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Zontes is prepping to launch a new range of motorcycles after completing development of its triple-cylinder engine.

  • Zontes officially completes its triple-cylinder engine development.
  • The new project was announced back in June 2021. 

 

The Chinese motorcycle manufacturer announced its ambitious plans back in June 2021. The announcement was a part of the company effort to take on the likes of Yamaha and Triumph with its own triple-cylinder powertrain.

With a number of Chinese brand already penetrating the big bike segment, Zontes also wants a piece of the cake after spending much of its time on the lower end of the engine range with its 310cc motorcycles.

Nevertheless, Zontes is ready to climb up the scale after completing the new engine development and showing it off to the public as proof.

Frankly, we like at what we are seeing as the new engine is more of an innovation instead of tracing existing design from other manufacturers. 

Also, this is a proof that Zontes is working on something solid, further hinting its plan to become a new contender in a segment that features established line up.

As for which models that could feature the new engine is still unclear but looking at other Chinese counterpart including CFMoto and QJ Motor, we assume one of the new model could be an adventure-type motorcycle. 

Italian motorcycle manufacturer Piaggio is currently developing a new suspension system for its scooter range inspired by an 18th-century inventor, James Watt.

  • Piaggio to revived the linkage system introduced by James Watt in 18th century.
  • Watt’s linkage system to be applied on Piaggio’s two-wheel and three-wheel scooter. 

James Watt was a renowned Scottish physicist in the 18th century and was the first person to coin the term “horsepower”.

More than 250 years ago, Watt was also responsible for the Watt’s linkage, a mechanical linkage type in which the linkage’s central moving point is constrained to travel on a nearly straight line.

The Watt’s linkage was described in James Watt’s patent specification of 1784 for the Watt steam engine.

As it turns out, Piaggio is reviving the two-century-old technology for modern time according to a newly filed patent according to Motorrad.

Based on the report, Piaggio wants to use Watt’s linkage to suspend the motorcycle compared to a traditional telescopic fork. 

The new system will allow a less sideways movement of the axle hence allowing the rider more precise control of the motorcycle.

Looking at the drawings, you can see that the suspension component is located on each side of the wheels rather than closer to the handlebar like a conventional telescopic fork. 

However, there are no words when Piaggio plans to introduce the new system. Nevertheless, it is an exciting development to see 250 years old technology coming back for modern times. 

(source: Motorrad)

While some owners tends to unnecessarily  accessorised their big bore adventure bikes just so it looks good in front of a ridiculously priced coffee shop on a Sunday morning, there are those who are actually taking their ADV bike for its actual purpose, going on a proper adventure.

  • 230 riders from 13 countries will endure a more than 200km of deep rainforest jungle. 
  • XCape Resort, Kuala Tahan, returns as host for the 2022 edtion after successfully hosting the 2018 edition. 

This is one of many reasons why Rimba Raid is born, to gather every adventure bike riders  around the world to compete against one another for the ultimate prize, being the best enduro rider of the competition. 

Also, it gives you the honour to tell others that your bike is probably the best ADV bike available in the market.

That said, the 2022 Rimba Raid Taman Negara will witness the battle between big-bore adventure motorcycle, including BMW R 1200/1250 GS(A), Honda CRF1000/1100 Africa Twin, KTM 1050/1190/1290 Adventure/Super Adventure and Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere.

Interestingly, this time around, there is a new competitor in town, the 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 will also try to get a piece of the action. 

Also making its first appearance at Rimba Raid is the Moto Morini XCape 650, WMOTO SX300 and Fantic Caballero 500. 

A total of 230 riders from 13 countries will set foot in Kuala Tahan, including riders from Malaysia, Colombia, Canada, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, Poland, USA, UK, Indonesia, Netherlands and Italy. The 2022 edition also welcomes four female riders, Elissa Airin (Malaysia), Shamira Azhar (Malaysia), Cherie Tan (Singapore) and Kanthaphat Kitisophonchodiran (Thailand). 

The 2022 Rimba Raid will kickstart on 24th September 2022 at XCape Resort, Kuala Tahan, Pahang who is the main host of the race, after successfully hosting the 2018 edition. 

English motorcycle racer, Gino Rea suffered a crashed during the second free practice at the 2022 Suzuka 8 Hours, last Saturday.

  • Gino Rea sustained a serious head injury during the second practice round at Suzuka.
  • The rider was flown to the nearest hospital for immediate medical attention with doctors kept Rea in medically-induced coma. 

Medical personnel rushed to care the FCC TSR Honda France rider, but due to severe injuries, Rea was airlifted to a local hospital.

The team had earlier confirmed that the rider sustained a serious head injury due to the crash and remained in critical condition.

As a result, Rea is put under medically-induced coma for days. 

International media tried to get a hold of Rea’s condition but due to the injury’s severity, no recent updates were collected.

However, Rea’s family has shared an update regarding the situation.

“We couldn’t make a post earlier due to the Japanese culture, as they do not release any news to media without the direct contact with the family first.

“We arrived in Japan on August 8 and 8pm with many thanks to the EWC, FIM, Suzuka Circuit, British Consulate, and TSR Racing Team for all the help in arranging emergency visas for us,” said Rea’s family in a statement.

The statement also explained that doctors kept the rider in medically-induced coma as an effort to reduce the swelling on his brain.

However, according to the family latest update via Rea’s official Instagram account, the rider showed a sign of recovery with reduced swelling after undergoing CT-Scan.

“He is in a stable condition and recovering from the usual side effects from such a trauma. We are looking forward to a speedy recovery from him as we all know he is capable of it,” the statement read. 

Ducati is scheduled to unleash a series of 2023MY motorcycles via its virtual Ducati World Premiere.

  • The iconic Monster to get the SP treatment since its introduction in 2021.
  • The Monster SP features similar lightweight components as the Streetfighter V4 SP and Panigale V4 SP. 

Despite brilliantly coming up with vague titles for all 7-episodes for the 2023 DWP, recent reports have indicated that a new Monster SP is among the new models set to be unleashed.

Motorcycle.com revealed the information in their latest publication. 

According to the report, the name ‘Monster’ came up in Australian vehicle identification documents along with ‘Monster+’ and ‘Monster SP’. 

A screengrab of the documents can be read HERE

Although the document doesn’t disclose information beyond the name, the upcoming Monster SP will likely get the same 937cc liquid-cooled V-Twin engine.

Based on the current SP models – Streetfighter V4 SP and Panigale V4 SP – it is likely the new Monster SP will feature lightweight components and an upgraded braking system. 

Also, we can probably expect a host of unique components, including carbon fibre mudguards and so on. 

That said, Ducati is set to kicked-off its 2023 DWP (The Web Series) on 2nd September. 

Below is the number of the episode of the upcoming Web Series leading to EICMA 2022:

  • Episode 1—The Unexpected (2nd September)
  • Episode 2—Ready for More? (15th September)
  • Episode 3—Unlock Earth (29th September)
  • Episode 4—This is Racing (7th October)
  • Episode 5—Push Forward (20th October)
  • Episode 6—Dare to be Bold (28th October)
  • Episode 7—Next Gen Freedom (7th November)

(source: Motorcycle.com)

Royal Enfield is among the manufacturers that always stay true to its roots, making a beautiful and reliable motorcycle with the exception of power.

  • Royal Enfield plans to unveil its first electric motorcycle by 2026.
  • To feature a new battery pack and electric motor suitable for city riding. 

The firm’s newly launched 350 range, including the Meteor 350, Classic 350 and Hunter 350, is a testament to this.

However, as the market started to shift towards electrification, even Royal Enfield couldn’t escape the new changes brought upon by the motorcycle industry.

That said, Royal Enfield reportedly has plans to release its own electric motorcycle range by 2026, as reported by Indian publication, BikeDekho.

While it may take three years before we can see one, Royal Enfield is not in a rush to play the chasing game with the rest of the industry’s players.

In fact, the company wants to ensure that the new electric two-wheeler will continue to carry the brand’s quality and brand experience.

According to reports, the motorcycle will perform like a 250cc powertrain. However, it may not offer a good range for long-distance riding.

Nevertheless, an urban-focused electric motorcycle makes a lot of sense for the firm’s first attempt at electrification.

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