Tag Archives: Moto

News

MBP Looks to Enter Malaysian Market with MForce Bike Holdings

MBP, also known as Moto Bologna Passione, is an emerging motorcycle brand originating from Italy. It has been gaining traction in the European market with a series of recent launches. The brand was officially introduced at EICMA 2022, where it showcased its premium adventure-tourer called the T1002V.

It turns out that MBP is a subsidiary of Qianjiang, a Chinese motorcycle giant. This affiliation places the brand alongside other up-and-coming marques like Benelli, QJ Motor, and Keeway. This connection to Qianjiang, which is part of China’s Geely Group, explains MBP’s rapid growth and expansion of its model range.

Keeway's Premium Sub-Brand MBP Presents The C650V Power Cruiser

In recent months, MBP has released a range of motorcycles targeted at the premium market. Alongside the T1002V adventure bike, MBP also unveiled the C650V cruiser, a retro-inspired, muscular cruiser designed for the European market. Additionally, MBP introduced the SC300 maxi-scooter to cater to the growing demand for practical and efficient two-wheelers in Europe.

While establishing its presence in Europe, MBP is now setting its sights on the Asian market due to the significant increase in sales of premium motorcycles. The brand has partnered with MForce Bike Holdings in Malaysia and intends to launch some of its models in the Southeast Asian country by 2023. MForce Bike Holdings currently manages the sales and distribution of other Qianjiang group brands in Malaysia, including Benelli, Keeway, and Taiwanese manufacturer SYM.

Keeway Subsidiary MBP Launches The SC300 Maxi-Scooter

MForce Bike Holdings has announced that MBP will make its official debut in the Malaysian market at the Kuala Lumpur Bike Show 2023, scheduled to take place in August at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Center. The specific models that MBP will offer in Malaysia have not been revealed yet. However, considering the recent launch of high-end motorcycles in the country, it is not far-fetched to envision MBP making a strong impact in the premium segment.

News

Spotted: Aprilia RS 440 Taking A Stroll With A Moto Guzzi Stelvio Buddy

In the motorcycle industry, summer 2023 is heating up. While Moto Guzzi and Aprilia haven’t made any major announcements yet, these two Piaggio Group brands are clearly ready to make waves in the coming months.

Rumors have been circulating about the return of the Moto Guzzi Stelvio by the end of June, with an expected release before the end of 2023. There have also been hints about the development plans for a 400-450cc Aprilia sportbike. Now, in July 2023, spy photos have emerged showing the Aprilia RS 440 in action, with a Moto Guzzi Stelvio (based on the V100 Mandello) following closely behind. It’s nice to see riding buddies, isn’t it?


Aprilia RS440 and Moto Guzzi Stelvio Testing 4

4 Photos

The styling of the Aprilia RS 440 closely resembles that of the existing Aprilia RS 660. In fact, Aprilia has cleverly disguised the RS 440 as an RS 660 with a graphics decal on the side. However, a closer look at the front wheel reveals a single brake caliper and disc, indicating a potential cost-saving measure in the RS 440 model.

Recently, another test mule of the same model was spotted testing on public roads in India. The photos show similar features to the previously mentioned spy shots, including the single-disc brake setups, alloy wheels, frame design, mirrors, and windscreen. Although the dash is slightly obscured, it provides a small glimpse of what to expect.

If the estimated unveiling of the RS 440 in September during the Indian MotoGP round is accurate, it makes sense to see these near-production test mules in different locations. However, until official information is released, everything remains speculative.

News

New Chinese Manufacturer PFMoto Debuts The Starship 6 Tourer

In 2022, a new motorcycle manufacturer from China called Paifang Moto, or PFMoto, unveiled some renderings of a futuristic touring machine. At the time, it had affiliations with Lifan and the Geely Group, which owns Qianjiang, Benelli, and Keeway.

Since then, there hasn’t been much news about PFMoto. Many dismissed it as just another Chinese brand with a concept motorcycle that wouldn’t come to fruition. However, it seems that PFMoto has proven them wrong because the company has now revealed the Starship 6, a modern touring motorcycle that appears to have borrowed some styling elements from the popular Honda Gold Wing.

New Chinese Manufacturer PFMoto Debuts The Starship 6 Tourer

The PFMoto Starship 6 resembles a smaller version of the Honda Gold Wing, complete with similar side panniers and a large top case. It also features a spacious windscreen for wind protection and an ergonomic design with a low saddle, upright handlebars, and forward controls, providing a relaxed and comfortable riding position for long journeys.

Surprisingly, the Starship 6 is equipped with a rather underwhelming 573cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected V-Twin engine. With only 60 horsepower, it produces less than half the power of the Honda Gold Wing and is considerably smaller in size. Weighing 280 kilograms, the Starship 6 is lighter than the Gold Wing but still hefty for its engine size, which may result in sluggish performance.

Honda Gold Wing
New Chinese Manufacturer PFMoto Debuts The Starship 6 Tourer

Despite its underpowered engine, the Starship 6 boasts several impressive features. It comes with an electronically adjustable windscreen, a full-color TFT instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, and loudspeakers for playing music during rides.

However, it’s unlikely that the Starship 6 will be available outside of China. Its weight and performance may not be competitive in the U.S. and European markets. In China, it is priced at approximately $4,000 USD.

News

Several 2024 BMWs Get Intelligent Emergency Call Feature In North America

It’s the end of June 2023, and motorcycle manufacturers are starting to release their 2024 updates to generate excitement for the upcoming year. BMW Motorrad USA’s first batch of 2024 bikes includes new colors, Option 719 packages, and one significant update to several models: Intelligent Emergency Call as a standard and/or optional feature on certain bikes.

For the first time, BMW Motorrad will offer its Intelligent Emergency Call feature on select models in the US and Canadian markets:

Bike  Optional or Standard 
2024 BMW F 900 R and XR  Optional 
2024 BMW K 1600  Standard 
2024 BMW R 1250  Standard 
2024 BMW R 18 B and Transcontinental  Standard 
2024 BMW S 1000 R and RR  Standard 
2024 BMW CE 04  Standard 

2024 BMW bikes equipped with the Intelligent Emergency Call feature will have an SOS button with a cover on the right-side handlebar. This button features a loudspeaker and a microphone to allow riders to communicate in case of an emergency. The system utilizes BMW Motorrad Connected Services to connect the rider with a BMW agent, who can then contact the appropriate emergency services in their area. If a bike with this feature is involved in a crash or fall, the Intelligent Emergency Call will automatically activate and place a call for the rider to receive assistance.

In addition to this update, all 2024 BMW M motorcycles now come with BMW Ultimate Care Break-In Service at 600 miles as part of their sale to new owners.

BMW Motorrad USA has also announced new colors and pricing information for its returning 2024 models:

Model  New 2024 Colors  US MSRP 
2024 BMW CE 04  Imperial Blue Metallic (on the Avantgarde Package)  $12,195 
2024 BMW C 400 GT  Imperial Blue Metallic (on the Style Exclusive)  $8,245 
2024 BMW G 310 R  Racing Blue Metallic (on the Style Sport) and Granite Grey Metallic (on the Style Passion) $4,995 
2024 BMW G 310 GS  Racing Red (on Style Rallye)  $5,695
2024 BMW F 900 R  Style Triple Black (replaces Style Exclusive/Bluestone Metallic)  $8,995
2024 BMW F 900 XR  Racing Blue Metallic 2 (on Style Sport) $11,695
2024 BMW R 18  Black Storm Metallic and Vintage, Style Option 719 Velvet Green Metallic  $14,995 
2024 BMW R 18 Classic Black Storm Metallic and Vintage, Style Option 719 Moon Stone Mineral White Metallic $17,995 
2024 BMW R 18 Roctane (new model for 2024, but recently announced)  Black Storm Metallic, Manhattan Metallic Matte, Mineral Grey Metallic Matte $18,695 
2024 BMW R 18 B  Racing Blue Metallic, Style Option 719 Black Pearl Black Storm Metallic 2  $19,945 
2024 BMW R 18 Transcontinental  Racing Blue Metallic, Style Option 719 Moon Stone Mineral White Metallic  $23,995
2024 BMW R 1250 RT Racing Blue Metallic 2  $19,995
2024 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure  Racing Blue Metallic (on Style Rallye)  $20,745 
2024 BMW K 1600 GT  Style Option 719 Havanna Meteoric Dust 2 Metallic  $24,295
2024 BMW K 1600 GTL  Style Option 719 Havanna Meteoric Dust 2 Metallic $27,295 
Cars

Ranking the Top 10 Italian Motorcycles Ever Made, from Worst to Best

For fans of the Triumph Bonneville, the Moto Guzzi V7 is a natural choice. It is considered one of the best motorcycles ever produced by Moto Guzzi. This motorcycle combines classic design, a 90-degree 850cc V-twin engine, and a comfortable two-tier saddle. Introduced in 1967 and still being produced today, the V7 remains one of the most popular bikes from the Italian brand. In 2021, the V7 received a major update to celebrate Moto Guzzi’s centenary.

The new version of the V7 is more than just a simple makeover. The engine has been borrowed from the Moto Guzzi V85 TT, resulting in the brand’s most advanced and efficient power unit to date. The bike has also received various enhancements, including a wider rear wheel, larger exhaust pipes, and sturdier shock absorbers. LED lighting has replaced the previous halogen bulbs, and steel accents have been added throughout to give the bike a premium feel.

While the V7 excels in terms of fit and finish, it is not loaded with the latest technology, which is in line with its classic design. Riders seeking advanced rider assists and a full TFT screen might prefer a Ducati Multistrada or the aforementioned V85 TT. However, the V7 does offer basic features such as traction control, ABS brakes, and an inset LCD that displays the time and odometer reading. Many motorcyclists appreciate the unassuming nature of the Moto Guzzi V7, as it focuses on delivering a stylish riding experience without trying too hard to be something it’s not. That’s why it ranks well on this list of great Italian motorcycles.