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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.

Chinese motorcycle manufacturer CFMoto has been making headlines lately with its aggressive expansion and new model releases.

  • The Papio XO-1 is a mini-bike inspired by the neo-retro sportsbikes from the 80’s. 
  • Powering the Papio XO-1 is a 125cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine. 

The latest addition to its line-up is the Papio XO-1 mini-bike, a neo-retro sportbike-style machine based on the existing Papio ST-125. The Papio XO-1 is not just a fun ride for beginners, but a stylish machine that will appeal to younger motorcycle enthusiasts.

The Papio XO-1’s 125cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine pumps out 9.5 horsepower at 8,500 rpm, and 5.8 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm, providing a performance similar to that of a Honda Grom. However, it’s the bike’s style that really sets it apart. The twin LED headlamps are symmetrical but feature a different bulb pattern, with the right headlamp sporting an “X” design, which adds to the bike’s custom, cartoonish appeal. The twin taillights at the rear are housed beneath shutters, just above the centrally-mounted tail-exit exhaust, giving the bike a unique retro look.

The Papio XO-1 has been launched in the Chinese market and is available in three colors – Nebula White, Fiery Red, and Moss Green. While there is no word yet on when the bike will be sold in the global market, motorcycle enthusiasts are hopeful that it will be soon.

CFMoto is already known for its aggressive expansion and multiple market launches, including in the U.S., where it continues to roll out new and exciting models, such as the 450SR sportbike and the upcoming 800 NK middleweight naked streetfighter.

With the addition of the Papio XO-1 mini-bike, CFMoto is showing that it’s not just focused on performance-oriented machines but also on lifestyle-oriented models that appeal to younger riders.

Honda and Tezuka Productions have teamed up with Cub House Thailand to create a limited-edition Monkey Astro Boy model to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the original manga and the 60th anniversary of the beloved series. 

  • The Honda Monkey X Astro Boy is a limited edition motorcycle to celebrate the original manga 70th anniversary. 
  • Honda and Tezuka Productions teamed up with Cub House Thailand for the special edition bike. 

The Astro Boy manga was brought to television screens by writer Osamu Tezuka in 1963 and went on to lay the groundwork for the anime of today. The Monkey Astro Boy Limited Edition pays homage to the iconic character with a white fuel tank adorned with red and black graphics, red-painted frame, plaid leather seat cover, and semi-clear air cleaner covers with stickers imitating Astro Boy’s mechanic heart and control board.

Styled by Honda’s H2C Design team, the 300 Monkey Astro Boy units feature a serialized badge on the fuel tank, a stylized fuel lid, and a side panel flaunting a chrome coating treatment. Retailing for THB129,900 (RM16.7k), the limited-edition model also comes with a Monkey x Astro Boy-branded jacket, an Astro Boy-styled helmet, and a premium carrying bag.

Thai Honda Executive Chairman Shigeto Kimura expressed his excitement about the creation of the Monkey Astro Boy Limited Edition and emphasized that it perfectly conveys the fun DNA of both Monkey and Astro Boy together, creating a unique and delivering a different experience.

Cub House Thailand has a reputation for top-notch collaborations, having previously worked with Hot Wheels and One Piece. However, the latest joint project with Honda and Tezuka Productions is aiming for the stars. The limited-edition Monkey Astro Boy model is a perfect tribute to the classic anime and manga series and a must-have for die-hard fans.

A tragic accident in Deeside, Wales has claimed the life of a 17-year-old boy who had just bought a high-powered electric bike days earlier.

  • the victim was travelling at 42km/h before crashing. 
  • the high-powered e-bike was a Chinese copy of the Stealth Bomber e-bike. 

Jamie Michael Jones was travelling at 42km per hour when he crashed into a telegraph pole on the B5114 on December 12, 2021.

According to North Wales Police forensic collision investigator Gordon Saynor, CCTV footage showed Jamie cycling towards Garden City before leaving the path and crashing into the telegraph pole with no third party involvement.

It’s believed that the bike Jamie had bought was a Chinese copy of a Stealth Bomber, which can reach speeds of up to 110km/h and has an output of 800 watts. Electric bikes are required to have a maximum output of 250 watts to be classified as a bicycle.

Jamie suffered trauma to his abdomen and thorax and died in hospital shortly after the accident. Consultant pathologist Dr Mark Atkinson said Jamie’s injuries were consistent with impact at speed.

At the inquest into Jamie’s death, assistant coroner Kate Sutherland ruled that the death was accidental and acknowledged the pain and loss suffered by Jamie’s family. She offered her condolences and told them that “no inquest will be able to answer every single question that you have”.

This tragic accident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety when using high-powered electric bikes. Riders should always wear appropriate protective gear and ensure they are operating their bikes within the legal limits of their country or region. Our thoughts are with Jamie’s family and friends during this difficult time.

(source: The Sun)

CFMoto is preparing to launch two battery-powered miniature motocrossers, according to recently filed design registrations. 

While electric bikes have yet to fully catch on with mainstream riders, off-road competition represents a logical area for electric power, particularly at the lower end of the market. 

CFMoto’s new models are designed to offer virtually silent, emissions-free motocross racing, opening up the possibility of tracks being built in areas where noise complaints would preclude the use of gas-powered machines, and even allowing indoor use.

The two models appear to share the same motor and battery arrangement but with different-size frames and wheels. 

The smaller model features 10-inch wheels front and rear, similar to KTM’s SX-E 3. The larger model, with its 14-inch front and 12-inch rear wheels, targets older riders and has similar proportions to the Yamaha YZ65.

While both models were designed by CFMoto, they were filed through the European Union Intellectual Property Office, suggesting a market targeting outside of China. 

With the designs now registered, the electric models should be ready for launch soon.

As technology advances, motorcycles are becoming safer than ever before. This year, Kawasaki introduced a front camera on its H2 SX, which automatically switches between high and low beam headlights to avoid blinding other drivers. 

  • BMW is taking motorcycle safety to the next level with its new stereo camera setup.
  • The patent application describes a stereo camera system with one camera module mounted in the front of each mirror housing. 

This design allows for easy integration across multiple models without requiring redesigned bodywork. The stereo cameras also offer a wider scope and the ability to judge distances and estimate the bike’s position three-dimensionally on the road.

While the Kawasaki setup is intended to allow for the use of auto-dipping headlights, BMW’s system takes it further by integrating with “matrix” headlights. 

These headlights can mask parts of the headlight beam to give a local dimming effect. The stereo camera system can detect oncoming vehicles and cut the light only in the part that would be hitting them, allowing the headlight’s bright beam to remain on without blinding other drivers.

The cameras have a range of applications beyond just aiding headlights. According to the patent application, they can assist in identifying road signs and traffic lights, provide lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and collision warning. 

Despite BMW’s current use of Bosch radar technology for adaptive cruise control on certain motorcycles, camera technology has distinct advantages in certain situations. For example, in terms of collision warning or automatic braking systems, cameras can detect brake lights on vehicles in front, giving more advanced warning than radar technology alone.

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