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

Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini Launched in Malaysia For RM460,900!

Ducati Malaysia has announced the debut of the new Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini, a striking fusion of Ducati’s performance prowess and Lamborghini’s luxury heritage.

The Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini – A Surprising Collaboration:
Continuing the legacy of collaboration between these two iconic brands, the Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini pays homage to their shared heritage. Drawing inspiration from Lamborghini’s Huracán STO (Super Trofeo Omologata), this special edition motorcycle features a bespoke livery and design elements echoing the sleek lines of its automotive counterpart.

Highlighted Features:
– Design Inspiration: Taking cues from the renowned Huracán STO, the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini showcases stylish rims with titanium locking nuts and carbon fiber finishing reminiscent of the Huracán STO. Its front mudguard, belly pan, fuel tank side covers, and passenger seat cover emulate the airflow ducts of the Huracán STO, while the rider seat is adorned with exclusive Alcantara.
– Powerful Performance: Propelled by the 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale engine, the Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini Edition delivers an impressive 208 hp, employing MotoGP-derived desmodromic distribution. Equipped with racing-inspired dry clutch and Akrapovic approved silencers in titanium and carbon fiber, it ensures an exhilarating ride.
– Unique Livery: Adorning a distinctive livery featuring the STO logo and the number 63, symbolising Lamborghini’s founding year, the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini boasts the same paint scheme as the Huracán STO. With “Verde Citrea” as the primary body color and “Arancio Dac” as the contrasting hue, it exudes Italian elegance and performance.

Dennis Michael, Chief Operating Officer of Ducati Malaysia, expressed pride in housing two of these exclusive bikes in Malaysia, emphasising the Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini’s embodiment of innovation and heritage shared by Ducati and Lamborghini enthusiasts in Malaysia.

During the unveiling at Ducati Kuala Lumpur, the first limited edition Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini was presented to Datuk Nazir Hussin Akhtar Hussin.

Priced at RM460,900, the Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini epitomises the essence of Motor Valley, offering discerning riders a blend of style and performance in a rare and exclusive package.

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Djebel Edition Gets Akrapovic Exhaust and QuickShifter As Standard!

Midweight adventure bikes have experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, a trend that some publications say originated with the introduction of the KTM 790 Adventure. Subsequently, several other manufacturers have joined the fray, producing their versions of capable adventure-enduro machines. Many of today’s midweight ADV bikes focus on adventure by showcasing impressive off-road capabilities while maintaining commendable on-road performance.

When it comes to Japanese manufacturers, Yamaha initiated the trend with the Tenere 700, followed by Honda and Suzuki unveiling the XL750 Transalp and V-Strom 800DE, respectively. At present, Kawasaki has not yet presented a twin-cylinder model beyond its road-oriented Versys 650.

The focus of today’s narrative is Suzuki and the V-Strom 800DE. Suzuki boasts a rich heritage in rally racing, notably in the Paris-Dakar Rally, where the DR 350 and the DRZ 400 dual-sport machines demonstrated the brand’s capabilities. Subsequently, the formidable big-bore single-cylinder DR 650 showcased its prowess. Building on this heritage, Suzuki is launching a special-edition variant of the V-Strom 800DE named the Djebel, a tribute to the highest mountain in Tunisia, extending from the Atlas Mountains.

Suzuki introduced the V-Strom 800DE Djebel at the 2024 Motor Bike Expo in Verona, Italy. Adorned in a distinctive retro-themed livery, Suzuki describes the motif as symbolising the bike’s aspiration for limitless travel. The bike features Suzuki’s classic white and blue color scheme, with gold accents on the forks and wheels providing a visually striking touch. Beyond aesthetics, the Djebel edition is equipped with Dunlop Trailmax Raid tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Additionally, it features a titanium slip-on exhaust from Akrapovič.

However, concerning specifications and features, the special-edition adventure bike maintains the standard V-Strom 800DE specs. It is powered by a 776cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine. Positioned as the spiritual successor to its 650cc V-Twin engine, it delivers increased power and torque, boasting 83 horsepower and 73Nm of torque. The Djebel edition also incorporates advanced electronics, including switchable ABS, multiple ride modes, traction control, and an up-and-down quick shifter.

Initially introduced in the Italian market, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Djebel carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of 13,900 euros, equivalent to approximately RM60,907. It is unclear if this model will be offered for the local market.

Kawasaki Introduces Updated KLX 230 Models

The refreshed 2024 Kawasaki KLX230 S and KLX230SM ABS have arrived with updates that include new paintjobs, graphics, LEDs and even a suspension overhaul. Both bikes are updated by the same 233cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine and the same six-speed gearbox. But there is quite a bit that is different underneath the two bikes. We break it down for you:

2024 Kawasaki KLX230 S

In terms of suspension, the KLX230 S gets a 37mm telescopic front fork with 7.8-inches of suspension travel, complemented by a rear Uni-Trak linkage offering 8.9-inches of travel at the back with preload adjustability. Kawasaki reports that the revised aluminium swingarm sheds about 1.2 kilograms compared to the previous generation swingarm.

The 2024 KLX230 S rolls on a 20-inch front and a 18-inch rear wheel. It’s available in both ABS and non-ABS variants, featuring petal disc brakes at the front and rear. The brakes vary slightly between the ABS and non-ABS versions, with the ABS model sporting a 265-millimeter front brake disc and the non-ABS model equipped with a 240-millimeter front brake disc instead. In both cases, a 220-millimeter rear brake disc gets the job done.

The seat height is a more accessible 33-inches. The curb weight stands at 133 kilograms. LCD instrumentation and smartphone connectivity via Kawasaki’s Rideology The App are standard on this motorcycle.

2024 Kawasaki KLX230 SM

The 2024 Kawasaki KLX230 SM benefits from the same engine, ergonomics, and subframe modifications as the 2024 KLX230 S but adds a more supermoto-oriented character to the mix.

Instead of the 20-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels found on the KLX230 S, the 2024 Kawasaki KLX230 SM boasts a pair of 17-inch wheels at both ends. As for brakes, a 300mm semi-floating petal front disc handles braking up front, while a single 220-inch rear disc takes care of things at the rear.

Suspension-wise, riders get an inverted 37-millimeter front fork, as well as the Uni-Trak rear linkage also present on the KLX230 S. Spring settings are slightly firmer to accommodate the road-biased nature of this machine. Similarly, the footpegs on the SM feature rubber pads to reflect their street orientation.

A new LED headlight, a two-toned and flattened-out saddle, and a redesigned tank/shroud/cowl unit complete the KLX230 SM package for 2024.

Kawasaki markets its motorcycles in multiple regions worldwide. Consequently, pricing and availability may vary depending on location, but for Malaysians, prices may be expensive due to the falling value of the ringgit.

The KLX230 S for example is priced at RM23,620 while the KLX230 S ABS is priced at RM25,032. The KLX230 SM though is priced at RM26,500.

However, expect these prices to change should these bikes hit the Malaysian market. Since Kawasaki bikes are assembled and distributed by Modenas which means those prices could be lower. If the Ringgit does not fall further that is.

BMW Close To Introducing High-Performance Electric Motorcycle

BMW is no newcomer to electric technology, whether in its two-wheeled or four-wheeled divisions. However, the electric bikes from BMW have been mainly limited to scooters, but according to reports, a change may be on the horizon.

The BMW CE 02 and CE 04 are certainly distinctive in the electric scooter market, with their considerable size and extended wheelbase hinting at performance surpassing the standard 125cc equivalent.

While BMW is said to be developing a smaller electric motorcycle, potentially derived from its G 310 range, recent patent filings suggest that the company is also working on a more potent electric motorcycle. The patents, disclosed by Cycle World, outline the foundation for a high-performance electric motorcycle exceeding the capabilities of a 300cc equivalent.

The proposed motorcycle follows a similar approach to some other electric manufacturers, like the Harley-Davidson LiveWire, by employing an aluminium battery and electronics case as a monocoque structure. This design allows modular components around the monocoque, enabling adaptability for various categories. For instance, the steering head attaches to the front of the monocoque structure and can be replaced with a different design suitable for another category.

Cycle World also speculates that BMW’s expertise in the four-wheeled electric segment positions it advantageously in the two-wheeled market. BMW’s focus on electric technology and addressing the primary challenge of electric powertrains—range—by leading advancements in lighter and longer-lasting solid-state batteries suggests that the initial electric motorcycles from BMW may target urban riding and commuting with relatively short ranges. However, this expertise could also position the German company to pioneer advancements in electric touring and adventure motorcycles.

These segments are of considerable interest to all manufacturers due to their significant consumer base in contemporary times. BMW, in particular, values these categories, as evident in its decision to introduce an all-new 1,300cc combustion engine to refresh its R GS range at the end of the previous year.

GoPro Set To Introduce Its Own Line of Helmets!

GoPro and Forcite Helmets jointly disclosed a significant development in the form of a signed acquisition agreement, wherein GoPro is set to acquire Forcite Helmet Systems. While the completion of the deal is pending, it is anticipated to finalise in the first quarter of this year.

Both companies outlined their collaborative strategy, with immediate plans for their teams to continue working together seamlessly. GoPro expressed its intention to expedite Forcite’s vision of enhancing the safety and dynamism of motorcycle experiences through technologically advanced helmets, with a long-term objective of extending this technology to other helmet categories.

Aside from developing a GoPro-branded line of helmets, the company announced plans to collaborate with other leading helmet brands to integrate technology into their products.

Forcite Helmets, in a statement, shared the excitement about the acquisition and the prospect of joining forces with GoPro to scale their businesses and foster innovation. The Forcite team expressed their eagerness to contribute to the collaboration, citing GoPro’s global brand recognition and digital imaging expertise.

GoPro plans to reveal more details about the acquisition during its upcoming earnings call with investors scheduled for February, offering a comprehensive overview of the strategic move and its anticipated impact on the company’s future endeavours.

CFMoto Developing Camera Based Adaptive Suspension System For 1250TR-G

CFMoto is pushing the boundaries of motorcycle technology with its pursuit of an advanced electronically adjustable semi-active suspension system. This innovation, outlined in a recently disclosed patent application filed in 2022, envisions a cutting-edge setup that employs a front-facing camera to scan the road ahead. The captured images are then processed by a computer, which rapidly interprets the data and dynamically adjusts the suspension, pre-empting bumps and optimising the riding experience.

This concept mirrors advancements seen in the automotive industry, with Mercedes pioneering camera-based road-scanning systems like “Magic Body Control” and “Road Surface Scan” a decade ago. The idea of preemptive road-sensing technology dates back to the 1980s when Nissan introduced a sonar-based adaptive suspension utilising ultrasonic sensors.

In the realm of motorcycles, current semi-active suspension systems typically rely on stroke sensors within the suspension itself. These sensors monitor the suspension movements’ distance and speed, feeding data to a computer that adjusts damper settings in real-time. CFMoto’s patent marks a departure from this norm, introducing a camera-based approach to read the road surface.

The patent showcases this active suspension system in CFMoto’s 1250 TR-G, a flagship model primarily utilised by law enforcement in the British market. This motorcycle, with its BMW-inspired design, conceals a 1,279cc V-twin engine developed in collaboration with KTM. CFMoto and KTM have a joint venture, allowing CFMoto to incorporate KTM’s engine designs into various models, including the 1250 TR-G.

The current iteration of the 1250 TR-G, produced since 2020 and just recently introduced in the Malaysian market, boasts a host of technological features, including a substantial 12.3-inch TFT instrument panel, keyless start, tyre-pressure monitoring, built-in navigation, and a radar system. Despite initially being equipped with non-active Marzocchi parts, the latest patent indicates CFMoto’s inclination towards incorporating active suspension, potentially elevating the bike’s performance further.

The patent details a shock absorber control system incorporating a camera to capture road surface information, enabling adjustments to the front and rear shock absorbers’ damping based on the transmitted data. The document delves into the technical aspects of damping adjustment, featuring adjustable valves in the fork and an actuator in the rear shock that alters oil pressure and volume in response to road conditions.

While the patent showcases this technology on the 1250 TR-G, there’s potential for its integration into other CFMoto models, including those available in the UK, opening up new possibilities for enhanced riding experiences across the brand’s lineup.