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BMW Motorrad is set to unveil its highly anticipated R 1300 GS motorcycle at an exclusive opening event on 28 September 2023. 

  • The will take place during the opening ceremony of BMW Motorrad Welt Berlin.
  • The unveling will mark a significant milestone in the brand’s 100th-anniversary celebrations.

The event will be held at the new “heart of the brand,” located adjacent to the BMW Motorrad plant site in Berlin-Spandau. Motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world will have the opportunity to witness the premiere of the R 1300 GS, which has generated immense excitement and anticipation among the biking community.

For those unable to attend the event in person, BMW Motorrad will provide a livestream of the opening ceremony on their official social media channels, allowing fans to experience the unveiling virtually.

Following the exclusive presentation, BMW Motorrad Welt Berlin will be open to the public starting from September 30, 2023, offering visitors the chance to explore the world of BMW motorcycles and witness the groundbreaking R 1300 GS up close.

The forthcoming unveiling of the BMW R 1300 GS promises to be an exciting moment for motorcycle enthusiasts and marks another chapter in BMW Motorrad’s illustrious history.

BMW Motorrad proudly announced the production of its 1,000,000th GS motorcycle equipped with a boxer engine. The momentous occasion took place at the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin-Spandau, as the impressive R 1250 GS rolled off the production line.

  • BMW Motorrad reached latest milestone by delivering the one millionth GS. 
  • BMW Motorrad celebrates its 100th years this year. 

For over five decades, BMW motorcycles have been manufactured in Berlin, with the GS models featuring boxer engines captivating riders since 1980. These exceptional motorcycles have been favored by adventure enthusiasts, embarking on daring journeys to far-flung destinations and exploring the most remote corners of the planet.

Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, expressed his enthusiasm for this milestone achievement, stating, “The BMW GS with boxer engine became an icon, achieving global success in this segment. Its outstanding talents, such as dynamic riding performance, brawny off-road qualities, superior long-distance comfort, and enormous robustness, have since been continuously developed by BMW Motorrad.”

The 1,000,000th BMW GS motorcycle, a striking R 1250 GS in Triple Black Style, was celebrated during a special works meeting at the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin-Spandau today.

As BMW Motorrad commemorates “100 Years of BMW Motorrad” this year, the production of the one millionth GS motorcycle with a boxer engine serves as a significant milestone in the corporate history of the BMW Group. 

The achievement of producing one million GS motorcycles further solidifies BMW Motorrad’s position as a leading manufacturer of exceptional motorcycles, blending road, off-road, and long-haul capabilities to deliver unforgettable riding experiences.

Boon Siew Honda (BSH) has introduced a new colour update for the 2023 Honda CBR150R priced at RM13,299. 

The Honda CBR150R now comes in a bolder Pearl Nightfall Blue which suspiciously looks like the iconic ‘Spoon’ colour combination. However, while the ‘Spoon’ colourway combines a balance between blue and yellow, the blue on the 2023 CBR150R is more prominent. 

Aside from the new visuals, the Honda CBR150R continue to feature the same specifications, including the same 150cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine capable of producing 16hp @ 9,000rpm and 13.7Nm @ 7,000rpm. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a 6-speed transmission with a final chain drive.

Mechanically, the 2023 CBR150R still features the same equipment and electronics, including the wavy disc brake, fully digital speedometer and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Could a Suzuki GSX-8R be in the works? According to reports from the Japanese motorcycle press, Suzuki might be gearing up to launch a sports bike based on the GSX-8S platform that could potentially become the GSX-8R.

  • the new 776cc parallel-twin engine could potentially leads to a new fully-faired sportsbike from Hamamatsu. 
  • popular Japanese publication, Young-Machine hints at the arrival of the so called GSX-8R. 

Last year, Suzuki introduced the GSX-8S and V-Strom 800DE, which marked the brand’s first all-new models in quite some time. These bikes showcased a new engine platform and chassis from the Japanese manufacturer. However, the spotlight has now shifted to what Suzuki might do with the parallel-twin platform in the future.

Rumours have been circulating about a possible new sports bike from Suzuki, and popular sources like Young Machine have hinted that it could be the next release from the company.

*credit photo: Young-Machine

These rumors have gained attention and even sparked the imagination of motorcycle designer and YouTuber Mich Superbikes, who has created his own vision of a fully-faired machine based on the GSX-8S, which could potentially evolve into the GSX-8R.

For Suzuki, this would be an interesting move considering their recent decision to discontinue the iconic GSX-R1000 and withdraw from motorsport in an official capacity. 

As of now, Suzuki has not made any official announcements about the potential GSX-8R. However, with the growing anticipation and speculations, motorcycle enthusiasts eagerly await any news regarding the development of this exciting new addition to Suzuki’s range

Alpinestars, the renowned manufacturer of motorcycle gear and apparel, has recently unveiled its latest offering in racing helmets – the limited edition Supertech R10.

Designed and developed specifically for professional MotoGP athletes, this cutting-edge helmet combines speed, protection, and comfort to enhance the overall racing and sport riding experience.

The Supertech R10 features a range of innovative design elements aimed at maximizing performance. The helmet’s aerodynamic stability is achieved through a meticulous reduction of drag, ensuring optimal air management both inside and outside the helmet. The optimized chin bar design provides maximum protection for the collar bone, while also offering a lightweight and robust profile to safeguard the rider’s chin tip area.

Constructed with a multi-layer composite and advanced epoxy resin, the Supertech R10 achieves an ideal balance of strength, mechanical performance, and weight ratio. The external and internal materials are strategically designed to provide exceptional protection against both linear and oblique acceleration impacts. Furthermore, the shell’s lower profile is engineered to safeguard the rider’s collarbone in the event of a heavy impact.

Aerodynamic efficiency and stability are further enhanced by the race spoiler and winglets, which effectively reduce drag by 4.54%. The helmet boasts an impressive field of vision, with 220 degrees of lateral vision and 57 degrees of vertical vision. Additionally, the shield construction is equipped with pins for easy fixation of a Pinlock 120XLT – 100% Max Vision lens and tear-off films.

Safety remains a top priority, as the Supertech R10 is ECE22.06 homologated and features an Optical Class 1 shield. The shield mechanism incorporates metal lock levers to prevent unwanted detachment during impacts, while the tool-less quick release system allows for swift and effortless visor changes. The helmet’s chin vent, designed with laminated airflow, effectively prevents fogging and misting.

Inside the helmet, the EPS foam is intelligently distributed to provide precise impact absorption where needed most. The EPS is equipped with Alpinestars’ patented A-Head fitting height and angle adjustment system, allowing riders to customize the helmet’s fit to their exact preferences.

Alpinestars will release a limited launch edition of the Supertech R10 in a striking Carbon/Red Shadow colorway. Only 200 numbered helmets will be available for purchase on July 10th at alpinestars.com. With its exceptional performance and exclusive design, the Supertech R10 is set to become the pinnacle of Alpinestars racing helmets, capturing the hearts of professional riders and avid motorcycle enthusiasts alike.

A recently released report titled ‘Achieving Zero Emissions with More Mobility and Less Mining,’ authored by the Climate + Community Project, has shed light on the hurdles associated with the transition to zero emissions and the detrimental effects of lithium mining on the environment.

  • new study reveals lithium mining has negative impact on the environment. 
  • latest findings explained that brine extraction as one of the most environmentally harmful. 

The study emphasizes that electric vehicles (EVs) have led to a surge in lithium mining activities. Although lithium is not a finite resource, similar to fossil fuels, the report reveals that only approximately 25% of the estimated 88 million tonnes of lithium on Earth is viable for extraction. 

To comprehend the lithium consumption scale, consider that a Tesla Plaid S, equipped with a 100kWh battery pack, utilises around 62kg of lithium, equivalent to 7,920 cylindrical 18650 batteries.

This relentless pursuit of lithium for EVs has been deemed unsustainable, as replacing every internal combustion vehicle with an electric counterpart would necessitate an alarming level of mining, devastating the environment.

Among the various methods of lithium extraction, the report highlights brine extraction as one of the most environmentally harmful. The process involves pumping salt-rich water from the ground into evaporation pools, where lithium gradually accumulates as the water evaporates. 

Unfortunately, this technique leaves behind toxic chemicals that can seep into watercourses, contaminate soil, and even become airborne, posing health risks to local communities.

The Ganzizhou Rongda Lithium mine in Tibet serves as a stark example of the adverse consequences of brine extraction. The mine has been blamed for poisoning the nearby Liqi River, resulting in the death of fish and livestock that rely on its waters.

The study’s findings underline the urgent need to address the environmental implications associated with the lithium mining boom driven by the electric vehicle industry. It calls for sustainable solutions that mitigate the negative impacts of resource extraction while still achieving zero emissions targets.

That said, the motorcycle industry, has the potential to contribute to these efforts by exploring alternative energy sources and reducing reliance on lithium-based technologies.

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