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

Ducati Begin Testing 2023 MotoE Race Bike With Michelle Pirro

Ducati has already built and begun testing its 2023 MotoE race bike in Italy with Michele Pirro.

The test is crucial as Ducati will supply the entire MotoE World Cup grid beginning 2023 in a four-year deal.

Ducati will replace the outgoing Energica who previously supplied the entire grid since 2019 with a production-based Energica Ego Corse model.

However, Ducati takes over from 2023 will witness a brand-new, prototype-based sportbike that the Italian firm previewed in an artists’ rendering.

Despite there being talks the MotoE race bike will mark the Borgo Panigale first step into developing a production-based electric machine, Ducati has confirmed the MotoE model will stand alone as a race bike only.

Based on the rendered image, it is safe to assume the MotoE machine will share design similarities to the Ducati Panigale range.

“Right now, Michele Pirro is with MotoE in Misano, where our electric bike is going on the track for the first time,” said Ducati CEO, Claudio Domenicali.

While Ducati is all out excited with the new project, the announcement came as a surprise for everyone else especially since the Italian marquee has regularly dismissed the idea of moving forward with a high-performance electric motorcycle.

This Immaculate 1993 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade Could Be Yours

The 90s was a great year for motorcycles, with the likes of 900cc supersports were seen as a raw machine.

The non-existent of technological advancement like 6-axis IMU, ABS, Traction Control and Wheelie Control made the 90s supersports a wild machine.

As such, those who were seen riding on bikes like the Kawasaki ZX-9R and the CBR900RR are either extremely skilled or borderline crazy.

Meanwhile, post 2010 supersports machine are manageable even by the likes of inexperienced riders thanks to technology and electronic aids.

However, if you are in the lookout of something raw and wanting to experience the 90s bikes, perhaps this pristine 1993 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade up for auction is for you.

Debuted in 1992, the CBR900RR Fireblade is powered by a water-cooled 893cc DOHC inline-four engine capable of churning out 111hp. Mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, the only electronic aid available is an electronic ignition.

The beautiful beast is currently listed on Bring A Trailer and bidding starts at a whopping USD50k (RM210k).

If your first reaction is to complaint about the price, then perhaps the bike is not for you but if you has a penchant for all things retro and appreciate a thing of beauty, then the CBR900RR Fireblade could be the right gem for your garage.

Looking immaculate, the CBR900RR has only 5,000miles and currently waiting for a new caretaker. According to the description, the bike currently sits in Florida.

Bodywork is finished in white, blue and red with matching graphics and features aluminium twin-spar rame with reinforced aluminium swingarm.

Other additional components includes a black solo seat with passenger pillion, windscreen, fairing-mounted mirrors, a side-stand and a 18L fuel tank.

Other exiciting features include:

16″ front and 17″ rear wheel with Bridgestone Battlax BT65 tires
Nissin 4-pot brake callipers (front) and single piston callipers (rear)
Showa cartridge-type front fork
Pro-Link rear coilover (compression, rebound and spring adjustable)

Meanwhile, the dash features a 185mph (299km/h) speedometer, 11,000rpm redline tachometer and a temperature gauge.

BMW And TVS Motors Extend Partnership, New Models On The Way

BMW Motorrad and TVS Motors has officially extend their existing partnership to develop and manufacture new models including an EV.

This was confirmed by Dr Markus Schramm, head of BMW Motorrad.

“In light of our fruitful association with TVS Motor Company, we are delighted to extend and expand our cooperation agreement to include long-term partnership and joint development of new platforms and technologies, including electric vehicles.” he said.

The German and Indian firm penned a deal back in 2013 and the partnership proven fruitful thanks to the introduction of the entry-level G 310 series in 2018.

The G 310 series was instantly a hit alongside TVS’s own TVS Apache 310 RR, as more than 100,000 units were sold globally.

Meanwhile, the new agreement will not only expand the collaboration but BMW and TVS will showcase revamped technology within the next 24 months including a new range of electric-powered motorcycles.

“In the nine years of our long-term strategic partnership, we have always cherished the common core values we share with BMW Motorrad: focus on quality, engineering prowess, innovation and customer satisfaction.

“These factors and our commitment to deliver superior quality products with a strong value proposition has been key to the success of all three products launched from the platform. The new world of future mobility encompasses a strong play through alternate solutions, including electric mobility.

“Expanding this successful partnership to EVs and other newer platforms will create opportunities to deliver advanced technology and aspirational products to global markets and bring valuable synergies to both companies,” said Sudarshan Venu, Joint Managing Director TVS Motor Company.

TVS itself is expanding rapidly, a part from the success with BMW Motorrad, the Indian firm also became the new owner of Norton Motorcycles in February 2020.

Under the new guidance, Norton recently unveiled the V4 SCR prototype, which is set to enter production soon and marked a revival of the iconic British brand.

Laguna Seca To Get Much-Needed Resurface And Track Refinements Soon

Legendary circuit, Laguna Seca (now officially known as the WeatherTech Raceway) was home to some of the most epic battles in racing history.

Most notably is the battle between Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi during the 2008 MotoGP season.

Despite the legendary status, time have not been too kind to the famed circuit especially since the track has not received a refresh since 2007.

However, Laguna Seca finally getting some good news it deserved as track management has secured an initial funding to revitalized the track and amenities.

Major repairs to include replacing the crumbling bridge at the start/finish line. The brige has fallen into despair, posing a potential hazard for spectators and racers alike.

Next is to resurface the California circuit which currently displays cracks, bumps and numerous imperfections that could have severe implications towards racers.

Nevertheless, the resurfacing itself won’t come cheap, as approximately a total of USD5 million is needed.

According to reports, the total cost of repair is said to be somewhere around USD60 million mark.

Looking at how things are moving, we certainly hope Laguna Seca will someday return to the GP race calendar so we can witness more iconic battles.

Petronas Genuine Engine Oil Now Available On Shopee And Lazada

PETRONAS Lubricants Marketing Malaysia Sdn. Bhd (PLMMSB) a subsidiary of Petronas Dagangan Berhad (PDB) has now expanded its range of two-wheels (Sprinta) and four-wheel (Syntium) engine oil to the e-commerce platform.

Petronas has begun to sell its genuine engine oil on Shopee since the mid of 2020 via PETRONAS Official Store.

The initiative allows customers to get their hands on a wide range of premium products based on the type of vehicle, level of viscosity, fully synthetic, semi-synthetic or mineral lubricants.

“This is part of our efforts to ensure customers always have access to genuine and high-quality Petronas lubricants.

“Customers can now get a wide range of Petronas engine oil quickly and easily via these e-commerce platforms,” said Hardeep Singh, CEO of PLMMSB.

Meanwhile, customers can also purchase Petronas AutoExpert service vouchers at Lazada via Petronas Official Store at an affordable price.

Customers can also enjoy exclusive merchandise with every purchase of Petronas Sprinta, Syntium and AutoExpert voucher.

Honda New Manufacturing Plant In India Begins Operation, Ready For Worldwide Export

Honda India has officially commenced its new manufacturing plant in Gujarat, India.

According to the company, the new facility will manufacture only 250cc engines and above for the international markets.

Despite the engine details remaining scarce, the new manufacturing plant is set up to meet the increasing demand in markets like South East Asia, Europe, the US, Canada, Japan and Australia.

“As demand for mobility rises globally, Honda envisions further expansion of its exports footprint across the world.

“With the introduction of BSVI norms in India, we are a step closer to achieving this vision.

“Building products which are at par with global standards of manufacturing, this new expansion will allow HMSI to develop production capabilities to strengthen our direction of make in India, for the world,” said HMSI MD, President and CEO Atsushi Ogata noted.

Honda claimed the new facility is able to produce close to 50,000 engines in the first year and will eventually increase to meet global demand hence strengthening the Japanese brand in the market.

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Latest News

Ducati Begin Testing 2023 MotoE Race Bike With Michelle Pirro

This Immaculate 1993 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade Could Be Yours

BMW And TVS Motors Extend Partnership, New Models On The Way

Laguna Seca To Get Much-Needed Resurface And Track Refinements Soon

Petronas Genuine Engine Oil Now Available On Shopee And Lazada

Honda New Manufacturing Plant In India Begins Operation, Ready For Worldwide Export

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