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Yamaha Launches USD100 Million Investment Fund In The US

Yamaha, the Japanese multinational corporation, has announced a new investment fund in the United States.

Yamaha has established a new investment fund called Yamaha Motor Exploratory Fund, L.P. II with $100 million USD available for investment.
The fund will be used to explore technologies and opportunities that will expand Yamaha’s new business domains and enhance its competitive advantages.

This comes after its first fund was established in 2018. The new fund, called Yamaha Motor Exploratory Fund, L.P. II, has a total of $100 million USD available for investment.

Yamaha Motor Ventures (YMV) in Silicon Valley will be in charge of identifying companies that will benefit from Yamaha Motor’s new investment fund.

The new fund will be used to explore technologies and opportunities, which will expand the company’s new business domain and enhance its competitive advantages.

Yamaha’s “Medium Term Management Plan” from 2022 until 2024 aims to develop smaller businesses into “core businesses,” which will help Yamaha achieve its goal of securing a competitive edge.

The second Yamaha Motor Exploratory Fund was established in February 2023 and will last for ten years.

Yamaha’s target businesses for investment are startups with innovative technologies and ample business growth potential in the fields of transportation, robotics, data/AI, fintech/insurtech, and digital health and wellness.

While it is unclear what the new investment fund from Yamaha will lead to, the company’s interest in “data/AI” suggests its focus may be on developing self-driving technology for its motorcycles.

This new fund shows that Yamaha is committed to long-term investments that will allow it to stay ahead of its competitors.

Bespoke BMW R 18 “Heavy Duty” Breaks Cover At Daytona Bike Week

Kodlin Bikes, a German company that specializes in motorcycle customization, has unveiled a customized BMW R 18 B at the Daytona Bike Week in Florida.

Kodlin Bikes is a German company that specializes in motorcycle customization.
The R 18 B Heavy Duty model, designed by Fred Kodlin and his son Len, features an air suspension system and a completely remanufactured upper frame.

Fred Kodlin and his son Len have completed their first collaboration on a BMW model.

The R 18 B Heavy Duty, a bike in typical Kodlin style, features an air suspension system at the front and rear, a completely remanufactured upper frame to lower the seat height, and a sheet metal tank that is longer than the original, among other features.

The design also includes a front spoiler and a 3-colour underfloor lighting system, pinstripes, and an airbrushed pattern on the rear mudguard that combines Kodlin and “100 years of BMW Motorrad.”

The Kodlin team spent three months on the project, with particular attention to detail on the sheet metalwork, including new side covers and custom-made aluminium milled hinge panels.

The R 18 B Heavy Duty was a real father-son project, and the bike’s bolts were all made of stainless steel, with a nice Torx head. The R 18 B loudspeakers by Marshall and an amplifier are also fitted inside the side cases.

GALLERY: BMW R 18 “HEAVY DUTY”

2023 BMW S 1000 RR Delivery Comes To A Halt

BMW Motorrad, the German motorcycle manufacturer, has announced a technical campaign affecting some buyers of the much-anticipated 2023 S1000RR superbike.

BMW to replaced all 2023MY S 1000 RR with a new brake lever pin.
All delivery of the 2023 S 1000 RR will be put on hold temporarily.

According to a statement released by the company, a small number of S1000RR motorcycles with milled levers will be equipped with a new brake lever pin.

While the upgrade may cause a delay in delivery for some customers, BMW Motorrad has reassured them that they will receive their motorcycles soon. The company has also stated that new S1000RRs in stock will have the new part fitted over the next few weeks before they are delivered to customers.

The S1000RR is a flagship model for BMW Motorrad, renowned for its high performance and advanced engineering. With its sleek design and cutting-edge technology, the S1000RR has won praise from critics and enthusiasts alike, making it one of the most sought-after superbikes on the market.

The technical campaign is a proactive measure by BMW Motorrad to ensure the safety and reliability of their motorcycles. The company has a long-standing commitment to providing top-quality products and services to their customers, and this latest upgrade is a testament to that commitment.

BMW Motorrad has advised affected customers to contact their dealers for further information and to arrange for the upgrade to be carried out as soon as possible. The company has also expressed its gratitude to its customers for their patience and understanding during this process.

FIRST LOOK: 2025 Buell SuperTouring 1190

Buell Motorcycle has unveiled the production-ready SuperTouring 1190 at the ongoing 2023 Daytona Bike Week. This comes after the brand’s 2022 prototype failed to live up to expectations when it was unveiled last year.

While the bodywork remains largely unchanged, the new front fairing is a significant upgrade over the 2022 prototype’s boxy headlamp cluster. The updated fascia, developed in partnership with renowned industrial designer J. Ruiter, features winglets that give the SuperTouring a modern, sleek look.

Under the surface, the SuperTouring still features Buell’s 1,190cc ET-V2 engine. The 72-degree V-twin generates 185 horsepower at 10,600 rpm and 102 ft-lbs of torque at 8200 rpm.

Buell Motorcycle CEO Bill Melvin expressed his optimism for the SuperTouring 1190, stating that it will lead the American market in speed, handling, and performance. He added that Buell is building a strong reputation as a small, responsive company that provides a unique customer experience.

Melvin also noted that despite supply chain challenges, the SuperTouring 1190 is on target for production to begin this fall. With the bike’s significant improvements over the past year, it’s clear that Buell has high hopes for its upcoming contender.

Buell’s unveiling of the SuperTouring 1190 at Daytona Bike Week shows that the brand is back and ready to compete in the performance touring segment. With its sleek design and powerful engine, the SuperTouring is sure to turn heads and capture the attention of motorcycle enthusiasts.

WMOTO Bobbie VII Officially Announced For The Malaysian Market – RM35,888

Revving up the excitement of motorcycle enthusiasts, Mforce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd. has unveiled the latest addition to the WMOTO classic line-up – the Bobbie VII.

The WMOTO Bobbie VII features a parallel-twin 693cc engine.
The ‘Bobber’ style cruiser makes 74hp and 64Nm.

The grand reveal took place at the official Mforce Smart Shop Kajang ceremony, hosted by Ca Cycle Advance (Kajang) Sdn. Bhd, on Sunday.

Boasting of timeless elegance, the WMOTO Bobbie VII is a head-turner, available in two distinct colors – Matte Black and Metallic Black. The classic motorcycle style is enhanced by a rounded light-shaped light styling, aptly fitting the moniker “Classical Legend.”

But don’t let the old-school looks fool you. The Bobbie VII packs a punch with its 693cc engine, two cylinders, and 4-stroke system, delivering a maximum power of 74hp at 8,500rpm and 64nm at 6,500rpm. Modern technology meets classic style, with full LED lights and a digital meter display that gives all vital information.

Safety is also a priority, with a dual-channel anti-lock (ABS) system, USB chargers to keep your gadgets juiced up, and a high-quality adjustable seat for rider comfort. And let’s not forget the golden “Bobbie” logo on the rider and passenger seat, adding a touch of luxury.

Fuel stops need not be a buzzkill, with the Bobbie VII’s 15-liter fuel tank capacity allowing riders to enjoy long journeys without having to refill often. What’s more, every purchase comes with a two-year manufacturer guarantee or a 20,000 km travel distance (whichever comes first) and online pure spare parts purchase service by Mforce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd.

2023 Honda Vario 125 Now Available In Malaysia – RM7,080

Coming in new for the Malaysian market is the Honda Vario 125 compact scooter priced at RM7,080 excluding registration and insurance.

Boon Siew Honda introduces the Vario 125.
The Vario 125 features a compact 125cc single-cylinder engine that makes 11hp.

Adopting a similar bodywork to the outgoing Vario 150, the 125cc variant also offers the same features albeit with a slightly updated package.

That said, the Vario 125 still features the same 18L under-seat storage, Honda SMART key system with Anti-theft alarm, Answer Back system, full LED lighting and a fully digital instrument cluster.

However, the 125cc gets a USB charger port which was not available on the Vario 150.

Powering the Vario 125 is a single cylinder 125cc 4-stroke with liquid-cooled Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) engine capable of cranking 11hp @ 8,500rpm and 11.74Nm @ 5,000rpm.