Can you believe that the Duke has been around for 30 years already? The year 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of KTM’s Duke series and it has been an awesome run.
And there is no better way to celebrate than to release the maddest iteration of the Duke, ever.
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Asians are probably more familiar with different types of Keeway’s – scooters, undertones and the like. But the photos you see here mark a huge departure from the Keeways we know.
Known as the TX450R, this rally race-inspired bike marks a new chapter for the Chinese bike maker.
The design is not exactly new and we have seen such race-bred designs with the Yamaha Tenere 700 and the Aprilia Tuareg 660.
And as with all things that are popular, you can expect the Chinese bike makers to capitalise on a popular fad.
Keeway is a brand under Chinese conglomerate Qianjiang Motors, or better known to all as QJ Motor. And the TX450R was first shown at this year’s EICMA show in Milan.
Its race-bred design that undoubtedly looks hardcore also looks like it belong in the deserts of Dakar or the jungles. But it is not all good-looks, it also features some modern tech such as a full-LED multi-optic headlight, a massive full-colour TFT screen, a cast-aluminium double-cradle frame as well as fully adjustable Fast Race inverted forks.
The race suspension is also part managed by a multi-linkage equipped monoshock that offers an impressive 280mm of wheel travel, which is a hint at what this bike is made to do.
Power is provided by a 449cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 42hp at 8000rpm and 38Nm of torque. Gear shifting duties is managed by a 6-speed gearbox where else the wheels measure in at 21-inches up front and 18 at the rear.
Stopping power is provided by Nissin callipers.
Interestingly, it comes with three fuel tanks that is located at different areas of the bike to provide optimal balance. Fuel capacity measures in at 28 litres.
It is not yet known when the bike will go on sale and if it will be offered for the Malaysian market. In fact, not much is known about the bike at all, except for the fact that it looks really cool.
The Royal Enfield SG650 first made an appearance at this year’s EICMA show as a concept. And usually concepts are just that, a concept. Some may talk about it, and others disregard it as something that may or may not make it to production.
Rarely is a concept shown as a production model so soon after its first appearance, but that is exactly what transpired with the Royal Enfield SG650 – now known as the Shotgun 650, its production name.
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Chinese motorcycle manufacturers have been consistently impressing the market with their advancements in recent years, continuously raising the bar for quality and innovation. An intriguing trend has emerged where Chinese brands collaborate with European counterparts, such as the partnerships between KTM and CFMoto, BMW and Loncin. The latest fusion of talents is the collaboration between MVAgusta and QJ Motor.
QJ Motor showcased its latest creation—the SRK1000 RC concept at this year’s EICMA show. This concept motorcycle boasts an engine derived from MV Agusta’s lineup, coupled with high-end components and a visually striking design crafted by QJ’s Italian design team.
Visually, the QJ SRK 1000 RC concept is a showstopper. The twin-pod headlamp, set in a sharp, angular fairing, seamlessly integrates with a robust fuel tank and a sculpted upswept tail section. Notable features, including the single-sided swingarm, twin stubby exhausts neatly tucked beneath the tail, and diamond-cut alloy wheels, contribute to the motorcycle’s overall aesthetic appeal. Interestingly but unsurprisingly, from certain angles, it bears a resemblance to the MV Agusta F3 Supersport.
Under the sleek exterior, the motorcycle is powered by a 1,078cc inline four-cylinder engine, delivering an impressive 146bhp and a peak torque output of 112Nm. This engine is a reworked version of the MV Agusta Brutale 1090 RR’s powerplant. It’s worth noting that the performance figures, while substantial, fall short compared to other contemporary liter-class sportbikes like the Ducati Panigale V4 and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, which boast power outputs exceeding 200bhp. However, the QJ SRK 1000 RC compensates with top-notch components, including Ohlins suspension, Brembo Stylema brake calipers, and Pirelli Rosso Corsa tires.
Enthusiasts eagerly await the production version of the QJ SRK 1000 RC, which is anticipated to be unveiled in the coming year. The likelihood of its availability in markets like Malaysia seems promising, given the growing popularity of Chinese motorcycle brands in the region.
Boon Siew Honda, the assembler and distributor of Honda Motorcycles in Malaysia, has updated the RS-X with two new colours.
Now available with Trico White Edition (above) and Radiate Gray Metallic (below), the much loved RS-X seems set to continue on its path before an eventual update.
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The 2023 Asia Harley Days was undoubtedly a success. We attended the event and enjoyed the atmosphere. But despite being held in what can be described as the party capital of Thailand, Pattaya, with all of its potential and reputation for great parties, could have been better. But that is not to say we did not enjoy ourselves, we certainly did.
Perhaps the chosen location, Legend Siam, was too far from the town of Pattaya, which meant only those who were attending Asia Harley Days were there. For the regular person, Asia Harley Days remained inaccessible due to its distance from the town.
Asia Harley Days is fast becoming one of the must attend events for any Harley-Davidson owners in the Asian region and this year’s instalment was no different. With over 2,500 attendees, the event, held at the legendary Legend Siam in Pattaya on October 28, 2023, saw participation from representatives of 80 H.O.G.® (Harley Owners Group) Chapters and motorcycle club members from various regions.
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After months of anticipation, BMW has officially unveiled its latest offerings for 2024—the R12 and R12 nineT. Both motorcycles share a common 1,170cc engine but boast distinct characteristics, with the R12 nineT designed as a classic roadster for dynamic rides on country roads, and the R12 as a classic cruiser for laid-back biking. Let’s delve into the details:
Classic Roadsters and Cruisers with a Heritage Twist
BMW Motorrad’s R nineT, introduced in 2013, marked a departure from conventional roadsters by blending classic motorcycle design with modern technology and customizable features. The new R12 nineT continues this legacy, embracing “The Spirit of nineT,” aiming to seamlessly follow the success of its predecessor while embodying an archetypal look, timelessness, and extensive customization options. Meanwhile, the R12 embraces “The Spirit of Easy,” with a classic cruiser for cool and relaxed biking.
Boxer Engine with Modern Enhancements
The heart of the R12 nineT and R12 models is the authentic and robust boxer engine, boasting a redesigned airbox and twin-flow rear silencer. The air/oil-cooled boxer engine, with a capacity of 1,170cc, delivers 109 hp at 7,000 rpm in the R12 nineT and 95 hp at 6,500 rpm in the R12. The left-mounted “Twin Pipe” exhaust system adds a touch of classic sportiness to both roadster and cruiser enthusiasts.
Redesigned Tubular Bridge Steel Spaceframe
A highlight of the new models is the one-piece tubular bridge steel spaceframe, a departure from the previous R nineT series. This new frame not only reduces weight but also provides a cleaner and more classic appearance. The rear frame, also tubular steel, is bolted to the main frame.
Modern Features for a Classic Feel
The R12 nineT is equipped with classic round instruments for speed and rpm, a USB-C port, and a 12V socket. A digital display is available as optional equipment. The R12 models offer a choice between roadster and cruiser designs, each providing optimal ergonomics and distinctive features.
At a glance:
– Classic, purist design as roadster and cruiser.
– Beefy air/oil-cooled 2-cylinder boxer engine.
– Designed for customizing.
– R12 nineT with 109 hp at 7,000 rpm and 115 Nm at 6,500 rpm.
– R12 with 95 hp at 6,500 rpm and 110 Nm at 6,000 rpm.
– Left-side exhaust system with double silencer and conical end pieces.
– New integrated airbox under the seat.
– One-piece tubular spaceframe with bolted-on rear frame.
– Upside-down telescopic forks at the front and Paralever swinging arm with rear spring strut.
– Radially mounted 4-piston monobloc brake calipers, steel flex brake lines, and floating 310 mm brake discs.
– BMW Motorrad ABS Pro.
– Standard riding modes and Dynamic Traction Control.
– Classic round instruments, USB-C, and 12 V socket.
– LED light units and adaptive Headlight Pro available.
– Keyless Ride as standard.
Aveta Motorcycles has officially introduced the Ranger Max Explorer, dubbed as the first adventure cub motorcycle in Malaysia.
The motorcycle has an ‘energy-efficient vehicle’ status and is powered by a 127cc, air-cooled, four-stroke SOHC engine with a maximum power output of 10hp and 10.5Nm of torque. Delivering power to the rear wheel is a conventional four-speed auto-clutch system where else stopping power is managed by a dual-piston caliper gripping a disc brake up front and a conventional drum brake system at the rear.
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Scooters have become increasingly popular thanks to their low weight, accessibility, affordability and even practicality. While Vespas, Lambrettas, and other classic scooters capture the attention of diehard enthusiasts, utilitarian scooters continue to have their own niche among commuters.
Kymco has long been one at the forefront of fun, practical and even desirable scooters, and for the 2024 model-year, it has refreshed its popular Downtown series.
The Downtown scooter will be offered in two flavors for 2024 – 125 and 350. While the 125 will appeal for those looking for something accessible, the 350 will appeal to those who want more power, as well as those looking for a practical all-rounder with some highway capability.
Among the upgrades to the 2024 model-year include an overall sportier design thanks to more angular bodywork. The styling is distinctly modern, featuring sporty elements combined with touring-inspired styling such as a tall windscreen, two-up saddle, and built-in passenger grab handles. According to Kymco, the seats have been improved, prioritizing comfort for longer hours on the saddle.
Styling aside, the new Kymco Downtown series of scooters has also receive technological updates. For starters, both versions come standard with a large, full-color TFT display, as well as a keyless ignition system for quick and convenient stops and starts. Interestingly, Kymco has thrown in a new tire pressure monitoring system on the new models, too.
Exclusive to the Downtown 350, the addition of cruise control and traction control provide further convenience on long highway stints, as well as safety in all weather conditions. There’s also a new emergency braking warning system that triggers the hazard lights under heavy braking.
In terms of underpinnings, the updated Kymco Downtown series sports components that are strictly for road use. It gets a standard telescopic fork with 110 millimeters of travel, as well as a pair of rear shock absorbers with a similar 100 millimeters of rear wheel travel. The scooter rolls on a 14-inch and 13-inch front and rear wheel combo. Other performance data and specifications have yet to be released by Kymco, so be sure to stay tuned if scooters like the new Downtown pique your interest.
Benelli put up quite a show at this year’s EICMA, unveiling a range of models for the 2024 lineup. Two noteworthy additions to their offerings are the Tornado 500 and the Tornado Naked Twin 500.
Tornado 500:
With its sleek design the Tornado 500 represents Benelli’s latest entry into the sports bike segment. Benelli says this agile and maneuverable motorcycle is crafted for all-around enjoyment, drawing on the technical foundation of the Tornado Naked Twin 500. Shared components include the frame and the proven 500cc engine, already a staple in the brand’s best-selling models.
Developed entirely by Benelli’s R&D and the Benelli Style Centre in Pesaro, Italy, the Tornado 500 inherits styling cues from its naked counterpart but evolves them for a distinct identity. The sculpted and dynamic fairing surfaces highlight the bike’s sporty character, featuring compact and contemporary shapes for a refined and modern aesthetic.
Powered by a 500cc parallel twin-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine, the Tornado 500 delivers a smooth yet responsive performance. With a maximum power output of 47.6 hp at 8500 rpm and peak torque of 46 Nm at 6000 rpm, this bike is designed for exhilarating rides. The updated engine complies with Euro 5+ standards.
Sharing the frame with its naked counterpart, the Tornado 500 boasts a traditional steel trellis frame, ensuring agility and responsiveness on the road and around corners. The suspension system includes a Marzocchi upside-down fork at the front and a swinging arm with a central adjustable monoshock at the rear. Brembo brakes, a 5-inch TFT color display, and modern features like Bluetooth connectivity and TPMS add to the overall appeal. The Tornado 500 is set to hit Benelli dealers in the first few months of 2024, with pricing and color options yet to be finalized.
Distinctive in design, the Naked Twin introduces a new headlight with a luminous signature formed by daytime running lights (DRL) that create a “T” shape when viewed from the front. This innovative feature separates the DRL from the central high and low beam modules, adding a unique touch to the bike’s appearance.
The 500cc twin-cylinder engine, updated to meet Euro 5+ regulations, undergoes design modifications for the Naked Twin. Changes to the clutch cover, transmission cover, exhaust system, and airbox optimize performance and comply with current regulations.
Supported by a tubular steel trellis frame, the Naked Twin emphasizes agility on the road with a compact design and a wheelbase of 1451 mm. The suspension system includes an upside-down fork at the front and a swinging arm with a central monoshock at the rear. Brembo brakes, 17″ aluminum alloy rims with ABS, and a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity enhance the bike’s safety and modern appeal.
Just like the Tornado 500, the Naked Twin is expected to arrive at Benelli dealers in the first half of 2024, with prices yet to be determined.
Tornado 500 Naked Twin:
Sharing its engine with the Tornado 500, the Naked Twin brings a fresh perspective to the “naked” concept, incorporating the same 500cc engine seen in popular models like the TRK 502 and the Leoncino 500.
During the recent Malaysian Grand Prix, PETRONAS unveiled its first ever racing motor oil for bikers – the PETRONAS Sprinta with UltraFlex™ technology.
Developed in Turin, Italy, this engine oil ensures optimal performance, offering a protected, versatile, and agile riding experience.
The PETRONAS Sprinta Racing 10W-50, a fully synthetic oil with an exclusive ester formulation and UltraFlex™ technology, caters to the diverse needs of high-performance superbikes, providing rapid defense and unparalleled agility.
PETRONAS says this innovation reflects its commitment to empowering riders with instant performance, defense, and care, allowing them to confidently pursue their ambitions.
Distributed at the PETRONAS Grand Prix and available in the open market from November 13, 2023, through PETRONAS Shop and official PETRONAS Shopee page, this product will reach authorized workshops and PETRONAS Stations across Malaysia in stages. The recommended retail price (RRP) is RM76 for West Malaysia and RM77 for East Malaysia.
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