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

Introducing The Dong, All-New Electric Scooter From Benelli

Understanding the demand for a zero-emission two-wheeler, Benelli revealed the Dong, an all-new electric scooter made primarily for the Asian markets.

Despite using the Benelli badge, the overall look of the motorcycle is screaming Qianjiang Motorcycle, the Chinese company responsible for taking over the brand in 2005.

Based on the shared images, the Dong stands out primarily due to its unique design, especially the rear section.

The rear-end is connected to the floorboard via a central shaft while the real wheel and hub-mounted motor are connected to the main body via a slim swingarm hence contributes to somewhat a floating effect.

Nevertheless, the scooter comes with a complete LED light setup (front and rear), including a digital LCD.

According to Benelli, the Dong is powered by a 1.2kW motor capable of reaching 45kmph with a claimed range of 60km.

What makes the Dong even cooler is that it also packs an artificial exhaust sound feature that helps to mimic a combustion engine sound.

The Benelli Dong is currently available in Indonesia for IDR 36,900,000 (RM10,500). Will the Dong make its way to our shores anytime soon?

All-New 2021 Honda X-ADV Now Available In Malaysia – RM67,799

Four months after Honda revealed the new generation 2021 X-ADV in Europe, the adventure scooter is now available in Malaysia at the price of RM67,799.

If you thought that the previous Honda X-ADV is impressive, wait until you feast your eyes on the 2021 Honda X-ADV.

Out of all the newly-launched models, the 2021 X-ADV receives the most updates from redesigned looks, increased firepower, and upgraded riding technologies.

In terms of design, the new X-ADV presents a more rugged appearance with modern up-to-date features like its dual LED daytime-running lights leading the way. A new front windscreen was also added for better weather protection as well as better storage capacity thanks to a bigger 22-litre under seat storage and a 1.2-litre glovebox compartment (with USB charging port).

Its 745cc parallel-twin DOHC engine now produces around 58hp at 6,750rpm and 69Nm torque at 4,750rpm (4hp & 1Nm more compared to the previous-gen). This was done thanks to a new throttle-by-wire system and engine tuning.

This resulted in a smoother and more powerful power delivery, which is also optimized further with reworked gear ratios via its Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and retuned Honda Selectable Torque Control settings. A 3kg weight reduction also helps greatly in this department.

Like the 2021 CB1000R, the 2021 X-ADV also features a new 5-inch TFT screen that is enhanced with Honda Smartphone Voice Control system. This allows the rider to control calls, navigation, and music via the handlebar controls and voice command (if you’re able to connect a Bluetooth helmet headset).

MotoGP: I Suffered Six Laps With Pain – Fabio Quartararo

Fabio Quartararo shed some light on his decision to throw in the towel despite leading the first half of the race at the Spanish GP.

The factory Yamaha rider led the race ahead of Ducati’s Jack Miller before slowing down and losing his grip in the front row.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for the 21-year-old Frenchman, who was brilliant at the early stage of the race, cruising his way ahead before succumbing to 13th place due to physical problems.

“I had a big issue with the arm. I suffered for six laps with pain, then I couldn’t do any more.

“I’m so sad for what happened because I was feeling really easy in front, I was P4, and I could overtake them.

“I was comfortable with the pace. We had an amazing pace this weekend and just had no more power in the arm,” he explained.

The arm-pump problem was not new for the rider, as Quartararo had to undergo surgery in 2019 when he was still with Petronas Sepang Racing Team.

“It was dangerous for me to ride for half a race, but I didn’t want to stop because I knew that maybe one or two points can be really important for the championship.

“I gave it all, and unfortunately, I had this issue,” said Quartararo.

SpanishGP: Jack Miller Led Ducati One-Two Win At Jerez

Jack Miller grab his first MotoGP win since 2016 Dutch GP after leading a Ducati one-two finish at Jerez.

This is only the Australian second race win in MotoGP since graduated into the premier class in 2015.

Despite having Fabio Quartararo in front of him during the first half of the race, Miller managed to take the lead as the Frenchman facing some issues.

Ducati’s teammate, Francesco Bagnaia, now leads the championship with 66pts after clinching his third podium of the season at 2nd place.

Franco Morbidelli completes the podium in 3rd place on his 2019 YZR-M1 while teammate and 7th time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi continues his poor form at 17th place.

Takaaki Nakagami was the fastest Honda rider in Jerez, equalling his career-best finished at 4th place despite still feeling the effects of his huge Portimao crash.

Meanwhile, what looks set to be Quartararo’s third successive win of the season took a wrong turn when the 21-year-old slid all the way down the pecking order before eventually finishing 13th.

Marc Marquez displayed a strong race in his second outing after finishing 9th, followed by Pol Espargaro in 10th.

Full result as follows:

MotoGP: Quartararo Takes Jerez Pole Position Ahead Of Morbidelli

Fabio Quartararo recorded his second pole position of the season after setting the fastest time in Jerez ahead of former teammate Franco Morbidelli.

The 21-year-old continued his quest for his third win of the season after dominating the last two race in Qatar and Portimao.

Now leading the championship with 61 points, Quartararo set the best lap of the weekend with 1 minute 36.755s improving his already impressive 1m 36.8s earlier in Q2.

It was an exciting battle for pole as Quartararo had to battle it out with Morbidelli, who advanced from Q1.

Ducati’s Jack Miller complete the front row after edging out teammate Francesco Bagnaia.

This is the Australian first front-row start of the season in an effort to grab his first podium after three rounds despite showing amazing speed during the pre-season test.

Takaaki Nakagami was the surprise package this weekend after clinching P5, making him the fastest Honda rider on the RC213V ahead of Marc Marquez and Alex Marquez, who will start at P13 and P14, respectively.

MotoGP: Rossi Plays Down VR46 Racer Seat, Priority Remains With Petronas

Valentino Rossi will have the chance to hang up his racing suit next season to take up the role of team principal for ARAMCO Racing Team VR46.

Rossi’s VR46 is confirmed to race in the 2022 MotoGP season after signing a 5-year agreement with Tanal Entertainment Sport & Media, the company of HRH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Abdullah Al-Saud.

Saudi Aramco was also announced as the team main sponsor starting from 2022 to 2026.

“It is a circle that closes. We started about ten years ago helping my brother, Migno, Morbidelli, who raced in CIV and arriving in MotoGP is a great satisfaction, a good thing for us and we have also done it for MotoGP and motorsport in general,” said Rossi.

Nevertheless, the 42-year-old rider plays down the possibility of him racing for his team.

“If I still want to race, I could keep a bike for myself, as I am the boss.

“In truth, this team doesn’t change much with my decision whether to continue or not because, as I’ve always said, it will depend on the results and my priority remains with Petronas.

“So at the moment, I would say that it is very difficult for me to race for my own team, but it is not 100 per cent certain, things can change from one day to the next.

“It’s difficult but not impossible,” he added.

Despite the confirmation to race in the premier class next season, one major aspect is still unclear, which bike will the VR46 jump on in 2022.

“We have talked to everyone, Aprilia, Ducati, Yamaha dan Suzuki but I don’t think the decision has been made,” he said.

Bikesrepublic

Latest News

Introducing The Dong, All-New Electric Scooter From Benelli

All-New 2021 Honda X-ADV Now Available In Malaysia – RM67,799

MotoGP: I Suffered Six Laps With Pain – Fabio Quartararo

SpanishGP: Jack Miller Led Ducati One-Two Win At Jerez

MotoGP: Quartararo Takes Jerez Pole Position Ahead Of Morbidelli

MotoGP: Rossi Plays Down VR46 Racer Seat, Priority Remains With Petronas

Hulala Bike Fiesta Returns For 2024 – Enjoy Big Discounts!

Why MotoGP Bikes Don’t Use ABS?

Michelin Malaysia and KTM Asia Team Up for Rimba Raid 2024

Glossary of Motorcycle Terms – “E”

Parking 4x4s in the River, Need Guidelines for Recreation Sites – Advisor

ABS – What it Does and How it Works

KTM Parent Company Pierer Mobility will Axe 200 more Jobs

ABS Compulsory for Motorcycles 150cc and Above from 2025

Thai Motorcycle Market Shrinks in 1st Half of 2024

Somkiat Chantra to MotoGP in 2025

Archive

BMW Buys Suzuki’s MotoGP Data

2024 Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX Price (Unofficially) Revealed!

Evolution of the Ducati V-Twin Engine

New CFMoto 675 NK Prototype Spotted

Yamaha MT-09 First Yamaha to Receive Y-AMT Auto Transmission

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube

BikesRepublic