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• 2020 BMW Motorrad S1000XR in Malaysia, RM121,500

  In Bikes, BMW Motorrad, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 1 July 2020 5:10 pm / 0 comment

  

  Something of an unsung hero in BMW Motorrad’s range of motorcycles is the 2020 BMW Motorrad S1000XR sports-tourer, now in Malaysia and priced at RM121,500, on-the-road excluding insurance. Going on a small diet, the 2020 S1000XR weighs 10 kg then its predecessor and with power optimised for the mid-range and ridability.

  Weight savings were gained with a 19% lighter swingarm, a lighter Euro 5 compliant exhaust system and a 5kg weight reduction in the engine. This is coupled with BMW Motorrad’s “Flex Frame”, where the S1000XR’s engine takes on more load bearing from the frame, becoming part of the bike’s riding dynamics.

  The S1000XR’s inline-four engine is derived from the S1000RR super bike and produces 165 hp at 11,000 rpm and 114 Nm of torque at 9,250 rpm. Fourth, fifth and sixth gear ratios have been made taller to take advantage of the S1000XR’s meatier mid-range and reduce noise and vibration at higher speeds.

  

  

  

  New for the S1000XR is engine drag torque control (MSR) which works in conjunction with a smoother and self-reinforcing anti-hopping clutch. MSR on the S1000XR is electronically controlled and reduces rear wheel slip during hard acceleration or downshifting.

  Suspension is done with BMW Motorrad’s Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) that comes with an electronically controlled upside front-fork and rear monoshock. Riders wanting adjustable damping modes and automatic load adjustment have to purchase Dynamic ESA Pro, available as a factory-fitted option.

  

  A full suite of riding aids comes with the S1000XR, including Hill Start Control Pro, four ride modes and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) which also provides wheelie control. Optional extras include cruise control, adaptive turning lights and HP Shift Assistant Pro quickshifter.

  The 2020 BMW Motorrad S1000XR comes in two colour options – Ice Grey and Racing Red/White Aluminium as well as an extensive accessories catalogue. The S1000XR will be available in Malaysian BMW Motorrad dealers from July.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2020 MV Agusta Brutale RR revealed, 208 hp, 116 Nm

  In Bikes, International Bike News, MV Agusta / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 1 July 2020 2:17 pm / 4 comments

  

  After the launch of the limited edition Rush 1000, MV Agusta has now released the 2020 MV Agusta Brutale RR. While not exactly an all-new naked sports motorcycle, MV Agusta has taken heed of riders’ needs and made this year’s Brutale RR more accessible.

  According to Brian Gillen, MV Agusta’s R & D director, the 2020 Brutal RR is designed to accommodate riders of every skill level, be it the seasoned sports bike rider or a rider coming into the MV Agusta stable for the first time. This has been done with revisions to the ride software and electronic suspension, in this case Ohlins NIX EC upside-downfront forks and EC TTX mono shock.

  Inside the engine room, the Brutale RR has had its inline-four cylinder mill leaned on slightly, now making 208 hp at 13,450 rpm and 116.5 Nm of torque at 11,000 rpm. A central timing chain reduces camshaft flex while radial valve technology, similar to that used in Formula 1, is combined with titanium con rods to reduce reciprocating mass, allowing the Brutale RR to increase its rev limit.

  

  

  

  Overall engine friction has been reduced with a redesign of the Brutale RR’s oil feed system, which features a semi-dry sump. This allows for oil to be separated from the engine’s moving parts while still supplying the necessary lubrication.

  More attention has also been paid to engine noise from the Brutale RR, especially with the tightening of Euro 5 regulations. The gears in the six-speed gearbox have been redesigned and cut to reduce noise and friction, supplemented by engine casings that absorb noise.

  Inside the cockpit, a 5-inch TFT-LCD screen displays the necessary information and for the Brutale RR, there are numerous options for the rider, controlled via switches on the handlebar pod. These include four rides – Sport, Race, Rain and Custom – and the rider is able to customise any of the Brutale RR’s engine mapping options via the MV Ride App and the bike’s Bluetooth connection.

  

  This includes navigation displayed onscreen as well as the ability to create and share routes. The Brutale RR’s riding aids are tied into an Elder EM2 engine management system, developed specifically for MV Agusta’s four-cylinder power plant and includes front wheel lift control, launch control and a quick shifter.

  Braking is done with Brembo Stylema four-piston callipers clamping twin floating 320 mm diameter floating discs with Brembo radial master cylinders for both brake and clutch. At the back is a 220 mm steel brake disc with Brembo two-piston calliper and everything is controlled by Bosch 9 Plus ABS with rear wheel lift mitigation.

  No pricing has been provided for the 2020 MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR as yet but the limited edition Rush 1000 with similar specifications is priced at 34,000 euro (RM162,000). In Malaysia, MV Agusta no longer has representation after the collapse of the Demak group and DNC Asiatic motorcycle assemblers.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2020 Kawasaki ZX-25R launching in Indonesia, July 10

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Kawasaki / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 30 June 2020 12:11 pm / 18 comments

  Much awaited by quarter-litre motorcycle fans especially in Malaysia and South East Asia, the 2020 Kawasaki ZX-25R will be launched in Indonesia on July 10. The announcement was made via a video posted by Kawasaki Indonesia and shows the ZX-25R in two colours, all black like Kawasaki’s Winter Test bikes and in corporate colours of Kawasaki Racing Green.

  Setting the ZX-25R apart from the current crop of sports 250s is the inline four-cylinder mill with liquid-cooling and DOHC, along with a 17,000 rpm rev limit. As tested in Jerez, Spain by Kawasaki World Superbike riders Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes in saddle, the ZX-25R is capable of speeds above 160 km/h out of the box.

  A racing version of the ZX-25R has also been, loaded with performance bling and destined for a Japan race series. This is done with the addition of a carbon-fibre fairing, A-Tech seat and tank pads, Beet Nassert Evolution Type II titanium exhaust and Dunlop Sportmax 13SP tyres.

  

  In standard form, the ZX-25R comes with a quickshifter, selectable rider modes and traction control, bringing big bike technology down to the small displacement market. Suspension is of similar spec, with Showa’s SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston) 37 mm diameter upside-down fork in front and a Horizontal Back-Link mono shock in the rear.

  No power figures have as yet been released for the ZX-25R and readers will have to wait till all is revealed at the Indonesia launch. What do you think? Does the ZX-25R need to be released in Malaysia? Leave a comment with your thoughts and opinions, below.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Malaysian govt may withdraw bike convoy permission under RMCO, other freedoms may be restricted

  In Bikes, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 30 June 2020 10:11 am / 15 comments

  

  With the implementation of the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO), many Malaysians seem to have forgotten the Covid-19 pandemic is still raging in many parts of the world and has not been eliminated or eradicated here. This caution seems to have fallen on deaf ears as many are taking a lackadaisical approach to prevention measures against the spread of the coronavirus.

  This was said by Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Deputy Minister (Security) during a press conference broadcast by Astro Awani. Saying the closing of the East Coast Highway (LPT) over the weekend where bikers were stopped and checked was an isolated incident, Sabri said this was the first occurrence and hoped it would not be repeated.

  

  “Police will take action against RMCO offences. However, if this continues to happen and there are mass gatherings, no social distancing, it is likely we will review the permission (for motorcycle convoys),” Sabri said. Sabri then gave the example of RMCO permissions for certain business premises being withdrawn and said the same could happen to motorcycle convoys.

  “Like restaurants or business premises that flout RMCO standard operating procedures (SOP), there are restaurants there were closed for not following SOP. I hope motorcycle convoy participants will adhere to SOP because if too many do not follow the rules, this will result in all convoys being banned,” said Sabri.

   

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• Police crackdown on bikers on LPT – 600 stopped

  In Bikes, Cars, Local Bike News, Local News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 29 June 2020 10:03 am / 21 comments

  

  Police cracked down on motorcycle riders speeding on the East Coast Highway (LPT) over the weekend, closing off the road entirely and diverting them for a check. This occurred at the R&R stations at Lanchang and Chenor in Pahang.

  Beginning at 2 p.m., the operation, dubbed Ops Tutup Khas went on for three hours, reports Berita Harian. Speaking to the press, Traffic Police Investigation department assistant director I Datuk Mohd Nadzri Hussain, said 600 riders and their motorcycles were examined during operation.

  358 summons were issued for various traffic offences and 20 motorcycles were seized. Involving 12 officers and 52 police personnel, assisted by five Department of Environment staff and 10 member of the National Anti Drug Agency, riders were examined for compliance to traffic regulation and their motorcycles for legal compliance, including noise restrictions.

  Amongst offences committed were expired licence and road tax as well as illegal modifications. “What I regret most is some of the rider were riding without a rear brake. This is dangerous not only to themselves but also other road users, ” said Nadzri.

  Meanwhile, three riders were found to be under the influence of narcotics while seven others were caught for environmental offences. “Many of these riders are youth and we advise them if they are interested in racing the highway is not the place but take it to Sepang instead,” Nadzri said.

   

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• Aston Martin AMB 001 undergoes track test in France

  In Aston Martin, Bikes, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 26 June 2020 11:59 am / 0 comment

  Scheduled for delivery in the final quarter of 2020, the Aston Martin AMB 001 motorcycle is undergoing track testing at Pau-Arnos in France. A collaboration between Aston Martin and boutique motorcycle maker Brough Superior, the AMB 001 will be produced in a limited run of only 100 units and is provisionally priced, depending on options, at 108,000 euros (RM518,533).

  Current testing of the prototype AMB 001 will lead to production starting at Brough’s facility in Toulouse in the third quarter of this year. For this phase of the AMB 001’s journey to the finished product, data is being collected on on the bike’s behaviour, including cornering, braking, acceleration and riding dynamics.

  Power in the AMB 001 comes from a turbocharged V-twin mill, which, if taken from the current model Brough Superior SS100, will displace 997 cc. Aston Martin says the AMB 001 will deliver 180 hp, helped by the addition of an intercooler and oversized inlet manifold.

  

  Extensive use is made of modern engineering materials such as carbon-fibre, titanium and billet aluminium in the building of the AMB 001, including a frame and sub-frame made from carbon-fibre. A vertical aluminium fin bisects the AMB 001’s fuel tank, a styling touch throwing back to the days of Aston Martin’s Le Mans endurance racing cars.

  A distinctive touch is the double-wishbone front fork, similar to the nose gear suspension used in airplanes while the brake callipers are Brough Superior branded units. Inside the cockpit is a full-colour TFT-LCD while an aluminium band on the tank fin shows the AMB 001 edition number.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2020 GPX Demon GR200R in Malaysia soon

  In Bikes, GPX Racing, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 26 June 2020 10:48 am / 5 comments

  

  Following its recent launch in Thailand, the 2020 GPX Demon GR200R will be coming to Malaysia soon, with pricing to be announced. This Thailand brand is familiar to Malaysian riders, following the launch of the GPX Demon 150 GR in February last year.

  While the previous Demon 150 GR drew comments from riders about its resemblance to the Ducati Panigale, this time around the Demon GR200R looks a lot like a Yamaha YZF-R1. There will be no remarks about scooter wheels and the such as wheel sizing for the GR200R is now 17-inches, allowing for fitment of popular tyre sizes.

  The bump in displacement also moves the GR200R into ‘proper’ motorcycle territory, with the addition of liquid-cooling to the single-cylinder, 198 cc engine, wrapped in a trellis frame, produces 17.2 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. GPX Thailand did not produce any horsepower numbers but we would guess something between 16 to 19 hp would be appropriate.

  

  

  

  Power gets to the ground via chain final drive and a six-speed gearbox where a five-speed gearbox is the norm in this price segment. Braking uses hydraulic discs with a two-piston calliper and 276 mm disc on the front wheel and 220 mm at the back.

  Front suspension is done with non-adjustable upside-down forks with a seven-step preload adjustable YSS monoshock in the rear. Inside the cockpit is a full-colour TFT-LCD display showing all the necessary information while LED lighting is used throughout.

  

  Dimensionally the Demon GR200R fits into the quarter-litre class with a wheel base of 1,340 mm and overall length of 2,020 mm while seat height is 815 mm. GPX claims the weight of the Demon GR200R to be 150 kg while fuel is carried in an 11-litre tank.

  For Thailand, the 2020 GPX Demon GR200R is priced at 76,500 Thai baht (RM10,601) while the Demon 150GR had a Malaysian retail price of RM9,800 in 2019. For the Malaysia domestic market, current competition for the Demon GR200R includes the Modenas Pulsar RS200 at RM9,990 and in the naked sports range, the TVS Apache RTR200 V2.0 at RM10,950 and KTM Duke 200 at RM11,888.

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2020 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally released for Europe

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Yamaha / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 25 June 2020 3:48 pm / 3 comments

  

  Named after a desert in the Central Sahara region of Africa, the 2020 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally has now been released for the European market. Drawing on DNA from the very first XT600 Tenere back in 1983, the Tenere 700 Rally, also known as the XTZ700SP, comes decked out in a colour scheme taken from the Gauloises Yamaha Paris-Dakar competition bike of the 80s.

  While Malaysian riders still wait for news of the release of the Yamaha XT700 Tenere, this is an upgraded version of a dual-sport motorcycle. There is an important distinction here, not every tall suspension motorcycle is designed to handle heavy-duty off-road with most offerings in the market biased towards the touring side of “adventure-touring.”

  This is shown by the use of upside-telescopic forks in front with 210 mm of travel and a mono shock with 200 mm of travel. Wheels are similarly sized for true dirt work with a 21-inch spoked wheel in front and 18-inch unit at the back, shod in 90/90 and 150/70 Pirelli Scorpion rubber, front and rear.

  

  

  

  Seat height and ground clearance are similarly biased towards off-road work, with the rider placed 895 mm off the ground, 20 mm higher than the standard Tenere 700 and 240 mm of air underneath the bike. Fuel for the Tenere 700 is carried in a 16-litre tank and weight, fully-fuelled and ready to go, is claimed to be 204 kg.

  Motive power comes from Yamaha’s 689 cc Crossplane 2 parallel-twin, with liquid-cooling, DOHC and four-valves per cylinder. Power with the standard equipment Akrapovic exhaust is claimed to be 72 hp at 9,000 rpm and 68 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, with power getting to the ground via a six-speed gearbox and chain final drive.

  

  Braking is done with twin 282 mm diameter hydraulic discs in front and a single 280 mm disc on the back wheel, with switchable ABS. Rally style lighting is done with a four-element LED headlight and an aluminium skid plate, radiator guard and chain guard are supplied as standard.

  Also designed for off-road work is the rubber grip pads, meant to provide extra knee and inner thigh grip during acceleration while standing up and off-road handlebar grips. The 2020 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally is expected to arrive in Yamaha Europe dealer showrooms this July.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• KTM unveils 2021 EXC motocross and enduro bikes

  In Bikes, International Bike News, KTM / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 25 June 2020 11:19 am / 1 comment

  

  Austrian motorcycle maker KTM has a reputation for making all-out motocross and enduro motorcycles that handle the dirt well and its 2021 KTM EXC range seems to be no exception. Comprising of three two-stroke and four four-stroke machines, the 2021 EXCs come in a range of displacements from 150 cc to 500 cc.

  Displacing 300 cc, the 2021 KTM 300 EXC TPI is a fuel-injected, two-stroke, single-cylinder that has proven itself in worldwide competition. Now in its fourth model year, the 300 EXC offers the benefits of a lightweight engine package that does not require adjustment or re-jetting for altitude, temperature or weight considerations.

  Along with electronically controlled lubrication, the 300 EXC TPI offers all the advantages of a racing two-stroke with none of the drawbacks. The 300 EXC TPI is accompanied by the KTM 150 EXC TPI, a lightweight racing motocross machine, as well as the 300 EXC TPI Erzbergrodeo, a limited edition “ready to race” bike loaded with performance upgrades and the 300 EXC TPI Six Days series.

  

  

  

  On the four-stroke side of the gallery is the 2021 KTM EXC-F range, with engines going from 350 cc to 500 cc. Very popular amongst enduro riders the 350 EXC-F, combining the weight of a 250 machine with the power of a 450.

  For 2021, the 349.7 cc mill on the 350 EXC-F weighs just 28 kg, wrapped in a chassis that comes in at 103.8 kg without fuel. Meanwhile, the 450 EXC-F and 500 EX-F weigh just two kg more, at 105.6 kg.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• The life-sized Lego model of the Ducati Panigale V4R

  In Bikes, Ducati, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 23 June 2020 1:51 pm / 2 comments

  

  In case the Lego Technic Ducati Panigale V4R is not enough for you and the actual Panigale V4R at RM299,000 is too passe, here’s a life-sized Ducati Panigale V4R made from Lego Technic bricks. Taking about 400 hours, artist Riccardo Zangelmi built a 1:1 scale replica of Ducati’s top shelf racing super bike.

  The entire build consumed 15,000 Lego bricks and weighs some 180 kg, making it heavier than the actual Panigale V4R. Zangelmi tore down and rebuilt the model eight times during the course of construction and eschewed the use of CAD or other modelling software.

  No glue was used for the build and the main Lego Technic components used were beams and pins. In terms of colour, Zangelmi found himself using red, black, light grey most often in order to replicate the looks of the actual Panigale V4R.

  

  

  

  Displayed alongside the real thing during a launch event held at the Modena racetrack, the life-size Lego Panigale V4 R was unveiled by Ducati MotoGP team racer Andrea Dovizioso and Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali, along with Lego Italy general manager Paolo Lazzarin.

  “Participating in this LEGO Italia and Ducati project was the most professional challenge exciting I’ve ever dealt with. I went beyond all limits and I won by crossing the finish line in a team,” said Zangelmi. For the future, Zanglemi has ambitions to reproduce his Lego Ducati Panigale V4R, this time as a dynamic model.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Scrambler Ducati Club Italia for fight against Covid-19, exclusive to Scuderia Italia members

  In Bikes, Ducati, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 23 June 2020 12:57 pm / 1 comment

  

  For the fight against the Covid-19 global pandemic, which has left much of the European economy affected by lockdowns, Ducati has issued a very exclusive edition of its 2020 Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport Pro. Limited for purchase by Scuderia Club Italia members, the Scrambler Ducati Club Italia will have a maximum of 80 units made with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Sant’Orsola Hospital in Bologna, Italy.

  This is because the Scuderia Club, which comprises of vintage/racing car drivers, connoisseurs and enthusiasts, is limited to maximum of 80 members by charter. What this means is even if you want to buy the Scrambler Club Italia new, you can’t, you’ll have to wait till one of the members sells their bike, if ever.

  

  

  

  Scuderia Club Italia and Ducati have previously collaborated on a limited edition motorcycle exclusive to club members. This was back in 1995 with the production of 36 Monster 900 Club Italia motorcycles, sought after by collectors today.

  The Scrambler Ducati Club Italia comes with several items unique to this edition, including a red leather seat by Poltrona Frau, embroidered with the Club Italia logo. The exclusive seat is complemented by the metallic blue tank with bright red side panels, topped off by the Giugiaro-designed Ducati logo.

  

  Adding to the desirability of the Scrambler Ducati Club Italia is Termignoni exhaust cans in titanium and a fuel tank cap in machined billet aluminium, adorned with the Club Italia logo on the underside. Billet aluminium is also used for the LED indicators, brake and clutch levers, fluid reservoir covers, frame plugs and footpegs.

  Club Italia members were recently given an exclusive preview of the Scrambler Ducati Club Italia with several orders being placed for delivery in September 2020. Every Scrambler Ducati Club Italia comes with a a personalised bike cover, a certificate of authenticity and Bell helmet matching the bike.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2020 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT colour update, RM58,888

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Yamaha / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 23 June 2020 10:13 am / 4 comments

  

  After being in the Malaysia market a year and half, the 2020 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT gets a colour update while pricing remains the same at RM58,888 recommended retail, excluding road tax, insurance and registration. The new colour options for the Tracer 900 GT are Reddish Copper dan Midnight Silver.

  Designed as a sports tourer, the Tracer 900 GT comes with the engine from Yamaha’s MT-09, a three-cylinder mill displacing 847 cc. Mated to a six-seed gearbox, the Tracer 900 GT produces 115 PS at 10,000 rpm and 87.5 Nm of torque at 8,500 rpm.

  For braking, a twin set of 298 mm diameter discs on the front wheel do the job while the rear wheel has a 245 mm diameter disc, with two-channel ABS. As befits the ‘GT’ name tag, the Tracer 900 GT comes equipped with a quickshifter, cruiser control, fully-adjustable suspension, heated bar grips as well as a TFT-LCD instrument panel resembling the unit on the YZF-R1 super bike.

  

  Fuel for the Tracer 900 GT is carried in a 18.7-litre tank and 17-inch wheels indicate the bike is oriented more towards the touring side of things. Rider conveniences include a slip and assist clutch, two-level traction control that can be disabled, three ride modes and manually-adjustable windshield.

  Authorised distributor Hong Long Yamaha Motor (HLYM) offers a two-year or 20,000 km warranty for the 2020 Yamaha Tracer GT. For every purchase of a Tracer 900 GT, HLYM will be giving away a brake disc lock worth RM200.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Confederate Motorcycles becomes Combat Motors

  In Bikes, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 18 June 2020 4:23 pm / 3 comments

  

  In a move to avoid possible negative publicity and backlash from the domestic unrest in the US by using the name, Confederate Motorcycles has changed its name to Combat Motors. From the original Confederate Motorcycles in 1991, which morphed into Curtiss Motorcycles and producing a range of electric motorcycles, the Confederate Motorcycles name was purchased by venture capital fund Ernest Lee Capital.

  Taking many of the previous Confederate Motorcycles design, assembly, sales, service and support team. owner Ernest Lee set up a production facility in Birmingham, Alabama. Using the Harley-Davidson FXDR as a base, a series of three new models was introduced this year – the Hellcat and the Hellcat Speedster, accompanied by a third model with an S&S engine, the Wraith.

  The new American made cruisers join the current model lineup – F-117 Combat Fighter, P-51 Combat Fighter, FA-13 Combat Bomber – which, along with the Wraith, come with an S&S V-twin displacing either 1,917 cc or 2,163 cc. Equipment options for Combat Motors builds include ST wheels, RaceTech suspension, Beringer Brakes, Motogadget electronics, a Bandit clutch and frames machined from billet 6061 or 7075 aluminium.

  

  “Our motorcycles are realized through a partnership with our various members of our team who design, build and distribute these one of a kind masterpieces. We feel that the new name better exemplifies the spirit and values of that team, said Lee. “Our brand is bigger than any one of us and needed to be something that would match the values of the company and the feeling that people get when they see our motorcycles for the first time,” Lee said.

  Support for previous and current model Confederate Motorcycle will continue from Combat Motors facility in Birmingham. This includes any owner who might be interested in a model update or re-branding their Confederate Motorcycle to the Combat Motors name.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2020 Ducati Superleggera V4 production begins – 226 hp, 159 kg dry weight, only 500 to be made

  In Bikes, Ducati, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 18 June 2020 1:03 pm / 4 comments

  

  Announced in February of this year, production has started on the limited edition 2020 Ducati Superleggera V4 at Ducati’s Borgo Panigale plant. Intended for racing use, the Superleggera V4 is produced in a limited run of 500 units worldwide for homologation purposes and is priced at USD 100,000 (RM414,000) ex-factory.

  Decked out in carbon-fibre, the Superleggera V4 also features a carbon-fibre frame, swingarm and wheels, indicating strongly the preferred environment for this bike is the sculpted surface of a race track. The bodywork, also made from carbon-fibre, is designed with aerodynamics in mind and produces 50 kg of downforce at 270 km/h, 20 kg more than the Panigale V4 and V4 R.

  Carrying the race version of the Stradale V-four displacing 998 cc, Superleggera V4 produces 224 hp at 15,250 rpm and 118 Nm of torque at 11,750 rpm, complete with road-legal Akrapovic exhaust. Adding the race kit bumps this number up to 234 hp at 15,500 rpm with a maximum torque of 120 Nm at 11,750 rpm.

  

  

  

  Weighing 159 kg dry, 16 kg lighter than the base Panigale V4, the Superleggera V4 has a power to weight ratio of of 1.4 hp per kg which puts multi-million ringgit supercars to shame. Lightness is a continuing theme throughout the Superleggera V4, including lightweight Ohlins suspension with a rear monoshock equipped with a titanium spring.

  The racing kit, supplied with each Superleggera V4, comes with a complete Akrapovic exhaust in titanium, open clutch cover and swingarm cover in carbon-fibre and headlamp and light replacement kit. Also included is a license plate holder removal kit, side stand removal kit, mirror replacement aluminium caps from billet, Ducati Data Analyzer + GPS (DDA + GPS), racing fuel cap, brake lever protection, motorcycle cover, front and rear stand and battery charger.

  Every Superleggera V4 comes with its edition number etched on the triple clamp as well as the ignition key. Customers purchasing a 2020 Ducati Superleggera V4 will receive the option of personalising their Superleggera V4 leathers with airbags from the “SuMisura Ducati” line, as well as completing the look with a carbon helmet in matching livery and a 1:10 scale model.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Triumph goes electric with the Trekker GT e-bicycle

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Triumph / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 17 June 2020 12:49 pm / 1 comment

  

  Returning to its 1889 roots in Nottingham, England, making bicycles, Triumph Motorcycles has launched the 2020 Triumph Trekker GT electric bicycle (e-bicycle). Designed as a multi-purpose city runabout, the Trekker GT comes with all the fittings required daily riding.

  Powered by a Shimano Steps E6100 250 w motor with 60 Nm of torque, coupled with a Shimano E8035 504 Wh battery, Triumph says the Trekker GT will travel some 150 km on a full charge. The electric drivetrain weighs 2.88 kg and while all up weight is not published, e-bicycles in this range typically weigh between 12 kg to 15 kg.

  The motor is mounted in the crank with the battery mounted in the down tube and a charging port built into the top of the motor casing. Equipment fit out reflects the robust nature of the Trekker – no lightweight Dura-Ace bling here – with the groupset being a Shimano Deore Shadow 10-speed.

  

  

  

  Braking is also done by Shimano, with Deore M6000 disc brakes in 180 mm diameter on the front wheel and 160 mm diameter at the rear. Shimano hubs and Alex Volar wheels in 27.5-inch diameter complete the rolling stock, shod in Schwalbe Energizer Green Guard tyres in 2.0-inch width.

  Daily riding sensibilities are catered for with LED lighting, full length mudguards, side stand, pannier rack and Abus Proshield lock. With pricing to be announced in due course, the Triumph Trekker GT will be sold in the UK, US and Europe, excluding Germany and Austria, while availability in Asia Pacific is yet to be determined.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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