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

Harley-Davidson X350 And X500 To Enter The Japanese Market

Harley-Davidson, the iconic American motorcycle manufacturer, is set to further expand its presence in the Asian market by introducing the X350 and X500 models to Japan in October 2023.

The introduction of the X350 and X500 comes as a result of a collaborative effort between Harley-Davidson and Chinese manufacturer QJ Motor.
The partnership aims to create small-displacement motorcycles designed to appeal to a wider range of riders.
These two models are based on existing QJ Motor and Benelli designs and have already made waves in the Chinese market.

The X350, drawing similarities to the Benelli 302S, features a 353cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected parallel-twin engine, generating 36hp @ 9,500 rpm and 31Nm @ 7,000 rpm. On the other hand, the X500, styled after the Benelli Leoncino 500, boasts a 500cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected parallel-twin engine, delivering 47hp @ 8,500 rpm and 46Nm @ 6,000 rpm. Both models are equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox.

These new additions to the Harley-Davidson family represent a significant departure from the brand’s traditional cruiser styling, featuring a more standard and naked bike design. The move underscores Harley-Davidson’s commitment to adapting its product offerings to meet the preferences of diverse global markets.

With the Japanese launch just around the corner, enthusiasts and riders in Japan can look forward to experiencing these distinctive motorcycles, which reflect Harley-Davidson’s dedication to innovation and its evolving global strategy.

For motorcycle enthusiasts in Japan, the arrival of the X350 and X500 promises an exciting new chapter in the Harley-Davidson legacy, offering riders a fresh and dynamic riding experience.

FIRST LOOK: 2024 BMW R 1300 GS

In a bold leap into the future, BMW Motorrad has unveiled the highly anticipated 2024 BMW R 1300 GS, marking the dawn of a new era for the iconic GS series.

The R 1300 GS promises to redefine the adventure touring motorcycle segment with cutting-edge innovations and enhanced performance.
The new generation GS now features an all-new bodywork and advanced suspension and handling.

Revolutionary Boxer Engine

At the heart of the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS lies the legendary two-cylinder boxer engine, now more compact and powerful than ever before. Boasting a displacement of precisely 1,300 cc, this formidable powerplant churns out an astonishing 107 kW (145 hp) at 7,750 rpm, delivering a peak torque of 149 Nm at 6,500 rpm. This represents the most potent boxer engine ever to grace a BMW motorcycle.

The innovative design of the engine incorporates a gearbox positioned under the power unit and a novel camshaft drive arrangement, contributing to an impressive weight reduction of 12 kg compared to its predecessor.

Advanced Suspension and Handling

The chassis of the 2024 R 1300 GS has undergone a significant transformation. A sheet metal shell main frame constructed from steel offers superior stiffness, while the rear frame has transitioned to a lightweight die-cast aluminum structure. Complementing these changes, the new EVO Telelever front wheel guide with flex element and revised EVO Paralever rear wheel guide enhance steering precision and ride stability.

Optional electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA) dynamically adapts damping and spring rates, providing exceptional ride comfort and safety across various terrains. The system even compensates for varying loads, delivering an exhilarating riding experience whether solo, with a passenger, or laden with luggage.

Versatility and Customization

The 2024 BMW R 1300 GS offers riders greater flexibility with a range of options. The adaptive vehicle height control ensures optimal comfort without compromising on dynamic handling. Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the 20 mm increase in spring travel and an available sports suspension designed specifically for the GS.

The motorcycle introduces a standard selection of four riding modes, including the new “Enduro” mode tailored for off-road adventures. Whether traversing wet roads or seeking maximum fuel efficiency, the R 1300 GS adapts to the rider’s preferences.

Cutting-Edge Lighting

In line with BMW Motorrad’s commitment to safety, the R 1300 GS comes equipped with Matrix LED headlamps as standard. These state-of-the-art headlamps, featuring a distinctive design, illuminate the road with unparalleled clarity. LED turn indicators integrated into the hand protectors and the optional “Headlight Pro” system that adjusts the beam during turns further enhance visibility.

Enhanced Safety Features

The 2024 BMW R 1300 GS introduces the Riding Assistant option, a comprehensive safety suite comprising Active Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Warning (FCW), and Lane Change Warning (LCW). ACC allows riders to set desired speeds and following distances, while FCW with brake intervention and LCW enhance collision avoidance and lane-changing safety.

Diverse Model Variants

The R 1300 GS lineup offers a diverse range of options to suit various tastes. The basic variant embodies the essence of the GS legend, featuring a compact design and essential functionality.

The Triple Black variant exudes masculinity with exclusive surfaces, while the GS Trophy model, painted in Racingblue metallic with striking red and white accents, represents the pinnacle of performance and off-road prowess. The Option 719 Tramuntana variant combines cross-spoke wheels in gold with an elegant Aurelius Green metallic paint finish and meticulously crafted milled aluminum components.

The 2024 BMW R 1300 GS is poised to set new standards in the world of adventure touring motorcycles, combining heritage, innovation, and customization to offer riders an unparalleled experience. Stay tuned for more details and ride into the future with BMW’s “Next level GS.”

GALLERY: BMW R 1300 GS

Final KTM-Brabus Collaboration Announced

Renowned automotive tuner Brabus and KTM made waves in the motorcycle world by jointly announcing the launch of their highly anticipated and incredibly exclusive creation: the Brabus 1300 R Masterpiece Edition.

The release marks the grand finale of their trilogy of collaborative endeavors, following the successful launches of the Brabus 1300 R and Brabus 1300 R Edition 23.
The Brabus 1300 R Masterpiece Edition is truly a collector’s dream, as only 50 of these exceptional motorcycles will ever be produced and made available to enthusiasts worldwide.

The production split includes 25 units in the striking Onyx Black colorway and an additional 25 units in the elegant Diamond White. These limited-edition motorcycles boast captivating accents finished in what Brabus aptly dubs “Frozen Gold” and feature an even more extensive array of special Brabus carbon fiber bodywork.

All three collaborations between Brabus and KTM have been centered around the formidable KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo as their base. The initial release, the Brabus 1300 R, was launched in February 2022 and comprised a total of 154 bikes, offered in two distinct colors.

Astonishingly, this initial release sold out within mere minutes. Following that success, the Brabus 1300 R Edition 23 came into existence, featuring 290 bikes, and, like its predecessor, it sold out almost instantly.

The heart of the Brabus 1300 R Masterpiece Edition beats to the rhythm of the KTM LC8 V-twin engine, which generates an impressive 180hp @ 9,500 rpm and 140Nm @ 8,000 rpm.

While Brabus exercised its creative freedom in many aspects of this masterpiece, the suspension duties are performed by a WP Apex semi-active suspension system, offering both automatic and manually adjustable modes. \

The braking system consists of a pair of Brembo Stylema 4-piston calipers up front paired with a 320mm floating disc, complemented by a Brembo 2-piston caliper and a single 240mm disc in the rear.

Standard features include multiple ride modes, a quick-shifter, cornering, and supermoto ABS, and an adaptive brake light.

The design of the Brabus 1300 R Masterpiece Edition is a testament to its exclusivity, featuring a distinctive Brabus LED headlight, side fairings adorned with MotoGP-inspired winglets, a front spoiler, and a solo seat with an integrated license plate bracket.

The wheels are the unique Brabus Monoblock Z “Gold Platinum” forged alloy units, crafted exclusively for this motorcycle. Additional Brabus-crafted details encompass a CNC triple clamp, adjustable CNC brake and clutch levers, CNC aluminum brake and clutch reservoir caps, adjustable CNC foot pegs, bar end mirrors, and a slip-on dual exhaust system adorned with Frozen Gold accent rings.

The seat itself is a work of art, featuring an exclusive Brabus leather quilted “Diamond Rising” pattern. A special Brabus 1300 R Masterpiece badge on the seat pad adds an extra layer of exclusivity.

Buyers of the Brabus 1300 R Masterpiece Edition will also receive a tailor-made Brabus indoor motorcycle cover, floor mat, and a carbon key box, emphasizing the bespoke nature of this motorcycle.

The Brabus 1300 R Masterpiece Edition is priced at EUR41,930 (RM207k).

BMW R12 And R12 NineT Launch Imminent

BMW Motorrad made headlines earlier this year when they teased the next-generation R nineT. However, at the time, the German marquee did so without revealing the technical details.

recent type-approval in Europe has shed light on their specifications, dimensions, and performance characteristics according to the latest report by CycleWorld.
the R12 nineT and the cruiser-style R12 is expected to debut later this year.

The R12 nineT, continuing the legacy of BMW’s neo-retro roadster theme, seems to be a direct successor to the beloved R nineT, incorporating modern suspension and brakes with the timeless air-cooled boxer twin engine.

Notable design elements pay homage to the iconic R90S of the 1970s. Despite BMW’s century-long motorcycle-making history since the R32 of 1923, the “nineT” name remains a testament to its enduring popularity since its introduction a decade ago, marking 90 years of BMW motorcycle production.

In terms of performance, the sportier R12 nineT retains the same 107hp @ 7,000 rpm from its 1,170cc air-cooled boxer twin as its predecessor, albeit with a slight change in the rev range. Torque peaks at 115Nm @ 6,500 rpm.

On the other hand, the non-nineT “R12” model has been type-approved in 94hp and 47hp versions (presumably to comply with A2 license laws in the UK), with no full-powered, 107 hp variant.

The R12 model achieves a top speed of 200km/h, while the 94hp version reaches 210km/h, and the restricted 47hp versions cap out at around 160km/h.

In terms of dimensions, the R12 nineT is slightly longer than its predecessor, with a height difference of less than half an inch.

Both the R12 and R12 nineT share the same twin-exit exhaust system, and their weights are quite similar, with the R12 nineT coming in at 221kg while the R12 is 230kg.

The most significant difference between the two models lies in their wheel and tire sizes, indicating that the R12 takes a more cruiser-style approach.

The standard R12 nineT retains the same wheel sizes as the current model, while the R12 features a narrower, wire-spoke 19-inch front wheel and a 16-inch rear wheel.

While additional details are expected to be unveiled in the coming month, it’s worth noting that BMW may also introduce other R12 nineT derivatives, potentially replacing the Scrambler and Urban G/S models.

Ducati Diavel V4 Makes Its Way To Malaysia – RM178,900

Ducati Malaysia officially introduced the next-gen Ducati Diavel powered by the Granturismo V4 engine.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

The Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 Lands In Malaysia – RM299,900

Ducati Malaysia officially introduced the Panigale V4 SP2 for the Malaysian market priced at RM299,900.

The SP2 is the second generation of the Panigale V4 SP launched in 2020. The latest build focused on weight reduction and increased performance thanks to upgraded parts and accessories unique to the bike.

Despite nursing the same 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine, the mill is now housed in an aluminium front frame to reduce weight.

Other premium components fitted on the Panigale V4 SP2 include:

Ohlins NPX 24/30 front end
TTX36 rear shock and steering damper
Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 system
four power modes (Full, High, Medium and Low)
Brembo MSC 19.21 master cylinder
Marchesini forged wheels.

Stopping power comes from twin Brembo Stylema callipers with STM EVO dry clutch, developed for the Ducati WorldSBK machine.

To ensure the best on-track experience, the Panigale V4 SP2 features Street and Sport ride modes (with Race A and Race B presets), Track Evo display option and Ducati Data Analyser with GPS module.

Meanwhile, if you think 228hp is too much power, worry not as the Panigale V4 SP2 comes with a host of safety features:

Cornering ABS EVO
Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO
Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO
Ducati Slide Control (DSC)
Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO
Auto tyre calibration
Ducati Power Launch
Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) EVO 2

The final touch comes in the form of a matt black Winter Test livery design purely to let everyone knows that a beast is lurking among the crowd.

Scheduled maintenance is at every 12,000km wwhile the valve clearance adjustment (Desmo Service) is set at every 24,000km.

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Latest News

Harley-Davidson X350 And X500 To Enter The Japanese Market

Harley-Davidson, the iconic American motorcycle manufacturer, is set to further expand its presence in the Asian market by introducing the X350 and X500 models to Japan in October 2023.

FIRST LOOK: 2024 BMW R 1300 GS

In a bold leap into the future, BMW Motorrad has unveiled the highly anticipated 2024 BMW R 1300 GS, marking the dawn of a new era for the iconic GS series.

Final KTM-Brabus Collaboration Announced

Renowned automotive tuner Brabus and KTM made waves in the motorcycle world by jointly announcing the launch of their highly anticipated and incredibly exclusive creation: the Brabus 1300 R Masterpiece Edition.

BMW R12 And R12 NineT Launch Imminent

BMW Motorrad made headlines earlier this year when they teased the next-generation R nineT. However, at the time, the German marquee did so without revealing the technical details.

Ducati Diavel V4 Makes Its Way To Malaysia – RM178,900

Ducati Malaysia officially introduced the next-gen Ducati Diavel powered by the Granturismo V4 engine.

The Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 Lands In Malaysia – RM299,900

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