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

Yamaha To Add A Fully-Faired XSR 900 To Its Lineup

Yamaha could introduce its own retro-style fully faired motorcycle to its lineup to compete with Honda’s Hawk 11 and Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR.

Yamaha is developing a fully-faired retro-style motorcycle.
To feature the firm’s newest 890cc CP3 engine.

Japanese publication Young Machine claimed that Yamaha is working on a new motorcycle called the XSR GP.

If you’re an avid reader, you know that we are a fan of Young Machine because they have insider information about what’s happening behind the scenes at the Japanese Big Four factory.

In its latest issue, Young Machine reveals a rendered image of what the upcoming XSR GP could look like.

At a glance, the XSR GP resembles the Honda Hawk 11 and MV Agusta Superveloce 800, but Yamaha could also intend to take the fight to Triumph’s Speed Triple 1200 RR.

Like the XSR 900, the fully-faired GP will likely feature the same 890cc CP3 (inline-three) engine that produces around 117.3hp and 93Nm.

In addition, the XSR GP could also be a strong indicator that a fully-faired race-type YZF-R9 is in the works, as Yamaha previously patented the XSR GP and R9 nameplate earlier this year.

While we are excited about the upcoming motorcycle, sadly, it is unlikely the bike will ever make its way to Malaysia anytime soon; this is because none of the XSR range (including the XSR 155 and XSR 900) is available here.

A BMW Motorrad Dealer Turn The 2022 BMW K 1600 GT To A Bespoke Beast – RM290k

The BMW K 1600 GT is probably the best grand tourer machine on the market.

The K 1600 R is BymyCar latest bespoke creation.
The custom bike now weighs just 240kg, 100kg lighter than K 1600 GT.

The House of Munich recently updated its entire K 1600 lineup, including the GT, GTL, B and Grand America for 2022.

As a result, the 2022 KT 1600 gets engine drag torque control and next-generation Dynamic ESA suspension with fully automatic load compensation.

Other notable improvements include a new 10.25-inch TFT instrument cluster and an adaptive headlight.

Although the BMW K 1600 GT is a machine built for the open road, a BMW Motorrad dealer in France, BymyCar, took the newly updated K 1600 GT and gave it a radical touch.

BymyCar got rid of the bulky rear end and the massive panniers and threw in a new subframe and a single-saddle tail unit to create a different look. This, in turn, exposed the lengthy single-sided swingarm.

Dubbed the K 1600 R, the red-painted frame now becomes the new centrepiece of the motorcycle.

Interestingly, the bespoke machine still retains its 26 litres fuel tank, making the bike still capable of going the distance.

The bike looks like an S 1000 RR on steroid from the front, while the side profile looks enormous and aggressive thanks to exposed high-flow air intakes.

Mechanically, no changes is made to the engine, which means the K 1600 R continue to offer 160hp @ 6,570rpm and 180Nm. However, due to the extreme weight trimming, the K 1600 R now weighs just 240kg.

To complete the new look, the K 1600 R gets a new modern grey paint base with red graphics. According to BYmyCar, the K 1600 R will cost you a whopping EUR65,000 (RM290k).

French Government Rolls Out More Noise Radars To Target Motorcycles

The French government has expanded its noise radars from Paris to other places around the country.

Noise radar detects any motorcycles that register more than 90dB.
The technology is expected to expand across Europe.

Dubbed the “Medusa”, these noise radars feature a 360-degree camera with several microphones to capture vehicles that fit loud exhaust.

The purpose of the noise radars is to stop the public from fitting loud exhaust to their vehicles, especially motorcycles.

Why motorcycles? According to L’Automobile Magazine, bikers have become a nuisance in the village of Saint-Forget in the Yvelines region, with over 500 bikers with loud pipes disrupting the tranquillity in the area.

Politicians in the Chevreuse Valley also claimed that it is common for motorcycles to record up to 130dB in the area.

That said, French authorities have introduced a limit of just 90dB, with those caught can be fined as much as EUR135 (RM600).

According to previous reports, the technology is set to be introduced across Europe, with the UK set to follow suit after testing similar technology in some areas.

OFFICIAL: Ducati Picks Enea Bastianini Over Jorge Martin

The tribe has spoken.

Ducati Lenovo Team has picked 24-year-old Enea Bastianini over Jorge Martin as Francesco Bagnaia’s teammate for the 2023 MotoGP season.

Bastianini will ride alongside Bagnaia on the factory Ducati machinery for the 2023 season.
Bastianini replaced Jack Miller, who is on his way to KTM.

That said, Martin will continue riding with team Pramac Racing alongside Johann Zarco next year.

Ducati took some time to announce Bagnaia’s new teammate for the 2023 season ever since Jack Miller was confirmed to be moving to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for 2023.

Although Martin was heavily linked with a move to Ducati, especially since the Spaniard kicked start the season as 2021 Rookie of the Year, Bastianini began the 2022 calendar with a blast, winning the opening act at Qatar GP followed by his second win at Le Mans.

Just last week, the Italian rider took his first premier class pole at the Red Bull Ring but unfortunately had to retire early in the race after suffering from a puncture.

Nevertheless, Bastianini is thrilled to partner alongside Bagnaia next season in an all-Italian lineup.

“I am thrilled to be able to wear the colours of the official Ducati team starting next year. It was my dream, and now it has come true.

“In these two years in MotoGP, I have learned and grown a lot, and I believe that I can only improve with the engineers and men of the Ducati Lenovo Team!

“I want to thank Claudio, Gigi, Paolo and Davide for trusting me and giving me this incredible opportunity. Still, I also want to thank Nadia and the whole Gresini team for the great support I have received from them during this wonderful season together.

“I will try to close out this 2022 in the best possible way before tackling my new adventure as a factory Ducati rider with total commitment and the right team spirit,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ducati also confirmed that Martin and Johann Zarco will continue their partnership at Pramac’s ahead of the 2023 season.

Kawasaki To Launch The E2 And E2-R Electric Motorcycle Later This Year

Kawasaki arguably among the major motorcycle manufacturers pushing for electrification.

Kawasaki to launch two new electric bikes in November.
The E2 and E2-R will be Team Green first electric range.

The Japanese firm also went on to showcased its electric and hybrid two-wheelers at Suzuka 8 Hours. The hybrid looks somewhat like the Ninja while the electric looks much smaller and looks like the firm’s Z250.

At the time, there’s no words regarding the launch date but according to British Motorcyclist Federation (BMF), Team Green plans to launch its first electric range in November.

Also, BMF claimed Kawasaki’s upcoming motorcycle will be called the E2 and could produce a peak power of around 30hp. That puts the E2 around 14hp less than the Ninja Z400.

Interestingly, BMF also reports that there will be a fully faired version of the E2 and potentially will be called the E2-R albeit sharing the same peak power.

While Kawasaki is yet to release any further info on its upcoming E2 and E2-R electric motorcycle, the latest report looks encouraging from the marquee.

Yamaha XMax 250 Updated With Two New Colours For 2022 – RM22,298

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor has updated the XMax 250 with new visual for 2022.

The popular Yamaha XMax 250 gets two new colours for 2022.
The maxi-scooter retains the same engine and bodywork.

The quarter-litre Japanese maxi-scooter is now available in two new colours for the Malaysian market; Red and Matte Green.

The two new visuals is the same that was introduced in Japan just a few weeks ago.

In terms of design, the 2022 XMax 250 retains the same bodywork as the previous year’s model, including the iconic sharp split LED headlight.

Mechanically, the 2022 XMax continue to feature the same 250cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces 22.5hp and 24.3Nm.

Also retained for 2022 is the semi-digital instrument cluster and traction control.

Meanwhile, the scooter is suspended by a conventional telescopic forks and dual shocks at the rear while braking hardware consist of front and rear disc with dual-channel ABS.

According to Hong Leong Yamaha Motor, the 2022 XMax 250 is available for RM22,298 with new owners will also received a complimentary Yamaha safety disc lock worth RM100, with every purchase.