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Like us, you probably have the same fondness towards iconic retro machines.

  • Unit Garage introduced new classic kit for Yamaha’s Tenere 700.
  • The custom kit takes inspiration from the iconic 1986 Yamaha Tenere XT 600. 

The same reason why some manufacturers are going down memory lane seeking design inspiration for modern machines.

Ducati took the same path recently by introducing the DesertX, which is inspired by the classic Cagiva Elefant motorcycle competing at the 80s and 90s Paris-Dakar Rally. 

As a result, the DesertX quickly established its popularity, especially among adventure-seeking riders.

However, if you’re also into off-roading and, by chance, own the Yamaha Tenere 700, you too can own a motorcycle inspired by classic retro machines, particularly the 1986 Yamaha Tenere 600 XT. 

Thanks to the Italian company, Unit Garage, Tenere 700 owners can now convert their bikes to look like the Tenere XT 600. 

The custom kit includes the iconic Yamaha blue design, beaked front fender, retro round LED lights, headlight screens and an aluminium skid plate. 

The conversion kit is also available in black and a no-paint colour scheme.

Interestingly, the kit can be mounted directly onto the factory mounts of the Tenere 700, making it easier to install. 

According to the information available on the company’s website, the classic kit is available from GBP1233.80 (RM6,500). 

New for the Malaysian motorcycle market is the 2023 Honda Wave Alpha, priced at RM5,179.

The popular ‘kapcai’ has been upgraded for 2023, including a new fuel injection 110cc engine that meets the Euro4 emission standard. 

According to Boon Siew Honda, the reworked engine offers smooth power delivery and better fuel efficiency. The new Wave Alpha can now go up to 70.9km/l according to the fuel consumption measurement mode (WMTC), making it the best in its class.

In addition, the new Wave Alpha makes 8.7hp @ 7,500rpm and 8.67Nm @ 5,500rpm. 

Other improvements include a new taillight design for a fresher look.

Other notable improvements include a bigger fuel tank, 4.1L from the previous 3.7L and a bigger under-seat storage, rated at 7.3L, which is twice larger than the previous generation.

The new Honda Wave Alpha is available in three exciting colours: Vivacity Red, Pearl Nightfall Blue and Clipper Yellow.

BMW Motorrad Malaysia announced the arrival of the new BMW K 1600 B for the Malaysian market. 

  • The new BMW K 1600 B was introduced globally in March 2022.
  • The engine is heavily updated to meet the latest Euro5 emission standard. 

Initially revealed back in 2010, the six-cylinder luxury tourer returns to BMW’s lineup for 2022.

The biggest improvement is the engine, with the in-line six has been updated with improved emission figures.

Also new is the addition of new engine control, knock sensor system and a new engine drag torque control.

That said, while the mill continue to churn 160hp but it is now available at a lower 6,750rpm. The torque is also upped to 180Nm @ 5,250rpm. 

Accompanying the impressive figure is a set of electronics including multiple riding modes; Road, Dynamic and Rain, Dynamic Traction Control, Hill Start Control, and electronic cruise control.

The K 1600 B is also fitted with Gear Shift Assistant Pro, Reverse Assistant and Tyre Pressure Control as standard.

Elsewhere, the K 1600 B features Dynamic ESA Next Generation electronic suspension with automatic load levelling which allows the bike to adapt on the fly to riding conditions. 

There’s also a new 10.25-inch TFT colour dash, providing turn-by-turn navigation and comprehensive information via BMW Motorrad Connected app. Also fitted is a UBS-C port and smartphone compartment. 

Other notable improvements include a fully adaptive LED lighting with swivelling ‘adaptive headlight’ that shine through corners. For added safety, the K 1600 B gets Anti-Theft Alarm and Central Locking System. 

According to BMW Motorrad Malaysia, the new BMW K 1600 B can be yours for RM173,500.

GALLERY: BMW K 1600 B 

Eicher Motors Ltd, the parent company of Royal Enfield, made a massive step towards electrification after announcing a strategic partnership with Spain-based Stark Future SL.

  • Eicher Motors Ltd has acquired some stake in Stark Future. 
  • Stark Future is a Spanish-based electric motorcycle company.

The collaboration involved an equity investment of EUR50 million, which entails to 10.35 per cent stake in Stark Future. The acquisition also puts Eicher Motors Ltd to have a director seat on the board.

All business matters aside, the partnership will explore the vast opportunity of electric mobility, which Stark Future was vying for when the company debuted its first high-performance motorcycle, the Stark VARG electric motocross.

That said, it will be an exciting development between the two companies as Stark Future already has several patents while Royal Enfield is also working on its electric motorcycle concept called Electrik01. 

One thing is for sure, Eicher Motors Ltd Managing Director Siddartha Lal is excited about the new partnership.

“We love the vision, passion and focus of the amazing team at Stark Future. Leisure motorcycles do not easily lend themselves to EV technology at this stage, due to challenges like the battery range, packaging, weight and cost. 

“This has resulted in stunted growth of this segment till now. Stark Future has been able to understand and harness the potential of EV technology by dramatically outperforming ICE offerings, without compromising on range, weight, packaging and cost. 

“They have created an absolutely astounding motocross motorcycle – the Stark VARG as their entry into the EV world. We believe that Stark Future has the highest potential for real breakout growth in the EV leisure space with this model, and the potential to use this strong base to extend into other contiguous segments and beyond,” he said.

The Stark VARG has quite an interesting spec sheet, particularly the electric motor that’s capable of producing 80hp and 938Nm and can be ridden up to six hours. 

New rumours have emerged in Japan suggesting that a three-cylinder fully-faired sportsbike based on the Yamaha MT-09 is set to arrive in 2024.

  • Japanese publication, Autoby claimed that Yamaha to release the R9 in 2024.
  • The R9 will feature the same CP3 engine found in the MT-09. 

The rumour has been ongoing since the introduction of the R7 in 2022, but the demise of the road-legal R6 is what initiated the demand for a fully-faired machine.

The arrival of the R9 was also handed to us by Yamaha’s trademark application of the R9 nameplate, suggesting that a CP3-wielding sportsbike is on its way.

However, the latest report from the Japanese publication, Autoby suggests that the motorcycle will arrive in the lineup in 2024.

Accompanying the report is a set of render images explaining how the R9 could turn out. 

As expected, the upcoming R9 will likely borrow much of its features from the MT-09, including the aluminium beam frame and swingarm.

The R9 is also likely equipped with the same suspension setup and braking components as the MT-09. 

Also likely to be carried over is the full-colour TFT instrument cluster and electronic package. 

Similar to the MT-09, the R9 is expected to make 117hp @ 10,000rpm and 93Nm @ 7,000rpm. 

According to Autoby, the R9 is set for release in 2024, with the bike making its first appearance at EICMA 2023. 

(Source: Autoby)

QJMotor has been making headlines in the global motorcycle industry over the last few years, particularly via its subsidiary, Benelli and Keeway.

  • MBP’s is the latest premium brand under Keeway that is owned by QJMotor. 
  • Similar to the Benelli, MBP also has an Italian origin. 

Benelli is going strong after the acquisition by QJMotor, with the TRK502 emerging as the most popular ADV bike in its home country, Italy.

Also, thanks to the wide range of models including the upcoming TRK800, TNT500, BKX250 and BKX250 S, the brand will continue to grow its influence with years to come.

That said, QJMotor now wants to carve similar success with Keeway after the brand recently gave birth to a premium subsidiary called the Moto Bologna Passione (MBP).

MBP showcased several models at EICMA last year, but the one that caught our attention is the T1002V adventure-tourer.

Mechanically, the T1002V is fitted with an all-new 997cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 80-degree V-Twin engine that pumps out 95hp @ 7,600rpm and 96Nm @ 6,500rpm. Power-wise, it is on par with the KTM 890 Adventure R and BMW F 850 GS.

Adding to its ADV aesthetic is a set of tubeless wire-spoke wheels and adjustable KYB long-travel suspension. Braking is done via dual front disc brakes at the front and a single disc at the rear paired with Brembo-owned J.Juan callipers.

Similar to QJMotor’s current ADV range, including the SRT800 and TRK800, the MBP T1002V also features a full-colour dash, adjustable windscreen and a center stand.

The T1002V is expected to arrive in Europe early this year. 

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