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

Kawasaki Introduces Updated KLX 230 Models

The refreshed 2024 Kawasaki KLX230 S and KLX230SM ABS have arrived with updates that include new paintjobs, graphics, LEDs and even a suspension overhaul. Both bikes are updated by the same 233cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine and the same six-speed gearbox. But there is quite a bit that is different underneath the two bikes. We break it down for you:

2024 Kawasaki KLX230 S

In terms of suspension, the KLX230 S gets a 37mm telescopic front fork with 7.8-inches of suspension travel, complemented by a rear Uni-Trak linkage offering 8.9-inches of travel at the back with preload adjustability. Kawasaki reports that the revised aluminium swingarm sheds about 1.2 kilograms compared to the previous generation swingarm.

The 2024 KLX230 S rolls on a 20-inch front and a 18-inch rear wheel. It’s available in both ABS and non-ABS variants, featuring petal disc brakes at the front and rear. The brakes vary slightly between the ABS and non-ABS versions, with the ABS model sporting a 265-millimeter front brake disc and the non-ABS model equipped with a 240-millimeter front brake disc instead. In both cases, a 220-millimeter rear brake disc gets the job done.

The seat height is a more accessible 33-inches. The curb weight stands at 133 kilograms. LCD instrumentation and smartphone connectivity via Kawasaki’s Rideology The App are standard on this motorcycle.

2024 Kawasaki KLX230 SM

The 2024 Kawasaki KLX230 SM benefits from the same engine, ergonomics, and subframe modifications as the 2024 KLX230 S but adds a more supermoto-oriented character to the mix.

Instead of the 20-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels found on the KLX230 S, the 2024 Kawasaki KLX230 SM boasts a pair of 17-inch wheels at both ends. As for brakes, a 300mm semi-floating petal front disc handles braking up front, while a single 220-inch rear disc takes care of things at the rear.

Suspension-wise, riders get an inverted 37-millimeter front fork, as well as the Uni-Trak rear linkage also present on the KLX230 S. Spring settings are slightly firmer to accommodate the road-biased nature of this machine. Similarly, the footpegs on the SM feature rubber pads to reflect their street orientation.

A new LED headlight, a two-toned and flattened-out saddle, and a redesigned tank/shroud/cowl unit complete the KLX230 SM package for 2024.

Kawasaki markets its motorcycles in multiple regions worldwide. Consequently, pricing and availability may vary depending on location, but for Malaysians, prices may be expensive due to the falling value of the ringgit.

The KLX230 S for example is priced at RM23,620 while the KLX230 S ABS is priced at RM25,032. The KLX230 SM though is priced at RM26,500.

However, expect these prices to change should these bikes hit the Malaysian market. Since Kawasaki bikes are assembled and distributed by Modenas which means those prices could be lower. If the Ringgit does not fall further that is.

BMW Close To Introducing High-Performance Electric Motorcycle

BMW is no newcomer to electric technology, whether in its two-wheeled or four-wheeled divisions. However, the electric bikes from BMW have been mainly limited to scooters, but according to reports, a change may be on the horizon.

The BMW CE 02 and CE 04 are certainly distinctive in the electric scooter market, with their considerable size and extended wheelbase hinting at performance surpassing the standard 125cc equivalent.

While BMW is said to be developing a smaller electric motorcycle, potentially derived from its G 310 range, recent patent filings suggest that the company is also working on a more potent electric motorcycle. The patents, disclosed by Cycle World, outline the foundation for a high-performance electric motorcycle exceeding the capabilities of a 300cc equivalent.

The proposed motorcycle follows a similar approach to some other electric manufacturers, like the Harley-Davidson LiveWire, by employing an aluminium battery and electronics case as a monocoque structure. This design allows modular components around the monocoque, enabling adaptability for various categories. For instance, the steering head attaches to the front of the monocoque structure and can be replaced with a different design suitable for another category.

Cycle World also speculates that BMW’s expertise in the four-wheeled electric segment positions it advantageously in the two-wheeled market. BMW’s focus on electric technology and addressing the primary challenge of electric powertrains—range—by leading advancements in lighter and longer-lasting solid-state batteries suggests that the initial electric motorcycles from BMW may target urban riding and commuting with relatively short ranges. However, this expertise could also position the German company to pioneer advancements in electric touring and adventure motorcycles.

These segments are of considerable interest to all manufacturers due to their significant consumer base in contemporary times. BMW, in particular, values these categories, as evident in its decision to introduce an all-new 1,300cc combustion engine to refresh its R GS range at the end of the previous year.

GoPro Set To Introduce Its Own Line of Helmets!

GoPro and Forcite Helmets jointly disclosed a significant development in the form of a signed acquisition agreement, wherein GoPro is set to acquire Forcite Helmet Systems. While the completion of the deal is pending, it is anticipated to finalise in the first quarter of this year.

Both companies outlined their collaborative strategy, with immediate plans for their teams to continue working together seamlessly. GoPro expressed its intention to expedite Forcite’s vision of enhancing the safety and dynamism of motorcycle experiences through technologically advanced helmets, with a long-term objective of extending this technology to other helmet categories.

Aside from developing a GoPro-branded line of helmets, the company announced plans to collaborate with other leading helmet brands to integrate technology into their products.

Forcite Helmets, in a statement, shared the excitement about the acquisition and the prospect of joining forces with GoPro to scale their businesses and foster innovation. The Forcite team expressed their eagerness to contribute to the collaboration, citing GoPro’s global brand recognition and digital imaging expertise.

GoPro plans to reveal more details about the acquisition during its upcoming earnings call with investors scheduled for February, offering a comprehensive overview of the strategic move and its anticipated impact on the company’s future endeavours.

CFMoto Developing Camera Based Adaptive Suspension System For 1250TR-G

CFMoto is pushing the boundaries of motorcycle technology with its pursuit of an advanced electronically adjustable semi-active suspension system. This innovation, outlined in a recently disclosed patent application filed in 2022, envisions a cutting-edge setup that employs a front-facing camera to scan the road ahead. The captured images are then processed by a computer, which rapidly interprets the data and dynamically adjusts the suspension, pre-empting bumps and optimising the riding experience.

This concept mirrors advancements seen in the automotive industry, with Mercedes pioneering camera-based road-scanning systems like “Magic Body Control” and “Road Surface Scan” a decade ago. The idea of preemptive road-sensing technology dates back to the 1980s when Nissan introduced a sonar-based adaptive suspension utilising ultrasonic sensors.

In the realm of motorcycles, current semi-active suspension systems typically rely on stroke sensors within the suspension itself. These sensors monitor the suspension movements’ distance and speed, feeding data to a computer that adjusts damper settings in real-time. CFMoto’s patent marks a departure from this norm, introducing a camera-based approach to read the road surface.

The patent showcases this active suspension system in CFMoto’s 1250 TR-G, a flagship model primarily utilised by law enforcement in the British market. This motorcycle, with its BMW-inspired design, conceals a 1,279cc V-twin engine developed in collaboration with KTM. CFMoto and KTM have a joint venture, allowing CFMoto to incorporate KTM’s engine designs into various models, including the 1250 TR-G.

The current iteration of the 1250 TR-G, produced since 2020 and just recently introduced in the Malaysian market, boasts a host of technological features, including a substantial 12.3-inch TFT instrument panel, keyless start, tyre-pressure monitoring, built-in navigation, and a radar system. Despite initially being equipped with non-active Marzocchi parts, the latest patent indicates CFMoto’s inclination towards incorporating active suspension, potentially elevating the bike’s performance further.

The patent details a shock absorber control system incorporating a camera to capture road surface information, enabling adjustments to the front and rear shock absorbers’ damping based on the transmitted data. The document delves into the technical aspects of damping adjustment, featuring adjustable valves in the fork and an actuator in the rear shock that alters oil pressure and volume in response to road conditions.

While the patent showcases this technology on the 1250 TR-G, there’s potential for its integration into other CFMoto models, including those available in the UK, opening up new possibilities for enhanced riding experiences across the brand’s lineup.

Modenas Introduces Kymco AK550 Premium Scooter For RM65,600!

Modenas has been the official distributor and assembler of Kymco products in Malaysia since 2016, and has done a splendid job at it.

Growing from strength to strength, Modenas has now introduced the AK550 Premium.

The 550cc puts out some impressive numbers as well – 51hp, 52Nm and a twin-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a final belt drive for a smooth delivery. The fuel tank measures in at 15 litres, which will cost about RM30.75 for a full tank based on today’s RON95 prices.

The features on offer are equally as impressive as well such as upside down forks, twin-discs measuring 280mm at the front and 260mm at the rear grabbed by Brembo callipers with ABS.

The ABS system is said to be the fastest acting system on the market and and are lean-sensitive as well.

Besides that, there are also dual power modes as well – Power and Rain. This works in conjunction with the Traction Control system that ensures you never run out of grip in any situation.

For those who spend a lot of time on the highway, there is a cruise control system as well as an electronically adjustable wind shield for added comfort.

And just to ensure your devices don’t run out of power, the AK500 comes with USB ports as well.

Practicality is of course to be expected for any scooter of this category, and the AK550 does not disappoint with underseat storage that is good for a full face helmet and one open facer. Besides that, there are also two glove compartments up front which can be used to store smaller items as well.

Tech is also central to the AK500 experience with a system called Noodoe that is basically a navigation system which Kymco says allows riders to focus on the road. But there’s always Waze and Google Maps in case you don’t want to download another navigation system,

One handy piece of tech though is the Find My Ride function that is part of the Noodoe app. This lets you locate your AK550 in a crowded parking lot, something that all of us have surely experienced in a crowded shopping mall.

The Kymco AK550 Premium is now in Malaysia for RM65,600.

CFMoto 1250TR-G Launched in Malaysia – RM88,888, 1279cc, 140hp, Cruise Control, JBL Speakers

CFMoto Malaysia has started the year by shocking the industry with the introduction of the most affordable grand tourer in the Malaysian market.

The CFMoto 1250TR-G which looks like its the sibling of the previous-generation BMW RT, is priced at just RM88,888.

It’s a shocking price for a bike that looks this good and exudes luxury and good looks in almost any angle.

It is powered by a 1,279cc V-Twin engine that makes 140hp@8500rpm and 120Nm at 7000rpm, which is plenty for highway cruising. Interestingly, this engine was co-developed by KTM and is the largest-capacity and most powerful motorcycle in China.

The engine provides the bike with a top speed of 220km/h.

It also boasts some decent tech such as cruise control and a 12.3-inch TFT multi media interface (MMI) instrument panel. This also comes with bluetooth connectivity so you can playback your favourite music through the standard JBL speakers.

There’s also full LED lighting system, daytime running lights, and an electronically adjustable wind screen. A tyre pressure monitoring system rounds off the tech equipment.

In terms of performance, besides the impressive power output, there’s three riding modes – Sport, Comfort and Rain. And helping to put down power is a quickshifter that is provided as standard equipment.

Suspension duties is managed by Marzocchi shocks and absorbers which are said to be more than good to manage the bike’s 300kg kerb weight.

Stopping power is provided by 320mm dual-discs up front and a 270mm single disc at the rear, gripped by Brembo callipers equipped with ABS capability.

CFMoto Malaysia said that the 1250TR-G has undergone a localisation test spanning 50,000km to ensure that the bike performs at its finest in Malaysian conditions.

The CFMoto 1250TR-G will be available at all authorised dealers next week with buyers having a choice of two colours. It also comes with a two-year unlimited mileage warranty.