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

Bajaj Has Finally Updated The Pulsar NS200

After months of stagnation, Bajaj has finally introduced the eagerly awaited Pulsar NS200.

Though not yet fully introduced, a new TV commercial has shown an upgraded LED headlight featuring integrated LED DRL, signaling a departure from the previous model’s design.

The 2024 Pulsar NS200 also boasts a redesigned digital instrument console and updated switchgear, echoing the recent enhancements observed in some of the top-spec variants of Pulsar N150 and N160.

The outgoing NS200, introduced in 2012, has maintained its semi-digital instrument console with minimal changes. The new LCD digital instrument screen features Bluetooth connectivity, facilitating seamless integration with the Bajaj Ride Connect App.

Users gain access to a wealth of information, including calls, text messages, mobile signal strength, battery health, and turn-by-turn navigation. The revamped switchgear introduces a dedicated Mode button for navigating the functions of the new LCD instrument display.

The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 receives a visual makeover with sportier graphics, decals, and the introduction of new color options. The existing color palette includes Glossy Ebony Black, Metallic Pearl White, Cocktail Wine Red – White, and Pewter Grey – Blue.

While retaining much of its mechanical prowess, the NS200 continues to feature USD forks and standard dual-channel ABS. The braking system consists of 300 mm and 230 mm discs at the front and rear, respectively, along with a Nitrox mono shock absorber at the rear. Both front and rear wheels are fitted with 17-inch tires (100/80 front and 130/70 rear).

Powering the NS200 is the same 199.5 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, triple spark, 4-valve, FI DTS-i engine, delivering 24.5 PS of maximum power and 18.74 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.

With these updates, the 2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS200 may see a modest price increase.

For Malaysians, the Bajaj Pulsar is known as the Modenas Pulsar since it is assembled and distributed by the national bike maker.

The Pulsar has enjoyed success since it offers good value for money. But the updates have stopped for a while and the Pulsar now looks and feels dated as compared to the competition. So it is about time that the Malaysian model is updated.

Honda Introduces NX400 and Updated CBR400R For Japanese Market

During the 2023 EICMA event in Milan, Honda unveiled the NX500 and CBR500R. Among the highlights was the revelation of a 400cc variant of the NX500, now introduced as the NX400 in Japan. Serving as the successor to the 2013 400X crossover model, the NX400 inherits its legacy while bringing forth a range of enhancements.

Also new to the range for the Japanese market is the updated CBR400R.

The 2024 NX400 emerges as a contemporary street adventure motorcycle, showcasing a refreshed design and upgraded features. Noteworthy additions to both the NX400 and CBR400R include Honda Selectable Torque Control and a vibrant 5-inch full-color TFT display. Through the integration of the Honda RoadSync app, riders can seamlessly connect their smartphones via Bluetooth, granting access to calls, messages, music, and turn-by-turn navigation.

In terms of aesthetics, the 2024 CBR400R receives a facelift with modifications to the headlamp cowl, headlight, and tail light. The incorporation of new ducts, adorned with winglets and slits on the middle cowls, enhances the bike’s sporty allure. Colour options for the CBR400R include the striking Grand Prix Red and the understated Matte Ballistic Black Metallic, the latter presenting an alluring all-black theme. These color schemes are also available for the NX400, alongside the Pearl Glare White option, adding to the visual appeal of both models.

Physically, the 2024 NX400 boasts larger dimensions, measuring 2150 × 830 × 1390mm compared to the CBR400R’s 2080 × 760 × 1145mm frame. The NX400 also features a longer wheelbase of 1435mm, while the CBR400R measures 1410mm. Additionally, the NX400 offers superior ground clearance at 150mm, compared to the CBR400R’s 130mm.

Weighing in at 5kg heavier than its counterpart, the NX400 tips the scales at 191kg.

Wheel specifications differ as well, with the NX400 sporting 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, while the CBR400R opts for 17-inch wheels on both ends.

Both models feature a braking setup comprising double discs at the front and a single disc at the rear, ensuring optimal stopping power. Furthermore, the inclusion of features such as the Showa SFF-BP inverted fork and assist and slipper clutch further enhances the riding experience, building upon the foundations laid by their predecessors.

Both models also run on the same Honda 399cc, NC65E water-cooled, twin-cylinder engine. Both bikes offer the same amount of power – 46PS and 38Nm of torque, and the same gearbox with identical gearing. They also share the same 17 litre fuel tank. So the real question is whether you like to ride sitting up or a more aggressive sportier sitting position.

Full specifications are available below, and as for pricing, the CBR400R is priced at 863,500 (RM27,526) Yen while the NX400 is priced at 891,000 Yen (RM28,403). All prices do not include local taxes and are subject to change in your local market.

Triumph Introduces Minor Updates For Tiger 1200 Family

Triumph has unveiled an array of new features and upgrades for its Tiger 1200 family in 2024, elevating the range to new heights of advancement and sophistication. The enhancements encompass refined engine performance, improved comfort and ergonomics, enhanced cornering capabilities, reduced seat height with Active Preload Reduction, and vibrant new color options.

According to Triumph, the renowned 1160cc triple engine now offers an even smoother and more controlled riding experience, particularly at low speeds, while retaining its distinctive triple character derived from its T-plane crank. The engineering team at Triumph has fine-tuned the engine by modifying the crankshaft, alternator rotor, and balancer to enhance engine inertia, along with corresponding adjustments to engine calibration. These refinements result in heightened smoothness during acceleration and deceleration, especially noticeable at lower speeds. Additionally, an updated clutch design ensures a smoother engagement when shifting into first gear.

Furthermore, Triumph has prioritised all-day comfort for riders embarking on long-distance journeys with the Tiger 1200. A revised engine balancing strategy contributes to a smoother and more refined engine performance, enhancing comfort across various rider touchpoints. Borrowing from the successful Explorer models, dampened handlebars and risers have been incorporated into the GT Pro and Rally Pro, providing a smoother ride and improved mirror visibility.

The rider seat has undergone a redesign, featuring a flatter profile to offer riders more space and reduce fatigue during extended trips. Additionally, the accessory low seat, which lowers the seat position by 20mm, has been redesigned for enhanced comfort. A longer clutch lever has also been introduced to provide additional space for riders’ fingers, further enhancing comfort on extended journeys.

Triumph has raised the cornering ground clearance of the Tiger 1200 GT Pro and GT Explorer models by adjusting the footpeg positions, thereby increasing rider confidence during cornering maneuvers. The introduction of the Active Preload Reduction feature allows riders to lower the seat height by up to 20mm simply by pressing the ‘Home’ button for one second on the switch cube as the Tiger 1200 slows to a stop.

The Tiger 1200 is now available in some markets in four variants, featuring new colors for 2024. The Tiger 1200 GT Pro and GT Explorer are offered in striking Carnival Red, in addition to Snowdonia White and Sapphire Black. The Tiger 1200 Rally Pro and Rally Explorer come in stylish new Matt Sandstorm and Jet Black options, alongside the popular Matt Khaki.

Steve Sargent, Chief Product Officer, expressed enthusiasm for the 2024 updates, highlighting their potential to enhance the riding experience and expand the Tiger 1200’s global appeal. Since its debut in 2021, the latest generation Tiger 1200 has garnered significant sales success worldwide, with the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer notably chosen by Enduro World Champion Ivan Cervantes for his Guinness World Records feat of covering the greatest distance on a motorcycle in 24 hours.

BMW Motorrad Set To Use Synthetic Fuels During Races

The collaboration unveiled in March 2023 between BMW Motorrad Motorsport and NORDOEL has resulted in the creation of a fuel aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of racing. Through the integration of advanced technologies and sustainable production processes, a fuel has been formulated to uphold engine performance while notably curtailing CO2 emissions during production. The CO2-reduced fuel, known as RacE-Fuel WSBK R40-A, boasting a regenerative share of at least 40%, will make its official debut at the onset of the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) season in Australia.

Initial trials with the alternative fuel were successfully conducted in January in Jerez, Spain, and Portimao, Portugal. These trials followed extensive development hours at the engine testing facilities in Munich. During the trials in southern Europe, the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team, and BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Test Team honed the efficiency and performance of the alternative fuel for motorsports.

The competitiveness and usability of the regenerative fuel RacE-Fuel WSBK R40-A, complying with the FIM regulations requiring a minimum of 40% “non-fossil” content for 2024, were affirmed. Consequently, RacE-Fuel WSBK R40-A stands as the pioneering regenerative fuel based on MtG (Methanol-to-Gasoline). Ongoing development endeavours seek to deepen insights from previous experiments and identify potential areas for enhancement.

BMW Motorrad Set To Introduce Active Aero Wings – S1000RR To Benefit?

A competitive frenzy has long been unfolding in the realm of superbikes. Motorcycle manufacturers are pushing the limits, each vying to unleash more power, refine electronic aids, engineer wilder aerodynamics, and innovate beyond boundaries to enhance track performance. BMW Motorrad, in its latest move, has introduced active aerodynamics to its M and S 1000 RR models.

In BMW’s patent proposal, the conventional static aerodynamic winglets, increasingly seen on superbikes, undergo a transformation into active components. While static winglets effectively stabilise motorcycles in straight-line acceleration and reduce wheelies, they falter in corners where airflow dynamics become unpredictable, posing challenges for riders and trailing competitors.

The integration of dynamic elements enables BMW engineers to mitigate airflow disruptions in corners, redirecting it strategically to amplify overall downforce through the bends without compromising track stability. The patented system ensures that regardless of the bike’s lean angle, the winglets maintain parallel alignment with the road surface, optimising downforce application—an engineering feat poised to revolutionise track performance.

It’s evident that BMW’s strategic focus with this technology lies in enhancing its competitiveness in World Superbike Championship (WSBK) events rather than catering to casual riders traversing local roads or highways. While the technology may eventually trickle down to consumer models like the S 1000 RR, akin to the incorporation of cutting-edge features from MotoGP into commercial motorcycles, it’s worth noting that active aerodynamics remain prohibited in MotoGP, reserved exclusively for professional riders.

What may transpire for average consumers is akin to a homologation special like Ducati’s Panigale V4 SP2, Honda’s Fireblade SP, or BMW’s M 1000 RR, where manufacturers crafted high-performance machines accessible to the public.

While specific details regarding BMW’s active aerodynamic system remain undisclosed in the patent, it’s inferred that the winglets are equipped with actuators, potentially integrated with lean-angle sensors prevalent in modern superbikes to complement existing traction control, stability systems, and drift modes.

Regardless of its eventual consumer application, BMW’s foray into active aerodynamics promises an exhilarating future. While not every rider may harness its full potential, enthusiasts outside the elite echelons of WSBK, Isle of Man, and MotoGP can anticipate a new era of performance innovation in the superbike landscape.