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

Reviewed: Triumph Trident – Small in Size, Big in Talent

What does it take to scare someone who does not fear travelling at over 160km/h on two wheels with an engine placed underneath them and a tank of fuel right ahead of them? Nothing apparently. If someone is brave enough to be able to take that on with little in between them and certain death, then are they capable of fear at all?

And that is why bikers are a crazy bunch. They will undertake any ride at any time to anywhere on anything. And sometimes it is just as dangerous as it sounds.

See, motorcycles are not like cars where anyone can get into a 1000 horsepower car and drive reasonably well. With bikes, you have to graduate from something small and manageable to something bigger, heavier and a lot more powerful. Put an amateur rider on a litre class superbike and there is a good chance things are not going to end well.

Manufacturers know this well and hence why offer different models that will keep them in the brand ecosystem. Brands like Triumph do this quite well and offer a bike for just about any type of riders save for the most novice. From 400cc all the way to 2,500cc, there is a Triumph for all.

Of course, Triumph does not do mopeds. In fact, the smallest displacement Triumph you can buy today is a 400cc model called the Speed and Scrambler 400.

We have not ridden that so can’t say much except for the fact that it is an entry-level Triumph. But until and unless that makes it to Malaysia, the entry level Triumph remains the bike seen here – the Triumph Trident 660.

Revealed in 2020 to much drama and fanfare, the Trident quickly won the hearts of many with its friendly character yet razor sharp focus as a proper sports bike.

When you first set eyes on it, it comes across as unassuming and docile. But don’t let its size and design fool you, it’s still a capable sports bike that will reward the brave with its blistering speed and hours of fun.

Upon closer inspection you will notice that the switches look and feel high quality. The thing about continental bikes in Malaysian climate is that coloured buttons tend to fade together with the conmand text (such as on the Start button and light switch) there is on the switch as well.

The Trident that we were handed wasn’t exactly new and it did look like it had been passed along like the village bicycle. But there were no signs of fade, nothing that was loose or felt out of the ordinary. The thing about test bikes is that they naturally tend to be abused. The fact that this bike still felt relatively new is testament to Triumph’s build quality.

The circular colourised TFT screen is the next thing that will catch your eye. Triumph has been incorporating some industry leading screens for all of its bikes since the early 2010s, and Triumph delivers again with the Trident’s screen. The thing we like about it the most is that despite its reflective casing, it is still clearly visible when the sun is at full blaze and it does not glare at night. It is also easy to read at all speeds without you having to squint your eyes; something that older riders will definitely appreciate.

Sit on the Trident and its size becomes immediately apparent. But before we get to that, the seat is brilliantly comfortable, and the tank, despite having a 14-litre capacity, feels muscular with grooves for your thighs to squeeze into under heavy braking. It feels well thought out.

One of the most peculiar things about the Trident is its relatively small size. Taller riders may find this uncomfortable but most Asians are of smaller build, perhaps that is why the Trident has been so popular in Asia.

Shorter riders will appreciate how easy it is to have their feet flat on the ground thanks to its seat height of just 805mm but tallers riders may not appreciate the knee-in-chest riding position.

But despite it being a little small, it is full of character. And that is most apparent when you first start up the triple-cylinder engine. Triumph has perfected the art of triple-cylinder engines, arguably more so than Yamaha. The British company builds the largest production motorcycle engine in the world, a gargantuan 2,500cc which is also a triple-cylinder engine that is used to power the Triumph Rocket 3.

The Trident is powered by a much smaller 660cc, triple-cylinder that produces 81hp at a screaming 10,250rpm. That is the beauty of triple-cylinder engines, they love to rev to the stratosphere and produce most of their power on the fun side of the rev band. Even its 64Nm of torque is produced from 6,250rpm, which simply means you have to wring the engine and keep it in the right gear to have instant access to power. If you are ever caught in a position where you need immediate power but are in a high gear, the Trident tends to be confused, feels lethargic even until it reaches the 6000rpm mark where it instantly comes alive and gives you that burst of power you wanted. The way around this is to always have it in lower gears, except when cruising at a constant speed of course.

Speaking of cruising, you can do that with the Trident as well. Triumph has dozens of accessories for the Trident which include some wind deflectors as well, but if Triumph does not have one that suits your requirements then there are plenty of aftermarket ones. The Trident is hugely popular in all parts of the world so there are a lot of customisation options for the adventurous. The wind deflector is necessary for highway cruising as the Trident, being a naked bike, is completely devoid of anything that will keep the wind and the insects away from you.

But cruising on the Trident wont be easy. Though it is andbwill be an absolute cracker in the corners thanks to its short wheelbase and steep rake angle, the handlebars vibrate significantly and this is transferred back to your palms. This is especially noticeable at higher speeds which means that your hands will be buzzing for hours after a long ride.

However, it is a lot of fun in corners and does a brilliant job at city riding. Its size makes it easy to park and to cut through heavy traffic, at 189kg (fully fuelled and lubricated) it is also surprisingly light, which makes it easily manageable for just any rider – novice or advanced.

But what makes it a great entry level sports bike though is that it is packed with features that make it safe and easy to ride. You get traction control that keeps you safe when the road is wet. You also get two riding modes (Road and Rain) that either cut power and throttle sensitivity or give you the full package when the road allows.

The suspension by Showa is non-adjustable. The 41mm upside down forks are not adjustable which means that new riders don’t have to worry about setting it up. It has a firm feel which borders on sporty that does well and soaking up the roads yet negates diving under heavy braking. The rear monoshock is only adjustable for pre-load so there is nothing to worry about there either. This means the Trident is ride ready right out of the box.

We do think that the Trident could do with a quickshifter though, but Triumph offers that as an option. And the entire package will be perfected with a louder, meaner exhaust kit, but even that is available as an accessory. So there really is no complaining about the Trident except for its small size.

But with a price that starts from just RM45,900 it is difficult to fault the Trident. Some may argue that Japanese bikes are cheaper, but none have the quality of the Triumph (which the company has made quite a reputation on) and there is no arguing against the sonorous triple-cylinder engine. So if you are looking for a bike to start off your motorcycling chapter, the Trident 660 will do it for you with style and power.

Specifications:

Engine: 660cc, 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled

Power: 81hp @ 10,250rpm

Torque: 64Nm @ 6,250rpm

Transmission: 6-speed (Optional quickshifter)

Suspension: Showa 41mm front fork / Showa Monoshock pre-load adjustable

Brakes: Nissin two-piston calipers with twin 310mm discs and ABS (front) / Nissin single-piston calipers with single 255mm disc with ABS (Rear)

We like: Engine character, frienly demeanour

We don’t like: Small size

Yamaha Introduces New Harcore MT-09 SP

Fresh off the debut of the 2024 standard MT-09 on October 31st, Yamaha has now unveiled the MT-09 SP, a higher-performance variant that elevates the bar with enhancements to its suspension, braking system, electronics, and more.

Mere days after the initial unveiling of the standard naked bike, the MT-09 SP takes the foundation of the newly redesigned MT-09 and builds upon it. The MT-09, boasting its fresh bodywork and stylish LED lighting, now combines sportier ergonomics, upgraded braking components, a state-of-the-art TFT display, and advanced control mechanisms.

The core of the new MT-09 SP remains the distinctive ‘CP3’ three-cylinder engine, which received a significant update in 2021, along with the trusty cast aluminum Deltabox frame, first introduced in the same year.

Let’s delve into the specifics of the 2024 MT-09 SP. It takes the base model of the new MT-09 and takes it to new heights. This includes a set of fully adjustable suspension components, top-tier Brembo Stylema brake calipers, a customizable Track riding mode, and a visually striking R1M superbike-inspired color scheme in black, blue, and silver, complete with a brushed aluminum swing arm. The MT-09 SP also introduces a novel feature for Yamaha – a ‘Smart Key’ keyless ignition system.

While some similarities with the standard MT-09 are inevitable due to the 2024 model year updates, there are noteworthy distinctions. The MT-09 SP exhibits a ‘sleeker, more aggressive appearance’ with a redesigned fuel tank, an updated LED front light cluster concealed by a new cover, a fresh rear LED light unit with separate tail and brake lights, and a new two-piece seat that complements the overall design.

The riding position has also seen substantial enhancements, with lower handlebars and higher, rear-set foot pegs, both of which offer adjustable settings. In line with the standard MT-09, the MT-09 SP incorporates a cutting-edge five-inch TFT dashboard and corresponding switchgear, inspired by the latest Tracer 9 GT+ and Niken GT models. Nevertheless, the MT-09 SP brings its distinctive elements to the table.

The MT-09 SP adheres to the SP tradition of premium, fully adjustable suspension, featuring gold-finished, Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coated 41mm KYB front forks, and an Öhlins monoshock in the rear. The new front forks offer comprehensive adjustments for preload, rebound, and compression damping, while the Öhlins rear unit provides customizable settings for compression, rebound, and comes with a remote preload adjuster.

Furthermore, the braking system on the new MT-09 SP has undergone substantial enhancements, making use of twin Brembo monoblock ‘Stylema’ calipers that provide superbike-caliber braking performance for Yamaha’s 900cc roadster.

In contrast to the standard 2024 MT-09, which offers three riding modes (Sport, Street, and Rain), the MT-09 SP introduces an additional Track mode, enabling riders to tailor four extra power, traction, and braking profiles to suit specific track conditions. The SP’s TFT display also incorporates a dedicated Track theme.

One of the standout features of the MT-09 SP is Yamaha’s groundbreaking keyless ‘Smart Key System.’ This innovative system replaces the conventional key slot with an ‘on-off’ switch located at the top of the fuel tank. It activates as long as the Smart Key is within range and provides convenient lock and unlock options for the fuel cap.

The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP is available in a striking R1M-inspired color scheme of black, silver, and blue, complete with a brushed aluminum swing arm. As for pricing and availability, Yamaha has yet to unveil these details.

This Cool Indian-Made Electric Bike Will Make Its Global Debut Next Week!

For those attuned to the electric motorcycle landscape, Ultraviolette, an innovative startup hailing from India, needs no introduction. They burst onto the scene with their maiden electric two-wheeler, the F77, which promptly garnered the attention of Indian riders. However, enthusiasts residing outside India have not been properly introduced to the brand as yet.

According to Ride apart, exciting news is on the horizon for those intrigued by the F77’s distinctive design. Ultraviolette is all set to make its grand international debut at EICMA 2023. The company will unveil the international variant of the F77, marking its entry into the international market.

EICMA 2023 will serve as the global premiere of the international-spec F77, and it is on the brink of being announced for the European market. While specific technical details about this international version are currently kept under wraps, Ultraviolette has promised to unveil them during their highly anticipated EICMA press conference, slated for November 8, 2023.

As offered in India, Ultraviolette makes bold claims about the F77’s performance, boasting a top speed of 152 kilometers per hour. The F77’s exceptional range spans an impressive 307 kilometers. This electric speedster accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h in a blistering 2.9 seconds, accompanied by a formidable torque output of 100 newton-meters, which translates to a robust 99Nm of torque.

Ultraviolette has kept the anticipation alive by regularly sharing development updates as they made progress toward the F77’s market debut. These updates ranged from thrilling test videos featuring fighter pilots to audacious world record attempts involving the F77.

Pricing for the Ultraviolette F77 in India varies based on the chosen specifications, as is the norm in the motorcycle industry. In India, the F77’s pricing spectrum starts at USD$4,564 to $6,725. However, those prices may change for global markets.

Ultraviolette’s website outlines a comprehensive rollout plan. As things currently stand, the company is making significant strides in Phase Two. Phases One and Two have effectively covered various regions across India, commencing in Bangalore and gradually expanding across the nation.

Phase Three is on the horizon, heralded by Europe. This is presumably where Ultraviolette will make its mark at EICMA 2023. The rollout plan also earmarks other international regions for Phase Three, including North America, South America, Japan, and Southeast Asia. As of November 1, 2023, all regions and countries specified in Phase Three are marked as “To Be Announced,” including Europe.

Source: Ride Apart

New Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono Is Powered By The Craziest Single-Cylinder Engine!

Just a few days after shocking the world with the introduction of the ultra-high-performance single-cylinder engine, Ducati has done it again with the introduction of the Hypermotard 698 Mono. So what’s good? We break it down for you:

Superquadro Mono Engine:
The Hypermotard 698 Mono features the Superquadro Mono engine, a high-performance single-cylinder powerplant. Derived from the 1299 Panigale’s twin-cylinder engine, it boasts a remarkable 77.5 hp and an impressive 10,250 rpm maximum rotation, setting new standards for single-cylinder engines. Key components, such as the 116 mm bore piston, combustion chamber, titanium intake, steel exhaust valves, and Desmodromic distribution, are inherited from Ducati’s MotoGP technology.

Electronics Package:
The motorcycle comes with an extensive electronic package, which allows both novice and experienced riders to maximize their riding experience. The package includes ABS Cornering with specialized settings for track “sideways riding,” Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Engine Brake Control (EBC), Ducati Power Launch (DPL), and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up/Down. The package makes it easy for riders to adapt to Supermotard-style riding while ensuring their safety.

Chassis and Handling:
The Hypermotard 698 Mono is designed to provide precise handling on asphalt, combining the front-end precision of Ducati sports bikes with Supermotard agility. This balance is achieved through specific chassis dimensions that offer a more neutral and communicative front end compared to offroad-derived motorcycles, which tend to understeer.

Design and Aesthetics:
The motorcycle’s design blends the racing Supermotard aesthetic of simplicity, aggressiveness, and visual lightness with Ducati’s characteristic clean and sophisticated lines. It features distinctive traits, such as a high and flat seat, a high front mudguard, a sharp tail, and rear number plates that enhance its racing-inspired look.

Engine Details:
The Superquadro Mono engine, at the heart of the Hypermotard 698 Mono, is lightweight and compact. It inherits several features from the 1299 Panigale’s twin-cylinder engine, including the 116 mm bore, piston, combustion chamber, and Desmodromic distribution. It produces a maximum power of 77.5 hp at 9,750 rpm, with a torque of 6.4 kgm at 8,000 rpm. When equipped with the Termignoni racing exhaust, its power on the track increases by 7 hp, reaching 84.5 hp.

Electronic Controls:
The motorcycle’s electronic controls encompass ABS Cornering with four levels, allowing controlled sideways riding, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) with four levels, Engine Brake Control (EBC) with three levels, and Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) with four levels. It also includes Ducati Power Launch (DPL) and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up/Down, contributing to enhanced rider control and safety.

Chassis and Ergonomics:
The Hypermotard 698 Mono’s chassis emphasizes compactness and lightness, achieved through a trellis frame, cast alloy wheels, lightweight brake discs, and an adjustable Marzocchi fork. The double-sided swingarm, designed for progressive suspension linkage, provides precise handling. The bike’s riding position is optimized for sporty riding, offering flexibility for different riding styles.

Design Aesthetics:
The motorcycle’s design embodies essential Supermotard racing aesthetics, integrating it with Ducati’s clean and sophisticated design language. Notable design elements include a high saddle, compact headlight, and LED lighting for a modern and distinctive appearance.

Dashboard and Information Display:
The Hypermotard 698 Mono features a compact and informative dashboard with a 3.8″ LCD display. It provides essential data, including a bar tachometer, speed, gear engaged, and selected riding mode. A green LED indicates the ideal moment for gear changes, while a red LED signals the limiter’s intervention.

Power Modes:
The motorcycle offers three Power Modes – High Power Mode, Mid Power Mode, and Low Power Mode – allowing riders to adjust the engine’s response to their preferences and conditions.

ABS Cornering with Slide-by-Brake:
The Hypermotard 698 Mono introduces ABS Cornering with four levels, with two levels designed for track use. These levels offer different calibrations for slide-by-brake functionality, enhancing the rider’s control during aggressive deceleration and cornering maneuvers.

This restructuring organizes the information in a more topic-centric manner while preserving the technical details and descriptions from the original text.

At a glance:

Ducati Superquadro Mono engine with bore and stroke of 116 and 62.4 mm, 659 cc, maximum power of 77.5 hp at 9,750 rpm, maximum torque of 6.4 kgm at 8,000 rpm (A2 version 43.5 hp at 6,250 rpm and 5 kgm at 5,750 rpm), box-in-box piston, desmodromic distribution with titanium intake valves
Steel trellis frame with tubes of different sections and thicknesses, steel tube subframe and aluminium double-sided swingarm
45 mm Marzocchi upside-down fork, fully adjustable, with upper adjusters for hydraulic calibrations, 215 mm travel. Fully adjustable Sachs monoshock with interposition of progressive linkages, external adjusters for hydraulic calibrations, wheel travel 240 mm.
5-spoke alloy wheels 120/70-17” and 160/60-17”with Pirelli DIABLOTM Rosso IV tyres
Bosch-Brembo ABS 10.3ME Cornering braking system
330 mm diameter front disc with aluminium flange and Brembo M4.32 4-piston radial caliper
Rider footrests optimized for sport riding with removable rubber covering for maximum grip with racing boots
Full LED headlight with double-C DRL, Full-LED rear light
Dashboard with 3.8” IBN (Improved Black Nematic) LCD screen with gear shift LED o Lithium ion battery
Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
3 Power Modes (Low, Mid, High)
4 Riding Modes (Sport, Road, Urban, Wet)
Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC)
Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
Engine Brake Control (EBC)
Ducati Power Launch (DPL)
Ducati Link Ready with infotainment apps
Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up&Down
RVE, with dedicated graphics and DQS as standard o Standard, with Ducati red graphics

Husqvarna Updates The Norden 901 For 2024 With A Number of Enhancements

Husqvarna Motorcycles has updated the Norden 901 with what the company calls improved performance and safety thanks to multiple technical enhancements for 2024.

The updated Norden 901 retains the same 889 cc parallel twin engine for 2024. Together with its light steel trellis frame, WP APEX suspension, and multiple ride modes, the Norden 901 continues to offer outstanding comfort, particularly on longer rides when navigating rugged and challenging landscapes as we recently found out when we explored the Korean island of Jeju on the Norden 901.

Husqvarna Motorcycles’ lean-angle sensitive Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) now offers ten different levels of rear wheel slip, which can be selected when the optional Explorer Mode is engaged. With a setting to suit all riding abilities, those with more experience will enjoy drifting through turns while riders new to travel machines will benefit from confidence inspiring traction when negotiating technical corners and unpredictable terrain.

Rounding out the new features found on the Norden 901 2024 are new USB port, the Hazard Warning lights, which can be quickly switched on in the event of an emergency, and the new exhaust system that meets EURO 5+ regulations.

Underlining the premium build quality of the Norden 901, the components used on this versatile machine are all chosen for their performance and durability. The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres, Bosch Cornering ABS, a Power Assist Slipper Clutch (PASC), and multiple ride modes combine to create the ultimate riding experience.

Technical highlights:

New grey and yellow graphics create a distinctive appearance
Revised Cornering sensitive Traction Control allows for 10 levels of adjustable rear wheel slip with optional Explorer Mode engaged
New exhaust system for EURO 5+ compliance
New USB port on the side of the dashboard
New Hazard Warning system
Bosch Cornering ABS
Chromium-molybdenum steel frame with engine as stressed member
889 cc parallel-twin engine with 105 hp peak power and 100 Nm of torque
Adjustable WP APEX suspension provides exceptional comfort both on and offroad
Four selectable ride modes (Street, Rain, Offroad, optional Explorer)
Ride-by-wire throttle with adjustable response (in Explorer mode)
Standard Easy Shift function (up and down Quickshifter)
PASC Slipper clutch
Tubeless spoked wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres for balanced performance on and offroad
Large capacity, 19-litre fuel tank provides an extended range of up to 400 km
Optional Connectivity Unit provides TbT+ navigation, telephone calls in/out and music selection from the rider’s smartphone

Why You Should Trade Up To a KTM RC 200!

KTM Malaysia is having a special campaign called aspiRC Trade Up that is designed to give you better value for your current bike when you trade it in for a RC 200.

You just have to bring in your current motorcycle and KTM will give you RM2,000 more than the current market value of your bike.

So for example, if the market value of your bike is at RM5,000, KTM Malaysia will give you RM7,000 for it.

With that, you do not have to worry about losing money on your old bike and having to fork out a higher down payment. KTM Malaysia is essentially sorting that out for you, so all you have to do now is visit your closest KTM dealership and talk to the sales team there.

So there has never been a better time to trade up to a KTM RC 200.

The RC 200 may have been around for a while already, but it has been continuously improved and enhanced and yet it remains as one of the most exciting bikes in its class.

Some have criticized its design but none in its class have such functional, race inspired aesthetics. The design of the RC 200 follows the RC16 MotoGP race bike where the front provides positive aerodynamics that makes the bike more efficient as it cuts through the air.

And just like the race bike, the bodywork has been specifically designed to be easily dismantled and reinstalled. This is very much in line with KTM’s tagline – “Ready to Race”.

The riding position of the RC 200 is also spot on. Aggressive enough for corner carving and yet comfortable enough for daily use. To ensure this, the handlebars are adjustable. As compared to previous models, the handlebars are now positioned 15mm higher than before for better posture which makes the bike more comfortable for long distance riding, especially for your shoulders and wrists. But you can also drop the handlebars by up to 10mm when you want to ride your favourite track.

The KTM RC 200 will particularly appeal to those who like a nimble handling bike. With adjustable WP Suspension, the rear monoshock can be adjusted for pre-load to your preference.

The RC 200 was redesigned in 2022, and part of the redesign efforts focused on the front of the bike. This redesign resulted in a lighter front end with most of the weight of the bike focused on the center. For example, the wheels too have been lightened by 3.4kg and this results in lesser rolling resistance, providing for better acceleration and easier corner entry. All this clever engineering resulted in better weight management that ultimately contributed to lighter and more agile handling.

Top speed is another aspect that comes under occasional criticism. Rated at 137km/h, top speed is good enough for highway cruising without compromising on comfort and safety, which is ultimately what is important for KTM. And besides, the bike has racing in its DNA, and we all know that a race is won in corners and not in a straight line.

But most importantly, the RC 200 is the most powerful in the 200cc range of bikes. It partially achieves this through the clever use of a larger airbox that is 40% bigger than its rivals. This is important for power production, as the more air that goes in, the better the engine breathes, and you get better power delivery.

However, the RC 200 is not all about performance alone. It is also a friendly commuter if you so wish. The volume of the fuel tank for example has been increased to 13.7-litres from 9.5-litres before. This gives it better range which means that you can also go touring with your riding buddies if you wanted to.

But buying a RC200 is one part of the journey, owning it over a couple of years is a completely different thing. And this is where the RC 200 excels again. With most bikes in its class having a short service interval, the RC 200 has a service interval of 5000km. This is perfect for those who are looking to trade up to a sports bike from a moped as it will provide for longer service intervals and thus making the RC 200 easier on the wallet over the long term.

All of the above does not matter though if the RC 200 did not prioritise safety. You can have a fast bike but what is the point of that if it did not stop as fast? Providing stopping duties are a pair of four piston ByBre calipers.

Provided by legendary brakes manufacturer Brembo (hence the name, By-Brembo), a four-piston caliper grip a single 320mm disc up front while a single-piston caliper manages a 230mm disc at the rear.

The big discs are great for heat management, which means that you can have some serious fun with the RC 200 without worrying about brake fade. And if you are the type that likes to brake late and hard, you will be happy to know the RC 200 comes with dual-channel ABS provided by Bosch.

Not only that, the RC 200 also has a Supermoto mode that lets you switch off ABS-interference and slide the rear wheel. A slipper clutch is also on duty to help you manage the rear wheel.