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Indian motorcycle giant Hero MotoCorp is ready to set foot in the Philippine market by 2024 as part of the company’s international expansion plans.

  • Hero is ready to expand its brand in the Philippines.
  • The India-based company has sold more than 100 million motorcycles since its debut. 

To achieve this, Hero has partnered experienced automotive firm in the Philippines, Terrafirma Motors Corporation (TMC), a subsidiary of the Columbian Group of Companies.

TMC will take charge of Hero’s motorcycle distribution in the country.

“In keeping with our R4 (Recalibrate, Revitalise, Revolutionise and Revive) strategy, we are always keenly exploring new opportunities in global markets. 

“Our partnership with Terrafirma Motors Corporation (TMC) to enter the Southeast Asian region is an integral part of this expansion strategy. 

“The trust and technology prowess of Hero MotoCorp combined with TMC’s automotive expertise and network in the Philippines will definitely create an impact and strengthen our footprint in this key market,” Hero MotoCorp Head of Global Business, Sanjay Bhan told ZigWheels.

Hero MotoCorp is regarded as the world’s largest two-wheel manufacturer in terms of sales, with over 100 million motorcycles sold since its debut. 

Hero’s motorcycles are available in 43 countries worldwide, including Asia, Africa, and South and Central America. 

Yamaha has updated its popular middleweight adventure motorcycle, the Tenere 700and Tenere 700 Rally Edition for 2023.

  • The 2023 Tenere 700 and Tenere 700 Rally Edition features a new dash and electronic package.
  • The Tenere 700 is powered by Yamaha’s high-torque CP2 engine. 

The Tenere 700 has continued to be a hit among adventure riders since its introduction in 2019, with the bike’s success contributed by its off-road capability as well as excellent value for money compared to the rest of its competitors.

What’s new?

Riders will appreciate the new instrumentation that comes in the form of a 5-inch TFT colour display replacing the outdated LCD digital dash. 

The new dash also features smartphone connectivity that can be connected to a smartphone which feeds incoming calls, emails and text messages. 

The new display also allows riders to link it to the Yamaha My Ride app.

Other notable updates include pre-wiring for a quickshifiter, USB port, redesigned brake lever and LED turn signal.

Electronically, the 2023 Tenere 700 gets new and improved three switchable ABS modes; ON, OFF and REAR OFF. 

Other features available on the 2023 Tenere 700 and 700 Rally Edition include:

  • lightweight double-cradle tubular steel frame
  • adjustable 43mm upside-down forks
  • remotely adjustable rear suspension
  • 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel
  • 16L fuel tank
  • handguards

Powering the 2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 and Tenere 700 Rally Edition is the high torque 690cc 4-stroke, CP2 Euro5-compliant engine that puts out 72.3hp @ 8,750rpm and 67Nm @ 6,500rpm. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a 6-speed manual transmission with a final chain drive. 

Meanwhile, the Rally Edition is fitted with a dedicated rally seat, radiator protector and Akrapovic slip-on muffler as standard.  

GALLERY: 2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 and Tenere 700 Rally Edition

Kawasaki owners can now breathe easily in case of a breakdown as Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd (EMOS) has officially introduced its roadside assistance services. 

  • New Kawasaki owners can enjoy up to four free towing services in a year.
  • Customers can reach out to Kawasaki Roadside Assistance via toll-free line. 

EMOS, in its press statement, said that the service covers all-new Kawasaki and Modenas rebranded models manufactured in 2022 and registered from August 1, 2022.

According to MODENAS CEO Roslan Roskan, the service is part of the company’s initiatives to provide the best services for its customers.

“We are always looking at providing convenience for our customers. Accidents happen and motorists do not want to walk on the side of the highway pushing their heavy motorcycles to an auto mechanic shop. 

“Therefore, we have decided to focus more of our resources on helping our customers get fast, efficient and safe towing for their motorcycles rather than being forced to leave them stranded by the roadside,” he said. 

The 24 hours roadside assistance includes a free 100KM round-trip towing throughout West Malaysia and to all major towns in East Malaysia, including Sabah and Sarawak. 

However, for towing that exceeds 100km, an additional RM2.00 per kilometre will be imposed. In addition, towing services shall cover both major and minor engine/motor breakdowns and accidents. 

Each member is entitled to four free towing services a year, but the service is valid for only one year from the registration date.

Owners can reach out to Kawasaki Roadside Assistance at any time via a toll-free number at 1-800-880-008. 

 

If you’re in the market for a new all-rounder motorcycle helmet, perhaps look no further than SHARK’s latest Spartan RS helmet, introduced in September last year.

  • SHARK’s latest Spartan RS meets the new ECE22.05 homologation standard.
  • Every SHARK helmet range comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty. 

However, as we are two months away from 2023, SHARK has updated its Spartan RS with a new carbon fibre shell.

Carbon fibre shell is popular among riders as it is strong as its fibreglass counterpart and much lighter. 

More importantly, despite the lighter shell, the SHARK Spartan RS Carbon still meets the ECE22.06 homologation standard. That said, the new carbon fibre shell only weighs 1,480grams in size medium. 

Also, the Spartan RS is designed to have minimal buffering at high speeds, which SHARK capitalize on its motorsport efforts in MotoGP.

The helmet also features seven air vents, three at the front and four at the back.

Interestingly, the visor is also thicker and straight from the SHARK Race-R Pro GP helmet.

The visor is also rated optical Class 1, which means the rider is provided with an undistorted view. Pinlock 120 Max Vision is also included in the box as standard.

Other notable features include:

  • anti-microbial and anti-odour Alveotech fabric liner
  • removable/washable cheek pads
  • secured with a double D-ring retention system

As usual, every SHARK helmet comes with a 5-year warranty. In Europe, the new Spartan RS Carbon is priced at EUR436.99. 

As the world is shifting towards a sustainable ecosystem, motorcycle manufacturers are also moving towards the same direction.

  • Royal Enfield begins testing electric motorcycle prototypes in several facilities around the globe.
  • Royal Enfield’s production-ready EV is set to roll out in 2025. 

The latest is Royal Enfield, which has started testing its EV prototypes at various locations worldwide. 

According to reports, after investing in a dedicated infrastructure specialising in electric vehicles, Royal Enfield has also hired relevant individuals to boost its EV development in India and the UK.

However, while other manufacturers – such as Kawasaki and Triumph – is already in the advanced stages of introducing their production-ready electric motorcycles, Royal Enfield will only launch its EV in 2025. 

This is because the India-based company wants to ensure that its EV project can set a similar quality benchmark as its 350cc to 650cc range. 

That said, Royal Enfield is working to understand what buyers want in an electric motorcycle which, in turn, allows the firm to develop an EV that meets the customer’s needs similar to its petrol-powered motorcycle. 

Royal Enfield will also focus on expanding its ICE-based motorcycles with the soon-to-be-launch Himalayan 450 and Shogun 650. 

Kenan Sofuoglu took the term ‘start them young’ to a whole different level as the ex-MotoGP and WorldSBK rider recently let his three-year-old son, Zayn Sofuoglu, take the Honda Gold Wing for a spin!

  • The Honda Gold Wing is a 1800cc motorcycle that weighs more than 300kg. 
  • The Gold Wing featured in the video is equipped with Honda’s DCT transmission. 

Before we show you the video, it’s probably wise to remind you not to let your kids take on a bike as massive and heavy as the Gold Wing, especially if he’s been around for only 1,095 days. 

In the video posted on Sofuoglu’s son’s Instagram account, we can see his kid approaching the Gold Wing, which is evidently taller and way bigger than him. 

Zayn continues to fire up the bike as if he is not bothered by the bike’s size before taking it for a spin under the watchful eyes of his dad.

A quick scan through Zayn’s social media accounts shows that he’s ridden several motorcycles, including the Yamaha TMAX, Italjet’s Dragster and a Honda Ruckus.

So for someone who was born in April 2019, it’s a surprise that a kid at that age can ride a full-size motorcycle.

However, perhaps the video somehow proves how easy it is to ride a Gold Wing, even for a kid who can’t even reach the footpegs to ride it.

But then again, we wouldn’t advise you to try this with your kids. 

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