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Flagship model limited to 2000 units
Insta360 Japan will release the “Insta360 X4,” a collaboration with BMW Motorrad, in a limited run of 2,000 units.
The Insta360 X4 is the brand’s flagship model, and thanks to the cameras mounted on the front and back of the body, it has become popular as an action camera capable of 360-degree shooting.
In addition to the 360-degree shooting function, it also has a “dashcam mode.” You can freely allocate a portion of the memory card’s capacity to the dashcam, and video is always recorded in real time within that capacity, with the oldest video automatically deleted.
This limited edition model features the BMW Motorrad logo printed on the flat surface of the casing, and also comes with exclusive accessories and a storage case with the brand logo.
The interface for playing back recorded footage also features a design specifically for BMW Motorrad, creating an immersive experience that is just like a genuine BMW Motorrad product.
By the way, it can record 8K 360-degree video, allowing you to post beautiful, dynamic footage to YouTube and various social media platforms. Of course, it also has an image stabilization function, so you don’t have to worry about off-road driving. The main unit is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about the device even if you get caught in a sudden rain shower.
This product will be available for purchase from November 6th at the official Insta360 store, as well as online shops such as Amazon and some mass retailers.
Honda unveils latest technologies including turbo engine
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the latest vehicles and technologies that it plans to launch at the EICMA 2024 motorcycle show, which is being held in Milan, Italy from November 5th to 10th.
The first is a newly designed V3 engine. It is a V3 that combines two in-line cylinders at the front and a single cylinder at the rear, and is also equipped with an electric turbo. Since the supercharging can be controlled regardless of engine speed, optimal supercharging pressure can be obtained even at low engine speeds. In addition, the electrification allows for greater freedom in placement. Honda is currently developing this V3 turbo unit for commercial sale.
The second vehicle will be an electric motorcycle (EV). Honda currently sells EV moped scooters with swappable batteries, but the one it has just unveiled is the “EV Fun Concept,” a sports model that emphasizes fun elements. Based on the chassis structure of a traditional sports bike, the EV emphasizes the driving, turning, and stopping performance that Honda has cultivated over the years. It also boasts the smoothness and quietness of an electric vehicle. It is being developed with a target range of over 100km, and is scheduled for release in 2025. Honda also unveiled the “EV Urban Concept,” a large EV scooter.
Our prediction was correct! The AT “Tracer 9GT” has been released
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Yamaha) announced the new “TRACER9 GT+” at the Milan Show. This model change sees an evolution of the existing cruise control with forward vehicle following function. A radar has also been installed at the rear of the vehicle, adding a function to warn of approaching vehicles from behind. The new model will also be equipped with the new automatic mechanism “Y-AMT”, which has already been confirmed for installation on the “MT-09”. This mechanism allows for a fully automatic transmission without requiring major structural changes to the engine or gearbox, and we had predicted that when the “MT-09 Y-AMT” was released, it would be installed on the “Tracer 9”, which shares the chassis and powertrain.
New color: Yamaha Racing’s iconic “Blue”
Yamaha will release the 2025 model of the YZF-R7 on December 5, 2024. The price will be 1,054,900 yen including tax. This time, the color scheme will be changed. Two colors are available: Blue (Deep Purplish Blue Metallic C) and Matte Dark Gray (Matte Dark Gray Metallic 6), both of which are new colors. The YZF-R7 is a new generation super sports car equipped with a 688cc water-cooled in-line twin-cylinder engine. It is a perfect match with the blue that symbolizes modern Yamaha racers.
Kawasaki Sherpa makes a comeback
Kawasaki Motors Japan (Kawasaki) will release the new off-road model “KLX230 SHERPA” on November 27, 2024. The price, including tax, is 638,000 yen. It is equipped with a 232cc air-cooled SOHC 2-valve engine. It has a maximum output of 13kW (18ps) at 8000rpm and a maximum torque of 19Nm (1.9kgm). With its small displacement and light weight, it is easy to handle on-road as well as off-road, making it suitable for everyday use. With its high load capacity, it can also be used as a small-displacement adventure bike for touring that incorporates off-road activities.
Additionally, the KLX230 and KLX230S, which form the base model of the KLX230 SHERPA, will also be new models. They will be released on the same day as the Sherpa, priced at 594,000 yen including tax. The new model has improved off-road performance and comfort by revising the front and rear suspension and rear frame. ABS is standard equipment, but a new OFF switch has also been added. Incidentally, the S model is a low-down model with a seat height of 845mm, 35mm lower than the base model.
Furthermore, the KLX230SM motard, which shares the same chassis and powertrain as the KLX230, will be released on January 13, 2025. The price will be 616,000 yen including tax. The tires and wheels have been upgraded to 17-inch front and rear wheels for on-road use, and the caster and trail angles have also been revised to improve handling. This is a model that looks set to allow you to enjoy the light and sporty performance that only a motard can offer.
Suzuki unveils new off-road motocross bike
Suzuki unveiled the new off-road model “DR-Z4S” and its motard model “DR-Z4M” at the Milan Show. The “DR-Z4S” will be released in April 2025, followed by the “DR-Z4M” in May of the same year, primarily in North America and Europe. Both models are equipped with a 398cc water-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder DOHC engine. Both models are equipped with electronic control technology, offering three power modes and four traction control functions (including off). ABS settings include “S” for front and rear wheel release and “M” for rear release. While a Japanese release date has not been announced, the domestic lineup of 400cc-class road-legal off-road and motard models is limited, so we look forward to their introduction.
Introducing the 600cc class Scrambler
Royal Enfield (PCI) has announced the new model “BEAR 650.” The price and release date have yet to be announced. The “BEAR 650” is a scrambler model based on the “INT650,” which is equipped with a 650cc inline-twin engine. Inspired by the machine that rider Eddie Mulder rode to victory in the 1960 Big Bear Run, the model evokes the atmosphere of classic scrambler models. The 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheels and block tires strongly exude that atmosphere.
Added red, typical of the ADV series
Honda has added new colors to its small-displacement ADV scooter, the ADV160, and will release it on December 19th. The price is 495,000 yen including tax. This minor change adds new colors. The new colors are “Millennium Red” and “Asteroid Black Metallic,” bringing the total to three colors, including the existing “Pearl Smoky Gray.”
Add lights to the luggage compartment
Honda will release a minor change to its Lead 125 moped scooter on January 16th. Prices range from 341,000 to 346,500 yen (tax included) (varies depending on color). This time, new colors have been added and some specifications have been changed. New colors include Night Tide Blue Metallic, Pearl Snowflake White, and Matte Dim Gray Metallic. This brings the total color selection to four, including the existing Poseidon Black Metallic. In terms of body specifications, changes have been made to the components around the handle cover and front cover, as well as the design of the vehicle name logo on the side of the body. Additionally, an LED trunk light and partition board have been newly added to the luggage area under the seat to improve usability.
