In a groundbreaking move, Ducati is diving headfirst into the world of motocross. 

After two years of relentless development, Ducati is gearing up to make its debut in the Italian Motocross Championship next season, raising the stakes in the competitive off-road motorcycling arena.

Ducati’s decision to enter motocross marks a significant milestone for the company, echoing its unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and innovation. 

The strategy underscores the same principle that has set Ducati apart in the motorcycle industry for decades – a philosophy that begins with racing and culminates in the creation of high-performance production models that bring joy to enthusiasts worldwide.

This ambitious venture heralds a multi-year project that will see the birth of a comprehensive range of off-road engines and motorcycles. 

These models will come together under the banner of Ducati, gradually expanding to cover a family of knobby-tired motorcycles. It all starts with motocross.

At the heart of Ducati’s foray into off-road is a relentless pursuit of lightweight design, top-of-the-line components, and engines known for their broad power delivery curves. Ducati’s adoption of the Desmodromic system, a technology renowned in the racing world, elevates the performance of its off-road machines.

This system, also employed in Ducati’s high-performance production bikes, including MotoGP racers, sets Ducati apart as the only company globally using the same valve return system for both racing prototypes and production models.

The decision to venture into the specialized off-road sector signifies a pivotal strategic move for Ducati, made possible by its remarkable achievements in recent years. Ducati’s entry into motocross cements its commitment to exploring uncharted territory.

The move also paves the way for a new generation of young motorcyclists to experience the allure of the Borgo Panigale brand and join the thriving community of Ducatisti.

In September 2023, BMW left the adventure riding community awestruck with the debut of the thoroughly revamped R 1300 GS, signaling a long-awaited evolution of their flagship model. Now, the spotlight shifts to Touratech, the renowned German purveyor of adventure riding accessories, who has wasted no time in tailoring a suite of offerings to complement the impressive capabilities of the new GS.

Touratech’s name has become synonymous with enhancing the touring and off-road prowess of adventure motorcycles, and their latest lineup for the BMW R 1300 GS solidifies this reputation. Their comprehensive range of accessories is designed to cater to both globetrotting touring enthusiasts and avid off-road adventurers.

Protecting the Heart of the Beast

First in line, the Sport engine crash bar takes the stage, designed to shield the brand-new 1300 Boxer engine in the unfortunate event of a tip-over or a slide. It boasts the remarkable ability to absorb the brunt of impact and sliding forces while ensuring that the bike maintains the agility necessary to tackle corners with enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, the Classic engine guard steps up to the plate, offering protection not just for the engine but also for the fairings, bodywork, and radiator. Additionally, riders have the option to add a reinforcement strut for an extra layer of fortification.

Enhancing Off-Road Capabilities

For those looking to maximize their R 1300 GS’s off-road performance, Touratech has introduced the Expedition engine guard. This accessory is not a newcomer to the scene; it has already been tried and tested over millions of kilometers on previous BMW models and has now been meticulously optimized for the R 1300 GS. Constructed from four-millimeter thick aluminum sheet, this guard ensures that even the most unforgiving terrain won’t jeopardise the engine’s underbelly.

Luggage Solutions for Adventurers

When it comes to luggage solutions, Touratech doesn’t disappoint. The brand offers a stainless steel pannier rack, a notable absence in the BMW’s standard equipment list. The rack incorporates Touratech’s patented connecting elements, 3D lugs for added strength and weight reduction, all while maintaining the bike’s svelte profile. It’s fully compatible with a selection of panniers, including Touratech’s very own aluminum panniers, which come in various sizes and capacities, as well as the Zega top case and luggage rack.

Availability and Expansion

All the Touratech accessories tailored for the new BMW R 1300 GS are now available through the brand’s official website. However, Touratech assures enthusiasts that their product catalog for the new GS will continue to expand to meet the evolving needs of adventure riders. For precise pricing information, prospective buyers are encouraged to visit Touratech’s official website, as pricing may vary according to their respective regions.

As the adventure motorcycling world embraces the new BMW R 1300 GS, Touratech stands ready to empower riders with a range of carefully crafted accessories designed to take their two-wheeled adventures to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned globe-trotter or a rugged off-road enthusiast, Touratech’s offerings provide the means to unlock the full potential of this iconic ADV machine.

Royal Alloy has just launched its latest range of scooters, and they are aimed squarely at the younger generation with their stylish design and affordability.

Say hello to the 2024 Royal Alloy Youth Edition scooters, making their grand entrance into the Malaysian scooter market. These snazzy rides promise to be both an eye-catching spectacle and a practical choice for riders, with an exciting price tag that starts from RM12,800.

The Youth Edition lineup comprises three distinct models: the GP250, the GP180 ABS, and the GP125, each tailored to cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of the modern youth.

Prices for the Youth Edition models are RM13,800 for the GP250, RM17,300 for the GP180 ABS, and RM13,800 for the GP125 CBS. As usual, all these prices do not include road tax, insurance, and registration fees.

One of the standout features of the Royal Alloy Youth Edition scooters is their see-through bodywork, a unique design element that sets them apart from the crowd.

Royal Alloy GP250

The GP250, in particular, is bound to turn heads with its transparent engine covers, available in striking Blue and Green options. For those who prefer a more conventional appearance, the GP250 also comes in Sherwood Green and Scotland Grey standard color options.

The GP250 boasts a single-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of 244 cc. It packs a punch with 24.8 hp @ 7,250rpm and a peak torque of 19Nm @ 5,000 rpm. Braking is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes at both the front and rear, and ABS comes standard. Weighing in at 152 kg, it can carry up to 10.5 liters of fuel in its tank.

Royal Alloy GP180

The GP180 ABS introduces a wide range of color variants, including a Blue clear bodywork version, for those who appreciate a bit of flair. Other color choices include Pink, Modern Orange, High Class Grey, Sherwood Green Matte, and Matte Bronze, ensuring that riders can find the perfect hue to match their personality.

The mid-range GP180 ABS is powered by a 169 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. It delivers a reliable 10.2hp @ 7,250rpm, with 10.6Nm @ 5,250rpm. Braking is handled by ABS-equipped hydraulic discs, and the suspension features telescopic forks at the front and a shock absorber at the rear.

The GP180 ABS is a lighter ride at 130 kg, with the same 10.5-liter fuel capacity as its sibling.

Royal Alloy GP125

The GP125 is no slouch in the style department, offering five color variants, with the Ivory option featuring a transparent engine casing. Solid color choices include Ivory White, Flame Red, Matte Black, and Pink, providing plenty of choices to suit individual tastes.

The GP125 offers a 125 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, producing 9.8hp @ 7,500rpm and 9.2Nm @ 7,000rpm. Equipped with a combined braking system (CBS), it weighs 130 kg and shares the 10.5-liter fuel capacity with the GP180 ABS.

In a tragic turn of events, a 14-year-old girl’s reckless joyride in her friend’s mother’s car resulted in a fatal collision with a motorcycle, claiming the life of a 32-year-old woman and inflicting injuries upon the victim’s sister in Kuala Kedah,” as reported by the New Straits Times.

The incident unfolded at approximately 7 pm along Jalan Kuala Kedah, where Nur Shafiqah Abdullah, the victim, met a sudden demise while her elder sister, Nooraliza Abdullah, 43, sustained multiple injuries, according to Kota Setar’s acting police chief, Superintendent Syed Basri Syed Ali.

The accident took place in proximity to a fuel station, where the two sisters were riding a motorcycle from the Taman Bersatu traffic light towards Kuala Kedah. 

Simultaneously, a Proton Satria, operated by the aforementioned 14-year-old girl, approached from the opposite direction. It appears that the young girl lost control of the car amidst a rainy spell, causing the vehicle to swerve into the opposing lane, resulting in a catastrophic collision with the victims’ motorcycle.

Preliminary investigations have unveiled that the root cause of this tragedy was the juvenile driver’s reckless behavior, which led to a loss of control over the vehicle, as noted by Superintendent Syed Basri Syed Ali.

In an unexpected twist, the 14-year-old driver, a school dropout with no employment, survived the accident with only minor injuries to her nose. In response to these unfortunate circumstances, Syed Basri emphasized that the authorities will take action against the car owner for allowing a minor to operate the vehicle, as their negligence in this matter cannot be overlooked.

To further shed light on the details of this case, the police are appealing to witnesses to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation. The incident is currently under examination as per Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

(source: NST)