Bikesrepublic

Latest News

Norton Motorcycles announced they are fulfilling the 29 outstanding orders of the Commando 961 Classic. 

  • Norton is fulfilling all 29 outstanding orders of Commando 961 left by previous ownership.
  • The first batch of orders has reached its customers. 

The backlog was left from the previous ownership led by the disgraced former CEO, Stuart Garner. 

Despite no legal obligation, the TVS-owned company, will fulfil all 29 outstanding orders. 

Most importantly, all the Commando 961 have been developed and significantly improved by the firm’s new manufacturing plant in West Midland.

According to Norton, the first batch of bikes has already reached its customers.

Unfortunately, the revised Commandos do not meet Euro5 emission standard, hence the motorcycle were sold via Motorycle Single Vehicle Approval process.

That said, Norton did not disclosed the price and the spec sheet due to its limited volume.

Nonetheless, the British firm has confirmed a new generation of Commando 961 is in the pipeline. 

Kedah Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Noor has confirmed that the development of the Sungai Petani race track will resumed soon. 

  • Kedah to resume its international race track project in Sungai Petani.
  • PKB Open Road will be responsible for developing the new circuit. 

To ensure the project will continue as planned, PKB Open Road company has agreed to take over the RM75mil mega project.

In an exciting development, the new race track will be built as an international circuit instead of its initial plan of becoming a Litar Rakyat.

“We are aware that the original plan was to develop a Litar Rakyat however, due to several amendments, the state government has agreed to proceed to upgrade the project to an international circuit,” he said.

Muhammad Sanusi also claimed that the new 1.8km long circuit would also be equipped with commercial areas and exhibition centres.

Despite the upgrade to international standards, the Kedah MB assures that the facility will be accessible to the public. 

Meanwhile, the track layout will be designed by a team from the UK who is also the same group of people responsible for developing the Formula 1 racing circuit in Miami. 

Electric is no longer the future; it’s already here, with every manufacturer keeping their hands busy working on the new platform as we speak. 

  • HMSI to work closely with Honda Japan to build a proper electric scooter.
  • The upcoming electric two-wheeler is expected to be based on the popular Honda Activa.

Due to the rapid growth of the electric motorcycle segment, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is set to launch its first electric scooter in India soon.

To ensure the progress of the upcoming electric scooter goes smoothly, HMSI will work closely with Honda’s headquarters in Japan to create the essential platforms for the Indian market.

Given the increase in petrol prices and dedicated subsidies for electric vehicles in India, the demand will likely shift towards electric motorcycles. As such, HMSI needs to develop a suitable platform for upcoming electric two-wheelers quickly.

In addition, HMSI has a hill to climb as a host of electric motorcycles are already available in the market, including Ola S1 Pro, TVS i-Qube, Ather 450X and Bajaj Chetak.

However, collaboration with Honda Japan will undoubtedly boost the brand’s establishment in the electric motorcycle sector.

According to the latest report, HMSI plans to debut an electric version of the highly popular Honda Activa; a motorcycle considered the most sought-after compact scooter in India.

The demand for a reliable and well-made electric motorcycle is currently high in India, and the close partnership could also expand HMSI’s reach to the Asian markets. 

The Malaysia MotoGP fever officially returns to Sepang International Circuit after a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

  • Sepang International Circuit (SIC) officially welcomes the 2022 Malaysia MotoGP after a two-year absence.
  • SIC announced Damok as the official ‘wildcard’ rider in Moto3. 

This time around, Petronas – the new official title sponsor – welcomes all two-wheel racing enthusiasts across the country to witness the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia 2022 happening on the 21 – 23 October. 

The 23rd edition of the Malaysian GP also marks Petronas’s official debut as the new title sponsor after successfully reaching an agreement with MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports earlier this year.

During the launch, Chief Executive Officer of Sepang International Circuit (SIC), Azhan Shafriman Hanif, also announced the ‘wildcard’ slot for the upcoming MotoGP Malaysia goes to FIM Junior GP rider Syarifuddin Azman @ Damok, who will race with team VisionTrack. 

“This year marks the first year of PETRONAS as the title sponsor for the Grand Prix. SIC is set to #WelcomeHome all the local and international motorsports fans to Sepang after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“With no Malaysian riders competing full season in the championship, I believe Damok will be the pull factor for Malaysian to cheer fellow Malaysian on the grid,” said Azhan.

Also present is Petronas Senior General Manager of Group Strategic Communications, Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz, who shares her excitement about the latest project.

“PETRONAS is excited to see the return of MotoGP to Malaysia, and it gives us great pride to headline the event, as the championship is synonymous with passion, innovation, pace and performance – values that resonate well with PETRONAS. 

“As such, to celebrate the occasion, PETRONAS has lined up a series of thrilling family-friendly experiences on and off the track, including around KLCC which will be announced in due course.

“The Grand Prix title sponsorship offers an opportunity for PETRONAS brand to grow and help re-energise Malaysia’s sports tourism and provides a unique platform for us to showcase PETRONAS Primax – the Official Fuel for the Moto2 and Moto3 championships – to the world,” she said.

Meanwhile, the most exciting catch for this year is the #MalaysianGP2022 Mega Lucky Draw contest, whereby two lucky winners will walk away with Yamaha NVX and Y15ZR, which features limited-edition SIC livery worth RM22,000. 

Tickets can be purchased at www.sepangcircuit.com

There is a new player in the sport-touring segment, and it goes by the name Suzuki GSX-S1000GT.

  • The new sports-tourer now available in Malaysia for a recommended price of RM85,700.
  • The new Suzuki GSX-S1000GT features everything you need on a grand tourer, including a comfortable seat and top-notch electronics.

Starting with the design, the GSX-S1000GT has an entirely different design concept than the current Hamamatsu range.

The alien-like fairing features a pointed nose and a non-adjustable windshield at the front paired to a LED headlights and DRL (daytime running light).

Although it was build based on the heavily revised GSX-S1000 frame and powerplant, the GSX-S1000GT brings an altogether different vibe.

With optional panniers, comfy riding ergonomics, and an all-new electronic system, the GSX-S1000GT could be Suzuki’s ultimate sport tourer motorcycle.

At the heart of the motorcycle sits the same inline four-cylinder 999cc Euro5 engine you get from the GSX-R1000 and is detuned with revised cams, new air-box, and new exhaust to deliver 152hp @ 11,000rpm and 106Nm @ 9,250rpm.

Major electronics upgrade is a new electronic actuated throttle and Suzuki Intelligent Ride system that brings together riding modes, traction control and most importantly, cruise control system.

While it may share the same twin-spar aluminium frame with the GSX-S1000, the Japanese firm has heavily revised the subframe to make it sturdier to allow the GT to carry extra load, including pillion and panniers (that comes as standard for the Malaysian market).

The dash offers a large 6.5″ TFT display that allows riders to access navigation features, accepting calls, music selection and more via the Suzuki mySPIN app.

Other features include:

  • 19L fuel tank capacity
  • 226kg dry weight
  • inverted telescopic front fork
  • rear link-type suspension
  • twin disc front and a single disc at the rear
  • 17″ wheels

Yamaha has updated the XMax 250 with visual updates for 2022 in Japan.

  • The popular Yamaha XMax 250 gets four new colours for 2022.
  • The maxi-scooter retains the same engine and bodywork. 

The quarter-litre Japanese maxi-scooter is now available in four new colours; Matte Dark Green, Glossy Red, Glossy White and Dark Grey.

In terms of design, the 2022 XMax 250 retains the same bodywork as the previous year’s model, including the iconic sharp split LED headlight.

Mechanically, the 2022 XMax continue to feature the same 250cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces 22.5hp and 24.3Nm. 

Also retained for 2022 is the semi-digital instrument cluster and traction control.

Meanwhile, the scooter is suspended by a conventional telescopic forks and dual shocks at the rear while braking hardware consist of front and rear disc with dual-channel ABS.

According to Yamaha, the 2022 XMax 250 is available in Japan at JPY654,500 which translates to RM21.9k. 

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube