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

The Tracer 9 GT+ Joins Yamaha’s 2023 Lineup – New TFT Display, ACC

Yamaha kickstart its 2023 motorcycle range with the new radar-enabled Tracer 9 GT+.

The Tracer 9 GT+ is the new flagship for the Tracer 9 family for 2023.
The Tracer 9 GT+ is the first Yamaha to feature Adaptive Cruise Control and Unified-Braking System.

The Iwata manufacturer brings a wide range of updated model for 2023 including the updated Niken GT, Tracer 7 and Tracer 7 GT. However, by far the most significant is the introduction of the new Tracer 9 GT+.

Described as “the most technologically advanced Yamaha motorcycle ever built,” the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ takes the Japanese marquee sports tourer range to a greater height thanks to new added technology and features.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Perhaps the most fundamental addition to the Tracer 9 GT+ is the new radar-guided Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that is introduced for the first time on a Yamaha.

The ACC – when activated – keeps a constant distance between the bike and the front vehicle. In addition the ACC is also integrated with the engine braking control that will engaged in the event of deceleration.

Yamaha also claimed that the ACC will also adjust the KADS (KYB Actimatic Damper System) to optimise rider and passenger comfort.

In addition, the ACC also utilise cornering assist and passing assist.

Third-generation quickshifter

The Tracer 9 GT+ is the first Yamaha to equipped with a third generation quickshifter. The QS is integrated with the ACC hence allowing the rider to change gear while the ACC is turned on.

Unified-Braking System (UBS)

Interestingly, the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ is the first motorcycle to feature UBS which is only enable when Brake Control (BC) is active.

The UBS features brake assist, front and rear brake assistance and cornering brake control. All of the aforementioned features works on the event of collision, deceleration and while cornering to prevent from sliding.

7-inch TFT Instrument Cluster

Elsewhere, the Tracer 9 GT+ is also equipped with Yamaha’s top of the range 7-inch TFT instrument display that features Garmin navigation system and smartphone connectivity.

GALLERY: 2023 YAMAHA TRACER 9 GT+

FIRST LOOK: 2023 Ducati Scrambler

The final episode of the Ducati World Premiere 2023 takes us to the Land of Joy with the unveiling of the next-gen Ducati Scrambler.

2023 Ducati Scrambler features three variant; Full Throttle, Icon and Nightshift.
All three models gained ride-by-wire functionality and selectable riding modes.

While we may call it the next-gen, the latest Scrambler range received a small technical updates and stylistic changes across all three models; Icon, Full Throttle and Nightshift.

As matter of fact, the 2023 Scrambler range continue to feature the same two-cylinder Desmodue engine albeit with a smaller clutch and alternator cover featuring an “X” logo.

The clutch now features eight disc, ensuring a smoother and lighter gear change during the pull of the lever.

That said, the engine is now 2.5kg lighter than the previous generation which contributed to a total weight loss of 4kg.

Ducati also claimed that the new Scrambler is sportier thanks to new rear subframe that is now separated from the main frame, while bearing-mounted shift drum contributes to a smoother shifts.

Meanwhile, all three range now features ride-by-wire, Ducati Traction Control and two selectable riding modes; Road and Wet and a redesigned fuel tank.

Additionally, the motorcycle also equipped with Cornering ABS and a quickshifter (only available on the Full Throttle trim).

Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle

The Scrambler Full Throttle is the creme de la creme across all three variants of the Scrambler family.

Firstly, it is the only model in the range to feature a quickshifter as standard.

In addition, the model also features the number #62 as a nod to the original scrambler introduced in 1962, a flat-track skid plate. sportier style seat, with a race-inspired GP19 Red/Dark Steath livery, shorterfront mudguard,red wheel tags and Termignoni exhaust.

Ducati Scrambler Nightshift

The Nightshift continue its elegant design and ergonomics from the previous generation. The cafe racer-style Scrambler gets side number plates, minimal front mudguard and a small LED indicators.

New for 2023 is an all-blacked out spoke wheels, flat-set handlebars and bar-end mirrors.

Ducati Scrambler Icon

The Icon is the most customizable among the three with the headlight covers, wheel tags and mudguards are all replaceable.

There are now six new exciting colours and nine liveries to choose from. Ergonomically, the Icon features lower handlebar and tapered seat.

Airoh To Debut Airbag Helmet Concept At EICMA

Airoh recently announced its partnership with automotive airbag specialist Autoliv to develop a concept helmet.

Airoh is set to showcase a special concept helmet in Milan that features an airbag system.
Airoh and Autoliv worked together for the last two years to develop the new concept helmet.

The Italian helmet maker is set to debut the world’s first motorcycle helmet concept that features an integrated airbag system at the EICMA show this week.

Interestingly, Airoh and Autoliv have worked on the unique helmet for the past two years. The primary goal is to create a safe and comfy helmet that is not compromised by the airbag application.

However, the biggest question remains regarding how the airbag system will be deployed. Hopefully, our question will be answered at EICMA.

“To substantially reduce the number of motorcyclist injuries and deaths, we need to take a holistic approach in which we study several combined countermeasures.

“Wearing a helmet is still the most important protection for a motorcyclist.

“Our in-depth knowledge of crash-data, biomechanics and injury assessment tools, combined with Airoh’s experience is an excellent opportunity to improve head protection for pilots and save more live,” said Autoliv CEO, Mikael Bratt.

EICMA will officially open its doors to the public on Tuesday (November 8).

2023 Kawasaki Z650RS Gets New Visuals In Japan

Kawasaki has updated its neo-retro Z650RS with a new colour scheme for 2023.

Kawasaki Z650RS was launched back in September 2021.
Features the same 649cc parallel-twin engine found in the Z650 and Ninja 650.

Joining the already available Candy Emerald Green is the new Metallic Moondust Gray X Ebony for the 2023 model year.

The Kawasaki Z650RS is the Japanese latest take on neo-retro naked bike jumping on the success of the bigger and bolder, Z900RS.

Continuing the firm’s trusted 649cc parallel-twin platform, the Z900RS 650RS makes a decent 67hp @ 8,000rpm and 64Nm @ 6,500rpm.

The new colourway is already available in Japan since 1st November.

Like its Z650 and Ninja 650 cousin, the Z650RS is equipped with the same 41mm front fork and horizontal link rear shock with preload-adjustable.

Braking is done by a dua twin-piston front callipers clamping on a 300mm disc while governed by a dual-channel Bosch ABS.

Other features include:

assist/slipper clutch
820mm seat height
full LED light setup
classic analogue dial with digital display

OFFICIAL: End Of An Era, As Suzuki To Discontinue The GSX-R1000

The day that we thought could never happen has arrived as Suzuki has officially announced the discontinuation of the iconic GSX-R1000 superbike in Japan and Europe.

Suzuki to stop producing and selling the GSX-R1000.
Strict emission standards in Japan halted the development of the GSX-R1000.

The announcement came at the back of Alex Rins’ heartfelt win at the 2022 MotoGP season-finale in Valencia.

The end of the GSX-R1000 is as expected, considering the Hamamatsu factory decided to pull the plug from its racing initiatives, including MotoGP and EWC, to pursue other non-performance-oriented objectives.

Despite the sad news, the GSX-R1000 will continue to be on sale in very few markets, including in North America and the Philippines. However, we expect a similar decision to take place in both regions soon.

As previously reported, the most significant factor in play for the GSX-R1000 discontinuation is Japan’s strict emission standard.

That said, perhaps Suzuki didn’t see it fit to update the GSX-R1000 despite the firm already updating the Katana, Hayabusa, GSX-S1000, GSX-S1000GT and the V-Strom 1050.

Nonetheless, a Japanese publication, Young-Machine, suggest that this might not be the end of the iconic superbike as a report back in August claimed that the Japanese marque is already working on a new high-performance engine for the next-gen GSX-R1000.

However, before we wait for that to happen, the GSX-R1000 will be laid to rest for now.

Bagnaia Ends Ducati’s 15-Year Title Drought, Crowned 2022 MotoGP World Champion

Despite finishing ninth in the 2022 MotoGP season-finale at Valencia but it was enough for Francesco Bagnaia to claimed his maiden MotoGP crown.

Francesco Bagnaia is the 2022 MotoGP world champion.
Bagnaia became the first Italian to win the MotoGP on an Italian bike, 50 years after Giacomo Agostini on an MV Agusta in 1972.

It was a nerve-racking moment for the Ducati rider after an endless overtaking at the start of the race with championship contender, Fabio Quartararo saw his right aero winglet flew off which resulted to his GP22 struggling on the track.

Bagnaia went from chasing the front row to easily getting past by Brand Binder, Joan Mir, Miguel Olveira, Luca Marini and Enea Bastianini before settling for ninth to ensure the 2022 title belongs to him thus ending Ducati’s 15-year title drought since Casey Stoner in 2007.

“When I passed the finish line I just saw the pit board that said I was the world champion and from that moment everything was lighter, more nice and it was incredible.

“My emotion is incredible at this moment.

“It wasn’t easy because in the fight with Fabio I lost a winglet and from that moment everything was a nightmare.

“Lap by lap I was trying to ride a defensive line but it was very, very hard.

“It took so long to finish the race but I’m very proud of my team, myself and the work that we did which was incredible,” said Bagnaia.

Bagnaia’s achievement also marked the greatest comeback in MotoGP history, as the Italian was 91 points down midway through the season. Bagnaia also emerged as the first Italian to win the championship on an Italian bike, 50 years after Giacomo Agostini who did it on a MV Agusta.

“I was feeling this weight on my shoulders to give back this title to all my team, to the manufacturer, to Ducati, to Italy,” added Bagnaia.

Meanwhile, the final round in Valencia saw Alex Rins took his heartfelt win for Suzuki Ecstar who is exiting the championship at the end of the season. Rins is moving to LCR Honda next season, as the Hamamatsu factory team is officially saying goodbye to the championship, for good.

Brad Binder secured a solid second while Jorge Martin, who despite started pole, finished third.

Bikesrepublic

Latest News