.
Just like its bigger 2024 Yamaha MT-25 brethren, the two new colours are called Midnight Black, and Midnight Cyan. It goes to show how production is streamlined by sharing the same colours for two models.
The Yamaha MT-15 is another of Yamaha’s popular motorcycles hence its ubiquity on Malaysian roads. It serves as the replacement for the FZ150, by going one up in the performance and styling aspects.
Speaking of performance, the MT-15 is powered by the 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-valve engine shared with the NVX scooter and Y16ZR. Its main feature is the variable valve actuation (VVA) which ensures good low-end and midrange torque with high maximum horsepower.
Other aspects of the 2024 Yamaha MT-15 remains the same such as the 10-litre fuel tank, and 133kg weight.
The recommended retail price is RM 12,498, excluding registration fees and insurance. As usual, buyers will receive an exclusive Yamaha disc lock worth RM 100.
Another Yamaha motorcycle to receive a cosmetic makeover is the 2024 Yamaha MT-25, now with two new colours.
The MT-25 is another popular Yamaha model in Malaysia and can be seen almost everywhere. Along with the Y15ZR, one MT-25 will flash by every few minutes or so. So much so that it almost seems as if the MT-25 is the sole 250cc naked motorcycle on our roads!
Owners cite the bike’s futuristic design, which draws inspiration from its bigger MT-09 cousin, such as the multi-faceted headlamp unit that looks not unlike a Transformer’s face. Besides that is the midrange-heavy engine for easy riding and brisk roll-on acceleration.
Apart from the new colourways, all other aspects of the 2024 Yamaha MT-25 remains completely unchanged. The engine, frame, rear bodywork, right down to the wheels and tyres are shared with the fully-faired YZF-R5. As such, the now-familiar 249cc, parallel-twin, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine still produces 35.4 hp (26 kW) at 12,000 RPM and 22.6 Nm at 10,000 RPM. As we mentioned earlier, this engine has never been about peak power, but emphasises tractability and smooth throttle response.
The two new colours are Midnight Black, in addition to Midnight Cyan. The recommended selling price is RM 23,998, without registration fees and insurance.
As usual, buyers will receive an exclusive Yamaha disc lock worth RM 100.
Ducati kicked off their global event #WeRideAsOne to unite Ducati riders around the world, yesterday (6 May 2024). The Italian manufacturer called it the event which brings together the global community to celebrate the pride of belonging to the big Borgo Panigale family.
This year’s event was the third edition which served as the warm up for the even bigger World Ducati Week event, which is scheduled from 26th to 28th at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli.”
Official Ducati dealers around the world helped to put together #WeRideAsOne in collaboration with 347 official Ducati clubs. Each dealer created unique itineraries for each city to “guarantee an experience full of fun and in true Ducati style.”
This bore fruit as more than 18,000 Ducatisti from 50 countries participated. Some countries took to the track, while some went off-road, others went for a relaxing ride, but all celebrated the passion for Ducati.
horizons, from off-road adventurers to those who prefer more relaxing routes, the goal was only one: to celebrate and share the same passion for the Bologna-based manufacturer!
Once again this year, the long Ducati and Scrambler Ducati parade coloured the most emblematic places on the planet, leaving an indelible mark on every road travelled. Ecuador, New York, Palermo, as well as Glasgow, Warsaw, Rio de Janeiro, Hawaii, Ningbo, Medellín, Mexico City, Auckland, and New Delhi: these are just some of the cities that were the setting for the unique parade and which experienced the magic of #WeRideAsOne, a truly world-class event.
Ecuador
Ducati documented the activities that took place all over the world in real time, sharing photos and videos sent directly from the participants in stories in their official Instagram channel.
Ducati is the only motorcycle brand in the world to offer an international event of this size.In fact, since its very first edition, #WeRideAsOne has established itself as a unique format of its kind, becoming a fixed appointment in the Italian motorcycle manufacturer’s calendar and all enthusiasts for every first Saturday in May.
The event fully embodies Ducati’s mission to offer unforgettable experiences to all enthusiasts, combining fun on two wheels with stunning locations and conveying a sense of belonging to a vast community that embraces Ducatisti, Ducati Official Clubs, Dealers and Company employees. What distinguishes #WeRideAsOne is the ability to overcome geographical borders and, on the same day, make all enthusiasts feel part of the same big family, regardless of the city they are in or the time zone.
More Team Orange news: The much awaited 2024 KTM 990 Duke has arrived in Malaysia.
The “990 Duke” name is hallowed among long-time KTM fans, as it was the previous edition that unleashed KTM’s propensity for making bonkers naked bikes, paving the way for the beastly 1290 Super Duke.
So, although the 990 shares some of the underpinnings of the midrange Dukes, it is much closer to the big boss 1390 Duke.
Highlights of the 2024 KTM 990 Duke
The most eye-catching feature is the new styling, of course, which we admit splits opinion.
That light cluster is functional, nonetheless: The headlights adjust automatically to ambient lighting, flanked by DRLs.
The engine is the now-ubiquitous LC8c parallel-twin much like the ones on the 790 Duke and 890 Duke R.
However, the 990’s 947cc LC8c features new pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft, plus more aggressive cam profiles.
Coupled to a new exhaust system, the engine does 123 hp at 9,500 RPM and 103 Nm of torque at 6,750 RPM.
That power is sent through a six-speed transmission and the usual PASC clutch.
The powerplant is housed in a new steel trellis frame, while the subframe is aluminium and bolted-on.
Suspension is what else but WP, since the brand is owned by KTM. Up front are WP Apex 43 mm diameter upside-down forks with five levels of compression and rebound adjustments.
At the back is a WP Apex Monotube monoshock with a lighter spring, 10 levels of preload, and 5 levels of rebound damping adjustments.
The front brake system consists of dual 300mm lightweight discs, serviced by four-piston calipers.
The rear brake has a two-piston caliper and 240mm disc.
Cornering ABS is standard, of course, utilising the Bosch 9.3 MP system.
As usual, a ride-by-wire throttle enables riding aids, such as three traction control and three ride modes, while TRACK and PERFORMANCE modes are optional.
TRACK mode, as the name suggests allow for the rider to control levels of rider aid, besides activating launch control.
PERFORMANCE adds cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity.
There is a new 5-inch TFT-LCD screen.
KTM claims the bike weighs a lithe 179 kg wet, with 14.8 litres of fuel.
The 2024 KTM 250 Duke was also launched in Malaysia, together with the 2024 KTM 390 Duke. And as with its bigger 390 sibling, the 250 Duke also sees many updates to make it virtually a new motorcycle altogether.
Highlights of the 2024 KTM 250 Duke
Starting with the engine, there is no capacity bump, since it is already at 249cc.
The engine dimensions remain the same, as with its maximum power output of 30.8 hp (23 kW) and torque of 25 Nm, despite being Euro 5.2 compliant.
Its clutch is now KTM’s PASC (Power Assist Slipper Clutch), upgraded from the previous slipper clutch without power assist.
The engine is nestled in the signature steel trellis frame, although the subframe is bolted on.
Front suspension duty is handled by 43mm upside-down WP APEX big piston forks, with no adjustability.
The rear monoshock is mounted to the ride side of the frame, and adjustable for preload only.
A new curved aluminium swingarm to mount the shock increases the wheelbase.
The front brake consists of a single 320mm disc checked by a four-piston caliper.
The rear brake has a 240mm disc, and 2-piston floating caliper.
Since there is a new subframe, its seats have been redesigned to be more supportive and plusher, especially for the pillion.
The riders seat height is also adjustable between 800mm and 820mm.
The headlamp has been redesigned to look similar to the 390 Duke’s although it does not have the same DRLs.
All lighting are LED.
The 2024 KTM 250 Duke has the same design language as the entire Duke range such the radiator panels, side panels, tank.
Electronics wise, the new bike has a new 5-inch LCD screen with connectivity functions.
The 2024 KTM 250 Duke is priced from RM 22,500 with Quickshifter+.
The 2024 KTM 390 Duke was launched in Malaysia. It features some of the biggest updates since its initial launch back in 2012. In fact, it might as well be called an all-new bike altogether.
Starting from its design, the 2024 bike has a much closer familial resemblance to its larger cousins, namely the 890 Duke R, 990 Duke, and 1390 Super Duke R. The new headlight cluster has also been redesigned to give the bike a new signature look. The radiator covers are moulded with spoilers, but thankfully, no winglet.
Highlights of the 2024 KTM 390 Duke
The Euro 5.2-compliant engine sees a capacity bump to 398.7cc from 373cc, hence a redesigned cylinder head.
There is not much in terms of power increase however, just up to 44.25 hp and 39 Nm, from 44 hp and 37 Nm from the previous iteration.
However, what KTM sought is not to lose engine power due to the more restrictive Euro 5.2 standard, hence the capacity increase.
The frame is now two-piece, with the aluminium subframe bolted onto the steel trellis main frame.
A new curved aluminium swingarm accommodates the rear monoshock.
The monoshock is mounted off-centre, enabling a larger airbox. A larger airbox should smooth out the engine’s power delivery.
The split piston monoshock is adjustable for preload and rebound (finally!).
Up front are 43 mm WP APEX Open Cartridge forks with 5-step adjustment for rebound and compression.
Braking duty is handled by a single four-piston caliper gripping a 320mm disc in front, and a 240mm disc at the back.
Cornering ABS is now standard, and as usual, the rider can switch to Supermoto ABS to deactivate the rear wheel’s ABS.
There have been market feedback than the Duke’s seat is a little tall for us Asian riders, so the 2024 KTM 390 Duke has an adjustable seat height feature to set it to 800 mm or 820 mm.
There is a new 5-inch TFT-LCD display, too. TRACK mode emphasises the tachometer display, while also bringing up the lap timer and gear indicator.
The said mode will activate the launch control feature (yummy!).
Unfortunately, all these changes have added 16 kg to the bike, now at 165 kg compared to 149 kg.
There are two colour choices: Electronic Orange, and Atlantic Blue.
The 2024 KTM 390 Duke is priced from RM 35,800, with the Quickshifter+ feature.
Automatic gearboxes on motorcycles is not a new thing, especially among small capacity motorcycles. However, manufacturers are starting to arm their motorcycles with such systems of late. The latest is the BMW Automated Shift Assist.
The BMW system, however, has a key difference compared to Honda’s DCT. Whereas the DCT system omits the gearshift lever for buttons on the handlebar, BMW’s system retains the lever. The only similarity is the deletion of the clutch lever.
The system uses two shifting modes, ‘M’ and ‘D’. In M (manual) mode, the rider still moves the gear lever and decides when they want the bike to shift either up or down. Switching to D (drive) mode enables automatic up and downshifts by the gearbox’s ECU.
The manufacturer says that the system is to “Simplify your ride”, by using an automated clutch and shifting mechanism, without “sacrificing the emotionally important dynamics of shifting.”
How it works
Two electromechanical actuators automate the clutch and gearshift of the six-speed transmission, meaning there is no need clutch lever.
It allows you to accelerate like a scooter by twisting the throttle.
The clutch is automatically actuated once you come to a stop again.
The rider’s shift request is transmitted to the control unit via a gearshift lever sensor, which is actuated by the gear lever.
Additional sensors gauge the revs of the transmission input shaft and the clutch position.
This data is fed to the Transmission Control Unit (TCU), which, along with the bike’s ECU, decides on how much clutch pressure to apply to enable the shift to take place.
BMW has not announced which model will receive the ASA feature, despite the graphics showing a Boxer engine, and the picture showing the button on the handlebar of a GS. However, it adds 2kg to the bike over the conventional system thus the S 1000 RR and M 1000 RR should still retain the traditional transmission (thank goodness!).
Jalan Sultan Ismail has been made a two-way road from 30 April 2024. The move is expected to reduce traffic congestion around the Bukit Bintang area.
Kuala Lumpur Deputy Chief of Police, Datuk Azry Akmar Ayob said the change started from Jalan Raja Chulan to Simpang Bukit Bintang. He said that a total of 20 members of the Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) will be stationed along the route to help smooth the flow of traffic.
“This route change has been implemented since last Wednesday (April 30) to avoid traffic congestion in the center of the capital.
“The deployment of 20 traffic officers on this route is to smooth traffic because many users are still unaware of the change,” he said.
Commenting further, Azry said the route will be used as a one-way road during peak hours from 6 am to 9 am which will be controlled by his side. The one-way route will start from Jalan Kampung Pandan towards Jalan Sultan Ismail and the route will become a two-way road after 9am.
According to him, to avoid confusion, he will place JSTP members along the route involved.
“We still haven’t been able to (see the results) completely and monitoring is still being done by traffic officers stationed around Bukit Bintang and Jalan Sultan Ismail.
“Officers will monitor the smooth passage of vehicles passing here, besides trying to give road users more understanding.
“We hope this implementation can reduce the rate of traffic congestion in Bukit Bintang,” he said.
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z was launched in India yesterday, bringing the Pulsar lineup on par with the Dominar. Priced at INR 185,000 (RM 10,520.43), it is a full INR 46,000 (RM 2,615.89) cheaper than the Dominar 400.
It will now compete with Bajaj’s own Dominar 400, the new Triumph T-Series of 400cc single-cylinder bikes, KTM 390 Duke, et al although not in the same price range.
Highlights of the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z
The most striking feature is its new aggressive styling, although its silhouette retains the signature Pulsar look.
The front end retains the triangular fairing but the headlight cluster now features a central LED projector lamp, flanked by lightning bolt-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs).
At the back, the Pulsar signature style LED taillight is maintained.
A split-seat option is available.
It shares the same 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine as the Dominar 400.
The powerplant produces a maximum power of 39.4 hp at 8,800 RPM and maximum torque 35 Nm at 6,500 RPM.
The 6-speed transmission includes a slip and assist clutch.
New 43mm gold-coloured upside-down forks up front.
320mm front disc brake.
5-step adjustable brake and clutch levers.
The ride-by-wire throttle opens up the inclusion of traction control and four ride modes i.e. Sport, Road, Rain, Off-Road.
ABS is standard.
Tyre sizes are 110/70-17 tyre up front and a 140/70-R17 at the back.
Seat height is an accessible 804mm.
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z comes in four colours namely Glossy Racing Red, Pewter Grey, Metallic Pearl White, and Brooklyn Black.
The 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide and 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide have arrived in Malaysia, after being announced earlier among 21 other carryover models. These two, in addition to the new 2024 CVO Road Glide ST are the key models in the Grand Touring range.
Highlights of the 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide and 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide
H-D says they are more powerful, lighter, and more dynamic, plus more cohesive visual cues.
Updated Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin engine with a new cooling system to optimise intake and exhaust gas flow.
Four Ride Modes – Road, Sport, Rain, Custom.
New infotainment system powered by Skyline OS, featuring a 12.3-inch colour TFT touchscreen which replaces the analog meters and some switches.
200-watt power amplifier which powers the front fairing mounted speakers.
The newly-designed fairing is said to reduce helmet buffeting by 60 percent at highway speeds.
Rear suspension travel is increased by 76.2mm (Yay, no more backaches!).
Redesigned one-piece seat with newer material.
The 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide is priced from RM 211,900.
The 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide is priced from RM 195,900.
2024 CVO Road Glide ST highlights
“CVO” stands for Custom Vehicle Operations.
The 2024 CVO Road Glide ST heads Harley’s 2024 CVO lineup.
The Motor Company says that it is the quickest, fastest, and most sophisticated bagger they have produced.
Solo seat i.e. single-rider seat.
Handlebar mounted on six-inch risers, for that West Coast Custom riding style.
Milwaukee-Eight 121 High Output V-Twin engine.
Massive inverted 47mm Showa 1X1 forks.
Showa rear shocks with remote reservoirs.
Brembo brakes.
Selectable Ride Modes.
Premium audio system with 500-watt amplifier and Rockford Fosgate Stage II 6.5-inch speakers in the fairing.
The 2024 CVO Road Glide ST is priced from RM 346,900.
