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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.

Provisional 2025 MotoGP Calendar

Event

GP Date

Thai GP

March 2

Argentina GP

March 16

Americas GP

March 30

Qatar GP

April 13

Spanish GP (Jerez)

April 27

French GP

May 11

British GP

May 25

Aragon GP

June 8

Italian GP

June 22

Dutch GP

June 29

German GP

July 13

Czech GP

July 20

Austrian GP

August 17

Hungarian GP

August 24

Catalan GP (Barcelona)

September 7

San Marino GP

September 14

Japanese GP

September 28

Indonesian GP

October 5

Australian GP

October 19

Malaysian GP

October 26

Portuguese GP

November 9

Valencia GP

November 16

It is perhaps the worst kept secret that Aveta will launch two adventure models, namely the Aveta VTM250LX and Aveta VTM250M in October. On top of that, the bikes had been spied undergoing trials in the vicinity of Rawang.

Both variants were present in the tests.

The Aveta VTM250LX is geared towards off-road enthusiasts. Its higher ground clearance and dual-purpose tires suggest that this model is ready to tackle challenging terrains and light road riding. Ideal for adventurers who need a machine that can withstand the rigours of dirt paths and at the same time casual road riding. So, it is more of an enduro.

The Aveta VTM250M, on the other hand, appears to be more road-oriented, with a sleeker design and a lower seat height. While it still holds true to the adventure DNA, this model seems better suited for urban explorers and long-distance touring, offering a more comfortable ride on highways and smoother surfaces. It looks a lot like a supermoto.

Both bikes share the same 250cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve, oil-cooled engine. It produces 20hp (15kW) at 8,500 RPM and 18Nm at 6,500 RPM. It is clearly tuned for torque and tractability. The VTM250LX is said to weigh 125kg, dry.

With both bikes undergoing testing, it’s clear that Aveta is gearing up to deliver something exciting for both off-road adventurers and urban riders alike!

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.

Apart from the 2024 MODENAS Versys 650 SE, the 2024 Kawasaki Z900RS SE has also been launched in Malaysia.

The Kawasaki Z900RS SE is a captivating blend of timeless styling and modern engineering. Paying homage to the iconic Z1, this motorcycle captures the spirit of old-school bikes while seamlessly integrating contemporary features.

Notably, it features an Öhlins S46 rear shock—a hallmark of quality construction—that enhances grip and contributes to a suppler ride feel. The front suspension has been fine-tuned to complement the new rear shock, and a remote preload adjuster allows easy customisation for tandem riding or luggage. Eye- catching gold-coloured fork outer tubes match the Öhlins rear shock, adding to the bike’s allure.

And when it comes to stopping power, the Z900RS SE does n0t disappoint: it boasts 300mm Brembo front discs and M4.32 radial-mount monobloc calipers. Whether you appreciate heritage or crave performance, the Z900RS SE is a standout choice for riders who seek authenticity and excellence on the road.

The 2024 Z900RS SE is available in Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Matte Carbon Gray. Recommended retail selling price is RM73,300.

Motosikal Dan Enjin Nasional Sdn. Bhd. (MODENAS), a subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Berhad, is pleased to announce the release of two exciting models: the 2024 MODENAS Versys 650 SE.

With limited units available, the new MODENAS Versys 650 SE is the ultimate touring companion, equipped with a 56-litre quick-release pannier system that offers ample storage for long getaways while preserving the bike’s dual-purpose capabilities. A hassle-free feature, the panniers use the same key as the ignition, eliminating the need for a separate key. It is a true plug-and-play model, making it convenient for riders.

The panniers are designed to accommodate most full-face helmets and attach seamlessly to the handgrips and footrests. When removed, they provide a sleek, sporty appearance. With a mounting width of 93 cm, the bike remains ideal for high-speed cruising.

Available exclusively in Malaysia, this special edition retains the proven performance of the previous model, powered by a 649cc parallel-twin engine that delivers smooth power for both city commutes and long-distance touring.

This special edition model reflects our commitment to delivering motorcycles with enhanced functionality,” said Yusaku Kashiwagi, Chief Marketing Officer of MODENAS. “With added storage and touring capabilities, the MODENAS Versys 650 SE is the perfect companion for riders seeking both adventure and practicality.

The Versys 650 is one of Kawasaki’s long-running model since 2007, when it replaced the KLE500. It has gone through several updates since. The engine is shared among the Ninja 650R/ER-6f/Ninja 650 and ER-6n/Z650. The lineup for Malaysia is currently being assembled in Gurun, Kedah, and rebadged as MODENAS.

There are two colour variants, namely Metallic Spark Black (RM43,600.00) and Candy Lime Green/Metallic Flat Spark Black (RM44,200.00).

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).
  • GYTR AIS plug set.
  • 15/42T 520 sprockets and 520 racing chain.
  • GYTR ABS emulator.
  • GYTR ON/OFF switch.
  • GYTR brake line set.
  • GYTR racing fuel cap.
  • GYTR engine cover set.
  • GYTR sharkfin rear sprocket guard.
  • GYTR brake lever guard.
  • Stand hook set and rear racing stand.
  • GYTR steering stoppers.
  • GYTR racing screen.
  • Brembo Z04 racing brake pads.

Yamaha has net set a price for both models.

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