Global News Archives

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.

2025 BMW R 12 S Launched, Beautiful Homage to the R90S

The 2025 BMW R 12 S has been launched, and it is a beautiful homage to the 1973 BMW R90S.

Why was the R90S such an icon? BMW says that the R90S “set an exclamation mark for BMW Motorrad with 67 hp, a top speed of 124 mph (considered the ‘sound barrier’ for motorcycles at the time), double disk front brakes and sporting riding dynamics.” Putting that PR agency spiel aside, the R90S was the bike which moved BMW away from the “old man’s motorcycle” stereotype and into the performance bracket. Indeed, Reg Pridmore won the 1976 AMA Superbike Championship on it. Cycle World called it the motorcycle which started the sport-touring revolution. It was also designed by Hans Muth, the guy who designed the original Suzuki Katana.

The R nineT range is been the brand’s modern classic range and has seen several beautiful iterations of the bikes of yesteryears, especially the R nineT Racer. But this one takes the cake in our books.

Based on the R 12 nineT, the BMW R 12 S uses the same 1170cc, air/oil-cooled Boxer which produces 109hp and 115Nm. However, the R 12 S is blinged out with Option 719 Wheel Classic II wire-spoked rims, black handlebar, and fork tubes. The engine also features several black accents.

The paint scheme is called N42 Lava (the original was called Daytona Orange) and includes red pinstriping and brushed aluminium accents on the fuel tank and rear seat cover. And don’t forget that old-school headlight fairing, as the R90S was the first production motorcycle to sport one.

Other features include Hill Start Control, Gear Shift Assist Pro, Cruise Control, heated grips, Headlight Pro.

Price is USD21,590 in the US before tax. Oh, now I regret for not being a stock broker…

Indonesian Motorcycle Market Maintains Upward Momentum

The Indonesian motorcycle market maintains its upward momentum, after seeing a slight reduction in the first half of the year. The first half had closed with a 0.9% reduction in motorcycle sales, but rebounded by 4.1% up to October.

The upswing was the result of the Indonesian government’s commitment to electrify the country’s vehicles. In April 2024, the government committed U$455 million to subsidise the purchase of electric motorcycles aiming to cover the purchase of 800,000 new electric motorcycles and the conversion of 200,000 combustion engine motorcycles into electric ones. The subsidy program provides an IDR 7 million discount on the purchase of electric motorcycles. Hence the segment has increased by 96.6% this year.

The Chinese EV leader Yadea was quick to capitalise on the opportunity and invested heavily to produce electric scooters and motorcycles in Indonesia.

The inaugural vehicle delivery ceremony, held on March 14th, 2024, in Cikarang, Bekasi, Indonesia, marked a monumental milestone for Yadea’s expansion efforts in the Southeast Asian region.

Situated in Bekasi, West Java Province, the Yadea Indonesia production base encompasses a sprawling 28,000 square meters, boasting state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies, and an annual production capacity of 300,000 units.

KTM is Insolvent and Enters ‘Self-Administration’

KTM’s parent company, Pierer Mobility AG has failed to source for a cash infusion of at least €100 million, and as a result, KTM AG is now insolvent. The company has entered ‘self-administration’ in order to stave off bankruptcy. In other words, they are working on a reorganisation plan with their creditors within a 90-day timeframe.

As part of the restructuring efforts, Pierer Mobility outlined plans for KTM that involve scaling back production and gradually reducing surplus inventory. These measures aim to diminish the output of the company’s Austrian facilities by over €1 billion in the coming two years.

The impact on Pierer Mobility’s stock was severe, with a further 45% decline to 6.9 Swiss Francs. All in all, their stock has plummeted by 88.1% from its previous high of 95.00 Swiss Francs on 14 January 2022. This marked the steepest single-day decrease in the company’s history.

KTM’s problem began when they increased production to cater for the market demand post-Covid-19 pandemic. However, it soon became apparent that their production had grossly outstripped demand, leaving dealers with excess stock. To exacerbate their woes further, there is currently an industrial crisis across Europe, coupled with a decrease in the demand for motorcycles due to rising costs of living.

Some pundits have also pointed out the quality issues faced by the LC8c engine platform, which powers the 790 and 890 ranges.

Pierer Industrie AG, the parent company of Pierer Mobility, which is co-owned by Stefan Pierer and Bajaj Auto Ltd. of India, has been seeking to restructure its debt.

On Monday, the company approached its creditors with a request to prolong the maturity of nearly €250 million ($262 million) of its liabilities.

KTM CEO Stefan Pierer said alongside newly appointed Co-CEO Gottfried Neumeister: “Over the past three decades, we have grown to become Europe’s largest motorcycle manufacturer.

“We inspire millions of motorcycle riders around the world with our products. Now we are taking a pit stop for the future. The KTM brand is my life’s work, and I will fight for it.”

“The enthusiasm of our employees is our most important competitive advantage,” Gottfried Neumeister added. “Their passion is the reason why KTM is globally synonymous with peak performance.

“We build our motorcycles reliably and robustly for every race, for every terrain. Now it’s about making the company robust. Robust for the future. So that we can quickly focus again on what we do best: building the coolest motorcycles in the world.”

Despite Neumeister’s positive tone, a separate statement released by Pierer Mobility on the same day stated that the company expects KTM to end the 2024 financial year with a negative net financial outlook said to be in the ‘very high’ hundreds of millions.

Since 1992, KTM has grown from 160 employees and a production volume of 6000 bikes, to over 5000 employees and the capability of producing 1000 motorcycles per day. As such, further job cuts are expected.

Suzuki Q1 and Q2 2024 Worldwide Sales Increased

Suzuki Q1 and Q2 2024 worldwide sales has increased, so much so that the maker has adjusted their forecast higher for the entire year.

Suzuki sold 523,000 bikes in Q1 and 499,000 bikes in Q2 this year, compared to 479,000 in Q1 and 494,000 in Q2, 2023. Should the trend continue, Suzuki will see a 4.5 percent increase in revenues, 10.4 percent increase in profits, and 4.9 percent rise in global motorcycle sales.

The manufacturer’s annual sales has been increasing steadily since 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic struck. They had sold 1,535,000 motorcycles that year, 1,634,000 in 2021, 1,859,000 in 2022, and 1,912,000 in 2023. So, the higher projections for FY 2024, given their current performance should see sales above the 2,000,000 mark.

Breaking performance down by region, Asia continues to be the best performer by notching up 1,225,000 sales from 2020-2023. The Asian countries which saw the biggest sales during the same period were India with 557,000 units, China (374,000), and the Philippines (136,000). Other Asian countries contributed 158,000 of sales, altogether.

Suzuki hopes that the new 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 250SX which we reviewed recently will strengthen their sales in the Asian region.

Updated 2025 BMW F 900 XR and 2025 BMW F 900 R Debut

The updated 2025 BMW F 900 R and 2025 BMW F 900 XR have been announced. Both feature lower weight, improved ergonomics, upgraded suspension, and revised aerodynamics. Most of the changes went to the XR sport-tourer variant.

With both variants based on the same F 900 platform, they share several features and components. The different being that the F 900 R is a ‘roadster’ in BMW’s terms a.k.a. naked bike, while the F 900 XR is a sport-tourer, hence the ‘X’ designation.

Highlights

The 895cc, parallel-twin, with 270° cranks is now Euro 5+ compliant but remain unchanged, including its peak power output of 105hp at 8,500 RPM and 93.0Nm of peak torque at 6,500 RPM.
Engine power is channelled through an anti-hopping slipper clutch, but now with the aid of the MSR Engine Drag Torque Control electronic aid to reduce engine braking at while downshifting at higher RPMs.

Both variants receive upgraded 43mm upside down, fully-adjustable forks. However, the R variant has 135mm, and the XR has 170mm of fork travel.
The monoshock at the back of each variant is adjustable for preload and rebound damping only. Owners can opt for the Dynamic ESA suspension.

The wheels are cast aluminium and borrowed from the S 1000 R, reducing 1.8kg on both ends. Lighter wheels means lesser unsprung weight allowing for quicker handling, faster acceleration and deceleration.
Speaking of weight reduction, a new, 800g lighter battery. All in all, there is a 3kg weight reduction for both the 2025 BMW F 900 R and 2025 BMW F 900 XR.

Other revisions include the lights, now featuring turn signals that also function as the brake lights.
The headlight now features Headlight Pro functionality as standard, with additional LEDs that light up inside corners while cornering.

Ergonomics on F 900 R have been revised to provide a sportier riding position. There is an optional sport seat to raise the ride height from 835mm to 860mm. There is also an optional 780mm low seat, which added to an optional low suspension results in a seat height of 760mm.
A for the F 900 XR, the windscreen is reshaped and handguards are fitted as standard. There is an optional 30mm higher windscreen through the Premium Package.

Electronic features include the two standard Road and Rain ride modes. The optional Ride Modes Pro adds Dynamic Mode as part of the Premium Package. Dynamic Traction Control and BMW Motorrad ABS Pro are included as standard, as is Dynamic Brake Control, which improves braking by suppressing any throttle input under deceleration.

Colour options and prices

Base price of the 2025 BMW F 900 R starts from USD8,995 (RM40,187.04), and comes in three colour options called Snapper Rocks Blue Metallic; Style Sport: Racing Blue/Light White (+USD695/RM3,105.06); Triple Black: Black Storm Metallic (+USD235/RM1,049.84).

Base price of the 2025 F 900 XR starts from USD12,370 (RM55,261.97) and is available in Racing Red; Style Sport: Racing Blue/Light White (+USD375/RM1,675.37); or Triple Black: Black Storm Metallic (+USD275/RM1,228.65).

2025 Benelli Tornado 550 Debuts

As far as we know, there are numerous Benelli fans in Malaysia, although we have not seen many new Benellis on the road these days apart from the odd Leoncino. So, will this 2025 Benelli Tornado 550 sportbike be a hit?

The 2025 Tornado 550 is the uprated model after the Tornado 500 prototype was teased at EICMA last year.

As such, it sports a new 554cc parallel-twin, claimed to produce 56hp at 8,250 RPM and 54Nm at 5,400 RPM, and is Euro5+ compliant. So, it is not shared with the Leoncino 500 nor the 502 range. There is of course a six-speed gearbox, but there is no mention of a slipper clutch.

The frame is no other than tubular steel, with yes, none other than Marzocchi forks. These are 41mm and fully adjustable. The monoshock at the back is bolted directly to the swingarm and is adjustable for preload and rebound.

Brakes consist of dual 320mm discs up front, both clamped by four-piston Brembo monobloc calipers (not the usual Benelli-branded ones). Dual channel ABS is standard. Wheels on both ends are 17-inch, made from aluminium alloy. Seat height is a low 790mm. The bike’s weight was not announced, too, but we hope it will be light unlike how hefty other Benellis are.

The bike is equipped with several electronic features including a 5-inch TFT colour screen with smartphone connectivity for navigation, music streaming, and phone call management.

The Benelli Tornado 550 will be available in 2025 in three colour options called Midnight Black, Tech Silver, and Gres White.

Jorge Martin is MotoGP 2024 Champion

Jorge Martin is the MotoGP 2024 Champion, after finishing third in the final race of the season – the Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona. Title rival Francesco Bagnaia won the race.

The Spaniard becomes the first independent team world champion in the MotoGP era with Pramac, having won seven sprints and three grands prix in a consistent 2024 campaign. It is Martin’s first world championship at the premier class level and comes in his final race for both Ducati and Pramac, ahead of a factory Aprilia switch in 2025. Pramac is also switching to Yamaha next season.

Martin came into the race with a 19-point lead after Bagnaia won the Sprint on Saturday, with Martin finishing third. The advantage meant that Martin had needed a minimum of 7 points from a 9th place finish to secure the championship.

Bagnaia had led Martin into the first turn at the start, but the latter was overtaken by Gresini Ducati rider Marc Marquez into the first turn on Lap 2. Marquez went ahead to ride close to Bagnaia but never challenged for the lead.

Behind Martin, Bagnaia’s factory Ducati teammate Enea Bastianini was looking threatening but was passed by the factory Aprilia rider Aleix Espargaro who was on his last MotoGP race. A mistake later by Bastianini dropped him down the order, and it looked like Espargaro was protecting Martin’s third placing.

So, the top three held station as Martin settled into his rhythm and rode unchallenged to the chequered flag to win the championship by 10 points over Bagnaia. Second place finisher Marquez locked out third place in the championship in his first season on a Ducati. Espargaro was pushed hard by the other Gresini rider, Alex Marquez in the closing stages and ceded his position in the very last lap.

With Bastianini already securing fourth in the championship, the battle was for fifth overall between rookie Pedro Acosta on the GasGas and KTM factory rider Brad Binder. Binder finished sixth after clawing through the field from 18th, while Acosta slumped from 5th to 10th in the race. Acosta will join Binder as his teammate next season.

2025 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello ‘Wind Tunnel’ Celebrates Brand’s Aero Research

The new 2025 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello ‘Wind Tunnel’ celebrates the brand’s innovative use of the wind tunnel to aid the design of their motorcycles. Additionally, the 2025 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S will receive a radar system.

The Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello ‘Wind Tunnel’ edition celebrates the 70th anniversary of the manufacturer’s wind tunnel. Moto Guzzi had launched their own wind tunnel on 12 April 1954 in Mandello Del Lario.

Indeed, the first V100 Mandello launched in 2022 is claimed to be the first motorcycle to employ adaptive aerodynamics. The system will be retained for the 2025 edition. It alters the position of the deflectors on the sides of the fuel tank according to the speed and selected riding mode, in turn reduces wind pressure by up to 22% to the rider.

Moto Guzzi say: “It enables the overall dimensions to remain contained, offering protection and comfort only when necessary and required by the rider. The shape of the Mandello V100 were also developed through more than 200 hours of CFD calculations and tests in the wind tunnel.”

The 2024 version of the Mandello S has already been imbued with high-tech goodies such as Öhlins semi-active suspension, quickshifter, tyre pressure monitoring system, phone connectivity, and heated grips. For 2025, the version will be equipped with Moto Guzzi’s PFF Rider Assistance Solution consisting of a 4D radar imaging for forward collision warning, blind spot warning, lane change assistance. This system made its debut on the Moto Guzzi Stelvio.

Other updates carried over from the Stelvio are changes to the gearbox to improve gear change feel and a central radiator guard.

The 1024cc, 90° V-Twin engine is now Euro5+ compliant, but its peak power and torque remain unchanged at 113hp and 104.4Nm, respectively. 82% of that peak torque is already available from 3,500 RPM.

The standard model will be available in two colours, ‘Blu Oceano’ and ‘Grigio Titanio’. The Mandello S comes in ‘Verde Ghiaccio’ and ‘Rossi Lava’ for 2025, whereas the Wind Tunnel comes solely in a red and black livery.

Prices have not been announced at this time.

Bikesrepublic

Global News

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

2025 BMW R 12 S Launched, Beautiful Homage to the R90S

Indonesian Motorcycle Market Maintains Upward Momentum

KTM is Insolvent and Enters ‘Self-Administration’

Suzuki Q1 and Q2 2024 Worldwide Sales Increased

Updated 2025 BMW F 900 XR and 2025 BMW F 900 R Debut

Highlights

Colour options and prices

2025 Benelli Tornado 550 Debuts

Jorge Martin is MotoGP 2024 Champion

2025 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello ‘Wind Tunnel’ Celebrates Brand’s Aero Research

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

2025 BMW R 12 S Launched, Beautiful Homage to the R90S

Indonesian Motorcycle Market Maintains Upward Momentum

KTM is Insolvent and Enters ‘Self-Administration’

Suzuki Q1 and Q2 2024 Worldwide Sales Increased

Updated 2025 BMW F 900 XR and 2025 BMW F 900 R Debut

2025 Benelli Tornado 550 Debuts

Jorge Martin is MotoGP 2024 Champion

2025 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello ‘Wind Tunnel’ Celebrates Brand’s Aero Research

Archive

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What is a 270-Degree Crank Engine?

Aprilia RS125, Aprilia Tuono 125 Refreshed for 2025

Plane Crashes Killed 334 in 2024

New Colours for 2025 Honda Wave Alpha

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