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Aprilia has just unveiled a limited-edition RS 660 that features some minor technical and aesthetic updates.

Inspired by the American Motorcyclist Association’s (AMA) success in the United States’ AMA National Road Racing Championship, in which Aprilia won the Twins cup, the limited-edition RS 660 gets some exciting tweaks.

 

According to the Italian firm, the RS660 gets an electronically adjustable gearbox that can be set to an inverted pattern (GP shift) similar to the bike used in racing.

Limited to 1,500 units, the limited-edition RS 660 also gets a rear seat cowl and enlarged fairing for better airflow and aerodynamics.

Each of the 1,500 units produced has its unique number featured in a badge on the fuel tank.

While some limited edition motorcycles only feature new colours and graphics, Aprilia put their hands into ensuring the AMA-inspired RS 660 is unique in its own way.

 

Nonetheless, zero changes are done to the two-cylinder 659cc engine, which continues to offer 100hp @ 10,500rpm and 67Nm @ 8,500rpm.

 

The Petronas Malaysian Cub Prix is set to return this weekend, with the first round to take place at the Sepang Circuit (North) on 12-13 March.

The 2022 edition is set to kick off with a bang after two previous seasons was hampered with the ongoing pandemic and Movement Control Order (MCO).

Nevertheless, the 29 edition Cub Prix will return in full blast as the team and riders prepare to hunt the 2022 championship.

CP150 defending champion Azroy Hakeem Anuar will return to the grid feeling refreshed after taking the 2021 crown with Honda Yuzy Idemitsu.

However, this time around, the 24-year-old will pilot the all-new Honda RSX 150, replacing the RS150R.

Meanwhile, the 2022 season also witnessed the return of former two-time Moto3 stage winner Khairul Idham Pawi.

The ex-Petronas Sprinta Racing rider made a u-turn to two-wheel racing after announcing his retirement in December 2020 after his contract with the Malaysian outfit ended.

SuperKIP will feature alongside former CP150 champion Helmi Azman at SCK Honda Racing Team.

The Petronas Malaysian Cub Prix will continue to pursue its primary objective as a significant platform to raise future world championship racing riders.

The first round of the 2022 Petronas Malaysian Cub Prix will be at the Sepang Circuit (North) from 12 to 13 March.

Ducati has officially completed its 2022 model year range by introducing another top-notch performance motorcycle, the Ducati Panigale V4 SP2.

The SP2 is the second generation of the Panigale V4 SP launched in 2020. The latest build focused on weight reduction and increased performance thanks to upgraded parts and accessories unique to the bike.

Despite nursing the same 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine, the mill is now housed in an aluminium front frame to reduce weight.

The SP2 also gets a new full-titanium Akrapovic exhaust system, which helps to reduce unnecessary weight by 5 kilograms and bumps the power to 228hp.

Other premium components fitted on the Panigale V4 SP2 include:

  • Ohlins NPX 24/30 front end
  • TTX36 rear shock and steering damper
  • Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 system
  • four power modes (Full, High, Medium and Low)
  • Brembo MSC 19.21 master cylinder

Stopping power comes from twin Brembo Stylema R callipers with STM EVO dry clutch, developed for the Ducati WorldSBK machine.

To ensure the best on-track experience, the Panigale V4 SP2 features Street and Sport ride modes (with Race A and Race B presets), Track Evo display option and Ducati Data Analyser with GPS module.

Meanwhile, if you think 228hp is too much power, worry not as the Panigale V4 SP2 comes with a host of safety features:

  • Cornering ABS EVO
  • Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO
  • Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO
  • Ducati Slide Control (DSC)
  • Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO
  • Auto tyre calibration
  • Ducati Power Launch
  • Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) EVO 2

The final touch comes in the form of a matt black Winter Test livery design purely to let everyone knows that a beast is lurking among the crowd.

Scheduled maintenance is at every 12,000km wwhile the valve clearance adjustment (Desmo Service) is set at every 24,000km.

The Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 is already available for booking in Europe for GBP34,295 (RM188k).

The highly anticipated Kawasaki ZX-4R looks to be on its way, as confirmed by the latest reports.

Talk of a new 400cc inline-four sports bike has been around for quite some time, ever since the introduction of the quarter-litre ZX-25R.

Japanese publication, Young-Machine – known for getting the latest insight for Japanese motorcycles – has made the ZX-4R its latest cover for April with a render that is likely to be close to the final product.

The headline also suggests that Kawasaki is prepping for an official reveal very soon.

While the ZX-4R is somewhat related to the ZX-25R, the former will follow the ZX-10R design, prominently the sunken headlight and the air-duct.

Reports also suggest that the new bike will feature premium components, from Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), USD forks and riding modes.

We have yet to secure any information regarding how much power it might produce, but rumours have that it could be around 75hp and above.

The Triumph Street Triple 765 is probably among the best middleweight street machine we have yet to test out since its launch in Malaysia back in 2019.

Nevertheless, we still adore the bike from afar, appreciating the British-built machine from the get-go.

Fast forward to 2022, it seems the boys at Hinckley is already busy working on an updated version of the Street Triple, as proven by these new spy shot published by RideApart.

Instantly, the first thing you’ll capture is probably the shining golden glow of the new Ohlins front fork.

The Ohlins suspension system replaces the fully-adjustable 41mm upside-down Showa Big Piston Fork that’s currently available on the Street Triple R and Street Triple RS.

Despite the significant updates, whether the rear suspension matches the new model’s front Ohlins setup is unclear. 

The Street Triple R is currently fitted with a Showa monoshock, while the RS gets the fully-adjustable Ohlins STX40 monoshock.

Other notable cosmetic changes include a belly pan similar to the current RS, a carbon fibre hugger and new grab rails at the rear of the pillion seat.

The Street Triple might also get additional colour options and other electronics upgrades.

However, further details will remain a mystery, and we could only speculate what’s in store for us from Triumph.

Nonetheless, since the test mule is already looking like a production-ready unit, it is safe to assume that it could be ready for launch later this year as a 2023 model.

(Source: RideApart)

Didi Group proudly announced the opening of Vespa Malaysia latest showroom in Skudai, Johor in partnership with Ng Brothers Motor (Vespa Skudai).

The 3S showroom carries full range of the iconic brand which carries a comprehensive range of products including a customer service centre.

The launch of Vesa Skudai (Ng Brothers Motor) marks a big step into expanding the Vespa branding throughout the country as it is the first Vespa 3S showroom in Johor Bahru.

“I would like to thank and congratulate Ng Brothers Motor (Vespa Skudai) for introducing and carrying the Vespa brand in Johor, which will help us to further strengthen our positioning and boost our presence in Malaysia.

“The opening of Vespa Skudai also reflects the strengthening of the distribution network of Vespa in Malaysia” said Mr Rewi Hamid Bugo, Chairman, Didi Resources Sdn Bhd.

To celebrate the momentous occasion, a total of 150 Vespa owners also got together to celebrate the official launch of Vespa Skudai, that also adopted the new Vespa showroom corporate identity.

Vespa owners in Johor Bahru drop by Vespa Skudai located at 33, Jalan Pakis 1, Taman Sri Pulai, Johor Bahru, Johor.

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