It’s no surprise to anyone that electric motorcycles have arrived and are here to stay. As well as reshaping the city mobility landscape, it turns out that electric motorcycles are also very good for off-road use. For one thing, they have a lot of torque. What’s more, they’re quiet, so they don’t make noise in residential areas. They are also less likely to cause fires, as there are no flames coming out of the exhaust.

In recent years, a wide selection of electric off-road motorcycles has appeared, and at this year’s EICMA, Chinese manufacturer QJ Motor launched not one, but two electric off-road motorcycles. Both bikes are lightweight off-road-specific motorcycles that are intended to offer a captivating ride on off-road terrain. The first is the oddly named OWO, an electric off-roader that takes clear inspiration from gasoline-powered enduro machines. It features an angular fairing and simple lines, all wrapped up in a color that will make you wonder if what you’re looking at is a Husqvarna.

In terms of performance, the QJ Motor OWO is equipped with an engine that delivers five kilowatts of power, or around 6.7 hp. It’s important to note, however, that electric motors have instant torque available from the moment you accelerate, so my guess is that the OWO will be much more powerful than the spec sheet suggests. In fact, QJ Motor claims that it has a top speed of 100 km/h.

As for the battery, it’s equipped with a 72-volt, 60 amp-hour battery that should provide several hours of off-road fun. At the front, the bike has an inverted fork suspension and, at the rear, a monoshock with preload adjustment. The bike has a traditional enduro configuration with a combination of 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels. The front and rear disc brakes are also sufficient for braking. Seat height measures 895 millimeters (35.2 inches), while a respectable ground clearance of 566 mm (22.2 inches) is provided. Overall, the OWO weighs 135 kilograms.

Meanwhile, for those looking for a much less serious machine for some off-road fun, QJ Motor has also presented the Q2. Similar to the Cake Kalk, the Q2 is a mix between a dirt bike and a mountain bike, with a much more similar geometry to its pedal-powered counterparts. An air-cooled electric motor with 3,000 watts (about four horsepower) is mounted in the center of the frame. According to QJ Motor, the bike has a top speed of 45 km/h, so yes, it performs more like an e-bike than an electric motorcycle.

A 60-volt, 32 ampere-hour battery supplies the power to the motor, promising a range of around 120 km on a single charge. As for components, the bike has 19-inch wheels at the front and rear and is equipped with a standard telescopic fork at the front and a link-type monoshock at the rear. Braking power comes from a set of hydraulic disc brakes, while a more accessible seat height of 815 mm (32 inches) means that this bike can easily be ridden by shorter people. Best of all, it weighs just 66 kg.

O conteúdo QJ Motor has two new electric off-road motorcycles for quiet off-road fun aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

Honda’s A2 license-compatible medium-displacement adventure model gets a new name – and even more robust styling – for 2024.

The power and torque of the 471 cm³ engine have been retained (35 kW and 43 N-m), reprogramming done on the ECU improves the acceleration feel and Honda’s HSTC variable traction control system is now standard. The new rims save 1.5 kg of unsprung weight and are accompanied by a redesigned 41 mm SFF-BP USD fork and rear shock absorber, both Showa. The two discs at the front are driven by two-piston calipers.

The all-new LED headlight offers better visibility at night and the new 5-inch TFT screen allows you to connect a smartphone with the Honda RoadSync app installed; control is then via a simple, backlit 4-way switch.

For 2024, Honda’s formula for this bike is better, but it doesn’t change in essence. However, the name is new. The NX500 now creates its own identity, with completely new aggressive styling, top technology and a series of detail updates that are sure to continue its journey into the hearts and minds of European motorcyclists.

O conteúdo Honda NX500 2024 – new experience aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

2023 has proved to be quite a year for electric motorcycles. More and more manufacturers, both new and established, seem to be showing an interest in making greater investments in the field of electric mobility. If EICMA 2023 was anything to go by, it’s clear that electric two-wheelers are here to stay.

Among the interesting innovations at EICMA 2023 was Niu, a Chinese manufacturer of electric two-wheelers that has become well known for electric scooters and commuter vehicles designed for cities. The XQi3 marks the brand’s first foray into the world of electric dirt bikes. Interestingly, there has been a great demand for electric off-roaders, thanks to the instant torque provided by electric motors, as well as their quiet operation that doesn’t disturb residential areas.

Niu’s new electric dirt bike is designed to excel in both city and off-road environments. According to the company, the bike has versatility in mind and features a “multifunctional, all-terrain and cutting-edge design”. From a performance point of view, the new electric dirt bike is quite powerful, with 8000 watts (around 11 horsepower) of power from a mid-mounted electric motor. As for the battery, it uses a 72 V, 32 amp/hour lithium-ion battery from LG. Niu claims that the new XQi3 electric dirtbike complies with the US M1 and M2 motorcycle licenses, as well as Europe’s L1e motorcycle licenses, and is also fully street legal.

For an even more exhilarating experience, the Niu XQi3 has a special Ultra Boost mode for “instant, high-torque, thrilling rides”. In addition, the electric dirt bike uses high-performance suspension components that promise impressive off-road performance and control on various terrains. The XQi3 has large all-terrain tires and is equipped with front and rear hydraulic disc brakes to provide confidence-inspiring braking.

When it comes to technology, the Niu includes a host of features that make you feel like a next-generation off-road racer. For starters, you get a lap time mode and a location map for lively off-road rides. It also has NFC security features that allow you to lock and unlock the bike remotely. For more information, you can visit its official website.

O conteúdo The new Niu XQi3 electric bike – multifunctional design aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

During the first nine months of 2023, the European motorcycle market saw a substantial increase in sales. A recent report by the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) states that from January to September 2023, a total of 873,985 new motorcycles were registered in the main markets of the old continent.

For reference, 2022, which was also a strong year for the European market, saw 781,839 new motorcycle registrations from January to September. For 2023, that figure grew by an impressive 11.8%, with 873,985 new motorcycle registrations in the same period.

It should be noted that Italy appears to be the strongest market for two-wheelers, as it recorded the highest growth of 19.4%, registering a total of 271,552 new two-wheelers. Spain comes in second with 154,019, registering an increase of 13.4%. In third place, Germany recorded growth of 9.6% thanks to 190,490 new registrations. France took third place with an increase of 8.7%, with 168,118 units registered. Meanwhile, the UK recorded stable sales figures, with 89,806 registrations, representing a decline of 0.4%.

While motorcycles have seen a substantial increase in sales figures, the same unfortunately cannot be said for mopeds. From January to September 2023, only 155,098 mopeds were registered, a drop of 25% compared to 206,927 last year. For reference, the ACEM report only includes France, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Belgium and Spain. Mopeds occupy a rather obscure space in the two-wheel world, as their categorization varies from region to region. In Europe, they are generally considered L1eB and L2e for two- and three-wheeled vehicles, respectively. However, some regions also include L1e-A vehicles (certain e-bikes) as mopeds.

In the ACEM report, Secretary General Antonio Perlot said that there has been sustained enthusiasm for two wheels, both for leisure and daily commuting. “The strong growth of the European market in the first nine months highlights consumers’ sustained long-term interest in two-wheeled vehicles, both for daily commuting and leisure. The first figures for October confirm the positive trend for motorcycles, with moped volumes partially recovering.” Indeed, after EICMA 2023, the motorcycle market is clearly booming, with more and more new models expected to enter the scene – both electric and internal combustion – for the 2024 model year.

Finally, it’s important to note that while the ACEM report paints a good picture of the European motorcycle industry, it doesn’t cover all the brands occupying the two-wheeled space. ACEM members include 18 manufacturers such as BMW, Ducati, KTM, MV Agusta, Piaggio and Triumph, as well as the big four Japanese brands. It’s worth noting that the new players – particularly those from China – are not represented in this report, so the sales figures are probably much higher than the 873,985 new registrations mentioned above.

O conteúdo The European motorcycle market is set for solid growth in 2023 aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

When we think of Moto Guzzi, the brand founded in 1921 in Mandello del Lario, the iconic V7 models (and others before them) immediately come to mind, with their traditional transverse V engines and that classic, refined look. The V100 Mandello S is a model that breaks with this paradigm and shows itself to be a modern and evolved motorcycle. An excellent surprise!

When I saw the V100 S for the first time, I didn’t understand what was ahead of me and what segment it would fit into. Apart from that, the bike has futuristic and elegant lines that take those used to the brand’s most iconic models by surprise.

The V100 S is, according to the brand’s own concept, a Roadster-Touring and although it initially tried to include it in the sport-touring range, the truth is that it makes much more sense to see it as a roadster with additional fairings and some “magic” in the mix…

INNOVATIVE AND EYE-CATCHING

It all starts with a reinforced tubular steel frame, to which the new, lighter and more compact 1,042 cc engine is added as the bike’s structural element.

The front is dominated by a Led headlight made up of several elements, with a modern and dynamic visual signature in which the daytime running light is reminiscent of the brand’s eagle, and an electronically adjustable head-up display via the controls on the left handle. Although it’s not very big, it provides good aerodynamic protection and clean airflow, without causing any turbulence. The setting is limited to 105 km/h, so as not to force the actuator mechanism too much.

THE BEST AESTHETICS; ENGINE; SUSPENSIONS; LEVEL OF EQUIPMENT

IMPROVING ENGINE VIBRATIONS; EXHAUST PAN FINISH

The 17-liter fuel tank, inspired by the 1976 Le Man 850, follows the lines of the front fairing and wraps around the valve covers of each cylinder, creating a muscular and compact design. It’s on the sides of this tank that some of the magic happens. The V100 S is equipped with dynamic, variable deflector panels that are said to reduce the aerodynamic load on the rider’s body by 22%. 

The movement of these panels is automatic and can be adjusted (between 30 and 95 km/h) in the configuration menus for each of the 4 riding modes, making it the first production bike to feature movable aerodynamic elements.

All these systems, as well as the various menus, are managed or configured by the controls on the left handle, with the exception of the riding modes, which are selected on a button on the right. The information is transmitted to us by a 5-inch color TFT display, which is well designed and offers excellent visibility, even in bright lighting conditions.

The rear is simplistic and ends with stylized LED headlights (thinking of the after-burners on military aircraft). This is where we can find the fittings for the side luggage system that is part of the extensive catalog of accessories available for this model.

LOTS AND LOTS OF HORSEPOWER

The new engine from the Italian factory is a good showcase for the updating and innovation that Moto Guzzi intends to put into its future units. It’s a lighter, narrower and more compact engine, in which various mechanical elements have been relocated and sized to allow it to be placed at a lower point, improving the location of the center of gravity and consequently the dynamic behavior of the V100 S.

There are more than a thousand cubic centimeters, capable of generating 115 Cv and a torque to make many other motorcycles jealous. This torque manages to push the whole assembly in any gear and at any rev range with surprising vigor. This is also helped by the well-staggered 6-speed gearbox and the bidirectional quickshifter (also a first for the Guzzi), which, despite being a little “harsh”, turns out to be an asset for this bike.

The ride-by-wire system allows the bike to be fully configured in 4 different maps, in order to adapt the response of the engine, electronic aids, suspension and adaptive aerodynamics to the needs of each moment.

At the end of the power unit is a well-designed exhaust with a low, addictive sound that brings out the V100 S’s sporty side. It’s a shame that the exhaust pipe underneath the bike hasn’t been given any aesthetic attention, leaving a “clamshell” that stands out from all the design and build quality. A simple cover to match the manifolds would have made all the difference.

INTELLIGENT SUSPENSIONS

The tried and tested Pirelli Angel GT2 (in 190 rear size) do the arduous and important task of keeping everything on the ground with distinction. A little higher up, the luxurious and effective Ohlïns suspension set-up makes everything look easy. The semi-active and fully adjustable Smart EC2.0 fork, together with the semi-active and adjustable TTX Smart EC2.0 rear monoshock, will delight anyone who rides this machine. All the settings are controlled electronically on the TFT (with the exception of the rear spring preload), allowing us to have the best configuration available for each type of riding and road surface. In addition, and with the support of the information provided by the control unit, the set anticipates small adjustments depending on the driving we are doing and the reading of the road, even affecting the adjustment of the steering damper. A treat!

Braking is handled by Brembo equipment, with two 320 mm floating discs and four-piston calipers at the front and a 280 mm disc with two opposed-piston calipers. Both axles are equipped with cornering ABS. The feel on the adjustable lever with radial pump and on the pedal is progressive and yet powerful, even under heavy consecutive braking.

ELECTRONS GALORE

LED, TFT, IMU, Quickshifter, Cornering ABS, Cruise Control, TPMS, driving modes, Apps, adaptive aerodynamics, cornering lights, heated grips and so on are all expressions and acronyms we’ve become accustomed to over the last few years. What we weren’t used to was seeing all these elements together on Moto Guzzi technical data sheets.

Yes, the V100 S has (practically) everything!

I could go into all the equipment here, but many of them are already well known. Instead, I’d rather highlight a few that really deserve to be talked about.

The TFT (very similar to the ones used by Aprilia) is very complete and well structured, and it’s easy to find the information you need.

Here, we interact with the menus and control all the other electronic elements, such as the riding modes, the level of the heated grips or even the windshield position adjustment.

The great novelty is the retractable panels on the tank. These are electronically controlled and make this Moto Guzzi go down in history as the first production bike to use adaptive aerodynamic elements. The final effect isn’t very significant, but it’s sure to be a talking point when you present the bike to your friends!

A brief word also for the cornering lights, which only illuminate “a little something”, and for the heated grips, which help, but could be warmer.

The V100 S Mandello seems to me to be the Moto Guzzi of the future. It breaks with tradition, clearly improves in terms of motorization, suspension and equipment and innovates in terms of technology, and is now capable of competing shoulder to shoulder with the most modern motorcycles on the market.

ON THE ROAD

The riding position is good and allows you to cover a good few kilometers without too much fatigue. The aerodynamic protection elements, while not extremely effective, are sufficient to maintain high speeds in comfort and the Ohlïns suspensions are a clear asset on this model.

The engine seems to be much stronger than the figures show, always able to push hard and with a very distinctive sound. It would be even better if there were no vibrations throughout the rev range. In our test, we managed a pleasing average of 5 liters per 100 kilometers.

233 kg in running order is a slightly high figure, which is noticeable as soon as you take the bike off the side stand, but in motion it feels agile and maneuverable.

The color scheme of our test unit is superb (personal opinion), and there is also a black and grey version. The price of €18,499 is a bit high, but easily justifiable considering the level and quality of the equipment.

O conteúdo Review Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S – a Guzzi of the future aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

Fantic’s first naked bike is called the Stealth 125 and was presented today in Milan, on the eve of EICMA 2023. The Venetian manufacturer’s stated aim is not just to show us a motorcycle, but to launch a real range that will be completed with sports models designed for younger riders and that will also meet the requirements of A2 license holders. It will be a range designed, engineered and manufactured in Italy and, precisely for the A2 category, Fantic will be the only company to do so, taking on a major business challenge.

The Stealth 125 is therefore the firstborn of this much larger project and is, as already mentioned, a naked bike equipped with the Minarelli 125 4-stroke engine with fuel injection and slipper clutch. Great attention has been paid to centralizing masses and reducing unsprung masses: the 12-litre tank is positioned as close as possible to the center of gravity and leaves space at the front to allow the airbox to take advantage of better airflow. For the same reasons, the exhaust is divided into two groups with a tall, lightweight silencer, while the heavier expansion body is placed centrally at the bottom. The debut on a 125 is therefore a mixed frame with aluminum plate and steel truss, combined with a cast aluminum swingarm with lower truss. A frame designed with a view to greater rigidity and the dynamic behavior of a true sports bike, as well as weight reduction, which, however, has not yet been declared. The Stealth 125 is also equipped with a 5″ TFT screen with Bluetooth, full LED headlights and offers the option of cornering ABS.

The same concepts in terms of weight and sporty character that gave rise to the Stealth 125 project can also be found in the Imola Concept, a pure, uncompromising sports bike for the track. It should be remembered that Fantic Motor is now involved in the Moto2 world championship, and this Imola is intended to anticipate what will follow in the Veneto range, which will increasingly open up to the world of sports bikes.

O conteúdo Stealth 125 and Imola Concept the sporty models according to Fantic aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

The A2 motorcycle market is becoming increasingly competitive with a wide variety of offers for all styles and tastes. Alongside the new Z500, Kawasaki is presenting the Ninja 500 sports version.

Aggressive lines and a sportier layout are the main features that set it apart from its naked sister.

The new Ninja 500 is equipped with the new four-stroke, water-cooled, twin-cylinder engine with slipper clutch. The frame of the Japanese manufacturer’s sporty 500 is a trellis frame with excellent agility, according to Kawasaki.

The Ninja 500 complies with European regulations for the A2 license and is, on paper, a bike that will appeal to an extensive segment of the market, including even experienced motorcyclists. With the possibility of increasing the seat height by 30 mm through the installation of an ERGO-FIT high seat, the range of other genuine accessories is complete and allows riders to personalize their Ninja 500 to the maximum.

Also available in the SE version, the Ninja 500 SE includes an exclusive paint job, keyless ignition, TFT screen and USB-C socket. Like the Z500 SE, the Ninja can also be equipped with a range of other components, depending on the market, including radiator protection and a passenger seat cover.

O conteúdo Kawasaki Ninja 500 – the new sports bike for A2 license presented at EICMA 2023 aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

The world of enduro and motocross is full of some of the most advanced technologies in the two-wheel sector. Brands like KTM, Husqvarna and Beta are always innovating when it comes to the performance of single-cylinder engines. Speaking of which, Beta has just presented its latest model, the 450 RX of 2024.

In fact, Beta is no stranger to high-performance off-road machines. Their two-stroke dirt bikes have proven to be some of the best in the sector and are ridden by some of the most skilled riders. The 450 RX 2024 represents the brand’s prowess when it comes to developing four-stroke racing engines. The company claims that the 450 RX has been designed from the ground up to give top motocross riders the best the brand has to offer.

The new RX is underpinned by a double cradle steel frame that promises a light but rigid construction. As for the suspension, the bike has robust 48 mm front forks and a 50 mm rear shock from KYB. The tires are from Maxxis and promise superior traction on loose terrain. The 450 RX is equipped with anodized Takasago Excel rims and a dual-material rear sprocket. The rider is guaranteed a solid position on top of this machine, thanks to the wide machined aluminum footrests with stainless steel pins.

As far as technology is concerned, the 450 RX is powered by a completely new engine, a 449.3 cc liquid-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder engine with fuel injection and four valves. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a five-speed transmission with a DID chain. In addition, Beta has included four throttle pulleys for a more personalized and easily adjustable throttle response. The clutch is also adjustable and consists of a multi-plate diaphragm hydraulic system

Needless to say, a brand new motocross machine of this caliber would come at quite a price. For more information and detailed specifications on the new 450 RX, as well as the other models in the Beta range, you can consult its official website or contact your nearest Beta dealer.

O conteúdo The new Beta 450 RX wants to dominate the four-stroke MX industry aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

VMoto is considered by many to be one of the pioneers in the electric mobility sector. The company, with headquarters in Australia and China, has a wide selection of electric two-wheelers that meet the different needs of passengers and enthusiasts. At EICMA 2023, the company presented one of its most interesting innovations to date, the CPx Explorer.

The so-called “adventure scooter” segment has been growing in recent years, with more and more manufacturers venturing into this space. Honda was one of the first to start this segment with the launch of the X-ADV in 2016 and, in the years since, many manufacturers have followed suit. Now, with the era of electric motorcycles upon us, we’re seeing electric two-wheelers following in the footsteps of their internal combustion predecessors. As such, the new VMoto CPx Explorer is one of the first electric adventure scooters.

Based on the APD concept in collaboration with the renowned Pininfarina design house, the CPx Explorer marks a major leap forward for VMoto. Naturally, the first thing you notice is the bike’s radical style. The scooter is decorated with LED lights, an angular fairing and a high windshield for the rider’s comfort. Even though it’s a scooter, the CPx is not without amenities such as a flat floor and a built-in rear luggage compartment.

As far as performance is concerned, the new VMoto CPx Explorer has an eight-kilowatt electric motor that produces around 11 hp of power. This allows it to reach a top speed of around 65 km/h, making it ideal for city commuting and excursions to the outskirts of town. As for the battery, VMoto claims that it has a range of around 100 km on a single charge.

It’s interesting to see VMoto present a more adventurous platform with the new CPx Explorer. Based on the tried and tested CPx Pro, the Explorer is likely to be just as reliable and robust. After all, the CPx Pro managed to achieve a Guinness World Record, covering 1,932 km over 24 hours on the Tazio Nuvolari circuit in Italy. As for price and availability, VMoto has yet to announce any details about the new scooter.

O conteúdo VMoto enters the world of adventure scooters with the CPx Explorer aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

The week after the Malaysian MotoGP Grand Prix, Álvaro Bautista underwent tests carried out by Dr. Angel Villamor in Madrid.

After consulting with the specialist and analyzing the cervical MRI performed due to the loss of strength and numbness in the left upper limb that arose after the crash at the Jerez test and during the Malaysian MotoGP Grand Prix, the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati rider was diagnosed with a C6-C7 cervical hernia and C5-C6 disc protrusion.

Further specialized tests are scheduled for the next few days to determine any damage due to nerve compression at cervical level.

At the moment, however, no surgical intervention is planned for the Spanish rider and current WSBK world champion.

O conteúdo Álvaro Bautista with cervical hernia and disc protrusion after MotoGP wild card in Malaysia aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.