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The practice of western motorcycle manufacturers teaming up with Indian brands to expand their reach is nothing new. We’re seeing it quite a lot these days, especially with the recent launch of bikes like the Harley-Davidson X440 in partnership with Hero MotoCorp, and the Triumph Speed and Scrambler 400 in partnership with Bajaj.

  • BMW and TVS to continue their strategic partnership for years to come. 
  • The success of the G 310 GS, G 310 R and G 310 RR is a result of a successful cooperation between BMW and TVS. 

BMW is a brand that’s been doing this for quite some time – 10 years to be exact. Those of you familiar with this partnership would know that the G 310 series is the fruit of this joint venture, and it’s been quite a success for both brands thus far. 

In fact, the G 310 R, G 310 GS, and G 310 RR  made up 90 percent of BMW Motorrad India’s motorcycle sales in the first half of 2023. In total, the German brand sold more than 4,000 G 310 motorcycles in the first half of 2023 alone.

In a press release, Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, stated, “This 10th anniversary is an impressive proof of the success and strength of the collaboration between BMW Motorrad and TVS Motor. What began 10 years ago has developed into an extraordinary success story. 

“Our strong synergies have led to the development of impressive offerings in the sub-500cc segment. Since the launch, BMW G 310 R and BMW G 310 GS single-cylinder models continue to enjoy unrivalled popularity and have become a key pillar of BMW Motorrad’s worldwide success.”

Apart from the massive success that is the G 310 model range, TVS and BMW continue to work together to develop new platforms and technology to shape the future of mobility. 

In particular, the recently unveiled BMW CE 02 electric motorcycle was indeed a model co-developed and designed by TVS.

In the same press release, Mr. KN Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO of TVS Motor Company said, “With the extension and expansion of this partnership towards future technologies and sustainable mobility solutions, we are also in discussions to expand our manufacturing network beyond India to cater to our future growth under this partnership, including the recently unveiled BMW CE 02. 

“We look forward to working closely on developing platforms targeted towards the global urban centric markets and the uber-cool next generation of consumers,” he said. 

Piaggio Group Americas has taken swift action by submitting a safety recall report to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on August 10, 2023 pertaining to a selected 2023 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello motorcycles, spotlighting a potential rear shock absorber flaw that could have severe implications for riders.

  • the safety recall is due to a faulty rear shock absorbers. 
  • a total of 76 units sold to customers in the US are affected by the recall. 

The concern centers around a potential breakage in the rear shock absorbers, capable of causing a loss of control for the rider and elevating the risk of a hazardous crash. This predicament, however, is confined solely to certain units within the V100 Mandello lineup, featuring Kayaba suspension components. It’s noteworthy that the V100 Mandello S, boasting Öhlins suspension components, remains unaffected by this recall.

According to Piaggio Group Americas, an estimated 260 motorcycles in the United States could potentially fall under the recall, constituting a mere one percent of the affected population. Among these, 76 units have already been sold to customers, while 184 are currently in dealer inventories across the nation.

The root cause of this issue can be attributed to non-conforming rear shock absorbers furnished with either one or both bushings missing. Consequently, these flawed components could turn at an irregular angle in their mounting points, ultimately becoming rigid and prone to breakage at the lower shock mount, as specified in the recall report filed by Piaggio.

Reports suggest that Piaggio has been alerted to two instances of this malfunction manifesting in the real world, both emerging in the Italian market. These incidents, reported on July 7 and July 27, 2023, prompted the manufacturer to promptly initiate an update campaign plan on August 4, 2023.

That said, Piaggio has decided to address this concern through a comprehensive safety recall of the affected vehicles. Owners falling within the impacted VIN range will receive instructions to take their motorcycles to authorized Moto Guzzi dealerships. Here, qualified mechanics will conduct thorough inspections of the rear shock absorbers. If any shock absorber is identified to be missing one or both bushings, it will be replaced with a duly outfitted unit, all at no cost to the affected owners.

In a stunning display of skill and dominance, Francesco Bagnaia of the Ducati Lenovo Team secured yet another victory at the Austrian GP, held at the iconic Red Bull Ring.

  • Bagnaia’s recorded his fifth win of the season in the 2023 MotoGP World Championship and solidifies his position as a leading contender for the championship title.
  • The Italian now leads the championship with 62 points ahead of Jorge Martin. 

Bagnaia’s masterclass performance was a continuation of his previous day’s success, where he claimed victory in the Sprint race. Starting from pole position, the Italian rider wasted no time in asserting his control over the race, leading from start to finish across the 28-lap battle. Bagnaia’s consistent and impressive lap times, consistently lapping in the low 1’30s range, allowed him to gradually distance himself from his closest competitor, Brad Binder of KTM, ultimately securing a five-second lead at the checkered flag.

With this win, Bagnaia not only extended his points lead to 62 over Martin from Pramac Racing but also celebrated his 16th MotoGP victory. Ducati also rejoiced as this victory marked their 78th overall win in the premier class. Bagnaia’s flawless performance also earned him the prestigious title of achieving a ‘Grand Slam’ victory, having secured pole position, the win, the fastest lap, and leading every lap, which he had previously achieved at Algarve in ’21, Jerez in ’22, and Mugello in ’23.

The Austrian GP was a testament to Ducati’s prowess, with four of their riders placing in the top 5. VR46 Racing’s Marco Bezzecchi and Luca Marini claimed third and fourth positions respectively, followed by Gresini Racing’s Alex Marquez in fifth.

Teammate Enea Bastianini, who started from 13th on the grid, showcased his determination as he battled with five other riders for a sixth-place finish. Despite facing challenges, Bastianini secured a commendable top-ten finish, closing in at 10th place.

Reflecting on his victory, Bagnaia shared his thoughts, “Sincerely, I’m very happy. We managed to do an incredible job all weekend, the engineers and my team gave me everything I asked for, and this was the result.” He also expressed his excitement for the upcoming challenges in the season and his dedication to maintaining this momentum.

As the championship continues, Bagnaia’s performance has set the stage for an exhilarating second half of the season. With his consistent victories and commanding lead, the racing world eagerly awaits the battles that lie ahead in the MotoGP World Championship.

Zontes Malaysia has just rolled out its latest offerings for the urban commuting and touring enthusiasts with the introduction of the Zontes 350D and Zontes 350E scooters.

  • Tailored to cater to the needs of the middle-class rider, these new additions are set to make a mark in the two-wheeler market.
  • The Zontes 350D and 350E are now available in Malaysia priced at RM23,800 and RM25,800 respectively, these scooters offer an enticing blend of performance, style, and practicality.

 

Under the hood, the 350D and 350E share a common heart – a robust liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine boasting a displacement of 349 cc.

*Zontes 350D

Fueled by advanced electronic fuel injection (EFI), this power plant delivers an impressive 36 horsepower and 38 Nm of torque, ensuring a spirited yet efficient ride. Power is seamlessly transmitted to the rear wheel via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) gearbox and belt drive system, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience on the road.

*Zontes 350E

 

In terms of design and features, the Zontes 350D and 350E exude distinct personalities while sharing a common DNA. The 350D, weighing in at 190 kg, offers a choice of two sleek color options – silver or black. Its 12-liter fuel tank provides an estimated 400 km travel range in Eco mode, making it a reliable companion for daily commuting and short rides.

On the other hand, the 350E, tipping the scales at 203 kg, boasts a longer 1,565 mm wheelbase and a bigger 16L fuel tank, which leans towards enhancing its touring capabilities. Touring enthusiasts will appreciate the generous underseat storage space, accommodating up to two full-face helmets, totaling a substantial 50 liters.

Additionally, the 350E features twin water-resistant pockets in the front cowl, offering a collective two-liter capacity for stowing away essentials.

Both models come equipped with keyless start functionality, further enhancing convenience. The electronically adjustable windshield adapts to varying riding conditions, while the dual 18W USB charging ports, catering to both Type A and Type C connections, ensure that riders stay connected on the go.

The cockpit experience is enriched by a full-color TFT-LCD screen with mobile phone mirroring capability, adding a modern touch to the rider’s interface.

Safety and performance are paramount in the Zontes 350D and 350E. Braking duties are handled by J.Juan radial-mount four-piston brake calipers paired with brake discs both at the front and rear.

The two-channel ABS system comes as standard, providing confident stopping power. The riding suite is further enhanced with features such as traction control, tire pressure monitoring, and comprehensive LED lighting all around, ensuring optimal visibility and control.

The Malaysian motorcycle landscape is about to witness a seismic shift as Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd (EMOS), a subsidiary of Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (MODENAS), officially announced the price for the soon-to-be-launch Modenas Ninja ZX-25R SE. 

  • The 250cc inline-four screamer is set to redefine the 250cc segment, promising a blend of power, style, and accessibility that will captivate the hearts of riders across the nation.
  • In a bold move, EMOS has unveiled a price point that defies all expectations as the all-new Ninja ZX-25R SE will hit the market with a recommended selling price of RM33,900. 

George Kashiwagi, Chief Marketing Officer, commented, “The price point does not only showcase the Company’s dedication to providing world-class performance but also makes the thrill of owning a high-performance sport bike more accessible for the Malaysian riders than ever before.”

The Modenas Ninja ZX-25R SE is not just another motorcycle – it’s a force to be reckoned with. Challenging for the coveted 250cc crown, this two-wheeled marvel is powered by a meticulously engineered liquid-cooled in-line 4-cylinder engine. What’s more, its robust design, complete with a voluminous tank, sets it apart from its predecessor, the Ninja 250, giving it a slightly heftier but more stable profile on the road.

One of the standout features of the ZX-25R SE is its ability to unleash its true potential at the higher end of the rev range, with an impressive redline that extends beyond 17,000rpm. This thrilling characteristic, combined with its finely tuned riding stance inspired by the ZX-10R, ensures that every ride is a symphony of power and precision. The low, close, and tight handlebar position guarantees a comfortable yet exhilarating experience on the asphalt.

 

Roslan Roskan, the CEO of EMOS, spoke passionately about the ZX-25R SE, saying, “The ZX-25R SE embodies the very spirit of both Modenas and Kawasaki – a blend of innovation, performance, and passion. It represents a new chapter in the story of Malaysian motorcycling, showcasing our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what a sport bike can be.”

From its captivating aesthetics to its cutting-edge features such as traction control, USD forks, and radial brakes, the ZX-25R SE is more than just a motorcycle; it’s a statement of intent. Drawing inspiration from the ZX-10R, this new addition to the Modenas lineup promises to ignite the streets with a combination of power, agility, and style that is truly lustworthy.

In an exciting announcement, Royal Enfield has tantalised adventure enthusiasts with the release of the official teaser video for their upcoming marvel, the Himalayan 450 adventure tourer. 

  • the Himalayan 450 is set to debut on November 1, aligning with the festive season to capture the positive buying sentiments of consumers.
  • the new Himalayan 450 is fitted with an all-new 450cc single capable of pumping 40hp. 

The teaser video offers a sneak peek into the habitat of this all-terrain conqueror, designed not only for everyday riding but also for the most daring off-roading escapades. Key features showcased include a circular LED headlamp with a commanding windscreen, robust wire-spoked wheels, block pattern tires, and the signature front beak, all underpinned by a sleek fuel tank with braces.

Beyond its striking exterior, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 introduces a powerful 450 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, churning out an estimated 40 bhp. The engine pairs seamlessly with a six-speed transmission boasting a slipper and assist clutch, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride.

Watch the official teaser below: 

Safety and technology converge in the new Himalayan, boasting front and rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS, an innovative fully digital instrument cluster featuring Tripper Navigation, and LED tail lamps and indicators for enhanced visibility.

With a focus on off-road prowess, the Himalayan 450 boasts longer travel suspension, including upside-down forks and a monoshock rear, ensuring a balanced and responsive ride on diverse terrains. Meanwhile, its tall seat height, elevated ground clearance, and broad handlebars beckon adventure-seekers to explore the uncharted.

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is poised to rival the likes of the KTM 390 Adventure, BMW G310 GS, and the forthcoming Bajaj/Triumph Scrambler 400X, igniting a fierce competition in the adventure touring segment.

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