Chinese four-cylinder sports bikes

Chinese four-cylinder sports bike revolution By Ben Purvis

In Western countries, the once vast market for middleweight four-cylinder sports bikes has all but disappeared over the last two decades - with big adventure bikes and naked roadsters stepping in to replace them as the default choice for riders who want one do-everything machine. But in China, there's a tidal wave of new four-cylinder race-reps from brands both familiar and new as the country's huge population realises the appeal of such machines.

Zonsen Cyclone RC680R

The recent CIMA show in Beijing was the launchpad for multiple new homegrown four-cylinder models, all stepping into a market where four-cylinder options have previously been limited to the 600s from Benelli and QJMotor and, more recently, Kove's 450RR.

QJMotor, part of the giant Qianjiang group (sister company to the Benelli business), is at the head of the charge, launching its new SRK800RR. Although QJMotor already has the SRK600RR, based on the Benelli-designed four-cylinder engine from the TNT600i, the SRK800RR uses a completely different design that - like many of the latest Chinese fours - is copied from the layout of Honda's long-lived CBR650R engine. 

Yingang 400RR

The QJMotor adds a long 55 mm stroke to the same 47 mm bore used in the Honda design to reach a capacity of 778 cc and achieve a peak power of 75 kW (100 hp) at 10,000 rpm. But it's not just the engine that's 'inspired' by Honda, as the bike's steel frame is also remarkably similar to the CBR650R's, sharing similar shapes and even an identical 1,450 mm wheelbase. The kit bolted to it is higher spec, though, including Brembo brakes and adjustable Marzocchi suspension.

'Little-known brands target middleweight sports market'

In competition to the SRK800RR, there's a new rival in the form of Voge's RR666S. Also making 75 kW (100 hp), it uses a 660 cc four-cylinder engine made by Voge's parent company, Loncin. A single-sided swingarm gives the RR666S an exotic look - it's a signature of several of China's latest sports bike models. Although other details remain under wraps at the moment, Voge's presence on the international market means there's a strong chance that the RR666S could be offered outside China eventually.

Voge RR666S

Another company that's increasingly being seen outside China is Zonsen (formerly Zongshen) with its high-end Cyclone sub-brand. The company is already making overtures to the European market, launching its Norton twin-cylinder-based RX650 in Europe at EICMA this year, but in China it's also heading into the four-cylinder sports bike arena with the RC680R.

Like the QJMotor, the RC680R's engine bares a distinct resemblance to Honda's CBR650R four, once again hitting a claimed 75 kW (100h p) and combining it with a chassis that also looks rather Honda-esque, but with the addition of a single-sided swingarm and Brembo brakes. Tech includes a large TFT dash and, unusually, a front-facing camera. At 206 kg, the bike is 1 kg lighter than the 207 kg claimed for QJMotor's SRK800RR.

QJMotor SRK800RR

Getting into the less familiar brands, another new Chinese four-cylinder comes from newcomer Vinto, which showed a machine with MotoGP-inspired aerodynamics, single-sided swingarm and a homegrown engine. Specs for the bike are limited at the moment, but it's claimed to weigh 208 kg and features a 1,452 mm wheelbase, putting it right in the same class as QJMotor, Voge and Cyclone machines.

Finally, there's a smaller, higher-revving four-cylinder in the form of the Yingang 400RR, designed to compete with the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R and Kove's 450RR in the reborn 400 cc class. Putting out a claimed 40 kW (54 hp) at 11,000 rpm and 39 Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm, the 400RR still appears to be some way from being production-ready, but could appear in showroom form by 2025.

Autoliv

Autoliv airbags on bikes by 2025 By Ben Purvis

For more than 70 years, Autoliv (Stockholm, Sweden) has been manufacturing safety equipment for cars and in a landmark move it's turning to motorcycles with the aim of bringing airbag technology to the mass market in 2025.

Autoliv might not be a household name, but the company has been at the forefront of car safety for decades. It developed the first car seatbelt back in 1956, the seatbelt pretensioner in 1989, the knee airbag in 1995 and the side curtain airbag in 1998. In 2021, it signed a deal with Piaggio to develop an affordable on-bike airbag system for motorcycles and scooters.

Now the company says its on-bike airbags will reach production in the first quarter of 2025 as part of the company's ambitious goal of saving 100,000 lives per year by 2030. At the moment, Autoliv estimates its safety equipment saves around 35,000 lives per year, so the prospect of reducing motorcycle-related fatalities could be a significant step towards that target.

Although Honda has been equipping some Gold Wings with airbags across two generations of the bike, starting in 2006, the technology hasn't spread. Autoliv believes that by applying airbags to small-capacity bikes and scooters - the sort of vehicles that are vastly popular in places like China and India - there's scope to save a large number of lives. In those markets there's a lower use of helmets and a large proportion of motorcycle traffic is concentrated in cities.

'world's biggest automotive safety supplier getting on two wheels'

The Autoliv airbag system is generally similar to the one on the Honda Gold Wing, inflating a bag in front of the rider when it senses a frontal impact. It's suited to scooters and most motorcycles with upright riding positions. 

While airbags are only intended to be effective in frontal crashes, Autoliv sees them as part of a holistic safety solution. The company is also developing worn airbags, to be fitted in vests or even in backpacks, and has also teamed up with Airoh to develop a helmet-mounted airbag system. 

Given the existing relationship between Autoliv and Piaggio, it's likely that the first production versions of the airbag will appear on bikes from one of the Italian manufacturer's brands, which also include Aprilia, Vespa and Moto Guzzi. In 2022, Piaggio showed a prototype airbag-equipped version of the MP3 scooter at EICMA in Milan.

Kappa

Kappa "Drifter" bags

Kappa's "Drifter" line, previewed at EICMA, includes five easily attached bags: two tank bags, a saddlebag, a leg bag and a pair of side bags. Their versatility and the use of universal attachment types make them extremely useful for everyday commutes. Being expandable, they can offer a base for luggage loads in excess of 80 l.

All the bags are structured with a combination of quality materials which include UV-resistant fabrics, a main body in 168D polyester, which has undergone a PU-coating process, 210D polyester fabric for the internal lining and a removable, waterproof inner bag in heat-sealed, 190T polyester fabric (grey) and internal reinforcements in polypropylene and EVA to increase rigidity and stability. All zips are SAB-certified (with locking system for safety).

The "Drifter" bags have printed fabric, which creates a tone-on-tone camouflage effect on the sides. They also feature 3M reflective prints and details for safety.

DR01 - tank bag features the quick-release tank-lock system and offers an internal capacity that varies between 10 and 15 l. It comes with a safety strap, a convenient, removable and waterproof map/device holder and side pockets. Measurements are L 29 cm x D 25 cm x H 17/25 cm. It has non-slip PVC on the bottom for greater adherence to the tank and a cable port for recharging electronic devices.

DR02 - a compact, expandable (from 9 to 12 l) passenger saddlebag for universal use. It attaches to the vehicle by means of four straps with end loops. Measurements L 32 cm x D 24 cm x H 10/16 cm. There is a shoulder strap and elasticated strap system on top for holding objects, with loops in reflective fabric.

DR03 - leg bag with an internal capacity of 1.5 l that adjusts and fits securely to the thigh. It also has an adjustable waist strap with "quick regulation" system. Measurements H 17 cm x L 13 cm x D 6.5 cm. It has polyester 3D AirMesh padding on the back for fit and ventilation and the main compartment has a waterproof hinge.

DR04 - tank bag featuring the patented, quick-release rotating tank-lock system. Its internal volume (5 l) offers a more compact, aerodynamic line than the DR01. Measurements L 28 cm x D 20 cm x H 20 cm. There is a safety strap for attachment to the steering, a shoulder strap and an elasticated strap system on top for holding objects, with loops in reflective fabric. A rain cover is included, and it has a cable port for electronic devices. 

DR05 - a pair of universal bags for use on any motorcycle or scooter. The expandable internal volume is 20 to 26 l. They have a convenient double opening and are secured through two bands with hook-and-loop fastening and four straps for attachment. Measurements L 52 cm x D 10/15 cm x H 34 cm. There is non-slip PVC on the back to protect the frame of the motorcycle and flame-retardant fabric for the bottom.

KAPPA

www.kappamoto.com

WRP

Dual density grips

These performance oriented dual density WRP grips provide riders with a secure, comfortable and ergonomic grip.

Designed for peak performance, they consist of two runner compounds - a hard inner shell for secure, slide-free grip on the handlebars and a soft rubber outside where vibrations need to be dampened.

They feature a diamond-waffle like pattern that is smooth on one side and grooved on the other for increased grip and control. All the WRP dual density grips come with 5 mm thick closed cell sponge rubber 'donuts' for extreme riding comfort.

WIND TRADING SRL

www.wrpracing.com

BC Battery Controller

BC K900 EVO+ battery charger/maintainer for BMW and more

Made in Italy, the BC Battery Controller BC K900 EVO+ is said to be "the only battery charger and maintainer able to keep the lead-acid or lithium battery installed on any BMW motorbike perfectly charged by connecting directly through the cigarette lighter socket," according to Giovanni Foresti, Sales and Marketing Director of Forelettronica, the manufacturer of the BC range.

The product is also equipped with two other charging programmes for traditional lead-acid batteries (traditional, MF, Gel and AGM) or lithium batteries, making it universal for all car or motorcycle installed batteries of up to 100Ah. 

"Backed by a three-year warranty, the BC K900 EVO+ can always remain connected to the battery when the motorbike remains unused, even for the entire winter season". 

The package includes the cigarette lighter plug for direct connection to the BMW socket, a cable with eyelets and a cable with insulated clamps.

BC BATTERY CONTROLLER

www.batterycontroller.it

BMW

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!

From sea level to over 6,000 m on an R 1300 GS in less than 24 hours, and on an active volcano! When it comes to publicity stunts, this one was pretty far out there - or should that be 'up there'.

In collaboration with Metzeler, less than three months after its world premiere, the new BMW R 1300 GS "proves its outstanding off-road expertise and unique robustness in South America. From 6th to 7th December 2023, starting from sea level on the Nevado Ojos del Salado - at 6,893 m the highest active volcano in the world - a fleet of fully equipped BMW R 1300 GS models managed to reach an altitude of more than 6,000 m in less than 24 hours.

"The climb culminates in the notorious 'Rock Channel' on the northern flank of the volcano , where the expedition climbed to 6,006 m in just 19 hours and 22 minutes to reach a maximum altitude of 6,027 metres."

The backdrop for the expedition was the Circuito de los Seis Miles in the Atacama Desert in Chile, the highest active volcano chain in the world, to which the Nevado Ojos del Salado belongs. Four standard BMW R 1300 GS models set off on 6 December at 3.00 pm local time from Bahia Inglesa, a town near the port of Caldera, to climb the Nevado Ojos Del Salado.

The destination was finally reached on 7th December at 10.22 a.m. local time. Equipped with Metzeler Karoo 4 tyres, the BMW R 1300 GS models started from sea level on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, followed by the ascent through the Atacama Desert to the Circuito de los Seis Miles and finally to the slopes of Nevado Ojos del Salado on the border between Argentina and Chile. 

Riding the BMW R 1300 GS were Christof Lischka, BMW Motorrad Development Manager, Salvatore Pennisi, Metzeler Test and Technical Director, Michele Pradelli, Italian Extreme Enduro Champion and tester for Italian magazine InMoto, and Karsten Schwers, tester and journalist for German magazine Motorrad.

The expedition was undertaken with standard production motorcycles and standard tyres - a 19" front and 17" rear.

Christof Lischka is quoted as saying: "With this extreme ride up to more than 6,000 m, the new BMW R 1300 GS has shown what it can do and what it is made for. It masters off-road and adventure riding as well as a sporty pace on tarmac and long tours, even in standard trim with off-road tyres. It was important for us to emphasize these core competencies of the new GS once again with this expedition."

The environment above 5,000 m isn't exactly "human friendly". The oxygen content of the air is low and the temperatures are around -10 °C during the day and as low as -20 °C at night.

Long-term preparation and prior acclimatisation to the region saw several base camps set up at different altitudes and a simulation carried out on Mount Etna in Sicily, the highest active volcano in Europe. Specific medical tests and checks at the University of Enna, in cooperation with the health authorities of the province of Enna, were also part of the preparation of the expedition participants.

"At over 5,000 m above sea level, the cold and low air pressure place particularly high demands on the electronic control of the air-fuel mixture of the Boxer engine, but also on all the other vehicle components of the new BMW R 1300 GS." The chassis and tyres are also put to the test by the varied terrain with stony tracks, unpaved roads, endless sandy areas and sometimes even ice and snow.

"I am delighted that we were able to take on this challenge with the new R 1300 GS and mastered it with flying colours. On such adventurous rides, the new GS has already demonstrated its great off-road expertise in standard trim and shown what it can do in extreme situations," concluded Christof Lischka.

www.bmwgroup.com

News Briefs

BDN reports that Yuasa has just delivered the biggest energy storage plant in the world, in northern Hokkaido, Japan. The installation, which stores power from a wind energy transmission network, has no less than 3.3 million cells, a power output of 240MW and a capacity of 720 megawatt-hours. 

Vmoto headed into EICMA with a new Guinness World Record in the bag - for the "greatest distance on an electric scooter in 24 hours by a team in relay". Team Vmoto achieved the distance of 1,931 km, improving the previous record by 151 km, on the Circuito Tazio Nuvolari in Cervesina near Pavia. The scooter used was a standard Vmoto CPx PRO, driven by a crew of five pro riders and journalists. 

Boise, Idaho based Rekluse has launched what is describes as "Next-Generation Auto Clutch Tech" with its EXP 4.0. Said to offer riders "more direct power delivery to the rear wheel, unmatched durability even under high temperatures, and an enhanced lever feel for more connected and precise control", highly responsive engagement is due to an improved base and wedge design with pins and bearings that enable rolling instead of sliding to expand the disc - reducing resistance in engagement.

Following the launch of the Open Bluetooth Intercom (OBI) protocol, a new software update for cross-industry Bluetooth connectivity allows Cardo wireless communication systems to connect seamlessly with a non-Cardo Bluetooth unit "as seamlessly and fluidly as connecting via Bluetooth to another Cardo communicator".

Triumph has introduced seat-lowering tech for its Tiger 1200. A new enhancement to its advanced Showa semi-active suspension, the new Active Preload Reduction feature reduces the rear suspension preload as the Tiger slows, allowing seat height settings to be reduced.

The residents of Strasskirchen near Munich, Germany, have voted overwhelmingly to welcome the building of a new BMW Group facility for high-voltage battery assembly. BMW has a 105-hectare site awaiting development there, with rights to a further 29 hectares of adjacent land.  

Motorcycle thefts in USA rose 7% last year, according to a new NICB report. Motorcycle thefts increased 7% from 2021 to 2022, marking a third year of rising thefts according to the NICB's 2022 Vehicle Type Theft Report. An average of 4,561 motorcycles were reported stolen each month in 2022. Thefts climbed steadily from a low of 2,879 in February, peaking in July at 6,394. Californians again led the pack in reporting the most motorcycle thefts with 9,838 stolen bikes in 2022 (30% of all motorcycle thefts in USA), followed by Florida (4,563) and Texas (4,145). The top 10 states for motorcycle thefts made up 60% of the 54,736 motorcycle theft reports in the U.S. in 2022. More than 40% are recovered.

Peugeot Motocycles Deutschland (PMD - which includes the BSA brand in Germany) has appointed Éric Apode as new CEO, with former Triumph Germany dealer network director Boris Grimm as the new Country Manager Germany, and long-time marketing executive Priscilla Sellier as press director for Germany and Europe. Indian conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) sold a 50% equity share and a controlling 80% stake in its Peugeot Motocycles subsidiary to private equity investor Mutares SE & Co. KGaA - a Germany based holding company. The decision to effectively offload the financial heavy lifting that Peugeot Motocyles required is thought to have been prompted by the long-term potential that M&M sees in focusing its capital resources primarily on the BSA brand. 

Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com, Motor1.com, Cycle World, motorbikewriter.com