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

Gallery: Ducati Celebrates Victorious 2023 With Road Legal Race Replicas

Ducati is celebrating its exceptional performance in 2023 by launching a series of five collector’s limited edition Panigales. These motorcycles pay homage to the triumphs of riders Bagnaia, Bautista, Bulega, Martin, and Bezecchi in MotoGP, WorldSBK, and WorldSSP.

The lineup comprises four Panigale V4 models and one Panigale V2, all produced in a limited and numbered series, with each rider’s authentic signature adorning the tank, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. In addition to the customary features of collector-worthy limited editions, Ducati is including the technical equipment for each model, along with a wooden shipping crate.

These exclusive bikes were unveiled at the “Campioni in Festa” event, where Ducati celebrated its remarkable season and introduced the limited-edition motorcycles. Each model boasts the rider’s original autograph on the tank, protected by a layer of transparent varnish.

Among the Panigale V4s, three have been transformed into tributes honoring the Desmosedici GP bikes of Francesco Bagnaia (63), Jorge Martin (89), and Marco Bezzecchi (72) in MotoGP. These models commemorate Ducati’s consecutive victories at MotoGP in 2022 and 2023. Another Panigale V4R is dedicated to Alvaro Bautista’s (19) WSBK triumphs, marking Ducati’s two consecutive years at the top of WSBK. Lastly, a Panigale V2 pays homage to Nicolò Bulega’s (11) WorldSSP race bike, celebrating the team’s world title win in 2023.

The Panigale V4s receive notable upgrades, featuring a nine-disc STM-EVO SBK dry clutch, an Akrapovič homologated silencer (2kg lighter than the standard), new Brembo braking system, Rizoma billet aluminum adjustable footpegs, and race-grade plexiglass.

The special edition Bulega Panigale V2 is equipped with Öhlins suspension, Akrapovič racing silencers (reducing the bike’s weight by 5kg), adjustable Rizoma billet aluminum footpegs, and various carbon fiber components, including front and rear mudguards, chain guard, clutch cover guard, swingarm guard, and shock absorber guard. Additionally, the Panigale V2 dedicated to Bulega offers further customization with a number plate and mirror removal kit, along with a billet aluminum racing tank cap.

For those interested in acquiring these limited editions, the pricing is as follows:

– Panigale V2 Bulega 2023 World Championship Replica: $43,000 USD or RM210,000 (Limited to 111 units)
– Panigale V4 Bezzecchi 2023 Racing Replica: $63,000 USD – RM295,000 (Limited to 72 units)
– Panigale V4 Martin 2023 Racing Replica: $68,000 USD – RM318,000 (Limited to 189 units)
– Panigale Bautista 2023 World Champion Replica: $68,000 USD – RM318,000 (Limited to 219 units)
– Panigale V4 Bagnaia 2023 World Champion Replica: $73,000 USD – RM342,000 (Limited to 263 units)

Delivery of these 2023 Panigale Race Replicas is scheduled to commence in July 2024.

Yamaha Uses Intake Amplifiers To Make The 2024 MT-09 Sound Amazing!

Yamaha has implemented measures to optimize the auditory experience for riders on their new MT-09 naked models.

In adherence to Euro 5 regulations, which closely monitor and restrict noise emissions, the design of exhausts, intakes, and engine covers has been influenced to dampen undesirable (and desirable) sounds.

While the commitment to environmental responsibility is evident, the importance of the engine’s sound as a source of riding pleasure has always been part of the joy of riding, especially when dealing with a distinctive motor like the 890cc CP3 engine featured in Yamaha’s 2024 MT-09 naked range.

Recognizing that intake noise often holds equal allure to exhaust sound, Yamaha has introduced a patent-applied intake amplifier.

This innovative device directs the intake sound specifically towards the rider without escalating overall noise levels on the MT-09.

In reference to the 2024 model, Yamaha recently stated, “Following the Jin-Ki Kanno philosophy to stimulate the rider’s senses and make them feel at one with the bike, sound was an important consideration in the latest EU5+ CP3 engine”.

The new MT-09’s sound experience is enhanced by a modified airbox with two redesigned air-intake ducts, accentuating high-frequency sounds while maintaining a smooth throttle response.

To further emphasize this sound, especially at higher speeds and revs, Yamaha has introduced a novel acoustic amplifier grille atop the bike. This component, subject to a patent application, serves as the key element in the system. Visually, it’s discreetly integrated into the bike’s design, with a plastic cover surrounding the fuel filler and extending to the ignition key, featuring two metal grilles resembling speaker covers.

Contrary to expectations, these grilles are not housing speakers. Instead, they represent visible exits for a complex passage that leads directly to an opening in the airbox’s top side. This design enables the noise from the intake to be channeled upward through the grilles toward the rider without increasing the overall volume.

A critical aspect of this design involves preventing water from reaching the airbox through the grilles. Yamaha achieves this by extending a thin section of the fuel tank forward, in front of the fuel filler, creating a barrier between the grilles and the airbox intake.

This allows sound to travel forward and around this shielding section, reaching the grilles, while water entering through the grilles is directed forward over the tank and then downward through an opening at the front, avoiding contact with the airbox.

The thickness of the shielding is finely tuned to absorb certain frequencies, enhancing the overall quality of the noise emitted through the grilles. Yamaha’s attention to detail in the MT-09’s air intake amplifier underscores their commitment to providing riders with an enriched auditory experience while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.

Aveta Motorcycles Introduces New Initiative For Better Ownership Experience

Aveta Motorcycles Malaysia reached a significant milestone with the introduction of the Aveta Service Corner (ASC). The ASC, located within Aveta dealerships, is designed to ensure a hassle-free ownership experience for Aveta Motorcycle customers.

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Vespa and Aprilia Arrives in Melaka With New 3S Centre!

Didi Group, the official distributor of Vespa & Aprilia scooters in Malaysia, has announced the opening of a new Vespa & Aprilia Showroom in Klebang, Melaka.

The new showroom, designed as a dynamic concept store, features the complete range of iconic Vespa & Aprilia scooters. Additionally, it houses a comprehensive customer service center, establishing itself as the ultimate destination for Melaka based two-wheel enthusiasts.

For Didi Group, the inauguration of Zen Sports marks a significant moment and a new milestone, as it stands as the first Vespa & Aprilia scooter 3S Showroom in Melaka.

As the official 3S dealer of Didi Group in Melaka, Zen Sports embraces the new Piaggio showroom Corporate Identity. The showroom meticulously curates a diverse range of models tailored to meet the preferences and desires of Vespa and Aprilia scooter enthusiasts, particularly in Klebang and the surrounding areas.

For existing customers, Zen Sports (Ban Zen Motors Sdn Bhd), located at Lot 332, Klebang Besar, 75200 Klebang Besar, Melaka, offers comprehensive sales and after-sales services.

The showroom proudly displays all Vespa and Aprilia scooter models available nationwide. In addition to the Service Centre, the facility features a comfortable waiting lounge and various lifestyle amenities, providing customers with a more enriching ownership experience that aligns with the distinctive personality of the brands.

CFMoto Will Build Yamahas But Only For The Chinese Market

Yamaha’s European President has sought to clarify the recent collaborative venture between Yamaha and CFMoto, emphasizing that any motorcycles resulting from this partnership will be exclusively intended for the domestic Chinese market.

In September 2023, Yamaha had announced a strategic manufacturing joint venture with CFMoto in China. This announcement sparked speculation that some Yamaha models intended for the European market might be produced by CFMoto, given the latter’s existing collaboration with Austrian brand KTM. Notably, CFMoto is responsible for manufacturing KTM’s 790 Adventure and Duke parallel twins in China.

To dispel any misconceptions, Yamaha Japan issued a statement explicitly outlining that the collaboration was focused solely on industrial cooperation for manufacturing vehicles in China, catering specifically to the Chinese market.

Seeking additional clarification, Motorcycle News (MCN) engaged in a conversation with Yamaha Europe’s President, Eric de Seynes (above). According to Seynes, the joint venture with CFMoto is designed to support the immense Chinese market by producing specific Yamaha models.

Seynes addressed comparisons with CFMoto’s collaboration with KTM, highlighting the distinct nature of Yamaha’s partnership. He emphasized that the arrangement with CFMoto is not comparable to the level of integration observed in the CFMoto-KTM collaboration.

Seynes characterized the deal as opportunistic, driven by the desire to effectively serve the growing Chinese market. Furthermore, he underscored the differences in scale, organizational structure, and communication practices between CFMoto and Yamaha, asserting that the collaboration is not intended as a challenge to KTM’s position in the market.

In essence, Yamaha’s collaboration with CFMoto is portrayed as a strategic move tailored to address the unique demands of the Chinese market, with a clear distinction drawn between this partnership and CFMoto’s collaboration with KTM.

2024 Kawasaki ZX10-RR Winter Test Edition Is A Street-Legal Race Bike

The Kawasaki Ninja stands as an epitome of success within the supersport bike realm, with its name becoming synonymous with sportbikes for enthusiasts worldwide. Even today, the Ninja ZX-10RR continues to assert its dominance in the Superbike World Championship, maintaining its competitive edge.

In a nod to this triumph, Kawasaki has introduced an exclusive version of the Ninja ZX-10RR known as the Winter Test Edition. While previous superbikes have seen Winter Test Edition releases, the 2024 Ninja ZX-10RR Winter Test Edition takes exclusivity to a new level, with a mere 25 units slated for production. Crafted under the meticulous standards of the WSBK Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) technical department, each bike promises a unique blend of design and performance.

Owners of the 2024 Winter Test Edition are in for a treat, receiving a bike adorned in a livery reminiscent of the WSBK KRT Ninja Winter Test bike. The limited edition also boasts a numbered plate on the tank protector and features an Akrapovic exhaust system. As a cherry on top, purchasers will be granted a two-person VIP pass, allowing access to any 2024 WSBK round of their choice. This special pass grants entry to the paddock, VIP access to Kawasaki Racing Team hospitality and boxes, a guided tour of the KRT Box, and an opportunity to meet Team Green’s racers, Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani.

Beyond these exclusive perks, the ZX-10RR Winter Test Edition stands as a formidable machine on its own. Powering this beast is a 998cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, inline-four cylinder engine, delivering an impressive 214 horsepower and 119Nm of torque.

Equipped with advanced electronics, including a quick shifter, traction control, and cornering management, the bike ensures a thrilling and controlled ride. Additional features include an Ohlins steering damper for maximum control, built-in cruise control for road comfort, and a large, full-color TFT display providing essential ride statistics.

Undoubtedly, such a high-performance machine commands a premium, and the ZX-10RR Winter Test Edition is no exception, priced at 33,000 euros (approximately MYR167,000). With only 25 units available, including 10 reserved for the French market, the exclusivity of this model adds to its allure. The chances of Malaysians getting their hands on one is extremely low, especially with Kawasaki Malaysia focusing on fast moving models rather than ultra-exclusive models such as the ZX-10RR Winter Test Edition.