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In a fierce showdown set for 2024, Honda’s iconic Africa Twin is gearing up to challenge BMW’s highly anticipated R 1300 GS in the competitive open-class adventure motorcycle market.

  • the next-generation Honda Africa Twin to feature radar-assist technology. 
  • latest type-approval documents also confirmed the introduction of direct fuel-injection. 

As both manufacturers vie for dominance, riders can expect groundbreaking advancements and cutting-edge technologies from these two renowned giants.

BMW has confirmed the imminent launch of its much-sought-after R 1300 GS in September of this year. Building on the success of the R 1250 GS, this latest iteration promises revolutionary construction and on-board innovations, signaling a significant leap forward in the world of adventure bikes.

On the other hand, Honda’s Africa Twin follows a different approach, placing an emphasis on off-road capability over on-road touring and raw power. Despite their distinct focus, these formidable machines will undoubtedly attract similar groups of adventurous enthusiasts, creating an exciting competition for customer loyalty in 2024. The stakes are high, and the stage is set for a remarkable showdown.

Amid the buzz and anticipation, evidence has emerged supporting the development of an extensively updated Africa Twin. Honda has discreetly filed type-approval paperwork for its 2024 model, which intriguingly carries the model code “SD14.” This move signals the manufacturer’s determination to deliver a game-changing offering that will challenge BMW head-on.

While specific details about the new Africa Twin remain scarce, Honda’s recent patent filings have shed some light on potential enhancements. Notably, the company is working on incorporating front and rear radars into the bike’s design, akin to rivals such as KTM’s 1290 Super Adventure, Ducati’s Multistrada V4, and the upcoming BMW R 1300 GS.

These radars, either offered optionally or as standard, are poised to improve rider safety and experience, ensuring the Africa Twin keeps pace with the rapidly evolving adventure bike segment.

Among the most thrilling developments is the prospect of a direct fuel-injected version of the Africa Twin’s SOHC engine. This innovation aims to elevate performance, enhance fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions, underscoring Honda’s commitment to environmental consciousness and engineering excellence.

Furthermore, enthusiasts and experts alike are buzzing about the intriguing possibility of a supercharged Africa Twin. If realized, this extraordinary advancement could propel Honda’s champion to new heights, rivaling the formidable powerhouses represented by KTM’s big V-twins and Ducati’s Multistrada V4 range, all without requiring the development of an entirely new engine.

Motorcycle enthusiasts in Malaysia were treated to a momentous occasion as the long-awaited Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 made its debut at the 2023 Art Of Speed event.

  • Having gained worldwide acclaim since its global release last year, the cruiser-style motorcycle is now up for pre-booking in Malaysia.
  • The Super Meteor 650 will be available in two variants, with the Tourer as the flagship model.

The Super Meteor 650 maintains Royal Enfield’s legacy of crafting exceptional cruisers and features the renowned 648cc twin platform that earned accolades with the Interceptor INT 650 and Continental GT 650 models. To ensure unmatched reliability and enjoyment, the motorcycle has undergone rigorous testing, covering over one million kilometers on roads across Europe and Asia.

This versatile cruiser comes in two variants, the Super Meteor 650 and Super Meteor 650 Tourer, each available in five striking colors. Its design exudes retro charm while incorporating modern elements, like the first-ever LED headlamp from Royal Enfield.

With an emphasis on rider comfort and ergonomics, the Super Meteor 650 boasts fully feet-forward foot controls, wide handlebars, and a low stance, providing an effortless and connected riding experience. The motorcycle’s frame and swingarm were entirely redesigned in collaboration with Harris Performance, ensuring a low center of gravity for high-speed stability and maneuverability.

For added convenience, the Super Meteor 650 is equipped with the Royal Enfield Tripper, a Turn-By-Turn navigation pod, as well as a USB socket for electronic devices.

For customization and touring enthusiasts, Royal Enfield offers a range of genuine motorcycle accessories to enhance the Super Meteor 650’s capabilities. The Solo Tourer theme provides solo touring amenities, while the Grand Tourer theme caters to two-up adventures.

Riders in Malaysia can now pre-order the Super Meteor 650 at authorized Royal Enfield dealerships, with deliveries scheduled to begin in late September 2023 with the official price is said to be below RM40k. 

The 2023 Harley-Davidson  Homecoming Festival roared into Milwaukee from July 13 to 16, drawing moto-enthusiasts from all corners of the globe to celebrate the iconic motorcycle brand’s remarkable 120-year history.

  • The festival, featuring a thrilling blend of music and moto-culture, left attendees awestruck with its headline performances by Green Day and Foo Fighters, along with a variety of captivating events across the Milwaukee area.
  • Over the weekend, 73,000 motorcycles lined the museum grounds and Sixth Street, attracting 130,000 attendees.

At Veterans Park on the picturesque Milwaukee Lakefront, Green Day and Foo Fighters took center stage on Friday and Saturday nights, respectively, performing to electrifying crowds of more than 80,000 motorcycle and music enthusiasts.

Preceding the headlining acts were stellar performances by Abby Jeanne, KennyHoopla, Phantogram, and The Cult on July 14, while July 15 witnessed extraordinary sets by Ghost Hounds, White Reaper, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and Cody Jinks. Additionally, the Nitro Circus delivered an adrenaline-pumping freestyle motocross show, and the Ives Brothers’ Wall of Death & Ball of Steel showcased exhilarating stunts, offering a family-friendly experience.

The celebrations extended to the Harley-Davidson Museum grounds, where Bike Night kicked off the festivities on Thursday. Over the weekend, 73,000 motorcycles lined the museum grounds and Sixth Street, attracting 130,000 attendees who enjoyed food trucks, Flat Out Friday Boonie Bike races, motorcycle displays, and demo rides of the latest 2023 Harley-Davidson models, including the electrifying LiveWire  and Stacyc electric vehicles.

The Division BMX Stunt Show, custom and vintage motorcycle displays, and evening musical entertainment featuring headliners Hairball, The Jimmys, The Now Band, Rust Bucket Road Trip, and The Toys and Rebel Grace added to the excitement.

Notably, the Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations in Menomonee Falls hosted engaging activities such as demos of 2023 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, factory tours, and impressive Police Skills Riding Demonstrations.

The festival’s grand finale was the Harley-Davidson 120th Anniversary Motorcycle Parade on Sunday, which saw 7,000 motorcycles revving their engines as they paraded through Wisconsin Avenue to downtown Milwaukee, concluding at Veterans Park on the lakefront. Enthusiastic crowds gathered along the route, cheering and waving in admiration.

To ensure that all roads led to Milwaukee, Harley-Davidson devised six exhilarating Ride In routes starting from various points across North America, culminating in the Homecoming festivities. Riders had the freedom to join at any point along the routes and ride at their own pace, fostering a sense of camaraderie among fellow H-D enthusiasts.

Moreover, the festival witnessed the consumer debut of the new 2023 Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) Motorcycles, the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models, which showcased cutting-edge technology, enhanced rider comfort, and dynamic performance driven by the powerful new Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine. These awe-inspiring motorcycles were showcased at the Harley-Davidson Museum Garage area and available for demos at the Company’s Powertrain Operations facility.

The 2023 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival was undoubtedly an unforgettable celebration of motorcycle culture, uniting riders from around the world to commemorate 120 years of the legendary Harley-Davidson brand. As the festival concluded, the anticipation for next year’s event, scheduled for July 25-28, 2024, reached new heights, promising even more excitement and thrills in the years to come.

Suzuki Malaysia proudly announced the launch of the 2023 Suzuki Raider R150Fi which now adorned in two vibrant colour options.

  • the Raider R150Fi continue to established itself as the most powerful 150cc underbone motorcycle in Malaysia. 
  • the 2023 Raider R150Fi arrives in two new colourway; Bright Ivory/Titan Black and Matte Bordeaux Red/Metallic Matte Fibroin. 

The first option is the captivating Bright Ivory/Titan Black, exuding a sense of elegance and sportiness. The second variant is the striking Matte Bordeaux Red/Metallic Matte Fibroin Grey, adding a touch of sophistication to the motorcycle’s aesthetic.

Enthusiasts seeking an unparalleled underbone riding experience can now witness the Raider R150Fi’s all-new colour variants at any authorized Suzuki Malaysia dealer across the nation with a recommended selling price of RM8,838. (excluding registration and insurance fees).

A part from the new visuals, the 2023 Raider R150Fi continue to offer the same specifications including the tried and tested 147.3cc single-cylinder DOHC with liquid-cooled engine that pumps out a respectable 18hp and 13.8Nm. 

Ducati has announced a limited edition 2023 Monster 30th Anniversario, marking an exceptional milestone for the renowned Bologna brand, paying tribute to the original Monster that changed the course of Ducati’s history back in 1993.

  • the limited run Monster is to pay homage to the model iconic introduction back in 1993. 
  • the 30th Anniversario is fitted with Ohlins suspension and Termignoni full-system exhaust. 

With the first Monster’s groundbreaking debut, Ducati showcased its ingenuity by fitting a slightly aged L-twin t-valve engine into a fresh frame, accompanied by flat bars, creating a one-of-a-kind machine. 

The gamble paid off, captivating the hearts of enthusiasts and winning accolades from the press. Now, three decades later, the 30th Anniversario emerges as a collectors’ dream, preserving the bike’s iconic DNA and exhilarating character while offering enthusiasts a limited opportunity to own a piece of motorcycling history.

In the design department, the Monster 30th Anniversario flaunts a captivating tricolour paint scheme, tastefully complemented by forged gold wheels and Ohlins forks. 

The bike’s exclusivity is further enhanced with a Termignoni exhaust, previously found only on the Monster SP, and carbon mudguards, adding a touch of elegance and performance.

The attention to detail extends to the unique embroidered seat, setting this masterpiece apart from other models in the range. 

Ducati has meticulously crafted this limited edition to resonate with the passionate community of Ducatisti, offering a bike that not only performs but also pays homage to the brand’s rich heritage.

Another compelling aspect of the 2023 Monster 30th Anniversario is its remarkable weight reduction. Ducati engineers have managed to shave off an impressive 4 kilograms from its overall weight, bringing the dry weight down to an astonishing 164 kilograms. This feat is a testament to Ducati’s commitment to pushing boundaries and setting new standards in performance.

That said, the new Anniversario boasts the same engine specifications as its fellow Monster siblings, delivering a formidable 111hp and 93Nm of torque. The powerful engine pairs seamlessly with the chassis inspired by the Monster SP, featuring Ohlins NIX forks, an Ohlins rear shock, and a steering damper, ensuring a dynamic and exhilarating ride.

With production limited to a mere 500 units, the 2023 Ducati Monster 30th Anniversario is destined to become a collector’s gem and a cherished piece of Ducati’s illustrious history. 

In a groundbreaking move to revolutionize the Indian motorcycle market, Hero MotoCorp has unveiled its grand vision for electric mobility by teaming up with California-based electric motorcycle manufacturer, Zero Motorcycles.

  • The partnership, fueled by a substantial USD60 million investment, is set to electrify the industry and drive a monumental shift towards sustainable transportation.
  • The announcement, which first surfaced in September 2022, left enthusiasts speculating about Hero MotoCorp’s intentions.
Hero MotoCorp

 

With a strong legacy in traditional combustion-powered two-wheelers, Hero ventured into the electric realm earlier in 2022 with the launch of their first electric two-wheeler, the Vida V1, developed in collaboration with Taiwanese electric scooter and tech company, Gogoro.

Now, the veil has been lifted as the Hero MotoCorp Annual Report for 2023 sheds light on the electrifying details of the Zero partnership. The report outlines Hero’s strategic plans to co-develop premium electric motorcycles, utilizing Zero’s expertise to create innovative and high-performance EVs. The collaboration aims to diversify Hero’s EV portfolio, reaching a broader customer base and capitalizing on the global trend towards electric mobility.

Notably, the report emphasizes that this partnership goes beyond just technological exchange. It combines Zero’s cutting-edge powertrain and electric motorcycle development prowess with Hero’s vast scale in manufacturing, sourcing, and marketing, creating a powerful synergy in the realm of sustainable mobility.

For Hero MotoCorp, the alliance with Zero Motorcycles represents a momentous opportunity to spearhead the electric mobility revolution in India. As the largest motorcycle market in the world, India is ripe for transformative change.

Hero MotoCorp envisions bridging the gap between international clean mobility options and Indian consumers by bringing the entire Zero portfolio into the country.

To achieve this, Zero Motorcycles will set up local manufacturing facilities in India, further bolstering the nation’s efforts to promote indigenous electric vehicle production. With Zero’s global reputation for excellence in electric motorcycles, combined with Hero MotoCorp’s extensive experience in manufacturing and distribution, the partnership is poised to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility not just in India but also across global markets.

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