Officially introduced at EICMA this year, CFMoto has now launched the CL-C in the Philippines, making it the first market outside of China to welcome the new bike.
As a counterpart to the 450 SS and the 450 NK, the 450 CL-C stands out as the cruiser of the trio, embracing the winning combination that made the SS and NK lines so widely embraced: a blend of sleek design, quality hardware, and an attractive price tag. Priced at 287,900 PHP in the Philippines, roughly US$5,200 or RM24,299 based on the current exchange rate, this model offers a compelling option in its class.
Honda’s recent press conference unveiled ambitious plans for the future, signaling a substantial investment of $3.4 billion in the development and production of its electric motorcycle lineup.
In recent years, electric motorcycles have witnessed significant advancements, yet for some enthusiasts, the allure of traditional petrol-powered two-wheelers remains unmatched. Kymco, the Taiwanese motorcycle giant, has been at the forefront of blending technical innovation with the inherent charisma of combustion engines.
Back in 2018, Kymco unveiled the SuperNex, an electric motorcycle featuring a manual gearbox. A year later, the company introduced the RevoNex, applying a similar principle but in a naked bike design. Although absent from the Kymco stand at the 2023 EICMA show in Milan, the RevoNex continues to capture attention.
Allen Ko, Chairman of Kymco, shared insights at EICMA 2023, expressing the company’s ambition to lead the electric evolution. When questioned about the RevoNex, Ko affirmed its ongoing development, acknowledging the challenge of infusing thrill into electric bikes. Despite the difficulty, Kymco is dedicated to enhancing the personality of their electric motorcycles, striving to make them more exhilarating.
While Ko remained cautious about divulging too much information, he confirmed the continuation of the RevoNex project. Originally slated for production in 2021, the showroom-ready version is yet to make its debut as of 2024. Ko’s remarks strongly suggest that the RevoNex is progressing towards becoming an available electric motorcycle for the public.
What sets the RevoNex apart is its inclusion of a manual gearbox, promising a more engaging riding experience compared to its competitors. Despite potential interruptions in power delivery due to the gearbox, the RevoNex is anticipated to be exceptionally fast. Previously disclosed figures for the concept indicated an impressive 3.9 seconds for 0-100 kmh and 8.7 seconds for 100-200 kmh. As Kymco continues to navigate the challenges, the RevoNex holds the promise of being one of the most thrilling electric motorcycles on the market when it finally arrives for public purchase.
It is difficult to imagine a world without motorcycles. Not only do they save time and money but they are also awesomely fun.
But according to reports out of the UK, there are some employers who are discriminating against their motorcycle riding employees for riding their bike on world-related journeys.
Well, believe it or not, the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) is sounding the alarm on exactly that.
According to Alex Parsons-Hulse from the BMF, they’ve caught wind of ‘several’ companies putting the brakes on employees using motorcycles for work-related trips. We’re talking about legitimate stuff here – visiting suppliers, meeting clients, or attending a conference. And to add fuel to the fire, there are instances where employers are saying, “Sorry, leave your bike at home,” when it comes to the daily commute. Smells a bit like discrimination based on transportation choices, doesn’t it?
The BMF isn’t sitting idly by; they want the scoop. They’re urging people to come forward and spill the beans on these situations. So if you are reading this from the UK and your boss has ever pumped the brakes on your bike for work trips or made you ditch it for the daily grind, the BMF wants to hear your tale.
It is difficult to imagine such a thing happening here in Malaysia, in fact there is no chance of it ever happening here. So our hearts go out to our motorcycle riding brethren in the UK.
The renowned Italian brand Fantic, recognized for its off-road machines and retro scramblers such as the Caballero 700, has taken a distinctive turn towards a track-focused venture with its latest unveiling at EICMA.
Named after Italy’s iconic racing venue, the Imola introduces a lightweight and advanced sports bike, featuring a Yamaha heart and high-end chassis components. Powering the Imola is a 125cc, four-stroke, four-valve engine akin to the one found in Yamaha’s MT-125 and YZF-R125. With 15bhp, making it learner license-friendly, the engine is only one facet of this exciting new bike.
Fantic’s foray into Moto2 racing in 2023 has significantly influenced the Imola’s design, especially in the construction of its frame. The Imola 125 boasts a hybrid frame incorporating both steel and aluminum, with a full aluminum swingarm. The bike’s suspension is fully adjustable at both ends, complemented by high-performance Brembo brakes. Enhancing safety features, the advanced IMU control system provides cornering ABS and lean-sensitive traction control, notable additions in the 125cc category.
However, the Imola’s status as a ‘track concept’ raises uncertainty about its potential production version. The final specifications and features of the road-ready model may differ significantly from the showcased concept.
In addition to the Imola, Fantic presented a more practical option at the exhibition, known as the Stealth (Above). Sharing the same frame and engine platform as the Imola, the Stealth presents a more production-ready appearance. As depicted in the images released by Fantic, the Stealth offers a glimpse of a mature and refined machine, potentially setting a new standard in its category.
The application process for the Electric Motorcycle Use Promotion Scheme, aimed at encouraging the adoption of electric motorcycles, is set to open for Malaysians in December this year.
In 2019, Kawasaki took full control of Bimota, marking a pivotal moment for the Rimini-based brand, which had struggled with financial instability for years. Under Kawasaki’s ownership, Bimota gained a solid foundation for future growth and stability.
Bimota showcased its offerings within Kawasaki’s exhibit at EICMA this year, officially introducing the Tera concept (TEsi con Regolazione di Altezza, which basically means Tesi with adjustable height) in its final, production-ready form.
This unveiling marked the culmination of approximately three years of development, with the unique and patented front end first presented independently a year prior. The Tera represents the latest evolution of Bimota CEO Pierluigi Marconi’s renowned Tesi chassis, including the renowned hub-steer front end which Bimota is so well known for.
The Tera steering system was designed to address the range-of-motion limitations inherent in the original Tesi design, particularly during tight turns. Unlike its predecessor, where the steering is confined within the front wheel hub, the Tera design significantly enhances side-to-side steering range to 35 degrees—16 degrees more than the Tesi H2.
Bimota’s patented front suspension-steering system retains the advantages of the original Tesi, including an anti-dive effect and a reduction in unsprung masses. The steering mechanism involves a knee-type link activating the shock absorber within the steering head. Aluminum arms with reaction rods ensure precise vertical movement, connecting to the front wheel through machined billet plates that also house the front braking system’s calipers.
A notable feature of the Tera concept is the ability to adjust the center of gravity height by 30mm. The chassis’s front section comprises two machined billet-aluminum plates and a short steel-tubing trellis structure housing the steering head, with the engine serving as a stressed member. A connecting arm links the front frame to the rear swingarm/shock’s pivot point and the engine, forming a lightweight yet rigid structure capable of accommodating the supercharged inline-four Kawasaki H2 engine, boasting 200 hp at 11,000 rpm and 137Nm of peak torque at 8,500 rpm.
While specific front-end geometry details are yet to be released, the Tera features a compact 56.9-inch wheelbase, comparable to Aprilia’s Tuono V4 Factory and notably shorter than other street-oriented adventure bikes like Ducati’s Multistrada V4 RS which measures in at 62.7 inches.
Wheels are made up of 10-spoke forged magnesium wheels (17 x 3.5 and 17 x 5.5) fitted with 120/70-17 and 190/55-17 tires. The braking system comprises Brembo four-piston Stylema calipers and 330mm discs at the front and a twin-piston caliper with a 220mm rotor at the rear, supported by Kawasaki’s KIBS ABS system.
In terms of electronics, Kawasaki provides a comprehensive suite, featuring cornering ABS, traction control, four ride modes, and cruise control. A full-color TFT display serves as the central hub for viewing and adjusting settings, as well as providing essential bike information.
Positioned as a “crossover,” the Tera combines superbike-like performance from its engine with an upright and comfortable riding position. Bimota’s innovative chassis construction, coupled with the use of lightweight materials, contributes to an impressive curb weight of just 200kg.
Chinese company CFMoto has introduced its inaugural cruiser model, the 450CL-C, this year, showcasing its potential evolution at the 2023 EICMA show through the CL-C Low Ride Concept. This captivating bobber ingeniously incorporates numerous standard components, hinting at the likelihood of a future production model. Notably, it features a revamped iteration of the classic girder front fork.
Girder forks, a vintage form of motorcycle front suspension predating telescopic forks, are commonly associated with motorcycles from the 1930s and earlier, perfectly aligning with the bobber style of the Low Ride. CFMoto has innovatively reconfigured the spring and shock arrangement to achieve a more streamlined package.
In traditional girder forks, the front wheel is suspended between sturdy castings known as ‘girders,’ exceptionally robust in the fore-aft direction to withstand braking forces that might flex a telescopic fork. CFMoto’s design retains this characteristic strength but introduces a departure from tradition by positioning the single front shock horizontally and transversely, running across the front of the bike below the headlight.
Unlike the Hossack-style forks found in some other models, CFMoto’s setup involves wishbone-shaped links that pivot on the girders both at the front and on brackets attached to a conventional steering stem. When the bars turn, the entire wishbones and shock move, reminiscent of the pre-war girder forks.
An intriguing aspect of CFMoto’s design is the position of the single front shock. Instead of the conventional vertical placement, it is mounted horizontally and transversely below the headlight, necessitating the use of a sophisticated suspension linkage. This configuration employs rockers or bell cranks and a pull-rod system with Öhlins front shock, offering advantages in terms of a more compact layout and the ability to create a rising-rate effect for a progressively stiffer suspension.
Despite these advantages, the girder fork does introduce more un-sprung mass compared to telescopic forks. The Low Ride concept integrates seamlessly with the mechanical components of the existing CL-C 450, including the frame, swingarm, and a 40hp, 449cc parallel-twin engine. This suggests that a production version of the bike could be realized without significant challenges, making it an exciting prospect for the future.
In 2024, Benelli is set to broaden its adventure range with the introduction of a new model tailored for less experienced riders – the Benelli BKX 300. What’s more, enthusiasts can also look forward to an ‘S’ variant of the BKX 300, featuring a motard-style design.
Both the Benelli BKX 300 and BKX 300 S share the same technical foundation, centered around an upgraded version of Benelli’s single-cylinder 250cc engine. Notably, the engine’s displacement has been increased to 292.4cc, achieved through a larger bore of 78mm. This enhancement is complemented by updates to the transmission, an enlargement of both the intake and exhaust valves, modifications to the combustion chamber design, and the integration of a new counterbalance shaft aimed at improving rideability and reducing vibration.
Laser headlights are nothing new and have been in the automotive market for a while already. However, they have been largely absent from the motorcycle world until 2016 when BMW introduced it for the K1600GT. But for the regular rider, laser headlights have been out of reach.
One of the benefits of laser headlights is the remarkable distance they are able to illuminate, with the potential to reach up to 600 meters.
However, their adoption has been hindered by significant production costs and the added weight, particularly in less central areas of the motorcycle. Consequently, leading manufacturers have predominantly favored the more cost-effective, lighter, and sufficiently efficient LED light technology.
Recently however, Yamaha has taken a bold step by registering patents that could revolutionize laser headlamp technology.
Recognizing the challenges associated with the weight and cost of individual laser bulbs, Yamaha has proposed an innovative solution. The patented system involves installing a single laser in the central area of the motorcycle, close to its center of gravity.
Optical connections then distribute the illumination to various components such as front lights, rear lights, indicators, and the dashboard. This central light “generator” proves to be highly effective and efficient for all lighting needs, both for service and road visibility.
Looking ahead, it is anticipated that future lighting systems may adopt a hybrid approach, combining LEDs and lasers. This would leverage the short-range effectiveness of LEDs and the unparalleled depth of action provided by lasers.
Beyond enhancing system efficiency, this innovation holds the potential to reduce the overall weight of the motorcycle, particularly in areas away from the center of gravity. Such weight reductions can translate into improved handling and overall performance, marking a significant advancement in motorcycle lighting technology.
However, we are still years away from practical application for the masses.
It is difficult to start an article about Brembo because the brand does not need an introduction.
Being at the very top of braking technology in all classes, Brembo knows what is best for a motorcycle.
The company has never stopped innovating and many a rider can probably credit the company for saving their lives once, twice or more.
And the innovation has continued for 2024 with the introduction of two new callipers:
GP4-MotoGP
This is the latest in the GP4 family and is available in 100mm fixing version and with four-pistons.
According to Brembo, the new GP4-MotoGP boasts exceptional performance achieved through an oblique pad slide which is typical of MotoGP callipers. This allows for greater braking power without using excessive force on the lever. This is also said to have a greater anti-drag effect with instant pads release and less pad wear.
If you are wondering why the design of the calliper looks a little unconventional, well those ventilation fins on the outer body help to manage heat and keep the calliper cool. There are also new racing pistons as well and this too needs to be cooled, which is achieved by the ventilation fins.
Of course the best way to cool brakes is the movement of the bike, but these fins also cool the callipers via rotational-induced air movement of the discs and the wheel.
But there is no denying that those fins also make the calliper look exceptionally cool.
And just like the Brembo callipers used at the top tier of racing in MotoGP and SBK, the new monobloc calliper is machined from a solid billet of aluminium.
The main benefit of machining from solid is that it offers greater resistance even in extreme operation and this improves the performance of the entire braking system without compromising on durability.
Hypure
Specifically tailored for high-performance bikes, the Hypure is said to boast “unparalleled performance and a boundary-breaking design”.
The Hypure is also 10% lighter than the next closest Brembo calliper, making it the lightest calliper in its class.
One of the key benefits of the Hypure is its ability to transfer heat which allows for consistent braking performance.
The patented spring/pad/pin system along with a specially crafted bearing surface between the calliper and pad is said to minimise residual torque.
And if you are wondering what Hypure means, it is said to reflect Brembo’s innovative spirit – Hyper and Pure.
It is not known which bikes will feature these callipers right out of the factory floor, but one thing is for sure though they look seriously cool.
