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Gogoro Battery Swapping Technology Lands In The Philippines

Gogoro battery swapping technology is a revelation, not only it is convenient but also it pushes the electric mobility industry to greater heights.

Gogoro battery swapping system to be available in Manila.
Gogoro and SmartScooters will be used by the delivery service industry.

Also, the innovation allows Gogoro to record a huge spike in expansion in recent years.

After opening its doors to several countries around Asia, Gogoro will now make its way to the Philippines.

That said, Gogoro has announced a new strategic partnership with 917Ventures whereby the battery swapping technology will cater to the highly popular delivery service industry.

“Gogoro is honored to have the support of the Philippine’s Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to kick start this new smart mobility movement in Manila that utilizes Gogoro’s intelligent battery swapping, a new generation of EV refueling.

“Through our collaboration with Globe, 917Ventures and Ayala Corporation, we plan to unlock incredible environmental and sustainability benefits and introduce new smart mobility efficiencies for businesses by improving how they manage their fleets and deliveries,” said Horace Luke, founder and CEO of Gogoro.

Before implementing the battery swapping system at a full pace, there will be a pilot test conduct in the city of Manila which will also involved SmartScooters, that is powered by Gogoro’s Swap & Go battery system.

Using Gogoro’s battery swapping system and SmartScooters, 917Ventures hopes that it’ll kickstart the nation initiatives towards a greener future.

“We are committed to helping solve the climate crisis by introducing Gogoro to logistics businesses, helping them in their sustainability efforts. In addition, the Swap & Go technology will enable riders to be fully charged in just seconds and therefore eliminate the need for parking spots. Hopefully, this technology will encourage more Filipinos to switch to EV,” expalined Vince Yamat, Managing Director of 917Ventures.

FIRST LOOK: 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Back by popular demand, KTM has announced the return of the 1290 Super Duke GT alongside the 790 Duke.

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT makes a comeback for 2023.
Features the powerful LC8 V-Twin engine that makes 175hp.

Based on the potent 1290 Super Duke R EVO naked motorcycle, the GT is fitted with the proper equipment to make it suitable for touring.

That said, the 1290 Super Duke GT features the same 1,301cc LC8 V-twin engine that makes 175p and 141Nm.

Similar to the Super Duke R EVO, the GT trim gets a ride-by-wire electronic package that includes the following:

Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), cornering ABS, Motor Slip Regulation (MSR), Supermoto mode, Hill Hold Control (HHC), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and cruise control.

Riders can also add the (optional) bi-directional quickshifter.

Spec-wise, the Duke GT is fitted with WP Apex semi-active suspension that is tuned for sport touring. Riders can select from four modes that electronically adjust the suspension according to different payloads.

Meanwhile, the bike’s information can be accessed via a new 7-inch TFT display that also features a new Turn-by-Turn Plus navigation system powered by Sygic.

In addition, the 2023 1290 Super Duke GT gets lighter wheels that are shod with Continental ContiSportAttack4 tires.

KTM is yet to announced the price and availability.

Engineering Students To Take On The 2024 IOMTT With A 225HP Electric Bike

The University of Michigan’s SPARK Electric Racing Team is ready to take on the Isle of Man TT (IOMTT) challenge with an electric race bike.

SPARK Electric Racing Team to race at the 2024 IOMTT with an electric race bike.
The goal is to create a bike that can hit 300km/h and makes 225hp.

The engineering students from the University of Michigan have been experimenting with their electric bike build since 2013.

They even ended 2022 on a high, taking home second and third place in AHRMA’s Formula Lightning race in New Jersey thanks to an electric race bike called the Atlas.

However, their biggest aim is to compete at the 2024 IOMTT.

Despite not having the most considerable resources like a full-time race outfit, SPARK is adamant that their next electric bike project has what it takes to compete at the world’s greatest road race.

Meanwhile, the Atlas was a success at the Formula Lightning Race. The bike features a custom trellis frame and can do 0-100km/h in less than three seconds. SPARK’s claimed that the race bike makes 125hp and 119Nm and can hit a max speed of 257km/h.

It also features other top-of-the-line components, including Brembo, Ohlins and Galfer.

However, for the 2024 IOMTT, SPARK is building something even more powerful called the FBS, which stands for “Future Racing Bike of SPARK”.

The goal is to build an electric race bike that makes 225hp 200Nm and can hit a max speed of 300km/h. The target weight is less than 200kg, and can do 0-100 in under three seconds.

FIRST LOOK: 2023 KTM 790 Duke

Following a short hiatus, KTM has decided to reintroduced the original 790 Duke for 2023.

KTM 790 Duke makes a comeback for 2023.
Powering the 790 Duke is the same LC8c mill that makes 105hp and 82.3Nm.

KTM previously replaced the 790 Duke with a bigger 890 Duke in 2021 to meet the tighter emission standard while also increasing the peak power.

However, in an interesting development, the returning Original Scalpel will also eplaced the base 890 Duke while the up-spec 890 Duke R remains in the lineup for 2023.

Also, the 790 Duke revival comes with the help of KTM’s partnership with CFMOTO who’s now in charge of the 799cc LC8c engine.

That said, the parallel-twin mill continue to make 105hp @ 9,000rpm and 82.37Nm @ 8,000rpm.

Nonetheless, it’s important to take note that the reborn 790 Duke comes with a number of exciting updates for 2023.

In addition, the 790 Duke now features new Track mode joining the existing Sport, Street and Rain mode. There’s also nine levels of lean sensitive traction control, anti-wheelie, launch control and three throttle response settings.

Also new on the 2023 790 Duke includes Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) and Supermoto mode.

Suspending the 2023 790 Duke is the same non-adjustable 43mm WP Apex front fork and a preload-adjustable Apex shock.

An Entry-Level Ducati Not Happening Anytime Soon

In the last five years, we have seen a significant shift from a premium motorcycle company to not only offering top-of-the-range bikes but also a more affordable model for the masses.

Ducati to continue positioning itself as the number one premium motorcycle brand.
No plans to introduced an “affordable” Ducati.

BMW – in partnership with TVS Motor Company – introduced the G 310 R and G 310 GS to make motorcycle ownership more affordable.

Triumph is set to follow suit with an upcoming scrambler-type motorcycle built in partnership with India’s Bajaj Auto, while MV Agusta is currently developing an adventure bike called the Lucky Explorer 5.5 that borrows the same parallel-twin engine from Benelli’s TRK502.

All of these are part of an initiative to expand each brand’s presence towards a bigger market.

However, Ducati has no interest in following in the same footstep, according to the firm’s Head of Design, Andrea Ferraresi, during a recent interview with MCN.

“Actually, no, because we want to move the brand up more. We are already a premium brand, and we are already on the top of the premium segment.

“We want to stay there and raise a bit.

“To do this, one of the most important things is to keep the entry price into the range at a certain level. We want to keep this price not lower than the Monster.”

“What to do with the young riders? We have the Scramblers, which have a more affordable price.

“But there is no entry Ferrari or entry Porsche, so you start with other brands and keep in mind Ducati and then as soon as you can, you buy a Ducati,” he said.

That said, don’t expect an entry-level Ducati anytime soon.

(source: MCN)

Royal Enfield Takes Over UK Distribution

Royal Enfield will be taking over its UK distribution beginning 2023.

Royal Enfield UK takes over UK distribution from MotoGB.
The move is part of Royal Enfield’s initiative to increase the brad presence in the country.

The move is part of Royal Enfield’s plan to boost its presence in the UK after previously used third-party distributors, MotoGB to run its operation in the country including sales and marketing.

However, Royal Enfield UK will handle its UK distribution totally in-house on 1 May 2023, subsequently ending the 9-year relationship with MotoGB.

“The Royal Enfield senior leadership team extends sincere thanks and appreciation to MotoGB for their association with the brand over the last 9 years,” said Royal Enfield in a statement.

Meanwhile, Arun Gopal, Royal Enfield’s Head of International Business is adamant that the business will continue to grow despite ending long partnership with MotoGB.

“The United Kingdom is a key home market for Royal Enfield, having a long legacy of cooperation with India and a rich history.

“From the foundation of the brand in 1901 to the first UK import sale of India produced motorcycles in 1977 and the sales growth in recent years with the assistance of MotoGB, Royal Enfield has seen good sales momentum and acceptance in the UK market.

“We will continue to make investment in the UK localising our operations and giving our stakeholders the best possible brand experience,” he said.

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Latest News

Gogoro Battery Swapping Technology Lands In The Philippines

Gogoro battery swapping technology is a revelation, not only it is convenient but also it pushes the electric mobility industry to greater heights.

FIRST LOOK: 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Back by popular demand, KTM has announced the return of the 1290 Super Duke GT alongside the 790 Duke.

Engineering Students To Take On The 2024 IOMTT With A 225HP Electric Bike

The University of Michigan’s SPARK Electric Racing Team is ready to take on the Isle of Man TT (IOMTT) challenge with an electric race bike.

FIRST LOOK: 2023 KTM 790 Duke

Following a short hiatus, KTM has decided to reintroduced the original 790 Duke for 2023.

An Entry-Level Ducati Not Happening Anytime Soon

In the last five years, we have seen a significant shift from a premium motorcycle company to not only offering top-of-the-range bikes but also a more affordable model for the masses.

Royal Enfield Takes Over UK Distribution

Royal Enfield will be taking over its UK distribution beginning 2023.

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