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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 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.

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.

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.

 

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

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.

Honda expects to sell 20.2 million motorcycles globally in their 2024 fiscal year which ends on 31 March 2025.

Should that come to be, it represents an 8% increase from the 2023 fiscal year, which saw the sales of 18.7 million units.

The number equates to almost 40 percent of the world’s motorcycle market. The largest contributor is expected from where else but Asia, more specifically in Indonesia, Thailand, India, and Vietnam. This region alone will see some 17.1 million sales (84.6 percent).

Other markets such as Japan, Europe, and the USA will make up a combined 1.2 million motorcycles (5.9 percent).

Honda produces motorcycles of all shapes and sizes, thus is able to find demand in any market. The smaller capacity motorcycles rule South East Asian streets, while the larger capacity models are the staple in the European and North American continents.

The company is setting their sights on the South West Asian region where 50 million motorcycles had been sold.

By the way, just for comparison, BMW Motorrad sold 210,408 bikes in 2024. So, that means Honda will sell 100 more than that.

There are two special liveried Honda Gl1800 Gold Wing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the model.

First launched in 1975 as the GL1000 flat-four, the Gold Wing has grown over the years to the current 1833cc flat-six. The last complete update was in 2018 which saw it gaining girder forks and Honda’s DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission).

Updates have been given to both the standard and Tour variants of the bike – including two new paint finishes said to be influenced by models of the past. Amongst them is a combination of Eternal Gold and Mahogany Brown, which draws inspiration from the 1988 GL1500 variant – with unique badging also marking the special birthday.

An additional O2 sensor is fitted to the exhaust system, plus tweaks to the ECU to make the 124.7hp engine to meet the Euro5+ regulations. Buyers can choose between the manual transmission and DCT options.

Further nods to the milestone include a Gold Wing emblem on the key and seven-inch TFT display, which come complete with 50th Anniversary and ‘Since 1975’ emblem.

On top of this, the first 1833 bikes sold across Europe (a nod to the engine capacity) will come with a replica model measuring 280mm long, by 152mm high.

Tweaks have also been made to the audio and rider/pillion technology on board, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available, alongside a new speaker system for better audio at high speeds.

Further to this, a ‘Ducking’ feature will automatically lower background music during conversations over comms, and you get two USB-C charging sockets for smartphones on both the standard and Tour variants.

It has been confirmed: MV Agusta is back in Timur Sardarov’s control. It was sold to Art of Mobility S.A., a company controlled by the Sardarov family.

Pierer Mobility AG (PMG), the parent company of KTM AG, officially confirmed that they had sold their 50.1% controlling stake of the legendary brand. PMG has purchased 25.1% of MV shares in November 2022, before acquiring a further 25% in the spring of 2024.

The Austrian company had decided to let MV Agusta go almost as soon as they went into an ongoing “self-administration process” for 90 days.

PMG says that the transaction will be completed in the first half of 2025. The value of the sale is said to be in the “mid-double-digit million range.”

Timur Sardarov said, “This is a moment of pride for all of us at MV Agusta. Regaining full control of the company means we are now stronger and more focused than ever on delivering excellence.

Over the past two years, the company has significantly strengthened its processes, systems, and workforce. These structural changes are the foundation of the extraordinary results achieved in 2024 and will continue to drive our success in the years to come.

I have full confidence in our leadership team, whose vision, combined with the dedication and professionalism of our renewed dealer network, will take MV Agusta to new heights. My commitment, and that of my family, is to be a vital force for the Varese team, the region, and all our partners.

According to MV, all of their 219 global dealers and 41 service centres will continue as business as usual. The number of dealers is also predicted to rise to 270 by the end of 2025. The company sold 4000 motorcycles, representing an annual growth rate of 116% compared to 2023.

The 2025 Yamaha XSR155 modern retro model has been launched in Indonesia.

We do not have the XSR900 modern retro in Malaysia, either, although it shares the same platform as the MT-09. However, an XSR155 makes sense as it shares the same engine platform with two of Yamaha’s bestsellers, namely the Y16ZR sport moped, NVX scooter, and R15M sportbike. To recap, it features four-valves and variable valve timing (VVT).

Yamaha Indonesia claims the engine to produce 19 hp at 10,000 RPM and 14.7 Nm at 8,500 RPM. Comparatively, both figures are higher than the Y16ZR’s in Malaysia i.e. 17.7 hp at 9,500 RPM, and 14.4 Nm at 8,500. Looks like the Indonesian model’s ECU is less restricted and revs higher.

Anyway, the 2025 Yamaha XSR155 in Indonesia features a classic brown colourway called “Metallic Brown Authentic”. Complementing the colour is a “bread loaf” seat. The Yamaha Indonesia brochure did not show any saddlebag, but we are sure brown saddlebags will look great on the bike.

So, how about it, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor? It may be a little harder to find a market for the XSR900, but the XSR155 should be easily afforded by many.

As a follow up to the prototype unveiling at EICMA 2024, the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R and 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X have been officially announced.

Looking back to EICMA, we expected the off-road biased “R” variant but did not expect KTM to roll out an all-new road-biased model, too. The road-biased model now has the letter “X” affixed to it, instead of having no letters after the “Adventure” name.

Both are powered by the same updated 399cc LC4c single-cylinder engine, which produces 44 hp at 8,500 RPM  and 39 Nm at 7,000 RPM. The engine receives a new stainless steel exhaust system which is 5 kg lighter, revised fuel injection, airbox, and cylinder head. The gearbox has been reworked and the slipper and assist clutch is standard.

Also shared are the suspension and frame. Although the latter is based on the 390 Duke, there are new subframe mounts, steering head angle, and 25mm taller handlebar. The suspension is taken from the recently launched 390 Enduro R, with WP APEX 43mm open cartridge forks paired to matching a monoshock – both of which are good for 230mm of travel.

The main differences between the “R” and “X” are a five litre larger tank on the Adventure R (now 14-litres), plus the rally inspired fairing and tower which houses a full LED lighting setup, and wheel sizes. The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R rolls on 21/18-inch wheels, while the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X has 19/17-inch rims.

Electronic tech includes a five-inch TFT and three ride modes (Street, Off-Road and Rain – which limits power delivery and heightens traction control (TC) intervention). Whichever of these modes is in use when the bike is turned off will remain engaged upon start up.

There’s also dual channel ABS, switchable cornering sensitive TC, and, for a touch of mile munching comfort, optional cruise control as well.

The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R sells for £6699 (RM38,854.20) and 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X is priced at £5399 (RM31,314.20) in the UK.

The 2025 Triumph Speed Triple RS has been launched, replacing the half-faired Speed Triple RR.

As such, the RS naked is now more powerful and has higher specifications. To start, the three-cylinder engine gets a 3hp boost for a total 180 hp. Torque has also increased from 125.0 Nm to 127.5 Nm. The maximum torque also arrives a lower RPM than its predecessor. The performance increase is due to updates to the ECU and a new free-flowing Akrapovic exhaust.

The RR had Öhlins semi-active suspension, thus it has now been moved to the RS, although it is not 100% the same. On the other hand, the 2025 Triumph Speed Triple RS gets the latest Öhlins Smart EC3.0, which is backed up by the Objective Based Tuning Interface (OBTi). The rider can adjust the front and rear suspension’s firmness, braking support, acceleration support, initial acceleration support, cornering support, and comfort. All without needing to turn a screwdriver or wrench. The 2025 bike also gets an adjustable steering damper.

Other electronic support include Front Wheel Lift Control, Engine Braking Control and Brake Slide Control, IMU controlled cornering ABS. The new lighter wheels are shod with Pirelli Super Corsa tyres and braking duty is handled by Brembo Stylema calipers.

Buyers can choose from three colours, Jet Black, or the premium options of Granite and Diablo Red or Granite and Performance Yellow.

The 2025 Triumph Speed Triple RS sells for £17,495 (RM95,685.75) in the UK.

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