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2022 Yamaha 135LC Fi V8 - from RM7,798

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• 2025 Triumph Tiger Sport 800 for Malaysia, RM63.9k

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Triumph / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 24 February 2025 1:48 pm / 1 comment

  

  Now in Malaysia is the 2025 Triumph Tiger Sport 800, priced at RM63,900 with main competition in the local market being the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT (RM69,998). The Tiger Sport 800 will be available in Triumph Malaysia dealer showrooms from April 2025, and there are four colour options -Cosmic Yellow, Caspian Blue/Phantom Black, Graphite/Sapphire Black, and Sapphire Black.

  Additionally, the first 30 purchasers of the Tiger Sport 800 will receive a Touring Pack worth RM11,000. The pack includes panniers with inner bags, top box for two helmets, luggage rack, top box mounting kit, top box backrest pad, and centre stand.

  Tuned for mid-range torque, the new inline-triple engine displaces 798 cc, with liquid-cooling, 12-valves and DOHC. Power is claimed to be 115 PS at 10,750 rpm with 83 Nm of torque at 8,500 rpm, which compares against the Tracer 9 GT’s 118 PS at 10,000 rpm with 93 Nm of peak torque at 7,000 rpm.

  

  Power goes to the rear wheel via a quickshifter equipped six-speed gearbox and chain final drive, will a slip and assist clutch prevents rear wheel lock up and wheel hop on deceleration and downshifting. Wheel sizing allows for sport oriented tyres, with 17-inch wheels front and rear, wearing 120/70 and 180/55 rubber, respectively.

  Showa upside-down forks with adjustable compression and rebound props up the front end of the Tiger 800 Sport, with 150 mm of travel. At the back, a Showa monoshock gives adjustable rebound damping and remote hydraulic preload adjustment, also with 150 mm of suspension travel.

  

  Braking is done with Triumph brand radial-mount, four-piston brake calipers and twin 310 mm front discs, paired with a single piston caliper and 255 mm disc at the rear while cornering ABS is standard. There are three ride modes – Sport, Road, and Rain – selectable on-the-fly.

  There is also cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity is standard with My Triumph Connectivity System giving turn-by-turn navigation, phone and music information, all displayed on the TFT-LCD instrument panel. Weight for the Tiger Sport 800 is listed at 214 kg, with 18.6-litres of fuel in the tank while seat height is set at 835 mm.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2025 Kawasaki Z650RS in Malaysia, priced at RM37,200

  In Bikes, Kawasaki, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 24 February 2025 11:24 am / 6 comments

  

  Middleweight retro bike fans rejoice, for the 2025 Kawasaki Z650RS is now in Malaysia, priced at RM37,300. For the local retro bike market, competition for the Z650RS – built as CKD inn Gurun, Kedah – is primarily the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, with a retail price of RM33,700 and Continental GT 650, priced at RM35,600.

  Pricing for the Z650RS does not include road tax, insurance and registration and every Kawasaki comes with a two-year or 20,000 km warranty against manufacturing defects. The Z650RS joins the Kawasaki Ninja 650 sportsbike (RM35,200), Vulcan 650 cruiser, Z650 naked sports (RM35,900) and Versys 650 adventure-tourer (RM43,600) in Kawasaki’s Malaysian lineup.

  

  First unveiled in 2022, the Z650RS follows the styling of its larger displacement sibling, the Kawasaki Z900RS (RM73,300), closely. With the parallel-twin mill used in the range of Kawasaki middleweight machines, the Z650RS gets liquid-cooling, DOHC and eight-valves producing 68 PS at 8,000 rpm and 64 Nm of torque at 6,700 rpm from 649 cc.

  The Z650RS gets a six-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch, sending power to the rear wheel via chain final drive. Wheel sizing on the Z650RS is 17-inches on cast alloy multi-spoke wheels, wearing 120/70 and 160/60 tyres.

  

  Braking is done with twins 300 mm diameter discs in front with two-piston callipers while the rear wheel gets a 220 mm disc ad single-piston calliper. Telescopic forks, 41 mm in diameter, hold up the front end while the rear is fitted with a preload-adjustable monoshock.

  Weight for the Z650RS is listed as 187 kg wet, with 13-litres of fuel in the tank. Seat height for the Z650RS is 820 mm.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2025 Suzuki GSX-R150 Malaysia new colours, RM13.8k

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Suzuki Motorcycles / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 20 February 2025 2:01 pm / 6 comments

  

  In new colours for this year is the 2025 Suzuki GSX-R150, with pricing revised to RM13,888 from the 2022 price of RM11,329. Pricing does not include road tax, insurance and registration and the new colour options are Titan Black and Pearl Brilliant White.

  No changes otherwise for Suzuki Malaysia’s small displacement sportsbike, with a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC mill displacing 147.3 cc. Power is rated at 19 hp at 10,500 rpm and 14 Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm, fed by EFI.

  A six-speed gearbox and chain final drive gets power to the rear wheel. Wheel sizing on the GSX-R150 is 17-inches, fitted with 90/80 front tyre and 130/70 rear.

  

  For suspension the GSX-150 comes with telescopic forks in front and monoshockl at the rear, while braking is with single hydraulic discs front and rear while ABS is not installed. Equipment fit out on the GSX-150 includes LED headlight and 11-litres of fuel is carried in the tank.

  The GSX-R150 weighs in at 135 kg with seat height set at 785 mm. Every GSX-R150 comes with a two-year or 20,000 km warranty against manufacturing defects.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2025 Aveta Nova 160 and Nova 125 scooters in Malaysia, priced at RM7,988 and RM5,188, respectively

  In Aveta, Bikes, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 18 February 2025 6:20 pm / 6 comments

  

  Debuting in the Malaysian scooter market are the 2025 Aveta Nova 160 and 125 scooters, priced at RM7,988 and RM5,188, respectively. Both scooters will be available in authorised Aveta dealer showrooms beginning March 2025.

  Designed for the urban commuter, the Nova 160 comes with a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled mill displacing 154.4 cc. Power is claimed to be 15.8 hp at 8,500 with a maximum torque of 14.7 Nm at 6,500 rpm while wheel sizing is 14-inches, shod with 100/80 and 120/70 tyres

  Weight for the Nova 160 is listed at 112 kg, with a 10-litre fuel tank and 778 mm seat height. Braking is done with single hydraulic discs front and rear, with suspension using telescope forks and twin shock absorbers adjustable for preload.

  

  Riding conveniences include keyless start, USB charging socket in the front cowl, idle stop-start, LCD instrument panel and LED lighting throughout. Available colours are Aveta Blue, Raven Red and Copper Blaze.

  For the cost conscious Malaysian scooter rider, the Nova 125 is powered by an air-cooled, single-cylinder, SOHC, two-valve engine displacing 125 cc. Power is rated at 9 hp at 8,000 rpm with 8.8 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm.

  

  With a seat height of 765 mm and fuel tank capacity of 6-litres, the Novas 125 weighs in at 104 kg. Braking for the Nova 125 uses a single hydraulic disc in front and mechanical drum brake at the back with wheel sizing 14-inches, wearing 80/90 and 90/90 tyres

  Three colour options for the Nova 125 in Malaysia – Berry Peach, Grey Lemon and Blue Lemon. Every Aveta motorcycle and scooter sold in Malaysia comes with a two-year or 20,000 km warranty against manufacturing defects.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Emergency lane not exclusive for bikers, says LLM

  In Bikes, Cars, Local Bike News, Local News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 18 February 2025 12:06 pm / 21 comments

  

  All highway users, notably motorcyclists, are reminded the emergency lane is not for the exclusive use of any party. Malaysia Highway Authority (Lembaga Lebuhraya Malaysia, LLM) director-general Datuk Sazali Harun said this when speaking at the Mini Carnival Satu Pemimpin Satu Kampung (Santuni MADANI) programme in Kampung Terusan Seberang in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan.

  “It is crucial to understand that emergency lanes are not designated for any specific group. These lanes are meant for all types of vehicles to stop in case of breakdowns, so extra caution is necessary,” he said in a Bernama report. Saying reports are received almost daily of motorcycles colliding with stationary vehicles, LLM is seeking solutions to address this issue.

  Sazali said with the introduction of Smart Lanes, there is greater awareness among motorcyclists. “In the past, motorcyclists would react aggressively, sometimes even kicking other vehicles using the emergency lane. Now, they understand that it is to be shared with everyone,” he said.

  

  Smart Lanes were introduced on Malaysian highways in 2023 in order to relieve traffic congestion. Designated for light vehicles only, the lanes are only activated at specific times.

  Sazali reminded all motorists, especially motorcyclists, to exercise caution at all times when using the emergency lanes. Previous incidents saw motorcyclists on the highway berate and chastise drivers for using the emergency lane despite the Smart Lane being in effect.

   

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• Indian Motorcycles ends production of FTR 1200?

  In Bikes, Indian Motorcycle, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 12 February 2025 3:50 pm / 1 comment

  

  A press release from Polaris, parent company of Indian Motorcycles, indicated the Indian FTR 1200 is to be dropped from the catalogue. A footnote in Polaris’ 2024 fourth quarter financial statement said, “(3) Represents adjustments for corporate restructuring and the wind down of the FTR product line within the Company’s On Road segment.”

  This follows after a reported year of flat sales for Indian Motorcycles, as well as a 15% down turn in sales of parts, garments and accessories. Polaris reported 180.8 million USD (RM807.59 million) in sales for the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024 for its “On Road” division, a drop of 21% from the 229.4 million USD (RM1.024 billion) for the same period in 2023.

  Meanwhile, gross profit margin for Polaris On Road division fell from 13.8% in Q$ 2023 to 9.9% in Q4 2024. The statement attributed this to a lower sales volume with North America unit retail sales for the comparable motorcycle industry down to high-single digits percent.

  

  The negative outlook continues to 2025, with Polaris expecting sales to be down one to four percent versus 2024. The Minnesota, US, based company attributes this to margin headwinds from negative mix, planned reductions in production leading to negative absorption in addition to the restoration of the company’s employee profit-sharing program.

  Launched in 2018, the Indian FTR 1200 was a new V-twin motorcycle designed in the “flat tracker” style. While Indian does not release its sales numbers, it is surmised that market take up of the FTR 1200, as well as the cost to make the V-twin engine Euro 5+ compliant, did not allow for the numbers to make financial sense.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2025 MotoGP: Ducati dominates Sepang Winter Test

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, MotoGP / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 10 February 2025 12:13 pm / 2 comments

  

  As expected, Ducati dominated the 2025 MotoGP Winter Test at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) over the previous week, with Alex Marquez of Gresini Racing firing out a 1:56.493 lap time. He was followed by Ducati Lenovo Team’s Francesco Bagnaia just 0.007 of a second behind.

  Notable is the fact Marquez was riding the Desmosedici GP24 while Bagnaia mounted the Desmosedici GP25. While Winter Test is not necessarily a true indication of a MotoGP rider’s or bike’s true performance, it can be expected the 2024 Ducati will perhaps dominate the first quarter of this year’s racing as Ducati gathers data for the 2025 MotoGP machine.

  However, biggest surprise of the three days of Winter Test was Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, rider Fabio Quartararo clocking a 1:56.724, with the YZR-M1 showing a very decent turn of speed. Quartararo was consistent on his lap times on day three of testing, with the Frenchman showing his pleasure in the media debrief.

  

  The Yamaha’s performance even impressed Davide Tardozzi, Ducati Lenovo’s team manager, who implied the Italian team could face a credible challenge from the Iwata team this year. For comparison, Quartararo’s team mate, Alex Rins, came in tenth while the new Yamaha satellite team riders, Prima Pramac Yamaha’s Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira, were twelfth and seventeenth, respectively.

  The other Japanese team, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), saw riders Johann Zarco and Joan Mir pushing the RC123V faster than ever before at Sepang, coming in seventh and eighth, respectively. New HRC technical chief Romano Albesiano said the team will be returning to Sepang instead of a planned test in Portugal.

  Meanwhile, KTM, despite the financial troubles faced by its parent company, saw Pedro Acosta put his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machine in sixth place, a best ever lap time at SIC for the Austrian team. Team mate Brad Binder was not as lucky with a technical issue halting play during the Sprint simulation, forcing the South African into thirteenth position.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2025 MotoGP: “Circuit girls” question raised in Malaysian Parliament

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, MotoGP / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 7 February 2025 5:03 pm / 32 comments

  

  A question was raised in Malaysian Parliament about government plans to stop the use of “circuit girls” at local motorsports events. In a written reply to Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (PN-Permatang Pauh), Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said “circuit girls serve as brand ambassadors for companies involved in events and are selected by the organiser, Dorna Sports,” reported The New Straits Times.

  Yeoh further said the circuit girls are selected by the organiser of MotoGP, Dorna Sports, while Sepang International Circuit (SIC) serves as event host and facilities provider. “The ministry takes note of Permatang Pauh’s feedback. Cultural and religious sensitivities are important in a multicultural country like Malaysia,” Yeoh said.

  

  However, Dorna Sports clarified circuit girls are employed directly by the race teams and purely at their discretion, with the Spain based race organiser having no involvement. It was pointed out certain teams, like Aspar Team, do not employ circuit girls, while Ana Carrasco, Supersport 300 champion, had grid boys.

  Comments about the removal of circuit girls, paddock girls, umbrella girls, race queens, amongst the many terms used to describe the brand ambassadors, have been bandied about for years. With the 2025 MotoGP Winter Test currently on-going at SIC, the season kicks-off at the Grand Prix of Thailand in Buriram on February 28 to March 2.

   

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• 2025 Aveta Nova 160, Nova 125 entering Malaysia scooter market, pricing around RM9,000?

  In Aveta, Bikes, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 6 February 2025 5:21 pm / 0 comment

  

  A pair of budget segment scooters are set to debut in Malaysia soon, the 2025 Aveta Nova 160 and Nova 125, with expected to be around RM9,000 for the Nova 160 and below RM6,000 for the Nova 125. The Nova 160 is targetted art the urban professional while the Nova 125 has students, daily commuters, and female riders as its market focus.

  Set for its local launch in a fortnight, the Nova 160 comes with a liquid-cooled engine and keyless start. Information is shown on an LCD display with LED headlamp and 8-litre fuel tank, with the overall design translating to a premium feel.

  Designed as an everyday scooter, the Nova 125 is fitted with an air-cooled, single-cylinder mill. A combined braking system is used for safety while a 13.2-litre under seat storage compartment makes the Nova 125 suited for the daily rider.

   

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• Royal Enfield and Icon Motorsports release Limited Edition Shotgun 650, RM38,500, 5 units for Malaysia

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Royal Enfield / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 6 February 2025 4:51 pm / 0 comment

  

  A collaboration between Royal Enfield and Icon Motorsports sees the release of the Limited Edition Shotgun 650, priced at RM38,500. Produced in a limited run of only 100 units worldwide, there are five Shotgun 650s allocated for Malaysia out of 25 units for ASEAN, with registration open on the Royal Enfield website.

  Intended as a collector’s edition, the Limited Edition Shotgun 650 comes in a three-tone colorway of race-inspired graphics and fitted with gold contrast alloy cut rims and shock absorber springs finished inn blue. With red seat and integrated logo, the Limited Edition Shotgun 650 takes inspiration from the custom-build ‘Always Something’ by Icon, showcased at EICMA 2024 and Motoverse 2024.

  Complementing every purchase of the Limited Edition Shotgun 650 is a Slabtown Intercept RE jacket designed by ICON. A mixture of textile and suede, the jacket is adorned with leather appliques and embroidery.

  

  

  

  

  No changes otherwise for the Shotgun 650 (priced at RM34,900 in Malaysia), with power coming from an air-cooled parallel-twin mill displacing 648 cc. Power is claimed to be 46 hp at 7,250 rpm with a maximum torque of 52.3 Nm at 5,650 rpm.

  Power goes to the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox and chain final drive. Wheel sizing for the Shotgun 650 is 18-inch in front with 100-90 tyre and 17-inches at the back with 150/70 rubber.

  

  Suspension is done with Showa SFF-BP upside-down forks in front, non-adjustable, with the rear end held top by twin Showa shock absorbers, adjustable for preload. The Shotgun 650 is stopped with single hydraulic discs, front and rear, with two-channel ABS as standard equipment.

  LED lighting is used throughout while information is displayed on an LCD display with a USB charging port provided for the rider’s convenience. Weight for the Shotgun 650 is listed at 240 kg, ready to ride, with 13.8-litres of fuel in the tank while seat height is set at 795 mm.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2025 Yamaha 135LC Fi updated for Malaysia – four new colours, pricing starts from RM8,298

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Yamaha / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 5 February 2025 11:04 am / 4 comments

  

  Colour updates for the 2025 Yamaha 135LC Fi, available at all authorised Hong Leong Yamaha dealers beginning February 5. Recommended retail pricing for the 135LC Fi is RM8,298 for the standard version, while the 135LC Fi SE retails at RM8,798, excluding road tax, insurance and registration.

  New colour options are Aqua Blue, Sandstorm, and Moss Green for the standard 135LC Fi, while the SE version is available in Red Titan. Purchasers of the 135LC Fi will receive a Yamaha disc lock worth RM100 while the SE comes with a sports visor for the front cowl and Yamaha basket with Type-C USB charging port.

  The 135LC is otherwise unchanged mechanically with power coming from a Euro 4 compliant 135 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled mill fed by EFI. Power is claimed to be 12.4 hp at 8,000 pm while 12.2 Nm of torque is available at 6,000 rpm, going through a four-speed gearbox and chain final drive.

  

  

  Braking is done with hydraulic discs front and rear, with tyre sizing 70/90-17 in front and 80/90-17 at the back. Suspension uses non-adjustable telescopic forks in front with a preload-adjustable monoshock in the rear.

  4.6-litres of fuel is carried in the tank and seat height is set at 775 mm while weight is listed at 109 kg. Dimensions for the 135LC Fi are a wheelbase of 1,255 mm with a ground clearance of 135 mm.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• MV Augusta regains full ownership after KTM folds

  In Bikes, International Bike News, KTM, MV Agusta / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 3 February 2025 2:45 pm / 4 comments

  

  Marking its separation from troubled Austrian motorcycle maker KTM, Art of Mobility has now gained full ownership of the MV Agusta Group. Under ownership of the Sardarov family, Art of Mobility aims to safeguard its network of MV Agusta suppliers and dealers.

  The move will shield MV Agusta’s operations from any potential financial disruptions, keeping it from being affected by KTM’s restructuring process. In 2024, the company sold 4,000 motorcycles, achieving an annual growth rate of 116 % compared to 2023.

  

  In 2022, KTM, under Pierer Mobility, bought into MV Agusta in 2022. This was increased to a majority stake in 2024 with a 50.1 % stake in MV Agusta, leaving 49.9 % in the hands of the Sardarov family.

  However, in November 2024, KTM initiated a legal restructuring proceeding with self-administration. The move was to avoid bankruptcy and install a credible restructuring plan to address current debt and the future continuation of the company.

   

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• 2025 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS – more power, improved Ohlins semi-active suspension

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Triumph / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 3 February 2025 10:52 am / 0 comment

  

  Getting improved suspension is the 2025 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS, priced at 17,495 pounds sterling (RM96,754) in the UK. In Malaysia, the 2024 Speed Triple 1200 RS is priced beginning from RM105,900.

  The Speed Triple 1200 RS for this year gets 3 PS more power than previous, now pumping out 183 PS at 10,750rpm from the 1,160 cc line three-cylinder. Torque take a similar jump, with an increase of 3 Nm to 128 Nm at 8,750rpm and more torque is now delivered slightly lower down the rev range.

  A new, free-flowing exhaust system and compact, lightweight silencer streamlines gas flow and centralises mass to improve performance. Also available is an official accessory is a new Akrapovic silencer with titanium outer wrap and mounting bracket, finished with carbon-fibre endcap and laser etched logo.

  

  

  

  

  The 2205 Speed Triple comes with Ohlins SmartEC3 semi-active suspension with its Objective Based Tuning Interface (OBTi) continuously monitoring and adjusting suspension damping. Suspension adjustments are made throughout the TFT-LCD instrument panel.

  Front braking features Brembo Stylema callipers controlled by a span-adjustable Brembo MCS master cylinder. Wet weight for the Speed Triple 1200 RS is 199 kg, including the provision of a lithium-ion lightweight battery.

  

  New, lighter, wheels reduce gyroscopic forces for faster turn in and greater agility. The single-sided swingarm is retained, while a new seat cowl sharpens the rear end of the bike.

  The electronic riding suite is also updated, now featuring Engine Braking Control and five riding modes – Rain, Road, Sport, Track, Rider – as well as cornering ABS, traction control, a quickshifter and keyless start. Brake Slide Assist, available in Track mode only, optimises ABS calibration for track riding by allowing more front wheel slip and more rear wheel lift.

  

  A five-inch instrument panel displays all the necessary information and is controlled by a five-way joystick, while handlebar switches are backlit for legibility at night. Coming as standard is My Triumph Connectivity System that enables turn-by-turn navigation, as well as phone and music control via Bluetooth connectivity to the rider’s smartphone.

  The Speed Triple 1200 RS carries 15.5 litres of fuel in the tank and seat height is set at 830 mm. There are three colour options for 2025, Granite and Diablo Red, and Granite and Performance Yellow, along with Jet Black as the base colour.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2025 Ducati Multistrada V2 launched – 115 hp, 92 Nm

  In Bikes, Ducati, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 31 January 2025 11:01 am / 1 comment

  

  New for this year’s riding season is the 2025 Ducati Multistrada V2, alongside the Multistrada V2S (priced at RM105,900 in Malaysia in 2022) with semi-active suspension. The 29025 Multistrada V2 carries the new Ducati V2 engine, with variable valve timing.

  The V-twin displaces 890 cc, and produces 115 hp at 10,750 rpm and 92 Nm of torque at 8,250 rpm. With IVT variable intake valve timing and distribution with coil spring valve recall, the new engine weighs 54.9 kg, contributing to the overall reduction in weight.

  This allows for more than 70% of the maximum torque available at 3,500 rpm, and never less than 75% between 3,500 and 11,000 rpm. The flatter torque curve gives smoother power delivery at low engine speeds, improving rider control and riding comfort.

  Gear ratios are revised, with shorter first and second gear to improve usability at low speeds and full acceleration. The gearbox is equipped with the new Ducati Quick Shift 2.0 quickshifter, giving precise pedal feel and faster gear changes.

  

  The frame, rear subframe and swingarm on the Multistrada V2 is redesigned, following the engineering design of the Multistrada V4. The aluminium monocoque frame uses the engine as a stressed member with steel trellis subframe and cast aluminium swingarm.

  This gives the Multistrada V2 an weight of 199 kg, excluding fuel while the Multistrada V2S tips the scales at 202 kg. The redesign gives a slim bike, with narrow fit across the frame that allows riders to get their feet on the ground without struggle.

  The two-position adjustable seat gives seat heights of 830 mm and 850 mm while the Ducati Performance catalogue offers 870 mm tall and 810 mm low seats. For the V2S, if the electronic suspension is set to Minimum Preload, a seat height of 790 mm is achievable.

  

  

  

  

  Main difference between the Multistrada V2 and Multistrada V2S is the suspension, the V2 coming with full-adjustable Marzocchi suspension front and rear. The Multistrada V2S gets Ducati Skyhook semi-active suspension with suspension software that limits diving during braking (anti-dive) and the tendency to “sit” during acceleration (anti-squat).

  The electronic riding suite comes with five ride modes – Sport, Touring, Urban, Enduro and Wet – that works in combination with four power delivery modes. This controls cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) and Engine Brake Control (EBC), which are also adjustable to suit rider preference.

  Information is displayed on a 5-inch TFT-LCD display with multi-lingual function and three display modes – Road, Road Pro and Rally. The Multistrada V2S gets the Ducati Multimedia System, with turn-by-turn navigation an option.

  

  For colour options, the Multistrada V2 is only available in Ducati Red, while the V2S comes in Storm Green and Ducati Red colour choices. The Multistrada V2S also comes in the “Travel” trim package, with plastic side cases with 60-liter combined capacity, centre stand and heated grips.

  Standard equipment includes cruise control, a USB socket integrated into the dashboard, and Ducati Brake Light EVO that flashes the tail light during emergency braking. Wheel sizing is 19-inches in front wheel and 17-inch rear, wearing Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres while Brembo does the braking with twin 320 mm discs in front and 260 mm discs at the back.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Honda Motorcycles bullish on EV, Asia biggest market

  In Electric motorcycles, Honda Motorcycles, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 28 January 2025 2:30 pm / 2 comments

  

  With a 40% share of the global motorcycle market, Honda Motorcycles is expecting motorcycle sales, including electric motorcycles, to reach 60 million units by 2030.

  Currently, the estimated worldwide sales number for two-wheelers is estimated to be 50 million units. Of this, Honda expects to sell 20.2 million motorcycles by the end of its current fiscal year ending March 31, 2025 (FY2025).

  With a long-term target to capture a 50% share of the global motorcycle market including electric motorcycles, Honda is focusing on the “Global South”, centred in South-West Asia. India is the largest market in this region, followed by Indonesia and the Philippines while focus is placed on growing markets in South America, notably Brazil.

  

  Honda aims to synergise its strategy in India, where it offers four models targetted at the commuter market, and replicating this in South America, where rider requirements are much the same as the sub-continent. Honda is expecting to see a further increase of motorcycle demand in ASEAN countries, as well as Pakistan and Bangladesh where the commuter need for two-wheel transport is rising.

  As for electric motorcycles, Honda has introduced two global electric models in Indonesia, the CUV e: and the Icon e: electric scooters. Specific to the India market, Honda has launched the Active e: and QC1 electric scooters.

  

  Moving forward, Honda will launch its first electric sports model, the EV Fun Concept, and the commuter targetted EV Urban Concept for urban mobility. Of the 30 models targeted for introduction by 2030, Honda has already introduced 13 models, making steady progress with its electrification plan.

  Honda is also working on reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO) for electric vehicles with a target of pricing it within the equivalent of three year TCO of ICE equivalents. To achieve this, Honda is looking at operating a dedicated electric motorcycle production plant in India in 2028.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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