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Aprilia Ready to Defend Africa Eco Race Title

Aprilia is ready to defend their Africa Eco Race (AER) title which they won on their first attempt on the Tuareg 660.

The Noale-based manufacturer took the victory of the 15th AER race in January this year, which saw Jacopo Cerutti beating the favourite pairing of Pol Tarres and Alesssandro Botturi on the Yamaha Tenere T7.

Aprilia’s commitment to theAER followed an encouraging result in the Tuareg 660’s debut race in the 2023 Transanatolia Rally (TAR). Although Yamaha took the win, Aprilia finished third with Francesco Montanari riding.

Aprilia had also won the Italian Motorally Championship with Cerutti in 2023, apart from the Africa Eco Race and Transanatolia Rally. The team will also defend this title.

Jacopo Cerutti said during the announcement of the project, “We won on our debut, so expectations are high. The goal is to win the Italian Championship again and strive for the best possible performance in Africa. I started training immediately after the Africa Eco Race, and I feel in good shape for the new season.”

Francesco Montanari added: “I am training and preparing as hard as possible. I hope to repeat last year’s performance and improve my results, especially in the Africa Eco Race. We are also determined for the Italian Championship, and I’ll try to do my best.”

The project is now called Aprilia Tuareg Racing and is even more ambitious than before, with them competing in:

Africa Eco Race is scheduled for 28 December 2024 – 12 January 2025.
Italian Motorally Championship begins on 20 April.
Hellas Rally Raid from 24 May – 2 June
Transanatolia Rally scehduled for 31 August – September 7.

Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Racing CEO, said: “After such an extraordinary debut last year, both in Italy and in Africa, expectations are very high. The goal is to confirm our leadership in this new sector. We have a historic and important name as Tuareg, and to see such a beautiful and powerful motorcycle in its natural habitat is a source of pride for Noale.”

Thai Motorcycle Sales sees 11% Decrease

The Thai motorcycle industry sees an 11% decrease in the 1st quarter of 2024.

The Kingdom’s motorcycle market had enjoyed three years of consecutive growth previously, making it the sixth largest motorcycle market in the world. However, there were only 454,795 motorcycles sold (-11%) in the first three months of the year

Honda, while retaining their top spot, saw a decrease of -9.9%. Their closest rival Yamaha has lost -10.6%. Following in third was Piaggio with a decrease of -29.6%, and local brand GPS who sees a massive -52.2% drop.

However, it is not all doom and gloom for some emerging brands such as Lambretta who saw a +29.8% increase, Lion +302%, and EM +1,534%.

However, the drop is not due to over saturation. Instead, it is due to Thailand’s current economical state which is already in recession due to high household debts, lack of stimulus (investments) and economic reform. The country’s economy is the slowest in the region.

Despite hopes that the economy rebounds this year, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has reduced its 2024 growth forecast for Thailand’s economy to 2.2%-3.2%, from the 2.7%-3.7% predicted in November. The forecast was based on a 1.7% GDP growth in Q4 2023, driven by exports and private investment, but a 3% drop in government spending.

Several Thai news outlets had already predicted a decrease in 2024 motorcycle sales in as early as January 2024.

Thailand is the 5th largest major motorcycle manufacturing base with a capacity for 2 million motorcycles, behind China (23 million), India (20 million), Indonesia (8 million) and Vietnam (3 million).

There are 7 motorcycle manufacturers in Thailand. They are Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, BMW, Triumph and Ducati.

CFMoto 450 CL-C Cruiser, or Bobber?

Chinese manufacturer CFMoto adds the CFMoto 450 CL-C cruiser (or bobber?) to their 450cc lineup.

As part of the 450 CL lineup, “CL” denotes classic while the last “C” designates it as a cruiser. The case of the 450 CL-X, the “X” means the bike has some off-roading capability.

Highlights:

It utilises the same twin-cylinder, 449cc engine as the CFMoto Ibex 450 adventure bike, with the same state of tune.
The powerplant produces 44 hp at 8,500 RPM and 44 Nm of torque at 6,250 RPM.
The engine also uses the now ubiquitous 270-degree crank configuration and dual counterbalancers.

Power is sent six-speed gearbox, with slipper clutch.
The engine is carried by a chromoly steel tube frame.
Front suspension consists of a pair 37mm upside-down forks.
The rear is supported by a monoshock and twin-spar swingarm.

A four-piston, radially-mounted J.Juan caliper grabs a single 320mm disc in the front.
Front and rear wheels are 16-inches.
Bosch ABS is standard for both ends.
A round 3.6-inch TFT display. It does not appear to feature connectivity, though.

Fuel capacity is 12-liters.
CFMoto claims a curb weight of 181kg.

Truth is, the bike does not only invoke memories of the Triumph Bobber, but many parts do look like the Bobber’s. Check out the engine fins and engine capacity plate on the side of the cylinder. That fuel tank, round headlight, etc.

Anyhow, the CFMoto 450 CL-C cruiser does look good and at a more affordable price.

It’s Official! Liberty Media Acquires MotoGP by Year-End

It is official. Liberty Media is set to acquire MotoGP by year-end 2024 from Dorna.

As we reported earlier, Liberty Media who currently owns Formula 1 (F1) will pay €4.2 billion (RM21.34 billion) for the acquisition. However, the deal is not a complete takeover but rather only 86% of Dorna, while the balance 14% remains with Dorna.

Dorna Sport S.L. currently holds the television rights to the premier MotoGP championship as well as the World Superbike Championship (WSBK). They are also involved in the managment and marketing of several other motorcycle championships including the Spanish Road Racing Championship (CEV), British Superbike Championship (BSB), the Trials World Championships (Indoor and Outdoor).

This stunning development will unit the world’s premier two-wheel motorsport series with the world’s best four-wheel series.

There is no shake up in Dorna’s management at this moment as it was announced that Dorna will remain as an independently operated company. As such, Carmelo Ezpeleta will remain the Dorna CEO, and his his team will continue to run the business from Madrid, Spain. Apart from that, Dorna will be part of Liberty Media’s Formula One Group tracking stock.

“We are thrilled to expand our portfolio of leading live sports and entertainment assets with the acquisition of MotoGP,” said Greg Maffei, Liberty Media President and CEO. “MotoGP is a global league with a loyal, enthusiastic fan base, captivating racing and a highly cash flow generative financial profile. Carmelo and his management team have built a great sporting spectacle that we can expand to a wider global audience.

The deal will be completed by the end of 2024 and is subject to the receipt of clearances and approvals by competition and foreign investment law authorities in various jurisdictions. This is why Liberty Media did not acquire 100% of Dorna’s interest in MotoGP, so as to not send up a red flag for anti-competition regulators.

Of course, the news has attracted no shortage of comments from netizens, albeit the majority being negative. The most obvious theme is the fear of MotoGP turning into another F1 circus. However, let us be reminded that F1 had grown by leaps and bounds since Liberty Media acquired it from CVC Capital Partners in 2017.

With all being said, let us see what Liberty Media has in store for MotoGP for next season.

BMW may Join MotoGP in 2027

BMW may join MotoGP in 2027, admitted the new head of BMW Motorrad, Markus Flasch.

They are the only major European manufacturer who are missing from the MotoGP field and there have been never-ending questions about their absence. However, the news coincides with Dorna’s proposed sweeping changes across the series, including returning the maximum engine capacity to 800cc. There have rumours to state as far as BMW and Dorna’s discussions have already resulted in a agreed deal.

Flasch, in an interview with Motorrad made it clear that he is an “absolute advocate of motorsport.” It bodes well for someone who was the head of the M Sport division before joining the motorcycle department in November last year. He says he also sees BMW’s future involvement in racing other than WSBK, FIM World Endurance, and German IDM series.

He added, “It has to make sense for us, that’s clear, and that’s why we are taking a detailed look at it.

“I would not rule it out.”

In fact, Dorna is keeping two grid spots open for an additional factory entry after Suzuki pulled out, to the consternation of KTM who had wanted that spot for 2024.

BMW has also already assembled a strong team in developing their two-wheeled racing programs. Former EWC and WSBK champion (and former Suzuki MotoGP test rider) Sylvain Guintoli heads the EWC team and WSBK development programme. While MotoGP podium finisher Bradley Smith is contracted as the other test rider.

2021 WSBK champion Toprak Razgatlioglu as BMW’s factory rider has yielded immediate top results too, scoring two wins and two podiums from six races (including Superpole) in two rounds thus far.

Could this finally be the news BMW fans have been waiting for? Watch this space!

Felo TOOZ from Thailand – 720km Range, 202km/h

The Felo TOOZ has something which every electric motorcycle needs: Range. That is not a problem as the manufacturer claims a 720km range per charge.

Launched by Thai company, Smartech, all that battery needs space thus making for one of largest motorcycles on the road, nevermind the Honda Gold Wing “vibes.” It is still capable of hitting a top speed of 202 km/h, though.

Apart from the range, the Felo TOOZ has several high-end features including a 12-inch TFT instrument panel that connects to your phone, and pushing audio through a 6-channel surround sound system. Other features are like a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ABS, traction control. Not groundbreaking features, but it does make the bike the most technologically advanced electric motorcycle, thus far.

The TOOZ also supports TYPE2 charging (from 20% to 80% in 20 minutes). The specs also mentioned an optional 8 liter cooling box that can be fitted to one of the panniers. The use of the word “optional” suggests that production is already planned.

You can charge your electrical devices from the TOOZ, but it also has V2L technology which means you can use the bike’s batteries to supply power to your home. That hints of a large battery capacity.

Smartech is one of the stars of Thailand’s electric vehicle sector, with its new electric motorcycle brands FELO and RAPID both starting with a clean sheet and the company well-funded and well-resourced with expertise.

Producing motorcycles in Thailand is seemingly a good idea, because most of the world’s biggest motorcycle manufacturers already produce motorcycles there. Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, BMW, Triumph and Ducati all manufacture a portion of their global range in the Kingdom.

Our only gripe: Please design electric motorcycles better rather than something akin to being cobbled together in the driveway. A better designed bike can surely entice more potential buyers.

F1 Owners Liberty Media is Nearing Purchase of MotoGP

F1 owners, Liberty Media is said to be nearing the conclusion to buying MotoGP from the current rights owner, Dorna for more than €4 billion (RM20.5 billion).

The Financial Times reported that both Liberty Media and Dorna are in exclusive talks to unit the worlds’ premier car and motorcycle racing championships under one umbrella.

Liberty had won out against other bids including one from TKO who owns UFC and WWE. There was another another bid from the Qatar Sports Investments who owns the Paris-Saint Germain football club, who held talks with Bridgepoint.

Bridgepoint, along with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board are the shareholders of Dorna, in which Carmelo Ezpeleta works as the CEO. Dorna owns not only MotoGP, but also MotoE and World Superbike.

However, the deal will be scrutinised by competition regulators should it come to pass. The European Union has a competition law in place to prevent companies from creating cartels and monopolies. (Malaysia has the The Malaysian Competition Act, 2010 which came into force on 1 January 2012, but no one seems to enforce it.)

A silver lining for MotoGP perhaps is that Liberty Media have helped with F1’s growth since taking over from CVC Capital Partners 2017.

Some of their programs include the Netflix series ‘Drive To Survive’ which grew the sport’s fanbase further, besides acknowledging and using the power of social media. The F1 calendar has also grown under to include races in Las Vegas, Miami, Jeddah and Doha.

The Financial Times reports that F1’s operating profit in 2023 was USD392 million (RM1.85 billion), a 64% growth from 2022. Revenue grew from USD2.5 billion (RM11.84 billion) to USD3.2 billion (RM15.15 billion).

By contrast, Dorna’s revenue was €483 million (approximately RM2.5 billion) in 2023.

Suzuki Developing VVT for Small Engine

Suzuki is developing a VVT (variable valve timing) system for a small engine.

VVT and variable valve lift (VVL) are not a new technologies as many manufacturers are already employing it in their products, but Suzuki’s system appears to be for a 250cc engine. This bodes well as there are either large capacity and small capacitiy motorcycles employing it but not the 250cc segment.

Suzuki’s system is basically similar to Yamaha’s VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) used on the NVX scooter, Y16ZR moped, and YZF-R15. It uses a camshaft with two cam lobe profiles, one for normal low end, low demand application, while locking on a higher lift and longer duration cam lobe at high speeds or big throttle openings.

As such, it is the best of both worlds: Good low and midrange RPM torque with high maximum power. Engineers have to pick one characteristic: low RPM torque, midrange torque, or high end horsepower without VVT and VVL. Using VVT also allows the engine to produce cleaner emissions as it cuts down on unburned fuel.

As aforementioned, Suzuki’s development centres around the parallel-twin 248cc engine. Patent applications show an engine with an unchanged bottom end, a cylinder head with a single camshaft driven by a centrally mounted chain. It is the same engine used on the GSX-250R and V-Strom 250.

The same engine, enlarged to 298cc is also in use by Suzuki’s partner Haojue in China. Haojue is the firm responsible for producing the V-Strom 250 and GSX-250R.

Suzuki current does not have any models in between GSX-R125 and 650cc models (V-Strom 650, SV650) in the United States due to emissions control, so a range of 250cc bikes with VVT will fix that.

QJMotor SRT600 to Replace SRT550, Will we See a New TRK?

QJMotor is one of several brands under the Qianjiang empire that keeps churning out model after model of bikes, some of which become Benelli, or at least share platforms. Case in point, the QJMotor SRT600 which is set to replace the SRT550.

The SRT550 was based on an important platform. As we mentioned earlier, its engine and chassis are the same as the Benelli TRK 502’s. The TRK 502 has since stopped production but is still available in Malaysia. This platform is also used by the MV Lucky Explorer 5.5, as the result of Qianjiang and MV Agusta’s coorperation.

But here’s something a bit confusing. Although the type-approval documents is for the new QJMotor SRT600, it uses the same 554cc capacity. However, there is a large increase in power, kicking up from from 47 hp to 60 hp. Looking through the catalogue, we find that power level in the SRK550RR and RS sportbikes, meaning the “new” SRT600 engine is actually the higher-spec unit.

One welcomed relieve (if the bike becomes Benelli and is sold in Malaysia), is weight reduction. The document lists 220kg, against the exhuastive 234 kg of old.

The SRT600’s design is also another welcomed change, breaking away from the cheap GS beaked look. Instead, QJMotor redesigned the bike to a more familial bond with the V-Twin powered SVT650 adventure bike.

Other features apparent in the pictures are Brembo radial-mount front brake calipers. Tyre sizes are 110/80-19 for the front and 150/70-17 at the back.

Will this be the new Benelli middleweight to replace the overstayed TRK 502? Time will tell.

2025 Triumph Trident 660 Special Edition – A Tribute to IoM TT Trident

The 2025 Triumph Trident 660 Special Edition has been revealed, as a tribute to the IoM TT (Isle of Man TT) Trident which won the races from 1971 to 1975.

Being a special edition, it is resplendent in the historic white, blue and red paint scheme with graphics, complete with number 67. This colour scheme was the colour on the TT-winning bike, dubbed “Slippery Sam.”

However, it is not just a paint scheme as Triumph has added some goodies that are otherwise only available as options. First, there is a colour matched flyscreen on top of the headlamp. Next, an aluminium belly pan underneath the engine, and Triumph Shift Assist quickshifter with auto blipper, as standard.

Other mechanical parts of the 2025 Triumph Trident 660 Special Edition remain unchanged. The engine is a 660cc triple which produces 80 hp at 10,250 RPM and 63.7 Nm of torque at 6,250 RPM. That is a huge 4,000 RPM spread between maximum torque and horsepower, meaning the engine pulls well anywhere in the RPM range!

The forks are still Showa upside-down, non-adjustable members, while the Showa monoshock at the rear is adjustable for preload only. Dual two-piston Nissin calipers up handle braking up front. Even the tyres remain unchanged from the Michelin Road 5.

Electronic features include ABS as standard, ROAD and RAIN riding modes, colour TFT screen, switchable traction control, immobiliser key security system.

Pricing starts from USD 8,595 (RM40,645.76) which is the same price as the standard Trident 660. However, there is different pricing in other countries, as it sells at a slightly higher price in Canada.

2025 Triumph Trident 660 Special Edition or also known as the 2025 Triumph Trident 660 Tribute will definitely make its way to Malaysia.

Only question we have is: Why didn’t Triumph launch a Daytona 660 Tribute instead?

Cargo Ship Hit Bridge, 20 Vehicles Plunged into River

A cargo ship hit a bridge and causing it to collapse, in Baltimore, USA. Reports estimated some 20 vehicles plunged into the river below.

A video making rounds on the internet showed the ship, Dali, losing power twice hence losing control. It was also apparent in the video that there was a large pall of black smoke from the ship’s smokestack when it came back to life after blacking out the first time, presumably due to the vessel’s pilot attempting to slow it further by hitting reverse in full power.

However, the Dali collided with one the Francis Scott Key Bridge’s supports, causing the bridge to snap in several sections.

There were also reports that the pilot aboard the ship had radioed a mayday to the port authorities stating that the ship was out of control. Unfortunately, authorities did not have enough time to respond to the emergency by shutting down traffic and clearing the bridge.

A pathway map published in The Virginian Pilot showed that the ship had travelled at a a mere 7 knots (13 km/h).

The tragedy occured at around 1.30am, local time, fortunately hours before the busy morning commute.

Search and rescue efforts are being carried out, but so far, only two people from a construction crew had been pulled out of the chilly water with six still unaccounted for.

The Dali left the Port of Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka under the Singaporean flag. It is owned Synergy Marine Group and owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd. but chartered by the Danish shipping conglomerate Maersk to carry their customers’ cargo. No Maersk crew and personnel were on board.

Opened in 1977, the bridge is named for the writer of America’s national anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner” and is a major roadway spanning the Patapsco River.

All pictures by AP.

Husqvarna’s Global Sales Dropped in 2023

Husqvarna had been performing well in terms of sales since its acquisition by Pierer Industrie AG in 2013. So it is surprising and perhaps perplexing that Husqvarna’s Global Sales dropped in 2023 – the first time in a decade.

They recorded selling a total 47,008 units worldwide, representing a -1.2% drop.

The largest decrease was recorded in India, followed Latin America (-13.9%), China (-10.6%), and the ASEAN region (-8.7%).

However, the brand continued to grow in non-Asian regions, especially in new markets such as Slovenia (+119%) and Cyprus (+58%). Another two countries that registered double-digit sales were Ireland (+33%) and Spain (+19.1%). Sales in the European continent grew +7.7%, overall.

There was also a +2.0% increase in North America.

The figures were revealed by the Motorcycles Data website. The track new vehicle sales according to registrations (going to customers) rather that vehicles invoiced (sold to dealers by manufacturers). However, they only track sales in 80 countries instead of the using the figures provided by the manufacturers.

About Husqvarna

Husqvarna was founded in 1689 in the small town of Huskvarna in southern Sweden, now the city of Huskvarna, Småland province. Husqvarna was originally a mechanical company, producing guns for the Swedish army. In 1903, the company entered the motorcycle industry with its first product, the Husky.

Husqvarna was acquired by Italian motorcycle company Cagiva in 1987 and became part of parent company MV Agusta Motor. A group of managers and engineers in Husqvarna were unhappy with the future under Cagiva. They founded Husaberg AG, a new motorcycle manufacturer in Sweden and later acquired by KTM AG.

In 2007, BMW Motorrad acquired Husqvarna in a deal worth €93 million. But in 2013, the Swedish motorcycle company changed hands again when Pierer Industrie AG bought all shares of the company from BMW Motorrad.

In 2013, the shares and patent rights of the Husqvarna brand were sold by Pierer Industrie AG to KTM AG, Husqvarna Motorcycle GmbH has since been established.

There are also Husqvarna branded power tools, but these are in a separate entity to Husqvarna motorcycles.

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Global News

Aprilia Ready to Defend Africa Eco Race Title

Thai Motorcycle Sales sees 11% Decrease

CFMoto 450 CL-C Cruiser, or Bobber?

It’s Official! Liberty Media Acquires MotoGP by Year-End

BMW may Join MotoGP in 2027

Felo TOOZ from Thailand – 720km Range, 202km/h

F1 Owners Liberty Media is Nearing Purchase of MotoGP

Suzuki Developing VVT for Small Engine

QJMotor SRT600 to Replace SRT550, Will we See a New TRK?

2025 Triumph Trident 660 Special Edition – A Tribute to IoM TT Trident

Cargo Ship Hit Bridge, 20 Vehicles Plunged into River

Husqvarna’s Global Sales Dropped in 2023

About Husqvarna

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Thai Motorcycle Market Shrinks in 1st Half of 2024

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

Oxford Products Celebrates Best Start Ever in 2024

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