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

2023 Kawasaki H2R To Launch Soon

Kawasaki UK has officially opened their order books for the 2023 Kawasaki H2R, signalling the arrival of one of the most powerful production motorcycles from Team Green.

Kawasaki H2R is a track-only supercharged machine developed by Kawasaki next to the road-legal H2.
The H2R makes 326hp and claims a top speed of 380km/h.

While further detail remains scarce but with more than 300hp, the H2R represents what every manufacturer can do when given the utmost freedom.

Thanks to its supercharged four-cylinder engine that consumes 200 litres of air a second, Kawasaki claimed the H2R could hit a max speed of 380km/h.

Nevertheless, we expect the 2023 model year to receive minor upgrades, considering the track-only H2R was already ahead of its time during its introduction in 2015.

The H2R is 20kg lighter than the stock (and road legal) H2 and features slick tyres and a full titanium exhaust.

We expect the H2R to continue to feature top-notch track components, including Ohlins suspension, KYB shocks and Brembo brakes.

According to Kawasaki UK, interested parties can submit their order for the 2023 Kawasaki H2R with a recommended selling price of GBP50,000 (RM262k).

Chinese-Built Excelle 450 Rally Ready To Hit The Trail

Chinese motorcycle manufacturer Excelle is ready to make the jump in the adventure-capable motorcycle with the 450 Rally (ZF450LS).

Excelle 450 Rally is the company’s first attempt at a highly-specialized segment.
The 450 Rally makes 52.3hp and 44Nm.

The sister brand to Kolove paraded the Dakar-inspired motorcycle in a recent event in which they also revealed the upcoming 800RRR and 800R motorcycle.

Despite no official statement regarding the 450 Rally specifications, Excelle claimed that the 450 Rally makes 52.3hp @ 9,000rpm and 44Nm @ 7,000rpm.

According to reports, the 450 Rally features a dual-wing beam steel frame suspended by a 49mm KYB fork and damping-adjustable KYB shock.

In addition, Excelle will offer its customers two different suspension packages to suit their heights and needs.

Meanwhile, the Excelle 450 Rally features a 15L fuel tank, but customers can increase the range with an additional 16L under-seat fuel cell.

Weighing 154kg, the 450 Rally is heavier than KTM’s Rally Replica but is more affordable thanks to its USD6,100 (RM28.2k) price tag.

EPMB Gets Green Light To Assemble And Manufacture Electric Motorcycles In Malaysia

EP Manufacturing Bhd (EPMB) received approval from the government to assemble and manufacture electric motorcycles in its upcoming manufacturing plant in Glenmarie, Shah Alam.

EPMB plans to manufacture 50,000 electric two-wheelers per year.
EPMB will assemble and distribute the Blueshark-branded EVs in the country.

EPMB, in a statement, said that the firm had received approval from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to produce Blueshark-branded electric two-wheelers in the country.

That said, the approval will only apply retrospectively from July 25, 2022.

Nevertheless, EPMB plans to roll out around 50,000 units of Blueshark per year to meet regional demands.

“We expect to commence the construction of the manufacturing plant in early 2023 and target to complete it by Q3 2023.

“The manufacturing facility will not only be technologically-advanced but will also employ at least 80% of Malaysians in the workforce and train them via transfer of skills and technology,” said EPMB Executive Chairman Hamidon Abdullah.

Previously, EPMB has partnered with China-based Sharkgulf Technologies Group Ltd to assemble, manufacture and distribute Blueshark’s electric motorcycles in Malaysia and other neighbouring countries.

(Source: The Edge Markets)

Yamaha Tenere 700 To Get GYTR Treatment

Yamaha is working on a factory bolt-on rally-raiding kit for the Tenere 700 range as part of Yamaha Europe’s Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR) programme.

Yamaha Tenere 700 will soon receive GYTR’s specially-built riding aids.
The Tenere 700 is Yamaha’s most popular adventure-capable motorcycle.

For those who are unaware, GYTR is Yamaha’s racing division that offers authentic Yamaha performance-oriented components, including bodywork and electronic package for track and motocross riders.

Yamaha’s Leon Oosterhof disclosed the new project to MCN.

“It could be interesting. We are looking into if that could be an option,” he said.

Apparently, the all-new Tenere 700 World Raid played a significant role in spawning the idea of introducing GYTR’s parts for the Tenere 700.

“That bike had a lot of interest, so that was very motivational for us.

“Sometimes you make a concept and then show it and see how the market reacts and if there’s enough curiosity and interest. We are looking into whether that could be an option.

“In off-road, we are also active with the GYTR programme.

“So, in motocross, we are almost as active as we are in our R series. We have chassis parts and engine parts – both used by the factory teams. Products derived from those teams are then brought to customers,” Oosterhof added.

Here’s Your Chance To Ride With Francesco Bagnaia And Jack Miller To Putrajaya

In conjunction with the Malaysian MotoGP happening in October, Ducati Malaysia has a special treat for all Ducatisti in the country.

Meet and greet Ducati Lenovo Team riders at Ducati Showroom.
Take part in a special convoy with Bagnaia and Miller to Putrajaya.

Ducati Malaysia is organising a meet and greet session with Ducati Lenovo Team rider Francesco Bagnaia and Jack Miller on October 20 at Ducati Showroom, Petaling Jaya.

That’s not even the best bit yet, as you will also get the chance to ride with Bagnaia and Miller from the showroom to the Prime Minister’s office in Putrajaya.

The meet and greet session including the special convoy is strictly for Ducati owners only.

Fellow Ducatisti can join in the once-in-a-lifetime experience by scanning the QR code.

Bagnaia is currently just two points away from claiming his championship lead from Fabio Quartararo after securing a third place finished at Buriram Circuit on Sunday.

MotoGP is set to return to action at Philip Island on October 17 before making its way to Malaysia.

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25RR Breaks Cover In Indonesia

Launched in 2020, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R was an instant hit in neighbouring Asian countries.

Currently, the ZX-25R is only available in Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
The Ninja ZX-25R makes 51hp and 22.9Nm of torque.

Last year, the quarter-litre screamer got a new colourway in Indonesia, including Lime Green, Passion Red, Metallic Matte Graphene Steel Grey and Metallic Spark Black.

Unfortunately, all other specifications remain unchanged.

However, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R gets new equipment and electronic package for 2023, including a new RR trim, announced by Kawasaki Indonesia.

Priced at IDR129,900,000 (RM39k), the Ninja ZX-25RR features a new fully adjustable Showa SFF-BP 37mm front fork and adjustable horizontal back-link BFRC lite gas-charged shock.

Also new on the 2023 model year is a new TFT instrument cluster replacing the semi-digital meter on the previous model. Thanks to the new dash, riders can now connect the bike to their smartphone via the Kawasaki Rideology app.

In addition, Kawasaki also introduced a new exhaust system that now meets Euro 4 emission standards.

Other notable features include:

assist & slipper clutch
economical riding indicator
electronic throttle valve
KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter)
KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control)
power modes

Powering the 2023 Ninja ZX-25RR is an inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC mill displacing 249.8cc that produces 51hp @ 15,500rpm (with Ram Air) and 22.9Nm @ 14,500rpm.

Power goes through a 6-speed transmission with a claimed max speed of 197km/h.