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

Honda Wins Two Red Dot Design Awards for Its 2023 Hornet and Transalp Motorcycles

Honda has once again received recognition for its excellent designs, winning two Red Dot Design Awards for its 2023 motorcycles.

Honda has won two Red Dot Design Awards for its 2023 motorcycles – the Honda CB750 Hornet and Honda XL750 Transalp.
Honda’s success in the Red Dot Design Awards is a testament to its unique human-centered approach to design and usability, as well as its commitment to innovation and exceptional design.

The Honda CB750 Hornet and Honda XL750 Transalp were both awarded for their exceptional design, expanding Honda’s range in the naked and adventure categories with new middleweight offerings.

Honda looked to its past for inspiration for both of these new motorcycle models, reviving the iconic Hornet and Transalp names, which carry cultural weight from the brand’s history. Both models feature a new 755cc parallel-twin-cylinder engine that promises excellent performance.

These awards follow on from Honda’s previous Red Dot Design Award-winning motorcycles, including the Honda ADV350 scooter, Honda NT1100 tourer, Honda Forza 750, and Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade. Honda has won multiple Red Dot Design Awards in the Product Design category for four years in a row now, across its automobile and motorcycle product ranges.

Toshinobu Minami, Chief Operating Officer, Design Center, Honda R&D Co., expressed his happiness on this achievement, stating, “We believe in a unique human-centred approach to design and usability, and it is gratifying to see that focus reflected in the continued recognition for Honda at the Red Dot Design Awards.”

Meanwhile, Honda also won Red Dot Design Awards for the 2023 Honda Civic Type-R and 2023 Honda Civic e:HEV cars, showcasing the company’s continued commitment to innovation and exceptional design. With these wins, Honda has cemented its reputation as a company that values both performance and aesthetics.

SW-Motech Announces New Accessories For The Ducati DesertX

SW-Motech, a leading manufacturer of motorcycle accessories, has announced a new range of crash protection accessories for the Ducati DesertX adventure bike.

The new range follows the success of SW-Motech’s tank bag for the DesertX.
The new range puts SW-Motech in direct competition with Wunderlich, who launched a range of add-ons earlier this year.

The new range from SW-Motech includes the Upper Crash Bar, which is made from powder-coated steel tubing and protects the fairing panels, lower section of the fuel tank, and upper part of the engine. The Upper Crash Bar also features multiple mounting points, which spread impact forces.

The Engine Guard, which is a 4mm-thick aluminium plate, protects the sump, front cylinder casings, and exhaust header. The Engine Guard attaches via existing mounts, and also features a recess for the oil drain plug.

The Front Axle Sliders, which feature a reinforced core and replaceable polypropylene shells, protect the front axle of the bike.

The Water Pump Protector, which is CNC-milled from anodised aluminium alloy, fits to existing mounting points on the bike, and protects the water pump.

The Centre Stand from SW-Motech is made of powder-coated steel tubes and features an outrigger for easy operation. Finally, the Sidestand Foot Extender, which is CNC-milled from anodised aluminium alloy and stainless steel, provides additional support for the bike when parked on uneven surfaces.

All of the new range of accessories from SW-Motech for the Ducati DesertX adventure bike are available on the SW-Motech website. With the addition of these new accessories, SW-Motech has further established itself as a leading manufacturer of motorcycle accessories, providing riders with the peace of mind they need when taking on tough terrain.

BMW To Expand The R 18 Range With A Performance Cruiser Variant

BMW is expanding its R 18 range with a new variant called the R 18 Roctane. The Swiss type approval data for the Roctane reveals that it has much in common with the existing R 18 models, but with some notable differences.

BMW is expanding its R 18 range with a new variant called the R 18 Roctane.
The Roctane is powered by the same 1,802cc air-cooled Boxer as the rest of the R 18 range.
The Roctane has a listed gross vehicle weight rating of 560 kg.

Firstly, the Roctane has an internal model code of “0N61,” which suggests that it differs from the other models with a different form factor or a chassis update. Additionally, the Roctane’s name indicates that it may be a more performance-focused model.

The Roctane is powered by the same 1,802cc air-cooled Boxer as the rest of the R 18 range. The homologation filing confirms the same engine code and peak performance numbers as the other models, with a maximum power output of 67 kW (90 hp) at 4,750 rpm, and 116 lb-ft. (157 Nm) at 3,000 rpm.

The filing also confirms that the Roctane has the same silencer code as the Classic, B, and Transcontinental models, indicating that it will have the same straight pipes instead of the bulbous fishtail exhaust on the regular R 18.

The Roctane’s wheel sizes (including accessory options) are the same as the other R 18 models. The type approval data makes no mention of suspension, and the braking data only confirms dual front brakes and ABS. However, if the Roctane is indeed a more performance-oriented cruiser, we can expect the suspension and braking to be different from the rest of the R 18 family.

The Roctane has a listed gross vehicle weight rating of 560kg, which suggests that it will not have luggage. This weight is the same as the R 18 and R 18 Classic models, while the R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental models have a higher GVWR of 630kg due to their non-removable cases.

The Roctane’s release date and pricing have not been announced yet. However, with BMW’s reputation for quality and performance, the R 18 Roctane is expected to be a popular addition to the R 18 range.

MIT Students Develop Fuel Cell-Powered Motorcycle Using An Old Ducati

A group of students at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are developing a fuel cell-powered motorcycle using an old Ducati as the mechanical basis for the project.

The project uses a Doosan DM15 model fuel cell, which offers an environmentally friendly alternative to combustion engines.
The module itself weighs only 2.9 kilograms.

What makes the project particularly interesting is the use of an old Ducati with a Desmo-Due engine, which was previously used in the first Monsters and medium SS models. The iconic tubular frame is also being used as part of the concept.

Only the engine casing and gearbox are being retained from the original V2 engine. Instead of a crankshaft, the electric motor is housed in the engine casing while the existing gearbox is being kept in its original form and function. However, the power output of the motor and the storage and refueling of the hopefully “green” hydrogen is not yet known.

The MIT EVT project is using the Doosan DM15 model fuel cell, which has a peak output of 9 kilowatts or 12 horsepower. The nominal output is just under 2 horsepower, which gives an indication of the power output of the motor.

The module itself weighs only 2.9 kilograms and can be supplied with hydrogen via a changeable tank. Two 10,000 mAh LiPo batteries are being used as a buffer storage for the drive system. The buffer is necessary to compensate for the delay in the fuel cell when no power is being drawn, as the fuel cell only produces electricity when “gas is being given”. Doosan uses this cell to power drones.

The team hopes that their project will inspire other developers to consider the use of fuel cells in transportation. Fuel cells offer an environmentally friendly alternative to combustion engines, producing only water as a byproduct. With the popularity of electric vehicles on the rise, fuel cell-powered transportation could be the next big thing. The team also hopes to raise awareness about the potential of renewable energy and sustainable transportation solutions.

Shark Skwal I3: World’s First Motorcycle Helmet With Integrated Brake Lights

Shark, the renowned helmet manufacturer, has recently unveiled its latest product, the Shark Skwal i3, which is set to become the first-ever production motorcycle helmet with integrated brake lights. The helmet boasts two new patented technologies and is homologated to ECE 22.06 standards.

world’s first helmet with integrated brake lights.
features Shark’s latest ‘Best Fit’ system.

The Skwal i3 utilizes a three-axis accelerometer to detect when braking is occurring, and the helmet-integrated brake light operates accordingly. The brake light flashes three times per second during steady braking and five times per second in hard braking, which enhances visibility for riders and motorists alike.

In addition to the integrated brake lights, the Shark Skwal i3 has white LED lights on the front that improve visibility in traffic. Three modes determine the front lights’ operation, but they do not alter the brake lights’ patterns. The helmet’s battery can be charged via a USB-C cable in just three hours, providing 12 hours of usage. If the helmet is left switched on for 24 hours, it will turn itself off to conserve battery life.

The Shark Skwal i3 is constructed with a Nexan-injected polycarbonate shell, which allows for deformation in extreme heat conditions. It also features a Shark-patented toolless visor removal system, an Optical Class 1 anti-scratch visor with Pinlock 70, an integrated sun visor with anti-scratch and anti-fog properties, and space for 40mm speakers in the helmet’s EPS multi-density padding.

Moreover, the Skwal i3 is the first helmet from Shark to use the brand’s new ‘Best Fit’ system, which follows a campaign of 3D head shape scans. The helmet is available in two shell sizes, XS-XXL, and 13 graphic options. Unfortunately, pricing for the Malaysian market is yet to be available.

The Shark Skwal i3 is a revolutionary helmet that combines advanced technologies, comfort, and safety. Its integrated brake lights provide an additional layer of safety to riders, while the front LED lights enhance visibility, making it an excellent choice for all types of riders. The Skwal i3 is set to hit the market soon and is expected to be a game-changer in the motorcycle helmet industry.

Zero Motorcycles To Spark Electric Revolution In The Philippines

Zero Motorcycles, the American electric motorcycle manufacturer, has announced its latest partnership with Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. (IMI), a subsidiary of the Ayala Corporation and a leader in the Philippine motorcycle manufacturing sector.

Zero Motorcycles partners large local conglomerate in the Philippines with Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc.
The American electric motorcycle company to begin expanding its operation in Southeast Asia.

The deal will see Zero Motorcycles expand its global operations and accelerate the adoption of electric motorcycles in the Southeast Asian market.

The partnership will mark a first for the Philippine motorcycle industry as no full-scale electric motorcycles have been or are currently being produced in the country.

Through this partnership, IMI will handle the assembly of certain Zero Motorcycles models, as well as other assemblies in the former’s manufacturing facility in Laguna, with the facility working closely with Zero’s own manufacturing plant in California.

“We look forward to such an amazing collaboration to help bring their innovative electric motorcycles to the world. This partnership aligns with our commitment to supporting companies in their growth and sustainability efforts while providing high-quality manufacturing services,” said IMI’s CEO, Arthur R. Tan, in a statement.

While the specific bikes to be launched in the Philippines have not yet been confirmed, IMI hopes to begin production of Zero Motorcycles models and components as early as the second quarter of 2023. This partnership is an exciting development for the Philippine motorcycle industry, and a significant step towards sustainable transportation.

Bikesrepublic

Latest News

Honda Wins Two Red Dot Design Awards for Its 2023 Hornet and Transalp Motorcycles

Honda has once again received recognition for its excellent designs, winning two Red Dot Design Awards for its 2023 motorcycles.

SW-Motech Announces New Accessories For The Ducati DesertX

SW-Motech, a leading manufacturer of motorcycle accessories, has announced a new range of crash protection accessories for the Ducati DesertX adventure bike.

BMW To Expand The R 18 Range With A Performance Cruiser Variant

BMW is expanding its R 18 range with a new variant called the R 18 Roctane. The Swiss type approval data for the Roctane reveals that it has much in common with the existing R 18 models, but with some notable differences.

MIT Students Develop Fuel Cell-Powered Motorcycle Using An Old Ducati

A group of students at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are developing a fuel cell-powered motorcycle using an old Ducati as the mechanical basis for the project.

Shark Skwal I3: World’s First Motorcycle Helmet With Integrated Brake Lights

Shark, the renowned helmet manufacturer, has recently unveiled its latest product, the Shark Skwal i3, which is set to become the first-ever production motorcycle helmet with integrated brake lights. The helmet boasts two new patented technologies and is homologated to ECE 22.06 standards.

Zero Motorcycles To Spark Electric Revolution In The Philippines

Zero Motorcycles, the American electric motorcycle manufacturer, has announced its latest partnership with Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. (IMI), a subsidiary of the Ayala Corporation and a leader in the Philippine motorcycle manufacturing sector.

OFFICIAL: 2023 Kawasaki Z900 SE Now Available In Malaysia – From RM43,900

Honda RS150R Gets New Visual Updates For 2023 – RM8,299

Upcoming BMW M 1000 XR Spotted At IOMTT, Official Unveiling On June 6

2024 Honda ADV160 To Be Available In The US

2024 Ducati Hypermotard RVE Gets Splash With New Livery

2023 BMW M 1000 R Officially Available In Malaysia – RM158,500

BMW R 1300 GS Confirmed For 2024 – 143.5HP, 148Nm

New Benelli Tornado 402 To Enter Global Market Soon

Norton Unveils The Hand-Built V4CR Cafe Racer – Only 200 Units, 185HP

2023 Ducati Monster SP Now Available In Malaysia – RM98,900

Archive

Top 5 “Alamak” Moments for Bikers

Indian MotoGP “Delayed” to 2026

Glossary of Motorcycle Terms – “H”

Cardo Packtalk Pro Arrives in Malaysia – RRP RM2099

2025 Yamaha YZF-R1 and 2025 Yamaha YZF-R1M Launched

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube

BikesRepublic