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EICMA 2022: Honda XL750 Transalp First Look – 90hp, 75Nm

Honda has officially rolled out the all-new XL750 Transalp after months of speculation and spy shot that took place in Japan and Europe.

The Transalp features the same parallel-twin engine as the Hornet.
Fitted with Showa’s suspension at the front and rear with Pro-Link swingarm.

The Transalp nameplate returns for 2023 with the middleweight adventure motorcycle set to go up against the Yamaha Tenere 700 and KTM 890 Adventure.

The engine

Mechanically, the Honda XL750 Transalp features the all-new parallel-twin powertrain as found in the recently announced Honda Hornet.

That said, the XL750 Transalp makes 90hp and 75Nm slotting in between the 74hp Tenere and 105hp 890 Adventure.

Power is delivered via six-speed transmission combined with a slipper clutch with FFC Leaning Segment disc. Honda claimed that the new clutch design helps to reduced clutch drag torque by 30% allowing for a lighter and smoother gear shift.

Similar to the Hornet, the XL750 Transalp features a 270-degree crank and a new airbox which Honda claimed to offer a low-end beat and top-end howl.

However, the ride-by-wire system has been tuned specifically to best suit the bike’s touring and off-road ability.

The electronics

Electronically, the XL750 Transalp gets four riding modes (Sport, Standard, Rain and Gravel and User) with each of them can be selected while on the fly thanks to a lefthand switch cube.

Meanwhile, the User mode allow riders to adjust the bike’s electronics to meet their requirements. All of these features can be access via the bike’s full-colour TFT display.

Other electronic features include:

four levels Engine Power (EP)
three levels Engine Brake (EB)
two level ABS
five level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
wheelie control

In addition, both the rear ABS and HSTC can be disabled altogether for better off-road contro.

The chassis

As you can expect, Honda developed an all-new steel diamond design chassis with integrated subframe for the Transalp. As a result, the new frame tip the scales at just 18.3kg which is lighter than the CB500X.

Also the wheelbase is set at 1560mm with the rake and trail is at 27-degrees and 111mm respectively.

The bike is suspended by Showa’s 43mm separate function cartridge-type front forks and remote rear shock that runs through a Pro-Link type swingarm.

Braking is done via a two-piston callipers at the front mated to a 310mm wavy disc and a 256mm disc at the rear paired to a single-piston calliper.

In addition, the Transalp is shod with a 21” front wheel and 18” rear wheel with Metzeler Karoo Street/Dunlop Mixtour tires.

GALLERY: HONDA XL750 TRANSALP

FIRST LOOK: Bimota BX450 Dirt Bike

Bimota has finally stepped out of its comfort zone of fine street bikes by introducing the BX450 enduro motorcycle.

Bimota continue its closed partnership with Kawasaki with the introduction of BX450.
Based on the Kawasaki KX450 dirt bike.

The BX450 is the firm’s genuine competition motorcycle, ready to take on major enduro events across the globe.

For the record, the BX450 is built based on Kawasaki’s iconic KX450. It features the same aluminium twin-spar frame with a classic lower double cradle that houses a powerful 449cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valve single with 12.5:1 compression.

However, Bimota’s technical team also adds an electric start, an advanced ECU with specific mapping and a traction control system.

In addition, the Bimota BX450 also features an Arrow exhaust system as standard.

Nonetheless, some parts from the Kawasaki KX450 are retained on the BX450, including a fully-adjustable 49mm Showa male-slider fork and Kawasaki’s Uni-Trak monoshock linked to the swingarm.

Braking is done via a Nissin 4-piston brake callipers mated to a single-disc at the front and rear.

Meanwhile, the spoked wheels are fitted with Metzeler 6 Days M+S tires with 90/100-21 front and 140/80-18 rear.

More importantly, Bimota shed its weight to just 110kg, making it a lightweight bike ready to take on the dirt road.

Unfortunately, like all Bimotas, the BX450 will be limited to just a few hundred units.

The Tracer 9 GT+ Joins Yamaha’s 2023 Lineup – New TFT Display, ACC

Yamaha kickstart its 2023 motorcycle range with the new radar-enabled Tracer 9 GT+.

The Tracer 9 GT+ is the new flagship for the Tracer 9 family for 2023.
The Tracer 9 GT+ is the first Yamaha to feature Adaptive Cruise Control and Unified-Braking System.

The Iwata manufacturer brings a wide range of updated model for 2023 including the updated Niken GT, Tracer 7 and Tracer 7 GT. However, by far the most significant is the introduction of the new Tracer 9 GT+.

Described as “the most technologically advanced Yamaha motorcycle ever built,” the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ takes the Japanese marquee sports tourer range to a greater height thanks to new added technology and features.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Perhaps the most fundamental addition to the Tracer 9 GT+ is the new radar-guided Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that is introduced for the first time on a Yamaha.

The ACC – when activated – keeps a constant distance between the bike and the front vehicle. In addition the ACC is also integrated with the engine braking control that will engaged in the event of deceleration.

Yamaha also claimed that the ACC will also adjust the KADS (KYB Actimatic Damper System) to optimise rider and passenger comfort.

In addition, the ACC also utilise cornering assist and passing assist.

Third-generation quickshifter

The Tracer 9 GT+ is the first Yamaha to equipped with a third generation quickshifter. The QS is integrated with the ACC hence allowing the rider to change gear while the ACC is turned on.

Unified-Braking System (UBS)

Interestingly, the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ is the first motorcycle to feature UBS which is only enable when Brake Control (BC) is active.

The UBS features brake assist, front and rear brake assistance and cornering brake control. All of the aforementioned features works on the event of collision, deceleration and while cornering to prevent from sliding.

7-inch TFT Instrument Cluster

Elsewhere, the Tracer 9 GT+ is also equipped with Yamaha’s top of the range 7-inch TFT instrument display that features Garmin navigation system and smartphone connectivity.

GALLERY: 2023 YAMAHA TRACER 9 GT+

FIRST LOOK: 2023 Ducati Scrambler

The final episode of the Ducati World Premiere 2023 takes us to the Land of Joy with the unveiling of the next-gen Ducati Scrambler.

2023 Ducati Scrambler features three variant; Full Throttle, Icon and Nightshift.
All three models gained ride-by-wire functionality and selectable riding modes.

While we may call it the next-gen, the latest Scrambler range received a small technical updates and stylistic changes across all three models; Icon, Full Throttle and Nightshift.

As matter of fact, the 2023 Scrambler range continue to feature the same two-cylinder Desmodue engine albeit with a smaller clutch and alternator cover featuring an “X” logo.

The clutch now features eight disc, ensuring a smoother and lighter gear change during the pull of the lever.

That said, the engine is now 2.5kg lighter than the previous generation which contributed to a total weight loss of 4kg.

Ducati also claimed that the new Scrambler is sportier thanks to new rear subframe that is now separated from the main frame, while bearing-mounted shift drum contributes to a smoother shifts.

Meanwhile, all three range now features ride-by-wire, Ducati Traction Control and two selectable riding modes; Road and Wet and a redesigned fuel tank.

Additionally, the motorcycle also equipped with Cornering ABS and a quickshifter (only available on the Full Throttle trim).

Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle

The Scrambler Full Throttle is the creme de la creme across all three variants of the Scrambler family.

Firstly, it is the only model in the range to feature a quickshifter as standard.

In addition, the model also features the number #62 as a nod to the original scrambler introduced in 1962, a flat-track skid plate. sportier style seat, with a race-inspired GP19 Red/Dark Steath livery, shorterfront mudguard,red wheel tags and Termignoni exhaust.

Ducati Scrambler Nightshift

The Nightshift continue its elegant design and ergonomics from the previous generation. The cafe racer-style Scrambler gets side number plates, minimal front mudguard and a small LED indicators.

New for 2023 is an all-blacked out spoke wheels, flat-set handlebars and bar-end mirrors.

Ducati Scrambler Icon

The Icon is the most customizable among the three with the headlight covers, wheel tags and mudguards are all replaceable.

There are now six new exciting colours and nine liveries to choose from. Ergonomically, the Icon features lower handlebar and tapered seat.

Airoh To Debut Airbag Helmet Concept At EICMA

Airoh recently announced its partnership with automotive airbag specialist Autoliv to develop a concept helmet.

Airoh is set to showcase a special concept helmet in Milan that features an airbag system.
Airoh and Autoliv worked together for the last two years to develop the new concept helmet.

The Italian helmet maker is set to debut the world’s first motorcycle helmet concept that features an integrated airbag system at the EICMA show this week.

Interestingly, Airoh and Autoliv have worked on the unique helmet for the past two years. The primary goal is to create a safe and comfy helmet that is not compromised by the airbag application.

However, the biggest question remains regarding how the airbag system will be deployed. Hopefully, our question will be answered at EICMA.

“To substantially reduce the number of motorcyclist injuries and deaths, we need to take a holistic approach in which we study several combined countermeasures.

“Wearing a helmet is still the most important protection for a motorcyclist.

“Our in-depth knowledge of crash-data, biomechanics and injury assessment tools, combined with Airoh’s experience is an excellent opportunity to improve head protection for pilots and save more live,” said Autoliv CEO, Mikael Bratt.

EICMA will officially open its doors to the public on Tuesday (November 8).

2023 Kawasaki Z650RS Gets New Visuals In Japan

Kawasaki has updated its neo-retro Z650RS with a new colour scheme for 2023.

Kawasaki Z650RS was launched back in September 2021.
Features the same 649cc parallel-twin engine found in the Z650 and Ninja 650.

Joining the already available Candy Emerald Green is the new Metallic Moondust Gray X Ebony for the 2023 model year.

The Kawasaki Z650RS is the Japanese latest take on neo-retro naked bike jumping on the success of the bigger and bolder, Z900RS.

Continuing the firm’s trusted 649cc parallel-twin platform, the Z900RS 650RS makes a decent 67hp @ 8,000rpm and 64Nm @ 6,500rpm.

The new colourway is already available in Japan since 1st November.

Like its Z650 and Ninja 650 cousin, the Z650RS is equipped with the same 41mm front fork and horizontal link rear shock with preload-adjustable.

Braking is done by a dua twin-piston front callipers clamping on a 300mm disc while governed by a dual-channel Bosch ABS.

Other features include:

assist/slipper clutch
820mm seat height
full LED light setup
classic analogue dial with digital display

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