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KTM is back with its iconic Supermoto-tourer, the KTM 890 SMT, and it’s better than ever before.

  • This purposeful model sits between the KTM Adventure and KTM Street product ranges and features several components that elevate its performance.
  • With a re-tuned KTM 890 LC8c platform, the KTM 890 SMT is developed to hit the top of the Supermoto touring segment for power/torque-to-weight ratio.

Former AMA Superbike and Supermoto racer, Chris Fillmore, took the KTM 890 SMT along a Sardinian mountain climb to display its potential and limits. With a super-torquey 889cc LC8c parallel twin engine, the KTM 890 SMT has 105 hp at 8,000 rpm, providing stability and reassurance through corners.

The KTM 890 SMT is just as happy pushed through low revs as it is pinned in higher gears, making it versatile for any rider.

As we mentioned in a previous article, the KTM 890 SMT has a redesigned slim tank which slides the rider even further into the bike with a wide and comfy contact patch.

The bike’s aerodynamic optimized smoked windshield is placed just above the double fender concept with a low splash guard on the fork legs. The CroMo steel frame with tighter geometry provides fierce stability, while the WP APEX suspension, fully adjustable and complemented by 17″ wheels, provides an agile, flighty, and responsive ride.

The motorcycle has several standard ride modes and can be molded further with optional track settings that permit the rider to toggle different amounts of throttle modes and traction control through ten levels.

The Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) is an important safety feature sensitive to the bike’s pitch and behavior at lean. The bike has a state of the art 5″ TFT dashboard that is scratch and glare resistant, fully customizable, and an easy-to-use infographic menu system for setup preferences.

With potent brakes that employ Cornering ABS and Supermoto ABS, the KTM 890 SMT has an excellent safety profile. The bike can also be customized with heated grips and the chance to add Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) to the software package, ideal for better control in low grip situations and for fast downshifts.

Also, the QUICKSHIFTER+ and Cruise Control are optional and ready to go with a simple activation process, and good connectivity with the bike means full access to navigation possibilities.

LiveWire, Harley’s spinoff electric brand, has announced new pricing and availability for its upcoming S2 Del Mar electric motorcycle.

  • Only 100 units of the S2 Del Mar is available for Europe. 
  • the S2 Del Mar powertrain is capable of producing 250Nm. 

The company has revealed that the S2 Del Mar’s recommended selling price will be USD15,499 (RM68.7k), which is USD1,500 (RM6.6k) less than the previous target. Deliveries for the US market are expected to start in July, and reservations can be made now for just USD100 (RM443).

The S2 Del Mar is LiveWire’s second model, with a promised city range of 170 kilometres and a 0-100 kmh time of 3.1 seconds. The electric powertrain produces 250Nm of torque.

Charging the battery from 20 to 80 percent on a Level 2 charger is said to take 75 minutes. LiveWire has also announced that reservations for the ultra-limited S2 Del Mar Launch Edition will open on April 27, with only 100 units available for the European market.

The Launch Edition models will feature unique hand-applied graphics and paint in Himalaya White that takes five days to complete.

LiveWire has not yet released the complete specifications for the S2 Del Mar, but promises to publish them in June along with a full calendar of demo opportunities and events. The company has also announced that it will be hosting a series of viewing events for the S2 Del Mar European Launch Edition at locations in London, Paris, and Amsterdam.

The S2 Del Mar is LiveWire’s most affordable model, with the LiveWire One still priced at USD22,799 (RM101k). The LiveWire One has a greater range estimated at 235km, while the S2 Del Mar is intended for city riding with a range of 170km. The production version of the S2 Del Mar will be available in blue, black, or gray and will be assembled at Harley’s Vehicle Operations plant in York, Pennsylvania.

Overall, the S2 Del Mar is expected to be a significant addition to LiveWire’s lineup, offering a more affordable and accessible option for those interested in electric motorcycles. With its promising specs and sleek design, the S2 Del Mar is sure to attract attention from riders and enthusiasts alike.

BMW Motorrad Malaysia has launched two new touring motorcycles, the New BMW K 1600 GT and BMW K 1600 GTL priced at RM174,500 and RM183,500 respectively. 

  • These two motorcycles have stylish designs and cutting-edge agility that offer an exceptional touring experience.
  • The narrowest six-cylinder in-line engine in its series production, the new variants offer absolutely superior touring characteristics and riding capabilities combined with segment-leading performance.
*BMW K 1600 GT

The BMW K 1600 GT is an agile and dynamic variant of the six-cylinder design, equipped with an upgraded fully-LED headlight that illuminates corners, while the BMW K 1600 GTL is specifically engineered for exceptional shared riding experiences, designed to comfortably transport two people across roads and valleys with style.

*BMW K 1600 GTL

The new variants come with Engine Protection Guard, low electrically adjustable windscreens, and fully LED headlights that feature the Light Icon and Adaptive Cornering Lights, along with Daytime Riding Lights, LED Auxiliary Lights, Ground-Level Lighting as well as additional fog lights.

The four configurable Favourites buttons also allow for easy access to vehicle functions, while the onboard computer and 10.25-inch coloured TFT display provide excellent connectivity as well as an integrated navigation system with the BMW Motorrad Connected application. Bluetooth function is also available for telephony and music playback, along with WiFi for navigation.

The oil/water cooled four-stroke in-line six-cylinder engine sits at the heart of the two new variants with two overhead camshafts placed above the drive shaft, bearing a capacity of 1,649 cc that is capable of 118 kW (160 hp) at 6,750 rpm. The maximum torque of 180 Nm at 5,250 rpm develops an incomparable and effortless push force, allowing the new variants to reach a maximum speed of 200 km/h.

Fuel consumption for both variants is exemplary, measuring at 5.9 litres per 100 km of travel. Revised according to EU-5 regulations, emission control is offered via a closed-loop three-way catalytic converter to output approximately 137g per kilometre of travel. The alternator is a 700W three phase-alternator (nominal power) paired with a maintenance-free 12 V/26 Ah battery.

The centrepiece of the suspension is the cast aluminium bridge-type frame. Front suspension is offered to the New BMW K 1600 GT via the BMW Motorrad Duolever on a central spring strut suspension, while rear suspension is offered via a cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever.

The BMW K 1600 GTL is equipped with the BMW Motorrad Duolever at the front, paired with a central shock absorber with helical spring. At the rear, a central spring strut with coil spring equips the New BMW K 1600 GTL, featuring adjustable rebound stage damping and spring preload – making for optimum damping comfort and stable handling.

The New BMW K 1600 GT arrives in two distinct colourways, namely the classic Black Storm Metallic and the Style Sport that features a striking combination of light white, racing blue metallic and racing red body colours and highlights. 

The New K 1600 GTL, on the other hand, is available in Black Storm Metallic and Gravity Blue Metallic (Style Exclusive). Additionally, the new special edition Option 719 Meteoric Dust will also be made available for both the New BMW K 1600 GT and BMW K 1600 GTL.

GALLERY: BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL

 

Ducati, is preparing for the second edition of “We Ride As One” on May 6th. This global event is designed to bring together Ducati owners and enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate their passion for the iconic red bikes.

Ducati dealerships and Ducati Official Clubs (DOCs) are organizing unique programs for each location, making the event a personalized experience for all participants. In Rome, riders will participate in a parade through the city center led by Gresini Racing Team MotoGP rider Fabio Di Giannantonio. 

In Kawasaki, Japan, riders will ride together to the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum for lunch with a view of Mount Fuji. Meanwhile, in Rennes, France, participants will ride to the beautiful bay of Mont Saint Michel. 

On the other hand, Ducatisti from Bogota and Medellin in Colombia will journey from their respective cities to have a dinner party together.

Ducati’s official Instagram channel will report the unfolding of events around the world in real-time, sharing the exciting images and videos of parades and get-togethers with the official hashtags #WeAreDucati #WeRideAsOne.

The first edition of “We Ride As One” was held in preparation for World Ducati Week 2022 and was a resounding success. This year promises to be even better as Ducatisti from all over the world come together to celebrate their shared passion for Ducati motorcycles.

All Ducatisti are invited to contact or visit their trusted dealer to find out about the local initiatives. To find the nearest dealer, the dealer locator is available in the dedicated section of the Ducati website. On May 6th, Ducatisti will unite to color the streets of their cities with a Ducati Red parade, creating a memorable day surrounded by a community with the same love for two wheels and for the red bikes of Borgo Panigale.

Harley-Davidson fans have something new to get excited about as the company’s upcoming CVO Street Glide 121 has been unveiled in new certification filings in Australia. 

  • The 2024 CVO Street Glide to feature extensive styling.
  • The new generation motorcycle is powered by a new 121 cubic inches powertrain. 

The bike features a substantially reworked batwing fairing with a squared-off LED headlight and a more modern, aerodynamic look.

Other changes include a new front-fender design with innovative wheels, floating brake discs, and larger side cases topped with speakers. 

The CVO Street Glide’s main draw is likely to be its engine, with “121” badges denoting its capacity in cubic inches, and the anticipated employment of the variable valve timing system for better emissions. 

While still largely air-cooled, the bike has a big cooler sitting in a blacked-out piece of bodywork just ahead of the motor. 

Meanwhile, Harley-Davidson is also expected to launch a similarly updated CVO Road Glide later this year.

(source: Cycle World)

Italy’s two-wheeled market has reported a significant upswing in Q1 2023, with March alone recording impressive sales figures for both scooters and motorcycles. 

  • Italian motorcycle market recorded a surge in sales for the month of March 2023. 
  • BMW R 1250 GS, Honda Africa Twin and Benelli TRK 502 continue to dominate the market. 

According to the National Association of Cycle Motorcycle Accessories (Confindustria ANCMA), the country’s two-wheeled market posted a 26.7-percent spike in March, translating to growth of 27.6 percent in Q1 2023.

In March, scooter sales amounted to 17,777 units sold, representing a 31.5-percent increase, while motorcycles recorded 18,221 new registrations, reflecting a 25.8-percent boost. The surge in sales has been welcomed by dealers, who are looking to build on the growth gained at the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023.

The Confindustria ANCMA has also broken down the top-selling motorbikes in Italy for March 2023. Moto Morini’s X-Cape 650 adventure bike made it into the top ten list with 283 units sold, followed by Honda’s NC750X with 303 units moved.

Meanwhile, Yamaha’s Tracer 7, Moto Guzzi’s V7, and Yamaha’s Ténéré 700 round out the top ten, with Honda’s new CB750 Hornet cracking the top five with 401 units sold.

The top three places go to the Honda Africa Twin, BMW R 1250 GS, and Benelli TRK 502, respectively, with Italian consumers registering 674 Africa Twins, 621 R 1250 GSs, and 600 TRK 502s throughout March 2023.

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