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• 2016 Honda Spacy facelift launched, RM4,999

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 6 January 2016 12:18 pm / 23 comments

  

  Boon Siew Honda has released the face-lifted and improved Spacy scooter for 2016. In this hotly contested market segment, price and features are the major selling points, and the 2016 Spacey get some improvements to accommodate rider needs.

  The Spacy remains unchanged mechanically from the out-going model, using the same 110 cc four-stroke single. A small fan takes care of cooling duties, and fuel consumption is 41.5 km/litre. The CVT gearbox is also unchanged, with a belt final-drive. The fuel tank has a 5.2 litre capacity, giving a range of approximately 210 km.

  Major changes for 2016 are the revised graphics. The stripes from last year are gone, leaving plain, under-stated bodywork with chrome accents. One feature that has carried over is the spacious 18-litre under-seat storage, which takes a full-sized helmet comfortably. Other features include a bag hook and a front glove box.

  

  

  

  Safety features are highlighted in the Spacy, include a side-stand cut-off, and a magnetic locking system adds an extra level of security. A brake lever lock helps prevent unintended acceleration from a standstill, something scooters are prone to, especially with careless riders.

  Other changes include a halogen headlight from the previous incandescent type, and the rear turn signals are now separated from the brake light, giving a measure of visibility to other motorists. The 2016 Honda Spacy retails for RM4,999, and comes with a two year or 20,000 km warranty. Three colours are available – Pearl Metalloid White,Pearl Magellanic Black and Euphoria Red Metallic, and the 2016 Spacy will be on sale from this month.

   

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• BMW Motorrad unveils laser light and HUD helmet

  In Bikes, BMW Motorrad, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 6 January 2016 10:35 am / 8 comments

  

  

  BMW Motarrad showed the Connect Ride concept bike at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on January 6. Based on the K1600 GLT touring bike, BMW highlighted two technology concepts it says will enhance the riding experience and improve safety and awareness for the rider.

  The first of these, laser headlights, is not really a new thing, having been shown on the 7 Series and i8. And it isn’t quite using lasers to light the way either. The system uses a set of mirrors to focus laser light that excites a yellow phosphorus coating, which then emits a pure, white light.

  The advantage to using lasers, says BMW, is a longer throw of the light beam, up to almost 600 metres, and low power consumption. There is also less bleed-over from the beam, which means drivers in oncoming traffic will not be blinded by the glare of the beam.

  

  

  

  At the moment, BMW says the technology is too expensive to bring to the motorcycle mass-market, but developments in technology may see laser light on the road soon. What’s not to like about a focused, glare-free light beam that illuminates everything up to a half-kilometre away?

  The second technology concept BMW displayed at CES was Connect Ride, a heads-up display (HUD) helmet that has been in the works for a while. The initial concept was shown in 2011, but it was found to be slow, and rather clumsy. Four years later, the improved system seems to be something that might work in real life.

  

  

  BMW’s HUD helmet drops a screen down in front of the rider’s eye. The system can display data such as speed, navigation, fuel level, tyre pressure, temperature and so on. The data display is customisable to the rider’s needs, and can include other data such as traffic warnings and road congestion.

  The controls for the HUD are located on the left handlebar, making it easier and safer to operate. The system also incorporates a pair of cameras, front and rear. The front camera functions as a dash cam, while the rear acts as a rear-view mirror.

  

  

  According to BMW, there are plans to put this helmet into production “within the medium-term”. Since other companies purporting to be developing HUD technology have yet to to produce HUD helmets beyond prototypes, BMW’s Connected Ride might be the best bet yet.

  Whether the distraction of having a screen in front of your eye is a boon or a bane to riding safety, remains to be seen. What do you think? Is “Tron” technology the next great leap forward in enhancing riding safety and the ride itself? Leave a comment with your thoughts and opinions.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2016 Triumph Street Triple Rx Black launched

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Triumph / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 5 January 2016 3:15 pm / 5 comments

  

  The 2016 Triumph Street Triple Rx Black was unveiled at the Motorcycle Live show in Birmingham in November 2015, and is the top model of the Street Triple series. The Rx Black is derived, as are its siblings, from Triumph’s well-received supersports model, the Daytona 675R.

  The bike comes with revised graphics, and a semi-gloss black paint job, setting it apart from the 2015 Rx’s matte silver finish. Aside from the paint, there is no change in specification from the previous year’s model.

  As its name implies, the Street Triple has an inline three cylinder, 12-valve, DOHC liquid-cooled engine displacing 675 cc. Power is claimed to be 105 hp at 10,500 rpm, while torque is 68 Nm at 9,750 rpm, driving a six-speed gearbox. Fuelling is with multi-point sequential electronic fuel injection.

  

  Differences from the standard Street Triple include a flyscreen, seat cowl, belly pan, and quickshifter. Weight is claimed to be 168 kg, while seat height is a rider-friendly 820 mm. Braking is with Nissin four-pot calipers in front with ABS, while a Brembo single piston looks after the rear.

  The 2016 Street Triple Rx Black is reported to retail at £8,599 (RM54,886).

   

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• KTM to play with MotoGP big boys at Austria in 2016

  In Bikes, International Bike News, KTM / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 5 January 2016 12:49 pm / 0 comment

  

  Coming off the back of three days of successful testing at Red Bull Ring in Spielberg in November 2015, KTM has announced that its MotoGP machine, the RC16, will debut at the Grand Prix of Austria on August 12. From its fledgling Moto3 (250 cc, single cylinder) effort three years ago, and some rumbling about lack of return on investment, KTM appears to have found a second wind for 2016.

  KTM chief operating officer Stefan Pierer expressed confidence in the RC16 prototype, and said development was going according to plan. He added that the project was financially healthy, which could mean an aggressive effort from KTM for the 2017 season if results roll in.

  While the 1,000 cc, 90-degree V4 engined RC16 is intended to compete in the 2017 MotoGP season, KTM has requested a wild-card entry from FIM for the final round of the 2016 MotoGP in Valencia.

  

  

  Pit Beirer, KTM’s motorsport director, said the test at Spielberg “was a very emotional moment.” Despite making known its plans for competing in MotoGP only a couple of years ago, KTM has shown considerable effort and progress in the project.

  There has been no announcement as to who will be riding the RC16 in 2017. Current test riders in the KTM MotoGP team are former MotoGP racer Alex Hoffman and Mika Kallio from Finland. It is rumoured that KTM will produce a customer track-only version of the RC16 in 2017 at a price of 140,000 euros (RM656,000).

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Forcing it in – super and turbocharged motorcycles

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, International Bike News, Kawasaki, Suzuki Motorcycles, Yamaha / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 5 January 2016 10:05 am / 7 comments

  

  

  When Kawasaki introduced the supercharged H2 and H2R in 2015, it said the bikes were intended to “shake up” the world of high-speed motorcycles. This sector of the market had, in its words, “not shown any technological advances”, and the H2/H2R were a technological tour-de-force.

  Forced induction is nothing new to today’s cars, with almost every major manufacturer offering a turbo or supercharged engine in their line-up. It’s also a way of controlling emissions, since smaller engines tend to pollute less than big V8s.

  In the motorcycling world, things are slightly different, due to that issue turbochargers have, lag. Cars get around the lag issue with twin-stage, twin-scroll and variable geometry turbos, all of which serve to reduce the problem to imperceptible levels.

  For bikes, the issue is lag when you don’t want it, like when building speed for acceleration, and power coming in with a rush when you really don’t want it, like when heeled-over mid-corner and the rear tyre is scrabbling for traction.

  

  The Japanese majors all tried turbocharging back in the 80s, with Kawasaki leading the way in 1978 with the Z1R-TC. Suzuki came in with the XN85, a 650 cc four-cylinder producing 90 hp in 1982/83, the same year Yamaha introduced the XJ650 Seca Turbo.

  Honda followed suit with first the CX500 Turbo, then the CX650 Turbo, after riders complained the bike lacked any sort of urge. The pinnacle came with Kawasaki’s 750 Turbo, boasting EFI, and a turbocharger located as close to the headers as possible to minimise lag.

  And then it all went quiet. The riding public realised turbo bikes didn’t offer a lot of advantages over a 1,000 cc bike. Weight and power numbers were practically the same, and turbos were a lot less reliable than they are today. The tyres, suspension and frames of the time were inadequate to handle the power numbers forced induction was capable of producing.

  

  Ninja H2

  

  

  Ninja H2R

  Aside from drag racers and top-speed record attempts, forced induction motorcycles fell by the wayside, apart from the Vyrus 987 C3 effort in 2009. Till the advent of the H2, and its supercharger.

  Kawasaki’s decision to invest in the engineering effort necessary to produce such a beast is reflective of the advances made in materials technology and manufacturing methods since the 80s.

  Engine controls and rider aids are now common-place, and perhaps forced induction is due for a renaissance in the motorcycle world. Supercharging offers an advantage over turbos, since the impeller is driven at engine speed, eliminating lag. The faster you go, the more air you compress.

  

  

  So is forced induction the way ahead? It depends on who you talk to. There are benefits to super and turbocharging, like getting big power numbers from small engines. There are disadvantages as well, such as added weight, maintenance and complexity, something a lot of riders dislike.

  Kawasaki’s H2 and H2R are currently factory specials, hand-built to order, although they have shown the SC-02 Spirit Charger concept bike, with a supercharger fitted to a mid-size engine. Suzuki is rumoured to be bringing out a new Hayabusa with a supercharged 1,400 cc engine.

  While both Yamaha and Honda have not said anything about forced induction on their two-wheeled offerings, it can be safely assumed developments at Kawasaki are being watched with interest. Developments in electric motors and battery technology are also advancing e-bikes and hybrid electric bikes, which shall be covered in a forthcoming feature.

  So, what do you think? Is forced induction for motorcycles the way forward? Leave us your thoughts and comments.

  

  

  

  

  

  Ninja H2

  
  

  

  

  Ninja H2R

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2016 Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer official US release

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 4 January 2016 10:01 am / 2 comments

  

  16YM VFR1200X Crosstourer

  Honda ushered in the new year with the US web release of the 2016 VFR1200X, as it is known there, and Crosstourer for the rest of us. While the VFR1200X is not a new model per se, it receives a host of mid-model updates and improvements to put it head-to-head with the giant in the adventure touring segment, the BMW Motorrad R1200 GS.

  The 1,237cc V4 engine, the culmination of 30 years of Honda technology, has redesigned cams to provide torque lower down the rev range. Horsepower has been detuned to 129 hp at 7,750 rpm and 126 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm from the 170 hp at 10,000 rpm and 129 Nm torque at 8,750 rpm of the VFR1200F engine from which it is derived.

  This is more in keeping with the steadier, mile-munching pace of a dual-purpose bike like the VFR1200X, where the journey has slightly more importance than the destination. The 78 degree angle between cylinder banks, and a crankshaft with 28 degree offset between crankpins, reduces vibration to the extent that a balancer shaft is unnecessary. Fuelling is with 44 mm throttle bodies that are ride-by-wire.

  

  2014 Crosstourer

  

  2014 Crosstourer

  

  2014 Crosstourer

  There are two gearbox options – a standard six-speed and Honda’s automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with bar-operated buttons. DCT offers the rider three modes, ‘MT’ gives the rider full control to select gears, while ‘D’ gives better fuel consumption and ‘S’ lets the revs build up a little before selecting the next cog up. For riders who prefer changing gears with their foot instead of pressing buttons on the handlebar, a foot-shifter is available.

  To aid control, Honda’s Selectable Torque Control system (HSTC) lets the rider choose between three engine torque delivery modes, depending on available ground traction, or switching the system off – useful in certain off-road conditions such as heavy snow or sand. The drive goes through a fully-enclosed shaft, suited for a motorcycle designed to travel long distances across the world, and endure variable conditions.

  Suspension duties are controlled by a 43mm USD fork by KYB, adjustable for spring pre-load and rebound, while Honda’s Pro-Link suspension takes care of the rear, mated to a KYB shock that does not require tools to adjust the pre-load. This makes it easy to set the suspension on the VFR1200X for varying loads.

  

  2014 Crosstourer

  

  2014 Crosstourer

  The single-sided swingarm lets the rear wheel be removed without fuss. Dual 310 mm discs grabbed by six-pot Nissin calipers in front should make for sure stops, especially with a bike that weighs 275 kg, 285 if DCT is installed. A 276 mm disc does duties at the back, and ABS is standard. Wheels are 19-inch front and 17-inch rear, wearing 110/80R19 and 150/70R17 rubber, in keeping with general dual-purpose design ethos. Fuel capacity is 21.5 litres.

  Seat height on the VFR1200X is 850 mm, and a lower seat option is available, dropping seat height by 20 mm. A full range of touring accessories is available from Honda, including panniers, heated grips, taller windscreen and LED fog lights, among others.

  

  16YM VFR1200X Crosstourer

  The base VFR1200X retailed for AUD17,499 (RM55,000) in 2015, with no word on 2016 prices as yet. Other models in Honda’s ‘X’ range are the VFR800X, NC700X and CB500X.

  Dual-purpose and adventure motorcycles are popular here, in part due to their upright seating position, comfort, and ability to cover large distances without fuss or worry. It remains to be seen whether the VFR1200X will be able to wrest the adventure touring crown away from the BMW R1200 GS.

  

  16YM VFR1200X Crosstourer

  

  16YM VFR1200X Crosstourer

  

  16YM VFR1200X Crosstourer

  

  16YM VFR1200X Crosstourer

  

  16YM VFR1200X Crosstourer

  
  

  

  2014 Crosstourer

  

  2014 Crosstourer

  

  2014 Crosstourer

  

  2014 Crosstourer

  

  2014 Crosstourer

  
  

   

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• Honda CB1100R concept bike closer to production?

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 31 December 2015 5:12 pm / 2 comments

  

  Concept motorcycles tend to have strange lives. Some, like the Suzuki GSX1100S, a.k.a the Katana, generate such interest from the public that a production model appears the very next year. Others, like the Honda CB1100R concept, take a little longer.

  Publicly shown in October 2007 together with the un-faired CB1100F, the single-seat racing-bodied CB1100R disappeared while its ‘F’ sibling made it into production in 2008. Fast-forward to 2015, and the ‘R’ has reappeared in the form of submissions at the Japanese patent office.

  The patent filings deal with air-flow around the spark plugs of the CB1100 engine. Ducted air from the new fairing design is channeled to the plugs and the hottest parts of the engine to take away excess heat. This also helps the engine comply with Euro 4 standards by controlling emissions.

  As reported by Motorcyclenews, the concept of the CB1100R is still cooking at Hamamatsu. Honda chief engineer Hirofumi Fukanaga, the man responsible for several generations of the Fireblade, said, “We can’t say no to this bike. It’s not just a simple concept bike – it can’t be. I can’t say when, but the way the European market is going we may well be seeing naked bikes and retro bikes out-selling sportsbikes and the CB1100 has been designed with a long time of development ahead of it.”

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400 loses 10 hp to Euro 4

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Kawasaki / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 31 December 2015 3:36 pm / 8 comments

  

  The 2016 Kawasaki ZZR1400 (sold as the ZX-14R in the US) recently underwent US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) testing, and was found to have lost 10 hp over previous models. Kawasaki has traditionally been conservative about the big Z’s power, quoting 200 hp as the official figure, but dyno testing over the years showed another five percent or so horsepower could be found on tap.

  Down-grading of the ZZR’s power output was attributed to compliance with Euro 4 standards. Changes to the incoming model include a new three-way catalyst, and revisions to the ECU and evaporative system.

  This was despite earlier claims to the contrary by Kawasaki, saying the 2016 ZZR would suffer no loss of hp. The new number is 199.4 hp, and emissions figures have dropped as a result, with the 2016 engine running a tiny bit cleaner than the older model.

  

  

  

  Major changes are a new instrument cluster and Brembo M50 Monobloc calipers lifted off the ZX-10R. The 2016 ZZR1400 comes in two versions, standard and Performance Sport.

  The Performance Sport model gets Ohlins suspension at the back and a pair of Akrapovic exhausts. The ZZR1400 weighs-in at 269 kg, and is sold in the UK for £11,799 (RM75,200) for the standard and £13,399 (RM85,400) for the Performance Sport.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Yamaha to replace gearbox assembly in 2015 R1 recall

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Yamaha / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 31 December 2015 1:22 pm / 4 comments

  

  Yamaha has finally issued official recall notifications to owners of 2015 R1 and R1M superbikes. The recall was issued over concerns of potential gearbox failure, leading to locking-up of the gears and causing a potentially fatal crash.

  The notice states both second gear wheel and pinion gears in the transmission may break as a result of extremely high stress and improper shifting due to inadequate component strength and stress concentration at the gear teeth bottom land. In addition, the third and fourth wheel gears may be deformed or break as a result of excessive stress caused by hard usage.

  Models affected are the 2015 YZF-R1, YFZ-R1C, YZF-R1MF, and YZF-R1MFC, and Yamaha is not allowed to sell any 2015 R1s in the US till affected bikes are rectified. The procedure calls for engine removal and the gearbox split apart to replace the main axle shaft.

  Yamaha said the procedure will take an estimated 16 hours, and has denied that owners affected by the recall will have their bike’s engine replaced, or be given a new replacement motorcycle. 2016 R1s are not affected by this recall.

   

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• Wunderlich X2 – two-wheel drive BMW GS prototype

  In Bike Parts and Accessories, Bikes, BMW Motorrad, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 31 December 2015 12:25 pm / 2 comments

  

  

  German BMW Motorrad after-market accessories firm Wunderlich has developed a hybrid two-wheel drive system for the R1200 GS. The system utilises a 13.6 hp electric motor embedded in the front wheel to provide “more propulsion on the ground and also draw the GS through curves on the road more quickly.”

  Wunderlich says the bike, called the “Wunderlich X2”, is still at concept stage, and chief executive officer Frank Hoffman only added, “we want to show what is going on and establish standards.” A 2WD motorcycle would be easier to handle in the dirt, especially in arresting impending front-end washouts and help pull the bike through turns.

  The motor, developed in collaboration with Italian firm Evolt, is able to pull the GS along at 20 km/h, even with the bike’s engine off. It is also capable of going in reverse at 3 km/h to help low-speed and parking lot maneuvers, while regenerative braking charges a battery that powers the system.

  Two-wheel drive motorcycles are not new, with several firms producing prototypes over the years, including Yamaha and KTM. Rokon has been producing 2WD off-road bikes for decades, as has Christini. The designs use mechanical or hydraulic drive, and thus add weight and complexity to the front-end.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Ariel Ace – a bespoke bike for the discerning rider

  In Bikes, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 30 December 2015 6:03 pm / 8 comments

  

  Ariel has a rich history in motorcycling going back to 1901, and was famous for the Square Four and Hunters, bikes capable of reaching 165 km/h back in the fifties. The name was revived in 1999 as Ariel Motor Company Ltd, manufacturer of the minimalist Honda Civic Type R-powered Atom.

  The small-volume success of the Atom allowed Ariel to launch the Ace in 2014, a bespoke motorcycle that could be designed exactly as the customer wished. Working on the same exposed trellis frame concept as the Atom, the frame is milled from solid billets of aluminium, a process requiring 70 hours of machining time.

  The frame is further hand-welded and hard anodised, and mated to its Honda-built engine, a 1,237 cc V4 that puts out 173 hp. The gearbox is a six-speed unit that had its origins in the Honda VFR1200, a seriously capable sports-tourer. ABS brakes are standard, as is traction control.

  

  

  Where the Ace differs from almost any other motorcycle you could buy is the staggering list of options available. There isn’t a single ‘look’ or ‘style’ for the Ace. The owner can specify the bike as a cruiser, a naked bike, a streetfighter, a sports-tourer or a sports bike. The only common items are the frame, engine and gearbox, and the limit is effectively the owner’s imagination.

  The options list continues with four different seats and three different fuel tanks. Two fork types are available, a USD telescopic or a girder-style fork, the latter of which is machined and forged out of aluminium.

  The owner can then specify adjustable footrests, different handlebars, dampers, wheels, body parts, exhausts, fairings, even different steering head angles. This ensures that no two Ace motorcycles will ever look the same.

  

  Manufactured in Ariel’s works in Somerset, UK, 100 to 150 Aces are made each year, following the path set by the Atom. Owners are encouraged to return to the factory for upgrades and modifications, something that is in common with Atom owners who keep their cars and embark on a journey of continuous improvements to their ride.

  It is hard to put a price on the Ariel Ace, since no two Aces are alike. It has been reported in the motorcycling press that prices start at £20,000 (RM130,000) and rapidly ascend into the stratosphere.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• The year that was – a quarter-litre class roundup

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki Motorcycles, Yamaha / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 29 December 2015 6:43 pm / 37 comments

  

  The 250 cc motorcycle segment is hotly contested locally, especially after some of the major manufacturers opened up assembly plants in Thailand. Many riders step up to, or begin with, 250 cc bikes, attracted by the reasonable price-to-performance ratio, easy handling and low weight, as well as license restrictions.

  Behind only the under-bone (kapchai) and scooter categories in terms of popularity, the 250 cc segment is well represented in Malaysia, with all the big guys, and several of the small ones, offering at least one quarter-litre class bike in their range.

  The year that was saw some interesting offerings hit the market, with many bikes following the supermotard/streetfighter styling beloved of younger riders who form much of this market segment. With low hp output, and low-to-the-ground seating, 250 cc motorcycles are firm favourites with many Asian riders.

  Here is a roundup of what was available in 2015, with some snippets of what may be coming this way in 2016. Due to the large number of model types in this segment, this list is confined to road bikes, which have a lion’s share of the market.

  Yamaha YZF-R25

  

  The long-awaited Yamaha YZF-R25 was officially launched by Hong Leong Yamaha in February. This DOHC parallel-twin with four valves per puts out 35.5 hp and 22.1 Nm of torque at 10,000 rpm.

  The compression ratio is 11.6:1, so you’ll have to feed it with the good stuff. Transmission is through a six-speed box and fuelling is via EFI.

  Yamaha MT-03

  

  The Yamaha MT-03 has already been released in Thailand as a 321 cc naked sportsbike, while Indonesia made do with the MT-25, the smaller engined version. No word yet as to when it will officially hit local motorcycle shops, but it is said to be sometime in 2016.

  The uprated engine pumps out 41 hp with 29.6 Nm of torque. Engine configuration is similar to its racier sibling, the YZF-R25.

  Honda CBR250R

  

  The Honda CBR250R has been providing sterling service since 2011, with a mid-model update in 2013. Rumours of its replacement, the CBR250RR, have been bouncing around, but no official word from Honda if the CBR250R will be replaced in 2016.

  This 249 cc single features a DOHC four valve engine that is rated at 27 hp with 23.3 Nm of torque. The CBR250R is available three versions – standard at RM19,999, Repsol replica at RM20,999 and Trico with ABS at RM22,999.

  Kawasaki Ninja 250 and 250SL

  

  

  Kawasaki’s small Ninjas are extremely popular here, in part due to the low price. The fully-faired Ninja 250SL is new for 2015 and is lighter than its 250 counterpart

  The Ninja 250, a parallel-twin with eight valves and DOHC, fuelled by EFI, while the Ninja 250SL runs with a thumper. Power is claimed to be 28 hp with 22.6 Nm of torque for the twin, and the single puts out 27.6 hp and 22.6 Nm of torque. The Ninja 250SL retails at RM17,689.

  KTM RC 250 and 250 Duke

  

  

  Listening to riders, KTM brought in 250 cc versions of the RC and Duke, in response to rider feedback that the 200 was a little too small, and the 390 was out of reach, license and price wise. Outwardly resembling the bigger 390 version, both the RC and Duke share almost identical specifications.

  The single-cylinder engine is rated at 31.3 hp and 24 Nm of torque. While it might not sound like much, KTM’s tuning of the engine will ensure either bike spends as little time on the front wheel as possible. The RC is tagged at RM18,888 while the bare Duke is priced at RM17,888.

  Suzuki Inazuma GW250Z

  

  Not brought in officially, the Inazuma GW250Z harks back to Suzuki’s Bandit and GS-series big bikes. Designed as an entry-level, do-anything bike, the Inazuma is targetted at the rider who wants a no-fuss daily bike.

  The engine is a parallel-twin fed by EFI, and power is directed through a six-speed gearbox. No official word on power or torque figures, but somewhere around 30 hp and 20 Nm torque would be about right. It is rumoured that Suzuki will be releasing an all-new GSX-R250 in 2016.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Triumph in black for 2015, posts £2.3 million profit

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Triumph / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 29 December 2015 2:58 pm / 0 comment

  

  

  Triumph Motorcycles, based in Hinckley, UK, posted a £2.3 million (RM14.7 million) profit for its financial year ending June 30, 2015, a turn-around from its £8.0 million (RM51.2 million) pre-tax loss the year before.

  While turnover dropped slighty, from £364.4 million (RM2.3 billion) to £341.3 million (RM2.1 billion), profitability was driven by launch of the new Tiger 800 dual-purpose, and a final hurrah from four special edition Bonnevilles that ushered out Triumph’s era of air-cooled motorcycles.

  Triumph continued to develop its global presence throughout 2015, expanding current dealer and distributor networks, as well as aggressively moving into markets like India and Brazil. Triumph also established sales and distribution operations in Thailand in April, increasing its presence in South-east Asia.

  For 2016, Triumph’s range includes the new Street Twin, and the Speed Triple and Triple S. Also in the line-up are the T120 Bonneville, the Thruxton and the top-of-the-line Thruxton R.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2016 Suzuki Hayabusa to have supercharged 1.4 litre?

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Suzuki Motorcycles / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 29 December 2015 12:06 pm / 9 comments

  

  Hot on the heels of the showing of the Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Concept at EICMA in November is a rumour that an all-new Hayabusa replacement is in the works, and will be in production as soon as mid-2016.

  According to Morebikes UK, Japanese motorcycle magazine “Young Machine” has published photos purportedly showing the engine and design concept for a supercharged 1,400 cc inline-four that is touted as the next-generation GSX-R1400.

  The Hayabusa – the Japanese name for the peregrine falcon – is Suzuki’s top-of-the-line bike, and designed for sheer top-end speed. It is reported the photos were taken during a presentation to Suzuki’s decision makers ahead of the Tokyo motor show in October, showing engine options and concept design for the bike.

  

  

  Rumour has it the new Hayabusa has been green-lighted and will undergo chassis and ride testing soon before a mid-2016 release. This is unusual since under normal circumstances, such a production decision would only be made six months after testing before being launched.

  Perhaps this is Suzuki’s late-to-the-party challenge to Kawasaki’s H2R, which has taken the motorcycle top-speed crown away from Suzuki. Kawasaki’s H2R has a top speed of 357 km/h, and is not road-legal. The road-going H2 is reported to be speed-limited to 300 km/h, as is the current-model Hayabusa.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Motoair Airbag One gives bikers more torso protection

  In Bike Parts and Accessories, Bikes, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 28 December 2015 5:20 pm / 4 comments

  

  

  Motorcycling is an inherently dangerous activity, but riders accept and manage the risk. A new item for their safety arsenal is the Motoair Airbag One inflatable vest.

  Designed to be worn with normal riding gear, the Airbag One is activated when the rider comes off the motorcycle and disconnects a safety tether. This triggers the discharge of a 28-gramme CO2 cartridge that inflates an air bladder.

  The air bladder covers the neck, shoulders, torso and spine. MotoAir claims the bladder will inflate in 0.2 seconds. While this isn’t fast as airbag inflation speeds go – Alpinestars and Dainese have airbag jackets that inflate in milliseconds – at slower speeds it might be enough to save the rider from more serious injury.

  The Motoair Airbag One is available in Hi-vis, black or camo, and comes with YKK zippers for durability. Certain models have removable inner linings. It is ISO9001 certified, TUV, SGS and CE approved.

  At an online price of 220 pounds (RM1,400) the Airbag One isn’t cheap, but it isn’t expensive either, as far proper safety gear goes. The only drawback is if the rider forgets to disconnect the tether when dismounting the motorcycle, or stands up in the saddle while riding. Unintentional inflation can be dangerous, and could cause an accident.

   

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