Smoked Garage MT777 Triumph Daytona 675R

Smoked Garage is based in Bali, Indonesia and are famous for café racers.

They rebuild this Triumph Daytona 675R into a café racer.

The bodywork, radiator shrouds, fender, subframe are all carbon-fibre.

Hailing from Bali, Indonesia, Smoked Garage is one of the best motorcycle customizers. You only have to take a look at this MT777 carbon covered, café road racer, which started out as a 2014 Triumph Daytona 675R to be convinced.

Nicko Eigert, Smoked Garage’s boss described the project, “It all started when my good friend Maruli Tampubolon came to the workshop and asked us to build his dream bike.” With a Daytona 675R at hand, Nicko suggested they give the bike a classic racer twist.

They decided to work on the bike’s proportions to give an impression of having an extended swingarm, without actually installing an aftermarket item to throw out the stock Daytona’s sweet handling.

As with most builds, the Smoked Garage team stripped the entire bike down and trimmed the subframe. What was left of the subframe was then wrapped in a carbon-fibre shell to house a small battery and the electrics. The trimmed subframe provided space for only one seat and achieved the team’s plan for an extended swingarm look.

Having sorted out the rear end, it was time to work on the rest of the bike. A retro half-fairing was installed in place of the Daytona’s original full-fairing. Although it looks classic, the new fairing is made of carbon-fibre. The choice of going carbon was due to a number of criteria such as Maruli’s insistence of a black colour scheme and weight reduction. The black stuff was also used for the radiator shrouds and front fender. The fuel tank remains aluminium but covered in a carbon fibre shell.

The exhaust was allocated some attention, evidenced by the triple exhaust tips.

Moving down to the rolling stock, the stock 17” cast wheels were replaced with 16” spoked rims, which serves to reduce the bike’s ride height.
Finishing touches include gold pinstripes to offset the carbon fibre’s black and Maruli’s family’s family crest.

This build firmly shows that not only vintage or modern retros could be customized to be café racers.
Pictures from returnofthecaferacers.com
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FIRST LOOK: 2025 Buell SuperTouring 1190

Buell Motorcycle has unveiled the production-ready SuperTouring 1190 at the ongoing 2023 Daytona Bike Week. This comes after the brand’s 2022 prototype failed to live up to expectations when it was unveiled last year.

While the bodywork remains largely unchanged, the new front fairing is a significant upgrade over the 2022 prototype’s boxy headlamp cluster. The updated fascia, developed in partnership with renowned industrial designer J. Ruiter, features winglets that give the SuperTouring a modern, sleek look.

Under the surface, the SuperTouring still features Buell’s 1,190cc ET-V2 engine. The 72-degree V-twin generates 185 horsepower at 10,600 rpm and 102 ft-lbs of torque at 8200 rpm.
Buell Motorcycle CEO Bill Melvin expressed his optimism for the SuperTouring 1190, stating that it will lead the American market in speed, handling, and performance. He added that Buell is building a strong reputation as a small, responsive company that provides a unique customer experience.

Melvin also noted that despite supply chain challenges, the SuperTouring 1190 is on target for production to begin this fall. With the bike’s significant improvements over the past year, it’s clear that Buell has high hopes for its upcoming contender.

Buell’s unveiling of the SuperTouring 1190 at Daytona Bike Week shows that the brand is back and ready to compete in the performance touring segment. With its sleek design and powerful engine, the SuperTouring is sure to turn heads and capture the attention of motorcycle enthusiasts.
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Endurance World Champion Anthony Delhalle Died during Testing

The five-time Endurance World Champion crashed yesterday at Nagora Circuit, France

The incident happened during his first testing session for the Le Mans 24 hour race

Delhalle is survived by his wife and two children

Legendary motorcycle endurance racer Anthony Delhalle has tragically passed away following a crash early yesterday that happened at the Nogaro Circuit, France. The 35 year old racer was running his first testing session at the time in preparations for the Le Mans 24 hour race with the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT).

According to a statement made by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), they sadly confirmed this tragic and unfortunate incident. The team explained that the crash apparently happened unexpectedly at the end of the track’s long front straight. His team mate, Vincent Phillipe stated that the cause of the crash was uncertain and the loss affected him greatly.

Although Delhalle immediately received instant medical attention from the track’s medics, the five time world champion title holder unfortunately succumbed to his fatal injuries. In his successful partnership with SERT, Delhalle collected five world endurance titles from 2011 all the way to 2016, two wins at the Bol d’Or and Le Mans. The French rider also have participated in a few Moto2 races and made it to podium in a CEV Superbike race.

Delhalle won his first three 24 hour races in 2006 and 2007 when he raced with the Junior Team Suzuki outfit. He then continued his winning ways upon entering the Qatar Endurance Racing team from 2008 until 2010 with three Stock World Championship victories.
“On behalf of the motorcycle community, the FIM extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and team of Anthony Delhalle. He will be sorely missed,” stated by the FIM.
Delhalle is survived by his wife and two children.
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2018 Triumph Speed Triple S and RS launched!

Triumph Motorcycles has finally announced the all-new 2018 Triumph Speed Triple S and RS.
The engine alone comes with over 105 new parts which produces a whopping 148hp and 117Nm maximum torque.
The RS model comes with top-grade Ohlins suspension, Brembo brakes and Triumph’s best electronics package.

After several amazing teasers starring seven-time World Superbike champion Carl Fogarty and two-time Isle of Man TT winner Gary Johnson, Triumph Motorcycles has finally revealed all the details surrounding the all-new 2018 Triumph Speed Triple S and RS.

Regarded as the lightest, smartest and most powerful Triumph Speed Triple to date, all motorcycling enthusiasts would be quite happy to see the full specifications of Triumph’s latest ‘ultimate hooligan’. Starting off with its main firepower, the new 2018 Speed Triple still carries the same 1,050cc inline-three engine but now has over 105 new parts thanks to a major development by Triumph.

With an emphasis on more power and less weight, the new Speed Triple is fitted with Nikasil-plated aluminium cylinder liners, new high-compression pistons, lighter crank gear, and new cylinder heads, just to name a few. This translates to 148hp at a screaming 10,500rpm and 117Nm of maximum torque. That’s 27hp and 40Nm more than the top-of-the-range 2017 Triumph Street Triple RS.

All that newfound power is driven down to its rear 17-inch tyre (wrapped with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa rubber) via a six-speed transmission fitted with a brand new slip and assist clutch. This means that the new Speed Triple would be much easier to ride either moving from a standstill or shifting down during high speeds as the slip assist clutch prevents rear wheel lockup.

All of the new parts translate to a total dry weight of only 192kg which is not bad for a one-litre super streetfighter. With all that new power and low weight, Triumph stuffed in some new electronics to make sure everything is copacetic. We’re talking new full-colour five-inch TFT screen, keyless ignition, switchable ABS, traction control, selectable riding modes, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and USB charging port just to name a few.

The suspension and brake packages have been brought over into the present thanks to a new set of Showa 43mm upside down forks and fully-adjustable Showa monoshock for the S. The Speed Triple RS comes ready with a fully-adjustable Ohlins NIX30 upside down forks and TTX36 twin tube monoshock RSU handling all sorts of road conditions.

As for the brakes, a set of twin 320mm disc brakes fitted with a Brembo four-piston radial Monobloc calipers takes care of the front whereas the rear is controlled by a single 255mm disc with a two-piston Brembo sliding caliper.

No news yet on when the lightest and most powerful (not to mention the best handling thanks to the new sets of suspension and brakes) Speed Triple will be available nor the price but Triumph did announce that the 2018 models will be available in Jet Black and Crystal White for the S and Matte Jet Black and Crystal White for the RS.

Specifications
2018 Triumph Speed Triple S
2018 Triumph Speed Triple RS

Engine Type
Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder
Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder

Capacity
1050 cc
1050 cc

Bore/Stroke
79 x 71.4 mm
79 x 71.4 mm

Compression Ratio
12.92:1
12.92:1

Maximum Power
148hp @ 10,500 rpm
148hp @ 10,500 rpm

Maximum Torque
117Nm @ 7,150 rpm
117 \Nm @ 7,150 rpm

Fuel system
Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI
Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI

Exhaust
Stainless steel 3 into 1 into 2, twin high level stainless steel silencers
Stainless steel 3 into 1 into 2, twin high level stainless steel silencers

Final drive
X ring chain
X ring chain

Clutch
Wet, multi-plate slip assist clutch
Wet, multi-plate slip assist clutch

Gearbox
6-speed
6-speed

Frame
Aluminium twin-spar
Aluminium twin-spar

Swingarm
Single-sided, aluminium alloy with eccentric chain adjuster
Single-sided, aluminium alloy with eccentric chain adjuster

Front Wheel
Cast aluminium alloy multi-spoke 17 x 3.5 inch
Cast aluminium alloy multi-spoke 17 x 3.5 inch

Rear Wheel
Cast aluminum alloy multi-spoke 17 x 6.0 inch
Cast aluminum alloy multi-spoke 17 x 6.0 inch

Front Tire
120/70 ZR17
120/70 ZR17

Rear Tire
190/55 ZR17
190/55 ZR17

Front Suspension
Showa 43 mm upside-down forks with adjustable preload, rebound and compression damping. 120 mm travel
Öhlins 43 mm NIX30 upside-down forks with adjustable preload, rebound and compression damping. 120 mm travel

Rear Suspension
Showa Monoshock with preload, rebound and compression damping, 130 mm rear wheel travel
Öhlins TTX36 twin tube Monoshock with preload, rebound and compression damping, 130 mm rear wheel travel

Front Brake
Twin 320 mm floating discs, Brembo 4-piston 2-pad radial monobloc calipers. Switchable ABS.
Twin 320 mm floating discs, Brembo 4-piston, 2-pad monobloc radial calipers. Switchable ABS

Rear Brake
Single 255 mm disc, Nissin single 2-piston sliding caliper. Switchable ABS.
Single 255 mm disc, Nissin single 2-piston sliding caliper. Switchable ABS

Seat Height
825 mm
825 mm

Wheelbase
1,445 mm
1,445 mm

Dry Weight
192kg
189kg

Fuel Tank Capacity
15.5 litres
15.5 litres

Fuel Consumption
5.2 litre/100km
5.2 litre/100km

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Kawasaki files new patent for three-wheeled motorcycle

In the world of three-wheeled motorcycles, the latest Yamaha Niken is arguably the bike leading the whole super niche scene, but Kawasaki is planning to enter the game strong with their latest filed patent. As weird as it may look, this future Kawasaki will use horizontal links to couple up the front wheels instead of using conventional forks.

These linkages will allow the bike to tilt and lean into corners by pivoting different alignments according to riding conditions and rider inputs that works similarly to a parallelogram. This new system has been stated by Kawasaki to save a lot more weight thanks to its simplistic design which also offers higher levels of efficiency.

We know what ‘simple’ looks like and the patents filed by Kawasaki is anything but. The abstract of the patent starts off with:
A saddle type vehicle includes two front wheels, a left front wheel supporting member and a right front wheel supporting member which are turned around a left front wheel turning axis and a right front wheel turning axis respectively, and upper lean arm and a lower lean arm which are rotated around an axis perpendicular to a vehicle width direction, and steering rod.

The upper arm is connected to the left and right members via first and second connecting parts which are provided on the left front wheel turning axis. The lower arm is connected to the left and right members via third and fourth connecting parts which are provided on the right front wheel turning axis. The steering rod is arranged forward of the steering spindle. In a front view of the vehicle body, the steering rod is arranged between the upper and lower arms.

A serious amount of thought had been put into this particular design but coming up with something like this in real life requires supreme levels of engineering to work out the actual mechanics and physics of being able to function properly in real-world riding scenarios. Thinking about how much the patents will affect the front end feel alone is an R&D of its own.

Whatever the case may be, Kawasaki definitely has something amazing in their books. Whether it will emerge as a winner remains unknown but judging by how people perceived the exotic Yamaha Niken (and how well it turned out once it went on sale), we’re pretty sure that Kawasaki has the ability to pull off the same thing with their three-wheeler.
This is the craziest Yamaha Niken in the world!

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New colours for the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 and Z650!

Kawasaki Japan has recently announced that their 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 650 and Z650 will be available in brand new colours.
The 2018 Ninja 650 will be available in two new colour schemes (Blue and Grey) while the 2018 Z650 will get three; Yellow, Z900-inspired Black and Green and a Matte Black and Green combo.
Apart from the new colours, Kawasaki Japan will also offer ‘performance’ and ‘touring’ packages for their 2018 middleweight bikes.

Kawasaki Japan has announced that their latest middleweight bikes which are the Kawasaki Ninja 650 ABS and Z650 ABS will be getting some new colours for 2018. Since the bike is still considerably new (and still very much updated as they can be with all their specifications), the next phase of bringing in more colours options seems like a good move to cater to a lot more riders’ preferences.

As most of you already know, the current colour offering for the 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 ABS are only the Lime Green and Orange variants which from what we’ve predicted earlier and witnessed today that the Lime Green is the more popular option.

For the Japanese market, Kawasaki will be introducing two new colours which are the grey and black combination as well as the blue and black combo. The 2018 models will still offer the green and orange colourways but we can’t confirm if the blue and grey options will be available in Malaysia.

Apart from the new colours, the Japanese market will also get to enjoy a Ninja 650 with ‘touring’ package. The package consists of some engine guards, gel tank pad, high windshield and soft panniers as standard. Looking for a bit more of sporty goodness? They will also offer a ‘performance’ model that comes with a smoked screen, pillion seat cover and an Akrapovic exhaust.
CLICK HERE to more on our first impressions of the 2017 Ninja 650 ABS and Z650 ABS.

As for the 2018 Kawasaki Z650 ABS, we here in Malaysia get to enjoy the Lime Green and Sliver colours but the lucky folks over in Japan will get a few more options for their 2018 variant which are the Metallic Spark Black with green frame (similar to the current 2017 Kawasaki Z900 ABS), bright yellow and a matte green and flat black combination.

Based on our research, the yellow is said to be only available in the Japanese market for now with no news of it being available anywhere else in the world anytime soon. The same can’t be said about the Z900-inspired black and green and the matte black and green combo.

Like the 2018 Ninja 650 ABS, the 2018 Z650 ABS will also be available in ‘performance’ package that includes a gel tank pad, pillion seat cover and an Akrapovic exhaust. We know that there are specifically-designed Akrapovics for these two models but Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd has stated before that in order to obtain them, you need to get in touch with the Malaysian Akrapovic suppliers.
CLICK HERE to check out our extensive review on the 2017 Z650 ABS as compared to the model it replaced, the ER6-N.

No updated so far regarding the new colours and packages from Kawasaki Malaysia just yet but as soon as we know something, you’ll be the first to know. Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more juicy updates (about bikes, not celebrity gossip).
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10 Reasons to Visit GIVI Rimba Raid Janda Baik 2019

The GIVI Rimba Raid Janda Baik 2019 is set to be held from 26th through 28th.

There are 150 competitors from 16 countries this year.

It is the only event in the world for large capacity dual-sport motorcycles.

The GIVI Rimba Raid Janda Baik 2019 is set to be held from 26th through 28th July and we’re really excited about it. We think hundreds – if not thousands – more fans are also counting down the days until the start.
The GIVI Rimba Raid series has grown to be the event among adventure and off-road motorcycle community from its humble beginnings. The brainchild of Dato’ Captain Nik Huzlan, it’s one event that dual-sport and adventure motorcycle enthusiasts look forward to each year.

Here are 10 reasons to witness this awesome event yourself. (There are way more than 10 reasons, but we wanted to keep it simple.)
1. Witness big bikes getting hammered
Surely you’ve gotten used to seeing heavyweight adventure bikes such as the BMW R 1200 GS/GS Adventure, KTM 1050/1190/1290 Adventure, Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger 800 blasting down the highways. But have you seen them being used in the other environment they’re designed for?

We’re talking about off-road riding. Dual-purpose bikes can be ridden off paved highways and roads, hence the term. However, seeing these RM 80,000 to more than RM 100,000 bikes being bashed over rocks, “washed” in the river and sliding on gravel is something rare.

GIVI Rimba Raid provides that opportunity to not only the riders but also spectators.
2. GIVI Rimba Raid is unique
GIVI Rimba Raid is currently the only event in the world which pits men and women on heavyweight dual-purpose bikes against the off-road environment. In fact, when Capt. Nik approached the Automotive Association of Malaysia for the rulebook, they had none. Instead, it’s GIVI Rimba Raid who are now writing the rulebook.

3. Top Malaysian riders
That said, the event remains an enthusiast’s event. They are known as privateers, in other words.
However, top pro riders are starting to be drawn to joining up. One of them is Mohd. Habibullah Salleh, better known as Gabit. The 2016 FIM Asia Supermoto Champion and multiple Malaysian MX champion is the defending champion of the Open Category.
Left to right: MG, Gabit, Capt. Nik
So, this a great opportunity for Malaysians to support our rider in battling against the best of the world.
4. Top international riders
There is a total of 150 riders from 16 countries this year. Among them is Jeremias Israel, the Chilean ex-HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) rider in the Dakar Rally. He’s flown in specially by GIVI to compete in the race. He will ride the new Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE.

There is also news of Thais holding their own qualifications to determine the riders who will represent the country. The qualified riders have been practicing almost daily in preparation for GIVI Rimba Raid 2019.
5. Stiff competition
If the previous years were competitive, this year’s promises to the closest fought yet. The riders not only chase positions and prizes but are also out there to prove it to themselves that they could live up to the challenges.

6. Specially chosen course
The organizers have laid out a course to challenge the riders physically and mentally. You can be assured that it will bring out the best in human drama and emotions.

Perhaps more importantly, you can spectate all the action up close rather than being seated tens or metres away.
Do note that the course will return to its normal environmental state within months of the event.
7. Different skill levels
Since there are pros mixed with privateers, GIVI Rimba Raid will be interesting to you in terms of entertainment. It means that there will be plenty thrills and spills.

8. Great fun for the family
Got kids who are interested in motorcycles? Need to explain to your wife or girlfriend why you love bikes? Bring ‘em here! It’s all wholesome fun for the entire family and your family members will thank you for it.

9. Great setting
Forget about going to the mall every weekend. Come here to breath some fresh air and waddle in the crystal-clear stream for a change. Besides that, the location is near many other resorts that offer eco-tourism and sports. There are also many camping grounds.

10. Vendors
There will be plenty of vendors. Main sponsor GIVI will have their pavilion up, offering their latest products for every biker. The GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019 will also make a stop at GIVI Rimba Raid for two days, so you can witness the bikes and GIVI equipment they carry.

Conclusion
GIVI Rimba Raid Janda Baik 2019 is a exciting event that shouldn’t be missed by anyone, bikers and non-bikers alike.
It will be held from 26th to 28th July 2019, at the Rimba Valley Motorcamp site. Please click the map below for the location and you may refer to GIVI Rimba Raid’s official Facebook page for the latest updates.

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GrabFood Rider Delivers on a Ducati Hypermotard

We’re used to accepting GrabFood delivery from riders on small bikes. But this rider uses a Ducati Hypermotard.

He’s not wrong to say he’s the fastest delivery rider!

Hopefully, we could get him to delivery before the fries become soggy.

We’re pretty used to using GrabFood delivery service by now. Similarly, we admire the dedication of the riders who brave Kuala Lumpur’s mad traffic, rain and shine to deliver hot food to us. But here’s a rider who delivers on Ducati Hypermotard.
We’re also used to seeing the guys (and gals) pull up on Yamaha 135 LC, Yamaha Y15ZR, Honda RS150 and so forth. This writer has personally encountered a small number of 200cc and 250cc bikes. But the Hypermotard is certainly different.

Customer nak lemang, aku beli kan lemang. Jgn takut klau order dgn aku2 buat penghantaran paling cepat dari orang lain ??♂?? pic.twitter.com/xnyTWWpfZ2
— HerrySevani (@HerySevani) June 19, 2019

A GrabFood rider shared a video of himself delivering a few sticks of lemang to his customers recently on Twitter. @HerySevani had the trademark green “backpack” on the back of the Ducati.
He tweeted in Bahasa Malaysia, “The customer wanted lemang, so I bought leman. Don’t be afraid to place your orders with me for the fastest delivery.”
Well, of course he provides the fastest delivery, since the Hypermotard is made to slice and dice through the challenges thrown up by the city. His customers will have no problem hearing him arriving at their doorstep either, to the tune of a 90o V-Twin. (Hope I can get him to deliver my order before the fries turn soggy.)
He also tweeted that he took the job as a part-timer to earn some petrol money for his bike.
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Yamaha YZF-R1 GYTR Sold Out in 24 Hours

The Yamaha YZF-R1 GYTR totally sold out in less than 24 hours.

The Yamaha Racing Team crew who won the Suzuka 8-Hours Endurance built the bike.

There were only 20 offered at €39,500.

The Yamaha YZF-R1 GYTR sold out in less than 24 hours. Jack Bauer wouldn’t even have time to complete his mission. Bummer.
Only 20 were made to commemorate the Yamaha YZF-R1’s 20thanniversary. Additionally, the new YZF-R1 won the prestigious Suzuka 8-Hour Endurance this year. It was the fourth Suzuka 8-Hour victory for the bike in four consecutive years.
The bike was hand-built by the official Yamaha Racing Team who won at Suzuka. It’s evident from the pictures that the bike is completely festooned with performance parts from the GYTR catalog and sponsors.
However, the following parts are enough to make any serious performance rider drool. Brakes are Brembo GP4-RX front calipers gripping 320mm T-Drive discs. Brake fluid is pumped through the Brembo 19RCS Corsa Corta master cylinder. Ohlins FGRT 219 forks and TT36 GP shock. Tyres are Bridgestone V02 (soft) slicks. Akrapovic Evo 2 titanium exhaust system. The fairings are carbon fibre. And a partridge in a pear tree.
Each YZF-R1 GYTR is accompanied by a number engraved on the top triple clamp and certificate of authenticity.
It was offered at €39,500 but it didn’t stop the 20 lucky buyers. They have been real nice this year.
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MotoGP: Ducati Breaks Cover on New “Aero Wing” Fairing

Andrea Dovizioso finally tested the new fairing design for the Ducati Desmosedici GP17

Ducati’s method of gaining downforce without the use of winglets

Ducati who pioneered the use of winglets for MotoGP last season finally revealed their answer to the winglet ban. During the Qatar pre season testing this past weekend at the Losail International Circuit, it was Andrea Dovizioso who was chosen to preview Ducati’s new fairing design on the second day of testing.

Nicknamed the “Hammerhead” thanks to its unconventional and very radical design, their solution to the winglet ban seems to be heading in the similar direction as Aprilia. Although Aprilia we’re not seen testing their version ever since they came out initially over at Phillip Island a few weeks back.

Looking closely at their design, the “Hammerhead” seems to provide needed downforce through the air ducts and also spoiler-like shape on top of the air ducts themselves. The overall look is not something that’s very appealing at first but the same could be said when they came up with the multiple-wing fairings last season which did produce significant gains.

 @jorgelorenzo99 riding his Desmosedici GP with conventional fairings and @andreadovizioso testing a new aerodynamic package @losailcircuit on day 2 of the official @motogp test in Qatar. #forzaducati #ducati #ducatiteam #ducaticorse #jorgelorenzo #jorgelorenzo99 #jl99? #andreadovizioso #desmodovi #ad04 #desmo #desmosedici #motogp #losailcircuit #wintertest #worldchampions #aerodynamics
A post shared by Paolo Ciabatti (@paolociabatti) on Mar 11, 2017 at 2:15pm PST

Still looking winglet-like, the new design seems to be in line with the rules set by folks over at Dorna, FIM and MotoGP. Here’s another view of the radical Italian design from the manufacturer’s Sporting Director himself, Paolo Ciabatti. He uploaded a couple of interesting photos in his Instagram account.

 Testing new aerodynamic solutions with @andreadovizioso @losailcircuit during the second day of the @motogp official tests #forzaducati #ducati #ducatiteam #ducaticorse #andreadovizioso #desmodovi #motogp #losailcircuit
A post shared by Paolo Ciabatti (@paolociabatti) on Mar 11, 2017 at 9:50am PST

Referring to the Italian rider who had a taste of the new fairing, he mentioned that “It was a very productive day. In the evening I also did a couple of exits with the new fairing. In my opinion, our engineers have done a great job because it wasn’t easy to create a certain aerodynamic downforce without using the winglets. Now we are weighing up the pros and cons before we take a decision and also work out the tracks where this solution can give the biggest advantages.”
Although Dovizioso placed only 13th overall in the second day, he was positive with the current aero package and looking forward to more development from the engineers this season. Both Ducati riders managed to place P2 and P4 during the last day of pre-season testing. Marquez from Repsol Honda was also seen testing a new fairing design but it’s still very subtle when compared to the other manufacturers.

Only time will tell if this will reign supreme for the 2017 season and that time is only 13 days away! Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more MotoGP updates.
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2020 Yamaha NMax 155 launched in Indonesia

The Yamaha small-capacity line-up gets quite an update for the Indonesian market thanks to the introduction of the new 2020 Yamaha NMax 155 scooter. With a huge following here in Malaysia, fans will be glad to know that the new NMax is not just an updated model with refreshed looks.

Looking at the design, the 2020 Yamaha NMax still carries the same design DNA but with enhancements that many will welcome with open arms. For starters, it is now fitted with all-round LED lights as well as hazard lights for added safety and visibility.

The meter panel is now a fully digital unit which comes with the Yamaha Motorcycle Connect Bluetooth connectivity that allows riders to connect their smartphone to the new scooter. The maxi-styled scooter design has a slight change to give the 2020 NMax a more refreshed look for today’s riders to enjoy.

Like the current NVX, the new 2020 Yamaha NMax is also fitted with a keyless smart key system with Immobilizer and Answer Back functions for added usability and ease. In terms of power output, the 2020 NMax produces 15hp (11.3kW) @ 8,000rpm and 13.9Nm of torque @ 6,500rpm.

That’s a slight increase in power with lower torque output for a smoother riding experience. That power is produced via a 155cc single-cylinder, four-stroke-DOHC engine with Blue Core VVA technology which has been proven to be exciting, reliable, and durable for everyday use.

Other major updates include:

7.1-litre fuel tank
Electric power socket
Smart Motor Generator
Stop & Start System
Traction Control System
Dual-Channel ABS
Sub-tank rear suspension
Multifunction under-seat storage

No price has been announced just yet for the Indonesian market but looking again at all the specs and updates, we’re confident that it’ll be a huge success in terms of sales. With the current NMax here in Malaysia getting more dated by the day, we’re counting down the days as to when this beauty will be made available on our Malaysian shores. Soon, we hope!

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MotoGP: Dovizioso Ends Day 1 of Qatar Testing on Top

New track record set by Dovizioso at 1:54.819

Maverick Vinales not too far behind with only 0.360 second gap

Crutchlow sat comfortably in P3 under the Qatar floodlights

It was Andrea Dovizioso from the Ducati factory team who top the MotoGP timesheets in the last pre-season testing session before the first race of 2017 gets under way in Qatar. Having completed a total of 36 laps in the first day, the Italian smashed Lorenzo’s 2016 race lap record with a blistering time of 1:54.819 on his 26th lap.

Not too far behind is the new Movistar Yamaha rider, Maverick Vinales. Having set the second fastest lap of the day (in this case, night), he set his best time of 1:55.179 on his 49th outing in the Losail International Circuit. Vinales was without a doubt the hardest working rider with 60 laps under his belt on his first day in the desert.

Brit rider Cal Crutchlow from LCR Honda outfit only managed to complete 28 laps around the circuit but on his final lap, he was only 0.601 seconds behind Dovizioso putting him in P3. With a time of 1:55.420, Crutchlow was only 0.241 behind Maverick Vinales.

The most surprising rider of the day who ended up in the top 5 was Czech born Karel Abraham. The ex WorldSBK rider quickly got to grasp with his Ducati Desmosedici GP15, setting his fastest time of the day at 1:55.613 on his final 42nd lap around the track. The Pull&Bear Aspar rider was only 0.794 seconds behind Andrea Dovizioso.

The other Ducati Team factory rider who happens to be a five-time World Champion, Jorge Lorenzo, felt more at home with the new Ducati Desmosedici GP17. Placing Fifth overall in the first day under the floodlights, it was apparent that the Spaniard is looking more and more comfortable on board the Ducati missile.

As for Marc Marquez, things were not as smooth as he would have hoped with two crashes in his first outing putting him in 12th position. The result of the crashes might have something to do with the Repsol Honda’s new aerodynamic fairing design being tested for the very first time on the RC213V.

What we can gather from the first day of testing is that Honda has aero fairings in the midst of the Qatar test where as Ducati has not pulled out the big aero guns just yet. As for the other riders like Valentino Rossi and the rest of the field, it is still a bit early to tell but more information will be gathered in the next two days regarding their overall performance.
Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more MotoGP updates.
Photo Source: MotoGP
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Jonathan Rea Admits No Chance At MotoGP, To Focus Professional Motocross After WSBK

FIM Superbike World Championship, Winter Test, November 17-18, 2020, Jerez, Spain, Jonathan Rea, Kawasaki

Jonathan Rea revealed plans to move to professional motocross once he leaves the WorldSBK Championship.
Rea admitted the doors to MotoGP have closed despite winning the WSBK six years in a row.
“To leave Superbike… it would need to be something that sets me on fire, as I’m comfortable in the Superbike environment.
“To consider something else – like MotoGP – I would need something concrete, like a factory bike, and this has never materialised. I don’t think the opportunity will come now that I am 33. SBK is my world and I’m happy. Then after the races I enjoy my little ones,” said Rea.
Rea did have a go at MotoGP in 2012 when he replaced the injured Casey Stoner at Repsol Honda. The rider finished 8th at Misano and 7th at Aragon before returning to SBK duties.
The British rider joins Kawasaki in 2015 as Tom Sykes new teammate and won his WSBK title after recording 14 wins.
Rea retained the title in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, becoming the first rider to win six successive SBK champions.
According to Rea, despite retiring from WSBK one day, he would like to keep himself match fit via motocross.
“I would like to enjoy Anaheim Supercross. Also, I have a desire to do a national motocross championship race after retiring, probably something in Northern Ireland, like a championship race in Ulster.
“I ride my dirt bike quite regularly, so I’d love to do that,” he added. – GPOne
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KTM releases first photo of 1290 Super Adventure

The cat is out of the bag as KTM releases the first official image of its upcoming 1290 Super Adventure.
Following a leak, our favourite orange Austrian brand has finally released the first official image of its upcoming 1290 Super Adventure model.
As the name and image suggests, this new adventure bike will perhaps feature a larger and more powerful 1,301cc V-twin heart derived from the manic Super Duke R. KTM is set to slot it alongside the 2015 1190 Adventure and Adventure R models.
The Super Adventure’s mill will be fed from what KTM describes as “an incredibly large fuel tank” fitted.
It will also be equipped with Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) sourced from Bosch, engineered to allow riders to brake safely whilst the bike is leant over. Accompanying the system are ABS brakes, and traction control with selectable riding modes.
KTM did not reveal much more after that, but it did state that the Super Adventure will boast “absolutely unique electronically supported riding assistance equipment.” Perhaps KTM was describing what we just stated in the previous paragraph.
The 1290 Super Adventure will make its debut at the end of next month during the INTERMOT show in Cologne, Germany. More details will be revealed then.
SOURCE: Visordown and Asphaltandrubber
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Bingit Bike Fest returns

Following its successful inaugural edition last year, the Bingit International Bike Festival (Bingit Bike Fest) makes its return this year.
Just like last year’s run, the 2014 edition of the Bingit Bike Fest will take place once again in Kuala Lumpur’s Titiwangsa Lake Park later this year from November 8 to November 9. But this year, organisers Red Riders club announced the addition of a prelude event to that.

With the endorsement from the Johore’s state government, a Bingit Bike Fest Kota Tinggi Edition event will be held in Kota Tinggi’s Kipmart from May 1 to May 3. The decision came not only from the fact that it is the Red Rider’s home base, it also aims to further boost the tourism sector for the southern state’s economy, particularly for the Kota Tinggi township.
Red Riders have a series of exciting events lined up for the event’s Kota Tinggi edition, including shows by stunt riders Tun Shahir and Iliya Iryani. The township’s most notable bike clubs such as the Kota Tinggi Biker MC and Cop Bikers Club are also expected to make their appearance in full force.

According to Red Riders, last year inaugural Bingit Bike Fest event successfully attracted roughly 14,000 bikes and riders of all types and genres that attracted close to 40,000 visitors in the process as well. In preparation for the upcoming Kota Tinggi event, the organisers and its partners have also begun various promotional activities to promote the event via Facebook, billboards, flyers, as wells as sending out invites to bikers and bile clubs from all over Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia.
More information, as well as latest updates can be obtained via the official Bingit Bike Fest 2014 Kota Tinggi Edition’s Facebook event page.
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Five potholes in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, it was never in my motoring bucket list of places to ride in. But that didn’t stop me from saying yes to an assignment from Keshy even as it came with a vague description. “Go there and ride around for about a week or so,” he said.

So under the generosity of Sri Lankan Tourism department, off I went on a three hour flight to the island country near the southern tip of India. A quick Google search revealed that the civil war is over for a few years now and the main religion is Buddhism. The country is rich with history, dotted with Unesco protected sites and is roughly about 1/5 in size to Malaysia in comparison.
I landed in the capital, the seaside city of Colombo. It looked as busy as I had expected but also more modern then I had thought. As much as I wanted to absorb the city scenery, I was more focused on the traffic as that is what I was going to have to deal with while riding.

It looked a bit more chaotic than what we are used to here but I was sure there was a trick to circumvent all this chaos as though there were a lot of close calls with vehicles criss crossing each other, no one was hit.

Also i didn’t spot any bikes above 150cc along the one hour drive from the Airport to the hotel, which later I found out was because up to 2014, the maximum capacity for bikes there is 350cc. The restriction on capacity was raised only last year but up to 1001cc.

I was briefed what the whole ride was about as soon as I reached the Hotel Galadari at around lunch time. The ride was a brainchild of two Malaysians who has Sri Lankan ancestry, Leslie Tilak Jayawardena and S Maithripala which forms the event company, Buzzword.
Along with me there were 15 other bikers, 11 from Malaysia, two from Singapore and another two from Indonesia. With the help of Buzzword and several Sri Lankan government departments, they managed to get a special clearance to bring in their own bikes.

Most were on Harleys with two riders on BMW GS and one biker on an Aprilia Tuono. As I had missed the opportunity to ship my own bike there, I had to settle for a rental. But as mentioned a capacity restriction was only increased late last year, it was impossible to find anything above 250cc in the rental market.

I ended up with a nicely abused and used Yamaha Raid TTR 250, a proper adventure machine complete with a leaky engine and dodgy fuelling from the carb. Well at least I know that beast could take on any fuel as Ron95 is only available in big cities, the rest have to settle for Ron92.
And fuel is on the expensive side there, its 117.00 Sri Lankan Rupees or RM3.19 per litre of the Ron92 so the 250 strikes as a nice balance between economy and power.

Before the journey started, the riders took some time to ride from the Hotel Gladari to see the Malaysian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Azmi Zainudeen for some tea and “kueh”. After the visit we went back to the hotel for an official dinner hosted by the Sri Lankan Tourism board.

As mentioned, only recently big bikes were allowed in that country and understandably the row of Harleys parked at the main entrance of the hotel had constant “visitors” that stopped to view and take photos.

Taking the opportunity to chat with a local biker, he explained to me that it all works by sight, like if a driver is coming out of a junction, he will look at the driver coming towards him on the main road.
The moment the other driver looks at the taxi driver, that means the oncoming driver sees acknowledges whats happening and so the taxi driver will pull out on of the junction no matter how close the oncoming driver is.
And this applies to most driving conditions, in town or out in the countryside. Ad then he added that bikers don’t really get respected by larger vehicles in Sri Lanka and they should be really really careful.
Being careful is second nature to most bikers but as much as the traffic was chaotic, we later found out its the animals we have to be on the lookout for.
From dogs to cows (especially cows) and other farm animals, they seem to panic as we pass them by. The theory is that the animals have never heard of the “Rolling Thunder” as 11 Harley And Davidsons ride through the countryside.

The official ride day arrived on the next day, we rode from Colombo, northwards to Anuradapura where we would spend a night there. The weather for the day was hot most of the days we were riding there, the roads were mostly straight without much elevation changes nor turns.
Anuradapura feels a little bit out of nowhere but it was there where we visited one of the oldest temple in the region, built by the King Davanmpiyatisa in the third century BC.

This was also the place where the group stumbled upon wild elephants as we were travelling from the temple we visited to the hotel we were staying that night. It was barely around seven pm but the place gets dark as soon as six pm.
The next day saw us leaving the hotel early towards Habarana, admittedly I was very excited to get to that destination which is where the rock fortress Sigiriya is located.

Behind its engineering marvel is a story of betrayal between two brothers and their father, it was an honour to be able to climb up the huge rock, 1000 plus stairs to the top where we enjoyed a 360 degree view of the surrounding land and enjoyed the sunset of the day.
On the third day of the ride we went across the northern top of the island and go straight for the sea on the east side. We reached the small beach town of Passikudah slightly after lunch and spent the next two nights there for some rest from the ride we’ve been doing for the last three days.

After the good rest, day five saw the group heading for some interesting roads as Kandy is situated high in the mountainside in the heart of Sri Lanka. For the last five nights we have been staying in “newly” built grand hotels but in Kandy we stayed in the historical Queens hotel which is about 160-years-old.

On the six day of the ride we went slightly southward to Ella, here we passed what is our equivalent of Cameron Highlands with huge tea plantations and the most beautiful and scenic mountainside roads.
Little traffic and sweeping corners one after another, if you plan to ride in Sri Lanka, this area is a must ride.

Having said that, it took the group the whole day to get to Ella, which was under heavy roadworks. The last six kilometers of the ride was done not only in pitch dark but also on dirt roads as the local government was in the process of rebuilding the roads there.

From Ella we rode south till we reach the sea and then turned west riding along the coastal roads till we reached Hikkaduwa, its famous for its beaches and a favourite holiday spot for people of Colombo as it is just slightly over 100km south of the capitol city.

Just like the last beach location we hit on the third day of the ride, we spent two nights there in Hikkaduwa before making the last push to Colombo.

Some of us took the opportunity to explore the Galle Dutch Fort, built in 1588 by the Portuguese and later on taken over and expended by the Dutch in 1649.
Upon reaching Colombo, the bikers rode straight to the port and prepared their bikes for shipping. All in all, we completed about 1500km of riding, sounds short but consider that Sri Lanka does not have highways like ours and all roads are like our two lane B roads.

That being said, excluding the road works on Ella and a few spots, we only counted five potholes in that 1500 plus kilometers travelled.
All in all Sri Lanka is definitely worth the visit, weather you are riding or not.
The trip was supported by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau and the Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry. The Sri  Lanka High Commission in Malaysia coordinated the tour with Buzzword.
Buzzword is planning for the next ride there or you can just fly in and rent a bike just like I did and explore the country. For those interested to join the ride you can call Leslie at +60122120154 or email him at leslie@buzzword.com.my.
The people are friendly, the food is very familiar to us and things are fairly affordable. Its a must for history buffs.
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MV Agusta Superveloce Ago Pays Tribute To The Great Giacomo Agostini

Giacomo Agostini is statistically is the most successful two-wheel racer of all time with 15 Grand Prix titles, 13 of them were achieved onboard an MV Agusta machine.
In a new development, MV Agusta decided to carry on the legacy of Agostini by introducing the special edition Superveloce Ago, as a homage to the great legend.

Dressed in a cafe racer-style appearance, the Ago is heavily inspired by the race bike used by Agostini in the 60s and 70s.

Unveiled by the man himself during the recent MotoGP round in Misano, the Superveloce Ago also reflects the same paint job of Agostini race bikes, including the yellow #1 plate.

Limited to just 15 units (to signify Agostini world titles), the 798cc triple-cylinder motorcycle also comes with a racing kit consisting of an Arrow exhaust, control unit with the racing mag, limited edition carbon plate, tank strap, racing kit box and red handgrips.
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Yamaha Recalls MT-09 and MT-09 Tracer

Recall due to the loosening of lower handlebar holder

All models from 2015 to 2017 are affected with the safety issue

Hong Leong Yamaha Malaysia (HLYM) has issued an official notification regarding the Yamaha MT-09 and MT-09 Tracer here in Malaysia. As stated in the official HLYM website, Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd., Japan made the announcement to proactively recall the Yamaha MT-09 and MT-09 Tracer due to the lower handler bar holder loosening.

In the official website, it’s stated “On 21st March 2017, Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd., Japan announced its proactive recall plan for the Yamaha MT-09 and MT-09 Tracer due to the lower handler bar holder loosening. This recall plan is to ensure all MT-09 and MT-09 Tracer customers continue to enjoy the product to its fullest intended purpose. Hong Leong Yamaha Sdn. Bhd., as a responsible manufacturer and assembler of motorcycles in Malaysia will continue our commitment in upholding the standards of the after-sales service requirements,”

“We are ever thankful for you continuous patience as we gather more information in order for us to serve you better. Be assured that preparations for customer care actions are well underway and an official announcement will be published shortly via this website as well as our Authorised Yamaha Big Bike Dealer network. In the meantime, do continue to ride and maintain your motorcycle in accordance to the instructions in the owner’s manual.”

The report issued by Asphalt and Rubber provided more extensive details regarding the lower handlebar issue. Apparently, the stated part was not painted properly which led to insufficient application of thread-locking agent on the stud bolt threads.
This in turn might lead to serious consequences if the handlebar is struck hard enough and will come loose. The possibility of the handlebar actually coming off is a major safety hazard and Yamaha plans to recall all the MT-09 and MT-09 Tracers assembled from 2015 to 2017. In the US, the affected models are the FJ-09, FZ-09 and the XSR900.

HLYM has not come up with the procedures regarding the recall process for the owners affected in Malaysia but do expect an official announcement from them very soon.
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FIRST LOOK: Zero SR/X Concept

Zero, the US electric motorcycle manufacturer, has unveiled its latest concept motorcycle, the SR/X, in partnership with designer Huge Machine.

The SR/X is the latest concept machine introduced by Zero in partnership with Huge Machine.
The SR/X features a distinctive design with half-fairing in light grey with red strip.

The SR/X was created as part of Zero’s “Design the Future Development Program” and is a reimagined version of the Zero SR/S sports bike. The bike features a distinctive design with a half-fairing in light grey with a red strip around the front, and a single wide headlight at the front. At the rear, the tail section appears to ‘float’ above the shock.

While there are not many specifications available yet for the concept bike, Zero says it is powered by their ZF75-10 electric motor and the ZF17.3 lithium-ion battery.
Bill Webb of Huge Machine said that the SR/X is an attempt to define a new sub-category for high-performance electric motorcycles, which combines clean lines and disciplined design with the aggressive proportions and raw functionality found in more traditional race bikes.
Webb explained, “The team wanted to create a dramatic and low ‘front-heavy’ silhouette with the bodywork that could juxtapose the fully exposed mechanicals towards the back of the bike in an unconventional way.
“The SR/S chassis/mechanicals that zero designed are impressive to look at and we wanted the raw bike underneath to be part of the final composition.”

Zero and Huge Machine have previously collaborated on the design of the Zero FXE and its concept motorcycle.
The SR/X is the latest example of their visionary concepts and Zero’s commitment to innovation. The new motorcycle strives to hit a design sweet spot for the near future of electric motorcycles, combining clean lines and disciplined design detailing with the aggressive stance and raw performance feel of modern litre bikes.
The concept bike aims to bridge the gap between a streetfighter and a track bike, with partial fairings and aero performance, as well as the raw attitude of the street.
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Comedian Zizan Razak Gets Pro Riding Tips from Cub Prix Racers

Comedian and celebrity Zizan Razak wanted to improve his riding.

He found it by riding motocross.

Where he was also trained by PETRONAS Cub Prix riders.

There are many different ways on how you can improve your riding skills. Whether you’re new to the two-wheel scene or a seasoned riding enthusiast with years of experience, there’s always something new to learn and one of the best ways to do so is riding off-road. With the help from Cub Prix Pengejar Impian riders, local celebrity Zizan Razak will be guided with some pro tips on how he too can master all roads by learning off-road.

There are many different ways on how you can improve your riding skills. Whether you’re new to the two-wheel scene or a seasoned riding enthusiast with years of experience, there’s always something new to learn and one of the best ways to do so is riding off-road. With the help from Cub Prix Pengejar Impian riders, local celebrity Zizan Razak will be guided with some pro tips on how he too can master all roads by learning off-road.

Training is key but training safely is where you’ll really shine. In the pro training video above, Zizan equipped himself with some protective gears before getting his motorsports adrenaline on with the Pengejar Impian riders. HOT TIP! If you want to get better on the road, the best way you can do so is by improving your riding skills off-road.
As usual, one of Malaysia’s funniest comedians sure made an impact with the riders with his funny antics but like the saying goes, “Fun + Learning = The Best Educational Experience”. You’ll learn better when things are more interesting and this video ticks all the boxes.

Why off-road? Well, riders will most likely panic when they get into unpredictable riding conditions (sand or water on the road that make things slippery) and when you ride off-road, it’s always unstable and you need to be able to master and control your motorcycle like a boss.
If you want to be the best, you got to train like the best and these are three tips that you’ll need to greatly improve on: BRAKING, ACCELERATING, and CORNERING.

These three riding aspects are pretty basic when you’re at the driving schools to get your license but riders like Zizan who want to take their skills to the next level can do so with these important tips to not just to become a better rider but safer as well. Want to ride like pro? It’s time to pay your fullest attention now, people!
TIP 1 – BRAKING

There are three things you’ll need to consider when you want to brake like a pro: body position, braking strength, and rear tyre.

NUMBER ONE! When braking, make sure that your upper body is upright while using your core muscles (near the stomach) and keep those arms relaxed (not straight and locked!).
NUMBER 2! Don’t brake too hard (especially the front) or you’ll end up locking the front tyre and losing grip. Always brake using both front and rear brakes. VERY IMPORTANT.
NUMBER 3! Brake enough but not hard enough to lift the rear tyre up. If it goes up, you’re braking too hard BUT don’t worry! Just release the front brake ever so slightly and the rear tyre will gently fall back to the ground and giving you more control.
TIP 2 – ACCELERATING

According to these Pengejar Impian riders, hard acceleration can be exciting (if you’re a stunt rider) BUT if you do it too hard and too soon, you might end up slower and with less control. Trust us, you don’t want that, people.

NUMBER 1! If you’re spinning the rear tyre, you’re losing traction as well as time and power delivery. Not good!
NUMBER 2! No wheelies! Getting the front wheel up is not only dangerous if you’re not used to it but if you want to be like a pro, make sure both wheels are on the ground at all times. Even MotoGP riders try not to wheelie to make sure they can accelerate hard without losing power.
TIP 3 – CORNERING

The final and arguably most important tip is getting your cornering done right. In most cases, controlling your bike through corners always have the same elements and some of you might’ve already been doing them without noticing.

NUMBER 1! Get your braking done BEFORE entering the corner. Braking and leaning your bike at the same time is not a good idea until you can master the basics of braking first.
NUMBER 2! Twist that throttle open AFTER the corner. Once you see that you’re about to reach the end of the curve, you can start accelerating safely and efficiently. Do it smoothly!
NUMBER 3! Don’t brake or accelerate too hard. Control and smooth flow are keys in becoming a pro rider. So, don’t stomp on that brake like an elephant and don’t twist that throttle open with lightning speed. Slow and steady, guys and gals.

At the end of the day, even Zizan Razak managed to surprise the Cub Prix riders with how fast he’s able to learn and understand all the pro tips given to him. When you listen to tips from pro riders that are this good, anyone can become a pro rider. Even you!

Remember to always watch the video to get all the tips for FREE and become a better rider, not just on the streets, but also circuits, dirt tracks, and everywhere else. Anyone can be a Pengejar Impian but with these tips, you’ll get there safer and faster. Learn from the best and you’ll become the best!
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Indian Motorcycle go VVT

Photo credit - United States Trademark and Patent Office, Motorcycle.com

Indian Motorcycle patented their variable valve timing (VVT) system.

It will equip a new Euro 5-compliant engine.

The technology is the best solution in delivering power with low fuel consumption and emission.

More and more manufacturers embrace variable valve timing technology as Euro 5 looms. Indian Motorcycle is next up.
As Euro 5 seeks to cut more emission, motorcycle manufacturers are forced into looking for other solutions. It was either that or downsizing the engine or reducing power production (god forbid!).
Right now, VVT offers the best answer. Variable valve timing and variable valve lift controls valve overlap at the correct engine loads and timing, yielding power while saving fuel and limiting emission at the same time. Please click the link below to learn more about variable valve timing/variable valve actuation.
2019 Ducati Diavel 1260 to Feature DVT

VVT usually finds place in motorcycles with “sportier” deposition such as the BMW S 1000 RR, Suzuki GSX-R1000, it’s made its way into other types of motorcycle engines. Ducati uses their proprietary Desmodromic Valve Timing (DVT) in the 1260cc V-Twins, while Yamaha employ the tech in their scooters. BMW has now equipped the new 1254cc Boxer (flat-twin) with their own “ShiftCam” technology.
Photo credit – United States Trademark and Patent Office, Motorcycle.com
A new Indian engine was spied months back, but patents revealed that the American manufacturer is pursing VVT technology as well.
Indian’s VVT looks different in because the engine employs overhead valves (OHV) and pushrods rather than overhead camshafts (OHC). Therefore, the VVT phaser is situated at the of the crankcase.
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Adam scores pole in Zhuhai – Asia Talent Cup

Adam Norrodin leads the grid after qualifying on pole position ahead of the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup 2015 Round 4 races in Zhuhai, China.

Round 4 of the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup 2015 has unfolded on a high note for Team Malaysia as Batu Pahat-born youngster Adam Norrodin scores his maiden series pole position during the Qualifying session earlier today.

The weekend began yesterday with the usual two Friday practice sessions, allowing riders to get acclimatised with the 4.3km-long ZIC course located in the Guangdong province of the Chinese Republic. The series’ fourth round being held in support of the weekend’s Pan Delta Racing Festival, which the series’ Honda NSF250Rs sharing track time with several two- and four-wheeled events being held over the weekend.

Just like the other Free Practice (FP) sessions held this season, Japanese rider Ayumu Sasaki dominated the time sheets in both sessions once again and was the only rider by the end of the day to have broken into the 1:45.000 timing mark with his fastest laptime of 1:45.997 in FP2. Hot on his heels were fellow countrymen Ai Ogura and Yuta Date, as well as Malaysian rider Norrodin who scored consisted third fastest times in both sessions.

Whilst Adam’s performance is indeed good news, Team Malaysia were dealt with a huge blow after Shafiq Rasol suffered a high-side crash during FP2 and caused it to be red-flagged. Shafiq sits the weekend out as a result after suffering a broken finger.

Despite Shafiq’s injury, Team Malaysia is still pressing on as proven by the renewed and improved pace from riders Helmi Azman, Azroy Anuar and Fakhrusy Rostam. And once again, the five regulars are joined by wildcards Luth Harith Erwan and Ahmad Idham Khairuddin.

Today’s qualifying session ends with Adam outclassing the grid’s lead Japanese riders after scoring his fastest laptime of 1;45.669 in the final minutes of the session. Joining Adam on the front row are Takuma Kunimine is second and Ayumu Sasaki in third. Leading the second row just behind Adam in fourth is Helmi who is showing excellent pace after recovering from his injury sustained in Sepang. Fakhrusy Rostam, on the other hand settles for ninth whilst Azroy qualifies further down in 14th, Ahmad Idham in sixteenth Luth Harith in 19th.

The weekend’s first race will commence later today at 1:10pm local time and will last for 17 laps in total whilst Race 2 is scheduled to commence tomorrow at 12:30pm local time across 17 laps as well. Stay tuned to our site over the weekend as we bring you the action of the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup 2015 from Zhuhai, China.
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New BMW Street Air Dry airbag jackets

New BMW Street Air Dry airbag jackets developed with Alpinestars set for October release.

BMW Motorrad just unveiled its new BMW Street Air Dry airbag jackets line. The protection gear was developed together with riding apparels specialists Alpinestars as it incorporates the latter’s patented Tech-Air system.
The BMW Street Air Dry textile riding jacket by Alpinestars was designed to interconnect with the A-stars’ brand patented airbag system vest and as it stands as an essential component for the system to work well.

If you didn’t know already, the Alpinestars Tech-Air system uses a sophisticated algorithm that’s engineered to detect imminent danger with high precision. When it does, the system inflates a series of airbags instantly to protect a rider’s key upper body areas, namely the shoulders, back, kidneys and chest.
A durable and water-resistant casing protects the entire Alpinestars Tech-Air suite. When worn underneath any compatible outer jacket like the BMW Street Air Dry, it becomes fully weatherproof.

BMW Motorrad states that its new Street Air Dry series of jackets will offers the freedom to ride any bike on any surface at any time, on- or off-road as well. The firm further highlights that riders don’t need to deactivate the system when riding off-road or stop mid-journey to change the system’s settings as well.
Available for both gentlemen and ladies, the BMW Street Air Dry airbag-equipped riding jacket will reportedly hit dealerships starting October at a still undisclosed price.

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Honda Plans To Develop New Electric Scooter For India

Electric is no longer the future; it’s already here, with every manufacturer keeping their hands busy working on the new platform as we speak.

HMSI to work closely with Honda Japan to build a proper electric scooter.
The upcoming electric two-wheeler is expected to be based on the popular Honda Activa.

Due to the rapid growth of the electric motorcycle segment, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is set to launch its first electric scooter in India soon.
To ensure the progress of the upcoming electric scooter goes smoothly, HMSI will work closely with Honda’s headquarters in Japan to create the essential platforms for the Indian market.
Given the increase in petrol prices and dedicated subsidies for electric vehicles in India, the demand will likely shift towards electric motorcycles. As such, HMSI needs to develop a suitable platform for upcoming electric two-wheelers quickly.
In addition, HMSI has a hill to climb as a host of electric motorcycles are already available in the market, including Ola S1 Pro, TVS i-Qube, Ather 450X and Bajaj Chetak.
However, collaboration with Honda Japan will undoubtedly boost the brand’s establishment in the electric motorcycle sector.
According to the latest report, HMSI plans to debut an electric version of the highly popular Honda Activa; a motorcycle considered the most sought-after compact scooter in India.
The demand for a reliable and well-made electric motorcycle is currently high in India, and the close partnership could also expand HMSI’s reach to the Asian markets.
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Here it is folks, the Bimota TESI H2! RM315,500

Bimota Tesi H2

When the Bimota TESI H2 concept made its first appearance last year at EICMA, people were genuinely ecstatic regarding the new project between the manufacturer and Kawasaki. It was the birth of something special after Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) acquired a 49% stake of Bimota.

While most folks might think this is just a concept, it seems that they’re really pushing forward with this very unique supercharged motorcycle based on the powerful Kawasaki Ninja H2. Now, the concept has turned into production and this is the finished products, ladies and gentlemen.

As it turns out, the overall looks of the Bimota TESI H2 are very similar to the concept we saw at EICMA 2019. The main highlights of this bike have to be its hub-centre steering, aggressive front fairing, and of course, the supercharged four-banger that roughly puts out 228hp (before Ram Air comes into effect, which can hit 238hp).

Another major difference compared to Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 is the extensive use of carbon fibre. We’re not entirely sure how this all plays out in terms of overall weight (we’re guessing that the hub-centre steering might weigh things down a bit), but it’ll probably do the right job at handling all that newly found power.

Pre-sales or bookings are now opened for the Bimota TESI H2. Distribution to owners will begin in October this year and only 250 units will be made, at least for the first batch. Price tag? €64,000. That’s around RM315,551 in today’s exchange rates. You can buy a decent house with that money. But hey, supercharged, right?
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JPJ Issues Arrest Warrants to 40,000 Motorists over AWAS

Credit soyacincau

JPJ has blacklisted and issued arrest warrant to 39,311 motorists for not settling their AWAS fines.

98,850 summonses were issued after the installation of 45 AWAS cameras in September 2018.

Traffic offenders have 60 days to settle their summonses or be dragged to court.

The JPJ (Road Transport Department) is making serious demands into unpaid AWAS (Automatic Awareness Security System) summonses.
According to Bernama, 98,850 summons notices were sent out after 45 AWAS cameras were installed in September 2018. However, only 10,876 of the summonses were settled as of 21stJanuary 2019.
As such, the JPJ proceeded to blacklisting 39,311 motorists with unpaid summonses. Worse, arrest warrants were also issued to them.
JPJ Director General Datuk Seri Shaharuddin Khalid said, “Traffic offenders have 60 days to settle their summonses beginning the date the summonses were issued. JPJ will take the cases to court for prosecution (upon expiry of the 60-day period).”
He added that 39,358 drivers were prosecuted in court as of December 2018.
The Director General also said that the department plans to implement four more AWAS cameras at the Menora Tunnel after the Chinese New Year this year.
Our recommendation to our readers is to quickly check in portals such as https://www.myeg.com.myto see if have outstanding summonses. While you may be able to appeal to lower your fines in court, you may also run the risk of being fined higher. Plus, no one enjoys having the Police showing up at your doorstep or workplace to serve the warrant and arrest you.
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Turn it Up! A Yamaha YZF-R1 and Aprilia RSV4 RF in the Twisties

Yamaha YZF-R1 and Aprilia RSV4 RF vidgrab

Like beauty is subjective, so is everyone’s preference for motorcycle exhaust note.

V-Four engines are among the best – if not the best – sounding.

Listen to this Yamaha YZF-R1 and Aprilia RSV4 RF.

Just as beauty is subjective, so is everyone’s preference for motorcycle exhaust note. To bikers, the exhaust note is another aspect which stirs the sould. However, V-Fours sound the best in our books as demonstrated by this Yamaha YZF-R1 and Aprilia RSV4 RF.
Yes, yes, the Yamaha R1 isn’t a V-Four but an inline-Four, instead. But I’m sure you already know that the “crossplane” crankshaft is arranged in such a way that the engine fires like a V-Four, hence sounding like one. Or like some say, sounds like Valentino Rossi’s YZR-M1 MotoGP bike.

The crossplane crankshaft spaces the crankpins at 90ofrom each other. Therefore, the R1’s firing order mimics the firing order of a V-Four with a 180ocrank, which gives it a 270o– 180o– 90o– 180oignition timing. The irregular firing order is what gives the bike its distinctive exhaust note compared to traditional inline-Fours.
The Aprilia RSV4, on the other hand, uses a 65oV-Four with a 180ocrankshaft. As such, the firing order is a regular 180o– 115o– 180o– 245o, giving it another distinctive and gloriously LOUD(!) exhaust note.
By the way, the numbers with degrees denote the crankshaft rotation angle.
NOTE: Please ride responsibly on public roads.
Video credit: SuperBike Racer
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2019 Kawasaki Ninja H2 Sees 231bhp and Multiple Updates

Launched in 2015, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 was the fastest production motorcycle.

Other manufacturers have started to challenge the H2’s crown recently.

The 2019 Ninja H2 will have a more powerful engine, besides a host of other updates.

The Kawasaki Ninja H2 may be the baddest motorcycle when it was introduced in 2015, but it’s now time for an update. Yes, 3 years is eternity in sportbike-dom. So, to stay ahead of the competition, the 2019 Kawasaki Ninja H2’s engine will produce 231 bhp, for starters.
Granted, no other bike apart from its track-only H2R and sport-touring H2 SX cousins are supercharged, but the relentless march of technology and one-upmanship has seen bikes like the Ducati Panigale V4 take over as the most powerful road-legal bike.

Kawasaki engineers are adopting the technologies developed for the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX, such as a new air filter, intake chamber, spark plugs and ECU. The 2019 H2 will not be fitted with the balanced supercharger from the H2 SX, though. These updates result in 231 bhp, while remaining Euro 4 compliant.
It’s not the engine which received attention, as the new bike will be fitted with Bridgestone RS11 tyres and the new Brembo Stylema calipers that made their debut on the Ducati Panigale V4.

Other updates include a new TFT instrument panel which now includes Bluetooth connectivity.
One novel feature on the 2019 Ninja H2 is a new paint which Kawasaki says is “self-healing,” as in “touching up” minor scratches when the weather is sufficiently warm. Developed in-house, the manufacturer claims that it is superior to such paints currently used in the industry.

Additionally, Kawasaki is launching the “Rideology” app for the bike, which allow owners to check on basic vehicle information, fuel, battery condition, riding log, service interval updates and so forth.
Kawasaki is showing off the 2019 Ninja H2 right now at the Bonneville Salt Flats Speed Week right now.
Ninja H2™
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2016 Malaysian Cub Prix Round 6 race results

Highlights from the 2016 Malaysian Cub Prix Round 6 held in Terengganu.

Round 6 of the venerable Malaysian Cub Prix 2016 season got underway last weekend in the East Coast state of Terengganu. Local townsfolk of Bandar Baru Kijal of Kemaman were treated with the thrills and spills of the national underbone racing series.
Here’s what transpired in the three main categories of the series last weekend.
CP130

What was supposed to be a return to top form for national rider Zaqhwan Zaidi came to an early on Friday. Fresh from his top form in the recent Suzuka 8 Hours and ARRC races, the GIVI Honda Yuzy suffered a dislocated shoulder after a crash during Friday’s practice sessions.

Instead, it was teenage sensation Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin that continued his top form here. Initially, the Petronas Yamaha Maju Motor rider had the upper hand starting from pole. However, with a malfunctioning gear shifter and his usual wingman Ahmad Fazrul Sham crashing out early, Kasma came under pressure from Teregganu native Ahmad Afif Amran during the race.

Kasma repeatedly defended his position from Afif throughout the 18-lap melee and eventually won, keeping the latter rider astride the Petronas Yamaha CKJ machine at bay in second. Coming in third was Kasma’s Petronas Yamaha Maju Motor teammate Abdul Muhaimin Roslan.
Kasma’s victory celebration however was marred after officials deemed his manoeuvres against Afif as ‘unsporting’ behaviour. Not only slapped with a RM2,000 fine, officials also gave Kasma a final warning for his antics, further stating that a repeat of this in upcoming rounds will result in points deductions.

Nevertheless, the Johor-born teenage sensation still holds the upper hand as he leads the CP130 class’ standings still with 125 points – 25 points ahead of Ahmad Fazli Sham in second and a further 68 points clear of AHM Motorsports’ Ahmad Fazrul Sham in third.
CP115

In the secondary CP115 class, GIVI Honda Yuzy Racing rider Azroy Anuar again struggled despite starting from pole position. The former Asia Talent Cup Moto3 rider would settle for a dismal sixth place in the 15-lap race.
Petronas Yamaha Maju Motor’s Md Akid Aziz claimed the race win instead, followed by Azroy’s teammate Md Amirul Ariff Musa who came in second. Completing the podium was local Terengganu native Md Aznil Md Ali astride the M Seki Liberty Honda machine.
Also struggling here was championship leader Tengku Amirul Haffirudin. Despite qualifying second on the grid, the Motul Zeneos Yamaha YY Pang rider finished a lap down in 21st place following an early crash. His lead in the standings has reduced as Akid Aziz edges closer in second with 86 points.
WIRA

Last but not least came the thrilling battle in the highly competitive Wira class. Despite coming in later in the season, class rookie and former Asia Talent Cup Moto3 rider Helmi Azman was in top form again astride the IUGB AFB Tech Racing Yamaha machine.

The Cheras native scored his second win in a row in Terengganu and beat fellow former Asia Talent Cup Moto3 rider Shafiq Ezzariq who came in second by 3.635 seconds. Completing the podium was Md Qhuwarismi Md Nasir astride the Yamaha-powered Weststar Motorsports team machine.

Idemitsu Kozi Yam Honda Racing rider Shafiq’s initial dominance in the category is now under threat from Helmi. Though Shafiq still leads the standings with 133 points, Helmi has risen up the order into second with 103 points and has the chance to claim the title away from initial favourite Shafiq.
Round 7 – Johore
Cub Prix will roar into the bustling southern state of Johore for Round 7 in less than a fortnight’s time from Sept 2 to Sept 3 and later in Temerloh, Pahang for Round 8 from Sept 24 to Sept 25.
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First Ninja Shop opens its doors in Serdang

Over the weekend Kawasaki Motors
Malaysia had launched its first ever flag-ship CKD concept shop called the Ninja Shop in Malaysia.

Located in Taman Sri Serdang, the Ninja shop by Serdang Motocycle will feature all Kawasaki only bikes and also a Kawasaki exclusive Service Centre for its customer’s aftersales requirement.

“I believe that this opportunity will definitely bring up Kawasaki to a new level as a premium brand,” said Takeshi Asano, executive officer and GM for Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Motorcycle and engine, Marketing and Sales division.

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MotoGP: Brad Binder Signs Long-Term Contract With KTM

Brad Binder will remain with the KTM Factory Racing Team for the next three years after agreeing on a new contract.
The South African was a product of KTM GP Academy, competing in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup before earning himself a spot in the Moto3 and Moto2 championship with Red Bull KTM Ajo.
The 25-year-old rider also recorded his maiden victory in the premier class in his debut season onboard the RC16 last year.

“I am super happy to have signed again for three more seasons with KTM, and it will take us up to ten years.
“It’s incredible to have been with this manufacturer for such a long time now, and we’ve always had a good relationship.
“I’m extremely happy in KTM colours, so it’s extra happy to sign a long-term contract. It’s an honour,” said Binder.
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KTM RC125, RC200, and RC390 photos and details leaked

After several days of searching and connecting the dots online, we bring you these first leaked images and details of KTM’s new RC125, RC200, and RC390 models.

Built based on the brand’s highly successful Duke series, the new light and middleweight RC model range sits at the edge of Europe’s current A2 license tier. These models bring forth some lovely looking “Moto3-inspired” and aerodynamically optimised full-faired exterior bodywork, and all appear to be pillion-ready as well. What is more significant is the fact that the production RC390 road bike looks almost similar to the RC390 Cup Racer we reported on not too long ago. It does have a silencer-equipped exhaust, street-legal head and tail lamps, as well as a set of integrated blinkers, but the resemblance are remarkable.

These bikes have been long expected. KTM is scheduled to debut them this month during the annual EICMA bikes show in Milan, Italy. It seems our favourite orange-liveried Austrian bikes maker have delivered well with this new model range. We only managed to find leaked details of the RC125 and RC390 models at present. Here is everything we know about them based on leaked specifications from our sources online.
KTM RC125

According to the leaked specs, the RC125 is powered by a 124.7cc water-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder engine that develops 15hp. Power is transmitted via a six-speed claw shifted transmission that also features a mechanically operated wet multi-disc clutch system.

The powertrain is housed in a steel tubular space frame chassis, with its wheelbase measuring in at 1,340±15 mm, an unloaded ground clearance of 175.8mm (unloaded seat height:820mm), and weighing in at 135kg (dry). Besides these, the chassis also includes a set of 300mm (front) and 230mm (rear, floating) disc brakes with single-pot callipers all-round, as well as WP Suspension kitted for the front forks and rear shock. The model also comes equipped with a fuel tank capacity of 10-litres.

KTM RC390

Whilst the RC200 details still eludes us, we do have information on the larger-sized and range-topping RC390 model. The RC390 uses a larger 373.2cc water-cooled four-stroke single cylinder engine, generating a maximum output of 43hp. All power is channelled using a six-speed claw shifted transmission with, of course, wet multi-disc clutch system.

The RC390 also utilises a steel tubular space frame chassis and has the same all-round measurements as its smaller RC125 sibling. Other similar parts include the front and rear single-disc and single-caliper brakes, the 10-litre fuel tank, and the WP Suspension rear shock. It does however utilise an inverted telescopic front forks instead that is similar to the RC8 R, and a lightweight alloy swingarm.
The RC390 will also feature a fully digital LCD instrument display, 17-inch cast-alloy wheels, with ABS brakes kitted as standard.

We will have more on these new KTMs as soon as official details are released after their debut at EICMA. Until then, we have prepared the galleries below for you to browse, if you don’t mind the occasional low-resolution photo (expected from leaks), including a gallery of the RC390 Race version. Enjoy.
Source: AsphaltAndRubber.com (link 1) (link 2) / VisorDown.com (link 1) (link 2)
KTM RC390 leaked images
KTM RC200 leaked images
KTM RC125 leaked images
KTM RC390 Cup Racer
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2003 Yamaha 125ZR Go! sold for RM85,000

If you thought that a super mint-condition, barely unused Yamaha RXZ can go for up to RM70,000, this unregistered and never ridden 2003 Yamaha 125ZR Go! Edition aka Yamaha 125Z M1 Edition was actually sold for a whopping RM85,000 to its new owner hailing from Vietnam.

Mohamad Azehar Mat Siam, a 29-year-old engineer from Cheras, was passed down from his father who bought the back in 2003. Paying tribute to the great Valentino Rossi and with his father being a huge fan, the limited-edition Yamaha 125ZR was bought and kept, but never registered to run on the road.

Azehar knew that there are a lot of folks who are willing to pay good money for this rare Yamaha two-stroke machine and he initially put the ridiculously high price tag to deter anyone from actually buying the bike away from him. Not for the new Vietnamese owner, though. He straight up bought the bike, no negotiations needed.

The new owner also bought all accessories related to the special edition model which Azehar kept all these years for an additional RM5,000. At the end of the day, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. One could buy a decent superbike with that money, but it probably won’t be as rare as this Yamaha M1-inspired 125Z two-stroker.
Image credit: Cường Nguyễn
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MV Agusta signs technical partnership with Akrapovič

Italy’s premium motorcycle manufacturer, MV Agusta, has inked a new technical partnership with one of the world’s most recognised exhaust manufacturer, Akrapovič. The Slovenian exhaust expert will be supplying their exhaust systems for upcoming MV Agusta bikes and we can’t wait to see what that will look like.

Considering the fact that MV Agusta is extremely particular on how their motorcycles look (up to the point where they’ve invented their very own ‘Motorcycle Art’ philosophy), Akrapovič will provide the same levels of mastery in the form of advanced and race-ready exhaust systems to further amplify the facades of these new MV Agusta bikes.

According to Timur Sardarov, CEO of MV Agusta, “Sound is part of the MV Agusta experience. MV Agusta and Akrapovič have a very similar approach to industrial excellence, accepting nothing but the best. I welcome this partnership as a natural alliance between like-minded leaders in their own field, which will bring about many synergies and even better products for the enjoyment of motorcycle enthusiasts around the world.”

As for Uroš Rosa – Akrapovič’s very own CEO, he stated “Akrapovič is extremely excited about this latest chapter in its motorcycle history. To enter into a new partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the industry and one that shares a similar ethos and DNA to our own is another big step for our company.”
New 2021 MV Agusta F3 in the works, baby!

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Zontes Malaysia Launches Zontes ZT310-T, Zontes ZT310-R, Zontes ZT310-X and Zontes ZT310-X GP: Ten Quick Facts

Zontes Malaysia launched the Zontes ZT310-T, Zontes ZT310-R, Zontes ZT310-X and Zontes ZT310-X GP.

They are priced from RM

The manufacturer offers motorcycle high in innovation, latest technologies and top-notch performance at affordable prices.

After weeks of waiting, Zontes Malaysia lauched the new Zontes ZT310-T, Zontes ZT310-R, Zontes ZT310-X and Zontes ZT310-X GP.
As the names suggest, they are the latest entry into the country’s lightweight segment.
The maker knows that lightweight motorcycles are more accessible i.e. easier to ride and more affordable to a wider range of riders. However they also know that buyers demand motorcycles that are loaded with performance, innovation, technology, styling, quality, comfort, accessibility and practicality, but at competitive prices.

In all honesty, none of the pictures in the manufacturer’s website and those published here could reflect on the amazing high quality of the bikes. The welds on the frame, casting of the engine parts, paint quality and finishing, joints of the panels, material and finishing of every single component right down to the fasteners (bolts, nut, screws), the feel of the seat and handlebar, levers oozes the kind of quality to rival that of that European and Japanese manufacturers.
Really, no one could tell that the motorcycles are the “typical Chinese” motorcycle. Do make your way to Zontes Malaysia’s authorised dealers to check them out.
Anyway, here are here are ten quick facts about the Zontes:
1. What’s different about Zontes motorcycles?
The biggest difference is the amount of features loaded into the brand’s motorcycles. These features are usually only available on big bikes. Smaller motorcycles may have one or two of these features, but not all in one motorcycle.
2. So, what are these features?
The highlights are:

Futuristic, bold, unparalleled and unique styling.

Electrically adjustable windscreen (for the 310-T and 310-X).

Fully digital LCD display.

LED lighting for the running light, headlight, taillight and signal lights.
Smart lithium-ion battery ensure quick starting and reduces weight.
Dual-channel Bosch 9.1M ABS module (disengageable).

Two power modes: “E” for economy and “S” for Sport
Upside-down forks.

Nitrogen-filled monoshock rear suspension.
One-piece cast aluminium swingarm.

Lightweight aluminium allow wheels.
The high strength steel tube frame is utilized as the oil cooler.
Delphi fuel-injection management.
Dry sump engine lubrication.
Aluminium engine block for optimal cooling.

Fuel tank with galvanized liner to prohibit corrosion and blocked fuel system.
Anti-scald exhaust silencers. The silencers are not hot even after riding.

Electrically-controlled fuel filler cover.

Electrically-controlled seat lock.
USB charging port.
Keyless Control System for secure and ease of locking and unlocking the motorcycle.
Rear luggage rack.

3. Are all four models based on the same platform?
Yes, all four models are based on one engine, frame and chassis platform. Being so makes means parts should be easily available.
4. Tell us more about the Zontes ZT310-T

The ZT310-T is an adventure (ADV) motorcycle. It may look like a CTRL+C – CTRL+V job of the BMW R 1200 RT but look closer and you’ll spot many differences.

Distinguishing features include a large motorized windscreen, handguards, high-level mudguard and crash protection bars.

It is priced at RM 22,800 (basic selling price without road tax, insurance and number plates).
Zontes Malaysia is offering the first batch of ZT310-T with exclusive top box and panniers.
5. Tell us more about the Zontes ZT310-R

The  ZT310-R is the naked sportbike in the ZT310 line-up.

Zontes knows that a naked sportbike needs to be have bold and extrovert styling. The most distinguishing features are the aggressive headlamp, taillamp and belly pan. The headlight combined with the radiator shroud give the impression of a robot out of the movie “Real Steel.” On the other hand, the taillamps are mounted flush in the tailsection, giving the bike a distinctive and aggressive appearance.

It is priced at RM 19,800 (basic selling price without road tax, insurance and number plates).
6. Tell us more about the Zontes ZT310-X

The ZT310-X is a sport-tourer. As such it needs a windscreen and fairing to shield the rider from the windblast and elements. A tall handlebar gives the rider a natural and comfortable riding position on those long rides.

It is priced at RM 20,800, while the ZT310-X GP is priced at RM 21,600 (basic selling prices without road tax, insurance and number plates),
7. Who and where is Zontes produced?
The Zontes is one of the brands produced by Guangdong Tayo Motorcycle Technology Co., Ltd. in China.
8. What is Zontes Malaysia’s mission
The official Malaysian distributor assured us that they will expand their dealer throughout the country, not only to sell the bikes but also to provide the best possible aftersales service.
9. Tell us more about the company
The company is a Sino-foreign joint venture and was founded in 2003 with a total investment of RM 1.6 billion (RMB 2.6 billion). Its facilities cover 400,000 square metres (40 hectres). Guangdong Tayo employs some 1,600 staff, with 60% of them holding college degrees and higher. The pillar of the manufacturer is innovation and quality. The company holds 256 patents for styling, 36 patents for innovation and 121 patents for utility models.
10. Are the motorcycles sold in other countries apart from China and Malaysia?
Yes, they are also sold in the UK and a number of European countries, South America, South Africa.
PHOTO GALLERY

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Backfiring Motorcycle Caused Panic, Thought as Gunshots

Photo for illustrative purpose only

A backfiring motorcycle caused mass panic in New York City.

The popping sounds were mistaken for gunshots.

The crowd stampeded, causing 22 injuries.

With a nation on edge after three mass shootings in the space of one week, a backfiring motorcycle causes mass panic in New York City, United States of America.
The panic also interrupted and ended the Broadway play “To Kill a Mockingbird” in the Schubert Theatre. The crowd had attempted to flee the play, resulting in a stampede which injured 22 people.

BREAKING **PANIC AT TIMES SQUARE** Broadway and West 44 Street. A motorcycle backfiring caused people to think there was shots fired. Thousands of people panicked. #NYPD on scene confirming it was motorcycle.
— NYC Scanner (@NYScanner) August 7, 2019

New York Police Department said a group of motorcycles were passing by when one of them backfired. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio also issued a statement via his Twitter account that, “Times Square is safe and secure. The noises heard earlier were motorcycles backfiring, not gunshots.”
One person said, “We just hear ‘pop’, ‘pop’, ‘pop’, and thought that somebody just came in and started shooting people.”
Another said, “It’s a shame the climate of America is like this.”
The mass shootings have occurred at public events. The last three shootings at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, Arianna Grande’s Manchester concert and Route 91 Harvest Festival left 58 dead and another 489 wounded. Punk band Blink-182 was forced to cancel their concert in El Paso after a gunman opened fire in a Walmart Supercentre, killing 20 over the weekend.
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Mercedes and MV Agusta unveil one-off F3 800

In an effort to celebrate their “iconic” partnership, Mercedes-AMG and MV Agusta collaborated and unveiled a one-off F3 800 sports bike at the 2015 IAA Frankfurt International Motor Show.
Inspired by the Mercedes-AMG GT S, the F3 800 features an AMG solarbeam yellow exterior paint job with black accents and AMG / MV Agusta badging.  The bike also has a black leather seat with yellow contrast stitching.

As much as the technicalities are concerned, the MV Agusta F3 800 is powered by a three-cylinder 12-valve 798 cc engine which produces 148 PS at 13,000 rpm and 88 Nm at 10,600 rpm. The engine is paired to a six-speed gearbox with MV EAS (Electronically Assisted Shift).
While the bike’s combined fuel consumption stands at 9.4l/100km, CO2 emission is pegged at 224-216 g/km.

Weighing at 173 kg, the motorcycle is priced at 15,190 Euros (RM73,252) for the version equipped with EAS and ABS.

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Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia London Adventure – Day 2 (Part 2)

We continue with the Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia London Adventure – Day 2 with more historic and important landmarks.

Westminster Abbey should be high on everyone’s list should you fancy history.

Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament are the landmarks no one should miss.

It was another short jaunt from St. James’s Park to Westminster Abbey. All these sites were set up close to Buckingham Palace.
Seeing it all in pictures was nothing compared to the first-hand experience of being there yourself. The sights, the sounds, the cool air, the sunshine, the people and everything else contribute an immersive experience none could forget.

WESTMINSTER ABBEY

Yes, Westminster Abbey is a gothic church, but I don’t have a fixation for anything goth. Nevertheless, it is where monarchs, royalties, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Dickens and Stephen Hawking (among other luminaries) are interned (buried). It was also the site in a number of famous movies.
But first, who was Sir Isaac Newton?
You’ve probably learned in school about the guy who discovered gravity when an apple fell on his head. That guy was Sir Isaac Newton. However, the part about an apple knocking Sir Newton’s noggin was a myth. Truth was, he sat under a tree and wondered why apples always drop perpendicularly to the ground, instead of sideways or upwards.

There are stronger connotations to why I venerate Sir Isaac Newton. I love the subjects of physics and motion, besides history and astronomy. The first two are innately connected with how engines and motorcycles work. In fact, an engine’s torque is measured (among other units) in “Nm,” as in Newton-metre. Additionally, there are Newton’s three laws of motion.

It was Newton who gave us the laws of universal gravity, laws of motion, calculus, among many more which he published in the groundbreaking book Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica– better known as just “Principia.” It was one of the most important works in the history of science, marking the epoch of a great revolution in physics.
Financed by Astronomer Royal Edmond Halley (remember this name), Principia was published in 1687. We came to understand the motions of the planets, comets and other celestial bodies.

Without Newton’s work, we wouldn’t have satellite communications and GPS because we wouldn’t be able to keep satellites orbit. Worse, we won’t be watching MotoGP “live” on weekends (plus all the football matches). In fact, scientists and engineers today still use Newton’s formulas to send spacecrafts into space and the orbits of other planets.
It was he who created the first practical reflecting telescope, so much so the type is often referred to as the “Newtonian.” He also discovered that a prism separates white light into the colours of the spectrum and continued to research the subject. His findings were published in another book called “Opticks” in 1704.

This was why he’s oft regarded as the “father” of modern physics.
Newton passed away in his sleep in London on 20 March 1727 (NS 31 March 1737) aged 84 and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
Back to Westminster Abbey, the site was established in 960 (1,058 years ago) when King Edgar installed a community of Benedictine monks. It was then expanded and extended by various monarchs through the centuries.
Since the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066, all coronations of English and later British monarchs had been performed at Westminster Abbey. There were also 16 royal weddings since 1100. Princess Diana’s funeral service was held here in 1997.

I got goosebumps as I walked in the yard, while looking at all those huge centuries-old stones that were used to build it. Immense buttresses supported the walls. Visitors entered through the magnificent North Entrance façade which is decorated with tracery, arcading and figurative carvings.
The ticket counter’s in the narthex. Entrance fee for a single adult is £22, inclusive of an audiobook and guided tour. Unfortunately, photography wasn’t allowed, and I had a schedule to adhere to. I decided that Sir Isaac Newton’s tomb is one compelling reason to revisit London.
BIG BEN

It’s amazing when you do some of research. I never knew that “Big Ben” is in fact the name of the largest of five bells in the clock tower. The tower’s name was simply the “Clock Tower” before being renamed as Elizabeth Tower in 2012. Did you know that? I didn’t.
Did you know that the main bell, officially known as the “Great Bell” and “Big Ben” to us, was installed in the tower’s belfry in 1858 (160 years ago)? At 2.9m high, 2.74m in diameter and weighing 13.76 tonne (13,760kg), it was the largest and heaviest bell in the British Isles until the 17-tonne (17,000kg) “Great Paul” bell was cast for the St. Paul’s Cathedral in 1881.

Apart from that, do you know the musical chime of alarm clocks? (Please click on the link below to listen.) It had originated from the four Quarter Bells in the tower.
I used to listen to the BBC radio broadcasts with my late-Dad. The channel always used the tolling of Big Ben to mark 12 midnight, Greenwich Meridian Time (GMT). The practice began in 1923!
(AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis, File)
The movement of the four-faced clock was designed by horologist Edmund Beckett Denison and George Airy, a Astronomer Royal (remember these names. They will show up again). What makes the clocks tick? A pendulum! Yes, like those in grandfather clocks. And like all old clocks it needs to be wound three times a week. The process takes 1½   hours.
The clock was the largest and most accurate when it was completed in 1859. It was so accurate that removing or adding a penny adjusted the clock by 0.4 seconds.
The clock’s mechanism – Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Big Ben was hit by a bomb one occasion and an anti-aircraft shell during WWII, but it kept working and ringing. It was taken as one of the symbols of British defiance and stoicism during the war.
Big Ben is probably the most famous landmark of London. There’s no doubt every one of us has seen it in a movie or on TV.
However, it’s covered in scaffolding since 2017 for a four-year refurbishing project and the bell silenced. The works will also add a lift inside the tower. The renovation costs add up to£61 million as of September 2017.

Was I disappointed for not being able to view Big Ben? I was at first, but I knew the restoration will sustain the building for ages to come.
THE PALACE OF WESTMINSTER A.K.A. HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT
“Big Ben” is located at the northern end of The Palace of Westminster, better known as Houses of Parliament. The two structures are so famous that almost everyone on earth would recognize them as part of the City of London.

It is called Houses of Parliament because the House of Commons and House of Lords convened there.

The first royal palace was built on the site in 1016 and served as the primary residence for the Kings of England until a fire destroyed much of it in 1512. The Parliament of England had been meeting there since the 13thcentury but used the palace full-time afterwards.
Another fire broke out in 1834, destroying both Houses of Parliament and most buildings in the palace complex. The job to rebuild the site was awarded after reviewing 97 proposals. Work began in 1840 and was only completed in 1876. This was when the building acquired its current Gothic architecture.
The Blitz (German air bombing) in WWII hit the Palace of Westminster on fourteen separate occasions.
The building is old and in need of urgent restoration. There were reports of the ceiling dropping onto MP’s desks. Consequently, MP’s voted in 2016 to vacate the building in 2022.

Walking up close past the building was quite another experience compared to looking at it in pictures. Pictures all but show the outlines and little else. I was totally in awe while standing right in front of a structure that I’ve seen thousands of times in books and visual media. There are so many intricate details that need to be experienced. It was an imposing structure, as well. Of course, it had been a residence for the King, after all.
The Houses of Parliament has seen some serious cases of security breaches. As such, like Big Ben, tours are only allowed for British nationals who had obtained an authorization letter from their MP’s.

INTERMISSION
We’ll take another break here because the last part of Day 2 is another long article as it covers The Imperial War Museum London, a River Thames ferry ride and the Tower Bridge.
Please click here for the Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia London Adventure Day 1 and here for Day 2 (Part 1).
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