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In a celebration befitting Malaysia Day 2023, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) unveiled its Yamaha GEN BLU Carnival at Stadium Likas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, marking a historic first for this annual extravaganza as it made its debut in East Malaysia.

  • the 2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 made special appearance at the Yamaha Gen Blu Carnival. 
  • the Yamaha Gen Blu Carnival was held for the first time at Kota Kinabalu. 

The focal point of this year’s carnival was an exclusive preview of the highly anticipated Yamaha Tenere 700 adventure motorcycle. Scheduled for an official launch at the end of this year, this new addition to the Yamaha lineup marks HLYM’s first foray into the realm of on-and-off-road adventure biking.

The heart of the Tenere 700 is a liquid-cooled 689cc CP2 engine, featuring a 270° crankshaft, all nestled within a lightweight frame. Offering versatility on the road and beyond, the bike also boasts switchable ABS functionality, allowing riders to adapt to various terrains with ease. A user-friendly five-inch TFT color meter with two graphic themes enhances the rider’s experience. The Tenere 700 has been a source of great anticipation among Yamaha enthusiasts since its successful European launch.

 

Yamaha enthusiasts and the broader biking community can now mark their calendars as the Tenere 700 are now available for booking at a recommended selling price of RM69,988 (excluding registration fees and insurance coverage).

Beyond the bike, the GEN BLU Carnival is HLYM’s way of expressing gratitude towards its valued customers and industry partners. The event underscores HLYM’s commitment to enriching the lives of its customers, a mission deeply rooted in its 1C5S philosophy (Customer-first, Sales, Service, Spare parts, Society, and Safety), which places customer-centricity and an elevated user experience at its core.

Throughout the day, the carnival offered visitors a chance to explore HLYM’s diverse lifestyle offerings, complete with entertaining activities, exclusive promotions, and the chance to win attractive prizes.

The grand opening of this year’s GEN BLU Carnival was graced by the presence of Hong Leong Industries Group Managing Director, Professor Dato’ Dr. Jim Khor Mun Wei, alongside HLYM Director, Mr. Taketoshi Takabayashi; HLYM General Manager of 3S and Marketing, Mr. Hoo Wan Tim, and HLYM General Manager of YGP Spare Parts, Mr. Goh Wei Ping.

In a show of dedication, 60 intrepid riders embarked on a remarkable 1,200-kilometer, three-day, two-night journey from Kuching, Sarawak, to reach the event in Kota Kinabalu, passing through Brunei along the way.

Joining them were esteemed members of the media, Dewi Yamaha ambassador Ahirine Ahirudin, Yamaha authorized dealers, and loyal Yamaha customers. The celebration also paid tribute to Sabah’s rich culture and heritage with a captivating Kadazan cultural performance during the launch event.

As Ducati continues its tradition of the Ducati World Premiere, enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the unveiling of six exciting additions to the Ducati family, with the recent revelation of the Monster 30 Anniversario setting the stage.

  • the Ducati DesertX Rally was recently caught undergoing testing in Europe. 
  • the DesertX Rally features notable enhancements including a taller ground clearance and motocross-style front fender. 

Among these upcoming models, the Ducati DesertX Rally has been generating quite a buzz, having recently been spotted undergoing rigorous testing on the rugged terrains of Europe. This machine promises to take adventure to the next level, enhancing the middleweight adventure motorcycle segment. Adding to the excitement, the DesertX Rally has already received certification from the California Air Resources Board, signaling its imminent arrival.

 

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If the Ducati DesertX already turned heads with its distinctive design, the Rally version is set to elevate the off-road experience with a host of notable enhancements. Its unique appearance, reminiscent of the Cagiva Elefante, features a towering stance and muscular side panels. However, it seems that the stock DesertX may not be as bash-friendly as some riders would prefer, and this is precisely where the Rally steps in to address these concerns.

One of the standout improvements is the elongated, motocross-style front fender that graces the new model. This significant addition is complemented by robust fork protectors, extending upward to shield the upper tubes and embrace the stanchions, reducing the likelihood of oil seal damage – a welcome sight for off-road adventurers.

Another alteration to note is the revamped windshield, which, though maintaining its characteristic polka-dot pattern, appears taller compared to the standard DesertX. For those who dare to venture further off the beaten path, a new engine bash plate takes center stage. Reinforced with the trellis chassis and featuring a forged carbon construction, it ensures durability while adding a touch of rugged sophistication.

Ducatisti will also appreciate the inclusion of the Rally saddle from the accessory catalog. This dual-tone (red-black) flat, single-piece seat replaces the stock split setup, providing greater ease of movement when navigating through dirt and challenging landscapes. While the seat height may see a slight increase, the overall riding experience and triangle should remain largely unchanged.

When it comes to the bike’s rear, it bears a familiar look, with the fender and lights closely resembling those found on the existing DesertX. However, keen-eyed observers will spot the addition of side racks as the only noteworthy update.

To top it all off, the Ducati DesertX Rally flaunts a striking special livery that is sure to turn heads. The keen observer will notice a hidden red hue beneath the surface of the covered plastics, while the subframe and pillion grab rail proudly sport a vibrant red finish. In contrast, the tank and rear fender appear to embrace a sleek white shade, resulting in a captivating dual-tone livery that showcases Ducati’s signature red in all its glory.

Kawasaki is gearing up to introduce its first electric motorcycle models to the European market next month.

  • The journey from concept to reality has been quite a ride, with the electric machines officially unveiled last year during demo rides at the Suzuka 8 Hours.
  • Now, almost a year later, the eagerly awaited Kawasaki Ninja E-1 and Kawasaki Z E-1 are set to make their debut in Europe.

Both of these electric marvels fall into the 125cc category and share the same powertrain, with the primary difference being their distinctive appearances. The Ninja E-1 embraces the classic sportbike style with its sleek fairings, while the Z E-1 takes on the naked bike market with a minimalist design.

At the heart of these electric wonders lies a brushless motor rated at 5kW (6.7bhp) nominal power, capable of delivering up to 9kW (12.1bhp) at its peak, along with a robust 40.5Nm of torque.

One standout feature is the dual removable batteries, wired in parallel, a design choice that Kawasaki claims offers enhanced charge efficiency compared to a series connection. 

Each of these batteries boasts a nominal capacity of 30Ah, effectively providing a combined capacity of 60Ah for the bikes. With a nominal voltage of 50.4V, this configuration allows for a maximum energy storage capacity of 3.024kWh.

While it’s not common for electric motorcycles to come with quoted energy consumption figures, Kawasaki boldly states 49Wh/km, implying a potential range of 61.7km. However, under WMTC Class 1 conditions, Kawasaki claims an even more impressive 72km. Each battery weighs 11.5kg and requires approximately three hours and 42 minutes to reach a full charge.

For the riders, there are two selectable riding modes available: Eco and Road. The Ninja E-1, in Eco mode, reaches a top speed of 64km/h while the Z E-1 achieves 62km/h. 

Both bikes can be boosted to higher speeds, with the ‘E-Boost’ mode selectable via a user-friendly TFT display. In Road mode, the Ninja can reach 88km/h (99km/h on E-Boost), and the Z can hit 85km/h (99km/h  on E-Boost).

When it comes to the chassis, both the Ninja and Z rely on a robust steel trellis frame. The braking and suspension components are identical on both models, featuring a single 290mm front brake disc with a dual-piston calliper, a single 220mm rear brake disc with a dual-piston calliper, 41mm telescopic front forks, and a bottom-link Uni-Trak, gas-charged rear shock with spring preload adjustability.

In terms of specifications, the Ninja tips the scales at 140kg, slightly heavier than the Z’s 135kg. Both bikes share a comfortable seat height of 785mm and an identical wheelbase of 1,370mm. 

While the Z boasts 10mm more ground clearance than the Ninja (170mm vs. 160mm), both bikes have the same wheel travel, with 133mm in the rear and 120mm in the front. They also sport identical 100/80-17M/C 52S (front) and 130/70-17M/C 62S (rear) tires.

The much-anticipated 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 has been unveiled through leaked official photos. This new addition to the V-Strom lineup promises a road-focused experience, and we’ve got the scoop on the details.

Earlier this summer, we hinted at the arrival of a road-centric version of the V-Strom 800DE, and now, we have a visual sneak peek at what’s in store. 

These first official photos surfaced through updated certifications in Australia, specifically for the non-DE model. While most of the information echoes what we already gathered previously, there are some intriguing revelations thanks to the latest report by Motorcycle.com.

One of the most noticeable changes is the switch from wire-spoke wheels to cast wheels. This alteration not only distinguishes the V-Strom 800 from its DE counterpart but also hints at a different riding experience. 

That said, the new model will come equipped with a 110/80-19 front tire, contrasting with the 800DE’s 90/90-21 tire, confirming a shift in tire and wheel sizes.

Moreover, a keen eye will spot differences in suspension. Although the certification data doesn’t delve into technical specifics, it’s reasonable to infer that the road-oriented V-Strom 800 may feature less suspension travel compared to the more off-road capable 800DE.

Additionally, the photos unveil that the V-Strom 800 will forgo the hand guards and bash plate that define the DE model. These omissions are likely contributing factors to the 800’s impressive 6.8kg weight reduction.

Interestingly, the standard inclusion of the high windscreen, previously available only as an accessory for the 800DE, explains the 45mm increase in height indicated in Swiss certification.

Stay tuned for more updates as we uncover more about this exciting addition to the V-Strom family.

Moto Guzzi has once again wowed the motorcycling community with the debut of its latest offering, the Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Corsa.

  • The V7 Stone Corsa was revealed at the brand’s recent Open House gathering.
  • The retro café racer special edition strikes a fine balance between classic charm and contemporary tweaks.

The bike’s aesthetic is an exciting departure from its sibling, the V7 Stone, most notably with its new two-tone silver and red paint that stretches seamlessly from its headlight cowl to its tail. The splash of red beginning just below the iconic Moto Guzzi emblem on the tank and extending through the side panels is especially eye-catching.

For enthusiasts who appreciate the little details, the V7 Stone Corsa doesn’t disappoint. The handlebars come equipped with sleek bar-end mirrors, and a special plaque adorns the top clamp, marking the bike’s unique edition status.

Keen observers might also notice the absence of fork gaiters, providing the machine with a sportier, refined edge. Additionally, the bike’s filler cap has been upgraded to a billet item and boasts a striking anodised black finish.

The tail end of this machine also comes with its own surprises. The passenger seat, for instance, is cloaked with a removable cowl, exuding a nostalgic racer vibe. And for those who love continuity in design, the new headlight cowl and flyscreen resonate with the bike’s two-tone theme. Even if it’s not the most practical addition, it undoubtedly makes a visual statement.

Colour options? Well, the V7 Stone Corsa keeps it simple and elegant with a single metallic grey and bright red scheme.

Under its beautiful facade, the bike retains the reliable 744cc V-twin engine from the stock V7 Stone. Riders can expect a smooth 51hp and 55Nm of torque, promising a ride that’s as comfortable as the bike is captivating.

With the launch of the V7 Stone Corsa, Moto Guzzi continues to bridge the gap between time-honored traditions and modern-day flair. This is one bike that looks to the past for inspiration but rides straight into the future.

Adventure-touring enthusiasts, brace yourselves for some thrilling news – Honda is gearing up for significant updates to its Africa Twin Adventure Sports models.

  • The anticipation is building as certification data submitted in Switzerland hints at substantial changes in store for these adventure-touring motorcycles.
  • the 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin is expected to feature an all-new radar system technology to pave the way for adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection. 

The preliminary data pertains specifically to the new Africa Twin Adventure Sports models, available with both manual and dual-clutch transmission options. While the data remains incomplete, the released information offers a tantalizing glimpse of what’s in the pipeline. As of now, there is no available data regarding updates for the non-Adventure Sports models, but we can expect that information to surface shortly.

The good news for fans of the Africa Twin is that the new engine will maintain the same 1,084cc displacement. Peak horsepower output remains consistent at 101hp @ 7,500 rpm. However, the torque output is set to receive a boost, increasing from the current 104Nm @ 6250rpm to an impressive 112Nm @ 5,500 rpm.

But that’s not all. According to the certification data, there are changes afoot in the chassis department as well. The new model will feature a slightly shorter wheelbase, measuring 1,570mm. This represents a reduction of 5mm when compared to the Africa Twin’s current wheelbase. The overall length has also seen a slight decrease of 25mm.

One notable detail uncovered by the certification data is an increase in weight. Both the DCT and manual versions of the new Africa Twin Adventure Sports are listed with an added weight of 3kg. The DCT model is noted with a weight of 328kg, including a 75kg rider, translating to a curb weight of 253kg.

In comparison, the current model is certified at 250kg. Similarly, the manual transmission Adventure Sports model lists a new weight of 318kg, including a 75kg rider, resulting in a curb weight of 243kg. This marks an increase from the claimed curb weight of 240kg for the manual transmission 2023 Africa Twin Adventure Sports.

While the source of this additional weight remains undisclosed in the certification data, speculations suggest it may be attributed to the integration of a radar system. Such technology could pave the way for adaptive cruise control and blind-spot detection systems. Honda has previously filed patents related to radar systems on motorcycles, making the Africa Twin and the Gold Wing the prime candidates for the adoption of this innovative technology.

As anticipation builds among motorcycle enthusiasts, we can expect further details regarding the regular Africa Twin models to be added to the Swiss certifications in the near future. However, the official unveiling and announcement from Honda are likely to be reserved for the EICMA show happening in November.

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