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BMW Motorrad is planning to expand the R 18 range after launching the R 18 First Edition and The R 18 Classic.

The latest patents filed by the German marquee revealed that the R 18 is getting a touring makeover. Thus, becoming the third variant for the motorcycle.

Like the R 18 First Edition and the R 18 Classic, the new model is expected to retain the “Big Boxer” 1,802cc engine; however, it will receive other major updates and redesigned.

The motorcycle seems to have a thicker dual seat based on the image file, a bigger teardrop-shaped fuel tank to increase fuel-range and the obvious bat-wing fairing.

Looking at the dash, the new R 18 might come with a large TFT screen located below the two (suspected) analogue meter while at right and left panel is expected to include a speaker.

There is also a more noticeable front fender (mudguards) than the one found on the standard R 18.

Just when you thought the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is clever at leaving some easter eggs in the entire movie franchise, Moto Guzzi shared the same approach whilst celebrating their 100-year success.

The image showed the past and present of Moto Guzzi two-wheeler for the past 100 years, but the bottom right corner is a blurred image of a motorcycle.

Although it is unsure what type of motorcycle are we looking at but Roberto Colianinno, Piaggio Groups CEO, has confirmed a new bike is coming in an interview with La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

“Here, the centenary Guzzi will be born whose project could be presented at the next EICMA. It will be extraordinary in terms of technology, design, and performance,” he said.

The company will begin work on the new model once the Mandello del Lario plant is completed.

2021 Dakar Rally rider, Ashish Raorane, set a new highest hill climb record with the small but capable KTM 390 Adventure.

To add the bittersweet success, Raorane was racing against 11-time Radi de Himalaya winner Suresh Raina, who was driving his rally-sec Championship SUV.

The 12.5km hill-climb, from Batal to Kunzum La was located at the height of 4,000 meters above sea level and offered 20 hairpin bends with an outside temperature of -5 degrees Celcius.

Raina was first to hit the road with his Championship SUV, but after Turn 18 and clocking 11 minutes 49 seconds, his loyal machine suffered engine block damage due to the treacherous road conditions.

Raorane, went next with the 390 Adventure and managed to reach the finish line with an outstanding time of 13 minutes and 4 seconds! According to KTM India, it was the quickest time set by any person.

Raorane was also 36 seconds faster than Raina at Turn 18.

Surprisingly, the 390 Adventure was in a stock condition which also means the motorcycle managed to overcome the severe road condition with the 19″ (front) and 17″ (rear) alloy rims.

For more info on KTM 390 Adventure, please CLICK HERE.

The 250cc maxi-scooter segment now has a new competitor in WMOTO latest model, the RT3 250 ABS.

Officially launch via online presentation, the scooter will now join Modenas Elegan 250 ABS, SYM Crusym 250, Yamaha XMAX and other notable brands to be sold in Malaysia.

The RT3 is packed with many latest features, including the intelligent key system (keyless) that enables the rider to turn on or off the engine, open under-seat storage, and open the fuel cap without a physical key.

The scooter also offers a great range with the help of a 17L fuel tank, while the suspension system is handled by a telescopic front fork and adjustable dual shock absorbers at the rear.

WMOTO RT3 is powered by a 247cc single-cylinder 4-valve DOHC engine that produces 23hp @ 8,000rpm and 22.5Nm @ 6,500rpm, an added advantage over the 249.1cc SOHC, 2-valve engine found on the Elegan 250.

Other notable features include:

  • full LED lights setup
  • wide storage space
  • two UBS ports
  • adjustable side mirrors
  • adjustable brake lever
  • 120/70 front and 140/60 rear tyre
  • combination of digital LCD and analogue meter

The WMOTO RT3 is available at a recommended selling price of RM15,188.

Valentino Rossi concluded the five days of MotoGP pre-season test with Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (SRT) in Qatar.

However, the 42 year-year old could not get on his YZR-M1 on the final day due to strong winds which caused the track to be filled with sands.

Nonetheless, Rossi expressed his satisfaction towards his new M1, with the Italian feels he is 85% done heading towards the season opener in Losail.

Valentino Rossi, Qatar MotoGP test, 12 March 2021

“We wasted one day, but fortunately yesterday we did all the important work/

“It’s a shame because we have some other things to try, including a long run for a race simulation.

“But for the rest, the balance is quite positive because especially in the last two days, we improved a lot the bike, the grip, the feeling,” he said.

Rossi also showed some love to Yamaha after last season blunder with the factory-spec M1.

“The positive is that Yamaha worked cleverly during the winter, and they brought here some good things like the new chassis and aerodynamics.

“This is very important because we have a lot of problems to improve for me in the last years.

“he second positive thing is the feeling with the new team and with all my staff [at Petronas] is beautiful, the atmosphere is good. So these two things make me happy,” he added.

Marc Marquez is now allowed to kick-start his mobility recovery programme after his latest medical check.

The latest report suggests Marquez will soon gradually return to competitive racing; however, it remains a mystery whether the recovery will be quick enough for him to participate in the season-opener on March 28.

Since July last year, the Spaniard has been sidelined due to a broken right arm suffered in Jerez, which later required three operations.

Nonetheless, the latest updates do not suggest Marquez is allowed to jump on the bike. Instead, he can now intensify his gym training to build his muscle.

“From this moment on, Marquez can now intensify his strength and mobility recovery programme to return to competitive racing gradually,” said Repsol Honda in a statement.

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