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

FIRST LOOK: 2023 KTM RC 8C

KTM released 200 more examples of the exclusive track-only KTM RC 8C adding to the 100 units introduced in 2021.

The RC 8C gets reworked engine which now produces 135hp.
Features carbon fiber, GRP and Kevlar bodywork similar to KTM’s RC16 MotoGP racebike.

While it may caused some discontent among those who purchased the previous released for USD38,999 (RM184k) the addition of 200 more units provide a second chance at owning a motorcycle that sold out in minutes.

At a glance, there isn’t much to set the 2023 RC 8C apart with the 2021 edition.

Aside from the black finish replacing the orang paint, the 2023 RC 8C continue to feature carbon fiber, GRP and Kevlar bodywork that mirrors the KTM RC16 MotoGP racebike.

Also carried from the original version is the handmade chromoly steel trellis-style frame built by Kramer Motorcycles.

However, the 2023 RC 8C gets reworked engine with LC8c 889cc twin powertrain now makes 135hp from the previous 128hp. This is achieved by equipping a new titanium intake and exhaust valves, titanium connecting rods, larger 48mm throttle body and an increased in compression ratio.

KTM also added new oil cooler and revised the crankcase-balancer shaft while also removing the upper balancer in the cylinder head.

In addition, thanks to a new titanium Akrapovic race exhaust, the 2023 KTM RC 8C tip the scale at just 142kg.

The 2023 RC 8C also gets a revised WP Apex Pro suspension with the firm claimed to improve rider confidence on the track.

Similar to the 2021 RC 8C, the new track bike also allows for a host of adjustment and fine-tuning on both the engine and handling.

That said, the new AiM MXS 1.2 Race dash allows access to the bike’s traction control settings, throttle mapping and engine-braking. The RC 8C triple-clamp offset can also be altered with both the bars and pegs can be adjusted.

Braking is done with a top-of-the-line Brembo Stylema 4-piston radial-mounted callipers regulated via a Brembo 19RCS Corsa Corta master cylinder.

Other notable features include forged alloy Dymags wheels with Pirelli Diablo SC1 slick and GP shift with quickshifter function.

According to KTM, the 2023 RC 8C will be on sale via the Austrian firm official website with a selling price of USD39,599 (RM187k).

More Powerful Yamaha R1 Underway?

Yamaha is set to celebrate the R1 legacy next year with the potent superbike reaching its 25-year anniversary.

The R1 is reaching its 25th birthday in 2023.
The 1000cc sportsbike could received major upgrade.

That said, rumours from Japan suggest the Iwata manufacturer is looking to roll out a significantly updated R1.

The R1 received its extensive overhaul in 2015 before Yamaha’s latest changes in 2019 seem to perform fairly well, with the superbike dominating the 2021 WorldSBK season.

While it may relatively outperform the Kawasaki ZX-10RR and Honda CBR1000RR-R, the R1 could be left behind after Ducati and BMW’s recent introduction of the new Panigale V4 R and M 1000 RR.

As both motorcycles make more than 200hp, the bi-crossplane 998cc 198hp might not be seen enough to go up against the Italian and German moniker at the WorldSBK.

That leaves Yamaha with a dilemma regarding how they should proceed with the R1.

However, a Japanese publication, Young-Machine, (yes, them again), reported that a heavily updated Yamaha R1 could be well underway.

Thanks to a new render by YM, the R1 might be getting a complete overhaul of bodywork and engine development.

Also, the R1 could get an all-new aerodynamic winglet and a higher peak power from its bi-crossplane engine.

Interestingly, YM also claimed that the next-gen R1 would feature a special edition retro white and red livery, complete with a 90s typeface.

Although the new development might seem too good to be true but knowing how accurate Young-Machine usually is, we might be seeing a new R1 soon enough.

Moreover, we are intrigued to find out how Yamaha plans to squeeze more power out of its inline-four-cylinder engine, which we think is already hitting its peak.

Energica Plans To Enter The Indian Market By 2024

Electric motorcycle manufacturer Energica Motors is set to enter the Indian market to expand its brand exposure whilst reaching for a bigger audience.

Energica to enter India by 2024 with a wide range of electric motorcycles.
Energica Motor will establish a partnership with an existing India-based motorcycle firm soon.

Although the Italian firm is still considered small compared to larger and established two-wheel companies, penetrating the Indian motorcycle market within the next two years is the most likely option to compete with more prominent players.

Considering India is the single most significant motorcycle market globally, seeking growth in the region makes sense for Energica.

That said, Energica Motor CEO Livia Cevolini admitted that it is essential for the company to seek the right partner and get the timing right.

According to reports, Cevolini already spoke to multiple potential Indian partners.

“We have a couple of very big manufacturers (from India) interested in working with us and we have also some other requirements for our own brands from importers.

“India is a very is huge it’s the biggest market so we want to be ready for that. We don’t want to rush and make mistakes, so we are taking our time to be sure that we are entering the market the right way and also have the right partners.

“You cannot go to a market like that (India) alone, if you are not from there.

“You need to have the right partner to be to have bigger shoulders and the good thing is that it seems that we like each other because we have many contacts in India and it is a really exciting partnership,” reveals Cevolini.

However, the biggest hurdle Energica needs to overcome is trying to sell high-performance and premium-priced electric motorcycle to a market that focuses on entry-level and smaller displacement two-wheelers.

MotoGP: Max Biaggi To Join RNF Aprilia In 2023, Shutdown Moto3 Team

MotoGP legend, Max Biaggi has decided to shutdown his Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max Racing Moto3 team after four years.

Max Biaggi is heavily linked with a move to RNF Aprilia MotoGP team for the 2023 season.
Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max Racing to exit Moto3 by the end of 2022.

The announcement came at the back of John McPhee and Ayumu Sasaki taking top two podium position at the Malaysian MotoGP on Sunday.

The four-time 250cc Grand Prix champion and two-time Superbike World Champion (WSBK) titleholder recalled the team achievement in the last years.

“A wonderful double, after a very difficult period, in which it was necessary to make painful decisions.

“We started the World Championship Moto3 four years ago and every year we got at least one win. In the debut year there were even three, like this year.

“We had the pleasure and honor to bring three different drivers back to victory and we brought a young driver to the first victory. All this fills me with pride and satisfaction. We started very far away and after a few years we set up a winning team, but now for me the time has come for new challenges.

“Valencia will represent the last race in Moto3 of the Max Racing Team. I want to thank Sterilgarda Alimenti, which has always supported me, Husqvarna Motorcycles, KTM and all those who in recent years have contributed to achieving these results,” he said.

In addition, the 51-year-old also hints looking forward to the next project in 2023.

Reports suggest that his next destination is to join Razlan Razali’s RNF Aprilia MotoGP outfit where he will assume the role of Technical Advisor.

MForce To Roll Out Three New Models From QJMotor In November

MForce Bike Holdings, the official distributor of QJMotor brand in Malaysia, is set to roll out three new motorcycles in November.

QJMotor SRK250RR, SRV250 and SRK250 to be available at authorized dealership beginning November 2022.
Alll model features the same 249cc two-cylinder engine.

In an official statement, MForce will introduce the QJMotor SRK250RR, SRV250 and SRK250.

Despite the differences in styling and riding ergonomics, all three quarter-litre motorcycles feature the same 249cc two-cylinder 8-valve DOHC engine.

However, all models offer different engine tuning to best suit their purposes.

As a result, the SRK250 is the most powerful among the three, with 31.5hp @ 11,000rpm and 21.2Nm @ 9,000rpm. Meanwhile, the cruiser-style SRV250 makes 27.5hp @ 9,000rpm and 23Nm @ 7,000rpm. The engine is also tuned for a fiercer engine grunt.

Next, the SRK250RR is intended for sportier riders, and as a result, the bike makes 25hp @ 8,500rpm and 24.1Nm @ 6,500rpm. The gear shift is also improved thanks to Assist/Slipper Clutch system.

Spec-wise, the SRV250 gets inverted telescopic forks and dual-shock absorbers to allow for better stability on the road.

As usual, all three motorcycles feature LED lights and a digital LCD instrument display.

According to MForce, the SRK250RR is priced higher than the rest at RM18,888, while the SRV250 and SRK250 are available for RM16,888.

MotoGP: Bagnaia Takes Malaysia GP Win After Intense Battle With Bastianini

Francesco Bagnaia took another step closer to hist maiden MotoGP world championship title after winning the Malaysian GP at Sepang International Circuit.

Bagnaia and Quartararo to take the championship battle to Valencia.
Bagnaia recorded his seventh win of the season.

Despite starting from the middle of the grid, the Ducati rider made a brilliant start to place himself just behind race leader, Jorge Martin at Turn 2 while Quartararo was up from 12th to fifth.

Martin made the early effort to widen the gap from Bagnaia but his effort were in vain as the Spaniard crashed out on lap seven.

While the disaster may be a gift for Bagnaia, the Italian got into an intense battle with Gresini’s Enea Bastianini who remained close behind the championship leader.

Bastianini made the move on lap 11 when he pounced under braking at Turn 3.

However, Bagnaia managed to find an extra speed to overtook his soon to be teammate at Turn 15 and maintained his lead until the chequered flag.

Meanwhile, Fabio Quartararo managed to hold on 3rd spot to keep the championship fight alive ahead of Valencia.

Although there were some pressure from the emerging Marco Bezzecchi, the Frenchman managed to widen the gap at lap 15 to secured the much-needed podium.

Bagnaia continue to lead the championship with 258 points after claiming his seven win of the season while Quartararo is close behind with 235pts.

Both riders will take the fight to Valencia in November.

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Latest News

FIRST LOOK: 2023 KTM RC 8C

KTM released 200 more examples of the exclusive track-only KTM RC 8C adding to the 100 units introduced in 2021.

More Powerful Yamaha R1 Underway?

Yamaha is set to celebrate the R1 legacy next year with the potent superbike reaching its 25-year anniversary.

Energica Plans To Enter The Indian Market By 2024

Electric motorcycle manufacturer Energica Motors is set to enter the Indian market to expand its brand exposure whilst reaching for a bigger audience.

MotoGP: Max Biaggi To Join RNF Aprilia In 2023, Shutdown Moto3 Team

MotoGP legend, Max Biaggi has decided to shutdown his Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max Racing Moto3 team after four years.

MForce To Roll Out Three New Models From QJMotor In November

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MotoGP: Bagnaia Takes Malaysia GP Win After Intense Battle With Bastianini

Francesco Bagnaia took another step closer to hist maiden MotoGP world championship title after winning the Malaysian GP at Sepang International Circuit.

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