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

Moto Morini X-Cape Black Ebony Builds On The Strenghts of the X-Cape 650

Moto Morini has done quite well for itself after its brand reintroduction and the X-Cape 650 is probably its most popular model. It goes up against the likes of the Yamaha Tenere 700, Aprilia Tuareg 660 and the KTM 890 Adventure, but it trumps them all with affordable pricing.

The X-Cape 650 is powered by a 650cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine making 60hp. It also has some impressive tech with Brembo brakes, Bosch ABS, and fully adjustable Marzocchi suspension. Besides that there is also a seven-inch display with Bluetooth based smartphone pairing and an adjustable windshield. And it gets better for 2024.

The 2024 Moto Morini X-Cape Black Ebony edition distinguishes itself with a sleek all-black design, adding an element of refined stealthiness. From the tank’s side to the tail’s bottom, a subtle grey accent complemented by a vibrant red stripe introduces a tasteful contrast. Additionally, the X-Cape offers customisation options through a range of optional accessories, including crash protection and luggage attachments which may or may not be available in local markets depending on the distributor.

Regarding pricing and availability, Moto Morini indicates that the Black Ebony edition of the X-Cape 650 is accessible through its dealership network across the globe. However, there is no info if it will be available in Malaysia. With regards to pricing, the X-Cape 650 is priced at RM39,999 while the 650X Is priced at RM43,999.

Harley-Davidson Appoints Didi Resources As Distribution Partner For Malaysian Market

Harley-Davidson has announced a distribution agreement with Didi Resources for Malaysia, effective January 1, 2024. This agreement encompasses the distribution of motorcycles, parts and accessories, apparel, and licensed products throughout the country.

Didi Resources will maintain its exclusive distributorship of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and provide comprehensive after-sales service through its existing network of Harley-Davidson outlets across Malaysia. Additionally, Didi Resources will serve as a non-exclusive distributor for Harley-Davidson parts and accessories, as well as apparel and licensed products.

The company says it is dedicated to delivering the exceptional Harley-Davidson customer experience, including programs like H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group), to the Malaysian market.

Sajeev Rajasekharan, Managing Director, Asia Emerging Markets and India at Harley-Davidson, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting Harley-Davidson’s successful presence in Malaysia since 2008 and the shared commitment to delivering unparalleled brand experiences to customers.

Rewi Hamid Bugo, Chairman of Didi Resources, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the company’s readiness to collaborate with Harley-Davidson in fostering a vibrant riding community in Malaysia.

Didi Resources has bolstered its local team to ensure the seamless execution of initiatives aligned with Harley-Davidson’s vision, thereby enhancing value for customers.

Customers can continue to access the Harley-Davidson brand experience and acquire Harley-Davidson motorcycles and related products at authorised dealerships throughout Malaysia.

Ducati Desmo450 MX Racer Ready For Competition

Amidst the scenic Madonna di Campiglio during the Campioni in Pista spectacle, Ducati unveiled its latest marvel: the Desmo450 MX, a groundbreaking venture into uncharted territory.

The result of twenty trailblazing engineers who embarked on a journey of pure creation, shunning imitation in favour of originality, a hallmark of Ducati’s ethos.

“Our odyssey began with a meticulous study of our rivals,” remarked Davide Perni, the visionary mind behind Ducati Corse Off-Road. “In the realm of off-road racing, where regulations have stagnated for two decades, our competitors have reached the zenith of innovation. Yet, we were driven to craft something unique, something quintessentially Ducati.”

Guided by Claudio Domenicali, Ducati’s visionary CEO, the directive was clear. “Ducati resonates with discerning patrons seeking excellence and passion,” he declared. “By venturing into the off-road domain, we aim to captivate a younger audience, beckoning them to embrace the thrill of off-road adventure and perhaps sow the seeds of future Ducati loyalists.”

The project’s genesis was resolute: to birth a lightweight, high-performance machine tailored for the fervent Ducati faithful.

“We are immensely gratified,” continued Perni, “for the Desmo450 MX is a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation. It’s not just a bike; it’s a testament to our ingenuity.” Though veiled in secrecy, Perni hinted at the monumental effort invested in its creation.

“The chassis, a departure from convention, posed a unique challenge,” he divulged. “It was a question of steel or aluminum, a delicate balance between agility and resilience.” In the end, aluminum emerged victorious, embodying Ducati’s unwavering pursuit of excellence.

At its core lies the Desmodromic valve actuation, a testament to Ducati’s technological prowess. “The Desmo system, often misunderstood, is our pièce de résistance,” explained Perni. “While intricate, it embodies our commitment to excellence.”

But this is no ordinary engine; it’s a racing masterpiece, meticulously engineered for durability and performance. “Our goal was to craft a racing engine with the reliability of a street-legal counterpart,” clarified Perni, “offering our patrons unrivaled performance with manageable maintenance costs.”

The symbiotic bond between Ducati Corse and its production arm is palpable. “Working in tandem with the Desmo system,” Perni elaborated, “allowed us to draw insights from MotoGP and production departments alike, propelling us towards innovation.” Collaboration extended to fuel development, with an eye toward eco-conscious solutions.

Internally dubbed “Project 21J,” this odyssey commenced in 2021, a testament to Ducati’s meticulous approach to innovation.

The arrival of nine-time world champion Tony Cairoli infused fresh energy into the project. “Though a newcomer, Tony’s expertise is invaluable,” remarked the technical director. “His insights will prove pivotal in steering our endeavor towards greatness.”

Antonio Cairoli’s illustrious career speaks volumes. Dubbed the Valentino Rossi of motocross, he’s a force to be reckoned with. “After years of triumphs,” Cairoli reflected, “this project beckoned me. It’s a testament to Italian ingenuity and innovation—a legacy I’m proud to uphold.”

Alessandro Lupino, a rising star in motocross, brings his own flair to the project. “Ducati’s dedication to excellence is evident,” Lupino affirmed. “The Desmo450 MX is a marvel—an ode to innovation.”

The Desmo450 MX’s debut in the Italian Motocross Pro Prestige MX1 Championship marks the beginning of a new chapter. Racing will refine its edges, with eyes set on the MXGP Championship in 2025.

Ducati’s journey into uncharted terrain is fraught with challenges, but one thing is clear: the Desmo450 MX is not just a bike; it’s a testament to Ducati’s unwavering pursuit of excellence.

Inspired by the original written by Cycle World.

Peugeot Set To Introduce High-Capacity Motorcycles?

Peugeot may be known for its four-wheelers these days but it is also one of the world’s oldest motorcycle company, tracing its origins back to 1898 when it produced its first machine. After a prolonged focus on scooters, the brand made a significant return to the realm of “true” motorcycles in 2022 with the introduction of the PM-01, which available in some markets in 125cc and 300cc variants.

Recent reports though are suggesting Peugeot is ready to expand its motorcycle lineup, evidenced by the filing of trademark applications for the names PM-02, PM-03, and PM-05 in the European Union. These trademarks signify a departure from the brand’s scooter line, hinting at the development of larger-displacement motorcycles.

As a backgrounder and for some context, the Peugeot legacy extends to the early 1800s when it commenced operations as a steel foundry in 1810. Evolving with the times, the company diversified into bicycles, automobiles, and motorcycles. Notably, Peugeot Motocycles operates independently from its automotive counterpart, with its ownership history witnessing a significant shift.

In 2014, a majority stake in Peugeot’s motorcycle and scooter division was acquired by the Indian conglomerate Mahindra. Subsequently, in 2019, Mahindra assumed full ownership, marking a definitive break from its original parent company. In 2023, Mahindra divested its controlling stake to the Munich-based equity firm Mutares, which currently oversees the brand.

Although the PM-01 300 model, featuring a 29 hp, 292cc single-cylinder engine sourced from China, was unveiled in 2022, its production is slated for later this year, with the 125cc version taking precedence. Both iterations boast a distinct headlight design reminiscent of a lion’s claw, paying homage to Peugeot’s iconic mascot. The engine powering the PM-01 300 is manufactured by Qianjiang, featuring specifications akin to those found in CFMoto’s 300CL-X engine.

Speculation surrounds Peugeot’s upcoming models, the PM-02, PM-03, and PM-05, as hinted by the trademark filings, suggesting the inclusion of larger-displacement and multi-cylinder motorcycles. Notably, these plans materialised post the transition of ownership, indicating a fresh direction for the brand.

Following the acquisition by Mutares, Peugeot forged a partnership with French electric motorcycle manufacturer DAB Motors. This collaboration aims to mass-produce DAB-branded electric motorcycles leveraging Peugeot’s manufacturing prowess, while also enabling Peugeot to develop its own line of electric motorcycles using DAB Motors’ technology. Consequently, there’s a possibility that one or more of the newly trademarked names could be associated with battery-powered bikes.

Zontes Introduces E125 Maxi-Scooter For Global Markets

The market for maxi-scooters is expanding, with new models continually entering the fray. Among the latest offerings is the E125 from Zontes, a Chinese manufacturer fast gaining traction not only in Malaysia but on the global stage as well. Zontes positions the E125 as an entry-level contender in the maxi-scooter domain, sharing its platform with the larger E350 model.

Focusing on rider comfort for both short commutes and long journeys, Zontes emphasizes the E125’s ergonomic design, aiming to blend comfort with a hint of sportiness. Powering the scooter is a compact 125cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a four-valve cylinder head, generating 14.6 horsepower. Enhancing performance and efficiency, Bosch’s MSE 8.0 Electronic Fuel Injection system ensures smooth and reliable operation.

Technological features are abundant in the E125, including a full-colour TFT display offering four modes and Screen Mirroring capability for comprehensive ride information. Additionally, a tire pressure monitoring system and ambient temperature readout contribute to rider awareness and safety. The scooter’s suspension duties include telescopic front forks and a dual rear shock assembly with adjustable preload.

Safety is provided by front and rear disc brakes supplemented by dual-channel ABS. Illuminating the path ahead is a six-focus LED headlight, accompanied by a built-in DRL to enhance visibility to other road users. Moreover, the scooter boasts an electronically adjustable windscreen and handguards for added wind protection.

Set to debut in global showrooms by late January 2024, the Zontes E125 offers an enticing proposition at an MSRP of 19,254 Malaysian Ringgit but that might change if and when the E125 hits the Malaysian market.

Zontes Malaysia launched the ZT350E in 2023, so with the company switching its attention to commuters, the 125 could just find its way here.

BMW R18 One Eight C Is A Stunning Custom Transcontinental by Paul Yaffe

Renowned custom motorcycle visionary Paul Yaffe has once again stunned enthusiasts with his latest creation: a meticulously customised BMW R 18 Transcontinental that effortlessly blends the timeless allure of classic hot rod aesthetics with the distinctive essence of BMW.

For over three decades, Paul Yaffe has been a stalwart figure in the world of custom motorcycles. Since the inception of his American Legend Motorcycle Company in 1991, later evolving into Paul Yaffe’s Bagger Nation, Yaffe has continuously pushed the boundaries of innovation in motorcycle design. His illustrious career has been adorned with accolades, including three “World’s Most Beautiful Motorcycle” awards from the prestigious Oakland Roadster Show and induction into the revered Sturgis Hall of Fame in 2015.

Before embarking on the customisation journey, Yaffe embarked on a rigorous exploration of the BMW R18 Transcontinental, embarking on an extensive 6115km journey across the United States, followed by an additional 4200km ride to Sturgis and back. Armed with intimate knowledge of the machine, Yaffe set out to craft a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that retained the core elements of BMW while infusing it with the spirit of classic hot rod design.

The heart of Yaffe’s customisation lies in the meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship. The iconic BMW R 18 Transcontinental underwent a breathtaking transformation, featuring a 26 inch x 5.5 inch front wheel carved from a solid block of aluminum and adorned with a handmade 180mm wide front tire. The frame had to undergo meticulous stretching and raking to accommodate the new front wheel, while special triple trees are engineered to ensure optimal handling and performance.

Drawing inspiration from the iconic 1950s Mercury Lead Sled, Yaffe’s team meticulously crafted bespoke components and modified existing R 18 elements. From a custom steel front fender to restructured fairings and exclusive Yaffe Monkey Bars, every aspect of the customisation exudes a timeless allure reminiscent of classic hot rod craftsmanship.

Yaffe’s customisation not only emphasises aesthetic appeal but also prioritises functionality and performance. Integrating sophisticated air suspension systems and side pipes, the BMW R 18 Transcontinental embodies the quintessential Lead Sled aesthetic.

In the realm of aesthetics, Yaffe’s attention to detail shines through. The BMW R 18 Transcontinental boasts a deep gloss black finish, accentuated by ochs blood red accents that add a touch of sophistication and contrast. From flawless upholstery to meticulously applied paintwork, every element of the customisation reflects Yaffe’s unwavering commitment to perfection.

Through a meticulous fusion of classic hot rod aesthetics and BMW essence, Yaffe has crafted a timeless masterpiece that embodies the spirit of innovation and craftsmanship. As enthusiasts eagerly await its debut, one thing remains certain: Paul Yaffe’s legacy as a pioneer in custom motorcycle design continues to endure.