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BMW Motorrad unveiled the M 1000 RR during the chaotic year of 2020.

  • The M 1000 R nameplate appears in recent vehicle certification filed in Switzerland and Germany.
  • The M 1000 R is scheduled to arrive in 2023 and could make an appearance soon. 

Although the coronavirus pandemic hit the world in 2020, BMW bravely went ahead by introducing the M 1000 RR sports bike. 

At the time, we knew that BMW wouldn’t stop at M 1000 RR, as the House of Munich also trademarked the name with “M 1000 XR” and “M 1300 GS”, signifying the arrival of two flagship motorcycles. 

However, to our surprise, the firm’s hyper-naked motorcycle, the S 1000 R, will also receive the “M” treatment for 2023.

*BMW S 1000 R

That is the case according to the latest vehicle certification documents in Switzerland and Germany, as reported by Motorcycle.com.

The document showcased the M 1000 R pumping 206.5hp @ 13,750rpm and 112Nm @ 11,000rpm, a significant bump from the base S 1000 R that makes 165hp @ 11,000rpm. 

This suggests that the M 1000 R will get the same tuning package as the firm’s S 1000 RR instead of the street-friendly S 1000 R. 

*BMW S 1000 R

According to reports, the M 1000 R will also get a new exhaust system while adopting the ShiftCam timing system.

Considering that BMW Motorrad will not be present at this year’s EICMA show in Milan, the motorcycle could appear one month earlier at Intermot in October. 

(Source: Motorcycle.com)

The Aprilia RS250 is probably the best street-legal 250cc two-stroke motorcycle coming out of the Noale factory from 1994 to 2004.

  • The Aprilia RS250 could make a comeback soon
  • New patent application suggest a new 250cc parallel-twin 4-stroke engine in the works. 

While the idea of reproducing the two-stroke motorcycle is tempting but we can’t ignore the fact that the engine is obsolete while it also goes against the global emission standard. 

However, the RS250 nameplate could still make a comeback with an entirely new quarter-litre platform, according to a new design registration filed in China by Aprilia’s Chinese counterpart, Zongshen-Piaggio. 

The new powertrain – published by CycleWorld – showcased a DOCH parallel-twin engine.

Not only that, the CAD renderings also shows a central-cam drive setup (between the cylinder) instead of on the side similar to Honda’s VFR400R and Yamaha’s YZR-M1 MotoGP race bike.

While it may seem unusual, but it could be a significant indicator that Aprilia is pursuing a compact cylinder head which helps to reduced the flex to the camshaft and crankshaft.

Also, it could also suggest that Aprilia is squeezing for a higher rev range. 

Currently, Aprilia already has the Zonghsen-built GPR250R that is sold in Asia which runs on a single-cylinder engine. 

*2020 Aprilia RS250 SP

The same bike was used as the basis of the track-only Aprilia RS250 SP that was introduced in the US in 2020. 

That said, the upcoming 250cc two-cylinder 4-stroke machine could use the GPR250RR nameplate in Asia whereas Aprilia likely to revive the RS250 name in Europe and the US. 

More good news is coming to India as Japanese manufacturer, Kawasaki plans to introduced the W175 in the country.

  • Kawasaki W175 is headed to India to compete with the small capacity market.
  • Features 175cc single-cylinder engine that makes 13hp and 13.2Nm. 

Due to the huge demand of small capacity motorcycle in India, several bike makers is registering good numbers in the country.

Bajaj Pulsar range is a hit in India followed by Yamaha and Honda. 

Understanding the demand, Kawasaki now wants a piece of that pie with the Kawasaki W175.

Mechanically, the W175 makes 13hp and 13.2Nm from its 177cc single-cylinder engine. Although the engine capacity is 12cc bigger than Yamaha’s FZ X, the W175 is four kilograms lighter.

However, the retro bodywork, inspired by the bigger W800, makes the W175 more appealing especially for younger riders.

The W175 is also a popular bike in South East Asia, but sadly it is not available in Malaysia unless the new Kawasaki distributor in the country plans to do something about it.

Japan will host the first of four MotoGP flyaway races at the Twin Ring Motegi from 23rd-25th September.

  • Japan to host the MotoGP since 2019.
  • Typhoon Nanmadol is expected to hit southernmost part of Japan. 

However, the race could be cancelled just days before the event as the country is bracing for the impact of Typhoon Nanmadol. 

Although the typhoon is due to sweep through Kyushu – the southernmost part of Japan – which far from Motegi but weather forecast suggest it could still affect the country logistics.

Currently, more than four million people have already been evacuated, signalling the level of damages it could do to the area.

Also, Japan has already cancelled the Shinkansen bullet train services.

Nevertheless, Dorna and IRTA is keeping a close eye at the ongoing situation in Japan and any decision will be likely be taken before departures take place.

Ensuring the KTM 890 Adventure R remains to be the most capable motorcycle, the house of Mattighofen has introduced a host of technical and electronic updates for 2023.

  • 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R now features serious off-road capabilities.
  • Latest upgrade include fully-adjustable suspension and revised bodywork. 

Coming in new for 2023, the KTM 890 Adventure R now gets the fully-adjustable WP XPLOR forks and WP XPLOR PDS rear shock inspired by the firm’s Dakar Rally beast, the KTM 450 Rally. 

Thanks to redesigned bodywork, the KTM 890 Adventure R features new fairing, revised fuel tank and cowling to boost the bike’s aerodynamic and ergonomics.

In addition, KTM also fitted the 890 Adventure R with a shorter windshield, higher front fender and engine protector. 

Electronically, the middleweight dual-purpose motorcycle now features a new 5-inch TFT instrument cluster that include turn-by-turn navigation and coloured pictograms.

Also new on the 2023 model is a new Offroad ABS setting and the optional Rally Mode.

According to KTM, owners can also have a taste of Demo Mode, which allows riders to experienced all the specs and options for the frist 1,500km before deciding which pack to acquire.

Nevertheless, the KTM 890 Adventure R continue to pumps out 105hp @ 8,000rpm and 100Nm @ 6,500rpm from its 889cc parallel-twin, 4-stroke 8-valve powertrain. 

It was a disastrous comeback for the 8-time world champion, Marc Marquez, as the rider was involved in two separate incidents which saw Fabio Quartararo and Takaaki Nakagami ousted in the early stage of the race in Aragon.

  • Bastianini claimed his third win of the season after overcoming Bagnaia. 
  • Quartararo ousted in the early stage after colliding with Marc Marquez.

Marquez started the race with brilliant speed as the Honda rider moved up from 13th to sixth, coming out of Turn 1.

However, chaos ensues on the exit of Turn 4 with Quartararo riding straight into Marquez’s RC213V, and due to the intense collision, the reigning world champion crashes out.

Due to the substantial damage to the rear of Marquez’s RC213V, the Spaniard unintentionally ran into Takaaki Nakagami’s side, leading to a hair-raising incident for the LCR Honda rider. 

Thankfully, Nakagami escaped from being hit by other riders.

Meanwhile, Gresini Racing Ducati, Enea Bastianini finally got the better of factory Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia to take his third win of the season.

Bastianini overtook Bagnaia in the final lap, something he failed to do in Misano just two weeks ago.

However, unlike Misano, Bastianini has better braking speed coming out of the corner and easily claimed his win in Aragon. 

Nevertheless, Bagnaia should feel happy with his result as the Italian is now just 10 points behind Quartararo with five rounds to go. 

On the other, Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro also made a brilliant move on KTM’s Brand Binder to claim third despite remaining behind the South African during the majority of the race. 

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