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Nigeria’s government is considering imposing a ban on the sale and use of motorcycles across the nation.

  • The ban is part of an effort to hamper terrorist group movement in the country.
  • Motorcycles is the primary mode of transportation for bandits in Nigeria. 

In an unusual development, the government’s ban on motorcycles is an effort to stop terror attacks.

According to Nigeria’s Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, motorcycles is currently the primary mode of transportation used by the terrorist group in the country. 

The banning would immediately hamper the group logistics.

“Placing a ban on the use of motorcycles and mining activities will cut the supply of logistics to the terrorists.

“This will be done in the national interest. We are Nigerians because Nigeria as a country exists and any issue that will translate into a threat to national security or the corporate existence of the country requires certain sacrifices,” he said.

According to reports, members of the terrorist group known as ‘bandits’ mainly use motorcycles to carry out their activities, including killings and kidnapping. 

Just last week, Governor Bello Mattawale of Zamfara State announced a curfew for motorcycles in the town of Gusau. 

He also directed his security personnel to shoot on sight anyone caught riding a motorcycle between 8 pm to 6 am. 

While the nationwide ban is still under consideration, it would certainly have huge implications, especially for the majority of its population that depends on two-wheelers as a mode of transportation to go on their daily lives.

Nigeria is currently the world’s sixth most populated country, with an annual motorcycle sales figure of more than 500,000. 

KTM could introduce the next generation KTM 200 Duke as the motorcycle was recently spotted testing in India. 

  • The next-gen KTM 200 Duke to feature revised bodywork.
  • Features a more prominent LCD display.  

The next-gen 200 Duke should retain the same 199.5cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that makes 25.4hp and 19.5Nm.

However, KTM could likely implement minor tweaks to the engine without necessarily changing the power output.

Looking at the spy shot, it is clear that the new 200 Duke features a more aggressive silhouette with the addition of a full-LED split headlight and a new bodywork. We also noticed slight changes done to the subframe.

While the front USD forks appear similar to the current model, the monoshock is now offset. Also, the brake disc appears bigger, with the rims sharing similarities with the new RC 390.

In addition, the test mule is also fitted with a larger fully-digital LCD instrument cluster.

No words on when we could expect the new KTM 200 Duke to make its global introduction, but the announcement will likely be made soon. 

It looks like Royal Enfield is set to introduced alloy wheels to its Continental 650 GT motorcycle after the test mule was spotted recently in India.

  • The new alloy rims appears to be same 18-inch size as the current motorcycle. 
  • Announcement to be made soon.

The alloy rims feature on the test mule sport a 7-spoke design and is likely to be same size as the 18” spoke wheels on the current Continental.

Also, this could mean that the Continental GT 650 will get tubeless tyres, as opposed to the current model.

That said, we expect that the 650 twin, the Interceptor 650 will also get the same update, which is likely to happen in the coming months.

Interestingly, the spy shot (which you can check out HERE) also revealed that the Continental GT 650 is fitted with a new round taillamp, replacing the rectangular unit found in the current model.

Looking at how RE not bother to cover the test mule with the usual camo paintjob, it is safe to assume the motorcycle compay will announced the minor upgrade soon. 

(source: autocar)

Francesco Bagnaia ties Casey Stoner’s record as the only Ducati rider to win three MotoGP races in a row after claiming his fifth win of the season at the Red Bull Ring.

The Italian led into turn one after passing Gresini’s Enea Bastianini who started at pole position.

Keen to make a factory Ducati 1-2, Jack Miller went in front of Bastianini at Turn 3.

Bastianini lost another spot to Pramac’s Jorge Martin before retiring with the team confirmed that the Italian suffered a deflating front tyre. 

Meanwhile, reigning champion, Fabio Quartararo begin to close in on Bagnaia, Miller and Martin. 

Martin made a mistake after running wide on lap 17 and allow Quartararo to pass. 

The Frenchman then produced the best overtaking of the season – at Turn 2(a)-Turn 2(b) –  to grab second placed ahead of Miller.

However, the late charge from the world champion was not enough as Bagnaia managed to hold off Quartararo by half a second.

Meanwhile, Quartararo continue to lead the championship with 200 points, 32 points ahead of Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro while race winner Bagnaia sits third with 156 points. 

MotoGP will be back in action in September at the iconic Misano circuit, the home of Ducati.

Race results:

  1. Francesco BAGNAIA
  2. Fabio QUARTARARO
  3. Jack MILLER
  4. Luca MARINI
  5. Johann ZARCO
  6. Aleix ESPARGARO
  7. Brad BINDER
  8. Alex RINS
  9. Marco BEZZECCHI
  10. Jorge MARTIN
  11. Fabio DI GIANNANTONIO
  12. Miguel OLIVEIRA
  13. Maverick VIÑALES
  14. Alex MARQUEZ
  15. Andrea DOVIZIOSO
  16. Pol ESPARGARO
  17. Stefan BRADL
  18. Raul FERNANDEZ
  19. Lorenzo SAVADORI
  20. Remy GARDNER

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has officially showcased the Japanese motorcycle company first electric motorcycle, the E01.

  • It features a 4.9kWh lithium-ion battery and electric motor setup with 10.8HP and 30.2NM.
  • Yamaha claims a maximum range of at least 100KM and ability to hit speeds of 100KM/H.

The electric two-wheeler made its global appearance in January 2022 and was confirmed to make its way to Malaysia after the country was among the few selected to test out the motorcycle.

That said, Yamaha has already tested the E01 in Europe and Japan.

Nevertheless, we were given the opportunity to take a closer look at the E01 at the recently concluded Yamaha GenBlue Carnival, in Pantai Teluk Batik, Perak.

Notably, the Yamaha E01 sports proportions and dimensions similar to that of the Yamaha NMax scooter. But instead of a 155cc VVA-equipped single-cylinder and CVT box setup, the E01 features a that, according to Yamaha, is capable of generating 8.1kW (10.8HP) @ 5,000RPM and 30.2NM @ 1,950RPM.

Furthermore, the Yamaha E01 also offers a decent level of daily practicality thanks to the presence of a sizeable 23-litre under-seat storage bin.

Critically, as an urban scooter, the Yamaha E01 promises a maximum travel range of up to 100KM at least plus whilst also reaching speeds of 105km/h too. 

As for charging, there are three options available:

  • Conventional charger (home) – 6 hours to full
  • Fast charger (distributor) – 1 hour to 80 percent
  • Portable charger – 13 hours to full

Pricing and availability of the Yamaha E01 is yet to be announce but it is understood that the new electric motorcycle will be priced similar to Yamaha’s XMax 250 scooter.

Taiwanese motorcycle manufacturer, SYM has launched the all-new MMBCU scooter in China.

  • SYM MMBCU scooter runs on a 150.8cc engine.
  • Features futuristic design and minimal body panels.

At a glance, the new 150cc scooter looks amazing, certainly with the front fascia that looks inspired by Kawasaki H2 range. 

The unconventional bodywork and a sharp side profile creates something that we have never seen before from a 150cc scooter. Also, the sporty single seat setup completes the look of the scooter.

Powering the MMBCU scooter is a 150.8cc 4-valve, liquid-cooled engine. Unfortunately, SYM yet to revealed the power output but we expect the power to be around 15hp.

The scooter is suspended by a telescopic for and monoshock suspension setup while the braking is regulated with dual-channel ABS mated to a single disc brake at the front and rear.

That said, the new scooter runs on 13-inch alloy wheels (front and back) and tips the scale at 136kg.

Other notable features include a fully digital LCD display, silent start, stop start function, USB charging port and 28L under-seat storage.

In addition, you also get a small storage at the front that can fit a 700ml water bottle. 

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