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BMW R 12 G/S Unveiled

The BMW R 12 G/S has been unveiled; and takes over from the beautiful R nineT Urban G/S.

the BMW R 12 G/S and indeed, its predecessor draws a direct lineage to the R 80 G/S which made its debut in 1980. The R 80 G/S revolutionised the motorcycling world, by combining long-distance touring and off-road capabilities, hence is the grandaddy of all adventure motorcycles, regardless of brand. In fact, “G/S” stands for ‘Gelände / Straße (pronounced stras-se)’, or ‘Off-road / Street’ in English. Now you know the origins of the BMW GS series.

Back to the BMW R 12 G/S, the company seeks to capture the spirit of the legendary bike, but it is not limited to cosmetics: “With the new BMW R 12 G/S, BMW Motorrad is offering a classic enduro for puristic off-road fun. The abbreviation borrowed from the legendary R 80 G/S stands for ‘Gelände / Straße’ (Off-road / Street) and signals that the new member of the BMW R 12 family masters both equally. We know that numerous fans have been eagerly waiting for this motorcycle,” said Markus Lederer, Head of Boxer Series.

Highlights:

Classic, purist enduro design.
Original air/oil-cooled two-cylinder boxer engine with 80 kW (109 hp) at 7,000 rpm and 115 Nm at 6,500 rpm.

Left-hand single-flow exhaust system with high-mounted rear silencer and conical tailpipe.
One-piece tubular spaceframe with raised and forward-positioned steering head section. Bolted-on rear frame.

Fully adjustable upside-down telescopic fork at the front and Paralever swing arm with angled, also fully adjustable rear shock absorber with revised travel-dependent damping.
21-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel as standard. 18-inch rear wheel as part of the “Enduro Package Pro” optional equipment.

Axially mounted 2-piston floating calipers, steel flex brake lines and 310 mm brake discs.
BMW Motorrad ABS Pro for safe braking even when leaning into corners.

“Rain”, “Road” and “Enduro” riding modes as standard. Additional “Enduro Pro” riding mode available as optional equipment.
DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) and engine drag torque control (MSR) as standard.

Classic round instrument panel and 12 V socket. Digital display available as optional equipment ex works.
Powerful LED light units as standard and adaptive “Headlight Pro” as optional equipment ex works.

Keyless Ride for conveniently activating the locking functions via radio as standard.
Three attractive colors for a stylish look.

Tailored range of ex works customization optional equipment available through the premium quality Original BMW Motorrad accessories range.

Colour options and price

The three colour options are Night black matt (basic version), Light white paint (optional version), Sandrover matt (Option 719 Aragonit).

The price of the BMW R 12 G/S has not been announced.

Photo gallery

Triumph TF 250-E and Triumph TF 450-E Unveiled

The much-anticipated Triumph TF 250-E and Triumph TF 450-E enduro motorcycles have been unveiled.

The bigger TF 450-E features a single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that produces 57.8 hp and 49.2 Nm of torque. On the other hand, The smaller TF 250-E model also gets the same single-cylinder liquid-cooled power unit but it produces 41.7 hp and 27.8 Nm of torque. Both powertrains have been developed to provide more inertia than a motocross engine, giving it a more stable and smoother power delivery across different racing conditions. Both bikes are also equipped with a quickshifter.

The all-new TF 250-E and TF 450-E share the same lightweight aluminium chassis, Dellorto 44mm throttle body, Del West titanium valves and forged König aluminium piston set-ups.

The fully-adjustable KYB coil-sprung 48mm forks and three-way adjustable linkage-driven rear suspension are shared by both models too, and they have been specifically tuned for enduro riding. The handlebar is the Pro Taper ACF Carbon Core with adjustable mounts.

As part of the extensive performance-based parts, the TF 250-E and TF 450-E receive a Galfer braking system that includes a 260mm front brake disc and 220mm rear brake disc, as well as Brembo’s twin 24mm piston floating front calliper and a single 26mm piston floating rear calliper.

Both models are fitted with Michelin Enduro 2 tyres that have been designed for diverse terrains, ranging from soft to hard surfaces and muddy to dry conditions.

Both the Triumph TF 250-E and Triumph TF 450-E will go racing as part of the company’s foray into the enduro scene, in collaboration with five-time World Champion Iván Cervantes and four-time World Enduro Champion Paul Edmondson.

Triumph Motorcycles’ Chief Product Officer, Steve Sargent, said: “We are entering the competitive Enduro scene with new models that introduce cutting-edge advancements in Enduro performance and technology. Featuring a brand-new chassis and engine platform, the 2026 Enduro models are designed to elevate performance, handling, comfort, and usability, meeting the diverse needs of both professional and amateur riders.

“Working with Paul Edmondson’s team to test these bikes in real-world environments, our team have refined the agility and performance of these models, ensuring they excel whether a rider is new to Enduro or racing competitively. This level of all-round usability and excellence has not been seen in this sector before.”

The new enduro range from Triumph is fully road-legal. The TF 250-E is priced at £9,795 (RM56,087.13) while the bigger TF 450-E is £10,395 (RM59,522.79).

Ducati Records Revenue Over €1 Billion in 2024

Ducati has announced a revenue of over €1 billion in 2024. It was the third year in a row that the Italian manufacturer posted revenues of more €1 billion.

However, while Ducati recorded a total revenue of €1.003 billion (RM 4.84 billion), the figure was actually lower than the €1.065 billion (RM 5.16 billion) posted in 2023. In terms of profits, Ducati earned an operating profit of €91 million (gain of 9.1 percent) compared to 10.5 percent in 2023.

In terms of units, Ducati sold 54,495 motorcycles globally, compared to the record of 58,224 sold in 2023.

Ducati remains positive despite the decline, with CEO Claudio Domenicalli saying, “2024 ends with a positive balance that, despite a challenging competitive environment, confirms our solidity and a benchmark profitability in the two-wheeler market.”

The manufacturer had already launched 10 models – some new, some refreshed- for 2025 and will surely see sales climb. The new models include the first XDiavel V4, Multistrada V2 and Streetfighter V2. The two V2 models are fitted with the latest V2 engine. Updated models include the Multistrada V4, Panigale V4, and Streetfighter V4.

Fined RM486,000 for Tailgating

Recently, a lawyer was fined RM486,843.91 (US$109,500) for being found guilty of tailgating the vehicle in front of him.

In Malaysia, more and more drivers are increasingly fond of tailgating, or what is commonly known as ‘cucuk angin,’ while driving on highways. This is a dangerous action, even if the driver in front is driving leisurely or “looking for a rental house.” This behavior is often overlooked by enforcement authorities in Malaysia, but the story is different in Switzerland.

The fine was more than double the value of the car he was driving at the time of the incident. Switzerland has strict laws, and fines are calculated based on the offender’s taxable income. In this case, the man, who hails from Aargau in northern Switzerland near the German border, was driving a BMW 540d.

According to the charges in court, the lawyer was accused of driving too close to the vehicle in front of him at 9:35 a.m. in March 2023 on the A1 highway near the district of Kölliken AG. Video footage taken by the police showed that he was tailgating a vehicle in the overtaking lane for 2.6 kilometers at a speed of 110 to 120 km/h, with the distance between the vehicles estimated to be eight to twelve meters.

The High Court sentenced him in August last year to a conditional fine of 50 times the daily rate of 1,970 Swiss Francs (totaling 98,500 Swiss Francs) with a probation period of two years. He was also required to pay an additional fine of 10,000 Swiss Francs.

The man appealed to the Federal Supreme Court, but his appeal was rejected. The Lausanne judge, as reported on Thursday, stated that “the appeal is unfounded.”

According to the portal Bluewin, the judge upheld the reasoning of the High Court, stating that the man’s driving behavior posed a serious risk to the safety of others.

Suzuki Recorded Best Global Sales in 15 Years in 2024

Suzuki’s sales is improving year by year since the downturn in 2020, resulting in their best in the last 15 years in 2024.

The numbers were posted on the MotorCycleData website, which tracks the registration of new motorcycles across 90 countries. The website only takes motorcycle registrations instead of those invoiced by manufacturers.

According to them, some 2.1 million Suzuki motorcycles were registered in 2024, representing a 6.1% increase.

Looking at regions, Western Europe recorded a 23.4% increase, Latin America also had a 23.4% increase, while East Europe contributed a whopping 140.2% up trend.

As for individual countries, sales were up by 157% in Turkey, 59% in Bangladesh, 47.1% in Germany, 36.8% in Argentina, 30.5% in France, 17.3% in India, and 5.4% in Colombia.

However, sales declined by 25.4% in China.

The website did not reveal which models were the best-sellers. Suzuki is currently the sevent largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world:

Honda;
Hero Motor;
Yamaha;
Bajaj Auto;
TVS Motor;
Yadea;
Suzuki;
Haojue;
KTM;
CFMoto.

Pirelli to be Sole Tyre Supplier for MotoGP in 2027

It has been confirmed that Pirelli will take over the reigns from Michelin as sole tyre supplier to the MotoGP championship beginning 2027.

The electric motorcycle racing series, MotoE, will also be using Pirelli tyres from that point henceforth.

The agreement with MotoGP’s governing body will span five years until 2031. Pirelli is already the sole tyre supplier to the Moto3 and Moto2 classes, after taking over from Dunlop since last year. The move saw lap times tumbled dramatically as well as closer racing.

Pirelli has been the tyre supplier to the World Superbike Championship for many years. Apart from motorcycle racing, Formula 1 is also racing on Pirelli rubber, which makes the company the supplier to the highest tiers of motor racing.

On the other hand, Dunlop is the sole tyre supplier for the Superstock category in the FIM Endurance World Championship.

However, we suspect it would not stop some people from crying about bringing back certain brands. Previously, when Bridgestone first came into MotoGP, many said Michelin was better. Then when Michelin came back, they said Bridgestone was better. It will be interesting to see what kind of comments will pop up next.

Triumph Broke Sales Record – Sold 134,635 Motorcycles in 2024

Triumph broke sales record again, with 134,635 motorcycles sold worldwide in 2024, marking a 64% jump from 2023. It was also the first time for the brand to sell more than 100,000 units in their 122-year history.

This is the fifth consecutive year that Triumph has achieved an all-time record, representing an increase of 123% since 2019. The continuous sales growth is reflected in the expansion of the company’s dealer network which now reaches over 950 global dealers, representing an increase of 46%.

Looking specifically at their 2024 milestone, Triumph says the sales record was greatly fuelled by their entrance into the sub 500cc market which has attracted new riders to the brand. (No surprise!) Credit goes to the successful launch of the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X models, built in response to growing global demand for smaller capacity motorcycles.

Triumph reported the greatest growth was achieved in India, where sales of the 400cc machines largely contributed to a total of 29,736 units sold in the country. The manufacturer did not detail the numbers, but reported that other markets like Brazil, Canada and the US stood out with sales up by 44% compared to 2023. And although European markets saw a smaller growth of 18%, Triumph confirms they still remain the largest region for the brand.

“We have a strong new model pipeline which will see our range develop further to appeal to an even greater range of riders,” said Triumph Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Stroud. “That’s why we continue to make ambitious plans, forecasting continued progressive growth, which will see us welcome even more customers to the Triumph Brand over the coming years.”

Pirelli Diablo Powercruiser Tyres Launched

Pirelli tyres have always been associated with high performance motorcycles on the road and track. However, one glaring void is the range of tyres for cruisers. As such, the Pirelli Diablo Powercruiser tyres have been launched at the recent Daytona Bike Week.

Building tyres to suit high-speed, high-performance motorcycles is one thing, but cruisers produce lots more torque at lower speeds and weigh much more. Slapping on a set of Diablo Super Corsa or Rosso Corsa IV will see them destroyed in short order, not to mention being dangerous.

Consequently, Pirelli drew on their supersport expertise in creating these new Pirelli Diablo Powercruiser tyres. They need to handle higher dynamic stress, both when leaning and when braking and accelerating, while providing high levels of grip in any condition.

The rear radial sizes are a dual-compound design, enriched with silica (great for wet grip and mileage), and combined with Cap & Base technology which provides a softer lateral compound. Like some of the other products in the Pirelli range, the tyre deforms and changes in relation to how the bike is being ridden, meaning it is claimed to react appropriately to the speed of the bike providing more grip when needed.

To improve the handling dynamics, the new Powercruiser tyres are more triangulated than some other products, a design feature that Pirelli claims increases the speed of quick changes of direction, while the flatter shoulder should offer increased levels of grip when cornering.

However, as you can see from the table below, the highest speed rating is “V” for a maximum speed of 240 km/h (at maximum pressure and load).

Sizes cover rim sizes from 16 to 21 inches for the front wheel, and from 16 to 18 inches for the rear wheel. The rear tyre width in the new hoops covers 150 to 260 section rims.

Zontes 703V Power Cruiser Revealed

We are starting to sound like a broken record… or a looping Spotify playlist, as we say again that Zontes has world-conquering aspirations. Hot on the heels of the recently launched 368G adventure scooter, 703F dual-purpose, and 703RR sportsbike is the Zontes 703V power cruiser.

The 703V is actually the fourth 703 family member, as the company had revealed a 703R naked bike.

By the way, the “703” number alludes to the engine: “700cc, 3-cylinder.” It displaces 699c, has dual overhead cams, and depending on tuning, produces 76hp in the 703F and 100hp in the 703RR. The 703V seems to utilise the 100hp, 85.4Nm tuning which is good news.

Apart from that, it looks to be fitted with Brembo brake calipers up front. But Zontes offers importers to opt for either Brembo or J.Juan calipers. J.Juan is owned by Brembo, anyway.

The Zontes 703V is still in its prototype stage, but we can expect all the top equipment and specifications when it goes into production.

BMW Wants to Buy KTM?

In another sensational rumour or news – depending on if it goes through – in the KTM saga, BMW is said to be interested in buying KTM.

The news was posted by an Austrian business media oe24, saying that they learned from an insider familiar with KTM’s restructuring. Creditors are set to vote on KTM AG’s future later today (25th February) at 9:00 A.M. Austrian time (4:00 P.M. Malaysian time). The insider also told oe24 that Dr. Peter Vogl, who is the insolvency administrator, “has a preference for a specific buyer, namely BMW Motorrad.”

“At the settlement meeting on Tuesday, BMW Motorrad intends to step in as an investor and continue the KTM brand,” he further added.

The insider had also claimed that Oberbank is the party pushing BMW Motorrad to acquire KTM. “Their CEO, Franz Gasselsberger, has strong ties to the BMW Group, as the Oberbank is also the house bank for the BMW engine plant in Steyr.”

However, taking the BMW route would be disastrous for KTM’s 4,500 employees as they could be laid off by end-2025. It was said that BMW will want to move KTM’s research and development department to Munich, Germany, while production will move completely to India.

Additionally, KTM’s present suppliers in Austria will also lose out if the deal with BMW works out as the latter would definitely resort to their own suppliers. Hence, there is concern that there will be mass bankruptcies in Austria.

If that is not bad enough, BMW’s takeover would mean that the Austrian taxpayers will have to shoulder €225 million as the country’s insolvency burden equalisation fund pays for for the laid off workers.

On the other hand, BMW’s buyout will see BMW Motorrad’s MotoGP plans may be fast-tracked.

Valentino Rossi 46th Birthday Race Suit Launched

Love him or loathe him, Valentino Rossi is a MotoGP legend. It is no surprise that there are still many brands that are keen to continue working with him, including his long-time supporter, Dainese. And to commemorate his 46th birthday, the Italian company has launched the Soleluna Vale46 Anniversario limited edition race suit and AGV helmet (AGV is under Dainese).

The new suit uses Rossi’s famous trademark design details, such as the sun and the moon motif. The sun and moon (hence Soleluna) signify the light and the dark, which Rossi has likened to his on and off-track personalities.

The design adorns the Dainese Demone GP D-air 3x suit made, which is made from kangaroo hide. From what we can see, the suit has more gold detailing than Rossi’s signature fluorescent yellow, so the wearer does not look like a ‘highlighter pen’ as MotoGP commentator Julian Ryder called him. The helmet is an AGV Pista GP RR, which features a black and carbon base with unique gold-leaf details along with that famous fluorescent yellow hue.

Just 46 pieces of the suit will be built. However, Rossi will not be getting the first one. Instead, the first suit with serial number 01/46 is for a special charity auction which will benefit a charity selected by Dainese and The Doctor.

Ironically, the suit is not suitable for road or track riding according to Dainese, so it is a collector piece. They will though be going on sale at specially selected Dainese outlets, VR46 stores, museums, racetracks, and art galleries. Each purchase will be completed with a certificate of authenticity and each suite and helmet are signed by the man himself. The manufacturer did not reveal the suit and helmet set’s price, which means it is something it is going to be out of reach for most of us (us included!).

Source: Visordown.com

2025 Ducati XDiavel V4 Debuts, Gets V4 Power

The 2025 Ducati XDiavel V4 has made its debut and is now powered by a V4 engine.

Powertrain

The Granturismo V4 engine already powers the Diavel S and Multistrada V4 lineup. As such, the new bike boasts 168 hp (124 kW) at 10,750 RPM and 126 Nm at 7,500 RPM, compared to 160 hp (118 kW) and 127 Nm at 5,000 RPM of the previous 1262cc Testastretta DVT V-Twin engine. That is an 8hp peak power gain, although maximum torque has moved up the powerband by 2,500 RPM.

But maximum power is just part of the story, as the V4 engine features a counter-rotating crankshaft which promotes nimbleness. Additionally, the 2025 Ducati XDiavel V4 weighs in with a kerb weight of 229 kg, which is a whole 6 kg lighter than its predecessor. Yes, the V4 engine is actually lighter than the V2. So, more power, less weight equals a faster and more nimble motorcycle.

Chassis

Suspension duties are handled by 50mm fully-adjustable upside-down forks up front, complemented by a fully-adjustable monoshock at the back, acting on a single-sided aluminium swingarm.

Still about the chassis, the brakes consist of none other than Brembo Stylema four-piston monobloc calipers that grip dual 330mm discs at the front. The rear brake features a single 265mm gripped by a two-piston Brembo caliper.

The riding position has likewise been revised with the handlebar lowered and brought closer to the rider. The seat now features thicker material for better comfort.

Electronics

Over to the electronics, the 2025 Ducati XDiavel V4 has three power modes with four riding modes namely Sport, Touring, Urban, and Wet. Traction control, wheelie control, cornering ABS, cruise control, quickshifter, are all there.

A new 6.9-inch colour TFT has been fitted. It offers Bluetooth connectivity to pair the smartphone for calls, text messages and music, or use the turn-by-turn navigation system (only available as an accessory) via the Ducati Link App.

Colour options

There are two new colours for the 2025 Ducati XDiavel V4 called Burning Red and Black Lava, both metallic. The price has not been revealed.

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