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Speaking of helmets, brands like AGV, Shoei and Arai have cemented their status in the motorcycling industry, including protecting some of the world’s greatest motorcycle racers.

  • Scorpion introduces new Covert FX retro-style helmets.
  • The Covert FX meets the latest ECE22.06 homologation standards.

However, in recent times, Scorpion has also proven to be part of the elite, especially with the successful partnership with 2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo and 2022 WorldSBK Champion Alvaro Bautista.

Of course, a helmet brand doesn’t play a big part in a racer’s success on the track, but it indeed jumps on the bandwagon surrounding the racer’s achievement, thus making it widely known. 

Thanks to the brand’s success in recent times, Scorpion has been able to release a new range of helmets called the Covert FX.

The Scorpion Covert FX is a retro-inspired helmet with similar vibes to Simpson and Biltwell. 

Despite the retro-touch, the Covert FX meets the latest ECE22.06 safety standard thanks to its TCT fibre construct shell that offers excellent impact dissipation. 

The Covert FX is also fitted with a Kwickwick3 inner lining with soft and hypoallergenic coating. Other standard features include a drop-down sun visor and adequate front, top and rear ventilation. 

The Scorpion Covert FX will be available starting December 2022 for EUR249.90 (RM1.2k). 

Coming in new for the Malaysian market is the new MODENAS Ninja 250 Ohlins edition.

  • The Ninja 250 (non-ABS) Ohlins Edition is limited to just 180 units. 
  • Features the same 249cc parallel-twin DOHC, 4-valve engine. 

Priced at RM20,500, the Ninja 250 Ohlins Edition features fully-adjustable Ohlins KA 744 STX 36 Supersport monoshock.

That said, the STX 36 monoshock is adjustable for compression and rebound. In addition, the Ohlins monoshock is fully covered by MODENAS.

Limited to just 180 units, the Ohlins monoshock is fitted to the non-ABS Ninja 250 only. 

According to MODENAS, the Ohlins KA 744, STX 36 Supersport monoshock offers better stability and handling especially during cornering. 

Nevertheless, other specification remains unchanged with the Ninja 250 Ohlins Edition continue to be powered by a 249cc, twin-cylinder, eight-valve, DOHC engine that makes 36hp at 12,500rpm and 23Nm of maximum torque upon hitting 10,000rpm.

 

Power is transferred down to its rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox enhanced with Kawasaki’s assist and slipper clutch for ease of riding.

Other highlighted aspects include:

  • 164kg (wet weight)
  • 14-litre fuel tank
  • Front 310mm single semi-floating disc brake with 2-piston caliper
  • Rear 220mm single disc brake with 2-piston caliper
  • 41mm telescopic front forks

In April, we first saw SHOEI’s Opticson heads-up display helmet prototype at the Osaka Motorcycle Show 2022. 

  • SHOEI Opticson is to be available in limited numbers in Japan.
  • The Opticson is SHOEI’s first futuristic helmet that features a heads-up display. 

At a glance, the SHOEI Opticson looks like a regular helmet, but there is a vertically-adjustable display piece that sits in front of the rider’s right eye. 

SHOEI also fitted a projection unit hidden neatly inside the chin bar, which can be connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth. The projection unit will display information such as navigation instructions on the display pane for the rider to look at while riding. 

While the feature seems exciting, at the time, the Opticson is still just a prototype.

That is, until now, as SHOEI is offering a limited run of the Opticson exclusively in Japan. The helmet will only be available in three Shoei Gallery around Japan and is priced at JPY137,500. 

Unfortunately, SHOEI has no plans to release the Opticson in a market outside of Japan. 

The middleweight adventure motorcycle segment is growing especially those in the 500cc range.

  • The Rieju Aventura 500 is equipped with a massive 30L fuel tank.
  • Features Honda’s trusted 471cc parallel-twin engine manufactured by Loncin. 

Latest to join the rank is Spanish brand Rieju with the Aventura 500 Legend that was recently showcased at the EICMA show in Milan.

The company was founded in 1934 and begin producing bicycles for before entering the motorcycle market in 1953.

More than 20 years later, Rieju established itself as a notable presence in the enduro racing scene.

However, the Aventura 500 is the company first attempt at moving away from its enduro and supermoto heritage. 

That said, the Rieju Aventura 500 features the biggest engine in the company portfolio.

A closer look at the 471cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine and you’ll notice that it shares similarities with the same engine found in the Honda CB500X.

That’s because the engine is under license by Honda and is manufactured by Loncin for Rieju. 

As a result, the Rieju Aventura 500 makes the same 47hp and 43Nm. 

However, unlike the CB500X, the Aventure 500 is fitted with spoked 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, making it more off-road adept than the former.

Nevertheless, the most jaw-dropping features on the ADV is the 30L fuel tank that’s fitted above the engine and another within the rear subframe. 

In other words, the Aventura 500 potentially has a range of more than 950 kilometres. 

Currently, further details remain undisclosed but we’ll keep an eye on any update regarding this exciting middleweight ADV. 

Honda first revealed the Motocompacto nameplate in 2020 when the Japanese firm filed a trademark application with the US Patent and Trademark Office.

  • The iconic Motocompo to make a comeback with an all-new name and look.
  • Two separate trademark application indicates the Motocompacto to be available outside of Japan. 

Although the moniker has more letters than the original Motocompo, it’s clearly a nod to the iconic pocket-size machine. 

However, that was the last time the Motocompacto name came up.

That is, until now, as Honda recently filed a new trademark application, this time with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.

The application encloses two different spellings of the same word; Motocompacto and Moto Compacto. 

 Interestingly, the application referred to the two nameplates as “Goods: Land vehicles, namely, self-balancing electric scooters; electrically-powered motor scooters.” 

Also in the application is the logo design for the scooter, which showcased a compact, blocky and almost briefcase-like scooter. 

While all other information regarding the scooter remains scarce at the moment, we know now that Honda intends to bring the miniature motorcycle back to the modern world. 

That said, the Motocompacto or Moto Compacto is likely to be a small electric scooter intended for city riding that offers a short range with swappable battery capabilities. 

BSA has revealed a beautifully-built scrambler-style concept motorcycle at the Motorcycle Live Show 2022. 

  • BSA showcased the Scrambler concept bike alongside the BSA Gold Star at Birmingham.
  • The Scrambler is equipped with a 652cc single engine. 

The BSA Scrambler features long-travel suspension, off-road-ready tires, and a stealthy paint job with a #28 side plate.

At the heart of the concept sits an all-new 652cc single-cylinder engine. Unfortunately, BSA did not disclose the engine’s detailed information at the time.

From the photos, we can see the bike is also fitted with wide handlebars, a tall front fender, a retro-style fuel tank and wired-spoke wheels at the front and rear.

There is also a single-disc brake setup with a dual-exit exhaust system and dual-shock absorbers.

According to reports, there are no official words regarding the BSA Scrambler’s availability despite the bike already looking ready for production. 

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