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• 2020 Pursang E-Track e-bike from Spain, RM65,790

  In Bikes, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 28 May 2020 11:53 am / 0 comment

  

  Hailing from Spain and now open for pre-orders is the 2020 Pursang E-Track electric motorcycle (e-bike), priced at 13,700 euros (RM65,790). Reborn from Spanish motocross bike brand Pursang which ceased production in 1984, the E-Track is the brain child of Jim Palau-Ribes, who previously worked with Mazda, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Lamborghini, Seat, Audi and GASGAS-Torrot.

  Styling on the E-Track with its carbon-fibre bodywork is very much flat tracker/retro scrambler, in keeping with current motorcycle marketing trends. Motive power comes from an 11 kW Bosch electric motor with the battery pack made up of three 48 volt, 2.4 Kw/h batteries, giving a total of 7.2 kW/h.

  The battery pack takes six hours to come to a full charge using domestic current and is also capable of being charged from any public charging station. Range for the E-Track is claimed to be 140 km with a governed top speed of 120 km/h.

  

  

  There are three ride modes available – Boost mode gives 80 km at full power while Cruise allows the rider to achieve 120 km range in and around the city. Go mode gives a theoretical 160 km total range with the average of the three modes being 140 km.

  Primary drive on the E-Track is by belt with final drive by chain. Of note is the chain tensioner, something commonly found on motocross bikes and in keeping with the dirt oriented styling of the E-Track.

  Braking is by J Juan with a single 320 mm diameter floating disc in front and a 240 mm unit at the back. The E-Track uses Olle RG6V 41 mm forks and an Olle adjustable monoshock, with weight claimed to be 147 kg and seat height at 815 mm.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2020 Suzuki GSX-R125 now comes with keyless start

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Suzuki Motorcycles / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 27 May 2020 5:17 pm / 7 comments

  

  Now in Japan is the 2020 Suzuki GSX-R125, the smallest sibling of Suzuki’s GSX-R class sports bikes and it comes with some trickle down tech from the GSX-R1000. Suzuki boasts of the GSX-R125 having the lightest weight in its class, the 125 cc sports bike category, and at 134 kg, Suzuki’s 125 does not weigh a lot compared to the Yamaha YZF-R125 at 142 kg.

  Carrying a 124 cc, single-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled power plant fed by EFI, the GSX-R125 produces 15 PS at 11,000 rpm and 11.5 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm, perfectly normal numbers for this class. This compares against the 15 PS at 9,000 rpm and 11.5 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm of the R125.

  Power gets to the ground via a six-speed gearbox and chain final drive but omits the assist and slipper clutch found on the R125. Rolling on 17-inch wheels shod in 90/80 and 130/70 rubber, the GSX-R125 is suspended with telescopic forks in front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the back, versus the wider 100/80 front and 140/70 rubber on the R125 with its upside-down front fork.

  

  

  

  Braking is done with single hydraulic discs front and back and as is standard for motorcycles and scooters sold in the UK and EU, ABS is standard equipment. For the GSX-R125, a Bosch ABS 10 unit is installed, with two-channel functionality.

  Inside the cockpit, a monochrome LCD instrument panel is provided, displaying all the necessary information and keyless start with a backlit bezel is standard. For the Japan market, the 2020 Suzuki GSX-R125 is sold at 393,800 Yen (RM15,934). In Malaysia, Suzuki no longer sells motorcycles below the 500 cc category.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Piaggio patents motorcycle active aero system

  In Bikes / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 27 May 2020 12:58 pm / 0 comment

  

  Aerodynamics as playing a greater part in motorcycle design these days, as can be seen from the number of superbikes sporting aero wings on the front fairing. Italian motorcycle and scooter Piaggio, which holds Aprilia under its stable of brand names, has now come forward with a patent application for an active aero system.

  In a series of patent drawings published on the Cycle World website, a Piaggio MP3 three-wheeled scooter is shown with a pair for aero wings on the front cowl connected to a CPU. This could mean a computer-controlled active aero system, somewhat like the units used in almost every high-tech supercar like the Bugatti Chiron, Ferrari 488 GTB and Lamborghini Huracan Performante, amongst others.

  While Honda has been seen experimenting with an active aero system for its race bikes that help with braking and acceleration, Piaggio’s patents indicate the winglets move independently of each other. This could assist in stabilising the motorcycle during cornering, with the winglets generating lift or downforce on opposite sides of the bike.

  

  

  This would also help in leaning the bike over in a corner or in getting it upright again. Additionally, the drawings show bar-mounted controls that could allow the rider to select active aero modes depending on speed or riding style.

  The drawings show the aero wings attached to an urban scooter but this could be technical subertfugre on the part of Piaggio. It should be remembered the Aprilia RSV4 superbike, currently being campaigned in the World Superbike Championship where there is no restriction on active aero as long as it is homologated unlike MotoGP, is due for an update.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• CC Racing Garage wins Ducati Custom Rumble

  In Bikes, Ducati, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 27 May 2020 10:47 am / 1 comment

  

  Meant for custom bike builders to show off their prowess with the retro styled Ducati Scrambler 1100, the Custom Rumble contest is now in its third edition. This year’s winner, the Scrambler 1100 FT by Marco Graziani of CC Racing Garage, was decided by online voting with the prize giving broadcast on live streaming.

  Five finalists made it to the final round of Custom Rumble; Ducati Hellas featuring Jigsaw Customs – Rocker category; Nick Tansley of Barcelona – Outside category; Francesco Russo with Moto Design Custom – Cut-down category; and Nguyen Ximong who hails from Vietnam – All-Terrain category. The finalists were winners in their respective categories, decided by Scrambler Ducati fans via online voting.

  Winning the Bully category where there are no restrictions on type of motorcycle or style, Graziani started with a Scrambler 1100 Special that comes with a 1,079 cc, air-cooled V-twin producing 83.5 hp at 7,250 rpm and 90.5 Nm of torque at 4,750 rpm. Installing a custom monoposto (single seat) unit, Graziani welded a custom exhaust for the 1100 FT.

  

  

  

  Graziani also added custom paint and graphics but elected to keep the headlight, rear end and tank close to original, considering them to be key elements in the Scrambler Ducati design. For his efforts, Graziani receives a Beta Tool workbench complete with tools.

  Garnering the highest number of votes in preliminary voting, the 1100 FT won 537 votes from Scrambler Ducati fans. Final judging saw the 1100 FT get 46 votes from the five judges – actor Nicholas Hoult, Ducati Corse riders Chaz Davies and Andrea Dovizioso, founder of BikeShed Dutch Van Someren and customizer Filippo Barbacane of Officine Rossopuro.

  The Scrambler Ducati Special 1100 is a 2018 model and was priced at RM85,900 at the time of its Malaysia launch. The 2020 Scrambler Ducati Pro and Pro Sports have not been launched in Malaysia as yet but a source tells us the price “is likely to be around RM85,000.”

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2020 BMW S1000RR superbike in Malaysia, RM116,500

  In Bikes, BMW Motorrad, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 22 May 2020 4:43 pm / 3 comments

  

  

  Following the launch of the BMW Motorrad S1000RR M Sport Package last year, priced at RM138,500, BMW Motorrad Malaysia has now released the 2020 BMW Motorrad S1000RR, retailing at RM116,500. Pricing for the S1000RR does not include insurance but comes with a three-year warranty and three-year Roadside Assistance Programme.

  Carrying a brand-new inline-four cylinder, the S1000RR gets 207 hp at 13,000 and 113 Nm of torque at 11,000 from it’s 999 cc mill. The new superbike power plants features BMW ShiftCam Technology, allowing for variable intake valve timing and stroke and gives increased torque across the S1000RR’s rev range.

  

  

  

  Power gets to the ground via the up-and-down quickshifter equipped gearbox – swappable between road and race shift patterns – and chain final drive. As befits BMW Motorrad’s top of the line superbike, electronic riding aids come standard, including BMW Dynamic Traction Pro with wheelie control that gives the rider four ride modes – Rain, Road, Dynamic and Race – while riders wanting to push the S1000RR’s performance envelope on the track will need to install the optional Pro Mode that gives a further three customisable ride modes as well as launch control and pit lane speed limiter.

  Hill Start Control helps the rider during uphill starts is included in the riding aids package while weight is now 197 kg compared to the previous model’s 208 kg. The exhaust system has also been revised and is now 1.3 kg lighter than previous.

  

  Inside the cockpit, a new TFT-LCD display, controlled from the left handlebar pod, is now legible even under difficult lighting conditions. The display allows for four user selectable displays with the Pure Ride screen intended for road use and three Core screens designed for maximum visibility at the racetrack.

  Also available is Connectivity which pairs with the rider’s smartphone for music playback and phone calls, used in conjunction with the BMW Connected app. The 2020 BMW Motorrad S1000RR is available at authorised BMW Motorrad Malaysia dealers from May 22 in two colour options, Racing Red and Hockenheim Silver Metallic.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2020 Triumph Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition released

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Triumph / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 22 May 2020 11:47 am / 2 comments

  

  Uniquely British brands Triumph and the James Bond cinema franchise have teamed up and the result is the 2020 Triumph Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition. Production for the Bond Edition Triumph Scrambler is limited to 250 units worldwide.

  Based on the motorcycles featured in the latest James Bond movie “No Time to Die” which shows the Triumph Scrambler 1200 as well as the Triumph Tiger 900, the Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition is based on the retro design Scrambler 1200 XE. Painted in Sapphire Black, the Bond Edition comes with gold accents and hand-painted gold pinstriping.

  Goodies for the Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition include a numbered riser clamp machined from billet aluminium, an oversized Triumph tank badge and brushed decal foil knee pad. Also included in the accessories package for the Bond Edition Scrambler is exhaust number board and lower side panel finisher with pressed 007 branding, a real leather seat with 007 logo stitched in and the Bond logo coming up on the TFT-LCD instrument panel start up screen.

  

  

  

  The blacked out finish of the Bond Edition Scrambler 1200 extends to the swingarm and forks. This includes the front mudguard with unique black anodized finish, fog lights with black anodized shrouds, Arrow silencer with carbon-fibre end caps, machined front brake reservoir, black rear wheel adjusters and a stainless steel headlight grill.

  Each Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition comes with a personally signed letter from Nick Bloor, Triumph chief executive officer with a premium rucksack. No word on the Malaysia price for the limited edition Scrambler 1200 but this article will be updated if news is received.

  

  For Malaysia, the 2020 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE is priced at RM86,900 while the Scrambler 1200 XC retails at RM80,900. Both the Scrambler XE and XC come with a 1,200 cc parallel-twin with 270-degree firing order, producing 89 hp at 7,400 rpm and 110 Nm of torque at 3,950 rpm.

  The Scrambler 1200 XE comes standard with Brembo M50 Monobloc callipers on twin 320 mm diameter brake discs. Suspension is done with Showa 47 mm upside-down forks in front with 250 mm of wheel travel and the rear end is propped up with a pair of Ohlins fully-adjustable RSU shock absorbers, also with 250 mm of travel.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Harley-Davidson to thin bike production for 2020, new model launches postponed to early 2021

  In Bikes, Harley-Davidson, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 21 May 2020 4:17 pm / 2 comments

  

  After the confirmation of Jochen Zeitz as Harley-Davidson’s (H-D) chief executive officer (CEO) and the announcement of a new business strategy called “Rewire”, news has emerged most H-D dealers in the US will not be getting motorcycle stocks replenished in 2020. This comes from a memo sent to H-D dealers in early May and sighted by the Wall Street Journal.

  In the memo, Beth Truett, H-D’s director of product sales, advised US dealers as many as 70% of them would not be getting new motorcycles this year. “We are using this time to course correct and rewire the company in pursuit of making Harley-Davidson one of the most desirable brands in the world,” said Truett.

  H-D has 698 dealers in the US and many are making plans to reopen showrooms with the relaxation of Covid-19 lockdowns and regulations. With the limitation on dealer stocks, H-D plans to to appeal to customers of premium brands with limited model availability, a practice often used in the luxury and performance car market.

  

  

  “Our strategy to limit motorcycle product in the showroom is purposefully designed to drive exclusivity,” wrote Truett in the memo. Truett also said H-D dealers should plan for an extremely tight year from an inventory perspective with new motorcycle showroom stock expected to drop by as much as 65%.

  Additionally, Zeitz has been reported saying H-D’s new product launches for the summer of 2020, notably the Bronx naked sports and Pan-American adventure-tourer, will be pushed back to early 2021, ahead of next year’s riding season. This is a turnaround from previous CEO Matt Levatich‘s plans to expand H-D’s model range to include non-traditional small displacement models targetted at a younger rider demographic as well as markets outside the US.

  H-D has received negative feedback from both US politicians and the US market for its decision to move manufacturing facilities overseas, notably the construction of an assembly plant in Thailand to serve the Europe and China markets. H-D’s sales in the US market, where it traditionally held more than half the market share, has eroded over the years, with the Milwaukee firm posting a consecutive loss for the previous five quarters.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Ducati unveils racing accessories for Panigale V4

  In Bike Parts and Accessories, Bikes, Ducati, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 21 May 2020 12:22 pm / 1 comment

  

  If you ride a 2020 Ducati Panigale V4, or the two-cylinder Panigale V2, chances are you’re a rider with a focus on performance. To that end, the boys from Bologna have released a racing accessories package for its high performance superbikes.

  While some might consider such things to be superfluous bling for a superbike, the Panigale V4 racing accessories from Ducati do serve a purpose while looking purposefully good. A new configurator on the Ducati website shows you the options available and how it would look on your Panigale.

  Pride of place in the racing accessories catalogue goes to the full titanium exhaust system, made for Ducati by Akrapovic. Coming with a specific map, the exhaust saves weight and resists heat while adding power – a power peak of 216 hp versus the standard 208 hp, according to Ducati.

  

  

  

  A set of race fairings, consisting of a front cowl, and left and right upper and lower fairings, is available unpainted and ready to accept racing livery. The fairings are required if the Akrapovic racing exhaust is used and the cowl has a tall screen option derived from Ducati’s World Superbike Championship racing machines.

  Other accessories include carbon-fiber engine, swingarm and frame covers, designed to either reduce weight or crash damage when the worst happens. Rizoma makes the brake lever protection guard and mounting set which prevents accidental bake actuation in close quarters racing.

  

  In Malaysia, the 2020 Ducati Panigale V4R is available at a retail price of RM299,000. The Panigale V4S is priced at RM169,900 while the base model Panigale V4 goes for RM129,900.

  Also available is the Ducati Panigale Superleggera V4 at RM414,000 and the Panigale V4 25th Anniversary 916. Meanwhile, pricing for the 2020 Ducati Panigale V2 has yet to be released locally but sources say efforts are being made by Ducati Malaysia to keep the price below the RM120,000 price point.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  DU 2018-09-19 1714 REV01

  

  DU 2018-09-19 1714 REV01

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  DU 2019-08-06 PANIGALE V4S FL ACCESSORIATA

  
  

  

  DU 2019-08-06 PANIGALE V4S FL ACCESSORIATA

  

  

  DU 2018-09-17 ACCESSORIATE V4 M1200 R

  

  DU 2018-09-17 ACCESSORIATE V4 M1200 R

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2020 Niu MQi2 electric scooter online launch gets 3.5 million viewers and 33,878 orders in four hours

  In Bikes, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 21 May 2020 10:24 am / 0 comment

  

  Although the Covid-19 lockdown has been lifted or relaxed in much of China, electric two-wheeler manufacturer Niu has taken the online route for the product launch and sale of its 2020 Niu MQi2 electric scooter. In a four hour streaming launch event, 3.5 million viewers watched the launch of the MQi2 and 33,878 of them placed orders.

  The MQi2 comes in two model variants, the MQi2 Lite and MQi2 Citi, priced at 4,599 RMB (RM2,819) and 5,199 RMB (RM3,186), respectively. Designed for the China market, the MQi2 is suited for use in a dense urban environment, taking the rider for short trips on a daily basis.

  Propelled by a hub-mounted 400 W electric motor and chain drive, the MQi2 has a governed top speed of 25 km/h and claimed range of 65 km, making it more a bicycle replacement than a true electric scooter. Power is stored in a 48-volt, lithium battery pack, with the MQi2 getting a 16 Ah unit weighing 6.5 kg and the MQi2 getting a 20 Ah battery pack weighing 6.7 kg.

  

  

  Suspension is basic, with a telescopic front fork and monoshock in the rear, with a the front wheel stopped by a hydraulic disc brake and the back wheel using a drum. A smartphone app connects the MQi2 to the rider, displaying everything needed including the location of the scooter.

  Designed for a single rider, the seat on the MQi2 is set 735 mm off the ground, and with the step-through design, makes this an electric scooter anyone can ride. Customers of the Niu MQi2 can opt for home delivery of their scooter or pick-up at any of the 1,050 retail locations across China.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2020 MV Agusta Rush 1000 – 208 hp, pre-orders taken

  In Bikes, International Bike News, MV Agusta / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 20 May 2020 5:12 pm / 1 comment

  

  First shown in late 2019, Italian maker of motorcycle art, MV Agusta, has started production of the 2020 MV Agusta Rush 1000 super naked, with pricing starting from 34,000 euro (RM162,000). Pre-orders are now being taken for this 208 hp naked motorcycle that goes up against the likes of the KTM Super Duke R, Kawasaki Z H2, Yamaha MT-10, Aprilia Tuono V4, and Ducati Streetfighter V4.

  To be produced in a limited run of only 300 units worldwide with production beginning June, 2020, the Rush 1000 comes with a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 998 cc inline-four that pumps out 208 hp at 13,000 rpm – 212 hp in track mode – and 116.5 Nm of torque at 11,000 rpm. Those numbers are not a coincidence as the Streetfighter V4 puts out 208 hp at 12,500 rpm and 123 Nm of torque at 11,500 rpm from its 1,103 cc Stradale V-four engine.

  Inside the engine room, a new combustion chamber design provides the extra power the Rush 1000 puts out. Other bits of engine bling include a lighter crankshaft, titanium connecting rods as well as titanium bolts, screws and fasteners, giving the Rush 1000 its claimed 186 kg dry weight.

  

  

  

  Keeping the power under control is MV Agusta MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) and Mikuni ride-by-wire that manages eight fuel injectors – four in the lower intake tract by Mikuni and four in the upper by Magneti Marelli. Four-map torque control and eight-map traction control helps the Rush 1000 not run away with the rider, with the addition of launch and wheelie control.

  Braking is done with Brembo Stylema radial-mount four-piston callipers clamping 320 mm callipers on the front wheel with rear wheel lift control and Bosch 9-Plus ABS keeping things on an even keel during emergency braking. Ohlins supplies its electronic, fully-adjustable, 43 mm diameter Nix EC upside-down front forks with TiN surface coating while the rear of the Rush 1000 is supported by an Ohlins TTX monoshock which is electronically-controlled and fully-adjustable.

  The electronic suspension on the Rush 1000 is complemented by an Ohlins electronic steering damper with manual and automatic adjustment modes. Rider management for all this electronic wizardry goes through a 5-inch full-colour TFT-LCD that includes cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and the MVRide app for navigation mirroring from the rider’s smartphone.

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2020 SYM VF3i 185 LE launched in Malaysia – RM9,338, now with 19.7 hp and 17.4 Nm torque, ABS

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, SYM / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 19 May 2020 5:41 pm / 22 comments

  

  Aside from the official Malaysian launch of the 2020 SYM Maxsym 500 scooter, distributors MForce Bike Holdings also released the 2020 SYM VF3i 85 LE supercub, priced at RM9,338, RM1,000 more expensive than the previous model. The VF3i 185 LE is now available at all authorised SYM Malaysia dealers and comes with a two-year or 20,000 km manufacturing warranty.

  With the ‘LE’ in the name standing for limited edition, the VF3i, as a production variant, will have a maximum of 5,000 units produced and is set apart from the standard model with matte grey paintwork and apple green graphics, along with wheels painted green. Additionally, a small flyscreen is fitted as standard equipment on the VF3i 185 LE.

  The biggest change for the 2020 VF3i 185 LE is found inside the 183 cc, liquid-cooled SOHC engine. Modifications have been made to the throttle body, up 30 mm from the previous 28 mm, as well as the head, counter balance shaft and exhaust, allowing the VF3i to put out 19.7 hp at 9,000 rpm and 17.4 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm, an increase over the previous 17.7 hp and 16.67 Nm.

  

  

  A notable improvement and a first in its class for Malaysia is the inclusion of ABS for the VF3i’s braking system – 230 mm front disc and 200 mm rear. Other upgrades from the older model VF3i include LED tail lights, revised instrument panel as well as adjustable brake and clutch levers.

  In other aspects, the 2020 VF3i 185 LE remains the same, including rolling on 17-inch wheels shod in 90/80 front and 120/70 rear tyres. Fuel is carried in a 7-litre tank with a weight of 124 kg, along with a Euro 3 certification for the engine.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2020 SYM Maxsym 500 Malaysia launch, RM35,888

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, SYM / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 19 May 2020 4:52 pm / 11 comments

  

  After an earlier leak by a dealer, published here, distributors MForce Bike Holdings has officially launched the 2020 SYM Maxsym 500 in Malaysia, priced at RM35,888. Pricing does not include road tax, insurance or registration and deliveries to authorised SYM Malaysia dealers will begin the first week of July.

  Displacing 465 cc, the liquid-cooled DOHC, eight-valve, parallel-twin mill in the Maxsym 500 is SYM’s first two-cylinder engine. Power output is claimed to be 40 hp at 6,750 rpm and 42.5 Nm of torque at 6,250 rpm.

  The CVT gearbox is mated to chain final drive, unlike the norm for scooters where a belt is used to get the engine power to the rear wheel. Rolling on 15-inch wheels shod in 120/70 rubber in front and 160/60 at the back, the Maxsym 500 gets two-channel ABS for the twin 275 mm diameter hydraulic brake discs in front and single 275 mm disc on the rear wheel.

  

  

  

  Fuel is carried in a 12.5-litre tank and seat height is 795 mm, making the Maxsym 500 suitable for a large range of riders. Suspension is done with upside-down forks in front and monoshock on the single-sided swingarm suspension.

  Inside the cockpit, a 4.5-inch TFT-LCD displays all the necessary information the rider needs, with scrolling through the various display screens done with a button on the left handlebar pod. LED lighting is used at both ends for the Maxsym 500, and the the headlight is a quad unit with separate LEDs for high- and low-beam.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2020 RGNT No. 1 – electric bike with 150 km of range

  In Bikes, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 19 May 2020 10:38 am / 1 comment

  

  Electric motorcycles (e-bike) are coming, no doubt about that, but whether this trend is going to take the world by storm or be just that, a trend that eventually sees a few hardcore adopters and a die-hard fan base who won’t hear a bad thing said about their rides (like Honda CX500 owners) remains to be seen.

  What does seem to be missing from the equation is a simple, no fuss e-bike that comes between the tiny electric scooters for urban use like the Kumpan 54 and super fast sports e-bikes like the Harley-Davidson Livewire, a situation Swedish firm RGNT attempts to address with its first product, the No. 1.

  Despite the somewhat less than imaginative name, the RGNT No. 1 is intended to slot in between the cheap, small and slow end of the market, the commuter or urban daily use e-bike and the top end, high speed, high tech machines like Energica. Coming in a basic styling that resembles a scrambler motorcycle of the 1960s, the No. 1.

  

  No swoopy styling lines or plastic bodywork and unnecessary frills here, RGNT takes a conservative two-wheeler look that is immediately recognisable and powers it with a hub-mounted 11 kW electric motor. RGNT – known as Regent Motorcycles till a name change last year – says the No. 1 carries a 7.7 kWh battery pack which gives the rider a claimed 150 km of range.

  With a top speed of 120 km/h and a dry weight of 130 kg, the No. 1 would be suited for light highway riding and as a daily commuter for a rider living outside the city. Charging the battery pack uses domestic current, taking 4.5 hours to get to a full charge with a fast charger currently under development and expected to be ready in 2021.

  Braking on the No. 1 is done with hydraulic callipers on single discs, front and rear, with braking control using a combined braking system (CBS) with the right and left handlebar levers. Priced at 10,500 euro (RM49,829), a 150 euro (RM711) online deposit is being taken for the 2020 RGNT No. 1, with delivery expected to take place six months after the order is accepted.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Harley-Davidson announces new “Rewire” strategy for 2020, Jochen Zeitz confirmed as new H-D CEO

  In Bikes, Harley-Davidson, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 18 May 2020 3:59 pm / 1 comment

  

  With the spread of Covid-19 affecting motorcycle makers and markets around the world, Harley-Davidson (H-D) has not been spared a troubled start to 2020. The announcement of CEO Adam Levatich’s resignation and a consecutive five quarters of falling domestic and international sales as well as US government opposition to H-D’s overseas manufacturing did not signal an auspicious start to the year.

  However, Jochen Zeitz, a member of H-D’s board and formerly from sports brand Puma and appointed acting CEO after Levatich’s resignation, has announced that most of H-D’s “More Roads” sales rejuvenation programme will be shelved. Dubbing the new plan “Rewire”, Zeitz said H-D would be rolling back most of the previous corporate programme and refocusing “to move forward with the highest potential elements of More Roads, but our strategy must be reassessed,” reports Business Insider.

  “As a result of my observations and assessment, I’ve concluded that we need to take significant actions and rewire the company now in terms of priorities, execution, operating model and strategy to drive sustained profit and long term growth,” said Zeitz.

  

  “We’re calling it “The Rewire” and it is our playbook for the next few months, leading to a new five-year strategic plan which we’ll share when visibility to the future returns,” Zeitz added. Right after the statement, the H-D board announced Zeitz’s appointment as CEO would be changed from temporary to permanent.

  H-D’s plans for the future in an effort to bolster flagging sales, especially in its US home market, include the release of a streetfighter model called The Bronx and and an adventure touring motorcycle dubbed the Pan American. Its electric motorcycle offering, the Livewire – you can read the paultan.org Livewire First Ride here – has seen a less than electrifying take up from the market.

   

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• 2020 Kumpan Model 54 electric scooters revealed

  In Bikes, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 18 May 2020 11:34 am / 2 comments

  

  Electric scooter (e-scooter) maker from Germany, Kumpan Electric, has released a range of retro styled e-scooters it calls the Kumpan 54. Coming in a range of four, the Kumpan e-scooters are named Iconic, Impulse and Ignite as well as the base model Inspire.

  Strongly resembling an Italian scooter from the 50s in design, the Kumpan 54 e-scooters are designed for trips in the urban environment with range on a single battery charge for the Inspire taking it to 62 km. Range can easily be extended with the addition of removeable 51 Volt, 29 Ah battery packs which Kumpan calls “Kraftpaket 2.0” – there is space for three in total – which lets the rider travel up to 186 km.

  For the Inspire and Iconic, both are classified as category L1 vehicles in Europe and thus do not require a motorcycle license to ride, a car driver’s license will do. This means speed for the Inspire and Iconic is limited to 45 km/h, logical given the intended duty of the e-scooters as urban mobility machines.

  

  

  

  Things get a little better with the Impulse and Ignite – both a require a riding licence in Europe – which are limited to a top speed of 70 km/h and 100 km/h, respectively. The Kumpan e-scooters are driven by a hub-mounted 3 kW motor that comes with regenerative braking and charging time for a Kumpan battery pack takes four hours on household current.

  Weighing in empty at 82 kg – adding three battery packs brings weight up to 112 kg – the Kumpan 54 has a seat height of 800 mm. The Kumpan 54 rolls on 12-inch wheels and suspension is with telescopic forks and preload adjustable shock absorbers at the back with hydraulic disc brakes front and rear.

  Drawing from Kumpan’s experience from its previous e-scooter, the 1954i which was previously on sale at 6,999 euro (RM32,996), the 54 series e-scooters from with a 7-inch TFT-LCD display with touchscreen in the cockpit. The screen displays battery charge for each individual battery pack installed as well as speed, range and other necessary information.

  

  

  Riding conveniences abound on the Kumpan 54, including remote seat and trunk opening along with keyless start using the Kumpan Key app on the rider’s smartphone. There are three riding modes available – Comfort, Eco and Rain.

  Pricing for the 2020 Kumpan 54 Inspire is 3,999 euro (RMRM18,835) while the Kumpan 54 Iconic retails at 4,999 euro (RM23,545) and both are available immediately in Europe. Menawhile, the Kumpan 54 Ignite is undergoing final certification testing and will go on sale in the third quarter of 2020.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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