Global News Archives

No, BYD is not Making Motorcycles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KTM 990 RC R Incoming!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

US Seeks to Ban DJI Drones

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kazakhstan MotoGP Postponed due to Heavy Flooding

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

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

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

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

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

#WeRideAsOne Unites Ducati Riders Around the World

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BMW Automated Shift Assist Revealed

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

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

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

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

How it works

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

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

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z Launched in India, Cheaper than Dominar 400

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

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

Highlights of the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z

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

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

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

More than 20,000 Attended Vespa World Days 2024 in Italy

More than 20,000 attended Vespa World Days 2024 in Italy. Taking place at Pontedera, it was an extra special event which coincided with Piaggio’s 140th anniversary.

While the majority of participants were from Europe, there were those who came from as far away as Argentina, Australia, Colombia, Hong Kong. A total of 55 international Vespa clubs made the event.

Together, they rode in the parade consisting of 15,000 Vespas. The parade travelled over 16 kilometers through the rolling hills of Valdera. It’s a lot to wrap your head around, but the photos look fantastic.

Piaggio also formally rolled out the Vespa 140th of Piaggio limited edition scooter during this event, although it was revealed to the world’s press prior.

The 2025 edition was also formally announced during the festivities of Vespa World Days 2024. The 2025 Vespa World Days will take place in Gijón, Spain, with full details to ensue.

Any Malaysian Vespa fans took part in this event? Do share your experience and photos with us!

Hakim Danish Ramli Takes Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Podium at Jerez

Malaysia’s young rider, Hakim Danish Ramli took the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup podium that took place at the Jerez Circuit, Spain on the podium over the weekend.

The 17-year-old showed a fierce fighting spirit in Race 2 by leading the race but Spain’s Alvaro Carpe pipped Hakim Danish at the last yard to win the race by just 0.006 seconds ahead.

“Today I am happy to be back on the podium,” Hakim said. He finished third on the podium on his debut last season in Round 1 of Race 2 at the Algarve Circuit in Portugal.

“In the last race, I almost won but that’s okay, because I will keep trying to do better after this. For me, the last race was very fast and it was a tough competition.

“Regardless, I tried to follow the pace, stay focused and (as a result) I managed to be in the front group. Of course I’m happy and will look forward to the next race. Malaysia Boleh!”

With that success, Hakim Danish has now jumped to fifth position in the overall rider standings with 27 points after finishing Race 1 yesterday in ninth place.

Round 2 of the 2024 season is now scheduled to take place at Le Mans Circuit, France on May 11 and 12 before Mugello Circuit, Italy becomes the venue for the third round from June 1 to 2.

Hakim Danish Ramli was cited as a candidate rider by Datuk Razlan Razali if he could start a new Moto3 team in the 2025 season.

CFMoto 800NK Wins Red Dot Award

The CFMoto 800NK wins the Red Dot Award for product design. CFMoto is now the first Chinese manufacturer of large capacity internal combustion engines (ICE) to receive the prestigious award.

The award means something special for the Hangzhou-based company, who are celebrating their 35th anniversary this year.

The 800NK is the flagship model of the NK range. As CFMoto is KTM’s technical partner, it utilises the 799cc parallel-twin engine that is shared with the 890 Duke R and 890 Adventure.

Receiving the award is an honour to the the CFMoto Design and R&D Departments. The company says that their bikes’ designs were defined through their two wheel Design Director Charles Solsona, who is based tat CFMoto’s R&D Centre in Italy.

Solsona said, “To win the prestigious Red Dot Award is a great result for the whole team. The 800NK embodies the core values of our Brand: design, technology and performance, and this achievement is a great way to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of our company, as well as recognising our commitment to developing our own design philosophy.”

GWM 8-Cylinder Motorcycle Engine Breaks Cover!

The motorcycle world had plenty of groundbreaking innovations in the 80’s and early 90’s but that seems to have slowed down since. But let us leave it to the Chinese to do it now. Just last week, rumours were rampant of a GWM 8-cylinder motorcycle engine and the drawings from the company’s patent submissions made rounds on the internet. There was also speculation that the engine will break cover at the Beijing Motor Show, which begins today.

Well, our man Keshy Dhillon is at the show and look what he ran into. The actual prototype of the engine!

This is GWM (Great World Motor) going for the Honda Gold Wing’s jugular. But instead of settling for some established engine formats i.e. Boxer and inline-six (BMW), V-Twin (CFMoto), V-four (Yamaha and Kawasaki), and the flat-six (Gold Wing), GWM ups the ante by going eight (auspicious number for the Chinese, anyway).

The flat-eight is believed to displace approximately 2000cc, higher than the current Gold Wing’s 1833cc. Both engines feature similar architecture, with the transmission tucked underneath to shorten the entire package. There is a huge alternator toward the back, and of course, it is necessary to support all the electrical and electronics the rider and his passenger would lug along. GWM is said to be developing a dual-clutch, semi-auto gearbox similar to Honda’s DCT, too.

There are several standouts here: Check out the quality of the casting on those cases.

Not shown in these pictures are the dual-overhead cams underneath those beautifully polished valve covers, upping the Gold Wing’s SOHC. The patent drawings illustrate the side-mounted radiators, following Honda’s cooling solution.

But that was as much as the GWM 8-cylinder motorcycle engine was shown in the Beijing show. However, there was a footage of GWM’s Chairman showing a Xiaomi SU7 gifted to him, and there in the background was a touring motorcycle peeking out underneath a black cover.

So, let us wait a little further and see the final product.

Bimota Returning to WorldSBK in 2025

Bimota is returning to WorldSBK in 2025. The announcement was made in Bimota’s press release posted on their website, last night.

It is also somewhat a return to their roots for the legendary Italian boutique motorcycle brand. Bimota’s claim to fame was by building sublime chassis while housing the engines sourced from contemporary bikes. So, in this case, the frame will be Bimota, housing the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR powerplant. As a note, the H2’s engine is disallowed in WorldSBK as the rules permit only naturally-aspirated engines.

As such, the program will be known as Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team (BbK). Kawasaki had acquired a 49.9% stake in Bimota back in 2019. And soon, the Bimota Tesi H2 was unveiled at EICMA 2019, complete with the famed Tesi hub steering front end.

It was quickly followed up by the KB4 sportbike, KB4 RC naked bike, and Tera sport-tourer.

The team has not unveiled their rider lineup, although as the names suggests, will be run the present Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT). It makes sense to utilise Kawasaki’s multiple championship winning experience to fast-track Bimota’s brand back into superbike glory.

Another tantalising possibility is that Kawasaki will look to Bimota to develop their ZX-10RR’s handling and performance further, to wrestle the WorldSBK title back.

A little history about Bimota

The name Bimota is a combination of the names of its founders, namely Valerio BIanchi, Giuseppe MOrri, and Massimo TAmburini. Yes, the great maestro Tamburini who designed the Ducati 916 and original MV Agusta F4.

The company built frames around some powerful engines to fully realise their full potential, utilising the likes of Ducati, Suzuki, BMW, Kawasaki, Yamaha engines.

They had raced and found success in WorldSBK prior to this in 1988. A certain Davide Tardozzi took the YB4 EI to seven wins in the season. If the name sounds familiar, Tardozzi is the current Ducati factory MotoGP team manager.

Let us hope that Bimota will be on the top step once again.

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Global News

No, BYD is not Making Motorcycles

KTM 990 RC R Incoming!

US Seeks to Ban DJI Drones

Kazakhstan MotoGP Postponed due to Heavy Flooding

#WeRideAsOne Unites Ducati Riders Around the World

BMW Automated Shift Assist Revealed

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z Launched in India, Cheaper than Dominar 400

Highlights of the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z

More than 20,000 Attended Vespa World Days 2024 in Italy

Hakim Danish Ramli Takes Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Podium at Jerez

CFMoto 800NK Wins Red Dot Award

GWM 8-Cylinder Motorcycle Engine Breaks Cover!

Bimota Returning to WorldSBK in 2025

A little history about Bimota

No, BYD is not Making Motorcycles

KTM 990 RC R Incoming!

US Seeks to Ban DJI Drones

Kazakhstan MotoGP Postponed due to Heavy Flooding

#WeRideAsOne Unites Ducati Riders Around the World

BMW Automated Shift Assist Revealed

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z Launched in India, Cheaper than Dominar 400

More than 20,000 Attended Vespa World Days 2024 in Italy

Hakim Danish Ramli Takes Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Podium at Jerez

CFMoto 800NK Wins Red Dot Award

GWM 8-Cylinder Motorcycle Engine Breaks Cover!

Bimota Returning to WorldSBK in 2025

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