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

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.

Modenas Introduces Kymco AK550 Premium Scooter For RM65,600!

Modenas has been the official distributor and assembler of Kymco products in Malaysia since 2016, and has done a splendid job at it.

Growing from strength to strength, Modenas has now introduced the AK550 Premium.

The 550cc puts out some impressive numbers as well – 51hp, 52Nm and a twin-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a final belt drive for a smooth delivery. The fuel tank measures in at 15 litres, which will cost about RM30.75 for a full tank based on today’s RON95 prices.

The features on offer are equally as impressive as well such as upside down forks, twin-discs measuring 280mm at the front and 260mm at the rear grabbed by Brembo callipers with ABS.

The ABS system is said to be the fastest acting system on the market and and are lean-sensitive as well.

Besides that, there are also dual power modes as well – Power and Rain. This works in conjunction with the Traction Control system that ensures you never run out of grip in any situation.

For those who spend a lot of time on the highway, there is a cruise control system as well as an electronically adjustable wind shield for added comfort.

And just to ensure your devices don’t run out of power, the AK500 comes with USB ports as well.

Practicality is of course to be expected for any scooter of this category, and the AK550 does not disappoint with underseat storage that is good for a full face helmet and one open facer. Besides that, there are also two glove compartments up front which can be used to store smaller items as well.

Tech is also central to the AK500 experience with a system called Noodoe that is basically a navigation system which Kymco says allows riders to focus on the road. But there’s always Waze and Google Maps in case you don’t want to download another navigation system,

One handy piece of tech though is the Find My Ride function that is part of the Noodoe app. This lets you locate your AK550 in a crowded parking lot, something that all of us have surely experienced in a crowded shopping mall.

The Kymco AK550 Premium is now in Malaysia for RM65,600.

CFMoto 1250TR-G Launched in Malaysia – RM88,888, 1279cc, 140hp, Cruise Control, JBL Speakers

CFMoto Malaysia has started the year by shocking the industry with the introduction of the most affordable grand tourer in the Malaysian market.

The CFMoto 1250TR-G which looks like its the sibling of the previous-generation BMW RT, is priced at just RM88,888.

It’s a shocking price for a bike that looks this good and exudes luxury and good looks in almost any angle.

It is powered by a 1,279cc V-Twin engine that makes 140hp@8500rpm and 120Nm at 7000rpm, which is plenty for highway cruising. Interestingly, this engine was co-developed by KTM and is the largest-capacity and most powerful motorcycle in China.

The engine provides the bike with a top speed of 220km/h.

It also boasts some decent tech such as cruise control and a 12.3-inch TFT multi media interface (MMI) instrument panel. This also comes with bluetooth connectivity so you can playback your favourite music through the standard JBL speakers.

There’s also full LED lighting system, daytime running lights, and an electronically adjustable wind screen. A tyre pressure monitoring system rounds off the tech equipment.

In terms of performance, besides the impressive power output, there’s three riding modes – Sport, Comfort and Rain. And helping to put down power is a quickshifter that is provided as standard equipment.

Suspension duties is managed by Marzocchi shocks and absorbers which are said to be more than good to manage the bike’s 300kg kerb weight.

Stopping power is provided by 320mm dual-discs up front and a 270mm single disc at the rear, gripped by Brembo callipers equipped with ABS capability.

CFMoto Malaysia said that the 1250TR-G has undergone a localisation test spanning 50,000km to ensure that the bike performs at its finest in Malaysian conditions.

The CFMoto 1250TR-G will be available at all authorised dealers next week with buyers having a choice of two colours. It also comes with a two-year unlimited mileage warranty.

All-New Triumph Daytona 660 Officially Unveiled!

After years of waiting and months of teasing, Triumph has finally unveiled the all-new Daytona 660.

The new Daytona is set to carry on the character of its predecessor and promises an exhilarating sports performance experience coupled with top-notch quality, capability, and specifications, the new Daytona 660 also showcases a significant evolution of Triumph’s distinctive 660cc triple engine.

The revamped engine now boasts 95PS peak power at 11,250rpm and 69Nm of peak torque at 12,650rpm, offering a seamless, responsive, and linear delivery of power across the entire spectrum.

With a 17% increase in power and a 9% boost in torque compared to its counterpart, the Trident (which also uses the same engine), the Daytona 660 comes equipped with a fresh exhaust system featuring 3 into 1 headers and a compact underslung exhaust, producing a distinctive and unmistakable sports soundtrack.

The new bike’s chassis is described as well-balanced, combined with agile sports handling, and is said to ensure an unmistakable riding experience. Showa upside-down big piston 41mm forks, Showa preload adjustable monoshock RSU, and radial four-piston brakes with twin 310mm discs and braided brake lines enhance the bike’s performance. Michelin’s new Power 6 tires further contribute to the exceptional ride quality.

Boasting a rider-friendly design, the Daytona 660 features a 810mm seat height, narrow stand-over, and optimized bar and footpeg positions. Rider-focused technology includes three riding modes (Sport, Road, and Rain) that optimize throttle response and traction control settings, along with an Emergency Deceleration Warning system that activates hazard lights during heavy braking.

The bike’s multi-functional instruments include a color TFT screen integrated into a white-on-black LCD display, compatible with the My Triumph Connectivity System. This system enables turn-by-turn navigation, phone interaction, and music control, all easily accessible through the switchgear for added convenience while riding.

The Daytona’s iconic design DNA receives a fresh interpretation with a bold and aggressive stance, highlighted by distinctive twin LED headlights and minimal bodywork. The three available color options feature a striking ‘660’ race-inspired graphic, adding to the bike’s allure.

As expected from Triumph, the Daytona 660 offers more than 30 Genuine Triumph Accessories, allowing riders to tailor their bike for enhanced performance, comfort, style, and practicality.

With a 16,000-km service interval, a two-year unlimited mileage warranty, and strong residual values, Triumph ensures a competitive cost of ownership.

Speaking of cost, there is no word on pricing as yet.

New Honda Fireblade Will Have MotoGP Style Hooped Winglets

Honda has recently unveiled significant technical updates for its 2024 CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade, enhancing its performance capabilities. However, a new patent application suggests that the company is also working on visual revisions aimed at increasing downforce while minimizing drag.

One noticeable change to the 2024 CBR1000RR-R SP is the adoption of MotoGP-inspired hoop-style winglets on the front, replacing the previous side-mounted versions. While these winglets contribute to increased front-end downforce, they also introduce additional drag compared to a cleaner fairing design.

The patent application reveals a redesigned shape that aims to strike a balance between reducing drag and maintaining downforce. The innovative design relocates the winglets closer together in the bike’s nose, utilizing a system of intakes and vents to direct air over internal surfaces within the nose.

Honda’s patent explains that by incorporating inverted wing shapes into the front cowl, downforce can be increased without the need for additional wings, ultimately reducing aerodynamic drag. The result is improved motion performance, including maximum speed and acceleration, leading to enhanced fuel consumption performance.

Key visible components of the new design include prominent intakes on each side of the screen near the handlebars and a secondary set of intakes lower down inside the concave section just below the nose’s leading edge. The internal bodywork’s shape, revealed in one drawing in the patent application, showcases an aggressively angled wing profile.

Apart from creating downforce and reducing frontal area, the design claims to offer additional aerodynamic benefits by directing airflow more efficiently over and around the rider. The patent suggests that the discharged air serves as an air curtain, reducing wind protection for the rider and minimizing the bike’s frontal size when viewed head-on, resulting in further drag reduction.

While the patent drawings feature the CBR1000RR-R SP, Honda emphasizes the adaptability of this design for various supersport-style bikes. By securing a patent for this innovative approach, Honda aims to prevent competitors from replicating the same advancements in their designs.

KTM 890 SMT Officially in Malaysia For RM101,800!

Malaysian bikers, rejoice! KTM Motorcycles Malaysia has officially introduced the KTM 890 SMT, widely regarded as one of the naughtiest bikes on the planet.

The SMT continues on the legacy of the 990 SMT from 15 years ago, and is in essence an adventure bike in design but a supermoto at heart. This is the bike for supermoto riders who want to go on an adventure.

Powering the 890 SMT is the same engine as the 890 Duke R – the 899cc LC8c parallel-twin mill engine putting out 105hp at 8000rpm and 100Nm of torque at 6500rpm.

If you’re wondering, the 890 Duke R and 890 Adventure also run on the same engine, though with different state of tune putting out 119hp and 99Nm of torque.

In true supermoto spirit, the 890 SMT is a big, tall bike, with a seat that sits 860mm off the ground, and a ground clearance of 227mm.

Suspension duties are managed by WP Apex suspension all around with 43mm forks providing 180mm of travel with adjustable rebound and compression. The rear monoshock is adjustable for preload and rebound.

KTM says the 890 SMT was developed for sharp handling and this is partially achieved with trick suspension and also a high strength tubular chromoly steel frame with the engine acting as a stressed member to reduce weight and size. The smaller frame also allows for a longer swingarm that is said to improve traction and handling.

As for the subframe, KTM says it is fully loaded to attack the street. The steel trellis subframe was developed to be compact, lightweight and strong enough to carry load.

As for electronics, the new SMT comes with three riding modes – Sport, Rain and Street, a 5-inch TFT display, a standard quickshifter, heated grips and a slipper clutch. Traction Control is managed by a 6D Intertial Measurement Unit. Also standard is Cornering ABS, but being a supermoto at heart, it also has Supermoto ABS that allows the rider to lock the rear wheels when the going gets fun.

Braking duties are managed by J.Juan that grip 17-inch wheels using twin 320mm discs up front with 4-piston radially mounted callipers. At the rear, a 260mm disc is also gripped by a double-piston floating calliper supplied by J.Juan.

The 890 SMT is ultimately built for adventure and as such its 15.8-litre fuel tank offers a range of more than 300km. It is no wonder then that the new SMT is being hailed as the perfect cross between an adventure bike and a street fighter.

The KTM 890 SMT is now in Malaysia for RM101,800.