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

New Stealthy Colour for 2024 Honda RS-X

Boon Siew Honda has just announced a new exciting colour for the 2024 Honda RS-X.

Honda dubs the new colour Mat Ion Blue Metallic. It gives the bike a fresh mid-life update: The new colour scheme makes the bike look stealthy, for want of a better word, compared to the previous offerings. It will be available in authorised and selected Honda dealers nationwide starting 22nd February 2024. The selling price of the 2024 Honda RS-X is RM9,798, without road tax, insurance and registration.

The RS-X continues to sell well in the country despite several reported “quirks.” It is mainly due to a pretty good performance courtesy of its 150cc, DOHC engine which produces 15.8hp (11.8kW) at 9,000 RPM and 13.6Nm of torque at 7,000 RPM. That power is channeled through a 6-speed gearbox. Anyone who has ridden the bike will tell you that it has a punchy low RPM acceleration that is great for urban riding. The engine is EURO 4 emission standard compliant, too.

Another selling point of the Honda RS-X is its design, which makes it look larger for a small bike. The Honda press release calls it “muscular.” This look is complemented with features that remain unchanged, such as the 1-channel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). 1-channel means it is only available on one wheel, in this case, the front. Hey, before criticising the system, let it be known that even bigger KTMs has a Supermoto feature to turn off the rear wheel’s ABS! Additionally, having ABS at least on one wheel is better than none at all.

Other features include LED lighting and digital speedometer.

Ducati Streetfighter V4 S Supreme Edition – A Supreme Statement

The Ducati Streetfighter V4 S already rules the roost as the most powerful non-aspirated hypernaked beast, with 208hp on tap. But the trend of cooperation with automobile manufacturers and lifestyle product makers certainly ups the style quotient to 11. Check out this Ducati Streetfighter V4 S Supreme Edition.

The apparel maker Supreme does not shy away from making bold statements. Hence the liberal use of their famous screaming red and white logos and colours on the bike.

Needless to say, it turns a er… head turning design to something extremely loud. One cannot miss the huge Supreme logo draped over fuel tank from one side to the other, plus another logo on the tail cover just to remind the rider that this is not his cousin’s Streetfighter V4 S. And oh, the wheels are painted in white without forgetting the Supreme logo, too.

Additionally the buyer may go the whole nine yards and complete the look with an Arai Corsair-X (known in Malaysia as the RX-7X) helmet, also resplendent in Supreme’s colours. This limited edition helmet was made exclusively for the Ducati Streetfighter V4 S Supreme Edition.

Mechanical and electronic aspects and features remain unchanged, including the aforementioned beasty Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine that kicks out a whopping 208hp and 133.4 Nm of torque.

The chassis consists of electronically controlled 43mm fully adjustable Öhlins NIX 30 forks up front and an Öhlins TTX 36 electronic rear shock. The anchors are twin Brembo Stylema Monoblock calipers in front (finished in red) and a floating caliper at the rear.

The entire electronic suite is featured here such as cornering traction control, wheelie control, slide control, launch control, and all sorts of other “controls” as expected of a high performance Ducati.

There is no word yet on how much the bike will sell for and availability in which markets.

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.

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Latest News

New Stealthy Colour for 2024 Honda RS-X

Ducati Streetfighter V4 S Supreme Edition – A Supreme Statement

Bajaj Has Finally Updated The Pulsar NS200

Honda Introduces NX400 and Updated CBR400R For Japanese Market

Triumph Introduces Minor Updates For Tiger 1200 Family

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