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

OFFICIAL: 2022 Petronas Grand Prix Of Malaysia Is Coming To You This October

The Malaysia MotoGP fever officially returns to Sepang International Circuit after a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sepang International Circuit (SIC) officially welcomes the 2022 Malaysia MotoGP after a two-year absence.
SIC announced Damok as the official ‘wildcard’ rider in Moto3.

This time around, Petronas – the new official title sponsor – welcomes all two-wheel racing enthusiasts across the country to witness the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia 2022 happening on the 21 – 23 October.

The 23rd edition of the Malaysian GP also marks Petronas’s official debut as the new title sponsor after successfully reaching an agreement with MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports earlier this year.

During the launch, Chief Executive Officer of Sepang International Circuit (SIC), Azhan Shafriman Hanif, also announced the ‘wildcard’ slot for the upcoming MotoGP Malaysia goes to FIM Junior GP rider Syarifuddin Azman @ Damok, who will race with team VisionTrack.

“This year marks the first year of PETRONAS as the title sponsor for the Grand Prix. SIC is set to #WelcomeHome all the local and international motorsports fans to Sepang after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“With no Malaysian riders competing full season in the championship, I believe Damok will be the pull factor for Malaysian to cheer fellow Malaysian on the grid,” said Azhan.

Also present is Petronas Senior General Manager of Group Strategic Communications, Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz, who shares her excitement about the latest project.

“PETRONAS is excited to see the return of MotoGP to Malaysia, and it gives us great pride to headline the event, as the championship is synonymous with passion, innovation, pace and performance – values that resonate well with PETRONAS.

“As such, to celebrate the occasion, PETRONAS has lined up a series of thrilling family-friendly experiences on and off the track, including around KLCC which will be announced in due course.

“The Grand Prix title sponsorship offers an opportunity for PETRONAS brand to grow and help re-energise Malaysia’s sports tourism and provides a unique platform for us to showcase PETRONAS Primax – the Official Fuel for the Moto2 and Moto3 championships – to the world,” she said.

Meanwhile, the most exciting catch for this year is the #MalaysianGP2022 Mega Lucky Draw contest, whereby two lucky winners will walk away with Yamaha NVX and Y15ZR, which features limited-edition SIC livery worth RM22,000.

Tickets can be purchased at www.sepangcircuit.com.

2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT Now In Malaysia – RM85,700

There is a new player in the sport-touring segment, and it goes by the name Suzuki GSX-S1000GT.

The new sports-tourer now available in Malaysia for a recommended price of RM85,700.
The new Suzuki GSX-S1000GT features everything you need on a grand tourer, including a comfortable seat and top-notch electronics.

Starting with the design, the GSX-S1000GT has an entirely different design concept than the current Hamamatsu range.

The alien-like fairing features a pointed nose and a non-adjustable windshield at the front paired to a LED headlights and DRL (daytime running light).

Although it was build based on the heavily revised GSX-S1000 frame and powerplant, the GSX-S1000GT brings an altogether different vibe.

With optional panniers, comfy riding ergonomics, and an all-new electronic system, the GSX-S1000GT could be Suzuki’s ultimate sport tourer motorcycle.

At the heart of the motorcycle sits the same inline four-cylinder 999cc Euro5 engine you get from the GSX-R1000 and is detuned with revised cams, new air-box, and new exhaust to deliver 152hp @ 11,000rpm and 106Nm @ 9,250rpm.

Major electronics upgrade is a new electronic actuated throttle and Suzuki Intelligent Ride system that brings together riding modes, traction control and most importantly, cruise control system.

While it may share the same twin-spar aluminium frame with the GSX-S1000, the Japanese firm has heavily revised the subframe to make it sturdier to allow the GT to carry extra load, including pillion and panniers (that comes as standard for the Malaysian market).

The dash offers a large 6.5″ TFT display that allows riders to access navigation features, accepting calls, music selection and more via the Suzuki mySPIN app.

Other features include:

19L fuel tank capacity
226kg dry weight
inverted telescopic front fork
rear link-type suspension
twin disc front and a single disc at the rear
17″ wheels

2022 Yamaha XMax 250 Gets New Visual Updates In Japan

Yamaha has updated the XMax 250 with visual updates for 2022 in Japan.

The popular Yamaha XMax 250 gets four new colours for 2022.
The maxi-scooter retains the same engine and bodywork.

The quarter-litre Japanese maxi-scooter is now available in four new colours; Matte Dark Green, Glossy Red, Glossy White and Dark Grey.

In terms of design, the 2022 XMax 250 retains the same bodywork as the previous year’s model, including the iconic sharp split LED headlight.

Mechanically, the 2022 XMax continue to feature the same 250cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces 22.5hp and 24.3Nm.

Also retained for 2022 is the semi-digital instrument cluster and traction control.

Meanwhile, the scooter is suspended by a conventional telescopic forks and dual shocks at the rear while braking hardware consist of front and rear disc with dual-channel ABS.

According to Yamaha, the 2022 XMax 250 is available in Japan at JPY654,500 which translates to RM21.9k.

Japanese Aftermarket Specialist Makes Carbon Kit For 2019 Suzuki Katana

Japanese aftermarket parts specialist, Magical Racing, has introduced a number of carbon components for the 2019 Suzuki Katana 1100.

Magical Racing introduced a bespoke carbon parts for the 2019 Suzuki Katana.
The carbon kit includes the iconic longtail seat inspired by the 80s Katana.

The kit consist of bar ends, belly pan, headlight cowl. front and rear fender and a windscreen. However, Magical Racing also introduced the nostalgic longtail seat which was previously available on the 80s Katana.

The longtail unit includes a tail light and is available in three trims, FRP Black, Plain Weave Carbon and Twill Weave Carbon.

Also, there is an option to put a piece of carbon on the back of the tank.

Other carbon parts available for the 2019 Katana also includes a carbon-black BST wheels.

According to Magical Racing, the longtail unit is available from JPY177,000 (RM5.9k) up to JPY273,600 (RM9.1k).

Meanwhile, the Suzuki Katana is available in Malaysia for RM77,989.

Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR And SCR Lands In Europe – 61hp, 54Nm

Moto Morini has introduced a new pair of middleweight motorcycles, the Seiemmezzo STR and Seiemmezzo SCR.

The Moto Morini Seiemmezzo is a middleweight motorcycle with a 649cc parallel-twin engine.
The Seiemmezzo range consists of a naked (STR) and scrambler (SCR) motorcycle.

For those who don’t speak Italian (including us), Seiemmezzo translates to “six and a half,” which is self-explanatory.

The Seiemmezzo range consists of two mid-range 649cc motorcycles, the STR (naked) and SCR (scrambler).

The main visual difference between the STR and SCR is the wheels, with the latter featuring wire-spoked wheels and the former getting alloy rims. However, both bikes get the same Pirelli Angel GT 120/70-18 front and 160/60-17 at the back.

The motorcycle is equipped with the same 649cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine that makes 61hp and 54Nm.

Morini claimed the STR and SCR could hit a maximum speed of 170km/h despite weighing around 200kg (dry) and carrying a large 16L fuel tank.

Other notable features include:

dual 298mm front disc
single 255mm rear disc
dual-channel Bosch ABS

Also, the Seiemmezzo STR and SCR are suspended by 43mm Kayaba front forks with 120mm of travel and a Kayaba monoshock at the rear, with adjustable preload.

In addition, the rear shock is linked to the rear wheel by an aluminium swingarm.

According to Moto Morini, the Seiemmezzo STR is available in “Starlight White”, “Fire Red”, and “Smoky Anthracite”, while the SCR features “Navy Green” and “Night Black” colourways.

Ex-MotoGP Andrea Iannone Vows Return To Racing After Doping Ban

Andrea Iannone wants to return to two-wheel racing after his doping ban ends in 2024.

Andrea Iannone’s doping ban will end in 16 months.
Iannone wants to return to competitive racing after facing a four-year ban.

The former MotoGP rider was handed a lengthy ban after testing positive for a banned substance during a routine drug test at the Malaysian GP in 2019.

FIM gave Iannone an 18 month-ban before World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed that the sanction was too lenient and requested a four-year ban.

The Italian rider took the case to the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) to fight the sanction. However, a successful countercase from WADA resulted in Iannone’s four-year ban.

As a result, Iannone refrained from racing or testing until 16 December 2023.

Despite being sidelined since 2020, Iannone is ready to put himself in the market and hopes to secure a top-level seat for 2024.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 33-year-old is adamant about returning to the track once his ban is lifted.

“I’ll be back. I don’t know where, how and when, if in MotoGP or Superbike, but I guarantee it: I still can’t fill my life with things [other] than the bike or the speed.

“Dancing with the Stars was like a diversion and I’m spoiled for choice for everything that’s offered to me. If I get offers from TV it means that people are interested in me, but I guarantee you that I am focused on one thing: to get back to [riding]. And I will do it,” he said.

While his effort to get back to competitive riding is commendable, it seems unlikely that the former Ducati, Suzuki and Aprilia rider to make the MotoGP list for 2024.

The championship has changed drastically since the rider’s ban, and with every team vying for MotoGP’s glory, Iannone’s – who will turn 34 by 2024 – chance is slim.

However, there is still a window of opportunity for Iannone at the WorldSBK, especially since more privateer options are available.

That said, Iannone still needs to prove that he can still compete at the highest level.

Bikesrepublic

Latest News

OFFICIAL: 2022 Petronas Grand Prix Of Malaysia Is Coming To You This October

The Malaysia MotoGP fever officially returns to Sepang International Circuit after a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT Now In Malaysia – RM85,700

There is a new player in the sport-touring segment, and it goes by the name Suzuki GSX-S1000GT.

2022 Yamaha XMax 250 Gets New Visual Updates In Japan

Yamaha has updated the XMax 250 with visual updates for 2022 in Japan.

Japanese Aftermarket Specialist Makes Carbon Kit For 2019 Suzuki Katana

Japanese aftermarket parts specialist, Magical Racing, has introduced a number of carbon components for the 2019 Suzuki Katana 1100.

Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR And SCR Lands In Europe – 61hp, 54Nm

Moto Morini has introduced a new pair of middleweight motorcycles, the Seiemmezzo STR and Seiemmezzo SCR.

Ex-MotoGP Andrea Iannone Vows Return To Racing After Doping Ban

Andrea Iannone wants to return to two-wheel racing after his doping ban ends in 2024.

CFMoto CL-C Low Ride Concept Uses Old Tech & May Make It To Production

Benelli BKX 300 Targets Less Experienced Riders

Yamaha Working On Laser Headlights For Motorcycles!

Triumph’s New Motocross Bike Officially Unveiled!

Brembo Introduces Two New High-Performance Callipers For 2024!

New KTM 1390 Super Duke R Is Mental With 190hp at 10,000rpm!

Race-Inspired Keeway TX450R Signals Future of The Chinese Bike Maker!

New Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 Makes Official Debut in India!

QJ Motor SRK 1000 RC Borrows Design and Tech from MV Agusta!

Honda RS-X Updated With New Colours

Archive

Yamaha MT-09 First Yamaha to Receive Y-AMT Auto Transmission

Moto2, Moto3 2024 Times Tumble with Pirelli Tyres

Art of Speed 2024 – The Biggest and Boldest Yet

Why MotoGP Bikes Don’t Use ABS?

Hulala Bike Fiesta Returns For 2024 – Enjoy Big Discounts!

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube

BikesRepublic