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

Is a Triumph Tiger 660 Rally in the Works?

A Triumph Tiger 660 Rally may be in the works to complete the 660 triple lineup with an adventure model.

Triumph is the master of building different models based on an existing platform. Case in point: The 400cc singles, 900cc and 1200cc twin-cylinder Bonnevilles, the 850cc, 900cc and 1200cc Tiger triples, and the best-selling 660 triples.

The fourth platform has already spawned three models, namely the Trident 660, Daytona 660, and Tiger Sport 660. The Trident is a roadster or more commonly called a naked. The Daytona is a fully-faired sportbike. And lastly the Tiger Sport 660 is a sport-tourer. Thus, a Triumph Tiger 660 Rally adventure model is glaringly missing from the lineup.

The Hinckley, UK based manufacturer is aware of this. The 700cc adventure segment is being hotly contested due to great demand. Motorcycle buyers crowd to this segment as it sits between the smaller capacity bikes and the heavier and more expensive models. Rivals include the Aprilia Tuareg 660, Honda XL750 Transalp, KTM 790 Adventure, and of course, the Yamaha Tenere 700.

Fanning this rumour is Triumph Motorcycles Mumbai with a post in their Facebook page pointing to a reveal at the 2024 EICMA motorcycle expo. This may of course be over-enthusiasm and taken with with a pinch of salt, but Triumph is aggressive as usual in populating each segment. Only thing that remains to be seen if the final bike will have Rally and/or Rally Pro designations.

Yamaha YZF-R1 and Yamaha YZF-R1 M to be Dropped

The Yamaha YZF-R1 and Yamaha YZF-R1 M will be dropped from production.

Its pending demise was confirmed in the Yamaha UK official website:

“Yamaha Motor Group, have taken the decision not to develop an EU5+ version of the R1 or R1M instead focussing on other mid-term business and product strategies that will provide future opportunities.”

It means Yamaha follows Suzuki’s decision to axe their own 1,000cc GSX-R1000R sportbike. While shocking, it is not completely surprising as manufacturers shift toward producing more accessible and affordable motorcycles. Yamaha themselves have done so when they debuted the YZF-R7 based on the MT-07 and are launching the YZF-R9 based on the MT-09.

There are several factors that we can think of:

Developing an engine to meet the ultra-tough Euro 5+ emission standard will require huge resources for what may be diminishing returns. Yamaha may continue sell their existing Euro 5 compliant R1 and R1-M until 2025, though.
The R1 has had a great run since its inception in 1998, being the Yamaha superbike that broke the Honda CBR900’s dominance. However, it did not enjoy the sales volume as other superbikes such as the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R/ZX-10RR, BMW S 1000 RR (being a BMW), and Ducati Panigale in recent years.

The majority of riders have shifted to the more accessible and versatile sport-touring, dual-sport, adventure motorcycles. These bikes can go anywhere, carry the rider and passenger in comfort, move luggage, and can be mounted with all sorts of accessories.

The current and upcoming crop of superbikes are getting to a stage where riders need superhuman abilities to unlock their full potential. They are not only more powerful and faster, but have handling abilities well beyond the skills of at least 80% of motorcycle riders out there.
Road conditions the world over are not getting much better and the majority will never match the condition of dedicated race tracks. Trying to ride a sportbike on public roads as if they were racetracks will only prove disastrous.
And of course, the price. ‘Nuff said.

However, who knows if it returns as the Euro 6 compliant Yamaha YZF-R1 and Yamaha YZF-R1 M later in the decade.

Perlis Customs Seized 9 Superbikes Allegedly Smuggled from Thailand

The Perlis Customs seized 9 superbikes allegedly smuggled from Thailand into Malaysia.

The Customs Department of Malaysia’s Perlis state director, Tn. Ismail Hashim said the value of the seized motorcycles was RM416,500, while the estimated duties amounted to RM715,130.

“JKDM Perlis inspected 9 superbikes without registration at the entry lane of the Wang Kelian Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Post.”

Among the motorcycles seized included the Honda Honda CBR1000RR, BMW S 1000 RR, Yamaha YZF-R1, Aprilia RSV4 and MV Agusta. Seizure was carried out as there was no valid tax payment document and import permit.

“The modus operandi is by bringing in the motorcycles that were declared for competition use using lorries and allegedly headed to the Sepang International Circuit. There was information claiming that the motorcycles are owned by individuals in Europe, Hong Kong among other countries. However, it aroused our suspicion when there was no complete document such as listing the chassis numbers,” said Tn. Ismail.

JKDM assures that they will investigate the matter to determine if this case is connected to superbike smuggling activities carried out by international and/or local syndicates.

“Investigation is carried out under Section 133(1)(f) of the Customs Act 1967. The suspect faces a maximum fine of RM500,000 or years jail or both if found guilty.”

Source: Berita Harian Online

New Stealthy Colour for 2024 Honda RS-X

Boon Siew Honda has just announced a new exciting colour for the 2024 Honda RS-X.

Honda dubs the new colour Mat Ion Blue Metallic. It gives the bike a fresh mid-life update: The new colour scheme makes the bike look stealthy, for want of a better word, compared to the previous offerings. It will be available in authorised and selected Honda dealers nationwide starting 22nd February 2024. The selling price of the 2024 Honda RS-X is RM9,798, without road tax, insurance and registration.

The RS-X continues to sell well in the country despite several reported “quirks.” It is mainly due to a pretty good performance courtesy of its 150cc, DOHC engine which produces 15.8hp (11.8kW) at 9,000 RPM and 13.6Nm of torque at 7,000 RPM. That power is channeled through a 6-speed gearbox. Anyone who has ridden the bike will tell you that it has a punchy low RPM acceleration that is great for urban riding. The engine is EURO 4 emission standard compliant, too.

Another selling point of the Honda RS-X is its design, which makes it look larger for a small bike. The Honda press release calls it “muscular.” This look is complemented with features that remain unchanged, such as the 1-channel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). 1-channel means it is only available on one wheel, in this case, the front. Hey, before criticising the system, let it be known that even bigger KTMs has a Supermoto feature to turn off the rear wheel’s ABS! Additionally, having ABS at least on one wheel is better than none at all.

Other features include LED lighting and digital speedometer.

Ducati Streetfighter V4 S Supreme Edition – A Supreme Statement

The Ducati Streetfighter V4 S already rules the roost as the most powerful non-aspirated hypernaked beast, with 208hp on tap. But the trend of cooperation with automobile manufacturers and lifestyle product makers certainly ups the style quotient to 11. Check out this Ducati Streetfighter V4 S Supreme Edition.

The apparel maker Supreme does not shy away from making bold statements. Hence the liberal use of their famous screaming red and white logos and colours on the bike.

Needless to say, it turns a er… head turning design to something extremely loud. One cannot miss the huge Supreme logo draped over fuel tank from one side to the other, plus another logo on the tail cover just to remind the rider that this is not his cousin’s Streetfighter V4 S. And oh, the wheels are painted in white without forgetting the Supreme logo, too.

Additionally the buyer may go the whole nine yards and complete the look with an Arai Corsair-X (known in Malaysia as the RX-7X) helmet, also resplendent in Supreme’s colours. This limited edition helmet was made exclusively for the Ducati Streetfighter V4 S Supreme Edition.

Mechanical and electronic aspects and features remain unchanged, including the aforementioned beasty Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine that kicks out a whopping 208hp and 133.4 Nm of torque.

The chassis consists of electronically controlled 43mm fully adjustable Öhlins NIX 30 forks up front and an Öhlins TTX 36 electronic rear shock. The anchors are twin Brembo Stylema Monoblock calipers in front (finished in red) and a floating caliper at the rear.

The entire electronic suite is featured here such as cornering traction control, wheelie control, slide control, launch control, and all sorts of other “controls” as expected of a high performance Ducati.

There is no word yet on how much the bike will sell for and availability in which markets.

Bajaj Has Finally Updated The Pulsar NS200

After months of stagnation, Bajaj has finally introduced the eagerly awaited Pulsar NS200.

Though not yet fully introduced, a new TV commercial has shown an upgraded LED headlight featuring integrated LED DRL, signaling a departure from the previous model’s design.

The 2024 Pulsar NS200 also boasts a redesigned digital instrument console and updated switchgear, echoing the recent enhancements observed in some of the top-spec variants of Pulsar N150 and N160.

The outgoing NS200, introduced in 2012, has maintained its semi-digital instrument console with minimal changes. The new LCD digital instrument screen features Bluetooth connectivity, facilitating seamless integration with the Bajaj Ride Connect App.

Users gain access to a wealth of information, including calls, text messages, mobile signal strength, battery health, and turn-by-turn navigation. The revamped switchgear introduces a dedicated Mode button for navigating the functions of the new LCD instrument display.

The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 receives a visual makeover with sportier graphics, decals, and the introduction of new color options. The existing color palette includes Glossy Ebony Black, Metallic Pearl White, Cocktail Wine Red – White, and Pewter Grey – Blue.

While retaining much of its mechanical prowess, the NS200 continues to feature USD forks and standard dual-channel ABS. The braking system consists of 300 mm and 230 mm discs at the front and rear, respectively, along with a Nitrox mono shock absorber at the rear. Both front and rear wheels are fitted with 17-inch tires (100/80 front and 130/70 rear).

Powering the NS200 is the same 199.5 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, triple spark, 4-valve, FI DTS-i engine, delivering 24.5 PS of maximum power and 18.74 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.

With these updates, the 2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS200 may see a modest price increase.

For Malaysians, the Bajaj Pulsar is known as the Modenas Pulsar since it is assembled and distributed by the national bike maker.

The Pulsar has enjoyed success since it offers good value for money. But the updates have stopped for a while and the Pulsar now looks and feels dated as compared to the competition. So it is about time that the Malaysian model is updated.

Bikesrepublic

Latest News

Is a Triumph Tiger 660 Rally in the Works?

Yamaha YZF-R1 and Yamaha YZF-R1 M to be Dropped

There are several factors that we can think of:

Perlis Customs Seized 9 Superbikes Allegedly Smuggled from Thailand

New Stealthy Colour for 2024 Honda RS-X

Ducati Streetfighter V4 S Supreme Edition – A Supreme Statement

Bajaj Has Finally Updated The Pulsar NS200

Puspakom Admits Unable to Detect Rented Part

Lorry Hits MPV, One Killed, 7 Month Old Bay in Serious Condition

Harley-Davidson 2025 Select Motorcycles Revealed

JPJ Offers Special Compound for 3 Offences for 6 Months

2025 Zontes 368G Price Announced in Malaysia – From RM28,800

Cybertruck Explodes Outside Trump Towers, 1 Killed

Tunnelling Work for Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, World’s Longest Roadway Tunnel Completed

Two Puspakom Personnel Called for Questioning

JPJ Issues 5306 Notices Against Commercial Vehicles in 5 Days

Courier Stabbed in Eye – Police Denies Refusing Report

Archive

Lorry Hits MPV, One Killed, 7 Month Old Bay in Serious Condition

Puspakom Admits Unable to Detect Rented Part

Bimota KB998 WorldSBK 2025 Racer Revealed

2025 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello ‘Wind Tunnel’ Celebrates Brand’s Aero Research

Updated 2025 BMW F 900 XR and 2025 BMW F 900 R Debut

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube

BikesRepublic