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

Valentino Rossi To Expand VR46 Brand With An E-Bike

Valentino Rossi isn’t just a household name in MotoGP, as the 9-time world champion also holds many products under his VR46 brand.

From special edition AGV helmets to Dainese VR46 collabs, the VR46 badge is almost everywhere.

In a new development, the VR46 brand will now expand its wing with an electric bicycle range in partnership with e-mobility specialist MT Distribution, as confirmed by VR46 CEO Carlo Alberto Tebaldi.

“In VR46 Racing Apparel, we have already embarked on an evolutionary path for some time that will see the birth of projects that have as their objective the creation of performance-oriented products.

“It had been a long time that we wanted to expand our offer and enter the world of cycling, especially in the off-road sector,” he said.

Apart from a limited run of just 46 units, the VR46 e-MTB will feature top-notch components such as carbon fibre parts and a wireless gearbox.

The e-bike will run on a Pirelli Scorpion e-tyres and also features a 160mm front fork with 205/67.5mm rear shock absorbers.

VR46 and MT Distribution will reveal the full details of their latest collaboration at the 2021 EICMA.

Iker Lecuona Set To Make The Jump To WorldSBK

KTM MotoGP rider, Iker Lecuona, is set to move to WorldSBK with HRC Honda for the 2022 WorldSBK Championship.

The Tech3 KTM rider was heavily linked with a move to WorldSBK after failing to secure a spot in MotoGP for the 2022 season.

Nonetheless, Lecuona hinted that there are a few options on the table in WorldSBK, including a possible move to HRC to replace Ducati-bound Alvaro Bautista.

“We still finalising every point in the contract. I expect to say something at Misano if everything is fine.

“I think I’ve learnt a lot of things for my life too. I’m very happy to have stayed here for two years.

“I don’t know if in the future, I will come back or if I will stay in another Championship.

“I don’t know; I just know I want to continue these performances, to continue to enjoy, to fight with my idols, and then we will see what happen,” said the 21-year-old rider.

Despite his uncertain future at MotoGP, Lecuona still has time on his hand as he is just 21.

Moving to WorldSBK to justify himself as a competitive rider could serve him well and perhaps make his way back to the MotoGP World Championship in a few years.

Apple Unveil iPhone Cameras Are Not Bike-Friendly

Apparently, iPhones are not bike-friendly, as the firm has advised motorcycle owners that exposure to prolong engine vibration could damage the camera.

According to an Apple support article, the optical image stabilization and closed-loop autofocus function that captures quality photos could be affected due to long-term exposure to high-amplitude vibrations.

The scenario may also degrade the image and videos quality over time.

“It is not recommended to attach your iPhone to motorcycles with high-power or high-volume engines due to the amplitude of the vibration in particular frequency ranges that they generate.

“It is also recommended to avoid regular use for prolonged periods to lessen the risk of damage further,” said Apple in the article.

An iPhone 11 Pro user admitted (via a thread on iFixit) that he had to replace the camera more than once as the stabilizer was poorly affected due to riding a motorcycle.

(Souce: The Register)

Aragon GP: Bagnaia Claim Maiden MotoGP Win

Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia secured his maiden MotoGP career win after a sensational display at the Motorland Aragon.

Despite leading the race since the start, the Ducati rider faced a late charge from Honda’s Marc Marquez as the two exchange lead 14 times.

However, Bagnaia managed to withstand Marquez pressure, especially during the last 2-laps to secure his first MotoGP win.

“I have a lot of emotions today. I’m so happy! We worked a lot to achieve this result.

“Every time that we were close (to winning before), something happened. This dream to get my first victory was always far.

“To win today is a great liberation. I’m so happy. It’s difficult to say something now, but to finish first is a dream come true,” said the 24-year-old Italian.

Despite trying his best to challenge Bagnaia, Marquez was satisfied with his only second podium appearance of the season after Sachsenring win.

“I gave all that I had, and he did an incredible race, so congrats to Pecco. It’s extra motivation for us in a difficult year.

“But, this kind of results even like this, even riding with some difficulties, we are able to fight with the top guys,” he said.

Suzuki’s Joan Mir secured his fifth podium of the season at third place after battling it out against Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia).

Meanwhile, current championship leader Fabio Quartararo could only secure an 8th place finish despite starting in the front row.

The result saw Quartararo world championship lead cuts to just 53pts ahead of the emerging Bagnaia.

Below are the full result:

Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello Breaks Cover

Moto Guzzi had big plans for 2021 in conjunction with its 100th anniversary (March 1921-March 2021).

However, due to the ongoing pandemic, the plan got delayed, including the traditional Guzzi’s worldwide gathering scheduled to take place in September.

Nonetheless, the Mandello-based company decided to unveil its future plans by announcing a new factory and museum in Mandello del Lario.

What caught our attention is that the announcement came with a series of photos of the upcoming V100 Mandello, said to be Moto Guzzi new generation of motorcycles.

While details will officially unveil at EICMA, the new motorcycle will feature a new liquid-cooled V-Twin motor with chain-driven double overhead cams with 4-valve.

Although no power claims yet, numerous reports suggest it will be within the region of 110 to 115hp.

The new powerplant doesn’t just look neat on the V100, but it could also be the turning point for Moto Guzzi to place itself among the big players.

Next-Gen Modenas Dominar D400 Officially Available In Malaysia – RM13,997

The second-generation Modenas Dominar D400 was finally unveiled in Malaysia and is priced at RM13,997. The new Dominar received a series of significant upgrades over its predecessor.

The main headlamp now features split LED banks with increased lighting, the forks are now 43mm diameter upside-down units, and the rear monoshock is softer for more touring comfort.

Its 373.3cc single-cylinder engine is uprated to produce 40 PS (39.4 hp) at 8,650 RPM and 35 Nm of torque at 7,000 RPM.

Those figures take the bike into the KTM 390 Duke territory while gases exit through a new exhaust system with dual silencers.

Riding experience further enhanced with an assist and slipper clutch for smoother downshifting and corner entries.

While Modenas retains the split LCD cluster, the secondary display now features gear indicators, small yet relevant aspects that was greatly missed on the previous generation.