Bikesrepublic

Latest News

It is only April 2024, but Team Orange has already launched the 2025 KTM motocross range, for both two- and four-strokes.

However, there are only chassis updates throughout the lineup while other mechanical aspects remain unchanged. Even then, these updates were already available on the 2024 Factory Edition versions of the 250 SX-F and 450 SX-F.

These “new” frames have cutouts for the rear engine mounts, besides a different thickness at the front engine mounts, and the shock mounts. In all, it saves 300g and alters the frame’s flex.

A new swingarm with a machined chain guide is also installed, along with a new more durable rear brake pedal. Additionally, the rear shock linkage has smaller diameter bolts and new seals.

Besides the changes, KTM has also adjusted the WP XACT AER forks’ setting. The tyres are now Dunlop Geomax MX34.

On the electronic front, the owner can opt for the KTM Connectivity Unit Offroad suite which allows for adjustments through the KTMconnect app.

Lastly, there are new graphics with stretch KTM logo on the side panels.

The two-stroke SX range consists of the 50 SX, 65 SX, and 85 SX mini bikes, besides the 150 SX, which joins the existing 125 SX, 250 SX, and 300 SX.

As for the four-strokes, there are the 250 SX-F, 350 SX-F, and 450 SX-F. KTM adds the Adamo Edition 250 which celebrates Andrea Adamo’s winning the 2023 MX2 World Championship title.

A spokesperson for the Malaysian Highways Authority (LLM) said traffic flow on several major highways and roads leading out of the Klang Valley was reported to be congested this evening.

It is caused by the increase in city residents returning to their hometowns to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri. At the same time, they can take advantage of free tolls on all highways which will end at 11.59 tonight.

According to the spokesman, the flow of traffic to the north is congested on the North-South Highway (PLUS) from Bukit Lanjan to Rawang, Kawasan Rehat dan Rawat (R&R) Rawang to Bukit Beruntung, Bukit Tagar to Lembah Beringin, Tapah to Gopeng, and the Menora Tunnel to Kuala Kangsar.

“Four Smart Lane lanes have been activated for the northbound route involving Rawang R&R Area to Sungai Buaya, Slim River to Sungkai, Gua Tempurung to Gopeng, and Bukit Tambun to Juru. The route will be activated until 7pm tonight,” he told Bernama.

As for the route to the south, he said, congestion was reported in Nilai to Bandar Ainsdale, Port Dickson Selatan to Pedas Linggi, and Kulai to Sedenak.

“The Smart Lane has also been activated, including Nilai to Seremban R&R Area, Ayer Keroh to Bemban Side Stop, and Kulai to Senai,” he said.

As for the route to the East Coast, he said, traffic is controlled and congestion only occurs after the Gombak Toll Plaza to the Genting Sempah Tunnel.

“Traffic is congested along 13 kilometers following the rain, in addition to the increase in vehicles and hiking trails at the location,” he said.

Malaysia’s young rider Qabil Irfan Azlan said his debut in the 2024 Spanish Superbike Championship (ESBK) at the Jerez Circuit was affected by cold weather and a slippery track, but he saw it as a positive development.

The 2023 MiniGP World Series Championship world champion finished Race 1 in a good sixth place.

Unfortunately, the slippery circuit conditions due to the cold weather resulted in a more challenging Race 2 for Qabil.

“I’m not very happy with this result (Race 2) because I’m not good with the bike. The circuit was slippery, cold and the tires slid. I also need to improve my riding style during the race that took place in cold weather,” said Qabil.

Regardless, Qabil and his ZK Racing manager, Zulfahmi Khairuddin will improve their performance in the second round of the season which will take place at the Valencia Circuit from May 30 to June 2.

“Our purpose in coming here is to give Qabil an early experience of racing in Europe. The result in Race 1 is a proud result while the result for Race 2 is a valuable experience for us to improve on in the next round.

“All week here Qabil spent the session in ninth and 10th place but in the race, Qabil was with the front group competing for the podium. Qabil finished Race 1 in sixth place.

“But, for Race 2 it was a difficult race for Qabil. He didn’t feel confident with the bike, the circuit felt slippery from the first lap until the end of the race because of the cold weather.

“This is a good experience for Qabil and the team. We will return to Malaysia to train well for round 2 in Valencia,” said Zulfahmi.

Despite the many cases of deaths, injuries and arrests, 30 secondary school students were among the 178 individuals arrested by the police in a combined Anti Hooligan Ops at Jalan Jelapang, near Ipoh.

The operation started at 2.30 in the morning and was carried out by a team of 72 officers and members of the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) of the Ipoh District Police Headquarters (IPD) together with the Perak National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).

Ipoh District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad said, those arrested for various offenses consisted of 166 men and 12 women aged between 15 and 34 years.

“Among those arrested were 30 secondary school students and four students of higher education institutes (IPT).

“Of the 143 motorcycles detained, a total of 19 were confiscated for various offences, the most serious of which was modifying vehicles in accordance with Section 64(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 and a total of 302 summonses were issued to road users,” he said.

Apart from that, there were also some individuals who are high. The result of a urine screening test conducted by AADK found that five individuals tested positive for drugs, one of whom had been arrested for the same offence last year.

“The Narcotics Crime Investigation Division of IPD Ipoh and AADK will take further action on the five individuals.

“This operation was planned for the purpose of combating the activities of road hooligans for which the police have received many complaints from residents for disturbing public order,” he said.

A total of 20 summonses were issued and 3 motorcycles confiscated for the offence of modifying the motorcycle’s exhaust in the Operasi Motosikal (Motorcycle Operation) in the Bukit Ampang Saujana area, yesterday (7th April 2024).

Ampang Jaya District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mohd Azam Ismail said, the operation from 11pm to 3am was carried out by the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division of the Ampang Jaya District Police Headquarters (IPD) with a senior officer and 14 members.

According to him, the operations focused more on motorcycles, as usual.

“This is because the vehicle is often seen with structural modifications, especially on the exhaust which disturbs public order.

“As a result of the operation, a total of six individuals were checked along with six vehicles and a total of 20 summonses were issued for common offences such as driving without a valid license, registration number not in accordance with specifications, modification of the exhaust and also other offences,” he said.

He said, in addition, three motorbikes were confiscated in accordance with Section 64(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 and Section 6(4) of the same act for making extreme modifications to the exhaust and the brakes not working.

“The seized vehicle was brought back to the Ampang Traffic Police Station for further action.

“The celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri will arrive soon, therefore the next of kin and guardians are reminded to monitor the children’s activities more closely,” he said.

A CFMoto 1250MT is reportedly being developed.

CFMoto is KTM’s partner in producing the engines for several of the latter’s models, namely the 790 and 890 series. What is missing from CFMoto’s lineup is a heavyweight adventure bike. That may be about to change, since their 1250TR-G tourer is already using KTM’s LC8 V-Twin from the previous 1290 Super Duke and Super Adventure.

According to sources, CFMoto’s version of the LC8 is downsized to 1279cc from 1301cc. It produces 140hp in the 1250TR-G guise to rival the BMW R 1300 GS and Triumph Tiger 1200. There is also word that the 1250MT will be road focused only, unlike the KTM 1290/1390 Super Adventure which has two variants.

Nothing is confirmed thus far, although the picture is from CFMoto. As such, it should feature all that are available on the KTM including ride modes, traction control, cornering ABS, cornering lights, quickshifter, TFT screen with smartphone connectivity, etc.

It has to be said that several Chinese motorcycle manufacturers are aiming for the world markets and have moved away from throwaway cheap copies. The country’s automotive industry, especially for EVs is now challenging the best the world could offer. It is just a matter of time.

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube