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• EICMA 2019: 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R, 890 Duke R and 390 Adventure revealed to public

  In Bikes, International Bike News, KTM / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 6 November 2019 12:32 pm / 0 comment

  

  Revealed at the EICMA 2019 motorcycle show were the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R, the KTM 890 Duke R and KTM 390 Adventure. The trio will be joined by the KTM SX-E 5, a mini electric motocross machine for the young off-road racer.

  Otherwise known as “The Beast”, the 1290 Super Duke R has, in KTM’s words, been “re-beasted.” For 2020, The Beast comes with a completely new chassis, styling and revised electronics suite while simultaneously going on a diet along with a re-worked KTM LC8 V-twin that provides more power.

  In this case, this translates to 177 hp and 140 Nm of torque from the 1,301 cc V-twin which is the same as the previous model Super Duke R we tested. Some 800 grammes of weight has been saved from the engine by the use of thinner engine casings and revised cooling mounts while new topfeeder injectors and 56 mm throttle bodies increase torque.

  

  The highest weight savings comes from the new frame, 2 kg lighter than before, with the use of larger diameter tubing with thinner walls. KTM says the 2020 1290 Super Duke R is three times stiffer than the outgoing model due to the increase in chassis torsional rigidity.

  Dubbed the “Super Scalpel”, the 2020 890 Duke R will be sold alongside the original Scalpel, the KTM 790 Duke. Taking the parallel-twin from the 790 Duke, the 890 Duke R pumps out 121 hp and 99 Nm of torque with the use of a new cylinder head, 37 mm intake and 30 mm exhaust valves.

  The sub-frame on the Super Scalpel is a massive cast aluminium affair with no added bits, saving weight and increasing chassis rigidity. Seating position on the 890 Duke R is set slightly forward with the handlebars set lower and flatter, with three rotational and four location positions allowing for fine-tuning of handlebar reach and angle.

  

  Of much interest to Malaysian riders is the 2020 KTM 390 Adventure R, stablemate mate to the 390 Duke naked sports. The 390 Adventure draws on DNA from the KTM 450 Rally competition off-roader and uses the 373 cc single-cylinder mill from the 390 Duke.

  Power is claimed to be 43 hp and 37 Nm of torque is available. Euro 4 compliant, the 390 Adventure comes with adjustable WP Apex suspension, using 43 mm upside-down forks with compression and rebound damping in separate fork legs and WP Apex monoshock with adjustable preload and rebound damping.

  Fuel for the 390 Adventure is carried in a 14.5-litre tank and seat height is set at 858 mm. From the KTM Powerparts catalogue, a range of luggage and performance accessories is offered, including lower or taller seat height options.

  GALLERY: 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2020 KTM 890 Duke R

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2020 KTM 390 Adventure

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• EICMA 2019: 2020 BMW Motorrad S 1000 XR shown

  In Bikes, BMW Motorrad, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 5 November 2019 6:29 pm / 1 comment

  

  Unsung hero in the BMW Motorrad ‘S’ four-cylinder motorcycle range is the S 1000 XR and the Munich firm’s adventure sport machine gets an update in the form of the 2020 BMW Motorrad S 1000 XR. Chief among these is the weight loss, the new S 1000 XR, at 226 kg, weighs 10 kg less that its predecessor depending on equipment specification.

  Taking the 999 cc inline-four from the S 1000 RR, made 5 kg lighter, the S 1000 XR produces 165 hp at 11,000 rpm and 114 rpm at 9,250 rpm with the torque curve tweaked to be as flat as possible. The gear ratios have been similarly tweaked, with fourth, fifth and sixth gears now longer to reduce engine speed, noise and fuel consumption at country road speeds.

  Engine drag torque control from MSR is used to control rear wheel slip from sudden throttle closing or downshifting. Contributing to the total weight loss is the engine which performs a more prominent role as a stress bearing member while the frame and swingarm have lost 2.1 kg collectively, 1.6 kg coming from the swingarm alone.

  

  

  

  BMW Motorrad’s Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) is used to manage suspension performance and provide the rider with a comfortable riding experience. Dynamic ESA Pro is an option that gives the S 1000 XR two suspension modes – Road and Dynamic – and automatic ride height adjustment.

  First seen on the S 1000 RR superbike, the S 1000 XR uses a Flex Frame in conjunction with Dynamic ESA to improve rideability. A full suite of riding aids comes with the S 1000 XR including four ride modes – Rain, Road, Dynamic and Dynamic Pro as well as Hill Start Control Pro, Dynamic Traction Control DTC, DTC Wheelie Function and ABS Pro with cornering ABS.

  Optional extras include cruise control, up-and-down quickshifter and adaptive turn signals as part of Headlight Pro. LED lighting is used throughout the S 1000 XR and a new TFT-LCD display has four display options and there are two colour schemes – Ice Grey or Racing Red/White Aluminium which costs extra.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Aston Martin and Brough Superior partner on AMB 001

  In Aston Martin, Bikes, Cars, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 5 November 2019 5:23 pm / 0 comment

  

  Collaborations between car manufacturers and motorcycle makers are not now, with one example in recent years being the partnership between Mercedes AMG and MV Agusta. From England comes the limited edition AMB 001, brainchild of a joining of two iconic British names, Aston Martin and Brough Superior.

  Brough has previously released the SS100, a bespoke V-twin with an almost endless list of customer options and appropriately price tag. For the AMB 001, the design is a lightweight sports bike with extensive use of modern materials such as carbon-fibre.

  

  

  

  Forced induction is used for the AMB 001, with the turbocharged 180 hp V-twin driving 180 kg (dry) of motorcycle. This track-only machine will be made by Brough Superior in its Toulouse, France facility and production is limited to only 100 examples.

  The AMB 001 comes in Aston Martin Racing livery of Stirling Green and Lime Essence with Matte Black wheels, forks and brakes with the fairing being a mix of painted components and bare carbon-fibre. Additionally, carbon-fibre, titanium and billet aluminium have been used extensively throughout the build of the AMB 001 with components designed by Aston Martin and Brough Superior.

  

  

  

  A unique touch is the double-wishbone front fork, similar to the nose gear suspension used in airplanes and the AMB 001’s frame and sub-frame use carbon-fibre. The carbon-fibre fin bisecting the tank throws back to the side strake found on racing Aston Martins while the aerodynamic wings on the front cowl are inspired by the S-Curve on the front of an Aston Martin.

  Pricing for the AMB 001 expected to start at 108,000 euros (RM497,000) and deliveries will begin in the last quarter of 2020.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 10 minutes with Gabriele Conti, Ducati Electronic Systems director – it’s all bits and bytes and data

  In Bikes, Ducati, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 5 November 2019 4:52 pm / 0 comment

  

  At the 2019 Shell Malaysia MotoGP, paultan.org was given 10 minutes in a exclusive interview with Ducati’s Electronic Systems director, Gabriele Conti. Conti spoke at length about the use of electronics in MotoGP, notably in the area of power management and how riders use it to their advantage.

  Every modern vehicle today will have some form of electronics controlling the performance, from the most basic electronic ignitions up to everything and anything going through a CAN bus. Motorcycles are no different and the measure of electronic control a rider has over a cutting edge superbike like the Ducati Panigale V4 is nothing short of amazing, especially for the author who can still set ignition timing using a cigarette paper.

  In MotoGP, the engine management software is provided and controlled by organisers Dorna. This is to ensure that no one team has a singular advantage over another and any performance enhancements will have to come from the ingenuity of the team’s engineers and rider skill.

  

  This does not mean there are no parameters that cannot be changed to enhance the race machine’s performance as conditions change from race to race and during the race itself. “The software is the same for every team and no modification is permitted to the core programme. But there are things we can do to some parameters to give an advantage to the rider or improve the reliability,” said Conti.

  While the amount of modification is limited, tenths of a second are gained by, for example, changing the way the engine delivers power coming out of a corner or how quickly or slowly the rider accelerates down the straight. Launch control, engine braking, torque curves, all these parameters affect the bike’s performance and are available to the everyday rider on a top flight superbike.

  But, for MotoGP, the number of parameters sampled for every second the engine is running runs into the thousands. “For every race, we collect a lot of data,” says Conti, “from this, we read maybe one thousand data points in order to determine how the bike and rider are performing and we modify the software or the engine mapping accordingly.”

  

  The days of a rider coming into the pit and complaining of a misfire at the back end of the circuit while in third gear are long gone though. “Yes, the rider cannot lie to the mechanic anymore. We have the data from the engine and the software will tell us exactly what happened,” Conti said.

  “What we do with the modifications we are allowed is to provide the rider with three options,” he said. “During the race, at the start, the bike is heavy with 22-litres of fuel and the tyres are new. At the end of the race, the bike is much lighter but the tyres have less grip,” said Conti.

  “We also have to think about the tyre life and how to make it last for the race, for example, if a rider does not need to push so hard at the early part of the race, we make the engine a little bit slower on the acceleration so that at the finish, the rider can go very hard,” explains Conti. “This will include other things like fuel consumption and track conditions, the temperature. All these will determine what mapping we use, what modifications we make,” Conti said.

  

  Development of software is taken very seriously by Ducati Corse and with six riders on the MotoGP grid, the team has the luxury of trying different things with different riders in pursuit of performance. “We can, for instance, use a different map with the Pramac team to see if there is a performance advantage before we try it with Ducati Corse. But, all riders are different and they have their own riding style so what will work with one rider may not work with another. This is where the engineers must work together with the rider to get the best from both the bike and the rider,” he said.

  Conti, who hails from Florence, Italy, has been working on electronics for Ducati since 2003 when he worked with racing legends like Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi. Asked about what he would like change about MotoGP if it were possible, Conti said, with a laugh, “I would like more freedom with the software.”

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2020 MV Agusta Superveloce 800 ready for production

  In Bikes, International Bike News, MV Agusta / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 5 November 2019 3:13 pm / 1 comment

  

  First shown as a concept model this time last year, the 2020 MV Agusta Superveloce 800 is ready to enter production and will be released to the market soon, says the Varese, Italy based motorcycle manufacturer. The Superveloce 800 was revealed during the 2019 EICMA show in Milan and it was accompanied by a special edition model, the Serie Oro.

  Resembling a retro racing motorcycle, the Superveloce 800 comes with a round headlight as well as fairing panels that drop down to the bottom. With rear seat cover on the tail of the Superveloce 800 is cylindrical with circular LED tail light.

  Under the fairing, the Superveloce 800 carries the same mechanicals as the F3 800 sports bike. This means the engine is a three-cylinder, 798 cc liquid-cooled unit producing 148 hp at 13,000 rpm and 97.7 Nm of torque at 10,600 rpm. This compares against the 128 hp and 80 Nm of the limited edition Triumph Daytona Moto2 765, which has a three-cylinder, 765 cc mill.

  

  

  

  However, MV Agusta says the power delivery of the Superveloce 800 – meaning “super fast” in Italian – is not as aggressive as its more track-oriented bikes and is suitable for normal road riding. In terms of riding aids, the Superveloce 800 comes with ride modes, 8-level traction control and up-and-down quickshifter, as well as the TFT-LCD screen from the Brutale Serie Oro giving connectivity to the rider’s smartphone.

  Differences between the MV Agusta Superveloce 800 and the Serie Oro include premium items such as carbon-fibre fairing, CNC-machined fuel filler cap with leather cover, Arrow exhaust and unique to the model spoked wheels. In Europe, the 2020 MV Agusta Superveloce 800 will retail for 19,900 euros (RM92,000) while the premium Serie Oro will go for 24,190 euros (RM112,000).

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Malaysian Syarifuddin Azman wins Asia Talent Cup race 2 at Sepang circuit, grid says farewell to Afridza

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 5 November 2019 2:42 pm / 0 comment

  

  Starting race 2 marred by the untimely death of Afridza Munandar, Malaysian racer Syarifuddin Azman (#13) won the second race of the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup at the 2019 Shell Malaysia MotoGP at Sepang International Circuit. Syarifuddin battled Sho Nishimura (#3) of Japan for front position during the race, with the pair exchanging places several times.

  Starting the race from pole position, Syarifuddin established a blistering pace from the start, with him and Nakamura rapidly distancing themselves from the rest of the pack. Fastest lap of the race was set by Australian Harrison Voight with a time of 2’18.313 while coming up third was Adenanta Putra of Indonesia in third place.

  

  In overall standings, Nishimura clinched the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup championship title with a total of 177 points with compatriot Takuma Matsuyama in second with 169 points. Afridza was posthumously awarded third in the Asia Talent Cup with 142 points while Syarifuddin finished the year with 112 points from 12 races.

  The first race of the final round in Malaysia was cancelled after Afridza’s fatal incident. For the second race, riders voted unanimously to assemble on the grid with a black sticker on the front cowling and a minute’s silence on the grid as a sign of mourning.

   

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• 2020 Yamaha TMax now comes with 560 cc engine

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Yamaha / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 5 November 2019 1:26 pm / 2 comments

  

  Shown ahead of the EICMA show in Milan, Italy is the 2020 Yamaha TMax 560 super scooter. The TMax is a popular scooter and car substitute in Europe and now enters the seventh generation.

  Amongst changes made to next year’s TMax 560 is a bigger engine, going up in size from 530 cc to 560 cc. However, engine power only takes a 2 hp jump, producing 47.6 hp at 7,500 rpm and 55.7 Nm of torque at 5,250 rpm with power getting to the ground via automatic transmission and belt drive.

  While the bodywork looks much the same as the previous TMax 500, the new generation TMax 560 sports some small but significant changes. There include turn signals integrated into the headlights as well as a new tail light unit.

  

  

  

  Along with these changes, the seat has been redesigned to improve ergonomics on the TMax and increase comfort. Other items carried over from the outgoing TMax include twin 267 mm diameter brake discs in front, 15-inch wheels and 15-litre fuel tank.

  Besides the new TMax, Yamaha is releasing another version, the sportier TMax Tech Max. Upgrades of the Tech Max over the base TMax 560 include electrically controlled windshield, cruise control, heated grips, adjustable rear suspension and TMax Connect smartphone connectivity.

  GALLERY: 2020 Yamaha TMax 560

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2020 Yamaha TMax 560 Tech Max

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2020 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade revealed

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 5 November 2019 10:39 am / 8 comments

  

  Known among Malaysian sports riders as the “Rabbit”, the Honda CBR1000RR, also known as the Fireblade, has a sterling reputation. The ante is now been upped with the all-new 2020 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, drawing on Honda Racing Corporation’s experience in MotoGP where it has amassed the most class wins.

  Destined from the outset to compete in the World Superbike Championship, the CBR1000RR-R uses a chassis and bodywork derived from the Honda RC213V-S race replica with the inline-four engine producing 214 hp at 14,500 rpm and 113 Nm of torque at 12,500 rpm. Race technology is liberally applied in the CBR1000RR-R with the use of titanium connecting rods, forged pistons and finger-follower rocker arms for valve actuation.

  

  

  

  The frame looks like it has been taken off the MotoGP grid, made from aluminium alloy and increased rigidity in the vertical plane as well as torsional resistance but with more ‘give’ in the horizontal to boost grip and feel. The swingarm of the 2021 Fireblade is also longer than before to increase stability and is made from 18 individual pieces of welded alloy.

  Naturally, a full suite of rider aids accompanies the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HTSC), power, engine braking and wheelie control with the addition of start mode for those holeshot starts. Also in the-fit out is a three-level electronic steering damper made by Showa for Honda, up-and-down quickshifter and second generation Ohlins electronic suspension.

  

  

  Braking is done with Brembo Stylema callipers on 330 mm diameter discs and two-level ABS is standard. Aerodynamic sensibility pervades the new Fireblade with the rider position designed for pure racetrack work, aided by winglets on the sides of the fairing for downforce at speed.

  No word yet on pricing for the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade but we can safely assume it won’t be far off what is being asked for machines like the Ducati Panigale V4 R. Delivery for the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade is expected in June of 2020 and with colour options being HRC racing livery in red, white and blue or Black.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2020 Yamaha Tracer 700 revealed ahead of EICMA

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Yamaha / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 4 November 2019 5:38 pm / 2 comments

  

  Ahead of the opening of the EICMA show in Milan, Italy, photos and video have emerged of the 2020 Yamaha Tracer 700. While we only get the Tracer 900 and 900 GT in Malaysia, the middleweight Tracer 700 has been on sale in Europe for several years.

  Changes that can be seen on this new Tracer is the LED headlights, with a LED DRL brow and LED projector lights for main and high beam. The wind deflector is now more aerodynamic and is adjustable using one hand.

  The 689 cc, two-cylinder, Crossplane CP2 mill is carried over from the previous generation Tracer 700 but changes have been made to the fuel delivery, ignition, exhaust and gear ratios and the engine is now Euro 5 compliant. Yamaha claims the power numbers for the Tracer 700 are 72.4 PS at 8,750 rpm and 68 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm.

  

  

  

  With a weight of 196 kg, the Tracer 700 is said to be the lightest in its class and comfort has been improved with revisions to both the rider and passenger seat. Fuel tank capacity remains the same at 17-litres.

  Other changes to the 2020 Yamaha Tracer 700 include the front fork that now comes with 130 mm of travel as well as the monoshock with 142 mm along with twin 282 mm diameter brake discs in front and 245 mm at the back, 17-inch wheels and LCD instrument panel. There are three colour options for the Tracer 700 and it will enter the European market in February 2020.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2020 Benelli Imperial 400i now in Malaysia – RM15.8k

  In Benelli, Bikes, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 4 November 2019 3:08 pm / 6 comments

  

  Coming into the retro motorcycle market in Malaysia is the 2020 Benelli Imperiale 400i single, priced at RM15,888 without road tax, insurance or registration. The Imperiale 400i harkens back to the design of the 1950s Benelli Moto-Bi and will be available for sale at authorised Benelli Malaysia dealers in February 2020.

  Carrying a single-cylinder, air-cooled, SOHC, two-valve, 373.5 cc, Euro 4 compliant power plant fed by EFI, the Imperiale’s engine is as basic as it gets and puts out 20.4 hp at 5,500 rpm and 28 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. Power gets to the ground via a five-speed gearbox and chain final drive.

  As is typical of retro styled motorcycles, the Imperiale 400i uses 41 mm diameter telescopic forks in front with 110 mm of travel, while the rear end is held up with twin shock absorbers with adjustable pre-load giving 65 mm of travel. Braking is done with Benelli brand single hydraulic callipers front and rear clamping a 300 mm and 240 mm diameter disc respectively and two-channel ABS is standard.

  

  

  

  Wheels sizes are properly retro, with a 19-inch spoked wheel in front shod in 100/90 rubber and 18-inch rear wheel with 130/80 tyre. Dry weight for the Imperiale 400i is claimed to be 197 kg and fuel is carried in a 12-litre tank.

  There are three colour options for the 2020 Benelli Imperiale 400i – Black, Red and Grey. It should be noted the panniers on the Imperial 400i shown in the gallery are optional items and pricing for this official Benelli accessory has yet to be determined.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2020 Triumph Street Triple 765RS in Malaysia – RM68k

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Triumph / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 4 November 2019 11:32 am / 8 comments

  

  After our quick first look at the 2020 Triumph Street Triple 765RS, Hinckley’s middleweight naked sports bike was launched during the 2019 Shell Malaysia MotoGP at Sepang International Circuit and is priced at RM67,900, unchanged from the current model pricing. Price does not include road tax, insurance or registration and orders are being taken now for delivery in the first quarter of 2020.

  Most obvious change to the 2020 765RS is the headlights, which are now slimmer in shape with brow shaped LED DRLs and main lights. LED lighting is also used throughout, as per the previous model. Another big change is in the rear where the seat cowl features vents on either side of the rider’s posterior, mimicking the Moto2 race machines.

  

  

  

  The same 765 cc, inline-triple engine is carried forward but gives 9% more torque in the mid-range, though the peak numbers stay the same at 121 hp at 11,750 rpm and 79 Nm of torque at 9,350 rpm, with the mill now being Euro 5 compliant. Minor changes in the six-speed gearbox include shorter first and second gears to improve acceleration and an up-and-down quickshifter is standard.

  Engine response has also been improved with a 7% decrease in rotational inertia, done by changing the engine’s internals slightly. Weight takes a 2 kg drop for 2020, the 765RS weighing in at 166 kg dry and fuel is carried in the same 17.4-litre tank.

  

  

  

  Inside the cockpit, the full-colour TFT-LCD now comes in four display modes and four colours with tilt adjustment to provide the optimum viewing angle. Five ride modes are standard – Road, Rain, Sport, Track and Rider configurable – and the optional Triumph Bluetooth module allows connectivity to the rider’s smartphone for navigation and phone functions.

  Braking remains unchanged, using Brembo M50 Monobloc calipers clamping twin 310 mm floating brake discs and the rear fitted with a 220 mm disc and single-piston caliper. Suspension is similar, with fully-adjustable Showa Big Piston Forks (BPF) – now in a darker shade of anodised grey – and Ohlins STX40 monoshock, also fully-adjustable and there are two colour options, Matte Jet Black with Aluminium Silver and Yellow decals, or Silver Ice with Diablo Red and Aluminium Silver decals.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Asia Talent Cup racer Afridza Munandar passes away

  In Bikes, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 2 November 2019 7:30 pm / 4 comments

  

  Indonesian racer Afridza Munandar, aged 20, race number #4, died in a racing incident during the Sepang round of the Asia Talent Cup motorcycle racing championship. The incident happened during the first lap of the race at turn 10 and the race was red flagged immediately.

  First aid was rendered by Sepang circuit medical staff before being transferred to Kuala Lumpur Hospital by helicopter . However, Afridza succumbed to his injuries despite the best efforts of circuit medical and hospital staff.

  During the 2019 Asia Talent Cup season, Afridza garnered taking two wins, two second places and two third-place finishes. He was a contender for the championship title at this weekend’s round of the 2019 Shell Malaysia MotoGP.

   

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• GALLERY: BMW S1000RR and R1250R at PACE 2019

  In BMW, Local Bike News, Local News / By Mick Chan / 2 November 2019 4:40 pm / 2 comments

  

  

  Hot on the heels of the Malaysian market launch of the 2019 BMW Motorrad S 1000 RR, R 1250 R and R 1250 RS at the Sepang International Circuit yesterday is the showing of the German brand’s latest superbike and boxer twin naked bike at the paultan.org Premium Auto Car Expo (PACE) 2019.

  First up, the 2019 S 1000 RR arrives in Malaysia solely with the M package – Motorrad now draws closer to its car relatives in nomenclature for sporting kit – priced at RM138,500. Beyond the Motorsport colour scheme, the M package-kitted S 1000 RR brings carbon-fibre wheels, a lithium-ion battery, sport seat, M chassis kit and an additional Pro Modes package. In a departure from the Brembo brakes of the previous generation, the new S 1000 RR employs BMW-branded calipers by Hayes and a Nissin master cylinder.

  Standard specification includes a 999 cc inline-four cylinder engine now with ShiftCam variable cam profiles on the intake side, yielding peak output figures of 207 hp at 13,500 rpm and 113 Nm at 11,000 rpm; of which 100 Nm is available between 5,500 rpm and 14,500 rpm. This new engine is 4 kg lighter than that in the previous S 1000 RR, and contributes to an overall weight loss down to 193.5 kg on the M package version (road-ready, fully fuelled).

  

  

  

  

  Weight savings for the latest generation of BMW’s superbike also comes from an exhaust system that is 1.3 kg lighter than the previous model’s, and the new Full Floater Pro rear suspension saves 300 g from the previous configuration. This new suspension places more load on the frame and engine itself, with the aim of applying forces via the shortest possible vector.

  Meanwhile, the underslung swingarm bracing design brings a number of benefits; this allows a wider scope for bracing design, which aids in reducing lateral tyre contact patch movement during flex. The underslung bracing also allows for more space to reposition the rear shock, which is further from the engine and less exposed to heat soak.

  In true track-focused sportbike fashion, the S 1000 RR features fully adjustable suspension front and rear, plus optional Dynamic Damping Control (DDC). In terms of rider aid electronics, the 2019 S 1000 RR is equipped with a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) which enables the use of Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), DTC Wheelie Function, Race ABS and engine braking control, all of which can be adjusted.

  

  There is also hill start assist, launch control, pit lane speed limiter, Shift Assistant Pro (two-way quickshifter, and easily switchable to a race-shift pattern), electronic cruise control along with four riding modes and the aforementioned additional Pro Modes. All of these are displayed and controlled via the 6.5-inch configurable, full-colour TFT LCD display.

  Cost-option accessories for the 2019 S 1000 RR include M Carbon footpegs, M brake and clutch levers, tinted screen, tinted bubble screen, low and tall M seats (814 mm/849 mm), M Datalogger and M Laptrigger, M cover kit, M calibration kit, tank bag and rear bag. The 2019 S 1000 RR is manufactured in Berlin, Germany and comes with a three-year warranty and roadside assistance package.

  Next is the R 1250 R boxer twin naked at RM102,500, which joins the 1250-engined range with the 1,254 cc horizontally-opposed twin cylinder engine producing 136 hp at 7,750 rpm and 143 Nm of torque at 6,250 rpm, sent to a shaft final drive. Fully fueled, the R 1250 R weighs 239 kg, and seat height is 820 mm; the available OE low seat and sport seat measure up at 760 mm and 840 mm respectively.

  

  

  The R 1250 R trades the Telelever front suspension of its other boxer engined relatives for a set of 45 mm-diameter upside-down telescopic forks, while the rear end is suspended by a Paralever single-sided swingarm. For this specification, front suspension is adjustable for preload only, while the rear is adjustable for preload, compression and rebound.

  While the S 1000 RR has made to switch to BMW-branded Hayes calipers, the R 1250 R retains Brembo calipers for its front brake setup. Here, the R 1250 R gets Riding Modes Pro including DTC, ABS Pro, HSC Pro, dynamic brake control (DBC), Shift Assist Pro (two-way quickshifter), Keyless Ride, daytime running lights and Style HP aesthetics.

  Cost options available for the R 1250 R include hard shell panniers with painted covers, top case with painted cover, tinted windshield, machined and adjustable footpegs and brake/gearshift levers, machined brake and clutch levers and engine spoiler. As with the S 1000 RR sport bike, the R 1250 R naked is manufactured in Berlin, Germany and is sold with a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty and three-year roadside assistance.

  PACE 2019 is ongoing this weekend at the Setia City Convention Centre, so do drop by and have a feel for the variety of cars and bikes on show – you might just find something you’d like to bring home, and score prizes to boot!

  GALLERY: 2019 BMW S1000RR in Malaysia

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY: BMW R1250R in Malaysia

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2020 BMW Motorrad S 1000 RR with M Sport Package now in Malaysia – RM138,500, carbon-fibre wheels

  In Bikes, BMW Motorrad, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 2 November 2019 3:24 pm / 0 comment

  

  Now in Malaysia is the 2020 BMW Motorrad S 1000 RR superbike with M Sport package, launched during the 2019 Shell Malaysia MotoGP in Sepang International Circuit. Pricing for this BMW’s road-going racing-focused superbike is RM138,500 with BMW Motorrad Malaysia’s All-New 3-Year Warranty and 3-Year Roadside Assistance Programme but does not include insurance.

  Completely redesigned, the S 1000 RR is one step below BMW Motorrad’s flagship superbike, the carbon-fibre framed HP4 Race, but draws on DNA from the Munich firm’s racing efforts in World Superbike (WSBK). An all-new Flex Frame cradles the 999 cc inline-four which has an increased power output of 207 hp at 13,500 rpm and 113 Nm of torque at 11,000 rpm.

  The four-pot mill uses BMW ShiftCam Technology which varies the valve timings and valve strokes on the intake side, making more power while complying with emissions regulations. Weight for the S 1000 RR has taken a significant drop, going from 208 kg to 193.5 kg, and there are four ride modes with an additional three user-customisable ‘Pro’ modes.

  

  

  

  Available in Malaysia only with the M Sport package, the S 1000 RR comes with carbon-fibre wheels, BMW Motorsport colours of Racing Blue, Lightwhite and Racing Red and M Sport seat as well as a maintenance-free BMW M lightweight battery. In terms of riding aids, the S 1000 RR comes with DTC, ABS Pro and DTC Wheelie detection as well as throttle curve (torque adjustment) and Engine Brake Control.

  Inside the cockpit, the redesigned 6.5-inch full-colour TFT-LCD panel is easy to read even in difficult lighting conditions and the displays are individually customisable including three racing specific display modes. Electronic suspension in the form of BMW’s Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) is standard, as is an up-and-down quickshifter.

  If you’re interested at taking a close up look at the BMW Motorrad S 1000 RR, which is CBU Berlin, as well as the R 1250 R and C 400 X scooter, head over to the paultan.org Premium Auto Car Expo (PACE) 2019, which takes place at the Setia City Convention Centre from November 2-3, 2019.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2020 Arch Motorcycle KRGT-1 launched – 2.0L V-Twin!

  In Bikes, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 31 October 2019 2:48 pm / 6 comments

  

  Boutique motorcycle brand Arch, founded by actor Keanu Reeves, has launched the 2020 Arch KRGT-1. An evolution of the previous generation model, the 2020 KRGT-1 features 20 design revisions and 150 new components.

  As with previous Arch motorcycles, the KRGT-1 is built to order and through a unique to Arch manufacturing process. This includes a proprietary swingarm, frame and race inspired aluminium billet triple tree, as well as redesigned body panels.

  Motive power for the KRGT-1 comes from an S&S Cycle 2,032 cc, air-cooled V-twin, mated to a six-speed transmission. Engine power is transmitted to the rear wheel via belt drive.

  

  

  

  Aside from components made in-house by Arch, the KRGT-1 is also fitted out with premium components from famous brands like the Yoshimura carbon-fibre exhaust, K&N air filter and fully-adjustable Ohlins suspension. Standard equipment includes Bosch two-channel ABS, Magura brake and clutch, MotoGadget instrument panel as well as Ultralight Blackstone Tek (BST) wheels in carbon-fibre.

  Orders are being taken for the 2020 Arch Motorcycles KRGT-1 although no pricing is as yet available. Going by pricing for previous Arch Motorcycle models, pricing can quite likely cross USD 80,000 (RM334,000) with each Arch bike customised to the owner and taking 90 days to complete.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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