Bikesrepublic

Latest News

As the world is shifting towards a sustainable ecosystem, motorcycle manufacturers are also moving towards the same direction.

  • Royal Enfield begins testing electric motorcycle prototypes in several facilities around the globe.
  • Royal Enfield’s production-ready EV is set to roll out in 2025. 

The latest is Royal Enfield, which has started testing its EV prototypes at various locations worldwide. 

According to reports, after investing in a dedicated infrastructure specialising in electric vehicles, Royal Enfield has also hired relevant individuals to boost its EV development in India and the UK.

However, while other manufacturers – such as Kawasaki and Triumph – is already in the advanced stages of introducing their production-ready electric motorcycles, Royal Enfield will only launch its EV in 2025. 

This is because the India-based company wants to ensure that its EV project can set a similar quality benchmark as its 350cc to 650cc range. 

That said, Royal Enfield is working to understand what buyers want in an electric motorcycle which, in turn, allows the firm to develop an EV that meets the customer’s needs similar to its petrol-powered motorcycle. 

Royal Enfield will also focus on expanding its ICE-based motorcycles with the soon-to-be-launch Himalayan 450 and Shogun 650. 

Kenan Sofuoglu took the term ‘start them young’ to a whole different level as the ex-MotoGP and WorldSBK rider recently let his three-year-old son, Zayn Sofuoglu, take the Honda Gold Wing for a spin!

  • The Honda Gold Wing is a 1800cc motorcycle that weighs more than 300kg. 
  • The Gold Wing featured in the video is equipped with Honda’s DCT transmission. 

Before we show you the video, it’s probably wise to remind you not to let your kids take on a bike as massive and heavy as the Gold Wing, especially if he’s been around for only 1,095 days. 

In the video posted on Sofuoglu’s son’s Instagram account, we can see his kid approaching the Gold Wing, which is evidently taller and way bigger than him. 

Zayn continues to fire up the bike as if he is not bothered by the bike’s size before taking it for a spin under the watchful eyes of his dad.

A quick scan through Zayn’s social media accounts shows that he’s ridden several motorcycles, including the Yamaha TMAX, Italjet’s Dragster and a Honda Ruckus.

So for someone who was born in April 2019, it’s a surprise that a kid at that age can ride a full-size motorcycle.

However, perhaps the video somehow proves how easy it is to ride a Gold Wing, even for a kid who can’t even reach the footpegs to ride it.

But then again, we wouldn’t advise you to try this with your kids. 

Episode 6 of the Ducati World Premiere 2023 takes us to the unveiling of the all-new 2023 Ducati Diavel V4.

Since there is a lot to write about Ducati’s latest take on its latest mega cruiser, here are five things you need to know about the all-new Ducati Diavel V4.

  1. Engine

The Diavel has moved from its V-Twin setup to Ducati’s latest V4 engine. 

Ducati has been synonymous with the V-Twin for quite some time but due to performance limitations, the Italian firm decided to move to the new V4 configuration that began with the Panigale V4 before naturally trickle down to the Streetfighter and the Multistrada. 

However, the one fitted on the new Diavel is the Granturismo V4 engine found in the Multistrada V4. As a result, it features longer service interval and offers a mid range grunt. 

According to Ducati, the Diavel V4 makes 168hp and 126Nm, making it more powerful than the Diavel 1260S although the latter makes higher peak torque at 129Nm. 

  1. Weight

Thanks to the new engine, it allows Ducati to ditched the steel trellis frame on the previous generation Diavel for a new lightweight aluminium monocoque chassis for the Diavel V4. 

As a result, Ducati saved 5kg from the engine and 8kg from the bike’s overall weight. That said, Ducati shed 13kg from the previous model.

  1. Comfort

This is the part where things got interesting because while it may be a cruiser, the Diavel V4 seat height registered at  790mm which is tall for a cruiser yet is low for a sporty naked bike. 

Nonetheless, the handlebar is now 20mm closer to the rider which helps to improved riders ergonomics and comfort.

On top of that, Ducati adds more rear travel to the rear suspension which now sits at 145mm, 15mm more than the 1260. Ducati claimed that the longer rear travel allows for more comfort not just for the rider but also for pillions. 

  1. Tech

There’s 5-inch TFT instrument display which you can access four riding modes including Sport, Touring, Urban and (newly added) Wet mode.

Also added is an up and down quickshifter, wheelie control and launch control as well as cruise control.

  1. Styling

The Diavel range is known for its striking looks and the V4 continues the general vibe with a similar stance. 

That said, the new engine creates a slightly different bodywork and maybe not quite as aesthetic as the previous 1260. You could also argue about the missing trellis frame.

However, the biggest talking point are at the back, starting with the quad exit exhaust which is probably to signify the V4 configuration. 

Also, the Diavel V4 features a new honeycomb taillight which looks absolutely bonkers. However, we couldn’t help but imagine the struggle of cleaning the tail light once you are done riding. 

So what do you think about the 2023 Ducati Diavel V4? Will it be as amazing as the 1260 or better? Do tell us what you think at the comment section!

BMW’s low-profile roadster, the R 1250 R, gets a few nice upgrades for 2023.

  • BMW Motorrad has given a much-needed electronic upgrade for the R 1250 R roadster.
  • The 2023 R 1250 R continue to make 136hp and 142Nm. 

The BMW R 1250 R might not be the most popular model in the Bavarian family portfolio, but it certainly lives up to expectations thanks to the boxer twin engine. 

Ensuring the bikes remain relevant for the new year, the R 1250 R has received a significant electronic upgrade.

That said, the 2023 BMW R 1250 R now features Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control and BMW Motorrad ABS Pro as standard. 

In addition, BMW added a third riding mode, Eco, to the bike’s existing Road and Rain modes.

However, the best upgrade introduced to the R 1250 R is ABS Pro, allowing riders to take corners confidently on a fairly heavy motorcycle. 

Last but not least, the 2023 R 1250 R is also equipped with LED turn signals. 

Nonetheless, riders can also choose to upgrade the R 1250 R with some optional features, including an adaptive turning headlight, a fancy passenger seat cover and spoked wheels. 

Also, the 2023 BMW R 1250 R comes in two different colourways; Ice Grey with Triple Black and Style Sport Racing Blue Metallic.

Mechanically, the 2023 BMW R 1250 R continue to make 136hp @ 7,750rpm and 142.3Nm @ 6,250rpm. 

Other notable features include:

  • 45mm inverted front fork (full-adjustable)
  • fully adjustable BMW paralever
  • twin 320mm floating disc
  • 18L fuel tank

Yamaha’s popular maxi-scooter, the Yamaha XMAX, has finally received a significant overhaul for 2023. 

  • 2023 Yamaha XMAX gets a new TFT screen and adjustable windshield.
  • The Yamaha XMAX is available in two variants in Europe, the 125 and 300. 

First introduced in 2006, the Yamaha XMAX and its bigger sibling, the TMAX, have become two of the world’s best-selling scooters, with more than 720,000 units sold between the pair. 

For 2023, the Yamaha XMAX gets an all-new 4.2-inch TFT instrument display complete with a Garmin navigation system similar to the TMAX.

Yamaha also revised the handling for better riding comfort and enhanced functionality. 

In addition, the 2023 XMAX features a bolder impression thanks to a sharper front end, headlined by an aggressive new ‘X’ shaped headlight.

The same ‘X’ theme can also be seen at the back when the tail light is on.

Available in two variants, 125 and 300 in Europe – 250cc in Malaysia – the XMAX gets slimmer and more angular fairing designed. 

This time, the XMAX also gets the Tech Max trim similar to the TMAX, which features a leather-style seat, aluminium footplates, keyless ignition and traction control.

Yamaha also treated the body parts with a special semi-metallic gloss finish. 

Expect the new XMAX – with a 250cc engine configuration – to make its way to Malaysia soon. 

Royal Enfield recently recorded a staggering 145 per cent worldwide sales increase in September 2022 compared to the same period last year.

  • Royal Enfield sold more than 80,000 motorcycles in September 2022.
  • India remain as the biggest market for Royal Enfield.

That’s certainly a significant boost to the Indian motorcycle company, especially as we are nearing the end of the year.

However, if you ever wonder what could be the major contributor behind those high numbers, look no further ahead than the company’s Hunter 350. 

According to the firm’s sales report, Royal Enfield sold 18,197 units of the Hunter 350 in August and 17,118 units the following month in September. 

To put it in perspective, the Hunter 350 outsold Honda’s H’ness 350 by a considerable margin, with the latter recording just 3,980 units in September.

Despite the H’ness 350 being launched in India some time ago, the Hunter 350 garnered higher demand in a shorter period.

Several factors are in play, including how the Hunter 350 is priced lower than the H’ness 350. Also, since the H’ness 350 are only available in India and Japan, it is to be expected that the numbers will be lower. 

Nonetheless, it also indicates an upward trend for Royal Enfield’s bike in the global market, especially for the Hunter 350. 

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube