Aveta Malaysia Sdn Bhd is enhancing its customer care efforts with the launch of the ‘Aveta Care on Wheels’ program. As more people rely on Aveta motorcycles, the company prioritizes customer ownership experience.
Aveta Malaysia Sdn Bhd is enhancing its customer care efforts with the launch of the ‘Aveta Care on Wheels’ program. As more people rely on Aveta motorcycles, the company prioritizes customer ownership experience.
For adventure bike buyers, the scene is about to get even more exciting than it already is. The segment was once dominated by the likes of the BMW GS and the Ducati Multistrada, but the industry is changing thanks to a surge of options for budget-conscious riders.
The Japanese brands have their own fair share of pocket friendly machines, but when it comes to offering feature packed models at a budget, it is difficult to beat the Chinese with the likes of Benelli, CFMoto and now Kove (pronounced as Ko-Vey).
Pierer Mobility Group, now the leading European two-wheel manufacturer after acquiring KTM, achieved notable success in the first half of 2023 with 190,293 bikes sold — a 16.5 percent increase from 2022.
Looking ahead to 2024 and according to reports circulating the web, the group aims to strengthen its position by selling the R Raymon and Felt bicycle brands and focusing on Husqvarna and GasGas e-bicycle production.
This strategic decision concentrates efforts on the core motorcycle brands: KTM, GasGas, Husqvarna, and MV Agusta. Simultaneously, the group plans to cut 300 jobs in Austrian plants and shift production to partnerships in India (with Bajaj) and China (with CFMoto), along with relocating some R&D activities.
This move is prompted by an analysis of Europe’s economic situation, anticipating a 2024 contraction, particularly with the European Central Bank maintaining current interest rates. Despite economic challenges, the group’s solid liquidity enables support for dealers and suppliers, making 2024 a consolidation year.
The decision to relocate production to China is justified by a positive collaboration with CFMoto. The 790 Duke and 790 Adventure mid-displacement models have already been moved to China, capitalizing on lower production costs and enhancing KTM’s presence in Far East markets.
Pierer Mobility Group and CFMoto plan to double joint production from 50,000 to 100,000 units. The board remains optimistic about maintaining 2023 sales levels in 2024, targeting an EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Taxes) margin of 5 to 7 percent. To ensure profitability, the management plans double-digit million cost-cutting measures in 2024.
Expressing confidence in MV Agusta’s legacy, Pierer Mobility Group highlights the success of the new MV Agusta LXP Orioli adventure model with a 900cc three-cylinder engine. To boost MV Agusta’s global presence, models will be distributed through the Pierer Mobility Group dealer network.
Finally, the call option for KTM AG to acquire a majority stake in MV Agusta, based on the annual financial statements as of December 31, 2025, will be exercised in spring 2026—a significant turning point for the Italian legend, ending years of financial uncertainty.
An upcoming Kawasaki hybrid motorcycle has been uncovered through new patent illustrations. The images, disclosed by the Italian publication Motociclismo, depict a bike based on the Kawasaki Versys touring model, yet distinguished by the integration of a hybrid power unit, departing from the conventional internal combustion engine.
This development aligns with Kawasaki’s existing hybrid offerings, namely the faired Ninja 7 Hybrid and the naked Z 7 Hybrid. The hybrid system comprises a 9kW electric motor working in tandem with a 451cc parallel twin-cylinder combustion engine.
The prospective ‘Versys Hybrid’ signifies a departure from Kawasaki’s current partially electric models, the Ninja 7 Hybrid and Z 7 Hybrid, which cater to the sports and naked categories, respectively. These categories prioritize performance over extended journeys, unlike the touring segment.
The significance of a hybrid in the touring context goes beyond mere range considerations. While a hybrid ensures continued operation once the battery is depleted, its advantage lies in maintaining robust performance during lengthy rides—an assurance that traditional power units, relying on a single power source for the rear wheel, offer.
Despite the seemingly modest 1.4kWh battery employed in the Ninja 7 Hybrid and Z 7 Hybrid, Kawasaki couples it with the 451cc parallel twin, delivering 69bhp to the rear wheel in both models. This output, slightly surpassing the Versys 650’s 66bhp, emphasizes the potential for sustained performance over extended distances.
While Kawasaki has yet to commit to a complete transition from combustion models to hybrids with comparable performance, the efficacy of a hybrid Versys over extended distances, coupled with Kawasaki’s assertion of 250cc-like fuel consumption from its existing hybrid bikes, suggests the possibility of the Versys 650 being considered for such an innovative transformation.
In the wake of a recent announcement detailing an upcoming project featuring a lineup of off-road models set to debut in the near future, Ducati has positioned itself to harness the competitive spirit of national motocross competitions as a pivotal component of its product development strategy.
With plans to enter the fray as early as 2024, the initiative includes fielding a 450 prototype entrusted to Alessandro Lupino, with the expertise of Antonio Cairoli contributing as the high-performance test rider.
Responding to this dynamic venture, Ducati has officially established the Off-Road Division within Ducati Corse. This newly formed division will be responsible for the orchestration and oversight of the comprehensive sporting program, encompassing participation in the MXGP World Championship and the AMA Supercross Championship in the forthcoming years.
Paolo Ciabatti, who served as the Sporting Director of Ducati Corse from 2013 to 2023, has been appointed as the General Manager of the newly minted Ducati Corse Off-Road. Tasked with propelling the Borgo Panigale company to triumph in the realm of off-road racing, Ciabatti will report directly to the CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, Claudio Domenicali.
In addition to his new role, Ciabatti will retain responsibilities for coordinating Ducati’s sporting endeavors in prominent national SBK and SSP championships, including MotoAmerica, British Superbike, All Japan Superbike, Australian Superbike, and CIV throughout 2024.
Meanwhile, Mauro Grassilli, currently the Head of Marketing and Sponsorships at Ducati Corse, is set to assume the multifaceted role of Sporting, Marketing, and Communications Director within Ducati Corse. Reporting directly to Ducati Corse General Manager Luigi Dall’Igna, Grassilli will play a pivotal role in steering the strategic direction of Ducati’s involvement in off-road racing.
Ducati Corse says that it remains unwavering in its commitment to managing the MotoGP and WorldSBK championships concurrently. The overarching objective is to build upon the remarkable string of successes that has become synonymous with the Borgo Panigale company.
Have you wanted to learn how to ride on track or simply polish your track riding skills? While there are many riding schools around the world that say they can make you a better rider (and some that truly can), you rarely get to learn from a former MotoGP rider.
But that is what you can do with KTM’s upcoming ‘Academy of Speed’ set to debut in the summer of 2024.
Taking place at the Salzburgring, Red Bull Ring, and the Slovakiaring, the Academy of Speed is open to riders of all levels, from novices to seasoned racers, and provides a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the world of high-performance riding.
The ‘Pro’ level package, priced at €3490, spans two days on the track and includes exclusive access to MotoGP-inspired pit boxes. Participants at this level can also benefit from valuable insights provided by KTM’s factory MotoGP test riders, Mika Kallio and Dani Pedrosa.
The Academy of Speed offers three distinct levels tailored to riders’ experience levels, each package ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience. The ‘Rookies’ level, priced at €450, is designed for individuals with minimal or no track experience, providing a one-day event featuring off-track technical skills and safety training, culminating in a thrilling 20-minute on-track session.
For ‘Ambitious Amateurs’ seeking to elevate their riding prowess, the €890 one-day event is the perfect fit. Geared towards riders beyond the beginner stage, this package includes technical skill training and three on-track sessions in the afternoon to refine and enhance techniques and racing skills.
At the core of the Academy of Speed is the commitment to cater to riders at every level. Instructors and KTM ambassadors will be on hand to provide guidance, while MotoGP stars and former GP racer and team manager, Mike Leitner, will offer coaching both on and off the track.
The event is scheduled to take place at the three iconic locations: Salzburgring, Austria, on June 20-21; Red Bull Ring, Austria, on July 17-18; and Slovakia Ring, Slovakia, on September 4-5.
Additionally, each package includes an evening dinner and entertainment to complement the thrilling on-track action, ensuring an unforgettable and holistic motorcycling experience. Find out more about KTM’s Academy of Speed here.
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