Global News Archives

Kove RR500 Sportbike Nearing Production

It looks like the 400cc to under 500cc sportbike segment is heating up. There is currently only main player in the category, namely Kawasaki with their Ninja ZX-4RR and it will soon have company in the form of Chinese sportbikes. The latest will be the Kove RR500.

But wait, who is Kove? Kove is the high-end brand of Loncin. Loncin has been making engines for the BMW C- and F-series of motorcycles since 2005.

Kove had been aggressive in pursuing the off-road segment with entries in the Dakar Rally. Their investment has been successful so far, as all the three Kove bikes entered in the rally last year finished the race. Hence Kove became the first Chinese manufacturer to have all their bikes complete the rally on their first attempt. Mind you, the 2023 Dakar Rally was considered the toughest ever. Kove has since built dealerships throughout Europe.

Back to the Kove RR500, Voge revealed their four-cylinder RR660S in September, but apparently, the have another smaller 475cc inline-four engine which has just been approved for production. The bike, codenamed LX500GS-2 according to the type-approval document, will be marketed as the RR500. Engine power was revealed to be 76hp, matching the Kawasaki ZX-4RR’s. Claimed top speed is 220km/h.

Other details include a wet weight of 192kg fully fueled. The frame is steel with an aluminium swingarm. The forks have Voge branding. As for the front brakes, the two pictures show two different brake calipers: The orange bike wears four-piston Nissin calipers, while the yellow/blue bike has those that look like the Sumitomo calipers on the Yamaha R1.

The Kove brand is not in Malaysia at the moment possibly due to their off-road heavy lineup, but who knows what the future brings.

FMX Rider Backflips a Yamaha Ténéré 700

Let us face it: We are so used to seeing Freestyle Motocross (FMX) riders doing the backflip that it has become something ‘meh.’ But it was revolutionary when it was first successfully attempted by Jose Yanez in 1991. Soon, it became the double backflip, then the triple backflip. However, those were all done on lightweight MX bikes. Now, THIS guy, backflips a Yamaha Ténéré 700.

The rider is 44-year-old Jérémy Rouanet, who was a former professional FMX rider. He perfected the backflip on the bike after just several weeks of training.

Yeah yeah, we hear you. Another FMX rider, Sebastian Westberg had backflipped on the bigger and heavier Honda Africa Twin two years ago, but he landed in the safety of a foam pit. Rouanet, on the other hand, landed on solid ground.

Anyway, this particular Ténéré 700 had been lightly modified, mostly using the parts from Yamaha’s official racing arm, GYTR. The bike began as a Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally Edition and was prepped by the Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team. Other aftermarket parts include Takasago Excel rims and a TracTive monoshock. The seat was cut down by 1.5cm.

Several components were removed to save weight including the mirrors, signal indicators, license plate holder, hand guards, passenger footpegs, kickstand and its circuit breaker, and ABS control unit. A lithium-ion battery was also fitted in place of the stock item.

So? Will there be double and triple backflips after this? And what bike next? The BMW R 1300 GS, perhaps?

2025 Yamaha NMax 125 Receives Tech Max Features in UK

The Yamaha NMax scooter is still popular, if not in Malaysia then overseas, especially in the UK and EU markets. However, its tech seems a little left behind compared to its siblings, so now, the 2025 Yamaha NMax 125 will receive the Tech Max features.

The updated bike also receives new dual-eye LED projector headlamps, 25-litre underseat storage space, keyless ignition, USB-C charging port (replacing the cigarette lighter type), and improved ergonomics.

Its 125cc, single-cylinder engine remains unchanged and produces 12hp, except that it is Euro5+ compliant now, perhaps with a new catalytic converter and exhaust system. Along with the stop-start function, Yamaha claims a maximum 298km range range from the 7.1-litre fuel tank. The fuel tank capacity is the same as the current model’s, so it may mean that the new bike retains the current bike’s frame and chassis.

Speaking of the chassis, it is still the standard scooter fare, with the NMax rolling on 13-inch wheels, offering non-adjustable forks and twin shocks out back. Braking is handled by 230mm discs front and back, with ABS as standard (maybe unavailable here). Traction control is also standard.

As for the Tech Max features, there is new 4.2-inch full-colour TFT dash with phone connectivity and Garmin navigation. The seat has gold stitching.

Sources in the UK say that the 2025 Yamaha NMax 125 will be available from May next year. It is priced at £3,900 (RM21,991.12), which is £178 (RM1,003.82) cheaper.

The question is when will the updated NMax 160 be available in Malaysia.

2025 Ducati Multistrada V2 Launched

The 2025 Ducati Multistrada V2 has been launched, using the same 890cc V-Twin with the 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 and 2025 Streetfighter V2.

Ducati claims that the new model is 18kg lighter than the previous Multistrada V2 which used the 937cc Testastretta V-Twin engine. The 2025 “S” variant weighs 202kg wet, with an empty fuel tank, while the standard model weighs 199kg wet, also with an empty tank.

Highlights:

The new engine is more powerful, producing 113.4hp at 10,750 RPM and 92Nm of torque at 8,250 RPM.
This engine version also includes variable intake valve timing, providing 70% of the peak torque from 3,500 RPM, and does not drop below 75% from this point until 11,000 RPM.
However, this engine need a clearance check at every 30,000km.
There is a heavier crankshaft for smoother riding, and a more powerful generator to allow for more electrical equipment.

The engine gear ratios have been revised with shorter first and second gears. Quickshifter is standard.
A new aluminium monocoque frame holds the engine, with a cast aluminium double-sided swingarm.
Wheels are 19-inches front and 17-inches rear, as before.
The new bike’s styling is closer to the Multistrada V4’s rather than the old 1260 Multistrada’s.

Aerodynamics have been redesigned for rider comfort, including a new screen and sides of the bodywork to channel fresh air to the rider’s legs to reduce engine heat.
Seat height is adjustable between 830mm and 850mm. Taller 870mm or lower 810mm accessory seats are optional.
The 2025 Ducati Multistrada V2 S receives electronic semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS).
On the other hand, the standard Multistrada V2 gets 45mm upside-down fully-adjustable Marzocchi forks, and a fully-adjustable Sachs rear shock.

Both variants are fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres and offer a road-focused 170mm of suspension travel.
There is a full suite of electronic aids, controlled via a new 5-inch colour TFT dash.
There are five riding modes, with configurable settings for power, traction control, anti-wheelie, and engine braking.
Cruise control is standard too, plus options for turn-by-turn navigation.
The ‘Coming Home’ function that keeps the low beams on momentarily after the ignition has been switched off, to make things easier in the dark.

Prices have not been announced but the 2025 Ducati Multistrada V2 will be available in certain markets from January 2025.

Is the Honda CB500RS in Development?

Is the Honda CB500RS in the works, following in the footsteps of the intriguing CB350RS?

The 350cc version is currently unavailable in the US, perhaps prompting Honda Motors Corporation to develop a 500c model. The rumours follow trademark applications filed in the country for a GB500. The CB350RS is sold under a different name as the GB350S in some markets, including Japan.

However, the 500 looks different in Japan, as scooped by the Japanese magazine, Young Machine. Pictures show a truly retro design, compared to the roadster/cafe racer design of the CB350RS.

The magazine also mentioned that the engine could possibly be a 525cc, two-valve, single-cylinder, air-cooled unit.

Should it go to plan, the Honda 500cc range will now have a new addition to the current Rebel 500, CBR500R, and NX500.

Puig Pista Kit Turns BMW R 1300 GS into a Racer

Any BMW motorcycle with “GS” name means it is an adventure motorcycle. GS, in its original form was G/S which stood for Gelände/Straße meaning Off-Road/Road. However, that does not mean the BMW R 1300 GS and its predecessors could not be ridden aggressively on the road! So, from the aftermarket specialists Puig, here is the radical Puig Pista Kit which turns your BMW R 1300 GS into a racer.

The kitted out GS was shown at EICMA. Pista means track and the resulting bike became a big capacity supermoto like the KTM 890 SMT. BMW does have a fully-faired Boxer model, called the R 1250 RS (the 1300 model should be in the works) but it is a sport-tourer.

The Puig prototype was fitted with 17-inch Rotobox carbon fibre wheels that were shod with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tyres, Galfer 320mm brake discs, and Arrow exhaust system.

The most striking feature of the kit is the revised front end of the bike, looking more raptor-like, with hey! winglets on the sides. The windscreen is also Puig’s (of course), which the maker says reduces turbulence. There are also side mounted deflectors which can be opened or closed to increase or decrease airflow to the rider’s legs.

Additionally, the kit includes a revised mudguard (to accommodate the smaller front wheel and tyre), tank cover, rear cowl, pillion seat cover, belly pan and lower spoiler.

And then there are the brake cooling ducts to channel cool air to the front brake calipers, painted in striking yellow.

The kit remains a concept but who knows Puig may produce it if there is enough demand to produce it.

All photos by Puig.

2025 Yamaha XSR900 Updated, Available Overseas Only

The 2025 Yamaha XSR900 has been updated. This is one model which some quarters have been asking for in Malaysia but unfortunately, it is available overseas only.

Anyway, the 2025 model sports a new 5-inch TFT screen, replacing the previous minuscule 3.5-inch item. Apart from that, the engine is now Euro5+ compliant.

The rest stays the same, being powered by the 890cc, three-cylinder engine shared with the Yamaha MT-09. It makes the same maximum power of 117.3hp at 10,000 RPM and 93.0Nm of maximum torque at 7,000 RPM.

Its chassis is also unchanged, running on spin-forged wheels, suspended by 41mm forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Brakes consist the same Brembo master cylinder and dual 298mm discs up front. Seat height is 810mm and wet weight remains at 193kg.

It seems that the manufacturer has not updated the model in big steps as it is still extremely popular where it is available. Except that it is not here.

Price for the 2025 Yamaha XSR900 in the UK is £11,000 (RM62,114.66) and available in Legend Red, and Midnight Black colours.

There is still no news about the Yamaha XSR900 GP model.

2025 Fantic Caballero 500 Gets Italian-Made Engine

The 2025 Fantic Caballero 500 retro scrambler will be receiving an Italian-made engine.

The Caballero family had used the 449cc single-cylinder engine built by Zongshen in China up to recently, but will switch to a new engine called the MM460. The MM460 was designed, developed, and will be produced by Motori Minarelli, based in Bologna, Italy.

It is a fuel-injected, DOHC, single-cylinder, 463cc engine, which produces 44.4hp at 8,000 RPM and 42.4Nm of torque at 7,000 RPM. That is a good torque figure, although a little peaky.

The engine will be installed in the same tubular steel frame across all three variants of the Caballero 500, namely the Scrambler, Rally, and Deluxe.

Complementing the new motor is a redesigned intake and exhaust system by Arrow (also from Italy), new engine maps, and a ride-by-wire throttle to allow for multiple riding modes.

Lean sensitive cornering ABS is also available alongside traction control, with LED lighting all around.

All three variants share the same 12-litre fuel tank and are claimed to weigh 150kg dry. Both the Scrambler and Deluxe also benefit from a low 820mm seat height as standard (840mm optional), with the more rugged Rally version sitting higher at 860mm.

The Rally also has a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel for more off-roading, while the other variants are fitted with 19-inch fronts and 17-inch rears.

Sticking with the off-road variant, the upside-down forks are 2mm thicker at 43mm, with full adjustment at the front and rear, with 200mm of travel at both ends. The Scrambler and Deluxe get only rebound adjustment at the rear, instead, with 150mm of travel.

Prices and availability are not yet confirmed for the 2025 Fantic Caballero 500.

2025 Royal Enfield Classic 650, More or Less the Same

Royal Enfield already has five other models based on the Super Meteor 650 platform, namely the Interceptor 650, Continental GT 650, Shotgun 650, Bear 650, and the aforementioned Super Meteor. The new addition to the family is this 2025 Royal Enfield Classic 650.

The Classic 650 burrows the Classic 350’s post-war British retro styling (what else?) to satiate Anglophiles. Will the Old Money guys please stand up?

While most of RE’s line-up are retro, the Classic range offers the true vintage looks. Just check out the teardrop tank, round headlight with the visor, curved fenders, chrome everywhere.

“The Classic is what keeps us rooted and real to our philosophy of pure motorcycling,” said B. Govindarajan, CEO of Royal Enfield. “The new Classic 650 not only upholds and embodies this spirit, it serves it up in a double measure on our world-class 650 Twin platform.”

The engine is carried directly over from the Super Meteor. It is a 648cc, parallel-twin with a 270º crank, producing 46.4hp at 7,250 RPM and 52.3Nm of torque, housed in a steel tube frame shared with – you guessed it – the Super Meteor 650. The manufacturer claims that the kerb weight with a 90% full tank is 265.8kg, making it the heaviest RE. The fuel tank fills up to 14.7 litres, by the way.

Both wheels are wire-spoked, the front being 19-inches and the rear is 18-inches. There is a single 320mm disc grabbed by a 2-piston floating caliper up front, while the rear has a 300mm disc with another 2-piston floating caliper. Suspension is Showa all around, but neither the forks and twin rear shocks are adjustable.

Underneath that vintage look are several modern features including ABS, LED lighting, LCD screen embedded in the analog metre, a USB-C charging port.

Selling price for the 2025 Royal Enfield Classic 650 in the UK is £6,499 (RM36,825.24). The price will be higher when it reaches our shores, of course. It is offered in four colours dubbed Vallam Red, Bruntingthorpe Blue, Teal, or Black Chrome.

2025 Honda ADV350 Launched in Europe, New Features Galore

Although the Honda ADV160 is the most popular small-capacity scooter in Malaysia, the middle-range Honda ADV350 is one of Honda’s best-seller the world over. Of course, the ADV350 is larger than the ADV160 and offers more storage space and a more powerful engine, but it is not as heavy and expensive as the X-ADV (750).

So, it is only right that Honda revises the ADV350 for 2025.

Highlights:

The 330cc SOHC engine with Honda’s eSP+ (enhanced Smart Power Plus) feature remains unchanged, and produces 28.8hp and 31.5Nm of torque.
Power and torque from the engine is regulated through the manufacture’s traction control system called the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).

Fuel tank capacity is 11.7 litres, and Honda claims the engine’s fuel consumption is a frugal 3.4 litres/100km, which gives the bike a maximum range of near 340km.
The underseat storage space is illuminated to help the rider from having to rummage around in low-light conditions.

The space is large enough for two full-face helmets.
There is a separate compartment equipped with a USB-C charging port.

The suspension has been updated. While the front uses the same 37mm upside-down forks, the rear twin shock absorbers feature reservoirs and are adjustable for preload.
The 2025 Honda ADV350’s styling looks much closer to the X-AD, including the dual headlights and adventure tyres.

Its windscreen is adjustable.
There is a new 5-inch TFT colour screen, replacing the old LCD unit. The screen remains clear under bright sunlight due to its Optical Bonding technology.

The screen features the Honda RoadSync connectivity suite which connects to iOS and Android phones for navigation, telephony, music.
There are four colours: Pearl Nightstar Black, Mat Ruthenium Silver Metallic, Hyper Red, and Mat Coal Black Metallic.

The 2025 Honda ADV350 sells for £5,899 (RM33,372.42). Do note that the final price will be different when it gets here.

2025 Ducati Streetfighter V4, King of Nakeds

You knew it was coming, following the launch of the 2025 Ducati Panigale V4. Here is the 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V4 with more engine power, revised chassis, updated aerodynamics, and better electronics.

This time, Ducati did not hold back as they have removed the fairings of the Panigale V4, gave the Streetfighter V4 S higher handlebars, and kept the engine power almost the same. The only difference for the 1103cc Demosecidi Stradale engine on the Streetfighter is a different airbox intake to deliver a stronger power delivery throughout the rev range.

Apart from this, the cams have higher lift profiles, the alternator and oil pump are shared with the Panigale V4 R, and the gear drum from the Superleggera V4. The Streetfighter V4’s engine also has variable-length intake trumpets.

The chassis is almost identical with the Panigale V4’s but is an all-new design, 1kg lighter than the previous bike. Just like the Panigale’s the front frame and double-sided swingarm offer less lateral stiffness: 37% in front and 42% at the back for better grip when the bike is leaned over plus improving feedback.

The 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V4 has 0.5º more rake, and 1mm more trail for better straightline stability. Forks are Showa Big Piston, and the rear monoshock in a Sachs unit for the standard variant, while the S variant gets electronic Öhlins NIX/TTX suspension.

The bi-plane winglets generate 17kg of downforace at 270km/h. Oh, Ducati claims the Streetfighter V4 S has a kerb weight without fuel of only 189kg, giving it a 1.13hp/kg of power-to-weight ratio, while the standard variant has a kerb weight without fuel of 191kg.

And of course, no Ducati is complete without a raft of electronics features that will rival the Space Shuttle. There are four ride modes (Race, Sport, Road, Wet), wheelie control, Cornering Traction Control, Cornering ABS, slide control, launch control, quickshifter,.

New is the predictive algorithm-based Ducati Vehicle Observer (DVO) system comes included to precisely estimate the amount of electronic intervention needed, as does a five-level Race eCBS – a combined braking system that can automatically modulate rear pressure without rider input to mimic the cornering techniques used by professional racers.

The electronic features are all controlled through a new 6.9-inch TFT screen. And a partridge in a pear tree.

But it is comforting to know that Ducati did not forget rider comfort. The area where the seat meets the tank is revised to offer more room for taller riders, as well as better grip when braking and cornering. The handlebar and footpegs were repositioned to provide long-distance comfort while still offering a sporty ergonomic.

Last but not least, there are internal deflectors to er… deflect hot air from the engine away from the rider’s legs.

Prices in the UK are £21,295 (RM120,211.52) for the standard variant, while the 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V4 S is £26,195 (RM147,872.31). Prices in MYR are direct conversions, thus the price may be (much) higher when it arrives in Malaysia.

2025 Royal Enfield Scram 440 Launched in India

The 2025 Royal Enfield Scram 440 was launched at the manufacturer’s largest annual motorcycle gathering, Motoverse 2024, which was held in Goa, India. The Scram 440 is updated from the current Scram 411.

Starting with the engine, Royal Enfield (RE) bored out the current anaemic 411cc, single-cylinder, SOHC, air/oil-cooled powerplant to 443cc. The added cubes upped maximum power to 25.4hp at 6,250 RPM and torque to 34Nm at 4,000 RPM. It is a model update from 24.3hp at 6,500 RPM and 32Nm at 4,250 RPM. Why RE did not go for even higher outputs in the 30hp region is beyond us.

Next up is the transmission, to which RE added a 6th gear to address highway cruising woes. Apart from that, the maker claims clutch pull is lighter now.

The frame is strengthened to accommodate heavier loads and top box, which the chassis remains the same. The wheels are wire-spoked 19-inches front and rear 17-inch rear, tubed type. Alloy tubeless wheels are optional.

Brakes are also upgraded as a response to present owners who found their braking power inadequate. The dual-channel ABS is now switchable, letting the rider turn off the rear wheel’s ABS for off-road use, akin the RE Himalayan.

Several new colours have been added for the 2025 Royal Enfield Scram 440 and will be released in India from January 2025.

Bikesrepublic

Global News

Kove RR500 Sportbike Nearing Production

FMX Rider Backflips a Yamaha Ténéré 700

2025 Yamaha NMax 125 Receives Tech Max Features in UK

2025 Ducati Multistrada V2 Launched

Highlights:

Is the Honda CB500RS in Development?

Puig Pista Kit Turns BMW R 1300 GS into a Racer

2025 Yamaha XSR900 Updated, Available Overseas Only

2025 Fantic Caballero 500 Gets Italian-Made Engine

2025 Royal Enfield Classic 650, More or Less the Same

2025 Honda ADV350 Launched in Europe, New Features Galore

Highlights:

2025 Ducati Streetfighter V4, King of Nakeds

2025 Royal Enfield Scram 440 Launched in India

Kove RR500 Sportbike Nearing Production

FMX Rider Backflips a Yamaha Ténéré 700

2025 Yamaha NMax 125 Receives Tech Max Features in UK

2025 Ducati Multistrada V2 Launched

Is the Honda CB500RS in Development?

Puig Pista Kit Turns BMW R 1300 GS into a Racer

2025 Yamaha XSR900 Updated, Available Overseas Only

2025 Fantic Caballero 500 Gets Italian-Made Engine

2025 Royal Enfield Classic 650, More or Less the Same

2025 Honda ADV350 Launched in Europe, New Features Galore

2025 Ducati Streetfighter V4, King of Nakeds

2025 Royal Enfield Scram 440 Launched in India

Archive

2025 Yamaha R9 Launched, Not the R1’s Replacement

CFMoto 750SR Revealed Prior to Launch

2025 TVS Ronin Launched at Motosoul 4.0

Provisional 2025 MotoGP Calendar Released

2024 Kawasaki Z900RS SE Arrives in Malaysia

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