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Lightning Motorcycles Developing New Off-Road Focused Plug-In Adventure Bike

American electric motorcycle company Lightning Motorcycles is working on a new plug-in adventure bike to take on Energica’s Experia.

Lightning Dakar is the first electric plug-in off-road capable motorcycle.
Set to go head-to-head with Energica’s Experia tourer.

The company patent filing recently leaked in China and showcased the upcoming off-road focused ADV motorcycle bodywork.

The company’s founder and CEO, Richard Hatfield, submitted the application to the China National Intellectual Property Administration. Why China? This is because Lightning has a factory over there.

Despite the possibility of coming up against the Energica Experia, Lightning’s upcoming machine is more off-road oriented, which immediately distinguishes it from the Experia, which is fitted with 17-inch wheels.

Lightning also included the term Dakar in the filing, which is most likely to describe the bike’s design language.

Lightning made headlines in 2012 after claiming an electric land speed record of 350km/h with the 200hp LS-218 prototype.

The company proceeded to introduce the production version of the LS-218, named the Lightning Strike Sportster, in 2019, which is currently available for orders from USD19,998 (RM89.1k).

Nonetheless, the upcoming ADV boasts entirely different ergonomics thanks to a taller seat height, upright seating position, longer travel front suspension and rear absorbers.

The motorcycle also features wire-spoke wheels in 21-inch front and 18-inch rear compared to Energica’s 17″ road-biased alloy wheels.

The bike is also equipped with a tall, humped fuel tank, conventional ADV front beak, raised front mudguard and tall (but narrow) windscreen.

While there are no precise details on the performance, it is possible it makes the same 120hp as the 2019 Lightning Strike, with an engine and swingarm that appears identical to the sportsbike.

Husqvarna Partners Google To Launch New Dirt Bike Configurator

Swedish motorcycle company Husqvarna Motorcycles has partnered with Google and Unreal Engine to introduce a new configurator for the company FC 450 flagship dirt bike.

Husqvarna partners with Google and game engine developers Unreal Engine to produce a new configurator.
The configurator allow prospective owners to create a dirt bike that meets their need.

According to Husqvarna, the new configurator will allow its FC 450 riders to set up their prospective bike accordingly.

While motorcycle configurators are not new features, this will be the first addition to Husqvarna’s dirt bike range.

For those outside the gaming spectrum, Unreal Engine is a 3D computer graphics engine developed by Epic Games. They are also the game engine behind MotoGP, Ride, MXGP and Supercross videogames, allowing gamers to enjoy life-like graphics.

The configurator will allow riders to try out infinite combinations to create a suitable competition machine that meets their needs.

In addition, the configurator will allow prospective customers to choose from over 150 Husqvarna Technical Accessories.

Although the configurator is currently limited to just the FC 450, Husqvarna says they will add more models in the future.

This Bespoke Ducati 1100 By Revival Cycles Is Worth RM2.2mil

Anything related to Ducati always comes with a hefty pricetag. So when a custom builder like Revival Cycles chose to worked on a Ducati Monster 1100, you know it’s going to turned out epic while also eat out much of their budget.

the Fuse is built from Ducati’s Monster 1100 engine.
features custom frame, handlebars and tank.

For starters, Revival Cycles is a custom shop based out of Austin, Texas and co-founded by Alan Stulberg and Stefan Hertel in 2008. The company has some of the most beautiful custom motorcycle ever made. Just drop by their website and you’ll understand what we meant.

However, among the lot, perhaps the most beautiful machine they’ve built is the custom Ducati 1100 Fuse.

A part from an engine taken out of the Monster 1100, everything else, including the stainless steel frame is completely custom. Also, the swingarm, was fabricated out of a solid block of aluminium. Just imagine the hours they’ve put into creating the perfect component.

According to the company, the exposed stainless steel tubes were designed not just as the bike’s foundation but also to act as the focal point of the overall design.

Revival Cycles also mounted a one-piece handlebar to create a clean cockpit while integrating the clutch and brake reservoir into the bar itself. Leather grips is fitted to complete the classic touch.

While the bike’s in its entirety is custom, the one-piece tank, seat and tail assembly still brings out the Ducati design language, further enhanced by the red paint. Meanwhile, to ensure the bike’s in running state, Revival Cycles also reworked the entire electrical system.

Last but not least, the Fuse pumps out 120hp from the Ducati Monster 1100 engine making it quite a powerful machine.

The best part is, Revival Cycles claimed that the estimated cost to built the Fuse is around USD500,000 (RM2.2mil).

11-Year-Old Racer Dies Following Training Accident

Millar Buchanan, an 11-year-old racer who competed in the Ohvale UK Cup, lost his life following a training incident at the Crail Circuit Scotland, last Saturday.

the 11-year-old racer kiled during a training session at the Crail Circuit (Scotland) on Saturday.
SSBK champion, Callum Grigor, will wear the number 29 at the next round as tribute to the young rider’s death.

The young rider was competing in this year’s British Mini Bike Championship in the MiniGP 140/50 Championshiap and Ohvale 160 Cup category.

Acccording to reports, reigning Scottish Superbike Champion, Callum Grigor will compete at the next round of the SSBK wearing the number 29, as tribute to Buchanan.

Grigor also went on his social media, expressing his disbelief over the tragic incident.

“The sport we love is so so cruel sometimes.

“Millar was one of the most committed and talented young riders in Scotland and he was a true star of the future.

“I was lucky enough to share the track with Millar doing some coaching and playing around on minibikes and I cannot believe that this has happened.

“The world has lost a true little gentlemen and I am not alone when I say that he will be greatly missed by everyone in the racing community,” he said.

Ohvale UK also paid tribute to the 11-year-old.

“We have lost a member of our Ohvale family. Millar Buchanan has sadly passed away after being involved in an accident over the weekend while training at Crail Circuit.

“Millar joined our Ohvale UK cup last year and it has been a pleasure to have him in the paddock and in our junior championships, he will be sorely missed by everyone.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to Andy and Pauline and the rest of his family and friends at this sad time,” Ohvale UK said in a statement.

WorldSBK: Jonathan Rea Agrees Two-Year Extension With Kawasaki

It’s official, Jonathan Rea will remain with Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) after agreeing on a two-year deal, putting him at Team Green for the 2023 and 2024 WorldSBK Championship season.

Rea agreed a two-year deal to remain with KRT.
Rea currently sits second in the championship, just 17 pts behind Ducati’s Alvaro Bautista.

Despite some rumours suggesting that Rea might consider a WorldSBK future without Kawasaki, Rea – who previously confirmed that he might consider retiring – expressed his delight to continue his successful partnership with KRT.

“I am really happy and excited to renew my contract with Kawasaki, to roll on for two more years. It has been an incredible partnership; we have enjoyed so much success together that it is almost a natural progression.

“There was not much negotiation needed to continue together from both sides. It was more a case of how much more motivation I had to keep racing at the highest level in the WorldSBK Championship.

“It has been an incredible few seasons; more competitive than ever. I have realised how motivated I am to continue and to continue fighting to win. Kawasaki gave me the opportunity back in 2015 to realise a childhood dream when I won the WorldSBK championship in the first year together.

“As a partnership we are so solid, and I am looking forward to continuing to make memories and representing an incredible manufacturer and brand,” said the six-time WorldSBK champion.

Kawasaki dominated the WorldSBK after winning its first title in two decades with the success of Tom Sykes in 2013; however, Rea’s dominance took the team to a new level of greatness, winning six straight titles comfortably.

Although coming up against a younger foe with Toprak Razgatlioglu claiming the 2021 title, Rea has come out swinging in 2022, taking five wins which put him in a title fight with Razgatlioglu and Ducati’s Alvaro Bautista.

OFFICIAL: Alex Rins Signs With LCR Honda

Alex Rins will ride on board the Honda RC213V machine at the 2023 MotoGP season after putting pen to paper on a two-year deal with LCR Honda.

LCR Honda Castrol Team officially announced Alex Rins as the new rider for 2023.
Rins agreed a two-year deal to join LCR Honda.

The 26-year will ride join LCR Honda at the of the 2022 season after Suzuki decided to terminate their participation in MotoGP.

“I am very happy to be joining the LCR Honda Team. Changing team and bike is a challenge but I am ready to give my 100% and to put into practice everything that I’ve learnt during my years in the MotoGP class.

“Lucio and Honda’s trust has been crucial for me in deciding to take on this challenge with this factory. I would like to thank them for this opportunity,” said Rins.

LCR Honda Team Manager, Lucio Cecchinello, is also delighted with the new signing.

“I am delighted to announce that Álex Rins will be the LCR Honda CASTROL rider in 2023. We’ve just finished signing the contract, all 3 parties, so we are finally able to announce it. Rins is an experienced rider, a fast rider and a podium finisher.

“This wealth of experience, coupled with Rins’ ability to give the precise suggestions to his technicians, as I’ve heard, will surely help us to improve our our bike package, aiming to fight for more podium,” he said.

Meanwhile, LCR Honda reportedly will also announce Moto2 rider Ai Ogura as Rins’ new team-mate for the upcoming season in place of Takaaki Nakagami.

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Latest News

Lightning Motorcycles Developing New Off-Road Focused Plug-In Adventure Bike

American electric motorcycle company Lightning Motorcycles is working on a new plug-in adventure bike to take on Energica’s Experia.

Husqvarna Partners Google To Launch New Dirt Bike Configurator

Swedish motorcycle company Husqvarna Motorcycles has partnered with Google and Unreal Engine to introduce a new configurator for the company FC 450 flagship dirt bike.

This Bespoke Ducati 1100 By Revival Cycles Is Worth RM2.2mil

Anything related to Ducati always comes with a hefty pricetag. So when a custom builder like Revival Cycles chose to worked on a Ducati Monster 1100, you know it’s going to turned out epic while also eat out much of their budget.

11-Year-Old Racer Dies Following Training Accident

Millar Buchanan, an 11-year-old racer who competed in the Ohvale UK Cup, lost his life following a training incident at the Crail Circuit Scotland, last Saturday.

WorldSBK: Jonathan Rea Agrees Two-Year Extension With Kawasaki

It’s official, Jonathan Rea will remain with Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) after agreeing on a two-year deal, putting him at Team Green for the 2023 and 2024 WorldSBK Championship season.

OFFICIAL: Alex Rins Signs With LCR Honda

Alex Rins will ride on board the Honda RC213V machine at the 2023 MotoGP season after putting pen to paper on a two-year deal with LCR Honda.

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