Italian braking giant Brembo purchases Öhlins Racing.
Brembo signed an agreement with Tenneco, a portfolio company of funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, Inc., for the acquisition of a 100 per cent stake in Öhlins Racing.
Öhlins Racing offers an extensive range of products, including shock absorbers, front forks, steering dampers, software and algorithms, and accessories for the OEM and aftermarket segments. The company also has a strong racing heritage and presence in major motorsport championships, supplying almost every top international racing championships including MotoGP, Formula 1, World Superbike, and others.
This deal is the largest acquisition in Brembo’s history, at USD 405 million, (RM 1,735.22 million). The acquisition is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in early 2025.
This acquisition continues Brembo’s investment in the motorcycle and motor racing area. In 2021 the Group acquired SBS Friction in Denmark and J.Juan in Spain, completing the offer of braking system solutions dedicated to two-wheelers. In February of this year, Brembo announced its entry into Thailand with a new production site dedicated to braking systems for motorcycle manufacturers. Brembo also controls Marchesini, the leading brand in the design and production of light alloy wheels for racing and road motorcycles.
The two-wheeler business is today worth approximately 13% of Brembo’s total revenues.
Founded in 1976, Öhlins Racing is based in Upplands Väsby (Stockholm), Sweden, and has a strong international footprint. Öhlins employs approximately 500 people across two production facilities located in Sweden and Thailand, two R&D centers in Sweden and Thailand, and four distribution and testing branches in the U.S., Germany, Thailand and Sweden.
Ah yes, it was 9th October yesterday and as promised, the 2025 Yamaha R9 has been launched. But before going further, let us state that it is NOT the replacement for the Yamaha YZF-R1! We have read through the threads in several pages and there were folks who were confused.
In any case, the long-rumoured YZF-R9 is here at last and it does look good, in our humble opinion.
Highlights:
890cc, three-cylinder, CP3 engine which also powers the Yamaha MT-09 and Yamaha Tracer 9 GT.
However, the R9’s ECU is different, which Yamaha says is intended to “provide thrilling supersport power with a more broad, torquey engine character.” Whatever. We just hope that they have ironed out the snatchy throttle response of the MT-09.
The manufacturer did not disclose the power figures, but the current MT-09’s engine puts out 117hp and 92Nm.
There is a larger radiator (yay!) and a smaller rear sprocket (16/43 vs. 16/45).
All-new advanced gravity-cast Deltabox frame, which is Yamaha’s lightest aluminium frame weighing only 9.7kg.
High-spec, fully-adjustable, 43mm KYB SDF upside-down forks with Kashima-coated tubes, and KYB fully-adjustable monoshock at the back.
Brembo radial master cylinder, 320mm discs, and Brembo Stylema calipers up front (yay!).
The ergonomics are much sportier than the YZF-R7’s, with the clip-ons placed low and footpegs higher.
There is a six-axis IMU, along with Rain, Sport, Street, Custom riding modes, in addition to four Track modes.
Launch control is also included, allowing you to pin the throttle and dump the clutch.
A quickshifter as standard equipment.
Another unique feature is the Telemetry Recording and Analysis Controller (Y-TRAC) to log and analyse riding data which they can later review.
It links to the rider’s phone using Bluetooth, meaning the bike also boasts integrated full navigation, calls and music.
New 5-inch TFT screen that appears to be much easier to read.
In a nutshell
So, the 2025 Yamaha R9 is an “everyday” sportbike that you can take to the occasional track day. It is much more accessible compared to its YZF-R1, but with some of the technologies from the R1.
However, we in Malaysia may see this bike as just a pipe dream since we have not even received the YZF-R7 yet. What say you, Hong Leong Yamaha?
The 2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801 has finally been launched, following in the footsteps of the Svartpilen 801.
True to Husqvarna’s brief as being the heritage lineup in Pierer Mobility, the new bike carries a neo-retro look. The rest of the bike, apart from the tank, look adapted from the KTM 790 Duke R. So, of course, there are many shared components.
Highlights of the 2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801:
799cc, LC8c parallel-twin engine which produces 105hp and 87Nm of torque.
Service intervals have been increased to 15,000km.
Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated.
Adjustable WP Apex 43mm forks, and adjustable WP Apex monoshock.
J.Juan brake calipers at the front and rear, Cornering ABS is standard.
Standard ride modes are Street, Sport, and Rain. Owners can add on the Dynamic pack which unlocks the Dynamic ride mode.
The optional Dynamic Pack allows owners to customise the ride modes and 10 traction control levels, 5 levels of Anti Wheelie control, and Motorcycle Slip Regulation.
The quickshifter called Easy Shift is available as an option.
Cruise control is also an option.
5-inch TFT dash with smartphone connectivity via the app.
A DRL ring surrounding the central LED projector headlight.
Weight without fuel is 180kg.
The 2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801’s price has not been revealed.
The US Congress seems to be on the warpath to ban or curtail Chinese-made goods in their country. First it was Huawei, then TikTok, followed by a resolution against DJI (which has not passed yet). Now it seems that the US wants to ban CFMoto and possible Kove, too.
The US Commerce Department recently proposed rules that would ban vehicles with software and hardware links to China and Russia by model year 2027. Officials with the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced the new rules last week, which specifically target vehicles with “connected vehicles.” Hence, CFMoto is at the top of the list for motorcycles.
The BIS proposes to define a “connected vehicle” as meaning, “a vehicle driven or drawn by mechanical power and manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads, and highways, that integrates onboard networked hardware with automotive software systems to communicate via dedicated short-range communication, cellular telecommunications connectivity, satellite communication, or other wireless spectrum connectivity with any other network or device.”
CFMoto’s telematics-box (T-Box) and the CFMoto Ride app would constitute onboard networked hardware with automotive software systems to communicate, meaning if the proposed rules pass, CFMoto models that run this type of hardware and software would be banned by 2027.
Most Kove motorcycles are fitted with GPS, connect to your phone via Bluetooth, and have a dedicated app, which would theoretically also count those models out of the US by 2027.
An advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) was issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce in February, which included a quote from the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, stating, “It doesn’t take a lot of imagination to think of how foreign government with access to connected vehicles could pose a serious risk to both our national security and the personal privacy of U.S. citizens.”
Truth is, the language of the proposed act will carry little impact in the US motorcycle industry as CFMoto and Kove hold only a small piece of the pie. The real target, however, is Chinese carmakers such as BYD whose EVs are already slapped with a 100% import tax.
The motorcycling world had been waiting for the Yamaha YZF-R9 for so long that it is almost out of mind. But Yamaha USA had just dropped a teaser video in YouTube with the line, “A new era is rising. October 9th.”
It can be seen in the video that there is a fully-faired sportbike in the background and a countdown that stops and repeats at the number 9. Additionally, the video shows a centrally-located headlight in between side DRLs, an arrangement like that of the Yamaha YZF-R7’s. So, this video truly confirms the launch of the YZF-R9.
Now, Yamaha has the R7 as the “everyday” sportbike which occupies the same segment as the Honda CBR650R, Suzuki GSX-S800, Triumph Daytona 660, and Aprilia RS 660. As for the “pure” supersport range, there are only two horses here – The Honda CBR600RR and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R – after Yamaha dropped the R6 years ago.
On the superbike front, there is the Yamaha YZF-R1 taking the fight to the Aprilia RSV1100 V4, Ducati Panigale V4, Honda CBR1000RR-R, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.
So, where will the the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 fit in? There is only one other sportbike in this range, the Ducati Panigale V2. The Italian manufacturer had stopped producing the Panigale V2 with the Testastretta engine and are looking to produce a new V-Twin.
In any case, a practical sub-1000cc sportbike that is good for everyday riding and the occasional trackday is always welcome in our books. Let us look forward to 9th October.
The 2025 Honda X-ADV has been launched overseas, and features many useful updates.
Launched in 2017, the model has proven to be ultra popular the world over. It was already popular in Malaysia even prior to being officially imported and sold. Then, buyers had to wait for months for their bikes when it is officially sold. It is not difficult to understand the bike’s charms: A parallel-twin engine with raw torque combined with the ease of a scooter and the rowdiness of a conventional motorcycle.
But, we do have our complaints such as the screen is impossible to adjust on the move, the bum feels sore after riding for 100km, there is no storage space at the front despite having the shape of a step-through scooter, the LCD screen was too busy, and most of all the DCT was difficult to modulate at low speeds and causing me to dumb the bike (as with the CRF1000L Africa Twin DCT).
So, Honda must have heard the complaints so the 2025 Honda X-ADV features nine(!) upgrades.
1. New TFT screen
There is a new five-inch, TFT dash which is more connected, using the Honda RoadSync smartphone app. Honda also says that there is a new anti-glare coating on the screen.
2. Cruise control
Cruise control is now standard – a great addition for Malaysian riders because we love to tour everywhere on any motorcycle. The company also introduced panniers, as well as 50-liter and 38-liter top boxes as options in the European market, although we are sceptical if these make their way here. The 2025 Honda X-ADV also gets new backlit left-handlebar switchgear.
3. Updated power modes
The four power modes have been updated.The power modes change the power output, engine braking, traction controls, and DCT operation. There is also a USER mode that can be personalized. Additionally the DCT has also been modified for improved low-speed operation. (See? It was not my fault!)
4. Seat with thicker foam
The seat’s urethane foam is 10 percent thicker, but the seat is reshaped to make it easier for the rider to put his/her feet down. The seat is easier to open and close when accessing the underseat compartment.
5. Windscreen adjustable for three positions
The windscreen is adjustable for three positions. Adjustments are easier and only require your left hand to accomplish. The adjustment range is 14cm, and the screen rake moves over an 11-degree range.
6. Tilt sensor on the centrestand
The centerstand has a tilt sensor to alert you if you have parked on an incline that is too steep, so that the bike does not topple over when you walk away.
7. DRL with integrated turn signals
The new LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) have integrated turn indicators. This is the first motorcycle with this feature, according to Honda. The main headlights have been redesigned, too, with dual LEDs in each side, much like the Honda Civic.
8. Revised bodywork
While its silhouette remains, there are several updates to the bike’s bodywork. One is the design of the aforementioned headlamp, and gone is that black “shout” between the headlamps. The pictures also show transparent wind deflectors along the edge of the front fairing, although we are not sure if these are options or standard equipment.
9. Recycled materials
Honda says that they are using recycled materials called Durabio, a biomass plastic on various bodywork parts on the 2025 Honda X-ADV. The luggage box and seat base are made from recycled Honda automobile bumpers, while recycled plastic is used for panels and covers.
Lastly, there are four colours to choose from: Matte Gold Finch Yellow for the Special Edition and three shades of grey for standard models. The price has not been revealed.
BYD, already a global electric car giant, looks to be planning on building their own BYD electric scooter.
There had been many rumours regarding this, previously, and each was denied by BYD themselves. But it looks like they may be tapping into a huge market. They are already the world’s second largest EV battery maker, owning 15.8 percent of the total market in 2023. The company is dedicated to EV battery technology and their in-house “Blade” battery allows high loads with fast recharging and long life compared to other lithium-ion batteries.
The company is not a stranger to motorcycles altogether since they supply the batteries to other electric motorcycle and bicycle manufacturers. However, this would be their first sojourn into producing their own branded motorcycle.
Leaked patent drawings shows a standard step-through scooter, not unlike the super popular Yamaha XMAX 250/300. It is evident to see upside-down forks, a radial mount for the front brake caliper, twin rear shocks. These renders did not include the size and power of the motor, and the battery capacity, however.
The Honda RC164 racebike made its debut in 1964, breaking new grounds with its 250cc inline-six engine, and ridden by Jim Redman. So, to commemorate its 60th anniversary, Honda of Japan authorised the Swiss watchmaker Baresi & Caine to create just 60 pieces of this commemorative Honda RC164 Stella watch.
The watch has a stainless steel case, bezel and case back, along with a black Onyx dial and 18-carat yellow gold Honda ‘wing’ motif and rotor. The mechanism is an in-house BC102MR Automatic Micro Rotor, boasting 70 hours of power reserve, while the strap is completed with a stainless steel and 18ct gold clasp.
It has to be said that genuine Honda RC164s are valued at nearly £500,000 (RM2,751,086.53), therefore the watch from Baresi & Caine looks like a relative bargain coming in at just £28,000 (RM154,060.84). Those looking to invest in one will have to pay a £14,000 (RM77,030.42) deposit. Buyers will also get a copy of the beautiful Honda Six – Recreating a Masterpiece coffee table book worth £65 (RM357.64) when they place their order.
Interested parties can place an order at the official website. Hurry, there are only 60 pieces of the Honda RC164 Stella watch and while the Malaysian Ringgit is at its highest level at the moment.
Meanwhile, I will make do with my RM99.00 Casio watch (no, it is not a G-Shock).
The 2025 MotoGP calendar has just been released. It is going to be an extra busy year with 22 rounds, and 44 races.
Like the previous seasons, 2025 will kick off with a fly-away (non-European) round. However, Thailand will host the opening round at the Chang International Circuit, instead of the usual venue at Qatar. It also means that Thailand will not be held back-to-back to Malaysia, as in the case of this year.
Mid-season period takes place from April to September, with the championship returning to the European continent. The Brno circuit in the Czech Republic returns, no doubt will be much welcomed by riders and fans.
Argentina is provisionally scheduled after the Thai GP, although it was cancelled this year.
A new additional for 2025 is Balaton Park, Hungary. The 2.5-mile venue was only recently completed and will be an interesting test for the teams and riders who will have little to no data and experience of the track. The circus will be heading to the Hungarian venue between August 22 and 24.
There are two missing venues for 2025. First is the Sokol International Circuit in Kazakhstan. It had been cancelled due to bad floods in the country this year. The other is the now infamous Indian MotoGP which has been delayed until 2026 due to what Dorna and the FIM stated as “operational circumstances.”
Rounding out the 2025 season is the traditional showdown at Jerez, with the stunning circuit playing host to the championship between November 14 and 16.
After more twists and turns than in a Bollywood movie later, the India MotoGP has been “delayed” to 2026. Dorna and the FIM have confirmed it officially with a press release.
The release did not mention the words “cancelled” or “postponed” and instead stated that the event will be “included on the 2026 FIM MotoGP calendar”. At the same time, they confirmed that the Indian venue will be a standby event for the 2025 championship season.
The full press release from the FIM and Dorna reads:
“The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports confirm that the Indian Grand Prix will be included on the 2026 FIM MotoGP calendar, moving to become a reserve event for 2025.
“Operational circumstances have obliged the event to be delayed from its initial slot near the start of the 2025 calendar. With no available dates towards the end of the season, MotoGP will therefore return to India in the early stages of 2026.
“Both MotoGP and InvestUP are working hard to bring MotoGP back to Buddh International Circuit with a world-class event, and are committed to confirming India as a destination for global sporting events.
“Our collaboration with InvestUP to bring MotoGP back to India continues to lay fantastic foundations for the future and MotoGP looks forward to racing in front of our incredible Indian fans as soon as possible.”
Autosport reports that the troubles are down to a lack of financial support from a local government investment agency linked to the region where the race is to be held. Invest UP (UP stands for Uttar Pradesh – the region in which the Buddh International Circuit resides) took over the promotion of the event from Fairstreet Sports, who promoted the inaugural event in 2023. It was believed that Fairstreet Sports had failed to pay Dorna and FIM for the rights to hold the event, in addition to the vendors.
Even that inaugural event in 2023 was fraught with difficulties on more than one occasion in the days leading up to it.
The 2024 was originally intended to take place last weekend, was first cancelled due to financial concerns although Dorna and the FIM did not specifically mention it. The round was subsequently moved to early 2025 due to “weather concerns” ahead of the season’s first round at Buriram, Thailand. It was hoped that the weather in the Uttar Pradesh region will be cooler during that time.
The postponement of the Indian MotoGP meant that MotoGP remained in Misano for two back-to-back rounds, instead.
As we mentioned earlier, the road legal Yamaha YZF-R1 is now only available for all other markets except in the UK and Europe due to Euro 5 emissions restrictions. However, the bike can be sold in the UK and EU markets in competition form only. As such, here are the track-only 2025 Yamaha YZF-R1 Race and 2025 Yamaha YZF-R1 GYTR.
2025 Yamaha YZF-R1 Race
This is the base model in the competition range, and as usual, Yamaha claims that it is inspired by the YZR-M1 MotoGP bike. All road-legal equipment have been removed, leaving only the necessities, including the large carbon fibre front wings. The factory did not publish how much downforce they add on, though.
The forks are KYB 43mm upside-down units, adjustable for compression dan rebound damping. These are conventionally adjusted unlike the electronically-controlled type on the road-legal R1. This is because most racing series (apart from the FIM EWC) ban electronically-controlled suspension. Besides, professional riders prefer manually-controlled suspension as they provide better feel.
Front brakes consist of Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers.
Highlights:
New MotoGP-inspired downforce winglets.
New generation KYB front forks.
New Brembo front master cylinder and Stylema calipers.
New grippy seat cover.
Fully track-focused, all road components removed.
998cc 200PS crossplane 4-cylinder engine with linear torque.
Sophisticated electronics package.
6-axis IMU with Gyro/G sensors for 3D motion data.
Banking sensitive Traction Control (TCS) and Slide Control (SCS).
Power Delivery Modes (PWR).
Front Lift Control (LIF) and Launch Control (LCS).
Quick Shift System (QSS).
Engine Brake Management (EBM) and Brake Control (BC).
Short wheelbase aluminium Deltabox frame.
Upward truss type aluminium swingarm/magnesium rear frame.
Magnesium rear wheels and 17 litre aluminium fuel tank.
4.2 inch TFT instrument panel with Track Mode.
2025 Yamaha YZF-R1 GYTR
The GYTR (Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing) unit is the Pro Shop for the brand. The R1 GYTR is said to “leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of racing performance”. It features all the upgrades to the R1 Race, along with a host of “race-developed” GTYR parts. Each GYTR model is also built in one of Yamaha’s specialist GYTR PRO Shops, and is homologated to meet the FIM Superstock 1000 regulations right out of the crate.
Above the spec of the R1 Race, the new 2025 Yamaha YZF-R1 GYTR features a higher level of adjustability in the bike’s ECU, and rider ergonomics, thanks to fully adjustable rearsets and handlebars.
The front brake system uses the same Stylema calipers, although on the GYTR model they are fitted with Z04 racing pads and GYTR brake lines. There is also a thumb brake lever for the rear brake. A race-spec wiring loom hides underneath the fairing, and exhaust gases are shot out of an Akrapovic silencer.
Suspension is Öhlins, of course.
Highlights:
New black glass fibre race cowl with MotoGP-inspired winglets and sticker kit.
New generation KYB front forks.
New Brembo front master cylinder and Stylema calipers.
New GYTR race rear set.
New GYTR R1 handlebar set.
GYTR Racing ECU (SST spec).
GYTR Racing Wire Harness.
Akrapovic Race muffler with mid-damper system (<100 dB).
The 2025 Yamaha YZF-R1 and the higher spec’ed YZF-R1M were launched for the U.S. and other international markets. Unfortunately for those in the EU, they will only receive the race-only model.
It features revised bodywork and huge front winglets, plus many other upgrades. Here are the list of features from the press release.
2025 Yamaha YZF-R1
Created to represent the pinnacle of sportbike performance, Yamaha’s iconic R1 returns for 2025 with the same explosive 998cc CP4 crossplane engine, comprehensive electronics suite and renowned handling character which has led to an incredible run of AMA/MotoAmerica Superbike titles in 13 of the past 14 seasons. Yamaha continues to use knowledge gained from high-level competition to offer some of the most advanced and capable Supersport models in the industry.
New features for 2025 begin with lightweight Brembo® Stylema monobloc front brake calipers. They come paired with a new Brembo® master cylinder to offer outstanding braking power and exceptional feel. There is also a fully redesigned KYB® front fork offering excellent response, road feel and chassis performance. The new carbon fiber winglets not only add to the R1’s sleek, aerodynamic look, they create additional downforce for enhanced front-end feel when braking or cornering. Finally, a new rider and passenger seat cover texture balances both grip and ease of movement for a better sense of control and connection to the machine.
Highlights:
New carbon fiber aerodynamic winglets.
New fully adjustable 43mm KYB® front fork.
New radial-mounted Brembo® Stylema monobloc front calipers.
New Brembo® master cylinder.
New seat cover texture.
Advanced 998cc CP4 engine with crossplane crankshaft technology.
Lightweight titanium connecting rods, titanium intake valves and forged pistons.
The new 2025 Yamaha YZF-R1 will be available in Team Yamaha Blue or Matte Raven Black, and will sell for US$18,999 (RM79,406.05).
2025 Yamaha YZF-R1M
Yamaha’s highest specification and most exclusive Supersport model, the 2025 YZF-R1M immediately sets itself apart with a distinctive color scheme, polished aluminum swingarm and striking full carbon fiber bodywork, which seamlessly integrates with the new carbon fiber winglets for an aggressive, track-focused look. An engraved, serial numbered badge further highlights its exclusivity.
Along with the same advanced performance provided by the powerful 998cc CP4 crossplane engine, comprehensive electronics suite and lightweight aluminum Deltabox frame found on the standard R1, capability is pushed to an even higher level on the R1M with the addition of its sophisticated Öhlins® Electronic Racing Suspension, where data from the motorcycle’s IMU—such as vehicle speed, lean angle, acceleration and brake pressure—is supplied to a dedicated Suspension Control Unit to rapidly adjust front and rear damping in real time for optimum suspension performance whether braking, cornering or accelerating. The ERS simplifies suspension tuning by providing streamlined dynamic tuning modes for both street and track, as well as manual modes for more conventional suspension tuning.
Additionally, GPS data logging comes as a standard feature on the YZF-R1M. Yamaha’s unique Communication Control Unit is an integrated data-logging and GPS system that puts factory superbike technology in the palm of your hand. Vehicle data can be recorded with course mapping and automatic lap timing managed by GPS, then wirelessly downloaded to an Android® or Apple® iOS® app where it can be analyzed. The rider is then able to adjust system settings and upload these changes back to the R1M for the next track session.
Highlights:
Full carbon fiber bodywork including new aerodynamic winglets.
New seat cover texture.
Advanced 998cc CP4 engine with crossplane crankshaft technology.
Lightweight titanium connecting rods, titanium intake valves and forged pistons.
