Global News Archives

GWM Souo S2000 GL Eight-Cylinder Tourer Revealed

Remember GWM’s eight-cylinder engine which we published? GWM was working on a grand tourer to rival the Honda Gold Wing. So, here it is, the GWM Souo S2000 GL eight-cylinder tourer.

Okay, we admit that it does look like its rival, but GWM’s reasoning is that if they wanted to do something, why not just aim at the top? Thus, that puts the Gold Wing squarely in their crosshairs. Come to think of it, so is the BMW K 1600, although it does not use a flat engine.

As such, the GWM Souo S2000 GL is complete with a large top box and a backrest for the passenger. On the other hand, the S2000 ST variant only has side boxes, like the Gold Wing F6B. The S2000 has a Hossack type front end, similar to the Honda and BMW.

But the rest of the spec sheet are higher in spec. For instance, the Gold Wing’s flat-six engine displaces 1833cc, while the S2000’s flat-eight is 2000cc. The Honda has a 7-speed, semi-auto dual clutch transmission (DCT), while the S2000 has an eight-speed DCT. GWM’s engine has DOHC, and the Honda’s has SOHC.

While its styling points to copying the Gold Wing’s, GWM says it is inspired by the traditional Chinese lion. That can certainly be seen in the headlights, intended to evoke a lion’s eyes, which are set in a reverse-raked nose that gives the bike a prominent brow above them.

Other features include radial-mount four-piston Brembo brake calipers, stereo with Bluetooth connectivity, electronic parking brake, automatic headlights, TFT screen, adjustable screen height, voice control, cruise control, and of course, electric reverse gear.

GWM, or Great Wall Motor in full, is the world’s 19th largest auto maker in terms of market capitalisation with USD 28 billion. That is in the regions of Kia, and ahead of Subaru and Nissan. Other brands under GWM are Ora, Haval, Wey, Tank, and Great Wall, that are marketed internationally. Souo marks their first venture in the motorcycling segment.

GWM 8-Cylinder Motorcycle Engine Breaks Cover!

Ducati Monster Senna, a New Homage to the F1 Legend

The Ducati Monster Senna debuts as the latest homage to the late F1 legend, Ayrton Senna.

Ducati had previously produced the 916 Senna, 996 Senna, and 1199 Panigale Senna so it is only fitting to return to this iconic variant. Ayrton’s first motorcycle when he moved to Monte Carlo was a Ducati Monster, anyhow.

However, unlike the superbikes that were painted in stealthy colours in respect to his untimely passing, the new Monster Senna’s livery was styled in the Centro Stile Ducati and took inspiration from Ayrton’s bright yellow, blue, and green race helmet, which represented his Brazilian nationality.

This theme is not only present on the bodywork but extends to the yellow Brembo Stylema front brake calipers, blue seat, and yellow bands on the Termignoni (yay!) exhaust mufflers. The Senna logo is also present on the tank.

Only 341 units will be built, in accordance to the 3 F1 championships, and 41 wins achieved by Senna. There is a “Racing is in my blood” caption on the back of the fuel tank.

Main features of the Ducati Monster Senna:

Plate with model name and progressive number (XXX/341).
Dedicated animation on dashboard ignition.
Sports seat with logo.
937 cc Testastretta 11° engine, producing 111 hp at 9,250 rpm, and 93.2 Nm at 6,500 rpm.
Termignoni silencers with yellow stripes.

Aluminium front frame.
Rear subframe in lightweight GFRP.
Machined from billet aluminium footrests.
Aluminium swingarm.
Öhlins steering damper.
Fully adjustable Öhlins NIX30 front fork.
Fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock.
Forged aluminium wheels (-1.86 kg) with two-tone yellow/green/blue tag.

Carbon fibre front and rear mudguards.
Engine guard in yellow.
Full LED lighting system with sweeping technology direction indicators.
3-inch colour TFT instrumentation.
Riding Modes (3 settings) calibrated to benefit from the new chassis, new Wet Riding Mode.
ABS Cornering adjustable on 3 levels with front only mode.
Ducati Traction Control (DTC) with 8 levels, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) 4 levels.
Launch Control adjustable on 3 levels.

Brembo front brakes with 320 mm discs, monobloc Stylema® calipers painted in yellow.
Hydraulic clutch with radial pump.
Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) for up and down shifting.
Lithium ion battery.
Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres.
Windshield.
Passenger seat cover.
Dedicated motorcycle cover.
Certificate of authenticity.

Fairstreet Sports Denies the Cancellation of Indian MotoGP 2024

Fairstreet Sports has denied that the cancellation of Indian MotoGP 2024.

The denial was issued by the sport’s local promoter after “news” of the cancellation spread like wildfire around the world and back at the speed of light. Autosport.com was the first to report that the Indian round would be dropped as Fairstreet is yet to disburse funds to MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports and several vendors.

That also led to speculation that the postponed Kazakhstan GP, which was originally intended for 16 June, will take the 20 September slot upon cancellation of the Indian MotoGP 2024.

Now Crash.net was told that payments were held back due to India’s Model Code of Conduct. It is a regulation which restricts spending public funds when elections are near. The GP’s funds comes from the government of Uttar Pradesh where the Buddh International Circuit resides. In any case, the funds have been approved to be disbursed on 4 June.

Fairstreet Sports CEO Pushkar Nath Srivastava told The Times of India on 15 May that the race is still on. “The race is very much on,” he said. “These are just rumours floating around. All of the contractual obligations will be met in June.” The reports had earlier stated that Dorna had given Fairstreet a dateline of 20 May.

Dorna signed a seven-year contract with Fairstreet Sports in 2022 to organise the Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit from 2023 until 2030.

Brembo Hypure Caliper to Debut

The new Brembo Hypure caliper is set to debut later this year.

What is there to say about the brand, Brembo? Even non-motorcycle enthusiasts already know the brand, so much so that some even refer to ANY brake caliper as “Brembo.” So, we might as well just skip the brand introduction and go right to this product.

The Brembo Hypure is fully intended for high-end supersport bikes. Conversely the earlier Stylema had been used on all types of bikes from supersports to even dual-purpose bikes. As such, what the Hypure delivers is a combination braking power, better feel at the lever, and light weight.

Highlights of the Brembo Hypure:

10% lighter weight than the competition. Weight savings in this area means your bike has less unsprung mass, hence less inertia to contend with, resulting in better handling.
Brembo says this was achieved by their experience and new design tools to distribute aluminium in the right places.
Consequently, stiffness remains the same despite lower weight, and improved cooling.
Reduces pad wear through a new spring, pad, and pin system, besides a specially crafted bearing surface between the caliper and pads.
The company says that with this system, the pads move without resistance toward the disc at the start of braking. When the lever is released, the pads move away quickly from the disc to reduce friction.

The Brembo Hypure was teased at EICMA last year and will be fitted as original equipment to a new and upcoming supersport motorcycle. Speculation is it will either be on the 2025 KTM 990 RC R or Yamaha YZF-R9, or even both.

Anyhow, our advice is to use special locking bolts for your motorcycle’s brake calipers.

KTM 990 RC R Incoming!

Indian MotoGP 2024 Maybe Dropped due to Non-Payment

The Indian MotoGP 2024 round may be dropped.

Autosport revealed that the local promoter, Fairview Sports has not made payments to the “local vendors and MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sport.” However, Fairview is given time until 20 May to sort out the matter.

The Indian MotoGP 2024 was set to return the second time from 19 to 22 September. Its cancellation could very well mean Kazakhstan taking over the slot. The Kazakh round was to begin on 16 June but was postponed due to massive floods.

The 2024 MotoGP calendar will see a reduction back to 20 rounds should the Indian MotoGP gets cancelled. The Argentinian round was cancelled before the start of the season, bringing the total down to 21.

Last year’s inaugural GP in the country also saw difficulties as the Buddh circuit was only ready and certified at the last moments, but remained dirty when MotoGP arrived. Riders also raised concerns that the track’s undulating and flowing layout had inadequate run-off areas.

Speaking of arrival, several riders’ and team personnel’s Visa approvals were also delayed causing the riders to miss out on several promotional events.

India is currently the world’s largest motorcycle market hence is an important stop for the manufacturers and MotoGP.

No, BYD is not Making Motorcycles

Rumours, half-truths, even outright lies are rife in social media these days, because people love controversies, and that drives views and engagement. And the main problem is trying to distinguish between genuine and fake news, at least until the relevant party clears the air. Such as allegations that BYD will be making motorcycles. So no, BYD is not making motorcycles.

Rumours began circulating of a “BYD electric motorcycle” when an unofficial video was published in social media. The video also highlighted the cost savings of owning a BYD motorcycle.

That prompted the company to reply formally, with the General Manager of the Brand Public Relations Department of BYD Group, Li Yunfei, stating that the bike does not exist, nor being developed. He also stated unequivocally that any “news” of BYD developing any form of two-wheeled vehicle as “all false.”

It is not to say that BYD does not have the experience with electric motorcycles.

BYD signed an agreement with Singaporean brand Scorpio Electric back in July 2023 to assemble the former’s electric scooter called the X1 for the Chinese market. However, the X1 does not use BYD’s LFP battery, and utilises Samsung’s powerpack, instead.

Going further back to 2022, BYD developed and supplied LFP batteries to the Spanish motorcycle maker Nerva for their Nerva Exe E-Scooter (main picture).

Yes, that is correct: BYD also supplies batteries to several automakers, as well as other industries, and are researching and developing safer batteries for motorcycles.

BYD is now one of the largest vehicle manufacturers in the world, and especially in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. Their meteoric rise has caught out several manufacturers, including Tesla who saw their sales slide worldwide, causing the American company to conduct a massive layoff recently. It is perhaps not surprising to see some folks who get over-excited at the prospect of BYD making motorcycles.

Motorcycle manufacturers can now breathe a little easier. For now.

KTM 990 RC R Incoming!

Ever wondered why KTM has not produced another fully-faired road-going sportbike since the RC8 ended production post 2010? It was because the CEO of KTM thought that sportbikes are getting too fast and they wanted to be responsible for rider safety. Yet, they produced the absolutely mad Super Duke supernaked. Well, nevermind that because here comes the KTM 990 RC R sportbike for the streets!

That is the great news because the RC 8C was a limited run unit for the track only, to the consternation of many KTM fans. On the other hand, the KTM 990 RC R sportbike is fully confirmed by KTM themselves, with Riaan Neveling, Head of KTM Global Marketing issuing a statement:

“The KTM 990 RC R is a groundbreaking innovation for those who live for the thrill of cornering. It’s for those who lean close to the road, almost brushing their knees, and then push the limits, dragging elbow to the tarmac on the racetrack. This bike offers power and prestige without the exorbitant price tag. At last, we can unveil our KTM 990 RC R and introduce a truly exceptional motorcycle to dealerships in early 2025, fulfilling the anticipation of countless riders and race enthusiasts. Our DUKE Range and other Street products have garnered a loyal following for their distinct character; we believe the KTM 990 RC R will quickly attain cult status because it excels at the two things it was designed for so remarkably well.”

Although the prototype (and rider) here wears a dazzle camouflage, the bike’s shape is strikingly similar to the KTM RC16 MotoGP race bike, and that of the RC 8 R’s, too. Hence a fuel tank designed to provide great support while cornering. Peeking through the fairing is part of the steel trellis frame, mated to a curved swingarm.

While there is not much technical details, it is not a full monty sportbike as the numbers suggest. “990” should mean the new bike shares the same engine as the KTM 990 Duke R. What that means is 126 hp and 103 Nm of torque.

Still, the bike looks lithe and we hope for a favourable power-to-weight ratio, although do not hope to chase down 200hp, 1000cc superbikes.

The KTM 990 RC R will be revealed in 2025 so cross your fingers and start saving now.

US Seeks to Ban DJI Drones

First Huawei, then ZTE, followed by TikTok, and now the US seeks to ban DJI drones.

According to the New York Times, DJI is already on the US Department of Defence’s watchlist, “DJI is on a Defense Department list of Chinese military companies whose products the U.S. armed forces will be prohibited from purchasing in the future.”

The saga goes back as early as 2021, when the U.S. Treasury Department put DJI on a list of companies suspected of having ties to the Chinese military. DJI was also allegedly complicit in the surveillance of a minority group.

Back to 2024, Congress is now aiming to put DJI on the Federal Communications Commission Covered List. Companies on this “blacklist” cannot operate on the country’s communication infrastructure. Huawei and ZTE are among those listed.

The bill called Countering CCP Drones Act has already received bipartisan support in Congress, citing national security risks. The bill was introduced by Congressperson Elise Stefanik (Republican – New York), which pointed out security vulnerabilities uncovered by researchers.

On the other hand, DJI continues to deny the allegations, saying “The lawmakers driving this legislation continue to reference inaccurate and unsubstantiated allegations regarding DJI’s operations.” They have also refuted claims that DJI is a Chinese military company.

The bill has experts and enthusiasts up in arms as it would cause DJI drones to be useless in the US. The major contention among them is that no other company makes drones of the same quality and with the same features.

We have to add that the US Government is also looking in steps to curtail the import of Chinese-made cars, specifically EVs.

Kazakhstan MotoGP Postponed due to Heavy Flooding

The Kazakhstan MotoGP has been postponed due to heavy flooding in the country.

A freak weather system had caused unprecedented flooding across Central Asia, while Kazakhstan was particularly heavily affected by flash flood in many parts of the country. Reports state that some 119,000 people were evacuated from the affected areas. Seven souls were lost due to the disaster.

As such, the FIM, IRTA, and Dorna Sports felt that it would be irresponsible and insensitive to carry on with the MotoGP round slated for 16 June 2024. “As our utmost priority, MotoGP sends our condolences and support to the people of Kazakhstan and all those affected by the flooding in Central Asia. We hope the nation, region and communities affected can recover as soon as possible.”

The organisations have not revealed the substitute track, nor when they will return to the Kazakhstan MotoGP.

It was due to be the Sokol International Racetrack’s debut in the world of MotoGP. The 4.495km circuit was designed by the same engineer and circuit designer, Hermann Tilke, who had also designed many new circuits globally, including the Sepang International Circuit. Sokol had hosted many international racing events and has many events for this year.

#WeRideAsOne Unites Ducati Riders Around the World

Ducati kicked off their global event #WeRideAsOne to unite Ducati riders around the world, yesterday (6 May 2024). The Italian manufacturer called it the event which brings together the global community to celebrate the pride of belonging to the big Borgo Panigale family.

This year’s event was the third edition which served as the warm up for the even bigger World Ducati Week event, which is scheduled from 26th to 28th at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli.”

Official Ducati dealers around the world helped to put together #WeRideAsOne in collaboration with 347 official Ducati clubs. Each dealer created unique itineraries for each city to “guarantee an experience full of fun and in true Ducati style.”

This bore fruit as more than 18,000 Ducatisti from 50 countries participated. Some countries took to the track, while some went off-road, others went for a relaxing ride, but all celebrated the passion for Ducati.

horizons, from off-road adventurers to those who prefer more relaxing routes, the goal was only one: to celebrate and share the same passion for the Bologna-based manufacturer!

Once again this year, the long Ducati and Scrambler Ducati parade coloured the most emblematic places on the planet, leaving an indelible mark on every road travelled. Ecuador, New York, Palermo, as well as Glasgow, Warsaw, Rio de Janeiro, Hawaii, Ningbo, Medellín, Mexico City, Auckland, and New Delhi: these are just some of the cities that were the setting for the unique parade and which experienced the magic of #WeRideAsOne, a truly world-class event.

Ducati documented the activities that took place all over the world in real time, sharing photos and videos sent directly from the participants in stories in their official Instagram channel.

Ducati is the only motorcycle brand in the world to offer an international event of this size.In fact, since its very first edition, #WeRideAsOne has established itself as a unique format of its kind, becoming a fixed appointment in the Italian motorcycle manufacturer’s calendar and all enthusiasts for every first Saturday in May.

The event fully embodies Ducati’s mission to offer unforgettable experiences to all enthusiasts, combining fun on two wheels with stunning locations and conveying a sense of belonging to a vast community that embraces Ducatisti, Ducati Official Clubs, Dealers and Company employees. What distinguishes #WeRideAsOne is the ability to overcome geographical borders and, on the same day, make all enthusiasts feel part of the same big family, regardless of the city they are in or the time zone.

BMW Automated Shift Assist Revealed

Automatic gearboxes on motorcycles is not a new thing, especially among small capacity motorcycles. However, manufacturers are starting to arm their motorcycles with such systems of late. The latest is the BMW Automated Shift Assist.

The BMW system, however, has a key difference compared to Honda’s DCT. Whereas the DCT system omits the gearshift lever for buttons on the handlebar, BMW’s system retains the lever. The only similarity is the deletion of the clutch lever.

The system uses two shifting modes, ‘M’ and ‘D’. In M (manual) mode, the rider still moves the gear lever and decides when they want the bike to shift either up or down. Switching to D (drive) mode enables automatic up and downshifts by the gearbox’s ECU.

The manufacturer says that the system is to “Simplify your ride”, by using an automated clutch and shifting mechanism, without “sacrificing the emotionally important dynamics of shifting.”

How it works

Two electromechanical actuators automate the clutch and gearshift of the six-speed transmission, meaning there is no need clutch lever.
It allows you to accelerate like a scooter by twisting the throttle.
The clutch is automatically actuated once you come to a stop again.
The rider’s shift request is transmitted to the control unit via a gearshift lever sensor, which is actuated by the gear lever.
Additional sensors gauge the revs of the transmission input shaft and the clutch position.
This data is fed to the Transmission Control Unit (TCU), which, along with the bike’s ECU, decides on how much clutch pressure to apply to enable the shift to take place.

BMW has not announced which model will receive the ASA feature, despite the graphics showing a Boxer engine, and the picture showing the button on the handlebar of a GS. However, it adds 2kg to the bike over the conventional system thus the S 1000 RR and M 1000 RR should still retain the traditional transmission (thank goodness!).

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z Launched in India, Cheaper than Dominar 400

The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z was launched in India yesterday, bringing the Pulsar lineup on par with the Dominar. Priced at INR 185,000 (RM 10,520.43), it is a full INR 46,000 (RM 2,615.89) cheaper than the Dominar 400.

It will now compete with Bajaj’s own Dominar 400, the new Triumph T-Series of 400cc single-cylinder bikes, KTM 390 Duke, et al although not in the same price range.

Highlights of the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z

The most striking feature is its new aggressive styling, although its silhouette retains the signature Pulsar look.
The front end retains the triangular fairing but the headlight cluster now features a central LED projector lamp, flanked by lightning bolt-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs).

At the back, the Pulsar signature style LED taillight is maintained.
A split-seat option is available.
It shares the same 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine as the Dominar 400.
The powerplant produces a maximum power of 39.4 hp at 8,800 RPM and maximum torque 35 Nm at 6,500 RPM.
The 6-speed transmission includes a slip and assist clutch.
New 43mm gold-coloured upside-down forks up front.
320mm front disc brake.
5-step adjustable brake and clutch levers.

The ride-by-wire throttle opens up the inclusion of traction control and four ride modes i.e. Sport, Road, Rain, Off-Road.
ABS is standard.
Tyre sizes are 110/70-17 tyre up front and a 140/70-R17 at the back.
Seat height is an accessible 804mm.
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z comes in four colours namely Glossy Racing Red, Pewter Grey, Metallic Pearl White, and Brooklyn Black.

Bikesrepublic

Global News

GWM Souo S2000 GL Eight-Cylinder Tourer Revealed

Ducati Monster Senna, a New Homage to the F1 Legend

Main features of the Ducati Monster Senna:

Fairstreet Sports Denies the Cancellation of Indian MotoGP 2024

Brembo Hypure Caliper to Debut

Highlights of the Brembo Hypure:

Indian MotoGP 2024 Maybe Dropped due to Non-Payment

No, BYD is not Making Motorcycles

KTM 990 RC R Incoming!

US Seeks to Ban DJI Drones

Kazakhstan MotoGP Postponed due to Heavy Flooding

#WeRideAsOne Unites Ducati Riders Around the World

BMW Automated Shift Assist Revealed

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z Launched in India, Cheaper than Dominar 400

Highlights of the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z

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

Tesla Sued by Family of Biker Killed by Autopilot

Archive

5 Reasons why Changing the Tyres is the Best Performance Upgrade

New Ducati V2 Superbike on the Way

Glossary of Motorcycle Terms – “D”

2025 Ducati Panigale V2 Superquardro Final Edition – End of the V-Twin Ducati Superbike?

2024 CFMoto 800MT Explore Edition Launched in Malaysia

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube

BikesRepublic