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Electric mobility leader Gogoro and renowned Japanese lifestyle brand Muji have joined forces in an exciting collaboration to address plastic waste and promote sustainability. 

  • The partnership, spearheaded by esteemed Muji designer Naoto Fukasawa, has resulted in a series of special edition smart scooters and a line of co-branded merchandise.
  • Dubbed the “Recycling for Good” initiative, the collaboration aims to tackle the issue of polypropylene plastic waste by incorporating recycled plastic body panels into their new electric scooters. 

The two innovative models unveiled under this partnership are the Viva ME and the Viva Mix ME, both personally curated by Naoto Fukasawa himself.

Drawing inspiration from Muji’s signature design philosophy, the scooters showcase rustic colors, sleek bodywork, and a user-friendly interface. 

In a statement, Fukasawa emphasized the importance of design integrity, stating, “The most important thing in design is that it must always uphold the spirit of integrity towards people, the environment, and life.”

Beyond using recycled materials, the “Recycling for Good” initiative aims to foster a lifestyle change, encouraging individuals to be more conscious about plastic waste. By incorporating eco-friendly designs and fostering collaboration between two popular brands, Gogoro and Muji envision a greater impact than the sum of their parts.

Krämer Motorcycles proudly announces the introduction of their latest masterpiece, the 2024 Krämer GP2-890RR supersport.

  • Boasting class-leading specifications, the GP2-890RR promises to deliver an unparalleled track experience for racing enthusiasts.
  • Powering the GP2-890RR makes 138hp and 100Nm.

The GP2-890RR’s heart lies in its powerful 889cc parallel-twin motor from KTM, generating a remarkable 138hp @ 10,100 rpm and 100Nm @ 8,200 rpm. The motorcycle’s lightweight engine internals and advanced engine management software allow for an increased redline of 11,500 rpm.

Built with German engineering precision, the GP2-890RR features a chromoly steel-trellis frame that ensures exceptional stiffness and rigidity while maintaining an astonishingly light racing weight of 142kg. Furthermore, the unique fuel cell design utilises a rotationally molded plastic fuel tank, doubling as the bike’s tail section and providing optimised weight distribution during races.

Markus Krämer, the CEO and Founder of Krämer Motorcycles, expressed his pride in the GP2-890RR, calling it the pinnacle of their GP2 racing platform. This limited-edition masterpiece will see only 125 units produced for the global market, with each bike individually numbered and engraved on the triple clamp.

Equipped with premium components like dual Brembo Stylema callipers, forged aluminum Dymag wheels, and top-shelf WP Apex Pro suspension, the 2024 Krämer GP2-890RR leaves no room for compromises when it comes to pure track performance.

The motorcycle will be available in Europe beginning September 2023 with a recommended selling price of EUR41,990 (RM208k), making it the inaugural model to be manufactured at Krämer’s new factory in Burghausen, Germany, which will also debut the company’s fresh corporate branding.

Hero MotoCorp, the renowned two-wheeler manufacturer, announced a price hike of INR10,500 (RM500) for the new India-made Harley-Davidson X440.

  • the made in India Harley-Davidson has garnered a lot of attention since it’s launch. 
  • the X440 runs on a single-cylinder air/oil-cooled engine that’s capable of making 27hp & 38Nm.

This decision comes just days after the Chief Executive of Harley-Davidson expressed delight over the remarkable number of pre-orders for the X440, surpassing the company’s initial expectations.

The Harley-Davidson X440, which is set to be priced at INR239,500 (RM13.1k) and above, will now include the price increase across all its variants, as per the statement issued by Hero. Customers can anticipate deliveries to commence in October.

Harley-Davidson, after discontinuing most of its dealer network in India in 2020, joined forces with Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest motorcycle maker, to develop and market a series of its branded bikes in the country. Their initial offering, the X440, marks the beginning of their strategic partnership.

Harley-Davidson CEO, Jochen Zeitz, expressed his contentment during an earnings call last week, stating, “We’ve been extremely pleased with the reception that the X440 has received since launch, with pre-orders exceeding initial expectations from launch.”

Kawasaki is on the verge of unveiling its highly anticipated electric streetbikes, the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 as confirmed by latest homologation filed in Australia. 

  • Last November, at EICMA, the world got a glimpse of what was to come, and now, with the submission of new homologation data in Australia, the official launch is imminent.
  • Pictures of the final production models have emerged from the homologation filings, showcasing the electric duo with the new e-1 branding and regulatory labels, staying true to the essence of the prototypes showcased in Milan.

The Ninja e-1 and the Z e-1 have retained the bodywork of their gas-powered counterparts, the 400 series. 

Interestingly,  the Australian homologation data reveals a net engine power of 9.0 kW (12.1 hp) lower than what was previously mentioned. Dimensionally, both the Z e-1 and Ninja e-1 will feature a wheelbase of 1369mm, mirroring the Z400 and Ninja 400. 

However, The most intriguing aspect, though, is the listed tare weights. According to the documentation, the Z e-1 boasts a certified tare weight of 135kg, while the Ninja e-1 tips the scales slightly heavier at 140kg. 

Whether these weights include the batteries remains unclear. Kawasaki’s initial statement outlined plans for each electric model to incorporate two removable battery packs, weighing around 12 kg each, with a combined capacity of 3.0 kWh. 

While the excitement surrounding the impending release of the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 continues to grow, Kawasaki has even more electrifying surprises up its sleeve. These electric models are only the first step in Kawasaki’s journey towards alternative fuel products. A hybrid model is slated for release as part of the 2024 model range, offering a glimpse of the brand’s forward-thinking approach. 

Kawasaki Motors Corporation USA has issued a safety recall for the newly launched 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition bikes sold in the United States. 

  • The recall comes after the discovery of a potential alternator malfunction that could lead to engine stalling, posing a significant risk to riders.
  • Kawasaki USA also issued a stop sale notice to rectify the matter. 

The problem is attributed to an improper installation of the alternator rotor during manufacturing at the Kawasaki factory. 

Approximately 991 units, accounting for one percent of the US market, are suspected to be affected. The recall specifically targets bikes produced between January 11, 2023, and March 29, 2023, identified by VINs ranging from ML5ZXCS11PDA00082 to ML5ZXCS10PDA01482.

In a statement released by Kawasaki, they have urged riders to take the matter seriously as there are currently no known warning signs of the issue. An unexpected engine stall could lead to dangerous accidents on the road.

Following the safety recall, Kawasaki Motors Corp USA issued a Stop Sale notice to its nationwide dealer network. The company aims to provide repair information to dealers in mid-to-late August 2023. 

However, as of August 1, 2023, Kawasaki has not yet released a timeline for notifying affected owners or provided details on their remedy program for the issue.

In a bold move into the electric vehicle market, Buell, the iconic American motorcycle manufacturer, has launched its latest creation, the Fuell Fllow.

  • While technically under the Fuell brand, the Fllow was created by none other than Erik Buell himself, the co-founder of the renowned Buell Motorcycles.
  • The Fuell Fllow embraces its roots with a design that pays homage to the classic cafe racer style.

At first glance, the Fuell Fllow boasts a neo-retro cafe racer appearance, eschewing the conventional front fairing and opting for a sleek, streamlined body with the battery serving as a central component. Speaking of the battery, the Fllow comes equipped with a 10kWh capacity, promising an impressive 150-mile range in urban environments.

This power source drives a patent-pending 47hp (35kW) motor, ingeniously positioned in the rear wheel, giving the bike a unique ‘velodrome-style’ appearance and enabling a top speed of 136km/h. The Fllow 1S model takes the performance up a notch, offering the full 47hp, while the standard Fllow 1 begins with 15hp but can be upgraded post-purchase to match the 1S model. Regardless of the chosen variant, riders can expect a peak torque output of 750Nm, ensuring thrilling acceleration and smooth cruising.

Eager to quell range anxiety, Fuell has emphasized fast-charging capabilities. In a video presentation, Erik Buell quoted an impressive 30-minute charge time when utilizing a super-fast charge point. However, it’s worth noting that charging via a standard mains plug at home takes 1.25 hours with a 6.6kW charger.

The Fllow 1 comes with a 750W charger as standard, but for a quicker recharge, owners can opt for a 6.6kW (or a 3.3kW) charger, reducing charge times to 2.5 hours or 10 hours, respectively.

The Fuell Fllow incorporates innovative features to enhance the riding experience and safety. Notably, the motorcycle employs regenerative braking, a patent-pending technology, to boost efficiency and increase the range.

In combination with ABS at the rear wheel and standard ABS at the front, the Fllow ensures optimal braking performance. The motorcycle rides on 17-inch wheels, complemented by 40mm inverted front forks and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock, delivering a smooth and controlled ride on various terrains.

Fuell has not held back when it comes to equipping the Fllow with cutting-edge technology and electronic aids. The bike comes with electronic traction control, launch control, and wheelie control, catering to both novice and experienced riders.

Two distinct riding modes, “Urban” and “Audacious,” provide flexibility and adaptability to different environments and riding styles. An illuminated 50-liter storage compartment, another patent-pending feature, offers ample space for riders to store their belongings securely.

Additionally, the Fuell Fllow boasts an interactive dashboard that seamlessly connects to the rider’s smartphone through a dedicated app, providing essential information and customization options. Safety is paramount, with blind-spot detection and collision warnings both at the front and rear, enhancing situational awareness on the road. A convenient walk and reverse assist feature further enhances the bike’s user-friendliness, making parking and manoeuvring a breeze.

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