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

Kymco Downtown Updated With New Tech And Comfort Features

Scooters have become increasingly popular thanks to their low weight, accessibility, affordability and even practicality. While Vespas, Lambrettas, and other classic scooters capture the attention of diehard enthusiasts, utilitarian scooters continue to have their own niche among commuters.

Kymco has long been one at the forefront of fun, practical and even desirable scooters, and for the 2024 model-year, it has refreshed its popular Downtown series.

The Downtown scooter will be offered in two flavors for 2024 – 125 and 350. While the 125 will appeal for those looking for something accessible, the 350 will appeal to those who want more power, as well as those looking for a practical all-rounder with some highway capability.

Among the upgrades to the 2024 model-year include an overall sportier design thanks to more angular bodywork. The styling is distinctly modern, featuring sporty elements combined with touring-inspired styling such as a tall windscreen, two-up saddle, and built-in passenger grab handles. According to Kymco, the seats have been improved, prioritizing comfort for longer hours on the saddle.

Styling aside, the new Kymco Downtown series of scooters has also receive technological updates. For starters, both versions come standard with a large, full-color TFT display, as well as a keyless ignition system for quick and convenient stops and starts. Interestingly, Kymco has thrown in a new tire pressure monitoring system on the new models, too.

Exclusive to the Downtown 350, the addition of cruise control and traction control provide further convenience on long highway stints, as well as safety in all weather conditions. There’s also a new emergency braking warning system that triggers the hazard lights under heavy braking.

In terms of underpinnings, the updated Kymco Downtown series sports components that are strictly for road use. It gets a standard telescopic fork with 110 millimeters of travel, as well as a pair of rear shock absorbers with a similar 100 millimeters of rear wheel travel. The scooter rolls on a 14-inch and 13-inch front and rear wheel combo. Other performance data and specifications have yet to be released by Kymco, so be sure to stay tuned if scooters like the new Downtown pique your interest.

Benelli Tornado 500 & Naked Twin 500 Set For 2024!

Benelli put up quite a show at this year’s EICMA, unveiling a range of models for the 2024 lineup. Two noteworthy additions to their offerings are the Tornado 500 and the Tornado Naked Twin 500.

Tornado 500:

With its sleek design the Tornado 500 represents Benelli’s latest entry into the sports bike segment. Benelli says this agile and maneuverable motorcycle is crafted for all-around enjoyment, drawing on the technical foundation of the Tornado Naked Twin 500. Shared components include the frame and the proven 500cc engine, already a staple in the brand’s best-selling models.

Developed entirely by Benelli’s R&D and the Benelli Style Centre in Pesaro, Italy, the Tornado 500 inherits styling cues from its naked counterpart but evolves them for a distinct identity. The sculpted and dynamic fairing surfaces highlight the bike’s sporty character, featuring compact and contemporary shapes for a refined and modern aesthetic.

Powered by a 500cc parallel twin-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine, the Tornado 500 delivers a smooth yet responsive performance. With a maximum power output of 47.6 hp at 8500 rpm and peak torque of 46 Nm at 6000 rpm, this bike is designed for exhilarating rides. The updated engine complies with Euro 5+ standards.

Sharing the frame with its naked counterpart, the Tornado 500 boasts a traditional steel trellis frame, ensuring agility and responsiveness on the road and around corners. The suspension system includes a Marzocchi upside-down fork at the front and a swinging arm with a central adjustable monoshock at the rear. Brembo brakes, a 5-inch TFT color display, and modern features like Bluetooth connectivity and TPMS add to the overall appeal. The Tornado 500 is set to hit Benelli dealers in the first few months of 2024, with pricing and color options yet to be finalized.

Distinctive in design, the Naked Twin introduces a new headlight with a luminous signature formed by daytime running lights (DRL) that create a “T” shape when viewed from the front. This innovative feature separates the DRL from the central high and low beam modules, adding a unique touch to the bike’s appearance.

The 500cc twin-cylinder engine, updated to meet Euro 5+ regulations, undergoes design modifications for the Naked Twin. Changes to the clutch cover, transmission cover, exhaust system, and airbox optimize performance and comply with current regulations.

Supported by a tubular steel trellis frame, the Naked Twin emphasizes agility on the road with a compact design and a wheelbase of 1451 mm. The suspension system includes an upside-down fork at the front and a swinging arm with a central monoshock at the rear. Brembo brakes, 17″ aluminum alloy rims with ABS, and a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity enhance the bike’s safety and modern appeal.

Just like the Tornado 500, the Naked Twin is expected to arrive at Benelli dealers in the first half of 2024, with prices yet to be determined.

Tornado 500 Naked Twin:

Sharing its engine with the Tornado 500, the Naked Twin brings a fresh perspective to the “naked” concept, incorporating the same 500cc engine seen in popular models like the TRK 502 and the Leoncino 500.

PETRONAS Introduces Its First Racing Motor Oil For Bikers

During the recent Malaysian Grand Prix, PETRONAS unveiled its first ever racing motor oil for bikers – the PETRONAS Sprinta with UltraFlex™ technology.

Developed in Turin, Italy, this engine oil ensures optimal performance, offering a protected, versatile, and agile riding experience.

The PETRONAS Sprinta Racing 10W-50, a fully synthetic oil with an exclusive ester formulation and UltraFlex™ technology, caters to the diverse needs of high-performance superbikes, providing rapid defense and unparalleled agility.

PETRONAS says this innovation reflects its commitment to empowering riders with instant performance, defense, and care, allowing them to confidently pursue their ambitions.

Distributed at the PETRONAS Grand Prix and available in the open market from November 13, 2023, through PETRONAS Shop and official PETRONAS Shopee page, this product will reach authorized workshops and PETRONAS Stations across Malaysia in stages. The recommended retail price (RRP) is RM76 for West Malaysia and RM77 for East Malaysia.

Shark Aeron GP Has Active Spoiler That Automatically Adjusts To Airflow

There is little doubt that helmet tech has evolved over the years, but the main point of evolution has been the shell, padding and extraction features. But Shark has taken it to an entirely new level with the introduction of the Aeron GP during this year’s EICMA.

The new helmet transcends the conventional, positioning itself as a revolutionary leap in helmet technology rather than just another addition to Shark’s lineup. Its groundbreaking feature, an adaptive spoiler, is a game-changer in the industry, setting the stage for a paradigm shift in motorcycle racing gear aerodynamics.

Innovative Adaptive Spoiler Technology

At the core of the Aeron GP’s design is its adaptive spoiler technology, a feature that distinguishes it from conventional helmets. Unlike static spoilers, this helmet incorporates movable flaps on the spoiler that dynamically adjust based on the surrounding airflow.

Developed through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, this technology optimizes aerodynamic efficiency by stabilizing airflow around the helmet during straight paths and turns. It goes a step further by minimizing turbulence behind the rider’s head, contributing to a more streamlined and efficient racing experience.

Aesthetic Evolution and Compatibility

While retaining Shark’s racing aesthetic with a sharp front design, the Aeron GP introduces an updated, slightly rounder shell compared to its predecessor, the Race-R Pro GP. This modification, along with adjustments to vents and other components, aims to enhance aerodynamics without compromising the helmet’s distinctive look.

Stringent Safety Standards and Market Focus

The Aeron GP adheres to ECE 22.06 and FIM Homologation standards, and will initially target the European market. While no official launch date has been confirmed, anticipation is high, with Johann Zarco suggesting its potential popularity in the racing circuit.

Adaptive Spoiler Technology:

The adaptive spoiler with movable flaps is the helmet’s biggest achievement and showcases Shark’s approach to aerodynamic design, marking a significant industry first.

Real-time adjustment to airflow optimizes aerodynamics in various riding conditions, reducing drag, enhancing stability, and potentially improving rider performance and safety.

Aerodynamic Design:

The updated, slightly rounder shell design suggests a deliberate effort to improve aerodynamic efficiency and overall stability, contributing to a comfortable riding experience.

Revised vents indicate a focus on maintaining optimal airflow while minimizing drag, crucial for both rider comfort and peak performance.

The advanced aerodynamics and stability offered by the Aeron GP could potentially revolutionize professional racing, improving lap times and rider fatigue management.

Future Expectations:

Despite the absence of an official launch date, high anticipation surrounds the Aeron GP, and Shark expects a rapid adoption by professional racers, making it a prominent feature in upcoming races.

Shaping the Future of Motorcycle Safety

The Shark Aeron GP helmet not only signifies a significant advancement in aerodynamics and safety for high-speed motorcycle racing but also prompts considerations of cost, complexity, and potential impacts on comfort and noise levels. Its suitability will depend on the unique needs and preferences of individual riders, particularly professional racers.

More than a piece of protective gear, the Aeron GP stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation in motorcycle racing.

Honda E-Clutch: What Is It and How Does It Work?

One of the key talking points from Honda this year has been the E-Clutch technology. The tech is going to be available for a number of models and it is designed to make motorcycle easier and more accessible to more people. But what is it and how does it work?

The Honda E-Clutch seamlessly combines elements from quickshifters, manually-operated clutches, and Honda’s renowned Dual Clutch Transmission technology, resulting in a distinctive synthesis of these technologies.

Remarkably compact, the system weighs a mere 2 kilograms, and both the clutch and transmission hardware maintain the conventional motorcycle standard, showcasing its adaptability for potential future applications.

Operationally, the Honda E-Clutch is user-friendly, eliminating the necessity for the clutch lever when shifting gears. Riders can effortlessly engage ultra-fast, consistent gear changes by simply manipulating the shift pedal. The clutch lever is rendered redundant during starts or stops, as the system activates upon engine ignition, ensuring smooth management and preventing engine stalls—particularly advantageous for urban riding characterized by frequent stops and starts.

Beyond enhancing enjoyment and convenience, the Honda E-Clutch introduces unparalleled flexibility. Riders can opt to use the clutch lever conventionally at any time. If the lever is used, the system swiftly reactivates after a brief pause at a specific engine rpm or after a short duration at lower engine speeds. The system can be deactivated entirely for a particular ride using the switchgear on the left handlebar, signified by an ‘M’ on the instrument panel.

Moreover, the Honda E-Clutch lets riders to customize the ‘operation feel,’ determining the force required on the shift pedal for gear changes. Three settings—Hard, Medium, and Soft – are available independently for upshifting and downshifting. The technology also prompts the rider to downshift, signaled by an instrument panel symbol, when it detects the motorcycle in a high gear at a certain speed.

The Honda E-Clutch orchestrates clutch engagement and disengagement by analyzing parameters such as vehicle speed, throttle opening angle, engine rpm, shift pedal pressure, clutch motor reduction gear angle, engine countershaft speed, and gear position. An actuator unit with two motors inside the right-hand engine cover operates the clutch, simultaneously controlling the engine’s ignition timing and fuel injection, resulting in seamless, jolt-free shifting in diverse situations.

Positioned to elevate the riding experience worldwide, the Honda E-Clutch system underscores Honda’s commitment, 75 years since its establishment, to advancing its legacy of rider-centric innovation.

New Honda CBR500R Boasts Aggressive New Design And Updated Electronics

Honda’s CBR500R, introduced in 2013 alongside its siblings, the CB500F and CB500X, is undeniably popular among riders seeking a blend of performance, affordability, and practicality.

Catering to younger riders making the transition from smaller bikes, the CBR500R provides an decent sports bike experience while maintaining reasonable running costs, making it ideal for both daily commuting and weekend adventures.

Over the years, the CBR500R has undergone significant upgrades, solidifying its position in the ‘light middleweight’ category. In 2016, it received a sleeker design, LED lighting, and improved front suspension. The 20YM model featured an even more aggressive makeover, including enhancements to the engine for increased performance.

For the 2022 version, Honda elevated the CBR500R with a major suspension upgrade, incorporating high-quality Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, dual front discs, new lightweight wheels, and a redesigned swingarm. Now, for the 2024, the CBR500R evolves further with a sharper ‘RR-R’ style, engine updates, and advanced screen technology, making it even more appealing to riders.

The 2024 CBR500R boasts crisp new bodywork inspired by the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, featuring LED headlights for a more aggressive aesthetic. The addition of a 5-inch TFT screen, operated through user-friendly left-hand switchgear, brings smartphone connectivity with Honda RoadSync, enhancing the riding experience. The twin-cylinder engine, equipped with a slipper clutch, now includes Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) for improved acceleration.

Styling & Equipment

The CBR500R’s new bodywork, influenced by the racing DNA of the Fireblade, incorporates updated aerodynamics for enhanced steering and feedback. Dual LED headlights and a new taillight ensure optimal visibility, while the 5-inch TFT screen introduces on-screen turn-by-turn navigation and smartphone connectivity through Honda RoadSync.

Chassis

The lightweight and robust chassis remains unchanged, providing nimble responsiveness. Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, dual radial-mount four-piston brake calipers, and a well-balanced frame contribute to a sporty yet comfortable riding experience. The graphics update aligns the CBR500R with the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and the new CBR600RR.

Engine

The lively 471cc twin-cylinder engine, now equipped with HSTC, delivers enjoyable power output with improved low-rpm acceleration. New PGM-FI settings optimize fuel injection for a more powerful acceleration feel, complemented by a distinctive exhaust howl. The engine’s design focuses on efficiency, with a silent cam chain and reduced friction elements for enhanced performance.

The 2024 CBR500R represents the evolution of Honda’s ‘pocket rocket,’ combining style, technology, and performance for riders seeking an exciting yet practical motorcycle experience.