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

2022 Ducati Panigale V4 Breaks Cover – New SBK Gearbox, 215.5HP

Ducati 2022 model release continue by unveiling the updated 2022 Ducati Panigale V4.

The Borgo Panigale factory has made numerous improvements for the Panigale V4, aimed at refining the riding ergonomics and power.

Visually, the 2022 Panigale V4 gets a redesigned winglet, and despite appearing smaller, it produces the same 30kg of downforce at 270km/h.

Ducati also improves the engine heat distribution by revamping the belly pan, which now features two air slots on either side and a series of air slits at the bottom.

Despite the minimal changes, the improved cooling efficiency pushes the Desmosedici Stradale peak power to 215.5hp @ 13,00rpm and 123.6Nm @ 9,500rpm.

Other major changes include getting the SBK gearbox from the Panigale V4 R, whereby its first, second and sixth gear is made taller to allow for better gear transition. The new transmission also helps the Panigale V4 to achieve an extra 5km/h top speed than the 2021 Panigale V4.

Nonetheless, replacing the stock exhaust with a full-system Akrapovic race exhaust will help bump the peak power to 225hp and reduce the weight by 5kg to 190.5kg from its 195.5kg curb weight.

The new Panigale V4 also gets a 5mm longer suspension travel front fork which is said to help improve the front-end feel.

Meanwhile, the Öhlins semi-active suspension available on the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 S now adopts Öhlins NPX 25/30 pressurized fork, which is fitted into the Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 event-based electronic control system.

The pressurized system managed the compression in the left leg of the fork with a 25mm piston, while a 30mm piston managed the extension in the right leg.

The swingarm pivot was also raised by 4mm to increase the anti-squat effect during acceleration.

Interestingly, to help the rider’s ergonomic, Ducati has made big changes to the fuel tank shape and material to allow riders to have better grip during braking and turning.

Ducati has also restyled the 5″ TFT display that now features two LED shifter lights at the top.

Most importantly, the 2022 Panigale V4 continues to offer 6-axis IMU, which include:

cornering ABS
traction control
slide control
wheelie control
engine brake control
up/down quickshifter
brake-to-slide feature

FIRST LOOK: 2022 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

KTM has just taken the wraps off the updated 2022 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT.

Although the 1290 Super Duke GT makes the same 175hp and 139.6Nm from its Euro5, 1,301cc L-Twin, the bike now offers better touring capabilities.

The wheels are 1kg lighter to help improve turning, braking and acceleration performance.

The 1290 Super Duke GT also features a 22L tank enough to get you going for hundreds of kilometres before stopping for gas.

Interestingly, the 2022 Super Duke also gets a new WP APEX semi-active suspension, allowing riders to adjust the front fork and rear suspension accordingly by accessing the new 7-inch TFT instrument cluster.

The GT also debuted a new turn-by-turn navigation system via the KTM Connect app, which allows navigation instructions to be projected directly onto the TFT display.

We can assume that the new function will soon be available on most of KTM’s wide range of models.

CONFIRMED: Kawasaki To Roll Out Three Electric Motorcycles In 2022

Kawasaki has announced that the company will unveil three electric motorcycles in 2022.

The announcement came from Kawasaki Motors President Hiroshi Ito during his keynote address at Kawasaki’s EICMA presentation.

The announcement also confirmed the Japanese marquee plans to develop ten electric and hybrid motorcycles by 2025.

Nevertheless, it is still too early to discuss the kind of models that could be electrified by 2022.

But knowing that the firm recently ran a test on a Ninja 400 based electric motorcycle could also mean a production version is already in the works.

During the speech, Ito-san addresses the company’s commitment to pushing for a new power source that includes hydrogen and hybrids.

Looking at the level of commitment shown by Team Green, Kawasaki may well be on its way to becoming the pioneer of a new future for motorcycles.

Moto Guzzi Unveils Limited Edition 2022 V85 TT Guardia d’Honore

In honour of a long-standing partnership with the Italian President’s security, Cuirassiers Regiment, Moto Guzzi has unveiled the limited edition V85 TT Guardia d’Honore.

Presented to the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, the special bike sports a gloss black livery with white accents painted at the front mudguard, fuel tank, side panels and windscreen.

The V85 TT Guardia d’Honore also features a taller windscreen, a centre stand, engine guard and auxiliary LED lights.

Customers can also get their hands on model-specific side panniers.

According to Moto Guzzi, there are only 1,946 units available with each bike will have the unit number engraved on the handlebar riser.

Nevertheless, the V85 TT Guardia d’Honore continue to make 80hp @ 7,750rpm and 80Nm @ 5,000rpm from the 853cc transverse V-Twin air-cooled engine.

All modern electronics including traction control, TFT display also available as standard.

Dominar Rides Takes Owners On An Adventure To Rimba Valley Motocamp

Following the success of Dominar Rides to Ipoh, the journey continues with a new group of Dominar owners, to a new location.

The focus of the Dominar Rides is to have a new experience for each ride and to enable a different group of owners to share the experience.

This time around, the participants of the second ride enjoyed a tricky ride to Rimba Valley Motocamp, located at Janda Baik, Pahang.

As usual, the riders got together at Circle Cafe, Kelana Jaya, for a light breakfast and briefing.

Upon arrival at the cafe, every rider is obligated to take the Covid-19 screening test to ensure the safety of everyone.

The convoy rolled out at 9.30 am and made a quick stop at the famous BHP Karak petrol station before continuing to Genting Sempah.

The ride up to Rimba Valley Motocamp allows all riders to test out the Modenas Dominar D400 capabilities going through tight corners and uneven terrain.

Interestingly enough, the riders were able to experience a short ‘off-road’ with their Dominar upon arrival at Rimba Valley before Captain Nik Huzlan led them to the campsite for lunch.

The adventure did not stop there as owners of the first-generation Dominar were given a chance to test out the new Dominar D400 UG.

The host, Capt. Nik also took a few riders for a knee-deep river-crossing challenge with the new Dominar D400 UG located about a kilometre away from the camp.

Despite the short route from KL to Janda Baik, it was quite an adventure for the rest of the convoy. And one that will not be forgotten anytime soon.

Meanwhile, the next Dominar Ride will take a new batch of owners on an adventure to Pengkalan Balak, Melaka on the 27th of November.

Honda Unveils Updated CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP With 30th Anniversary Livery

The Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP gets engine updates and more for 2022.

Although major parts of the CBR1000RR-R SP remains the same, the flagship superbike from Honda has been refined for better mid-range acceleration, something that could also help HRC at the WorldSBK.

While peak power remains at 214hp @ 14,500rpm, Honda has revamped the intake ports, airbox and mid-section exhaust.

Interestingly, Honda also increased the final drive sprocket to 43 from the previous 40.

Moving on to electronics, Honda has improved the traction control with a new algorithm for better rear-wheel traction followed by revised Nissin callipers.

Meanwhile, the standard Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade now gets an electronic steering damper along with Showa suspension.