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Honda’s latest patent filings have provided us with the opportunity to take a peek at what’s in store for us for the upcoming Honda XL750 Transalp.

  • The Transalp is likely to share similar specification with the Hornet 750.
  • The middleweight ADV will share the same 755cc parallel-twin engine. 

This is the first time such details are revealed to the public just weeks after the middleweight adventure bike was spotted during a promotional exercise.

So far, we know that the XL750 Transalp is fitted with the same 755cc parallel-twin engine featured on the recently revealed Honda Hornet 750. 

Also, thanks to the Hornet’s global unveiling, we know the engine makes 92hp and 75Nm. However, whether the Transalp will feature the same power band still remains to be seen. 

Nonetheless, we expect Honda to revise the parallel-twin engine for more grunt in the low-to-mid ranges to suit the adventure bike character.

Despite the differences in characteristics, the Transalp will share the same frame as the Hornet. Such effort is common for Honda, especially for its 500cc and 11000cc range. 

Based on the previous spy shots, we can also confirm that the Transalp and Hornet will share a similar front headlamp and tailpipe. 

According to the Italian publication, Motoclclismo, it is likely that the two will also share similar electronics, including the TFT instrument cluster, riding modes and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)

However, the Transalp is fitted with a longer swingarm and 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, and longer suspension travel. As expected, the seat is also taller and wider.

Currently, there is no word from Honda on when the Transalp will make its official debut, but one thing is for sure it will happen soon. Stay tuned to find out! 

BMW has updated its flagship M 1000 RR homologation-special superbike for 2023.

  • 2023 M 1000 RR gets new bodywork and aerodynamics.
  • The M 1000 RR now achieved better front and rear grip. 

The WorldSBK machine gets extensive wind tunnel testing for 2023 which resulted to a higher max speed without increasing the 999cc inline-four power output that continue to pumps out 205hp and 112Nm. 

As such, BMW is confident the M 1000 RR will be at the front of 2023 racing calendar. 

“We have achieved an engineering masterpiece in the aerodynamic development of the M RR due to our unwavering ambition, total passion and technical finesse. 

“Thanks to countless hours in the wind tunnel as well as in road tests, we were able to considerably increase the top speed with unchanged engine output and at the same time significantly increase the downforce, also when banking in corners. 

“Our development work will be rewarded with racing success,” said Project Manager Christian Gonschor.

The 2023 M 1000 RR is able to achieved the new mark thanks to a taller windscreen and a redesigned carbon-fiber fairing that boost the aerodynamic aspect of the motorcycle. 

BMW also completely revised the aero winglets to improved tire contact with close to 22.6kg of downforce created at 298km/h and 5.7kg at 150km/h. 

Also new on the 2023 M 1000 RR is the introduction of MotoGP-derived carbon-fiber air cooling ducts that’s integrated into the front fender and fork guards.

BMW claimed that the air ducts is capable to reduce the temperature of the radially-mounted M brake callipers by 10-degrees celsius. 

Meanwhile, the M Competition Package inclides GPS laptrigger, DLC-coated M Endurance chain, clear anodized swingarm and more carbon fibre components. 

BMW has officially unveiled the all-new 2023 BMW M 1000 R just weeks after its trademark filings were submitted in Europe.

  • The M 1000 R makes 205hp and 112Nm.
  • Features wider handlebar, taller peak torque and unique electronic package.
  • The roadster/hypernaked machine is the second M-branded motorcycle introduced by BMW after the M 1000 RR.

While the M 1000 R makes used of the M 1000 RR 999cc powertrain, the engine has been reworked to provide a higher peak torque from 10,000rpm to 12,000rpm. 

As a result, the engine is now quieter and with a higher redline of 14,600rpm,  well over the S 1000 R’s 12,000rpm limit. 

The M 1000 R also features shorter gear ratios in 4th, 5th and 6th gear and shorter rear sprocket than the S 1000 R. 

Also fitted as standard on the M 1000 R is BMWs Shift Assistant Pro, allowing an up-and-down clutchless shifts and can be adjusted from conventional gear to GP gear. 

Electronically, the M 1000 R gets several riding modes including Rain, Road, Dynamic and Race with the addition of track-centric Race Pro 1, Race Pro 2 and Race Pro 3. 

Other electronic features inlcude Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with 6-axis sensor and lean angle sensor. The DTC package includes wheelie-limitation function, pit lane limiter, launch control and hill-start control (HSC).

Of course, the most notable aspect of the new M 1000 R is the existence of aero winglets on the side panels. 

BMW claimed that the winglets are not purely for aesthetic purposes but also adds 10kg of downforce at 218km/h. 

The M 1000 R is suspended by an all-black 45mm upside-down fork (preload/compression/rebound adjustable) with 119mm of travel and a rear shock with 116mm of travel. 

In addition, BMW also threw in the Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) (electronic suspension) as standard. 

Braking is done with twin 320mm steel disc mated to a 4-pot callipers up front and single 220mm steel disc with aluminium single-piston floating callipers at the rear. 

That said, ABS Pro comes as standard including Brake Slide Assist that allow riders to slide the M 1000 R into the turns. 

Meanwhile, information is delivered to the rider via a 6.4-inch TFT instrument display with customizable display options. 

Should you think the M 1000 R need more juice, BMW is offering the M Competition Package which includes the M GPS Laptrigger suite, carbon wheels, front and rear fenders, tank covers and a carbon chain guard. 

Honda’s flagship naked motorcycle, the CB1000R, is finally getting a worthy power hike and revised bodywork for 2023. 

  • The next-generation CB1000R will feature a more powerful engine. 
  • The CB1000R is will feature aero winglets similar to its rival.

Although Honda remained relatively quiet on the future of the CB1000R, the latest patent suggests that development is currently underway. 

The patent design, as revealed by Moto.it showcased an outline design of the upcoming CB1000R. 

 

From what we could gather, the CB1000R will feature aerodynamic winglets, following the trend of another high-performance naked motorcycle in its segment, like the Ducati Streetfighter V4.

*Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade

The winglet is placed behind the front fork and just above the radiator. 

Just like its rival, the aero winglet will not only serve as an aesthetic feature but also indicate that the CB1000R will get a significant power hike thanks to the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade engine.

The 2018 CB1000R makes 143hp and is lacking behind Ducati’s Streetfighter V4, which pumps out 200hp. 

*Ducati Streetfighter V4

However, with the new CBR1000RR-R engine, the next CB1000R could finally hit the 200hp benchmark similar to the Kawasaki Z H2 and the Streetfighter V4. 

As for when the new CB1000R could make its debut, only Honda has the definitive answer, but we expect the Japanese marquee to make a surprise unveiling at the EICMA show in November. 

Fantic debuted an all-new XEF Rally Replica, marking the Italian company’s first attempt towards the race replica market. 

  • Fantic XEF Rally is the company first foray into the race replica segment.
  • Features 30L fuel tank, 450cc single engine derived from Fantic’s Dakar Rally. 

Similar to KTM and GASGAS, the XEF Rally Replica is developed based on Fantic’s Dakar experience.

Powering the Fantic XEF Rally is a 450cc single-cylinder DOHC engine that sits in a double girder frame with an aluminium front and steel subframe.

 

As an enduro machine, the XEF Rally is fitted with a massive 30L fuel tank. Interestingly, the tank is separated into two, with the first providing shock protection while the other contributing to the bike’s ergonomics.

The XEF Rally is suspended by fully adjustable KYB 48mm front forks and fully adjustable KYB rear shocks. The suspension offers 310mm wheel travel at the front and 300mm at the rear. 

 

Meanwhile, Fantic also fitted the XEF Rally with a 7-inch shock, dust and waterproof RallyScreen that can be accessed via a touchscreen and controls on the handlebar.

In addition, the RallyScreen is easily removable, allowing riders to program the information on the screen remotely.

 

Braking is done via a single Moto-Master brake calliper mated to a 300mm front disc and a single 245mm disc at the rear. 

Coming in at just 140kg of kerb weight and a seat height of 955mm puts the XEF Rally just 2kg heavier than KTM’s 450 Rally Replica.

That said, Fantic will also release a limited number (50 units) of XEF Rally’ Launch Edition’ that features unique components, including CNC billet wheel hubs and full titanium Arrow exhaust that shaved 1.5kg off the overall weight. 

The Fanctic XEF Rally will be available from the end of November 2022. 

Vespa Malaysia is proud to bring you the limited edition Vespa in collaboration with Canadian superstar, Justin Bieber. 

  • Singer adds his unique touch to things via all-white aesthetics and drawn on flames.
  • Each purchase includes a matching helmet, bag, and a pair of gloves.

Bieber adds his unique touch to the Vespa Sprint 150 that features an all-white aesthetics.

According to Vespa Malaysia, the exclusive Justin Bieber x Vespa is complemented by a wide range of accessories including a bag, pair of glove and an all-white helmet that features Bieber’s unique flames.

It’s widely known that Canadian superstar Justin Bieber is huge fan of motorcycles in general. However, there’s much to be said about his recent collaborative endeavour with Vespa.

Besides it’s ‘monochrome’ all-white aesthetics (including the seat saddle, grips and wheels), what really sets the Justin Bieber x Vespa special apart are the drawn-on flames. “Ultimately the goal in creating and designing is always to put your own unique spin on things”, said Bieber about it.

“I love Vespa, and to partner with such a classic brand is so cool. Being able to express myself, whether it’s through art, music, visuals, or aesthetics, being able to create something from nothing – it’s a part of me,” added the superstar further about his collaborative effort with the Italian scooter marque.

Apart from the design, much of the recently revised Sprint model that this special underpins remains unchanged. Highlights include a multi-function digital TFT full-colour dash display with connectivity features, as well as full-LED lighting amongst the highlights.

That said, the limited edition Justin Bieber x Vespa is priced at RM28,000 and inclusive of Vespa flyscreen and a white top box with backrest. 

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