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Powered-assisted centre stand was an option back in 2004 with the BMW K 1200 LT, which combines electrics and hydraulics to allow for easier lift. 

However, the latest patent application has confirmed that the German marquee is set to bring back the electric centre stand but with improved features. 

According to Cycle World, the component works like a conventional centre stand but minus the effort. Therefore, it differs vastly from the slow, push-button-operated system on the K 1200 LT. 

While we understand that an electric-powered centre stand is not a priority for modern motorcycles, some would appreciate such innovation, typically riders who need help to lift a 300kg beast. 

Also, if it’s relatively cheap to develop and does not affect the price tag, we’d say go for it. 

The patent tells us that the power comes into play when the stand touches the ground after you push it down with your foot. That said, the conventional way of applying the centre stand still applies in this case. 

The system also allows the stand to be retracted manually without waiting for it to retract electrically. 

Nevertheless, similar to other patents, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the system will be incorporated into production bikes anytime soon. However, with BMW expected to debut a range of heavyweight motorcycles, there is a possibility that the system could be adopted earlier than expected. 

(source: Cycle World)

Several spy photos have emerged what looks like a new small-capacity KTM Duke undergoing testing in Spain. 

  • The test mule is likely to be an updated version of the 125 Duke. 
  • The bike features a new redesigned headlight and revised subframe. 

The test mule can be seen HERE as published by European publication Motociclimso. However, from the looks of it, the test mule is still in an early stage given that many components are not yet completed. 

While we have no information regarding the engine capacity, it is likely an update for either the 125 Duke or 390 Duke. However, looking at the engine size and exhaust exit, it is possible that we are looking at the 125. 

Taking a closer look at the bodywork, we can see a design language that is similar to the KTM 1290 Super Duke R and Super Duke R EVO.

That said, the front shroud bodywork extends towards the front past the fork legs. The rear subframe also appears to be a cast aluminium instead of the steel tubular design. 

The test mule also features a redesigned headlamp but continue to portray the Duke’s DNA. 

While the new development seems exciting, it is difficult to predict when will the new machine make its way to production. 

Honda recent introduction of the CB750 Hornet seems to be doing well particularly among motorcycle journalist who managed to get a taste of the bike. 

  • Honda CB750 Hornet is the latest bike to features Honda’s newest parallel-twin mill. 
  • The Hornet could spawn a fully-faired CBR750RR. 

The Hornet is the second machine to be equipped with Honda’s latest parallel-twin 750cc mill after the XL750 Transalp. With that in mind, could the new platform make a good sportbike? Well, according to credible European and Japanese publication, that seems to be the case. 

Moreover, looking at Honda’s tendency to introduce a fully-faired machine alongside a naked bike, the idea doesn’t seem far-fetched. 

Also, with the market currently shifting towards middleweight sportsbike like the Aprilia RS660 and Yamaha YZF-R7, it is likely that Honda plans to take on the same route. 

After all, the 750 mill is impressive as it is capable of cranking 91hp and 70Nm.

At the same time, Honda could easily make use of the Hornet’s lightweight frame as well as the adjustable inverted Showa forks for the fully-faired version. 

Design wise, we expect that the 750RR to follow the same design language as the CBR500R and CBR650R. 

KTM and German tuning company BRABUS continued their partnership for 2023 with the introduction of the BRABUS 1300 R Edition 23. 

  • KTM announced second collaboration with German tuning experts, BRABUS with the 1300 R Edition 2023. 
  • The 2nd-generation motorcycle continue to crank 180hp and 140Nm. 

Unveiled in Hanoi, Vietnam, the BRABUS 1300 R Edition 2023 is an evolution of the original 1300 R introduced last year. 

Limited to just 145 units in Superblack and another 145 in Stealth Gray, the BRABUS 1300 R Edition 23 is again build based on the KTM 1290 Super Duke R EVO. Similar to last year’s model, the 1300 R Edition 23 features a number of bespoke BRABUS components including carbon fiber and CNC-machined parts.

That said, the BRABUS 1300 R Edition 2023 looks similar to the original except for a few modifications mainly by adding more carbon fiber components including the headlight trim and air scoops. 

Completing the changes are new BRABUS Monoblock Z forged wheels with platinum black finish. 

Powering the beast is the same 1,301cc LC8 V-Twin engine that makes 180hp @ 9,500rpm and 140Nm @ 8,000rpm. Meanwhile, WP supplies the semi-active APEX suspension and steering damper. 

Priced at EUR42,500 (RM198k), all 290 units will be sold only via an online pre-order site which opens on February 16,2023. 

Fun fact, the previous BRABUS 1300 R sold out in just under two minutes. 

Buell Motorcycle is ready to expand its brand into the cruiser segment with its all-new super cruiser. 

  • Upcoming Buell Super Cruiser plans for 2025 launch. 
  • The Super Cruiser to feature the firm 1190cc V-Twin engine. 

Designed in partnership with Roland Sands Design, the super cruiser is equipped with the firm’s ET-V2 1190cc V-Twin engine that’s also found in the Buell Hammerhead 1990, 1190 SX, Baja Dune Racer and the Supertouring. 

However, while the Hammerhead and 1190 SX is already available for purchase in the US, the Super Cruiser along with the Baja Dune Racer and Supertouring will not be available until 2025. 

That said, 2025 is set to be a busy year for the American motorcycle company. 

While Buell remains tight lipped on the bike’s specifications, they willingly shared several photos of the upcoming bike on social media.

Interestingly, the current 1190cc V-Twin engine makes 185hp and 138Nm, presumably no changes is done to the mill, the Super Cruiser could possibly be the most powerful cruiser ever build. 

Yamaha has updated its YZF-R25 sportsbike with a trendy purple livery called Dark Blueish Purple Metallic. 

  • The R25 gets new updated with new colour scheme in Japan. 
  • Underpinnings of the quarter-litre sportsbike remains unchanged. 

If you seen such colours before that’s because it is the same colour scheme introduced in the US for the YZF-R3. 

Interestingly, the new colour not only look exciting but also gives the bike somewhat of a throwback of the old sportbikes from the 90s. Perhaps something from the 1994 FZR1000?

Thankfully, the out of place Vivid Orange Metallic introduced last year has been retired. However, if the purple is too much, you can opt for Deep Purplish Blue Metallic and Black Metallic instead. 

Nevertheless, the 2023 R25 continue to offer the same bodywork and underpinnings. 

 

Mechanically, the R25 feature s a 249cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that cranks out 35.5hp @ 12,000rpm and 30Nm @ 10,000rpm. That said, the quarter litre sportsbike  offers decent performance for both the city and twisty roads. 

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