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A self-balancing motorcycle is a technology that several motorcycle manufacturers have been working on in the last few years.

  • Yamaha developing Advanced Motorcycle Stability Assist System for road-legal machines. 
  • AMSAS is regarded as a more relevant approached compared to Motobot and Motodroid system introduced in 2017. 

Brands like Harley-Davidson, BMW, and Honda are all reportedly working on robotic technology.

However, Yamaha is the one brand pushing for innovation, beginning with the project Motobot, announced in 2015 before it was superseded by Motodroid two years later.

However, the Motobot and Motodroid have yet to make significant progress, until now.

In the latest development, Yamaha provides a glimpse into a new self-balancing bike that could soon make its way to production.

The standard-looking Yamaha R3 features an innovative self-balancing system called Advanced Motorcycle Stability Assist System. 

Unlike the Motobot and Motodroid, the AMSAS system is bolted directly onto the R3 chassis. It features a six-axis inertial measurement platform that offers self-stabilisation at speeds below 5km/h.

Interestingly, the system works while the rider sits on the saddle but with no hands on the handlebars. 

According to Yamaha, 70 per cent of bike crashes occur within two seconds after the initial moment of cause, allowing zero time window for riders to react to avoid a collision. This is where AMSAS will play a significant role in saving the day. 

However, it remains to be seen whether the technology will find its way to street bikes soon. 

Voge presents the new 525 ACX scrambler-type motorcycle in Europe, a rendition of the brand’s 500 ACX range.

  • Voge expand its 500cc range with a new scrambler-type motorcycle. 
  • The Voge 525 ACX features similar specification with the 500 AC albeit a more rugged bodywork. 

The introduction of the new 525 ACX is set to boost Voge’s presence in Europe alongside the smaller 300 ACX. 

Borrows much of its components from the naked 500 AC, the scrambler trim features raised tailpipe, wire-spoke wheels, a shorter front mudguard and a small windshield.

However, while the 500 AC features a 471cc parallel twin-cylinder DOHC engine, the 525 ACX retains a similar configuration but with the displacement increased from 471cc to 494cc.

As a result, the scrambler version gets a power bump to 47.6hp and 44.5Nm. Also, the bike tips the scale at 185kg (dry).

In the meantime, the 525 ACX now features 19-inch wire-spoke wheels replacing the 17-inch wheel on the 500 AC. 

Nonetheless, the Voge 525 ACX continue to run on the same chassis, suspended by a tubular steel frame with a 41mm USD fork at the front and an adjustable rear shock absorber. 

Braking is done by two-piston Nissin callipers on a dual 300mm front disc and a single-piston Nissin calliper on a single 220mm rear disc.

Pricing and availability are yet to be announced, but it might be reasonable to expect the Voge 525 ACX to be available in early 2023 with a price tag slightly similar to the 500 AC currently on sale in Europe for EUR6,199 (RM29.2k)

The all-new Ducati DesertX has finally landed in Malaysia exactly a year after its global introduction back in December 2021.

  • The DesertX is Ducati first fully-capable off-road middleweight adventure bike. 
  • Features the tried and tested, Testastretta 937cc 11-degree Desmodromic engine. 

Coming in at RM112,900, the Ducati DesertX is the latest contender in a competitive ADV category which includes the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally, Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin and the upcoming MV Agusta Lucky Explorer 9.5.

Catch our review of the 2022 Ducati DesertX in Italy:

According to Ducati, the DesertX is heavily inspired by the rally raiders that competed in the Paris-Dakar Rally during the 80s and 90s.

Dressed in an all-white with red accents, the DesertX appears in a heavy off-road elements combines with a distinctive twin circular LED headlights with DRL (Daytime Running Light).

The Ducati DesertX is built around an all-new steel trellis frame, aimed to improve rigidity especially in rough terrain. It also come equipped with a dedicated long travel suspension settings paired to a 21″ front and 18″ rear wheel.

The suspension system is handled by a full-adjustable Kayaba 46mm upside-down front forks and full-adjustable Kayaba monoshock with preload adjustment.

Other standard features available on the DesertX includes:

  • Wheelie Control
  • Engine Brake Control
  • Ducati Quick Shift
  • Cruise Control
  • Ducati Brake Light
  • USB power Socket
  • Steering damper
  • 21L tank (with additional 8L tank as optional)

Meanwhile, braking is done by 320mm aluminium flange semi-floating disc paired to a Brembo M50 callipers and assisted by Bosch Cornering ABS.

At the heart sits the 937cc Testastretta 11-degree Desmodromic engine capable of producing 110hp @ 9,250rpm and 92Nm @ 6,500rpm.

However, in respect to the same engine used on the Monster and Hypermotard, Ducati has updated the powerplant with lighter components.

In turn, the new Testastretta on the DesertX is now 1.7kg lighter, contributed by a new sound absorbing covers, new clutch, new clutch cover, revised gearbox and ignition stick coils.

According to Ducati, the engine has also been tweaked to allow for more seamless low-speed changes.

Ducati also optimised the riders seat, to ensure comfort on-road and off-road with an adjustable saddle. The pillion seat can also be remove.

Taller dashboard also allow riders to to see the 5″ TFT dash while standing up.

The DesertX offers six riding modes comprising of Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro and Rally. Riders can also adjust the power modes accordingly.

In addition, Ducati Malaysia also brings a wide range of accessories and DesertX-themed apparel for every Ducatisti.

Americans will soon find a new range of affordable motorcycles from the Italian-Chinese company Moto Morini. 

  • Moto Morini set to bring the X-Cape 650 and Seiemmezzo to the US. 
  • The Moto Morini brand is currently available throughout Europe and Asia. 

In the last couple of years, Moto Morini has been making great strides in Europe and Asia with the introduction of the X-Cape 650 adventure bike and the retro-style Seiemmezzo. 

Just a few months ago, Moto Morini made its way to India. 

However, Moto Morini is ready to set foot in the U.S., as confirmed by new U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.

Based on the document, listed the official manufacturer as Zhejiang Morini Vehicle Co. Ltd, operating under the Moto Morini brand. 

While it remains to be seen which model will make its way to the Big Apple, it is likely to include X-Cape 650 and the Seiemmezzo range. 

Mitt is a Spanish motorcycle company that offers affordable, entry-level machines for young and new riders, mainly in Spain and Portugal. 

  • Mitt to offer the 530TT Adventure motorcycle in Europe by 2023.
  • The 530TT is the biggest and most powerful motorcycle from the company’s portfolio. 

The company can retain its affordable price tag by manufacturing its product in China via Zongshen. 

Thanks to its Chinese partnership, Mitt is ready to take it up a notch by introducing the 530TT Adventure motorcycle for the European market.

 

The 530TT Adventure is the biggest and most powerful model in the brand’s lineup so far, featuring a 476cc parallel-twin engine that makes 47.5hp and 43Nm. 

That said, the 530TT Adventure will go head-to-head with the Honda CB500X and Benelli TRK502X. However, it remains to be seen if the 530TT Adventure will feature the typical 180-crank or the modern 270-crank.

 

Similar to its competitor, the Mitt 530TT Adventure also features a straightforward setup, including a simple ABS, adjustable inverted front forks and adjustable monoshock at the rear. 

Completing the adventure looks is a pair of wire-spoked wheels shod with dual-purpose tires. 

 

Other notable features include:

  • LED lighting
  • adjustable windshield
  • full-colour TFT instrument display
  • crash guard
  • radiator guard

The Mitt 530TT Adventure will be available in Europe by 2023 and is priced at EUR 7,905 (RM37.1k). 

To celebrate Ducati’s most successful year in 2022, the Italian motorcycle company has teamed up with Artioli Editore 1899 of Modenas to introduce the Ducati Corse 2022 Official Yearbook.

  • Ducati marks its 2022 success with an official Ducati Corse Yearbook.
  • The official yearbook features more than 250 images printed in full colour.

The 2022 season marked the highest achievement for Ducati at the pinnacle of two-wheel racing, taking home the Riders, Constructors and Team titles at the MotoGP World Championship and SBK World Championship. 

The book takes readers through some of the most spectacular events, including an inside look at the Ducati Corse. 

The book also features the Ducati Lenovo Team, Aruba.it Racing – Ducati, Francesco Bagnaia, Jack Miller, Alvaro Bautista, Michael Ruben Rinaldi, together with the other satellite teams and riders in MotoGP, World Superbike and the most important national championships including BSB, MotoAmerica, CIV and Endurance. 

Beautifully illustrated in 208 pages with a hardcover and dust jacket, the Yearbook is an excellent addition for any two-wheel enthusiast. 

With Christmas just around the corner, The Ducati Corse 2022 Official Yearbook will be a great gift for every Ducatisti. 

Get your hands on the official Yearbook via www.artioli.it.

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