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It has been confirmed that Pirelli will take over the reigns from Michelin as sole tyre supplier to the MotoGP championship beginning 2027.

The electric motorcycle racing series, MotoE, will also be using Pirelli tyres from that point henceforth.

The agreement with MotoGP’s governing body will span five years until 2031. Pirelli is already the sole tyre supplier to the Moto3 and Moto2 classes, after taking over from Dunlop since last year. The move saw lap times tumbled dramatically as well as closer racing.

Pirelli has been the tyre supplier to the World Superbike Championship for many years. Apart from motorcycle racing, Formula 1 is also racing on Pirelli rubber, which makes the company the supplier to the highest tiers of motor racing.

On the other hand, Dunlop is the sole tyre supplier for the Superstock category in the FIM Endurance World Championship.

However, we suspect it would not stop some people from crying about bringing back certain brands. Previously, when Bridgestone first came into MotoGP, many said Michelin was better. Then when Michelin came back, they said Bridgestone was better. It will be interesting to see what kind of comments will pop up next.

X-Wedge, the super cruiser brand from China is heading to Malaysia.

Unlike other Chinese manufacturers who build their businesses from smaller capacity motorcycles upwards, X-Wedge concentrates on cruisers with massive engines that are inspired by big cubed American V-Twins, albeit closer in look to Indian rather than Harley-Davidson motorcycles. X-Wedge made their debut on 9th September 2023 and is a subsidiary of the Huansong Industrial Group based in Chongqing, China who have in business since 1988.

Their catalog is bolstered by a 5-model line up, with four utilising their sub-2000cc V-Twin engine. This monster engine is said to have been derived from S&S, the maker of performance V-Twin engines that grace custom motorcycle makers such as the now-defunct Titan and even Orange County Motorcycles.

X-Wedge’s ‘big block’ engine (our term to distinguish it from the smaller engine – Ed.) features rare, square dimensions of 108mm bore x 108mm stroke. You have 1979cc when multiplied by two cylinders. As per cruiser convention, the engine has OHV (overhead valves) that are activated by pushrods. It produces a claimed 103 HP at 5,000 RPM and 158 Nm of torque at 3,000 RPM. That is a cruiser powerband right there.

However, the compression ratio is rather low for a modern motorcycle at only 9.75:1. Could it be that the manufacturer is thinking of forced induction or increased stroke by themselves in the future, or an avenue for customers to do so? Maybe. Anyhow, that low compression ratio means you can run the bike on low octane petrol, so no problem if you ride to some remote location.

Also, no less impressive is that X-Wedge already has a large aftermarket and lifestyle collection. Their main concept store also includes an Ace Café.

X-Wedge model range

Let us take a look at their line up.

Ranger RX2000

Starting from the basic cruiser is the Ranger RX2000. It features an unmistakable low-slung and a long wheelbase, hardtail look, with several modern touches. The one in our picture show a sportier paint scheme but the company’s website shows a bike with plenty of chrome. It is powered by the ‘big block’ engine. Fuel is carried in an 18-litre tank and the bike weighs 350 kg.

Rover RL2000

This is the touring variant based on the Ranger. It is complete with a large upper fairing, leg shields, footboards, side cases, upper case with passenger backrest and arm rests. It has an 18-litre fuel tank and weighs 420 kg.

Vanguard VT2000

This is based off the Rover RL2000, but with two rear wheels, making it a trike. As with the other two, it uses the ‘big block’ engine, has an 18-litre tank and weighs a whopping 505 kg.

Voyager VS2000

It is basically a Ranger RX2000 with a sidecar. As such, it shares the Ranger’s specifications. Weight is claimed at 490 kg.

Walker WR1000

The Walker WR1000 features a complete break from the other cruiser conventions, featuring a futuristic look and two front wheels like the Cam-Am. It is powered by a 121 cubic inch (975cc) V-Twin which produces 81 HP and 80 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a belt, after going through a CVT. And yes, it has a reverse gear.

Models headed to Malaysia

We found out that the three models headed to Malaysia are the Ranger RX2000, Rover RL2000, and Vanguard VT2000. All three will be Completely Knocked Down and assembled here, hence the attractive starting price of around RM 90,000. The local distributor, MForce Bikes Sdn. Bhd. plans to open concept shops in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Sabah, and Sarawak.

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The Cyclone RA600 was also launched alongside the RE600 retro scrambler and RT3e scooter.

While the RE600 takes on the shape of a retro scrambler, the RA600 is a retro bobber/cruiser with several futuristic touches. Both share the same 550cc parallel-twin engine which produces 58 HP and 55 Nm torque. Likewise, the chassis and brakes are the same, although the RA600 has a single disc brake with the same J.Juan front brake caliper.

Apart from that, the RA660 has a different, girder-style, front end, seating position, and foot placement. Additionally, the bike uses a belted final drive instead of the chain on the RE600. Also, the wheels are 16-inches on both ends for that low-down riding attitude. There are adjustments for the “forks.”

The fuel tank hold 14.5 litres, the lighting is via LED, while electronics include dual-channel ABS, and traction control system.

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The Cyclone RE600 was previewed along with the Cyclone RT3e scooter. It should arrive in Malaysia by June 2025.

MForce actually launched two models based on the 600cc platform in the same event. One was this RE600 retro scrambler and the RA600 retro bobber. They also launched the RX650 adventure bike.

As such, the RE600 is fitted with the 550.5cc parallel-twin engine which produces 58 HP at 8,500 RPM and 55 NM of torque at 6,500 RPM. Top speed is claimed at 170 km/h. Traction control system (TCS) is standard.

The chassis consists of a steel tube frame, upside-down forks in front, and a monoshock at the rear. Stopping duty is handled by twin disc brakes up front and a single disc brake at the back. The brakes are backed up by ABS. Both wheels are 17-inches in size.

Other features include a round LED headlight, together with an LED rear light, and turn signals. As with modern motorcycles, the instrument panel is a full-colour TFT screen.

Fuel is contained in a large, 20-litre tank and seat height is a low 800 mm.

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The Cyclone RT3e scooter was recently previewed.

Cyclone brand is the premium brand of motorcycles under Zongshen Industrial Group. The group primarily builds locomotives in their home country.

The Cyclone RT3e is positioned as a “modern classic” scooter with vintage looks and contemporary features.

Power is provided by a single-cylinder 247cc, DOHC, four-valve, EFI, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine, which produces 24.8 HP (19.5 kW) at 7,500 RPM and 24.5 Nm at 6,500 RPM. By comparison, those figures are higher than that produced by the Yamaha XMax 250’s engine.

On the chassis front, wheels are 12-inches at both ends. The brakes are disc on the front and rear, assisted by ABS. The bike has a traction control system (TCS), too.

Do note that the spec sheets claimed a 10-litre fuel tank at the launch, which differs from the 13-litres in the RT2e. Still, a 750mm seat height and 162kg dry sound good.

Lighting is LED all around with backlit buttons, and a digital instrument panel.

The Cyclone RT3e was launched at RM 12,888. It is now available at Cyclone dealerships around the country.

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Triumph broke sales record again, with 134,635 motorcycles sold worldwide in 2024, marking a 64% jump from 2023. It was also the first time for the brand to sell more than 100,000 units in their 122-year history.

This is the fifth consecutive year that Triumph has achieved an all-time record, representing an increase of 123% since 2019. The continuous sales growth is reflected in the expansion of the company’s dealer network which now reaches over 950 global dealers, representing an increase of 46%.

Looking specifically at their 2024 milestone, Triumph says the sales record was greatly fuelled by their entrance into the sub 500cc market which has attracted new riders to the brand. (No surprise!) Credit goes to the successful launch of the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X models, built in response to growing global demand for smaller capacity motorcycles.

Triumph reported the greatest growth was achieved in India, where sales of the 400cc machines largely contributed to a total of 29,736 units sold in the country. The manufacturer did not detail the numbers, but reported that other markets like Brazil, Canada and the US stood out with sales up by 44% compared to 2023. And although European markets saw a smaller growth of 18%, Triumph confirms they still remain the largest region for the brand.

We have a strong new model pipeline which will see our range develop further to appeal to an even greater range of riders,” said Triumph Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Stroud. “That’s why we continue to make ambitious plans, forecasting continued progressive growth, which will see us welcome even more customers to the Triumph Brand over the coming years.”

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