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If you’re in the market for a new scooter then you’re in luck as Honda Motorcycles Malaysia (Boon Siew Honda) has officially launched the all-new Vario 160.

  • The Honda Vario 160 features bigger and more powerful engine than the previous generation.
  • The 160cc scooter now fitted with ABS as standard. 

First introduced in Indonesia earlier this year, the Honda Vario 160 make its way to Malaysia in three exciting colours; Vivacity Red, Pearl Nightfaall Blue, Sword Silver Metallic – available for RM9,998. 

However, the fourth colour scheme; Mat Charcoal Grey Metallic is priced at RM10,298 and will be available from February 2023. 

Coming in new for 2022 is a bigger 157cc 4-valve, liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that now makes 15.3hp @ 8,500rpm and 13.8Nm @ 7,000rpm replacing the previous 150cc engine. 

The Vario 160 also shod with a chunkier tires with 100/80-14 at the front and 120/70-14 at the rear.

In addition, the Vario 160 gets single-channel ABS as standard replacing the CBS system on the previous model and hydraulic disc brake at the front and rear.

Other notable features include:

  • Smart Key system
  • UBS-A charging port
  • 18L storage
  • 5.5L fuel tank

Entry-level sportbike from Thailand, the GPX Demon GR200R has make its way to Japan signalling the brand plans to expand its exposure to a wider market. 

  • GPX has expanded its reach to the Japanese market with the introduction of the 2023 Demon GR200R.
  • The 200cc sportsbike is equipped with modern features including an adjustable rear monoshock by YSS. 

GPX is a Thailand-based motorcycle manufacturer that is popular not just locally but also throughout South East Asia including Malaysia. 

Although most of its components, including engines are sources from China, the assembly process is taken place in its Thailand facility.

Currently, GPX offers a wide range of models including maxi-scooters, retro-style cafe racers and streetbikes.

However, the Demon GR200R is the sportiest model available from GPX’s portfolio. Available at JPY539,000, the Demon GR200R is a basic yet capable entry-level sportbike that features front and rear disc, inverted front fork and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock from YSS. 

The 2023 model year gets a new full-colour digital LCD display and revised graphics. 

Powering the GR200R is a 198cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 4-valve engine that makes 19hp and 17.6Nm of torque.

The GPX Demon GR200R is suspended by a steel trellis frame that uses the engine as a stressed member. Therefore, the centre of gravity remains low and ensure a better handling on the road. 

Thanks to the seven-step rear suspension adjustment by YSS, riders can fine-tune the bike’s suspension to their liking. 

According to reports, GPX is already accepting pre-orders for the GR200R with deliveries expected to commence early 2023. 

 

KTM’s 693cc thumper is still strong despite being in the market for years.

  • KTM 690 SMC R and Enduro R get fresh visuals for 2023.
  • A 693cc single-cylinder engine powers both KTM 690 SMC R and Enduro R. 

For 2023, the KTM 690 SMC R supermoto and Enduro R dual sport returns with new fresh visuals.

Continuing the LC4 tradition, the 690 SMC R sports blue and orange, while the Enduro R gets orange graphics inspired by KTM’s race bikes.

At the heart of the 690s sits the most powerful single-cylinder engine available, capable of producing 74hp. Thanks to KTM’s continuous development of the LC4 engine, the platform has proven to stand the test of time.

Both machines benefit from Cornering ABS, traction control and two ride modes.

Additionally, the optional Off-Road ABS reduces ABS intervention on the front wheel and completely disables ABS on the rear, allowing riders to lock up their rear when they need to slide into a tight turn.

As usual, there is a host of dedicated KTM PowerParts designed specifically to boost both bike’s performance and mobility. 

KTM introduced the track-only RC 8C back in 2021 with all 100 units were quickly snapped up by customers in less than five minutes.

  • The RC 8C gets reworked engine which now produces 135hp. 
  • Features carbon fiber, GRP and Kevlar bodywork similar to KTM’s RC16 MotoGP racebike.

However, the hype around the specially-built race bike was over the roof and triggered the Austrian manufacturer to come out with a second version for 2023.

Limited to just 200 units, the 2023 model were sold out in a blink with every unit were sold out in just two minutes despite having 100 units more than the first released.

In addition, KTM also bags nearly GBP8 million in the process.

At a glance, there isn’t much to set the 2023 RC 8C apart with the 2021 edition. 

Aside from the black finish replacing the orang paint, the 2023 RC 8C continue to feature carbon fiber, GRP and Kevlar bodywork that mirrors the KTM RC16 MotoGP racebike. 

Also carried from the original version is the handmade chromoly steel trellis-style frame built by Kramer Motorcycles.

However, the 2023 RC 8C gets reworked engine with LC8c 889cc twin powertrain now makes 135hp from the previous 128hp. This is achieved by equipping a new titanium intake and exhaust valves, titanium connecting rods, larger 48mm throttle body and an increased in compression ratio. 

KTM also added new oil cooler and revised the crankcase-balancer shaft while also removing the upper balancer in the cylinder head.

In addition, thanks to a new titanium Akrapovic race exhaust, the 2023 KTM RC 8C tip the scale at just 142kg.

The 2023 RC 8C also gets a revised WP Apex Pro suspension with the firm claimed to improve rider confidence on the track. 

Similar to the 2021 RC 8C, the new track bike also allows for a host of adjustment and fine-tuning on both the engine and handling. 

That said, the new AiM MXS 1.2 Race dash allows access to the bike’s traction control settings, throttle mapping and engine-braking. The RC 8C triple-clamp offset can also be altered with both the bars and pegs can be adjusted. 

Braking is done with a top-of-the-line Brembo Stylema 4-piston radial-mounted callipers regulated via a Brembo 19RCS Corsa Corta master cylinder. 

Other notable features include forged alloy Dymags wheels with Pirelli Diablo SC1 slick and GP shift with quickshifter function.

Ariel Motorcycle Company to unveil a limited run of the stealthy Ariel Ace Black Edition at Motorcycle Live.

  • The Ace Black Edition runs on Honda’s VFR1200 engine. 
  • Features Cerakote-treated, CNC-machined aluminium frame.

 The event, running from 19 November through 27 at the NEC Birmingham in England, will showcase a wide range of motorcycles.

However, the most anticipated bike at the event has to be the Ariel Ace Black Edition, which is strictly limited to just five units. 

Powering the Ace Black Edition is the same 1,237cc Honda V4 engine found in the VFR 1200, which can punch 172hp and 131Nm of peak torque. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a 6-speed manual transmission with a final shaft drive.

As the name suggests, the Ace Black Edition is finished in a matt black, while the Honda-built engine remains its original bronze colour. 

Also, the bike’s Cerakote-treated, CNC-machined aluminium frame makes the bike stands out more than the rest.

According to the company, the Ace Black Edition will be on sale for GBP22,495 (RM122k), a fair price given its exquisite looks. 

As the name suggest, the CFMOTO 800MT Sport R is a sportier take on the Chinese firm adventure-tourer. 

  • The 800MT Sport R takes inspiration from the firm’s involvement in Moto3. 
  • Features revised suspension, lower ground clearance and 17-inch wheels. 

CFMOTO revealed the 800MT back in April 2021 as an adventure-type motorcycle that borrows much of its underpinnings from the KTM 790 Adventure.

That said, the 799cc LC8 parallel-twin engine makes 95hp @ 9,000rpm and 77Nm @ 7,500rpm.

While it was built as a potent adventure bike, CFMOTO decided to give it a twist during a special unveiling at EICMA, last week.

As a result, the 800MT Sport R features some changes to its chassis and ergonomics to make it sharper on the road or track. 

Similar to the Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak, CFMOTO ditched the 19-inch rims and shod a road-focused 17-inch wheels. 

The smaller wheels ensures the bike can be fitted with a sportier and track-focused tires.

In addition the 800MT Sport R also features revised KYB suspension, lower ground clearance and reworked rebound and compression damping settings. 

CFMOTO also upgraded its stock J.Juan brake callipers to a high performance Brembo brakes. Other notable features include CFMOTO Pruestel GP Moto3 team inspired colourway. 

Unfortunately, no words from CFMOTO whether the 800MT Sport R will be going into production anytime soon. If it does, expect some tweak than the concept shown in Milan. 

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