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

Aprilia Reveals New Electric Future With Project Electrica

Aprilia is already working towards a new future after unveiling its first electric project, called Electrica.

Aprilia revealed the company’s first electric motorcycle at EICMA.
The Electrica is pioneered by the Piaggio Group, experienced in electric power.

While it took a while for Aprilia to materialise its first electric motorcycle, the Italian firm already has the upper hand in the game.

This is because Aprilia’s parent company, the Piaggio Group, began working with electric power almost 50 years ago and produced the world’s first hybrid scooter, the MP3 Hybrid, back in 2009.

“The Electrica project uses all the know-how made available from the Piaggio Group, which has been working on electric propulsion since 1975, having introduced a long line of vehicles [over the years] such as the MP3 Hybrid, the first hybrid scooter in the world,” said Aprilia in a statement.

Aprilia also has a clear objective for the Electric project, an electric motorcycle for the younger riders of the future.

That said, Electric will not only be a personal transport to get around while adhering to the global zero emission initiative but also fun to pilot.

“The Electrica project is a new concept – a lightweight, zero emissions bike with a fun and satisfying ride to provide maximum freedom and riding pleasure even for use in the cities of the future.

Therefore, the fun and freedom of riding will not be lacking, and they will always be the cardinal principle at the base of all vehicles built by Aprilia,” added Aprilia.

Although the Electrica offers something that we have never seen before out of the Noale factory, some aspect is associated with Aprilia, mainly the front bodywork around the triple clamp that is reminiscent of the Tuono and the RSV4-inspired tail.

Nevertheless, the Electrica is noticeably smaller to allow better accessibility. According to Aprilia, the Electrica will promote an easier transition from scooters to full-size motorcycles.

Meanwhile, other notable features of the Electric include an electronic riding assist and a digital LCD display.

Hakim Danish Crowned 2022 Asia Talent Cup Champion

Despite finishing second in Race 2 of round 6 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup at Mandalika Circuit, it was enough to deliver Hakim Danish his first ATC championship winning medal.

Hakim Danish is the 2022 Asia Talent Cup champion.
His tally of 187 points was enough to put him ahead of Japan’s Shinya Ezawa to claimed the 2022 title.

The 15-year-old Malaysian started the race as the championship leader, with six points ahead of Japan’s Shinya Ezawa.

Despite falling behind Ezawa during the early stage of Race 2, Danish aggressiveness saw him overtook the front row to lead the race ahead of home favourite, Veda Ega Pratama.

Both Danish and Pratama were neck and neck towards the final 10 laps which resulted the two riders opening a five second gap during the remaining 6 laps.

However, with 3 laps to go Danish seems content with his position and started to only continue his race pace without bringing the fight to Pratama.

As a result, Pratama claimed his back-to-back race in front of the home crowd with Danish improving his Race 1 result with 2nd place in Race 2, while Ezawa completed the podium at 3rd place.

Second place was enough for Danish to claimed his maiden ATC championship with 187 points, 10 points ahead of Ezawa while Pratama took third spot in the championship standing.

FIRST LOOK: 2023 BMW R 1250 RS

Just a couple of weeks ago, BMW Motorrad announced the update to its R 1250 R roadster, and similar upgrades are coming to the R 1250 RS, as expected.

The BMW R 1250 RS gets a similar upgrade to the R 1250 R roadster, including new LED turn indicators.
The R 1250 RS is now equipped with Dynamic Brake Control as standard.

Also similar to the roadster, the RS retains a similar design from last year’s model apart from the new colour scheme and LED turn indicators.

Nonetheless, the bodywork and chassis on the 2023 model remain the same.

There are no changes to its engine, with the R 1250 RS featuring the same air/liquid-cooled 1254cc boxer with ShiftCam technology that makes 136hp @ 7,750rpm and 142Nm @ 6,250rpm.

Electronically, the 2023 R 1250 RS is equipped with Dynamic Traction Control, ABS Pro and Dynamic Brake Control, that now comes as standard.

Other notable improvements for 2023 include a new ECO mode joining the already available Ride and Rain mode.

Meanwhile, the TFT instrument display offers a ‘Sport’ mode that features real-time data of the R 1250 RS that includes electronic interventions and lean angles.

As usual, a host of accessories are available for the R 1250 RS, including heated seats for riders, pillions, and heated grips.

2023 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber Special Edition First Look

Moto Guzzi is well known for delivering a unique Italian classic for the popular custom motorcycle segment especially with the V9 Bobber.

Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber Special Edition breaks cover at EICMA.
The V9 Bobber features the unique 90-degree transverse V-Twin engine.

Chunky tires, retro-style design really accentuate the V9 Bobber appearance.

For 2023, Moto Guzzi has added a Special Edition model to the V9 Bobber lineup that is distinguished by the motorcycle sporting history on dirt tracks.

The Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber Special Edition stands out with its stealthy and blacked-out design including a twin-tone black and grey color scheme that complements the teardrop fuel tank with billet aluminium cap.

Also adds to the Special Edition overall look is the fork gaiters, short front mudguard and finally bar-end mirrors.

According to the Italian marquee, the V9 Bobber Special Edition is a combination of elegance and sportiness yet it distinguished itself with a dynamic riding position that offers comfort thanks to its wide and spacious single-piece saddle.

Mechanically, the V9 Bobber runs on the same 90-degree transverse V-Twin with two-valves per-cylinder that makes a high-grunt 64hp and 62Nm @ 3,000rpm.

Thanks to its accessible seat height of just 785mm, the V9 Bobber can be ridden by most riders.

Bimota Supercharged Tera Tourer Inbound

Bimota’s new motorcycle introduction at EICMA 2022 comes in the form of the 2023 BX450, with the dirt bike borrows much of its design and specification from Kawasaki’s KX450.

Bimota’s upcoming tourer is powered by a supercharged four-cylinder motor from the Kawasaki H2 SX.
The Tera will feature a unique semi-active suspension developed with Marzocchi.

Alongside the BX450, the Italian maker also provides enlightenment on the upcoming supercharged tourer currently under development in Rimini.

While the bike is yet to be ready, Bimota already has an official name for the model, which will be called the Tera.

The Tera made its first appearance in the form of a design sketch at last year’s EICMA before later it was confirmed that the new supercharged tourer would be based on Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 SX.

According to Bimota COO, Pierluigi Marconi, motorcycle fans around the world should expect something exciting from the Tera.

“Never before have Bimota been present in this market segment. No one has this much fun and function in one package.

“The Tera is an attention grabber that will act like a halo for Bimota by attracting further consumer attention to our impressive vehicle lineup,” said Marconi.

We have yet to get the details but based on reports from reputable media, the Tera will feature an all-new steering system, including a new semi-active suspension developed in partnership with Italian specialist Marzocchi.

FIRST LOOK: Aprilia RS660 Extrema

While the rest of the motorcycle industry prepares a strong new lineup at EICMA, it wasn’t the case with Aprilia who brought just one new model to Milan.

The 2023 Aprilia RS660 Extrema pays homage to the Noale factory 125 Extrema.
Features carbon fiber components and new SC Project exhaust.

For 2023, Aprilia introduces the RS660 Extrema a lighter and better power-to-weight ratio than the base model. The name is taken from the firm’s 125 Extrema that was manufactured from 1992 to 1994.

The RS660 Extrema tips the scale at just 166 kilograms thanks to the number of carbon fiber component added including the belly pan and front fender. Given the 100hp it produces, the RS660 Extrema has an attractive power-to-weight ratio.

In addition, the RS660 Extrema is also fitted with a street-legal SC-Project exhaust system that helps to bring the bike’s weight further down.

In addition to the electronic package available on the RS660 including traction control, cornering ABS, engine brake, engine map and wheelie control the Extrema gets a new quickshifter software allowing riders to switch to GP-style upside-down shifting easily.