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

MotoGP: Rossi Happy With The Factory M1 New Chassis And Aerodynamics

Valentino Rossi concluded the five days of MotoGP pre-season test with Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (SRT) in Qatar.

However, the 42 year-year old could not get on his YZR-M1 on the final day due to strong winds which caused the track to be filled with sands.

Nonetheless, Rossi expressed his satisfaction towards his new M1, with the Italian feels he is 85% done heading towards the season opener in Losail.

Valentino Rossi, Qatar MotoGP test, 12 March 2021

“We wasted one day, but fortunately yesterday we did all the important work/

“It’s a shame because we have some other things to try, including a long run for a race simulation.

“But for the rest, the balance is quite positive because especially in the last two days, we improved a lot the bike, the grip, the feeling,” he said.

Rossi also showed some love to Yamaha after last season blunder with the factory-spec M1.

“The positive is that Yamaha worked cleverly during the winter, and they brought here some good things like the new chassis and aerodynamics.

“This is very important because we have a lot of problems to improve for me in the last years.

“he second positive thing is the feeling with the new team and with all my staff [at Petronas] is beautiful, the atmosphere is good. So these two things make me happy,” he added.

MotoGP: Marquez Getting Closer To Competitive Racing

Marc Marquez is now allowed to kick-start his mobility recovery programme after his latest medical check.

The latest report suggests Marquez will soon gradually return to competitive racing; however, it remains a mystery whether the recovery will be quick enough for him to participate in the season-opener on March 28.

Since July last year, the Spaniard has been sidelined due to a broken right arm suffered in Jerez, which later required three operations.

Nonetheless, the latest updates do not suggest Marquez is allowed to jump on the bike. Instead, he can now intensify his gym training to build his muscle.

“From this moment on, Marquez can now intensify his strength and mobility recovery programme to return to competitive racing gradually,” said Repsol Honda in a statement.

Zero-Mileage 1999 Yamaha YZF-R7 OW-02 Is Up For Grab – RM345,300!

Last month, a collector decided to put Kawasaki ZX7-RR and Ducati 1299 Superleggera up for sale with a price of RM224,500 and RM392,900, respectively.

While they sold the Kawasaki, the Superleggera is still available for those who want to get their hands on a rare motorcycle.

However, there is another rare machine up for grab, this time a 1999 Yamaha YZF-R7 OW-02.

The OW-02 is a race homologation motorcycle (limited to 500 unit) built by Yamaha in 1999 to compete in the Superbike World Championship and Suzuka 8 Hours.

The motorcycle offers between 106hp up to 162hp (with 749cc engine) depending on which performance kit you want it on

Nonetheless, the R7 up for sale is a zero-mile never been registered or used motorcycle!

The R7 is a remarkable machine with the chassis built from the data collected off the Yamaha YZR500 competing in MotoGP.

For those who are interested, the R7 is available for a price of GBP59,995 (RM345,300)!

SPY SHOT: KTM 1290 Super Duke RR Spotted In The Wild

The long rumoured KTM 1290 Super Duke RR was recently spotted on the street with the motorcycle expected to be introduced late this year.

The new variant is expected to come with the premium specification based on the latest spy shot photos.

Recent reports suggest that the Super Duke RR is packed with carbon fibre, titanium, and magnesium parts to help the motorcycle shed some kilograms than the standard 1290 Super Duke R.

The carbon-fibre can be seen at the rear subframe, front fender, flyscreen, chain-guard and brake ducts while getting rid of the pillion seat and footrest also helps reduce any unnecessary weight.

The RR can also be seen equipped with an Akrapovic exhaust system indicating it will offer a few extra ponies than the current 180hp found on the 1290 Super Duke R, with both expected to share the already powerful LC8 V-twin.

(source: Ride Apart)

CONFIRMED: Yamaha To Revive YZF-R7 With 689cc Parallel-Twin Engine

But it is not the YZF-R6 successor, nor will it continues the previous R7 status.

Instead, the new R7 will come with the same 689cc parallel-twin engine that powers the current MT-07 motorcycle, as proven by the latest CARB filings.

Hence, making the upcoming R7 a fully-faired MT-07.

Last year, Yamaha announced their decision to discontinue the YZF-R6 due to the stringent emission rules.

The motorcycle instead continued to be sold as a non-homologated, track-only machine.

Nonetheless, rumours start to rife that Yamaha may be working on an MT-07 based Supersports, possibly called the Yamaha YZF-R7.

Japanese publication, Young-Machine even predicted the R7 before Yamaha decided to pull the plug on the R6.

(source: Motorcycle.com)

The Land Of Joy Gets Exciting With The Limited Edition Ducati Desert Sled Fasthouse!

Scrambler Ducati announced the limited edition Desert Sled Fasthouse to celebrate winning the Hooligan class of The Mint 400 in 2020 with rider Jordan Graham.

The Mint 400 is the oldest and most prestigious off-race in America.

Using the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled as the base, the limited edition Fasthouse is distinguished by a special livery and graphic that replicates the motorcycle used in The Mint 400.

Limited to only 800 units, the plate bearing the motorcycle’s unit number is embellished on the Ducati Red frame.

Nonetheless, the Ducati Scrambler Fasthouse continues to be powered by the same 803cc L-Twin Desmodromic distribution, air-cooled that produces 73hp @ 8,250rpm and 66.2Nm @ 5,750rpm.

Collaboration between Scrambler Ducati and Fasthouse also includes a collection of apparel consisting of a short-sleeved t-shirt, long-sleeved t-shirt, jackets, and a trucker cap.