Motorcycle news, Motorcycle reviews from Malaysia, Asia and the world

Ducati To Expand The SuperSport 950 Family With A Touring Variant

As the automotive world continues to evolve, manufacturers are constantly seeking ways to meet the diverse needs of riders. In a recent move that has sparked intrigue among enthusiasts, Ducati has submitted an Executive Order to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), hinting at a potential expansion of its SuperSport 950 range.

While CARB’s regulations primarily pertain to emissions standards for vehicles sold within California, their influence often extends nationwide.
Traditionally, models released for the US market tend to find their way into the global market as well, making this development of significant interest to motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.

Although details are limited, the CARB documentation sheds light on Ducati’s intentions for the 2024 SuperSport family.

A closer look at Ducati’s current lineup reveals a diverse array of models catering to different segments of riders. From sport-oriented Panigale machines to adventure-ready Multistradas and the retro charm of the Scrambler series, Ducati has managed to offer options for a wide range of preferences.

However, one notable gap in their lineup has been the absence of a robust Touring or Sport Touring option. This omission hasn’t gone unnoticed by motorcycle enthusiasts who often seek to adapt their bikes for touring purposes, even if the design wasn’t explicitly intended for it. The CARB filings for the 2024 SuperSport family hint at a possible solution to this gap. The new model designations, “Ducati SuperSport S T” and “Ducati SuperSport T,” suggest that Ducati might be gearing up to address the touring segment.

While the official details remain under wraps, these designations could be indicative of a “Touring” or “Turismo” variant. This potential addition aligns with Ducati’s commitment to innovation and its eagerness to cater to a broader spectrum of riders. The term “Turismo” offers a more mellifluous alternative to the straightforward “Touring,” and its adoption could lend a touch of Italian flair to the new model.

As of August 21, 2023, the anticipation is building for Ducati’s 2024 World Première calendar, set to kick off in September. Unlike the previous year, where each premier event came with its own teaser, this time around, Ducati has opted for a more mysterious approach. This absence of direct cues leaves room for speculation about how the CARB information might correlate with the upcoming announcements.

Triumph Daytona 660 Spied Testing

It’s finally happening, Triumph Motorcycles was seen testing the all-new Daytona 660 on open roads in Europe, signalling the arrival of a new entry-level sportbike.

The limited-edition Triumph Daytona 765 Moto2 introduced four years ago was the last sighting of the iconic machine.
The latest spyshot confirms the arrival of an all-new Daytona 660 that shares the same engine with the Trident and Tiger Sport 660.

At the heart of the matter is the shared powerplant that underpins the Daytona 660, a 660cc triple engine whose potency has already been demonstrated in the Trident 660 and Tiger Sport 660. With a claimed output of 81 horsepower @ 10,250 rpm, complemented by a robust torque of 63Nm @ 6,250 rpm, this engine configuration is set to awaken the road with its presence. This raw power is tamed by a well-calibrated six-speed gearbox, ensuring seamless transitions in the pursuit of dynamic performance.

A closer examination of the spy photos published by RideApart reveals a remarkable continuity in components across the Trident 660, Tiger Sport 660, and the upcoming Daytona 660. The familiar sight of the 17-inch cast aluminum wheels, the distinctive exhaust (with a test-specific extension perhaps hinting at ongoing adjustments), and the signature mirrors collectively form a nexus of continuity. The rear section and tail, reminiscent of its stablemates, further underscore the design harmony within the Triumph 660 family.

Notably, the front fork appears to be conserved from the previous models, reflecting the commitment to engineering excellence that Triumph upholds. Drawing cues from the Tiger Sport 660, the Daytona 660’s dashboard layout bears a resemblance to the former’s configuration, a decision that resonates with the sporty demeanor the Daytona line embodies. The ergonomics have been calibrated for an upright posture, balancing agility with rider comfort.

In terms of aesthetics, the bodywork echoes a logical progression from the last iteration of the Daytona, retaining the captivating headlight and cowl design elements that were last witnessed in 2019. While official details remain elusive due to the covert nature of these snapshots, it’s prudent to deduce that the Daytona 660 will build upon the legacy of its predecessors.

In terms of pricing, we expect the Daytona 660 to priced above the Trident and Tiger Sport 660.

Remembering The Legacy Of Roberto Colaninno: Piaggio CEO Dies At 80

In a somber announcement that reverberated through the automotive world, Piaggio Group confirmed the passing of its visionary Chairman and CEO, Roberto Colaninno, at the age of 80.

Colaninno’s departure marks the end of an era that saw the birth of some of the most iconic motorcycles of the modern age.
The news came just days after his 80th birthday and was communicated via a heartfelt press release on Saturday, 19 August.

Colaninno’s legacy within the motorcycling industry is both profound and enduring. Taking the reins of the Piaggio Group in 2003, he steered the conglomerate into uncharted territories, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. The Piaggio Group, with its array of marques including Piaggio, Ape, Scarabeo, Derbi, Gilera, Vespa, Moto Guzzi, and Aprilia, flourished under his astute leadership.

One of Colaninno’s most notable achievements was the launch of the groundbreaking three-wheeled MP3 scooter platform. This innovative creation offered a fresh perspective on urban commuting and gained popularity as a reliable all-weather companion for riders across the globe. Additionally, his instrumental role in the acquisitions of Moto Guzzi and Aprilia in December 2004 reshaped the motorcycling landscape in Europe, solidifying the Piaggio Group’s position as a prominent manufacturer of scooters and motorcycles.

As the industry mourns the loss of a trailblazer, the Piaggio Group’s recent achievements reflect Colaninno’s enduring impact. Celebrating the sale of 324,600 machines worldwide during the first half of 2023, the organization achieved a remarkable 1.2% growth compared to the previous year’s figures. These results underscore Colaninno’s vision and strategic prowess, which fueled the group’s steady ascent.

During one of his recent statements, Colaninno proudly highlighted the Piaggio Group’s achievements, saying, “The Piaggio Group has closed the seventh consecutive quarter to report growth, with its best results to date. At 30 June, net sales had risen by more than 11%, to over one billion euros.”

Notably, a significant portion of these sales, amounting to 267,400 units, comprised motorcycles and scooters.

Roberto Colaninno’s legacy will continue to resonate as an inspiration for generations of automotive enthusiasts, riders, and industry leaders. His visionary leadership, pioneering spirit, and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on the modern motorcycling landscape.

As the Piaggio Group continues its journey, it does so carrying forward the spirit of a visionary who transformed the way we ride.

TVS Motor Company And BMW Celebrate 10 Years Of Successful Partnership

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 Initiates Safety Recall For 2023 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello In America

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.

MotoGP: Francesco Bagnaia Secures 50th Podium With A Masterclass Display At The Austrian GP

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.

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Latest News

Ducati To Expand The SuperSport 950 Family With A Touring Variant

Triumph Daytona 660 Spied Testing

It’s finally happening, Triumph Motorcycles was seen testing the all-new Daytona 660 on open roads in Europe, signalling the arrival of a new entry-level sportbike.

Remembering The Legacy Of Roberto Colaninno: Piaggio CEO Dies At 80

In a somber announcement that reverberated through the automotive world, Piaggio Group confirmed the passing of its visionary Chairman and CEO, Roberto Colaninno, at the age of 80.

TVS Motor Company And BMW Celebrate 10 Years Of Successful Partnership

Piaggio Group Initiates Safety Recall For 2023 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello In America

MotoGP: Francesco Bagnaia Secures 50th Podium With A Masterclass Display At The Austrian GP

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.

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