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Yamaha officially introduced the retro kit for the XSR900 allowing owners to create their version of a retro cafe racer. 

  • the retro kit consist of two major elements including headlight cowl and a seat cowl. 
  • powering the XSR900 is Yamaha’s CP3 engine producing 117hp and 93Nm. 

The standard XSR900 already pays homage to the brand’s iconic models but the introduction of the retro kit allows fans to take their bike on step further. 

According to Yamaha, the kit consist of several elements including a front headlight cowl – created from reinforced fiberglass plastic – that surrounds the headlight. Next is the boxy seat cowl which is heavily inspired by classic GP race bike. 

Also, the kits are available in Legend Blue and Midnight Black matching the colour schemes of the new XSR9000. Yamaha will begin selling the racer kit from June 2023 via official Yamaha dealerships in Europe. 

KTM has confirmed its participation in the upcoming 2023 EICMA. The company is all set to unveil a range of new and updated motorcycle at the world biggest two-wheel exhibition. 

From November 7th to 12th, 2023, at the Rho-Pero Fair in Milan, the renowned Team Orange will showcase its latest models, including the Duke, Adventure, EXC, SX, Sports Tourer and SuperSport. 

After a two year absence, KTM will once again take center stage, allowing all motorsport enthusiasts in general, to join in the celebration of the brand’s recent victories and successes in prestigious competitions like MotoGP™, the Dakar Rally, and the MXGP.

Tommaso Telaro, the Managing Director of KTM Sportmotorcycle Italia, expressed his delight, stating, “We are thrilled to announce our return to EICMA in this highly significant year for us. Being present at one of the most important international industry events is crucial. Although our strategies have differed in the recent past, we felt it was essential to make an additional effort to participate this year. Through our presence, we aim to send a strong message to the market, industry insiders, and the enthusiastic general public.”

Giacomo Casartelli, the Executive Director of EICMA, shared his enthusiasm for KTM’s participation, stating, “We have eagerly awaited the presence of KTM, and this announcement is indeed significant news. As organizers, we are delighted to welcome such a prominent group as one of our exhibitors for the 2023 edition. 

“It demonstrates how EICMA continues to serve as an essential platform for communication and market expansion in the ever-evolving world of two-wheelers. We are confident that this news will be received with great enthusiasm by both the brand’s fans and the general public attending EICMA.” he said. 

With KTM’s confirmed presence, visitors can look forward to a thrilling display of cutting-edge motorcycles and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere at EICMA. 

After four successful season with Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK Team, Toprak Razgatlioglu is set to leave the team and joins BMW Motorrad Motorsport for the 2024 season. 

  • The Turkish rider took home 31 race win and 47 podium finish with Yamaha. 
  • The decision to join BMW further ending any notion of jumping to MotoGP. 

Starting from 2024, Toprak will compete on the BMW M 1000 RR representing the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.

Since his debut in WorldSBK in 2018, Razgatlioglu has consistently demonstrated his talent. In his first season alone, he achieved podium finishes, setting the stage for his remarkable career. With an impressive record of 33 wins and a total of 93 podium finishes out of 168 WorldSBK races, Razgatlioglu has established himself as one of the finest riders in the field.

Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, expressed his warm welcome to Razgatlioglu, stating, “We are delighted to welcome him to our WorldSBK factory squad from next season on. I am very proud that Toprak has opted to join BMW Motorrad. This is a forward-looking step for our project and a strong commitment of BMW Motorrad Motorsport in World Superbike.”

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director, acknowledged Razgatlioglu’s exceptional skills and praised his personality on and off the track. Bongers emphasized the anticipation surrounding the collaboration and the promising future that lies ahead for the team.

Further announcements regarding the allocation of other rider-team partnerships will be made in due course. The arrival of Toprak Razgatlioglu to the BMW Motorrad Motorsport family signals an exciting chapter for the team as they gear up for the challenges and triumphs of the upcoming WorldSBK seaso

Kymco set to excite the scooter market in Europe with the introduction of an all-new KRV200. 

  • the KRV200 offers similar premium features like the AK550. 
  • Powering the small-capacity scooter is a 175cc single-cylinder engine making 17hp. 

Despite it’s smaller size in comparison to its bigger sibling particularly the AK550, the KRV200 carries similar premium features and modern styling but with a more approachable and affordable package. 

Firstly, the KRV200 features LED front and rear light that are shaped similar to a bigger maxi-scooter. Suspending the scooter is a combination of telescopic fork at the front with 33mm of travel and a monoshock with 42mm of travel. 

Meanwhile, stopping power is provided a 270mm single disc at the front with 234mm single disc at the rear. Kymco also added dual-channel ABS as standard. 

Also, the KRV200 is shod with tubeless 13-inch tyre at the front and rear and a switchable traction control function as standard. 

Powering the Kymco KRV200 is a 175cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 4-valve engine that pumps out 17hp @ 8,000rpm and 15.6Nm. Kymco claimed that the KRV200 can hit a max speed of 107km/h, which is not that fast according to Malaysian standard. 

Other notable features include:

  • 7.4L fuel tank
  • LCD digital instrument cluster
  • USB charging socket
  • ample under-seat storage
  • bag hook

The Kymco KRV200 is priced at EUR4,890 or about RM24k given today’s exchange rates. 

GALLERY: 2023 KYMCO KRV200 

What first started out as a concept will now make it’s way into production as Italjet has confirmed that the whacky Dragster GP500 is coming in 2024. 

  • powering the Dragster GP500 is a single-cylinder 450cc liquid-cooled engine. 
  • the Dragster GP500 is equipped with motorcycle-style conventional foot shift.

In a move that is sure to excite scooter enthusiasts, the forthcoming Dragster 500GP promises a thrilling ride with its eye-catching design and enhanced performance. 

Inspired by its 125cc and 200cc predecessors, this new model incorporates the distinctive trellis frame cues, but takes things up a notch with a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine.

While die-hard fans may long for the blue haze of the original Dragster’s two-stroke motor, the 43bhp engine and six-speed gearbox, complete with motorbike-style foot shift, should provide enough power to distract even the most nostalgic riders. 

The smaller-capacity versions’ hub-steering front end has been replaced by USD forks, and braking duties are now handled by twin 230mm front discs equipped with ABS-enabled Brembo calipers.

One notable departure from convention is the positioning of the new engine under the bike’s seat, rather than on the rear wheel as typically seen in scooters. The final drive is delivered by a chain to the impressive 160-section 15-inch rear wheel. 

These design choices are expected to give the Dragster 500GP a motorcycle-like feel, making it stand out from traditional scooters.

Weighing in at just 180kg, the Dragster 500GP is poised to become the ultimate maxi-scooter in terms of handling and performance. Its nimble nature and boosted power make it a force to be reckoned with in the scooter market. 

In a recent interview with Motorrad magazine, MV Agusta CEO Timur Saradarov addressed the swirling controversy surrounding the partnership between MV Agusta and KTM, dispelling rumours of a potential takeover by the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer.

  • Partnership between MV Agusta and KTM began in November 2022.
  • KTM currently holds a 25.1-percent stake in MV Agusta. 

 

The partnership sparked speculation about KTM’s intentions to acquire a majority stake in the Italian brand with executives from Pierer Mobility, KTM’s parent company, had expressed their desire for a majority stake in MV Agusta, with an undisclosed timetable in place.

However, Saradarov remains unfazed by KTM’s ambitions.

“It’s nice that there is such a great interest from KTM in MV Agusta,” he said. 

Saradarov, who currently owns 74.9 percent of MV Agusta, expressed his intention not to sell and assured that nothing would change in the next three to four years.

*Lucky Explorer 9.5

Meanwhile, regarding KTM’s comments about MV Agusta’s Lucky Explorer model, Saradarov neither confirmed nor denied its inclusion in the lineup but revealed that the MV Agusta LXP series is in the works, with the 950 variant confirmed. 

Saradarov stated that the KTM portfolio is under consideration now that the two companies are in partnership, leading to the development of the MV Agusta LXP series, which will include the Lucky Explorer model.

 

Saradarov also provided insights into the forthcoming LXP series, stating that it will feature a completely different three-cylinder engine. The global unveiling of the LXP series is expected in late summer 2023, with MV Agusta aiming to produce 2,500 to 3,000 units this year.

(source: Motorrad)

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