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

2025 Yamaha YZF-R3 Launched Overseas, after being Teased Last Month

The 2025 Yamaha YZF-R3 has been launched overseas, following several teases through October.

It is obvious from the pictures that the new bike’s design has been completely overhauled to look even closer to its YZF-R7, R9, and R1 brethren with a strikingly aggressive take.

Gone are the dual headlamps, their positions taken by dual LED DRLs. The headlamp is now a single projection LED er… headlamp placed in the what used to be the faux central air intake. The rest of the bodywork features sharp lines compared to the previous bulbous look. The panel of the rear seat has also been redesigned to more closely resemble that of its bigger siblings, and the taillight of the YZF-R15.

Yamaha says the ergonomics have been revamped for a close to 50/50 weight distribution and that hints at a more aggressive riding posture.

Several new features include a new LCD screen with Yamaha Y-Connect, a USB charging port, assist and slipper clutch.

But that is as far as it goes. The engine remains the same 321cc parallel-twin, the frame is the same, and even the exhaust muffler is unchanged.

The 2025 Yamaha YZF-R3 will surely become the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R25 when it gets to Malaysia.

2024 Aprilia RS 457 Launched in Malaysia

The 2024 Aprilia RS 457 has finally arrived and launched in Malaysia, bringing the promise of a high performance, lightweight sportbike to Malaysian enthusiasts.

Although it shares some of the design cues of the bigger Aprilia RS 660, it is not scaled down from the RS 660. Instead, it is a motorcycle packed with features on its own.

Highlights:

New 457cc, parallel-twin, DOHC, eight-valve engine which produces 35kW (47.6hp) at 9,400 RPM and 43.5Nm of torque at 6,700 RPM.

82% of that maximum torque is delivered from as low as 3,000 RPM, with a good spread of 2,700 RPM between peak torque and maximum horsepower. This would give the bike a power everywhere in the RPM range performance.
Granted, the horsepower could be higher but 47.6hp is the limit for countries that have the A2 license regulations.

Several steps were taken to reduce frictional losses in the engine including offsetting the cylinders by 6.5mm from the crankshaft’s centreline, the water pump and counterbalancer shaft rotate on needle bearings, and the piston pins are DLC coated.
The gearbox also runs on roller cages instead of bushings.

The engine is housed in a twin-spar aluminium frame. The spars are bolted to the headstock.
However, the swingarm is steel instead of aluminium and pivots on the engine casing.

The forks are 41mm and adjustable for preload, as with the rear monoshock.
Braking up front is handled by a 320mm disc which is gripped by a ByBre four-piston caliper.

ABS is standard, utilising a Bosch two-channel system. Rear ABS can be turned off by pressing and holding the Riding Mode button.
The rims are fitted with 110/70-R17 and 150/50-R17 tyres.

On the electronics front, there are three riding modes, namely ECO, SPORT, RAIN.
Aprilia Traction Control (ATC) is standard and can be adjusted through three levels on-the-fly.

The Aprilia Quickshifter (AQS) is standard for clutchless up and down gearshifts.
A 5-inch backlit TFT is also standard, and the owner can opt for the Aprilia Multimedia (MIA) platform to connect his smartphone for phone calls, music streaming, navigation, and data recording.

Last, but not least, the 2024 Aprilia RS 457 weighs 159kg dry, and a 175kg kerb weight.

There are three colours: Racing Stripes priced at RM35,900, while the Prismatic Dark, and Opalescent Light are both priced at RM33,900.

BMW M RR WSBK Champion Edition 2024 Commemorates Razgatlıoğlu’s Crown

BMW Motorrad launched the BMW M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024 to commemorate factory rider Toprak Razgatlıoğlu’s winning the 2024 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK).

Special edition of the BMW M 1000 RR M Competition with world champion honors

With 18 victories and a total of 27 podium finishes, as well as 527 points at the end, “El Turco” was the dominant rider of the 2024 season, securing the first world championship title for BMW Motorrad Motorsport. The 28-year-old further emphasized his outstanding season performance with six pole positions, 13 fastest race laps, and winning the Pirelli Best Lap Award. For Razgatlıoğlu, this was already his second world championship title in WSBK after 2021, and with a total of 57 victories, he currently ranks fourth in the all-time best list.

Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW Motorrad: “Toprak’s incredible performance, culminating in the world championship title, was a joyful occasion for us to create a genuine replica of his M 1000 RR world champion machine for BMW Motorrad’s motorsport-affine fans. Limited to 54 units, corresponding to his starting number.”

Signed BMW M 1000 RR M Competition in world champion design

The basis for the BMW M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024 is the M 1000 RR
M Competition of the 2024 model year. The M Competition package includes:

Activation code for using the M GPS Laptrigger.
M Motorsport paintwork with the base color Blackstorm metallic.
Maintenance-friendly DLC-coated M Endurance chain.
M Carbon package includes high-quality components made from visible carbon and coated with clear lacquer and the M billet package.
In addition to the standard single rider tail, the passenger package including a carbon pillion seat cover is also included.

All 54 units of the M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024 are equipped with the original design and sponsor stickers of the factory racing machines.
Ilmberger carbon components such as covers for the tank, frame, swingarm, wiring harness, and clutch cover, as well as fairing parts, an exhaust heat shield, and a carbon license plate holder, complement the M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024.
Buyers of the special edition receive a voucher for a matching Akrapovič Evolution Line titanium exhaust system.
All 54 units are consecutively numbered from 01/54 to 54/54, featuring a special graphic commemorating the world championship title on the M Carbon tank cover, and are personally signed by world champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu.

The world champion graphic and the champion’s signature have been sealed with clear lacquer.
Buyers will also receive a meet and greet session with world champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu in person.

The number 1 of the M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024 goes to the world champion himself

While the number 54/54 of the M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024 will remain with BMW Motorrad and will be on display at the BMW Museum in the future, the motorcycle with the number 01/54 goes to world champion Toprak himself.

Toprak “El Turco” Razgatlıoğlu: “Wow, what a season and we became world champions. I can’t thank BMW Motorrad, my team, and everyone involved in this fantastic success enough, and it is a great honor for me to receive the number 1 of the M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024. It will definitely have a place of honor at my home.”

The M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024, equipped with a certificate, is approved in Germany through individual acceptance. The price is EUR 54,000 (RM254,778.95 before duties and taxes, etc., of course!).

2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 Launched, with New Engine

The 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 has been launched alongside with the 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 following the announcement of a new V2 engine several days ago.

Highlights

The new Streetfighter V2 shares the looks of the familiar Streetfighter V4 mixed with the new Panigale V2, including the new double-sided swingarm, although it does not have the bigger bike’s winglets.

The new 890cc V2 (90º V-Twin) engine it entirely new, but is less powerful than the previous Superquardo, producing 120hp and 93.6Nm compared to 148hp and 104.4Nm.
However, the new engine signals a return to the traditional, more tractable V-Twin power delivery by providing 70% of its peak torque from 3,000 RPM, rather than being higher up in the rev range.

The engine is very light, weighing only 54.5kg, which is 9.4kg lighter than the older engine.
There is also a new monocoque frame which weighs only 4kg.
Consequently, the new Streetfighter V2’s overall weight is 17.5kg lighter than the old bike, for a total of 177kg.

As usual, there are two variants – the standard and “S.”
The standard 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 uses fully-adjustable, upside-down 43mm Showa Big Piston Forks (BPF) and a fully-adjustable Sachs monoshock.

The 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 S uses fully-adjustable Öhlins NIX-30 forks and Öhlins monoshock. It also receives a lithium-ion battery.
Its wheels are three-spoke cast items that looks like those from Marchesini, and fitted with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres.
Up front, there are twin Brembo 320mm brake discs grabbed by Brembo M50 monobloc calipers (not Stylema).

As usual with Ducatis, the 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 features a comprehensive set of electronic rider aids which works with the six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), including ride modes (four), traction control, wheelie control, cornering ABS, engine brake control. Launch control and pit lane speed control are included in the optional pack.
A new 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connection.

The 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 is also cheaper than the old bike: £14,995 (RM85,141.74) for the standard, and £16,995 (RM96,497.76) for the V2 S. The previous Streetfighter V2 standard was priced at £16,395 (RM92,760.22).

2025 Ducati Panigale V2 with New Engine Launched

The 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 has been launched, following the announcement of a new V2 engine several days ago. The 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 featuring the new engine has also been launched at the same time, so please click on the link above to find out more about it.

Highlights

The new Panigale V2 shares the familial looks of the new Panigale V4 launched not long ago, right down to the new double-sided swingarm, although it does not have the bigger bike’s winglets.

The new 890cc V2 (90º V-Twin) engine it entirely new, but is less powerful than the previous Superquardo, producing 120hp and 93.6Nm compared to 148hp and 104.4Nm.
The racing exhaust system pack liberates 126hp and reduces 4.5kg of weight.
However, the new engine signals a return to the traditional, more tractable V-Twin power delivery by providing 70% of its peak torque from 3,000 RPM, rather than being higher up in the rev range.

The engine is very light, weighing only 54.5kg, which is 9.4kg lighter than the older engine.
There is also a new monocoque frame which weighs only 4kg.
Consequently, the new Panigale V2’s overall weight is only 176kg (15kg lighter) and has the distinction of being the lightest Panigale, ever.

As such, the lower weight contributes to a fast motorcycle, with test rider Davide Stirpe circulating only 0.2 second slower than the old Panigale V2 at the Vallelunga Circuit.
As usual, there are two variants – the standard and “S.”
The 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 uses fully-adjustable Marzocchi upside-down forks and a Kayaba monoshock.

The 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 S uses Öhlins forks and monoshock. The latter also receives a lithium-ion battery.
Its wheels are six-spoke cast items that looks like Marchesini, and fitted with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres.
Up front, there are twin Brembo 320mm brake discs grabbed by Brembo M50 monobloc calipers (not Stylema).

As usual with Ducatis, the 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 features a comprehensive set of electronic rider aids which works with the six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), including ride modes (four), traction control, wheelie control, cornering ABS, engine brake control. Launch control and pit lane speed control are included in the optional pack.
A new 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connection.
The riding position has also been changed with higher clip-on handlebars and repositioned footpegs compared to the new Panigale V4.

The 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 is also cheaper than the old bike: £14,995 (RM85,141.74) for the standard, and £16,995 (RM96,497.76) for the V2 S. The previous Panigale V2 standard was priced at £17,195 (RM102,162.87).

BMW Concept F 450 GS Revealed

The BMW Concept F 450 GS adventure bike has been revealed at EICMA 2024.

The lightweight bike will bridge the single-cylinder G 310 GS and larger F 900 GS platforms. BMW Motorrad says that it is not a trials bike, with the standing position closer to that of an enduro bike.

Although BMW did not reveal more details, they stated that the engine will produce in the regions of 48hp. Pictures show a prototype with a twin-cylinder engine, besides a styling that resembles its flagship R 1300 GS brethren including the “X” shaped headlight.

Product Manager, Sepp Mächler pointed out that the engine was developed in-house using lightweight materials such as magnesium. It is a big departure from the G 310 series where the engine was built in partnership and shared with TVS. The company has not revealed who will actually build the new 450 engine.

Mächler, a keen off-road rider himself, added, “Generally, it’s around 175kg, with 48 horsepower, and the engine has a 125-degree crankshaft for the ignition.”

“It’s very narrow and for the seating position we have different variations of what customers demand,” he continued. “It’s a brand-new design, engineered by BMW. This was an idea we had a long time ago, and then we decided to do it like that.”

“We are really looking at having the footpegs in the right position, and we were really looking at riders from 1.65 metres to 1.90 metres – so every kind of customer can sit or stay on the bike.”

Head of BMW Motorrad Design, Alexander Buckan further commented: “We have succeeded in designing the concept with the sporty dynamic appeal of our large off-road icon in a particularly compact form.”

The BMW Concept F 450 GS will be a new addition to the lightweight adventure segment, currently filled by the just-launched Suzuki DR-Z4, KTM 390 Adventure, and the upcoming Aprilia Tuareg 457 in the 350-450cc category. The G 310 GS, on the other hand, competes with the Kawasaki Versys 250/300, Suzuki V-Strom 250, Honda CRF250L/Rally, et al.

BMW Motorrad says the F 450 GS will be launched in 2025, so stay tuned!

Bikesrepublic

Latest News

2025 Yamaha YZF-R3 Launched Overseas, after being Teased Last Month

2024 Aprilia RS 457 Launched in Malaysia

Highlights:

BMW M RR WSBK Champion Edition 2024 Commemorates Razgatlıoğlu’s Crown

Special edition of the BMW M 1000 RR M Competition with world champion honors

Signed BMW M 1000 RR M Competition in world champion design

The number 1 of the M RR WSBK CHAMPION EDITION 2024 goes to the world champion himself

2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 Launched, with New Engine

Highlights

2025 Ducati Panigale V2 with New Engine Launched

Highlights

BMW Concept F 450 GS Revealed

F1 Drivers who Get Their Kick on Motorcycles

2025 BMW S 1000 R Revealed, More Aggressive Looking

How to Fix a Tubeless Tyre Puncture?

The Bell Star – The World’s First Full-Face Helmet

10 Most Common and Alarming Tyre Myths

2025 Ducati Scrambler 10° Anniversario Rizoma Edition Revealed

What Exactly is a Crossplane Engine?

2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet Launched in Europe

6 Tips on Riding Through Flash Floods

Kuala Lumpur Hit by Flash Floods

Archive

Buy a New Honda RS-X Campaign and Earn RM300 Reward

Did You Know there were Bata Tyres?

Yamaha PG-1 Revealed during 2024 Yamaha GenBlu Carnival

2025 Yamaha YZF-R1 and 2025 Yamaha YZF-R1M Launched

KTM Parent Company Pierer Mobility will Axe 200 more Jobs

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube

BikesRepublic