Global News Archives

Vespa Primavera Batik Debuts

Vespa began as a cheap form of transportation in Italy post-WWII, but has since grown to be a lifestyle phenomenon. Vespa is now almost in a class of its own, and the company is quick to introduce limited edition ‘local’ models like this Vespa Primavera Batik.

For this edition, Piaggio (the owners of the Vespa brand) designers too inspiration from the Indonesian batik design. The batik is declared a World Heritage by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation). According to recorded history, the batik making began in the 12th century and is still remains the traditional wear in the country, as well as the formal wear amongst the public servants.

By adopting the Indonesian batik design, Piaggio hopes to convey the message of of joy, prosperity, strength, longevity, respect for all cultures, and wisdom. There are batik motifs on the front and on glove compartment, along the spine of the bike next to the footboards, and underneath the rear nacelle. A cappucino brown seat with green stitching completes the theme.

Mechanically, this limited edition remains the same with the 150cc, air-cooled, single cylinder engine, which produces 12.8 hp and 12.9 Nm of torque.

Piaggio has not confirmed the price for the Vespa Primavera Batik, nor when will it be available.

Now, how about we lobby Piaggio to make a ‘Bunga Raya’ limited edition for the Malaysian market?

DJI Avinox Drive System for E-Bikes Launched

DJI is already a famous name for making drones and other video accessories but the United States Congress is seeking to ban their drones. A ban in the US may also lead to a ban in the European Union. So, what does DJI do? Sit down and moan? Not a chance! As such, they diversified to produce the DJI Avinox Drive System for e-bikes.

Utilising their knowledge in controllers and brushless electric motors, the drive unit has a peak power of 1,000 Watts (1 kW/1.34 hp) and 120 Nm of torque. This drive unit weigh only 2.52 kg.

There are two battery options: 600 Wh and 800 Wh. The former weighs just 2.9 kg and delivers a range of up to 120 km. The 800 Wh, on the other hand, weighs 3.7 kg and goes up to 157 km. Both batteries are IP56 dust and waterproof and use GaN fast-charging technology, which helps them charge from 0% to 75% in about 1.5 hours.

Range is of course dependent on how the power is delivered, as such there are five riding modes: Auto, Eco, Trail, Turbo, and Boost. Eco delivers the longest range, while Boost delivers the highest torque while sacrificing range. But, there are also different power modes within those riding modes namely Intelligent Walk Assist, Auto Hold, Hill Start Assist, and Stationary Shifting. There is a pair of handlebar-mounted wireless switches to customise the settings on-the-go.

Included in the set is 2-inch OLED full-colour touchscreen Control Display which functions as a control hub which connects to your smartphone. Through the Avinox app, you can lock/unlock your bike and record your ride data. There is an array of sensors that capture nearly 50 data points, allowing you to customise the contents on the Control Display via the app, including parameters like ride time, range, average speed, real-time power output, and more.

The DJI Avinox Drive System is already in use by the Amflow PL mountain bike. And, it has already won the Eurobike Award 2024. DJI says you can contact them should you want to retrofit it to your current bike.

So, how is that for diversification?

2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure Launched

So, here is the much-awaited, much-anticipated, much-revised 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure or better known as the GSA, as surely to follow the ‘standard’ R 1300 GS.

We shall leave thoughts and comments of its styling to you, but underneath all that new cover seems like everything that BMW can throw at it. And we do mean everything.

The GSA is renowned for its larger fuel tank and the this new model does have one, albeit smaller at 30 litres.

Highlights of the new 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure:

The Automated Shift Assistant (ASA) with automated clutch operation and automated gearshift in accordance with the selected riding mode. As such, there is no clutch lever.
Shared Boxer engine with the non-Adventure GS which features bottom-mounted transmission.
The BMW ShiftCam technology is retained for varying the valve timing and valve stroke on the intake side.

It produces 107 kW (145 hp) at 7,750 RPM and 149 Nm at 6,500 RPM.
Completely redesigned chassis compared to its predecessor with sheet metal main frame and aluminium lattice tube rear frame.
New EVO Telelever with flex element and revised EVO Paralever rear wheel guide for better steering precision and riding stability.

BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS as standard.
Four riding modes as standard.
Engine drag torque control (MSR), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and Hill Start Control (HSC) as standard.

Driving Modes Pro with additional riding modes as optional equipment.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC as standard.
Electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA) as optional equipment, with dynamic adjustment of the damping and spring rate, and also load compensation.

Adaptive vehicle height control comfort and sport suspension as optional equipment. It automatically lifts the bike by 30mm after setting off, and lowering itself by that 30mm when slowing down toward a stop.
Matrix LED headlights and newly developed auxiliary headlights integrated into the body as standard.
Headlight Pro with adaptive headlight as optional equipment.

Hand protectors with integrated turn indicators as standard.
Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) with brake function as standard.
Riding Assistant with Active Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Change Warning and Rear End Collision Warning (RECW) as optional equipment.

Smartphone charging compartment with integrated USB socket and 12 V on-board power socket as standard.
Seat heating for rider and passenger for enhanced touring suitability as optional equipment ex works.
Handlebar risers up to 30 mm as optional equipment.

Wide range of seat height variants as optional equipments.
Multifunctional instrument cluster with 6.5-inch full-colour TFT screen and numerous features as standard.
RDC, Keyless Ride and heated grips as standard.

Intelligent Emergency Call as standard (market-dependent).
Colour variants are Triple Black, GS Trophy, and Option 719 Karakorum.

BMW Motorrad claimed that the 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventures kerb weight is 269kg, compared to the 2024 R 1300 GS’s 237kg, while its seat height is 870mm adjustable to 890mm.

Pricing in the UK starts from £18,870 (RM113,872.52) to £21,300 (RM128,536.55).

Valentino Rossi and Francesca Novella Expecting their Second Child

Nine times world champion Valentino Rossi and Francesca Novello are expecting their second child.

Rossi announced the good news in his X social media account with several pictures and the caption “La Franci è incinta, aspettiamo un’altra bambina,” which translates to “Franci is pregnant, we are expecting another little girl.” Yes, their first child was also a girl, named Guilietta.

The photos show Rossi dressed as a doctor attributing to this nickname “The Doctor.” These photos mimic the ones when he announced their first child in 2021. He retired from professional motorcycle racing soon after.

“È sicuramente una femmina Dottore!”
La Franci è incinta,aspettiamo un’altra bambina 🎀 pic.twitter.com/jV7fOkuUrc

— Valentino Rossi (@ValeYellow46) July 4, 2024

While still retaining his ambassadorship for Yamaha, “The Doctor” is the owner of the VR46 Racing Team that races Ducatis in MotoGP.

Apart from that, Rossi has turned to car racing and has achieved several good results.

He is currently a factory GT3 driver for BMW. The Italian began his GT3 career with the WRT team and Audi in 2022, but the team switched to BMW last year in order to take on its factory World Endurance Championship (WEC) effort in the Hypercar class. As such, the switch to BMW in GT3 was part of the package.

Driving the BMW M4 GT3, Rossi has finished on the podium multiple times in the GT World Challenge Europe (GTWCE) series, including two wins, both at Misano.

This year, he stepped up to WEC in combination with his GTWCE commitments. Rossi scored his first podium earlier this year at round two in Imola. Unfortunately, his #46 BMW was involved in multi-car crashes at Spa. The recent 24 Hours of Le Mans saw his car leading several times before being involved in another multi-car crash.

2024 Ducati Desert X Discovery Ready for Long Tours

Here comes the 2024 Ducati Desert X Discovery: The Desert X with all the official touring accoutrements you can shake a stick at.

It uses the stock bike as the base, which is already potent enough what with the 937cc, 90° V-Twin (Ducati insists it is an ‘L-Twin’) that produces 110 hp.

And as if that’s not enough, you have adjustable KYB suspension, Brembo M50 brake calipers, 320mm brake discs up front, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres, and TFT display with connectivity suites. As standard.

To bring it to the Discovery spec, Ducati added:

Engine protectors.
Sump guard a.k.a. bash plate.
Reinforced hand protectors.
Radiator protector.
Larger touring screen.
Heated grips.
Centre stand.
A pair of 76-litre aluminium adventure side cases.

And suddenly the idea of riding the bike to a remote campsite is not such a worrisome prospect.

The 2024 Ducati Desert X Discovery is priced at £17,295 (RM103,185.71), which is £2,300 (RM13,722.29) more than the standard Desert X.

But… that price is actually dearer than the standard Ducati Multistrada V4 which sells for £16,995 (RM101,394.30) in the UK.

BMW R 1300 GS Trophy Competition Motorcycle Revealed

The BMW R 1300 GS Trophy Competition motorcycle has been revealed ahead of the BMW International GS Trophy 2024, this time in Namibia, Africa.

As such, BMW prepared the recently launched 2024 BMW R 1300 GS for this endeavour.

But of course, it is not several one-off specials. Instead, BMW makes it as close to the bike you can buy at your local BMW Motorrad dealer.

The new Boxer engine looks to be untouched and retains its present 145 hp and 149.2 Nm of torque. Apart from that, it is fitted with black cross-spoke wheels with anodised rims, shod with Metzeler Karoo 4 tyres. The suspension is equipped with Adaptive Height Control for safer and easier handling.

Protection for the motorcycle includes engine protection bar, frame guard, large skid plate, headlight guard, white handguard extensions.

An Akrapovič exhaust system, handlebar risers, adjustable gearshift and brake levers, GS Vario rider footrests, enduro hand levers, and a rally seat, complete the equipment list of the competition GS. An adventure tail bag is fitted for storage.

The GS Trophy returns to the continent where it began in 2008 after travelling around the world to locations such as Thailand, New Zealand, Mongolia, Albania, et al. Namibia, which is located at the southwestern coast of Africa promises amazing scenery along with the Big Five animals. However, BMW Motorrad says that this may be the most challenging edition ever.

A total of 60 riders from 22 national teams (16 men’s, 6 women’s) will compete for the coveted trophy GS Trophy 2024 Namibia from September 15th to the 20th. Based on past GS Trophy events, the most successful team will be the one that was best prepared, had the best teamwork, and rode most skilfully.

Japanese Motorcycle Market Declines 8.2 Percent In First Five Months of 2024

The Japanese motorcycle market declines -8.2 percent in the first five months of 2024. This follows a -9.1% drop in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period last year.

This news came as not truly surprising since the newer generation is shunning the motorcycle as a means of transportation and recreation. Japan’s transportation system is excellent and provides many cost effective alternatives to riding or driving.

A survey by Piece of Japan clearly showed that the majority of motorcyclists are between 50 to 60 years old.

However, this news does have a sense of irony since Japanese motorcycles still dominate the global motorcycle market share.

Indeed, Honda who leads the global market declined by -8.5%, Yamaha took a huge -18.1% hit, and Suzuki also saw a double digit drop at -12.1%.

However, the other Japanese manufacturer, Kawasaki saw a big +31% gain.

Other manufacturers such as Harley-Davidson rebounded into the black at +4.6% (yes, Harleys are still popular in Japan), Triumph was up +10.7%, and KTM showed a +23.1% boost.

Seeing the market still declining despite the gains by these other brands just shows the sheer volume of motorcycles sold by the Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki.

This data was put together by MotorCycles Data who tracks the actual deliveries to buyers rather than sales from the manufacturer to dealers.

CFMoto 675 SR A2-Compliant Details Revealed

As we mentioned previously, CFMoto is in the midst of launching two midrange sportbikes. One, a 500cc with an inline-four engine called the CFMoto 500 SR Voom, and a 675cc with a three-cylinder engine called the CFMoto 675 SR.

The manufacturer had shown off the 675 SR-R Aspar edition last month, wearing all the necessary Aspar colours and busy graphics, and they have just filed the type approval application for the production ready standard 675 SR.

CFMoto had said that the three-cylinder engine will produce more than 100hp during EICMA 2023, but the document shows on 70kW (94hp). What gives? Well, that is because of Europe’s restriction for A2 licence holders. Will there be a non-A2-compliant version? We shall see.

The approval document also stated the engine’s capacity at 674cc with three cylinders and a 72mm bore. That means the stroke must be around 55mm, giving a slightly smaller bore and longer stroke than 675cc triples made by the likes of Triumph (73mm bore) and MV Agusta (79mm bore). This could mean that the CFMoto’s engine has a lower rev ceiling but more torque in the lower and middle rev range.

Apart from the engine, this standard 675 SR lacks the longer and bigger winglets of the 675 SR-R Aspar, but it does have a longer tail and pillion seat, passengers footpegs. The Aspar edition is said to be a track-only bike, thus does not have lights, turn signals, mirrors. Good news is the bike retains the prototype’s brake ducts that feed cooling air to the J.Juan four-piston brake calipers.

There may be adjustable KYB forks like those on the CFMoto 800 NK and an aluminium swingarm. The wheelbase is 1399.6mm, slightly shorter than the Honda CBR650R’s. Wet weight is 195kg.

As for you top speed boffins, the manufacturer put the CFMoto 675 SR’s top speed at 219km/h for this A2 version, so the standard version should go faster.

Italjet Dragster Gresini MotoGP Replica Revealed

Observant MotoGP fans may have noticed an Italjet Dragster in the Gresini Racing Team colours in the background during the French GP. Well, here it is officially, the Italjet Dragster Gresini MotoGP Replica.

Italjet and Gresini became partners earlier this year, hence giving birth to the replica wearing the same colour scheme as the Gresini Ducati GP16 MotoGP race bike.

The bike is available in two variants across its range, namely the standard version and a limited edition version. The standard edition is available for the Italjet Dragster 125, 200, and 300, also in Gresini colours.

The limited edition is the flagship version and is only available for the 300cc version, and only 75 units will be built. It has Öhlins suspension front and rear, Akrapovic exhaust system, and rear seat cover with the “triceratops tail” winglets. There is also a special hologram displaying the bike’s authenticity endorsed by the Gresini Racing Team.

Pricing starts from €6,399 (RM32,333.63) for the standard 125cc version to €7,499 (RM37,891.74) for the standard 300cc version. The limited edition Italjet Dragster Gresini MotoGP Replica is priced at €9,499 (RM47,996.76).

CFMoto 500SR Voom Revealed

First the type approval application for the four-cylinder engine, and now the entire bike. The CFMoto 500SR Voom four-cylinder sportbike has been revealed.

As mentioned previously, the DOHC inline-four with 63mm bores and 40mm stroke produces 78hp.

Other specifications revealed in the new type-approval document show that the CFMoto 500SR Voom has a wheelbase of 1394mm, similar to a typical 600cc supersport bike’s. CFMoto claims it weighs 194 kg including fuel. That is and slightly less than the upcoming CFMoto 675SR-R triple, which weighs 195 kg. The top speed, according to the document, is 210km/h. Tyre sizes are 120/70-17 and 160/60-17 rubber.

Pictures in the document show two colour schemes, a the silver/black version plus a blue-and-black variant. Both feature KYB suspension and CFMoto-branded radial-mount brakes, but the silver-and-black bike gets a black fork and bronze engine covers and wheels, while the blue version has a silver fork, white wheels with a black engine. The circular holes on the nose are air intakes ringed with DRL LEDs, with ducts running back to the airbox. The main headlight is the rectangular unit under the nose.

These look good and we can very well expect a naked NK model soon. But we would like to see if CFMoto will make a sportier variant with single-sided swingarm.

Triumph Bonneville T120 Elvis Presley Edition Revealed

The Triumph Bonneville T120 Elvis Presley Edition has been revealed, as an homage to the rock ‘n’ roll legend.

Elvis was an avid motorcycle fan, owning several motorcycles but Triumph was one of his favourite. He first got his leg on a Triumph T120 in 1965 which was owned by his friend Jerry Schilling. Elvis was so impressed that he went straight to ordering a T120 for each of his friends.

This new T120 bike is styled on Elvis’ most iconic ’68 ‘Comeback Special’ performance, which illuminated his name with red lightbulbs. As such, the bike features ‘ELVIS’ gold lettering in similar fashion to those stage lights, together with Presley’s signature on top of the tank. Elvis’ ‘Taking Care of Business in a Flash’ emblem is also featured on the front mudguard of the bike, the design of this is also featured on the necklace presented to each of his Memphis Mafia inner circle members.

The Carnival Red colour scheme was inspired by the Bonneville T120 TT which featured in Comedy Western ‘Stay Away Joe’ and the Bonnevilles which were gifted to the Memphis Mafia in 1965, besides the J Daar custom Bonneville created to raise money for the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation in 2023.

The Triumph Bonneville T120 Elvis Presley Edition is limited to 925 units worldwide, hence the serial number is laser etched onto the handlebar clamp with laser etched Elvis Presley’s signature. Each buyer will receive a Sony gold disc in an exclusive Elvis Presley and Triumph Motorcycles record sleeve, which also includes the certificate of authenticity, signed by Triumph’s CEO Nick Bloor and Jamie Salter, Founder, Chairman and CEO of ABG, Elvis Presley Enterprises.

Price is £14,495 (RM86,780.70) on the road in the UK.

GWM Souo S2000 Eight-Cylinder Cruiser Seen Testing

Remember the eight-cylinder GWM Souo S2000ST and S2000GL tourers? As expected, the manufacturer was not going to stop there and is now adopting the engine to a GWM Souo S2000 eight-cylinder cruiser, which was seen undergoing road testing.

The photos of the prototype have been making rounds in Chinese social media, showing a cruiser inspired by other Hondas namely the F6C and Rune. Well, why not, since both these cruisers were based on the Gold Wing platform, which the Souo S2000ST and S2000GL rivals.

The GWM Souo cruiser’s styling looks like a cross between the F6C and Rune. The rear features a cut off fender like the former, but the headlight, fuel tank, and radiator fairing looks like that of the Rune. However, the Chinese prototype utilises telescopic forks instead of a Hossack-style front suspension on the tourer.

It is easy to see that GWM wants to outdo Honda by building an engine by adding two more cylinders (8 vs. 6), one more camshaft in each cylinder bank (DOHC vs. SOHC), and an eight-speed dual clutch transmission (8 vs. 6). GWM has already won the distinction of building the first production motorcycle flat-eight engine.

However, the engine in the cruiser may have an extra cylinder deactivation feature to provide that signature low RPM thump of cruisers.

The finished product should be revealed soon, like how the tourer showed just weeks after its engine was shown off at the Beijing Motor Show.

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Global News

Vespa Primavera Batik Debuts

DJI Avinox Drive System for E-Bikes Launched

2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure Launched

Highlights of the new 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure:

Valentino Rossi and Francesca Novella Expecting their Second Child

2024 Ducati Desert X Discovery Ready for Long Tours

BMW R 1300 GS Trophy Competition Motorcycle Revealed

Japanese Motorcycle Market Declines 8.2 Percent In First Five Months of 2024

CFMoto 675 SR A2-Compliant Details Revealed

Italjet Dragster Gresini MotoGP Replica Revealed

CFMoto 500SR Voom Revealed

Triumph Bonneville T120 Elvis Presley Edition Revealed

GWM Souo S2000 Eight-Cylinder Cruiser Seen Testing

KTM Parent Company Pierer Mobility will Axe 200 more Jobs

Thai Motorcycle Market Shrinks in 1st Half of 2024

Somkiat Chantra to MotoGP in 2025

New CFMoto 675 NK Prototype Spotted

Can-Am Origin and Can-Am Pulse Revealed

Latest KTM 990 RC R Spyshots Reveal Almost Ready Bike

Not Possible for Four Wheel Guys to Race on Two Wheels – Mark Webber

Oxford Products Celebrates Best Start Ever in 2024

New Ducati V2 Superbike on the Way

BMW Buys Suzuki’s MotoGP Data

Moto2, Moto3 2024 Times Tumble with Pirelli Tyres

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Vespa Primavera Batik Debuts

GWM Souo S2000 Eight-Cylinder Cruiser Seen Testing

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