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

2024 KTM 990 Duke Arrives in Malaysia

More Team Orange news: The much awaited 2024 KTM 990 Duke has arrived in Malaysia.

The “990 Duke” name is hallowed among long-time KTM fans, as it was the previous edition that unleashed KTM’s propensity for making bonkers naked bikes, paving the way for the beastly 1290 Super Duke.

So, although the 990 shares some of the underpinnings of the midrange Dukes, it is much closer to the big boss 1390 Duke.

Highlights of the 2024 KTM 990 Duke

The most eye-catching feature is the new styling, of course, which we admit splits opinion.
That light cluster is functional, nonetheless: The headlights adjust automatically to ambient lighting, flanked by DRLs.
The engine is the now-ubiquitous LC8c parallel-twin much like the ones on the 790 Duke and 890 Duke R.

However, the 990’s 947cc LC8c features new pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft, plus more aggressive cam profiles.
Coupled to a new exhaust system, the engine does 123 hp at 9,500 RPM and 103 Nm of torque at 6,750 RPM.
That power is sent through a six-speed transmission and the usual PASC clutch.

The powerplant is housed in a new steel trellis frame, while the subframe is aluminium and bolted-on.
Suspension is what else but WP, since the brand is owned by KTM. Up front are WP Apex 43 mm diameter upside-down forks with five levels of compression and rebound adjustments.
At the back is a WP Apex Monotube monoshock with a lighter spring, 10 levels of preload, and 5 levels of rebound damping adjustments.

The front brake system consists of dual 300mm lightweight discs, serviced by four-piston calipers.
The rear brake has a two-piston caliper and 240mm disc.
Cornering ABS is standard, of course, utilising the Bosch 9.3 MP system.

As usual, a ride-by-wire throttle enables riding aids, such as three traction control and three ride modes, while TRACK and PERFORMANCE modes are optional.
TRACK mode, as the name suggests allow for the rider to control levels of rider aid, besides activating launch control.
PERFORMANCE adds cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity.
There is a new 5-inch TFT-LCD screen.
KTM claims the bike weighs a lithe 179 kg wet, with 14.8 litres of fuel.

The 2024 KTM 990 Duke is priced from RM 99,800.

2024 KTM 250 Duke Launched in Malaysia, with Major Updates

The 2024 KTM 250 Duke was also launched in Malaysia, together with the 2024 KTM 390 Duke. And as with its bigger 390 sibling, the 250 Duke also sees many updates to make it virtually a new motorcycle altogether.

Highlights of the 2024 KTM 250 Duke

Starting with the engine, there is no capacity bump, since it is already at 249cc.
The engine dimensions remain the same, as with its maximum power output of 30.8 hp (23 kW) and torque of 25 Nm, despite being Euro 5.2 compliant.

Its clutch is now KTM’s PASC (Power Assist Slipper Clutch), upgraded from the previous slipper clutch without power assist.
The engine is nestled in the signature steel trellis frame, although the subframe is bolted on.

Front suspension duty is handled by 43mm upside-down WP APEX big piston forks, with no adjustability.
The rear monoshock is mounted to the ride side of the frame, and adjustable for preload only.

A new curved aluminium swingarm to mount the shock increases the wheelbase.
The front brake consists of a single 320mm disc checked by a four-piston caliper.

The rear brake has a 240mm disc, and 2-piston floating caliper.
Since there is a new subframe, its seats have been redesigned to be more supportive and plusher, especially for the pillion.

The riders seat height is also adjustable between 800mm and 820mm.
The headlamp has been redesigned to look similar to the 390 Duke’s although it does not have the same DRLs.

All lighting are LED.
The 2024 KTM 250 Duke has the same design language as the entire Duke range such the radiator panels, side panels, tank.
Electronics wise, the new bike has a new 5-inch LCD screen with connectivity functions.

The 2024 KTM 250 Duke is priced from RM 22,500 with Quickshifter+.

2024 KTM 390 Duke Launched in Malaysia, Features Major Updates

The 2024 KTM 390 Duke was launched in Malaysia. It features some of the biggest updates since its initial launch back in 2012. In fact, it might as well be called an all-new bike altogether.

Starting from its design, the 2024 bike has a much closer familial resemblance to its larger cousins, namely the 890 Duke R, 990 Duke, and 1390 Super Duke R. The new headlight cluster has also been redesigned to give the bike a new signature look. The radiator covers are moulded with spoilers, but thankfully, no winglet.

Highlights of the 2024 KTM 390 Duke

The Euro 5.2-compliant engine sees a capacity bump to 398.7cc from 373cc, hence a redesigned cylinder head.
There is not much in terms of power increase however, just up to 44.25 hp and 39 Nm, from 44 hp and 37 Nm from the previous iteration.

However, what KTM sought is not to lose engine power due to the more restrictive Euro 5.2 standard, hence the capacity increase.
The frame is now two-piece, with the aluminium subframe bolted onto the steel trellis main frame.

A new curved aluminium swingarm accommodates the rear monoshock.
The monoshock is mounted off-centre, enabling a larger airbox. A larger airbox should smooth out the engine’s power delivery.

The split piston monoshock is adjustable for preload and rebound (finally!).
Up front are 43 mm WP APEX Open Cartridge forks with 5-step adjustment for rebound and compression.

Braking duty is handled by a single four-piston caliper gripping a 320mm disc in front, and a 240mm disc at the back.
Cornering ABS is now standard, and as usual, the rider can switch to Supermoto ABS to deactivate the rear wheel’s ABS.

There have been market feedback than the Duke’s seat is a little tall for us Asian riders, so the 2024 KTM 390 Duke has an adjustable seat height feature to set it to 800 mm or 820 mm.
There is a new 5-inch TFT-LCD display, too. TRACK mode emphasises the tachometer display, while also bringing up the lap timer and gear indicator.

The said mode will activate the launch control feature (yummy!).
Unfortunately, all these changes have added 16 kg to the bike, now at 165 kg compared to 149 kg.
There are two colour choices: Electronic Orange, and Atlantic Blue.

The 2024 KTM 390 Duke is priced from RM 35,800, with the Quickshifter+ feature.

BMW Automated Shift Assist Revealed

Automatic gearboxes on motorcycles is not a new thing, especially among small capacity motorcycles. However, manufacturers are starting to arm their motorcycles with such systems of late. The latest is the BMW Automated Shift Assist.

The BMW system, however, has a key difference compared to Honda’s DCT. Whereas the DCT system omits the gearshift lever for buttons on the handlebar, BMW’s system retains the lever. The only similarity is the deletion of the clutch lever.

The system uses two shifting modes, ‘M’ and ‘D’. In M (manual) mode, the rider still moves the gear lever and decides when they want the bike to shift either up or down. Switching to D (drive) mode enables automatic up and downshifts by the gearbox’s ECU.

The manufacturer says that the system is to “Simplify your ride”, by using an automated clutch and shifting mechanism, without “sacrificing the emotionally important dynamics of shifting.”

How it works

Two electromechanical actuators automate the clutch and gearshift of the six-speed transmission, meaning there is no need clutch lever.
It allows you to accelerate like a scooter by twisting the throttle.
The clutch is automatically actuated once you come to a stop again.
The rider’s shift request is transmitted to the control unit via a gearshift lever sensor, which is actuated by the gear lever.
Additional sensors gauge the revs of the transmission input shaft and the clutch position.
This data is fed to the Transmission Control Unit (TCU), which, along with the bike’s ECU, decides on how much clutch pressure to apply to enable the shift to take place.

BMW has not announced which model will receive the ASA feature, despite the graphics showing a Boxer engine, and the picture showing the button on the handlebar of a GS. However, it adds 2kg to the bike over the conventional system thus the S 1000 RR and M 1000 RR should still retain the traditional transmission (thank goodness!).

Jalan Sultan Ismail Two Way from 30 April

Jalan Sultan Ismail has been made a two-way road from 30 April 2024. The move is expected to reduce traffic congestion around the Bukit Bintang area.

Kuala Lumpur Deputy Chief of Police, Datuk Azry Akmar Ayob said the change started from Jalan Raja Chulan to Simpang Bukit Bintang. He said that a total of 20 members of the Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) will be stationed along the route to help smooth the flow of traffic.

“This route change has been implemented since last Wednesday (April 30) to avoid traffic congestion in the center of the capital.

“The deployment of 20 traffic officers on this route is to smooth traffic because many users are still unaware of the change,” he said.

Commenting further, Azry said the route will be used as a one-way road during peak hours from 6 am to 9 am which will be controlled by his side. The one-way route will start from Jalan Kampung Pandan towards Jalan Sultan Ismail and the route will become a two-way road after 9am.

According to him, to avoid confusion, he will place JSTP members along the route involved.

“We still haven’t been able to (see the results) completely and monitoring is still being done by traffic officers stationed around Bukit Bintang and Jalan Sultan Ismail.

“Officers will monitor the smooth passage of vehicles passing here, besides trying to give road users more understanding.

“We hope this implementation can reduce the rate of traffic congestion in Bukit Bintang,” he said.

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z Launched in India, Cheaper than Dominar 400

The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z was launched in India yesterday, bringing the Pulsar lineup on par with the Dominar. Priced at INR 185,000 (RM 10,520.43), it is a full INR 46,000 (RM 2,615.89) cheaper than the Dominar 400.

It will now compete with Bajaj’s own Dominar 400, the new Triumph T-Series of 400cc single-cylinder bikes, KTM 390 Duke, et al although not in the same price range.

Highlights of the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z

The most striking feature is its new aggressive styling, although its silhouette retains the signature Pulsar look.
The front end retains the triangular fairing but the headlight cluster now features a central LED projector lamp, flanked by lightning bolt-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs).

At the back, the Pulsar signature style LED taillight is maintained.
A split-seat option is available.
It shares the same 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine as the Dominar 400.
The powerplant produces a maximum power of 39.4 hp at 8,800 RPM and maximum torque 35 Nm at 6,500 RPM.
The 6-speed transmission includes a slip and assist clutch.
New 43mm gold-coloured upside-down forks up front.
320mm front disc brake.
5-step adjustable brake and clutch levers.

The ride-by-wire throttle opens up the inclusion of traction control and four ride modes i.e. Sport, Road, Rain, Off-Road.
ABS is standard.
Tyre sizes are 110/70-17 tyre up front and a 140/70-R17 at the back.
Seat height is an accessible 804mm.
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z comes in four colours namely Glossy Racing Red, Pewter Grey, Metallic Pearl White, and Brooklyn Black.

Bikesrepublic

Latest News

2024 KTM 990 Duke Arrives in Malaysia

Highlights of the 2024 KTM 990 Duke

2024 KTM 250 Duke Launched in Malaysia, with Major Updates

Highlights of the 2024 KTM 250 Duke

2024 KTM 390 Duke Launched in Malaysia, Features Major Updates

Highlights of the 2024 KTM 390 Duke

BMW Automated Shift Assist Revealed

Jalan Sultan Ismail Two Way from 30 April

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z Launched in India, Cheaper than Dominar 400

Highlights of the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z

Azlan Shah Hints Early Retirement from Asian Stage

Man Beaten to Death Allegedly Running after Hitting e-Hailing Rider

Single Sided Swingarm – Is it Dangerous?

Is a Triumph Tiger 660 Rally in the Works?

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

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

Honda Introduces NX400 and Updated CBR400R For Japanese Market

Archive

2025 BMW R 12 S Launched, Beautiful Homage to the R90S

Why MotoGP Bikes Don’t Use ABS?

BMW Concept F 450 GS Revealed

Honda RC164 Stella Watch, Yours for “Only” RM154,000

New Colours for 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube

BikesRepublic