The second in the series of “Ride on the wild side” videos about the Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro has just been uploaded. In this episode, the Multistrada’s riding modes are highlighted, showing how the bike is adapted to the rider’s amount of experience, riding style as well as terrain.
There are four modes available, rider-selectable by pressing a switch. Touring mode sets the suspension on medium for comfortable, long-distance riding, even when two-up. All 160 hp is allowed out, and ABS and suspension is set to medium and firm, respectively, for balanced braking and safety.
In Sport mode, the power level is the same as Touring, but the suspension is set to firm, while ABS is set to medium-soft. In Enduro and Urban modes, the suspension is set to soft for maximum comfort and ability to follow rough terrain. In Urban mode, the suspension and ABS get dialled up to the highest setting, while Enduro sets them on the opposite end of the dial.
Also show-cased is the ergonomic riding position of the Multistrada 1200 Enduro, along with the frame mounted skid-plate, high-level exit exhaust to prevent water ingress and high-bend handlebars for maximum rider control.
The Multistrada 1200 Enduro is expected to arrive in Malaysia in February or March 2016, and is estimated to retail between RM140,000 and RM150,000. The bike retails in the UK for £16,690 (RM107,000) for the base version in Ducati red, up to £19,220 (RM123,000) for the ‘Pikes Peak’ version with Ohlins suspension, Termignoni exhaust, carbon-fibre parts and three-spoke wheels.
Harley-Davidson (HD) introduced two new models in its range of motorcycles, using the most powerful engine in its line-up, the Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110, at the X Games in Aspen, Colorado. The newcomers – the Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) Pro Street Breakout and Low Rider S – are aimed at the young urban rider, and a sign that HD is serious about consolidating its share of the US large-displacement motorcycle market – currently at almost 50%.
Featuring a muscular stance patterned after drag racers, the limited edition CVO Pro Street Breakout features a new, darker look with twin-disc front brakes and custom paintwork. The inverted forks add to the brawny look, and the 240 mm width rear tyre reinforces the drag bike ethos.
Both motorcycles use the Twin Cam 110 engine which displaces 1,801 cc. In the case of the 2016 Low Rider S, the engine is mated with a Screamin’ Eagle Heavy Breather performance intake and Fat Bob-style two-into-two exhaust that lets the V-twin mill put out 156 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm.
This makes the Low Rider S the most powerful non-CVO motorcycle HD has produced. This trimmed-down cruiser also features premium suspension and brakes as part of its performance package. It joins the Fat Boy S and Softail Slim S in its ‘S’ series of 2016 bikes.
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S will retail for USD16,699 (RM70,300) while the CVO Pro Street Breakout will sell for USD25,699 (RM108,400) in the US. No word yet on availability in Malaysia, but we presume HD Malaysia will be entertaining enquiries for both bikes.
GALLERY: 2106 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout
As a world-leader in vehicle electronics, sensors, engine management and safety systems, Bosch has gone into the motorcycle systems business in a big way in 2016 by creating an independent supplier company for the industry. To this end, Bosch is pushing forward its next-generation ABS10 braking system, a hub-mounted electric motor for e-scooters and a slew of electronic riding aids for motorcycles.
Some studies have suggested that the global motorcycle market will expand by 160 million units a year till 2021, and 90% of those bikes are expected to be produced in Asia. Called the Two-Wheeler and Powersports division, the company is based in Yokohama, Japan, with branches in the US, Europe, India and China.
“Bosch technology for more efficiency and safety should be part of any car and in the future the same will go for motorcycles,” said Bosch management board member Dr. Dirk Hoheisel. “We are aiming to become a leading supplier in the motorcycle market, too. The portion of the market relevant for Bosch which covers driving safety systems, powertrain technology and infotainment systems will double over the next five years.”
Setting the pace with a proposed 2016 introduction is the ABS10, complemented by the MM5.10 inertial measurement unit, its famed Motronic engine management system and other sensors. Safety aids such as Side View Assist and Vehicle Hold Control are also on offer, all in an effort to make motorcycles safe and controllable under various road conditions.
The ABS10 is not meant to supplant Bosch’s previous generation ABS9, but to complement it. The ABS10 system was developed for bikes up to 250 cc, being 30% lighter and 45% smaller. It is offered in front wheel only and two-wheel (front and rear) versions. An eye was kept on costs during development, especially important for developing countries where the cost of safety can be prohibitive to potential buyers.
Another intriguing development from Bosch is the wheel hub motor, an electric powertrain offered exclusively in the China market. It can be used in most twist-and-go scooters and mopeds by simply substituting the conventional rear wheel.
Producing just 2.4 hp, it has an electronically controlled boost function that should provide lively take-offs. The eScooter motor is equipped with a controller module that can be programmed with specific functions such as detecting whether the seat is occupied, before activating the electric motor.
With three of the Japanese majors either having released, or releasing, new superbikes in the litre-class, namely Yamaha with the R1 earlier in 2015, Kawasaki with the ZX-10R recently and Suzuki with the GSX-R 1000 L7 coming soon, Honda seems to be left out of the game in 2016. Or is it?
A photo of what is purported to be the new 2017 Honda CBR1000RR has appeared on the cover of Japanese motorcycle magazine Young Machine, with the subtitle “Evolution of conjecture!” While the picture is, of course, unverified and without a primary reference, the motorcycle does bear a striking similarity to what might emerge from the Honda works in Hamamatsu.
The nose fairing shares many design cues with the rumoured CBR250RR replacement model, the tail end also shares some DNA with Honda Racing Corporation’s MotoGP bikes. If such is the case, does this mean we get to see a new CBR superbike in 2017? Share your thoughts and opinions by leaving a comment.
MV Agusta’s launch of the revamped 2016 Brutale 800 brings both good news and bad news. Good news – an updated Brutale 675 will follow later in the year. Bad news – the 2016 Brutale 800 has gained a little weight and lost some power to Euro 4.
The 2016 Brutale 800 is probably the worst kept secret since charitable donations, so let’s gloss over it and move on the to interesting stuff. The updated 675 Brutale is hinted to follow in the footsteps of the 2016 Brutale 800.
A new Euro 4 compliant engine will likely be part of the 2016 Brutale 675’s make-up. In the 2016 Brutale 800, the in-line three-cylinder is claimed to be making 25% more torque, and the 675 should follow suit.
Other goodies include a hydraulic slipper clutch and MV Agusta’s MVICs electronics suite, which includes a ride-by-wire throttle and eight-stage traction control. The headlight for the 800 is a full-LED unit, and the 675 could sport a similar lighting arrangement.
The 2016 MV Agusta Brutale 800 has a direct competitor in the form of the Ducati Monster 821, priced at RM80,000. The retail price for the 2015 Brutale 800 is RM76,850 including GST.
Other competitors to the Brutale in the naked sports middle-weight segment include the Triumph Speed Triple – RM85,900, the Kawasaki Z800 – RM48,959, and Aprilia Shiver 750 – RM43,888. All prices include GST.
Yamaha Indonesia launched the Xabre naked sport motorcycle in the resort island of Bali yesterday, officiated by none other than “The Doctor”, multiple MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi. This single-cylinder brings the number of Yamaha offerings in the 150 cc market segment in Indonesia to three, the other two being the V-Ixion and the R15.
This fuel-injected 149 cc single is liquid-cooled, and drives a six-speed gearbox, all housed in the Yamaha ‘Deltabox’ frame. This is the same engine as used in the R15. Of note are the 37 mm USD forks, a rarity in this market level and price point.
The Indonesian Xabre is almost identical to the Thailand-model MSlaz, save for the different paint and graphics. The humped 10.5 litre tank gives the Xabre a hulking look, in keeping with its motard styling and the headlight is an LED unit..
According to reports, the Bali event was a pre-launch teaser for Yamaha Indonesia Racing, with the official public launch a few weeks away yet. No official word on pricing, but rumours have it at around 28 million rupiah (RM8,600).
The Ducati Scrambler is a bike that easily lends itself to personalisation and customisation, and three iterations thereof were shown at the Verona Motor Bike Show on January 22. Called Peace Sixty2, Revolution and Artika, the trio were presented at the Ducati display called “Land of Joy”.
Starting with the new model in the Scrambler range, the Sixty2, the Peace Sixty2 is a 60s-styled cafe racer by Verona-based custom bike builder Mr. Martini. The fairing of the Peace Sixty2 harks back to the days of the bevel-geared twins and Pantahs. The single-seat tailpiece with hand-crafted leather seat, coupled with the Termignoni exhausts, are combined with design details and graphics that convey a sense of Ducati’s racing heritage.
Officine Mermaid is responsible for the Revolution, a full bobber-style Sixty2. Stripped of everything that is not necessary, the Revolution shows designer Dario Mastroianni’s sweeping changes to the low-slung bike, including 17-inch wheels front and rear, new fork yokes and the leather single-seat. The exposed Desmodromic belt-drive further emphasises the stripped-down nature of the Revolution.
Last in the list is the Artika by Dario Lopez Studio. Taking its cue from the Ducati Pantah ice racer of the late ’70s, currently on display in the Ducati Museum in Borgo Panigale, the Artika is designed to be ridden when the weather gets cold and the snow starts falling. The florescent yellow body and bright blue trim could be seen by a blind man, and would make the bike hard to miss in a parking lot.
Also on display at the Ducati stand at the Verona Expo is the complete range of accessories and customisation options for the Scrambler Sixty2, showing how easily a rider’s Scrambler can be modified to suit almost any taste or style.
The Ducati Scrambler is sold in Malaysia by Naza. There are four models available – the Icon at RM63,999, the Full Throttle, the Urban Enduro and the Classic, all at RM69,999.
Ducati has shown another variation of its Diavel cruiser at the Motor Bike Expo 2016 called the ‘draXter’. Following the interest shown by the public in the XDiavel cruiser, this concept motorcycle takes the Diavel cruiser and mates it with selected components from Ducati’s performance-oriented side of the family.
The brain-child of Ducati Design Center’s Advanced Design department, Ducati takes a standard Diavel and interprets it from a rather more ‘sporty’ point of view, resulting in the draXter. Using parts from the Panigale, notably the suspension and brakes, Ducati says it has turned the Diavel into “a unique, breath-taking racer.”
In case you’re wondering, the ’90’ racing number on the belly fairing is to commemorate Ducati’s 90th anniversary, which happens this year. No word yet if the draXter will ever see production. Perhaps Ducati is waiting to see if the XDiavel is a sales success before proceeding.
The 2016 KTM 1050 Adventure CKD was launched by local assembler and distributor KTM Malaysia last Saturday. Assembled at their plant in Jitra, Kedah, the 2016 1050 Adventure CKD is KTM Malaysia’s effort to bring the price of their model range down to affordable levels.
The CKD Adventure remains unchanged from the imported version, which was introduced in Malaysia in October of last year. The 1050 Adventure has a 1,050 cc V-twin engine putting 95 hp and 107 Nm of torque. Power is put to through the road via a six-speed gearbox while a slipper clutch prevents wheel hop during hard engine braking.
Ride-by-wire throttle, three riding modes and Bosch ABS come standard, while WP and Brembo take care of the suspension and braking, respectively. The 2016 KTM 1050 Adventure weighs 212 kg, and has a 23-litre fuel capacity. The retail price for the 1050 Adventure CKD is RM68,888 without GST, insurance and registration. This is a reduction of RM9,000 over the 1050 Adventure CBU.
A pair of unboxing photos of the 2016 Honda Supra 150X have been posted by Indonesian motorcycle blog Motoblast. The fairly clear pics show a black Supra 150X at an undisclosed location. Known as the Honda Wave elsewhere in south-east Asia and the Innova in Europe, the Supra 150X is a new design for the Indonesian market.
From the information we can gather, the 2016 Supra 150X will come with a liquid-cooled 150 cc single cylinder four-stroke engine. Renderings of the Supra 150R, as well as purported photos of its bodywork, have been circulating on Indonesian websites of late. It may be possible the 2016 Supra 150X could be a preview of the next-generation Honda Wave.
The 2016 Honda Supra 150X looks to have its headlight relocated to the fairing from the handlebar cowling, the lights appear to be LED units. A disc brake at the rear can be glimpsed in the photo as well.
The truth of the matter is, both Indonesia and Thailand are hot markets for the underbone, or kapchai, category of bikes. Typically, Indonesia and Thailand will see the release of new models first, before Malaysian release, sometimes up to a year or more later.
Ducati has teamed up with eyeglass designer Italia Independent to launch the Scrambler Italia Independent. Limited to a production run of 1,170 units worldwide, this design collaboration was first shown at the contemporary art exhibition “Art Basel” at the Setai Hotel, Miami, Florida late last year.
Taking Ducati’s interpretation of its retro, 70s-inspired Scrambler, the bike has been given a special matte-black finish with “Night Copper” accents. The heart of the machine is still the 803 cc Desmodromic V-twin, descended from the 796 cc Monster engine.
Rated at 75 hp and 68 Nm of torque, the engine suits the laid-back nature of the Scrambler Italia Independent, where image is possibly more important that performance. The V-twin mill is coated black and accented with machined cooling fins, while the all-black exhaust pipes terminate in a pair of Termignonis.
Each 2016 Ducati Scrambler Italia Independent comes with a laser-etched plate carrying each bike’s edition number. Other add-ons are the copper-coloured trellis frame and wheels along with a ‘shorty’ front mud-guard and diminutive nose fairing.
There are also five models of eye-wear from Italia Independent that are inspired by the motorcycle. The Ducati Scrambler Italia Independent edition retails for approximately 9,377 pounds sterling (RM58,253) in the UK.
The 2016 Kawasaki ZX-10R was unveiled in Barcelona, Spain, in October last year, and Kawasaki has released a video of the bike’s unveiling along with feedback from its World Superbike championship (WSBK) riders and engineers. The 2016 ZX-10R incorporates more racing superbike technology than the previous model, and the Kawasaki Racing Team is intending to take the fight to its competition after narrowly missing out on winning WSBK in 2012 and 2014.
One of the biggest changes made to the 2016 ZX-10R is a heavily-redesigned cylinder head. The inlet tracts have been realigned to provide the intake charge a straight shot into the combustion chamber. The chamber itself has been redesigned to improve combustion efficiency.
The exit has also been reworked, with the exhaust ports polished and enlarged, mated to titanium exhaust headers. The intake and exhaust valves are now made out of titanium, and the new-for-2016 cams provide more power at the top-end of the rev range. The new electronic throttle bodies also contribute to the quest for more power, at the same time keeping the engine Euro 4-compliant for the road version.
Ninja ZX-10R ABS KRT Edition
Ninja ZX-10R ABS KRT Edition
Ninja ZX-10R ABS KRT Edition
A lower moment of inertia has been machined into the crank, with a reduction of 20% in the amount of power needed to spin it up or slow it down. This was apparently at the request of the WSBK boys, and the engineering change has made the transition to the road bike.
Working in conjunction with the 998 cc liquid-cooled inline-four DOHC 16-valve engine, the six-speed gearbox now comes with cassette gears that allow for changing of gear ratios without having to drain the sump. The gear ratios are a lot closer, minimising rpm jumps between gears, and providing better acceleration and less intrusive engine braking.
Kawasaki also brings a whole slew of electronics to the game. This includes a new 32-bit ECU that works with a Bosch inertial measurement unit (IMU), measuring the ZX-10R’s movement in six-axes. The new electronics suite now brings the bike on par with its rivals – the Yamaha R1, Ducati 1299 Panigale S and Aprilia RSV4 RF.
Ninja ZX-10R ABS KRT Edition
Ninja ZX-10R ABS KRT Edition
Ninja ZX-10R ABS KRT Edition
Other rider aids on the 2016 ZX-10R include Sport-Kawasaki TRaction Control (S-KTRC), three-mode launch control, Kawasaki’s KIBS ABS, and an electronic Ohlins steering damper. Also included are a quickshifter and engine braking control.
Showa provides the ZX-10R with its brand-new Balance Free forks, the first installation on a production motorcycle. The fork uses Showa’s Damping Force Chamber, which uses an external chamber outside the fork legs filled with pressurised nitrogen to adjust compression and rebound damping. This is claimed by Kawasaki to improve suspension movement and increase traction.
Braking is looked after by a pair of Brembo M50 4-pot monobloc calipers in front, similar to the units used on the Kawasaki H2 and H2R, coupled with braided steel lines. The bodywork looks similar to the previous model, but is actually slightly wider to provide more protection from the wind.
The 2016 Kawasaki ZX-10R is claimed to put out 200 hp – 210 hp with Ram-Air – and 113.5 Nm of torque at 11,500 rpm. Weight is 206 kg, with a fuel capacity of 17 litres. The Malaysian launch of the ZX-10R is supposed to be scheduled for the middle of this year, after completion of track re-surfacing works at Sepang International Circuit.
Some grainy catalogue shots of the 2016 Kawasaki Ninja 250R have been posted by Warungasep and TMCblog and the bike is expected to be launched in Indonesia some time this year. Rumour has it the Ninja 250R will come with a two-cylinder engine. The current Malaysian market Kawasaki Ninja 250 has a parallel-twin engine, while the 250SL has a single-cylinder thumper with both engines running EFI.
Given that its prime competitor in the quarter-liter class market is the Yamaha R25, which contains a parallel-twin, this isn’t that surprising. The rumoured Honda CBR250R replacement, the CBR250RR, is also said to be carrying a two-cylinder engine.
If this is a case, the current Kawasaki Malaysia line-up of the Ninja 250, and Ninja 250SL, might be superceded come 2017. However, going by past practice, Indonesia and Thailand tend to get the new models first, with Malaysia being between six months to a year late, sometimes more.
The Kawasaki Ninja 250SL retails for around RM17,689 without GST while the Yamaha R25 has an official retail price of RM20,206 inclusive of GST. The Honda CBR250R retails for RM19,999 for the standard Trico & Black and RM20,499 for Repsol – both without ABS. The CBR250R with C-ABS sells at RM22,999 for Trico & Black and RM23,499 for Repsol livery. The prices for the Honda CBR250R exclude GST.
Hong Leong Yamaha launched the 2016 NMax scooter at their annual Chinese New Year dealer appreciation dinner in Genting Highlands on January 17. Unveiled by Datuk Jim Khor, managing director of Hong Leong Yamaha, the 2016 NMax is positioned as a city commuter.
The 2016 NMax is designed as Yamaha’s “global scooter model”, and comes with the new ‘Bluecore’ engine. The engine is a 155 cc liquid-cooled, SOHC 4-valve single with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) and mated to a CVT gearbox with belt final drive.
Other features of the NMax include disc brakes front and rear, and a dual absorber suspension on the swingarm. The fuel tank is a large – for a scooter – 6.6 litre unit.
There is an LED headlight in front, and matching LED rear lights to provide optimum visibility. The seat is fitted with spring-loaded hinges to uncover a storage area large enough for most helmet designs.
Coming in two colours – red and grey – the 2016 Yamaha NMax is set for nation-wide release in April 2016. No official confirmation on pricing is available, but it is rumoured to be about RM10,000, placing it in the same class as the Honda PCX at RM11,990.
A picture of the facelifted 2016 Honda CBR150R has been leaked in Indonesia. According to cicakreatip, the picture was taken from a presentation showing changes made to the CBR150R.
Details include twin LED headlamps for the incoming model, as well as an all-new digital instrument cluster. Other changes include the exhaust, grab-rail, fuel tank and rear lights.
The engine is the same 149 cc liquid-cooled single with EFI. The claimed figures for this engine are 17 hp at 10,000 rom and 13 Nm at 7,500 rpm. No news on pricing, but the 2016 CBR150R is expected to be launched in Indonesia later this year. No word yet if the 2016 CBR150R will make it to Malaysia.
