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We knew that a bigger version of Kawasaki’s ZX-25R is on its way and it will be called the ZX-4R.

  • Kawasaki Indonesia to launch a new motorcycle on October 1, 2022.
  • The motorcycle is likely the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R. 

We also knew that Kawasaki has filed a trademark application of the ZX-4R in various countries including in North America and Asia, signalling the arrival of the new motorcycle.

What we don’t know is that Kawasaki plans to introduced the ZX-4R much sooner than we predicted.

According to a new teaser video posted on Kawasaki’s Indonesia social media account, there is a new Ninja ZX on its way this October. 

To be fair, the 30 second video provides little hints aside from revealing the ZX nameplate.

So far, Kawasaki already updated its current ZX range, including the ZX-25R, ZX-6R and ZX-10R. 

That said, the new product launch is likely to be the upcoming Ninja ZX-4R inline-four motorcycle. 

If the reports are true, then we have something to be excited about for 2023. 

In conjuction with Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) achievement of producing five million motorcycles since 1979, the company celebrates the new milestone by introducing a special edition Yamaha 135LC Fi 5MRO Malaysian Edition.

  • HLYM rolls out 5 million motorcycles since 1979.
  • Limited edition Yamaha 135LC Fi 5MRO Malaysia Edition is priced at RM9,198. 

The limited run motorcycle features the Malaysian flag colourway while also fitted with special components including Yamaha Premium Basket similar to the one found on the 135LC Fi SE. 

According to HLYM, only 5,000 units of the limited edition motorcycle will be on sale beginning mid-October 2022. 

All units will come with a unique serial number from 5,000,001 to 5,005,000 and is priced at RM9,198 (excluding registration and insurance).

Meanwhile, Group Managing Director of Hong Leong Industries Berhad and Managing Director of HLYM, Dato Dr Jim Khor Mun Wei pointed out that this was HLYM’s fastest million-milestone ever achieved. 

That said, it is a strong indicator that the Yamaha is still the most preferred brand in the country. 

Meanwhile, every purchase of the new Yamaha 135LC Fi 5MRO Malaysia Edition is entitled to received Yamaha disc lock and a special commemorative 5MRO Bomber Jacket. 

Triumph Motorcycles has announced its plans to compete in the FIM Motocross World Championship starting in 2024.

  • Triumph Motorcycles to compete at the 2024 MX2 and 2025 MXGP.
  • Triumph set to unveil an all-new 250cc 4-stroke MX racebikes and 450cc bikes soon. 

The British brand will feature in the prestigious race with a factory race programme under an all-new Triumph Racing banner.

Ensuring Triumph Racing Team is up an running smoothly, the brand has teamed up with experienced team owners, Thierry Chizat-Suzzoni.

Triumph will also field two all-new 250cc 4-stroke MX bikes in the MX2 class followed by an entry into the 450cc MXGP class in 2025.

“Our new partnership with Thierry demonstrates Triumph’s long-term commitment to competing at the highest levels of racing. 

“We share a passion for delivering world-class performance, and the experience Thierry and his team bring will prove invaluable in our ambition to make our mark on a very competitive championship. 

“Our entry into the FIM Motocross World Championship with a Factory supported Triumph Racing team signifies a landmark moment at the beginning of our new top-tier off-road racing campaign,” said Nick Bloor, CEO Triumph Motorcycles.

Meanwhile, Chizat-Suzzoni are also excited about the upcoming project in MX2 and MXGP.

“Triumph have made a major commitment to build an MX bike and go racing in the FIM World Motocross Championship. 

I am happy that my team is going to be the official Triumph Racing Team in MX2 and MXGP. Nick Bloor and the Triumph Board of Directors have made their long-term ambitions for the project very clear and I see a huge amount of passion from everyone at the Factory. 

“I am happy with progress on the bike, it looks great, has speed on the track and Vincent and my staff are working with the engineers at Hinckley on building it into a competitive package for entry into the MX2 Championship in 2024. 

“MXGP continues to grow around the world, I am very happy to be back and looking forward to going racing with Triumph,” he said. 

MForce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd recently launched the new MForce Smart Shop SH Bikers showroom in Sri Kembangan.

  • Brixton Cromwell 1200 is to be available in Malaysia soon.
  • Features 1200cc two-cylinder engine capable of producing 80hp and 110Nm. 

During the launch, MForce also previewed the all-new Brixton Cromwell 1200 from Brixton Motorcycles.

For those not in the loop, Brixton Motorcycles is a brand owned by Austrian-based KSR Group. However, the manufacturing plant is located in China to ensure the brand remains affordable for the global market.

Nevertheless, the Brixton Cromwell 1200 (codename GK1200) first appeared at the 2021 EICMA show in Milan. 

The Cromwell 1200 is equipped with a 1,222cc parallel-twin SOCH liquid-cooled engine capable of pushing around 83hp @ 6,500rpm and peak torque of 110Nm @ 3,000rpm.

The retro machine adopts the same basic design as the iconic Triumph Bonneville, with a circular headlight, flat seat, spoke wheels and two long chrome exhausts running parallel to the ground.

Mechanically, the Cromwell 1200 features KYB suspension, Nissin brakes, Bosch electronics including ABS, traction control and multiple riding modes. 

It also packs with full LED light setup and a TFT display.

The bike is also fitted with cruise control, making it suitable for a long trip. 

According to MForce, the bike is still in testing stages and is currently undergoing an endurance test to ensure it passes all the requirements before being put on sale in Malaysia.

The Brixton Cromwell 1200 is said to be available for around RM50k once it is officially launched in Malaysia. 

GIVI Rimba Raid returns for 2022, which saw Taman Negara, Kuala Tahan, as the chosen battleground for the world’s largest adventure motorcycle race. 

  • 2022 GIVI Rimba Raid witnessed the largest participation with 241 competitors.
  • Only 99 riders managed to complete the 158km trail. 
  • 60 motorcycles were stuck in the jungle by 8pm. 

Rimba Raid is the only platform that allows you to enjoy the big bore adventure bikes battling against one another in the most hardcore off-road condition. 

The 2019 GIVI Rimba Raid edition witnessed Malaysian racer Gabit Salleh claim victory in the Class A race, riding on board his KTM 1050 Adventure.

However, the 2022 edition saw a total domination by Thailand in three of the four categories up for grabs, including clocking the overall fastest time on the 158 kilometer trail, among the 223 competitors.

  • Class C – Enduro Rally (single-cylinder 250cc to 800cc enduro motorcycles) 

Malaysian rider Mohd Zulkarnain Tahir took home the winners medal after emerging as the first rider to arrive at the finished line in 3 hours, 4 minutes, and 37.312s on his KTM 300 EX/C. 

Mohd Zulkarnain had a 10-minute lead ahead of Thailand’s Chiapuek Sangaroon (KTM 350 EX/C-F). Singapore’s Kelvin Chia completes the podium with 3h 19m10.901s. 

  • Class C – DP Rally (single-cylinder 250cc to 800cc) adventure motorcycles)

Thailand’s Traiphop Boonthang shocked the crowd after he crossed the finish line in under 3 hours onboard his Honda CRF250 Rally ahead of fellow countrymen Manop Abdulkareee (3h 11m44.030s) and Canadian Dustin Richardson (3h 20m40.660s).

 

  • Class B (multi-cylinder 250cc to 999cc adventure motorcycles)

Class B category showcased a clean sweep by the Thais, with Saphon Somroop clocking the fastest time of just 2h 51m28.300s ahead of Suradet Taweelap and Charod Khumchat. 

 

Interestingly, all three riders’ weapon of choice is the Yamaha Tenere 700. Sadly, it’s not available in Malaysia. 

  • Class A – The Premier Class (1000cc and above adventure/dual-purpose motorcycles)

The Class A category is the cream of the crop as it puts riders and their chosen big-bore adventure bikes to the test.

Surprisingly, the Honda CRF1000L/CRF11000L Africa Twin has proven to be the most capable adventure as all the Top 3 finishers crossed the line with the said motorcycle. 

Thailand’s Theera Putta claimed the winners medal with 3h 8m47.710s ahead of Pisanu Chimma and Malaysian Alan Ng. 

Alan took home the third spot with his brand-new Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin. 

INTERESTING FACT

  • Only 99 out of 223 competing riders managed to complete the race. 
  • More than 60 motorcycles were stuck on the 158km trail by 8 pm.
  • 2022 GIVI Rimba Raid witnessed the largest participation ever since its inception in 2015.
  • 2022 Rimba Raid is the largest international participation in Malaysia, next to the Malaysian MotoGP.

 Meanwhile, Malaysian riders vowed to return with better results to salvage national pride, and we are already hyped up with the prospect of Malaysia vs Thailand and the world in the next edition of GIVI Rimba Raid.

Six-time MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez secured his first MotoGP pole since 2019 after clocking the fastest time in Q2 at The Japanese Grand Prix.

  • Marquez returns to pole position after three years at Motegi ahead of Johann Zarco and Brad Binder.
  • Quartararo will start at the third row of the grid in ninth place.

Marquez showcased spectacular form on Saturday despite a disastrous comeback last week at Aragon after he collided with Fabio Quartararo and Takaaki Nakagami.

The Repsol Honda rider managed to hold off late charges from Johann Zarco and Brad Binder to claim his first pole position this season. 

Marquez set impressive opening laps in tricky conditions before Fabio Quartararo, and Johann Zarco bettered his time. 

However, the Spaniard regained the top spot with another flying lap to get clear of Zarco and Brad Binder. 

Both Zarco and Binder tried to respond in the final minute but lost time compared to Marquez. 

Meanwhile, current title contender Aleix Espargaro finished sixth, while the current championship leader, Quartararo, could only secure the ninth spot. 

Nonetheless, it was a shocking Q2 for the on-form rider, Francesco Bagnaia, as he will start at P12.

 

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