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

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.

GALLERY: APRILIA RS660 EXTREMA

Vespa Unveils The New GTV 300 At EICMA

Vespa has given its iconic scooter, the GTV, a significant makeover for 2023.

Features the Faro Basso headlight design similar to the Sei Giorni.
Equipped with the 300 HPE engine, Vespa’s most powerful powertrain to date.

The GTV has been making waves since 2006 and will continue to do so in the coming years with the new 2023 model year.

Although much of the profile is retained, the GTV clearly received an upgrade to meet modern standards.

The most significant upgrade is the engine which now features the single-cylinder 278cc 300 HPE fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine that makes 23.8hp on tap.

The GTV is also equipped with ASR electronic traction and ABS as standard.

Similar to other 300 HPE ranges, the GTV also features a fully-digital LCD instrument cluster that displays max speed, average speed, fuel consumption, range and battery charge status.

The instrumentation also incorporates the Vespa MIA connectivity system that allows riders to connect their smartphone to the motorcycle dash.

In terms of styling, the GTV have a lot in common with the Sei Giorni 300 but with an added splash of funky colours. That said, the GTV Faro Basso – low headlight design – accentuates the sportiness of the scooter.

Meanwhile, the GTV features a removable seat cowl cover that matches the colour of the body. When removed, the GTV can comfortably seat two people.

Other notable features include:

full LED headlight
keyless ignition
five-spoke alloy wheels

FIRST LOOK: MV Agusta 921 S Concept

For those who attended the EICMA show in Milan, you’ll noticed that MV Agusta did not participate in this year edition.

MV Agusta 921 S is an all-new motorcycle set to roll out in a few years time.
Inspired by the glorious MV Agusta 750 Sport of the 70s.

However, the Varese company did hold a press conference to encapsulate their production plans for 2023 which include the 921 S concept bike.

According to MV Agusta, the 921 S is an all-new motorcycle that departs from the rest of the Italian product range. That said, the motorcycle combines the Italian firm’s past footprint with modern technology.

Interestingly, the 1970 MV Agusta 750 Sport was the inspiration behind the 921 S Project therefore you can easily notice a glimpse of the past including the red, silver, white and blue colour combination and the exposed frame.

While the overall look is nothing short of moden and futuristic the minimalistic design bring forth a classic Italian steed.

The 921 S features a completely new open-cradle type frame with steel-tube-trellis design that incorporates billet-aluminium rear plate and a supporting subframe.

The frame houses an engine that is based on an earlier generation Brutale 1000 RR that has been significantly reworked to give it a traditional streetbike appeal. The 921cc engine makes a solid 115hp @ 10,000rpm and 118Nm of peak torque @ 7,000rpm.

In addition, the 921 S also has a longer wheelbase that spans 1465mm, that’s 50mm more than the Brutale 1000 RR.

Suspending the MV Agusta 921 S is a top-of-the-line Ohlins front and rear suspension with a 41mm NIX-cartridge design that offers a fully adjustable compression and rebound damping.

Meanwhile, the rear gets a fully adjustable TTX36 shock.

As usual, the MV Agusta 921 S gets premium components including twin Brembo Stylema four-pot callipers at the front and a two-piston Brembo at the rear with 320mm and 220mm rotors, respectively. The bike is also shod with 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear wheels.

Take a closer look at the front wheel you’ll noticed that the 921 S is equipped with a massive aluminium flange that helps to direct air intake to cool the rotor.

Unfortunately, there’s no telling when MV Agusta 921 S will actually makes it to the production stage and how much will it go for.

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Breaks Cover At EICMA

The waiting game has come to an end as Royal Enfield finally rolls out the Super Meteor 650 at the EICMA show in Milan.

Royal Enfield adds the Super Meteor 650 to its 650cc family.
The Super Meteor features an all-new frame and revised suspension setup.

The Super Meteor 650 is the third motorcycle to feature Royal Enfield’s 650cc parallel-twin engine after the Continental GT and Interceptor.

However, this is not simply an engine swap from the smaller Meteor 350 or a different aesthetic from the existing 650 Twin. Instead, the Super Meteor 650 gets a newly built frame, revised suspension geometry, redesigned fuel tank, new side panels and a new swingarm.

Also, the Super Meteor 650 is the first 650cc model from Royal Enfield to be equipped with full-LED lighting. In addition, the Super Meteor is also the first Royal Enfield to be fitted with upside-down forks.

Nonetheless, the motorcycle continues to offer conventional cruiser-style riding ergonomics similar to the 350.

Meanwhile, instrumentation comes from a digital-analogue display with tripper navigation.

According to Royal Enfield, the Super Meteor 650 will be available in two trims; Standard and Tourer, with the latter is fitted with a range of accessories, including saddlebags, a tall windscreen, an engine guard and a pillion backrest.