Benelli Is The Best Selling Two-Wheel Brand In Italy For First Half Of 2022

Benelli is making great strides in 2022, with over 8,522 new motorcycles registered in Italy.

Benelli sold more than 8,000 units in the first six months of 2022.
The TRK 502 is the brand’s most famous motorcycle, with more than 4,000 units registered in Italy in 2022.

According to the company, the sales projection marks a six per cent increase compared to last year’s period.
For a company that Chinese-based QJ Motors own, the numbers certainly seem that Italian riders are satisfied with the brand.
Thanks to the trust, Benelli became the best-selling motorcycle brand in Italy for the first six months of 2022.
Moreover, for a brand that has to compete with big players like Ducati and Aprilia, becoming the best-selling motorcycle brand in Italy is a historical moment.
While some might question the authenticity of Benelli as an Italian brand, the reality is that plenty of companies are financed by other firms that is based elsewhere.
Considering Benelli is making great strides in terms of sales in Italy; clearly Italians are in love with the brand.

Interestingly, the TRK 502 has played a pivotal role in Benelli’s 2022 success so far. Out of the total, Benelli sold 4,436 units of the TRK 502 in the first six months of 2022.
“Today, we are facing a historic result. An extraordinary milestone, achieved thanks to the incredible commitment, passion and determination of all those who are part of this company,” said Benelli Italia sales manager Gianni Monini.
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Tips on Cleaning and Lubricating your Bike Chain

A neglected chain not only shortens its lifespan, it also robs engine power and the engine consumes more fuel.

The chain needs to be kept clean and lubricated.

Here are some tips for cleaning and lubricating your bike chain.

Taking care of your bike’s chain including cleaning it is part and parcel of ownership.
A neglected chain not only shortens its lifespan (i.e. incurring costs), it also robs engine power and the engine consumes more fuel.
So how to do it? Let us show you some tips then.
Cleaning the chain
One is the Pro Bike Cleaner. In contrast to some chain cleaners in the market, this product is not a degreaser. That’s good because it doesn’t dissolve the grease in the chain’s rollers and links. But more importantly, it’s safe for use on rubber. Caustic products such as petrol, kerosene or diesel will dry out the chain’s rubber sealing rings, causing dirt and water to penetrate in between the sideplates.

The Pro Bike Cleaner is also awesome as a bike cleaner as the name suggests. You can spray some onto a sponge or mix with a pail of water and use it like your regular bike wash liquid.

Just spray it directly onto the chain, making sure that all parts are covered. If your chain is exceptionally dirty, just go over with a chain brush. Using a chain brush ensures that caked on bits of fine sand and grime are loosened.

Once done brushing, hose the chain with water. That’s how it is with this product.

Drying the chain
The chain needs to be dry before lubricating it. Otherwise, the chain lube will just sit on top of that water and not penetrate deep enough.
The best way is to go out for a short 5-minute ride. The centrifugal forces will force the water out.
However, since the Covid-19 Movement Control Order is in place, jack up the rear wheel, start the engine and put the bike into gear. Release the clutch slowly and spin the rear tyre.
Lubricating the chain
We’ve tried a lot of chain lubes in the market but came away very impressed by the Toyo Ninja Chain Lube. It has a synthetic formula, consisting of liquid molybdenum sulphide.

Before proceeding further, allow us to explain a bit about molybdenum sulphide.
In World War 2, pilots would pour the stuff into the engines to mix with the oil. The molybdenum sulphide would coat the parts of the engine, so that the engine will keep on running even if all the engine oil drained out should the engine get hit by a bullet, shell or flak.
The substance has a natural affinity (attraction) to metal surfaces, which causes the chain lube to stick to the chain. As such, we’ve ridden with the Toyo Ninja Chain Lube up to 1000 km, compared to the usual 300 to 400 km lifespan of normal chain lubes. We normal lube our chains at every 600 km with the Toyo product. It’s thus very economical.
The best way to lube the chain is by spraying onto the inner run of the chain. Centrifugal force will carry it to the outer parts. Therefore, if you spray on the outside run instead, most of it will be flung off.

Once you’ve sprayed the entire chain, wipe off the excess with a cloth.

Letting it set
Give 20 minutes for the lube to set.
Again, since the bike will probably sit idle due to the MCO, start the engine and spin the rear tyre.
You’re done.
Where to buy
You can order the Pro Bike Cleaner and Toyo Ninja Chain Lube from our e-commerce platform here.
We would to state that we’re not using these two products because we’re selling them. However, in actual fact, we had purchased and used the two products prior to selling them. We will not sell you crappy products.
Please click on the link below for the Pro Bike Cleaner.

Please click on this link for the Toyo Chain Lube.

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Honda Releases 50th Anniversary Monkey Bike

50th Anniversary Monkey Bike comes in Magna Red and Shasta White

Only 1,800 will be manufactured

To celebrate the legendary mini bike’s 50th anniversary, Honda has commemorated the occasion with the release of the renowned Honda Z50 aka “Monkey Bike”. This special edition will be on limited release and will also be the last ever Monkey Bike to be produced by the Japanese manufacturer.
The bike recently launched in Japan comes with a unique Magna Red and Shasta White colourway together with a 3D insignia on the fuel tank. Apart from the crisp paint job, they have also included the 50th anniversary logo on the seat and key to mark this joyous occasion.
How rare is this beauty? Only 1,800 will be made for public consumption and we believe that most of them will stay in Japan. You might need to make quite a few phone calls, pull a few strings and maybe pull a bunny out of a hat just to get one of your own.
Weighing at an impressive 68kg, the Monkey Bike or sometimes referred to as a Gorilla Bike(judging by how people look when riding the mini moto), the 50th anniversary Z50 gets all of its power from a 49cc fuel-injected, air-cooled engine that churns out 3.3hp and 3.4Nm of Sunday stroll torque.
Transferring all that power to the rear wheel gets the help from a modest four-speed gearbox. This is no superbike numbers but it’s reasonable especially with the 68kg payload.
It is also not surprising that the Z50 is shorter than most bikes as it stands at only 850mm with a ride height of 660mm of the ground but the nostalgic feeling alone is more than enough to draw a big grinning smile on your face while rolling around the neighbourhood on this baby.
Looking to buy one of your own? Honda has set the price at 352,080 Yen (around RM13,803 after direct conversion). The price might be a bit steep but you’ll be getting a legend or become one yourself when you’re seen on the road with this bad boy.
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TESTED: 2017 Honda Wave Alpha MMC – The Next Generation People’s Bike

The 2017 Honda Wave Alpha MMC is all about the balance between performance, reliability and comfort within an affordable package.
Equipped with updated looks and performance, the Wave Alpha is a perfect option for the latest generation of riders who’s looking for a bit of style in how they travel.
The Wave Alpha MMC is also EEV (Energy Efficient Vehicle) and Euro3 certified for those who worry about the environment.

Over the years in the motorcycling industry, no manufacturer has gone above and beyond to become so easily recognised and available in most parts of the world. From their infamous Super Cub to the steady and iconic EX5, Honda is a name that has been written in the list of the greatest of all time many times over.

Their presence in the motorcycling market here in Malaysia has been strong even for the EX5 range which has been in the game for 30 years now. Today, Boon Siew Honda (BSH) is beginning to understand that the new generation needs new generation motorcycles to go along with their lifestyles.

While most modern folks especially the younger generation would think that most kapchais or mopeds in the market today are a bit dated in terms of design, Honda has brought their Wave series into the 21st century. The best example of this is their 2017 Honda Wave Alpha. We got to test this very simple yet capable machine and we think that it’s one of the best value-for-money motorcycles available in Malaysia.

First off, most folks from all over the world feels that their machines of choice whether its two-wheels or more need to have the right balance between performance, reliability, affordability and comfort. Most Malaysians when asked about this tend to prioritise reliability and affordability more than performance and comfort. The 2017 Honda Wave Alpha has a bit of everything for everyone.

The latest Wave Alpha has gone through a few enhancements which are now referred to as the Wave Alpha MMC (Minor Model Change). These subtle changes took the previous Wave Alpha package and made it better. In terms of looks, it looks more updated with sleek lines and interesting choice of colours. The test bike we got in the Pearl Nightfall Blue colourway is indeed a beautiful colour especially when exposed to the sunlight where you can see the specks of blue glimmering in all its majesty.

The latest Wave Alpha also comes with a stylish sporty exhaust together with a redesigned emission filtering system to reduce the motorcycle’s overall carbon footprint. This makes the Wave Alpha the next best thing for eco-warriors right next to all-electric vehicles which is still very much out of the affordability range. Combined with the fact that the Alpha is also EEV (Energy Efficient Vehicle) and Euro3 certified, it’s a great choice for those taking care of the environment as well.

Honda bikes are also known for their performance and reliability. While the Wave Alpha has been re-tuned for better performance and efficiency, it still has roughly the same amount of horsepower and torque as the previous generation Alpha at around 8.3hp and 8.42Nm of torque. It’s lower by ever so slightly but we figured that won’t make much of a difference to its relatively small 110cc engine. It’s not the fastest of the lot but with only 110cc, no one expect outrageous top end speed when they want to buy this.

The upside of this re-tuned engine is that the power delivery is much smoother as it heads to 100km/h and the biggest return of all is an overall improvement in terms of comfort. While most small mopeds in the 150cc range and below tend to shake and rattle as they approach the highway speed limit, BSH has done something to the latest Alpha to make sure that it is as easy going as it can be even as it maxes out to around 100km/h. This is a much welcomed criterion especially to this particular writer who has developed quite a soft spot for the Alpha.

There are however a few downsides to the Alpha. Even though the bike is EEV certified and known for great fuel efficiency, the 3.7-litre fuel tank is quite small and we quickly found out that it requires a lot of frequent fuel stops for daily travels. The upside to this is that if you’ve emptied the tank completely, you only need to spend around RM7.50 to get the Alpha fully fuelled again for a two to three days worth of travelling. To us, that is quite a bargain.

The rear drum brake package also means that the Wave Alpha is available at a lower price but be warned; you might to apply more right foot pressure to get the rear brake working efficiently. Modulating the rear drum brake requires more movement and effort which is why we suggest adjusting its grip level before heading out of the showroom.

The final aspect in what makes the Wave Alpha a good choice for Malaysians is the price. There are two variants available for the 2017 Wave Alpha MMC; RM4,535.74 (basic price with GST) for the drum brake and spoke wheels option and RM4,927.94 (basic price with GST) for the disc brake and cast wheels. Falling right under the RM5,000 mark makes it a very capable and affordable offering from Boon Siew Honda. After all, nothing beats a machine that has a great balance in terms of performance, reliability, affordability and comfort.

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Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup Rd 4 – Adam Norrodin makes it two!

Adam Norrodin scores podium finish in Race 2 of the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup Rd 4 in Malaysia.

Following Saturday’s gloomy weather (read FP & QP report here, Race 1 report here), Sunday brought out Sepang’s sunnier side.

Clear and hot, the weather was the perfect incubator at creating a dramatic race for the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup Rd 4’s second race of the weekend n Malaysia.

It seemed that Shafiq Rasol’s 2nd place finish the day before has fuelled the spirits of all seven in the Malaysian camp. All seven, including Nazirul Bahauddin who started further back in 21st, pushed hard, taking turns at giving the grid’s top flight Japanese riders a run for their money.

As soon as the lights went out, Shafiq Rasol and Helmi Azman led the charge and found themselves battling in the lead group.

Fighting against quick riders such as Ayumu Sasaki, championship leader Yuta Date, as well as Kaito Toba, the duo were on top form early on. Shafiq Ezzariq also pulled himself up the order into the lead group, followed closely by Adam Norrodin.

However, luck did not favour Shafiq Ezzariq, Fakhrusy Rostam, and Helmi Azman. Fakhrusy’s Sunday came to an early close after he high-sided and crashed out on Lap 1 at Sepang’s notoriously difficult final hairpin. The same spot also claimed a second victim, Helmi Azman, where the youngster low-sided and crashed out on the last lap.

Shafiq Ezzariq’s luck ran out halfway through the race. Despite pushing really hard, Ezzariq slid out at Sepang’s Turn 14 just before the back straight. From the emotions he showed in the pit after, it was clear that he had put in a lot of effort.

Nevertheless, the remaining Malaysians kept the fight on throughout the 14-lap race. A mistake cost Shafiq Rasol the chance of repeating yesterday’s success, and saw him settling for a 13th place finish.

Towards the final few laps, Adam Norrodin found himself battling against Toba, Ryo Mizuno, and pole-sitter Nakarin Atiratphuvapat. But her perserverance paid off after he crossed the line in third, receiving a warm welcome in the pits after. His brother, Ibrahim Norrodin, also proved his mettle after finishing the race in a respectable 9th place.

The race win was claimed by pint-sized Japanese rider Ayumu Sasaki, making a very good retribution following his DNF the day before. Sasaki managed to squeeze himself out of the lead group’s battle. Upon reaching the mid-race point, Sasaki had already created a significant gap, keeping his lead all the way to the chequered flag.

The final podium spot, on the other hand, was claimed by Race 1 winner Kaito Toba. “I had to change my suspension setup for today, but it was not so good. I also made a mistake while fighting in the early parts. From then on, I just concentrated by strategy at maintaining the highest position possible,” shared Toba.

Sasaki, on the other hand, was much more pleased. “At first, I tried to go deep while battling in the lead group during the start. The other guys were faster, and I just tried even harder,” said the tiny Japanese. He later iterated that after he cleared the battle, all that was left for him was to push hard, explaining the significant 4.062 second gap between him and Toba in second.He even added, “my favourite part of the circuit is Sector 3,” – Sepang’s highly technical but fast bits.

Using his racing experiences from the Spanish CEV series, Adam took full advantage of his second row starting position in fifth. “I did made a mistake at Turn 1 during the start, but from then on I tried my very best and kept on pushing,” the 16-year-old explained at how he got himself into the lead group’s fight.

He added, “As long as we set our targets and work hard at it, I am sure I and the other (Malaysian) riders can be competitive. I would be happier if all of us reach the next level altogether.”
As the weekend in Sepang concludes, it is clear that the seven Malaysians have shone brightly on home ground. The Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup will return for its final two races next month during the Malaysian MotoGP weekend.
But before that, the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup will head for its fifth round in Motegi, Japan, in less than three weeks time. Full results can be obtained by visiting the official Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup website.
Check out the extensive galleries below for more. Additionally, you could also see more photos on the official BR Facebook page as well.
2014 Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup Rd 4 – Sepang – Sunday – BR
2014 Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup Rd 4 – Sepang – Sunday – Aiena Zahira Daim
2014 Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup Rd 4 – Sepang – Sunday – Mauro Talamonti
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Malaysian Cub Prix ready to start racing again

The new Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) has loosened its grips on a lot of aspects of everyday life and the organisers of the Petronas AAM Malaysian Cub Prix are eager to get some racing action going in this ‘new normal’ here in Malaysia.

One of the aspects that have been granted the green light to operate during CMCO is motorsports. It has been deemed safe to operate as long as they’re able to comply with the Malaysian government’s new Standard of Procedure (SOP) in terms of social distancing, sanitation, facilities, policies, and more.

This also means that racing is a go but without its normal huge crowd, spectating from the side. At every race venue, tens of thousands of fans flocked to every Malaysian Cub Prix round to experience the sights and sounds of motorsports but as CMCO is now enforced to curb the spread of COVID-19, fans can still catch them in action on television.

According to Ron Hogg, Safe Aim Mutual (SAM) Managing Director (SAM is also the promoter of Malaysian Cub Prix),  “Motorsport is an expensive industry and a shutdown will have a disastrous impact but now we have a sense of direction on the season and it will bring back confidence to the sponsors.”

“Safety and well-being will still be the utmost importance. We might limit the number of people at the paddock. We will adhere to social distancing and other practices like wearing masks. We will have to look at the schedule for the season and they may be some adjustment with the interstate travel ban. We also may race only on closed tracks, where we have control on the number of people compared to open tracks,” added Mr. Hogg.
Source: The Star Online
AEON Credit payment relief extended to 31 May 2020

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Southern radicals @ Radical Machine Garage JB

A peek into the southern styles of Johor Bahru-based custom bike builders called Radical Machine Garage.
In recent years, the Malaysian custom bikes scene has grown both tremendously to say the least. Whilst some of the country’s best builders are found in the greater Klang Valley areas, there are a handful of them that are based elsewhere around the peninsula. One such example was this establishment we found by chance during a recent trip down to Johor Bahru called Radical Machine Garage.

While not as big in size as some of its Kuala Lumpur-based contemporaries, this humble little garage’s ambitions and creations are anything but small. Founded in 2014, Radical Machine Garage’s foray into the custom bikes movement was somewhat unorthodox according to its chief builder named Badri Bin Othman.

Better known as ‘Bard’ amongst many of his peers, the 38-year-old JB native first honed his skills by crafting custom low-rider bicycles before venturing into building custom and bespoke motorcycles. According to Bard, Radical Machine Garage can trace it roots back to a time when it was known as ‘Roda Radikal’.
Image credit: Radical Machine Garage Instagram
The outfit made its presence felt when it debuted alongside many other aspiring local builders during the inaugural Art of Speed custom fest back in 2012, which was where Bard got his inspiration to step up his forte.

“Art of Speed 2012 was a real game-changer. Seeing custom bikes built by other locals got me inspired to start the movement in Johore, leading to the formation of Radical Machine Garage,” said the JB native when we spoke to him the night before our impromptu photoshoot session.

Bard was also keen to point out that the evolution and name change from Roda Radikal to Radical Machine Garage reflected the outfit’s shift from customising bicycles that had no engines to motorcycles that had one, thus explaining the ‘Machine’ bit in its name.
Image credit: Radical Machine Garage Instagram
What makes Radical Machine Garage truly unique is its approach at catering to the growing custom bikes movement in the state of Johore. “We focus our builds towards the small capacity bikes in order to support the scene. Most here do not have the financial capacity to go big just yet,” explained Bard as we curiously inspected the customised Honda Monkey parked outside the small garage.

(Image credit: Radical Machine Garage Instagram)
Nevertheless, the outfit has opted not to limit itself towards small bikes only. Some of the garage’s works are proudly displayed in and around the Pot’s Industries premises, which is where this independent builder is based.

During our visit the night before, Bard and his colleague Naza, an engine and wiring specialist, had their hands full at prepping a few of the garage’s current works that appear to be based on a variety of old Hondas with eye-catching paintjobs.

These two bikes also reflected this local builder’s two other key philosophies. Bard digressed further here by saying, “Firstly, we are not into mass production or replication. Each of our bikes are unique and are not the same as the ones we’ve built before it. Secondly, before we build each bike, we do a proper study of the specific bike genre chosen for the project, and we stick to it. Regardless whether it is a café racer, bobber or a chopper, we stick to that specific genre’s elements and traits properly.” Clearly, the two eye-catching Honda café racers are proof of that.

Though our visit was short, the ambition and passion radiated genuinely by Radical Machine Garage and its chief builder Bard is something we found hard to forget. You can follow the outfit via its official Instagram account (@radicalmachine_garage ). You can visit it in person in Pot’s Industries that is situated along JB’s Jalan Bertingkat Skudai stretch (see map attached below).

Radical Machine Garage @ Pot’s Industries, Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, Johor Bahru

Radical Machine Garage @ Pot’s Industries – JB

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Husqvarna Norden 901 Now In Malaysia – RM98,800

Calling all adventure riders, the all-new Husqvarna Norden 901 has officially land in Malaysia with a recommended selling price of RM98,800 excluding road tax, insurance and registration.

the Norden 901 features the same 890cc parallel-twin engine taken from KTM’s 890 Adventure.
Husqvarna claimed the company first ADV bike makes 103hp and 100Nm.

The Norden 901 officially made its bow in November 2021, two years after the Swedish company unveiled the concept at EICMA.
Build based on the KTM 890 Adventure platform, the Norden 901 carries a different styling set than its Austrian cousin.

It has a more extensive body panel than the 890 Adventure, thus making it a proper dual-purpose bike for long-distance touring.

Nonetheless, underneath the fairing sits the same 890cc parallel-twin engine that makes 103hp and 100Nm.
The Norden also features a 21″ front and 18″ rear wheel paired with a tubeless Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR.

Moreover, it also comes equipped with taller suspension travel from the WP APEX suspension setup, 215mm and 220mm, as opposed to KTM’s 200mm.

If you fancy some electronics, the ADV bike comes with three standard riding modes (Rain, Street and Off-Road) but should you fancy ‘exploring the world’, Husqvarna offers the option “Explore” mode. (Which we thinks is another fancy name for Touring mode).

Other exciting features include:

quickshifter
slipper clutch
traction control
cornering ABS (with off-road mode)
auxiliary LED lights
19L tank

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BMW Motorrad Reports Eighth Record Year

BMW Motorrad sold a record number of bikes in 2018.

They reported a total of 165,566 units sold, an increase of 0.9%.

Germany continued as the biggest market, although China was the fastest growing.

BMW Motorrad has achieved another milestone as 2018 was another record year in terms of sales.
Global sales were up by a moderate 0.9% from 2017, with a total of 165,566 units sold.
The R 1200 GS and GS Adventure continues to be the most popular model, selling 51,000 units. The R nineT retro series also sold well, contributing 33,500 machines for a total of 84,500 R-series sold.

BMW’s second best-seller was the inline-Four S-series. 18,773 S 1000 RR, S 1000 R and S 1000 XR were sold.
S 1000 R
Furthermore, BMW’s sales in America increased by 2.2% despite the overall downturn in the market. The upturn was due to the six-cylinder K 1600 B Grand America touer which sold 8,306 units out of the total of 13,842 units.
K 1600 B Grand America
The manufacturer’s leading markets continue to be Germany (-11%, 23,824), France (0%, 16,615), Italy (-2%, 14,110) and Spain (0%, 11,124). 9,224 BMWs were sold in the UK.
Growth centres were China (35%, 7,561), Brazil (11%, 7,361) and India with 2,187 units sold there.
Meanwhile, BMW Motorrad Malaysia sold 1,130 motorcycles, marking a 7% increase over 2017. The R 1200 GS Adventure was the biggest contributor which more than 300 units.
BMW Motorrad is looking forward to another great year in 2019, what with the advent of the new models using the 1254cc ShiftCam boxer engine, new S 1000 RR, a return to WSBK, plus a few more models in the pipeline.

Will they achieve their 200,000 target in 2020?
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2021 Triumph Trident 660 is coming to Malaysia

The 2021 Triumph Trident 660 is indeed coming to Malaysia as it slowly but surely making its way into our neighbouring countries like Thailand. The folks from Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia have somewhat stated that it’ll arrive within the first quarter of 2021 and we simply cannot wait for that.

Ever since its debut back in October, the press has been buzzing with excitement thanks to what the new Trident has to offer. From exhilarating performance to great design and a price range that won’t hurt the wallet, we’re guessing that’ll be the same exact case once it arrives on our shores.

For the UK market, the 2021 Triumph Trident 660 is available at £7,195, which is around the RM38,750 mark. That’s very competitive considering that it comes ready with a 660cc three-cylinder DOHC liquid-cooled engine that produces a respectable 80hp at 10,250rpm and 64Nm of torque at 6,250rpm.

While the Street Triple 765 RS is derived from the MotoGP’s intermediate class is available at around RM67,900, we reckoned that the Trident 660 will be slightly more affordable without sacrificing any of the ride and feel synonymous to what the brand has been offering over the years – style with a lot of substance.

If you’re in Thailand, you can get one of your very own at 309,000 baht, which is just above the RM41,000 mark. We’re not entirely sure how this will play out but one thing is for sure, Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia knows how to stir up the crowd with its history of good price tags on some very great bikes. Stay tuned for more updates.

2021 Honda CB500X unveiled in Malaysia – RM36,099

Written by: Sep Irran
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FIRST LOOK: 2023 KTM 890 SMT

KTM is back with its iconic Supermoto-tourer, the KTM 890 SMT, and it’s better than ever before.

This purposeful model sits between the KTM Adventure and KTM Street product ranges and features several components that elevate its performance.
With a re-tuned KTM 890 LC8c platform, the KTM 890 SMT is developed to hit the top of the Supermoto touring segment for power/torque-to-weight ratio.

Former AMA Superbike and Supermoto racer, Chris Fillmore, took the KTM 890 SMT along a Sardinian mountain climb to display its potential and limits. With a super-torquey 889cc LC8c parallel twin engine, the KTM 890 SMT has 105 hp at 8,000 rpm, providing stability and reassurance through corners.
The KTM 890 SMT is just as happy pushed through low revs as it is pinned in higher gears, making it versatile for any rider.

As we mentioned in a previous article, the KTM 890 SMT has a redesigned slim tank which slides the rider even further into the bike with a wide and comfy contact patch.
The bike’s aerodynamic optimized smoked windshield is placed just above the double fender concept with a low splash guard on the fork legs. The CroMo steel frame with tighter geometry provides fierce stability, while the WP APEX suspension, fully adjustable and complemented by 17″ wheels, provides an agile, flighty, and responsive ride.

The motorcycle has several standard ride modes and can be molded further with optional track settings that permit the rider to toggle different amounts of throttle modes and traction control through ten levels.
The Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) is an important safety feature sensitive to the bike’s pitch and behavior at lean. The bike has a state of the art 5″ TFT dashboard that is scratch and glare resistant, fully customizable, and an easy-to-use infographic menu system for setup preferences.

With potent brakes that employ Cornering ABS and Supermoto ABS, the KTM 890 SMT has an excellent safety profile. The bike can also be customized with heated grips and the chance to add Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) to the software package, ideal for better control in low grip situations and for fast downshifts.

Also, the QUICKSHIFTER+ and Cruise Control are optional and ready to go with a simple activation process, and good connectivity with the bike means full access to navigation possibilities.
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All-new Victory Octane debuts – with videos

New Victory Octane dragster unveiled as the brand’s most powerful bike ever created.

After initially teasing us earlier this month with a series of vague videos, American brand Victory has finally unwrapped its highly anticipated and new Victory Octane dragster model over the weekend.

While not as aggressive-looking as the Project 156 concept it is based upon, the new Victory Octane dragster does boast a muscular and brutish stance thanks to the design’s use of angular lines and dark colours.

With the Octane, Victory is dubbing it as the ‘modern American muscle bike’ thanks to its basic recipe of having a big engine squeezed into a lightweight chassis –claimed kerb weight figure: 243kg – and without creature comforts. Said engine is a brand new and race-bred 1,179.3cc liquid-cooled V-twin unit with a claimed output of 103hp @ 8,000rpm and peak torque of 98.86Nm @ 6,000rpm – the most powerful engine Victory has ever produced.

The mill is essentially the production version of the engine used in the brand’s Project 156 Pikes Peak concept. Victory states that the engine’s stroke figure of 73.6mm allows this V-twin to rev higher and quicker to make it feel more like a sportsbike engine rather than a typical American V-twin. Complementing that are its 60mm throttle body set and short gearing optimised for pure acceleration.

Furthermore, the 1,179.3cc engine also doubles up as a chassis stress member as both the front and rear cast aluminium sub-frame sections are connected to it. The chassis is primed with a pair of 41mm non-adjustable front forks with 120mm of travel and a pair of pre-load adjustable twin rear shocks that offer 76mm of travel.

Victory also claims that the Octane boasts a ‘sharp steering geometry’ thanks to its wheelebase 1,578mm and its 32-degrees of lean angle available. Stopping power, on the other hand, comes in the form of all-round disc brakes starting with the front’s 298mm unit grabbed by a dual-piston caliper, followed by the same-sized rear disc unit that’s grabbed by a single-piston caliper instead. Additionally, ABS comes as a standard feature too in this new dragster.

The new Victory Octane will go on sale in both America and Europe with starting prices of US$10,499 and €12,950. Additionally, the first 100 customers (including pre-orders) will benefit with an additional special engine cover with the Project 156 logo design.
Check out more images of the new Victory Octane dragster in the gallery we’ve prepared below.
2016 Victory Octane

Sources: Visordown / AutoEvolutuon / LaneSplitter @ Jalopnik
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MV Agusta F4 Zagato teased

Upcoming MV Agusta F4 Zagato teaser videos hit the web as anticipation runs high for its debut.

Two of the biggest Italian names in automotive, design house Zagato and motorcycle artisans MV Agusta, are teaming up for a brand new bike that promises to be one of the stylish ever made – the MV Agusta F4 Zagato.

Following its first online teaser, Varese-based bike maker MV Agusta confirmed that the upcoming concept is based off its flagship F4 superbike. Sadly, this debunks hopes for those expecting the first real world redux of Kaneda’s bike from the sci-fi anime epic Akira.
The good news is that it is a bike made by both Zagato and MV Agusta, so it promises to be stylish if not stunning. Don’t take our word for it; just watch the two teaser videos that both MV Agusta and Zagato have released on YouTube.

Sources online indicate that Milan-based Zagato has given the MV Agusta F4 superbike a complete makeover into, based off the original teaser render, a futuristic café racer of sorts. How this will sit amongst MV Agusta fans remains to be seen.
If the teasers are anything to go by, we can expect something that’ll look seriously cool and unique when it debuts on 4 Sept – just two weeks away. Like you, we’ll be holding our breaths just for a bit until the MV Agusta F4 Zagato is finally unveiled.
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Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor Begin Shooting “Long Way Up” Soon

Photo credit www.charleyboorman.com

Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor will begin shooting Long Way Up soon.

The duo will ride from South America to California.

What bikes will they ride this time around?

It’s confirmed: Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor will begin shooting Long Way Up soon.
If there is one, well okay, two TV programmes that brought motorcycle adventure touring into the limelight are Long Way Round and its sequel Long Way Down.
Some overland riders even quoted the programs as inspiration to them taking up touring. There’s also a claim that the sales of the BMW R 1100 GS and subsequent BMW R 1200 GS shot up after the show.
According to ADV Pulse, Boorman confirmed the shoot during an interview in the Bike Shed Show in London. “I’m doing the Long Way Up for sure, with Ewan,” he said. “We are going from South America to Los Angeles. So South America, Central America, Mexico and then Los Angeles and we are going to start that in a few months’ time.” Specific route plans have yet to be confirmed, however.
Another question is on what bikes the duo will be riding this time. Boorman is the ambassador for Triumph, while McGregor was recently named the ambassador for the Moto Guzzi V85TT. That said, could the former ride the Triumph Tiger 800 XCx/XCa? Or the Tiger 1200? (This writer personally hopes for the Tiger 800 XCx/XCa.)
2018 Triumph Tiger 800 XCx Test and Review

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2022 Yamaha Crosser 150 Launched In Brazil – Able To Run On Gasoline And Ethanol

Yamaha has unveiled the Crosser 150 in Brazil, an affordable adventure motorcycle suitable for the country’s congested urban street.
Apart from its capability to take on various road conditions, Yamaha has added another extra feature. The Crosser 150 can run on different types of fuel such as gasoline, ethanol or both.
The new feature will allow local riders to go the extra mile without worry.
Thanks to the lightweight 149cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that makes 13hp, the Crosser 150 has enough power to commute daily around the city as well as going on an off-road adventure.

Power is sent to the rear via a rudimentary 5-speed manual transmission.
The off-road capabilities are further enhanced with a long-travel suspension consisting of a telescopic unit up front and a preload-adjustable monoshock.
Other important features include:

one-piece saddle
high handlebars
front and rear disc brakes
single-channel ABS

Currently, the Crosser 150 is only available in Brazil and is priced at USD2,772 (RM11.5k).
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Rumour: Honda planning parallel-twin CBR250R

Japanese magazine claims Honda planning to match Kawasaki and Yamaha with parallel-twin CBR250R.

A Japanese motorcycling magazine recently created some buzz after it published its render of a supposed parallel-twin version of the Honda CBR250R.
The magazine went further to claim that Honda has planned for the new model to enter the rapidly growing entry-level sportsbike segment, and could perhaps match itself up (finally!) against popular rivals such as the Yamaha R25 and Kawasaki Ninja 250.

Typical of 250cc entry-level sports bike, the intended market isn’t Europe, but Asia. The plan sounds legit, especially when you take into account of Honda’s unrivalled market domination in countries such as Indonesia and India.
The published render by the magazine shows the parallel-twin CBR250R sporting much of the CBR300R version’s aesthetics and bodywork, leading many to suggest that the CBR300R’s frame, suspension, and wheels would be carried over too.
While the Japanese magazine responsible for the render does not usually get things accurate, sources based in Indonesia are instead indicating that the Japanese H-brand is actually planning a new V-twin-engined sports bike to rival against the Yamaha R25.

The same source also stated that the model will be made in Indonesia, and is currently codenamed ‘K64A’. The supposed V-twin arguably makes more sense, since Honda has an existing V-twin mill already, which would allow the firm to draw upon it as the basis for such a model (think along the lines of the Japanese-market VTR250).
We’ve had an up-close view of the current CBR250R when Boon Siew Honda previewed it not too long ago.Check out the gallery below to see it in the flesh.
Source: Visordown
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KTM Malaysia at 2017 Malaysian MotoGP

KTM Malaysia got off to a great start at the 2017 Malaysian MotoGP.

Moto2 and Moto3 riders visited for a meet-and-greet, and autograph session for the fans.

MotoGP riders will visit today for meet-and-greet plus autograph session.

27th October 2017, Sepang Circuit – As promised, KTM Malaysia rocked the show at the 2017 Malaysian MotoGP.

Although Day One (Friday) got off to a slower start due to incessant rain throughout most parts of the day, KTM’s pavilion was packed with racing fans who had queued patiently to meet Moto2 riders Miguel Oliveira and Brad Binder, and Moto3 riders Bo Bendsneyder and Niccolo Antonelli.

Their patience was rewarded by first KTM Malaysia who carried out fun quiz sessions throughout the day. Participants walked away with some great KTM memorabilia.

Visitor also had the opportunity to view, touch and even smell the latest KTM motorcycles, including the GP16 MotoGP racebike replica, RC Cup racer, the just-launched 250 Duke and 390 Duke, 1290 Super Duke R, 1290 Super Adventure S, the still-rare and new 1290 Super Adventure R; and of course, off-road bikes for which KTM are synonymous with such as the new ISDE Six Day Enduro models, SX-F motocross models, EX/C-F four-stroke enduro models and more.

The new ISDE Six Day models are noteworthy as the bikes have different graphics now, as the International Six Day Enduro (ISDE) event has moved to France. These bikes are collector’s items.

Another motorcycle to look out for is the 1050 Adventure Travel Pack. The 1050 Adventure has always been a fun, comfortable and reliable bike for adventure- and sport-touring, but it’s now even better with the Travel Pack.

For a limited time only, customers who opt for the Travel Pack together with the purchase of a new 1050 Adventure will receive ten (yes, 10!) PowerPart accessories such as semi-floating panniers, crash-protection bars for the engine, and others for just an extra RM 3,000. Be sure to check back in with us for the updates soon.

Day Two of the 2017 Malaysian MotoGP (Saturday, 28th October) will see MotoGP riders, Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith visiting the KTM pavilion for another meet-and-greet plus autograph session. So remember to bring your KTM gear and be there by 5pm.

PICTURE GALLERY

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2018 Benelli TNT 135 LE unveiled – RM9,988!

Mforce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd has officially introduced the 2018 Benelli TNT 135 LE.
The limited edition model comes with around 15 new aesthetic updates including a carbon fibre exhaust cover.
There are only 1,000 units available with a price tag of RM9,988 (basic price without GST).

The folks over at Mforce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd otherwise known as Benelli Malaysia have officially launched the 2018 Benelli TNT 135 LE. The super fun mini bike is a limited edition model where only 1,000 units will be produced for market consumption.

What’s so special about this mini bike with big bike characteristics? The 2018 Benelli TNT 135 LE comes with a refreshed aesthetic makeover fit for the younger generation. In total, there are 15 new parts installed on the latest TNT 135 LE which takes its looks up to a whole new level.

There are 15 new parts in total which includes new side mirrors, front brake reservoir, engine oil cap, axle bars, oil filter cap, engine protector, footrests, frame decoration piece, graphics, limited edition sticker, handlebar riser, levers, and our favourite, the carbon fibre exhaust cover.

Powered by the same 135cc single-cylinder engine, the 2018 Benelli TNT 135 produces a healthy 13hp at 9,000rpm and 10.8Nm of torque at 7,000rpm. All that power produced by the Euro4-compliant engine is transferred down to the rear wheel via a five-speed gearbox.

Other impressive features include a huge 41mm upside-down forks, lateral rear shock system, 220mm front disc brake with dual-piston caliper, 190mm rear disc with single-piston caliper, and aluminium wheels just to name a few.

The 2018 Benelli TNT 135 LE will be available at RM9,988 (basis price without GST). If you’re planning to get one of your very own, better be quick because there are only 1,000 units available. To know more, head over to any of the authorised Benelli dealers across the country.
Test-ride: Benelli TnT 135 – Mighty mini-moto!

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2019 Triumph Daytona 765 coming soon?

Triumph Motorcycles has filed a brand new trademark for the Daytona name and it might just be for the 2019 Triumph Daytona 765.
The applications were made in the US and Europe to ensure that there’s no issue when the new model is launched.
With Triumph supplying the new 765cc engine for the 2019 Moto2 season, the new Daytona would be the perfect bike to promote.

Some news have been travelling in relations to British bike manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles and the possibility of an all-new 2019 Triumph Daytona 765. It seems that they have filed some applications for a new trademark for the name ‘Triumph Daytona’ in the United States and Europe.

It might be a weird move since Triumph already owns the Daytona name since 1995 but that’s only in the UK and not elsewhere. To make sure everything is legitimate for the new Daytona, the applications were made to obtain the rights to use the name in those continents.

With this new application, the Triumph middleweight sports bike has been brought back into the limelight just as things were looking dark for the Daytona. With more focus on their ever-growing modern classic range and the sweet Street Triple plus Speed Triple series, the Daytona were left in the background until now.

As Triumph prepares to supply all of the 765c inline-three engines for the Moto2 series starting next season, the British bike manufacturer doesn’t really have a proper middleweight sports bike variant to promote in line with the Moto2 move. While it would look good for those who are interested in the naked Street Triple series, it would make more sense if they can bring the Daytona back by next year.

Looks like it’s not a question of if the Triumph Daytona 765 is coming but more on the grounds of when the new baby will show up that goes us intrigued and giggling on the inside. Who knows? It might just show up at this year’s EICMA Show.

Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more updates.

Triumph tests new 765cc Moto2 engine + VIDEO!

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QJ Motor Fortress 350 Debuts In Europe – Gets Traction Control, 34hp

QJ Motor has entered the big scooter segment with the all-new Fortress 350.

the Fortress 350 is QJ Motor first foray into the maxi-scooter category.
designed in collaboration with Ricardo Motorcycles.

The QJ Motor Fortress 350 is the Chinese motorcycle manufacturer first attempt to dived into the maxi-scooter segment, with the help from Ricardo Motorcycles who helped with the designed.
The Fortress 350 is powered by an all-new engine which could also lead to more new models in the coming future.

Fitted with a 349cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder mill, the Fortress 350 makes 34hp, making it the most powerful scooter in the QJ Motor stable.
While the side profile design is a reminiscent of other Japanese maxi-scooter like the Yamaha XMax and Honda Forza, the overall design has a few nods to continental brand like the BMW C 400 X and C 400 GT.

This is because Ricardo Motorcycles also have a hand in designing BMW’s scooters.
Other modern features include:

full colour TFT display
ByBre brakes
ABS
traction control
electronic adjustable windscreen

Meanwhile, reports suggest that it is likely the QJ Motor Fortress 350 will be rebadged as Benelli and will be sold in Europe beginning with France and Germany.
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Yamaha rated most reliable in US

Despite the recent recall on its Super Ténéré and R1 in the US, the Yamaha brand was recently named the most reliable bikes brand by the US Consumer Reports magazine.
Putting the recall aside, the magazine, which did its first ever motorcycles reliability study, named Yamaha as the top brand after the studying roughly 4,680 bikes that belonged to its readers between 2009 and 2012. According to the report, the survey found that only one out of ten Yamaha bikes studied needed repairs.
Rounding off the survey’s top three besides Yamaha were fellow Japanese brands Kawasaki and Honda. The report, which is available online to subscribers, indicated that in the US at least, Japanese bikes seem to have fewer problems as compared to BMW and Harley-Davidson models.
Source: Consumer Report via Visordown
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Malaysian Cub Prix 2016 Round 2 Race Results

Rider Fazli clinches record third win in challenging Batu Kawan street circuit during Round 2 of the Petronas AAM Malaysian Cub Prix 2016.

Round 2 of the Petronas AAM Malaysian Cub Prix 2016 national underbone racing series got underway last weekend in Batu Kawan, Penang. The challenging 1.265km-long street course hasn’t seen many repeat winners in its history, but this did little at impeding rider Ahmad Fazli Sham from clinching his record third win at the course last weekend in the premier CP130 class.

Sunday’s race unfolded with favourites Hafiz Nor Azman and Kasma Daniel Kasmayuddin fighting for the lead in the first three laps of the premier CP130 class race. However, mechanical troubles led to Kasma’s early retirement on Lap 4 and granted Hafiz with the race lead briefly.
It didn’t take long for Kasma’s Petronas Yamaha Maju Motor teammate Fazli, to catch and snatch the lead away from Hafiz. With an unobstructed track ahead, 34-year-old veteran Fazli pressed on to create a significant gap and won the 18-lap race astride his Yamaha.

Hafiz would eventually see his pace drop towards the closing stages, allowing his SCK teammate Norizman Ismail to take second place whilst Motul Zeneos Yamaha YY Pang rider Azhar Abd Jalil took third and the final podium spot. With his race win, veteran Fazli now leads the CP130 standings with 45 points, followed by Norizman in second with 31 points whilst Kasma now ranks third with 25 points.
Notably, Fazli has secured his spot in the Malaysian Cub Prix record books as well by becoming the rider with the highest number of race wins at the Batu Kawan street circuit. He is now the only rider to have won in the circuit three times having scored his last two wins back in 2007 and 2009.

In the secondary CP115 category, it was Harith Farhan Baharin that won the 15-lap melee. Harith fended off the relentless charges of pole-sitter Tengku Amirul Haffirudin and denied him a second consecutive race win. One of the biggest surprise here was the performance of privateer Haeikal Akmal Zakaria who outraced other riders from professional teams and finished in third.

In the standings, Tengku Amirul still leads the title race with 45 points while Harith Farhan closes in at second overall with 41 points. Rider Fareez Afeez ranks third with his score of 30 points after two rounds.

Last but not least came the Wira class battle. The 12-lap battle was made much more challenging as it got underway just after a heavy downpour. But through hard work and perseverance, it was Idemitsu Kozi Yam Honda rider Shafiq Ezzariq that came out on top and claimed his second consecutive race win of the season.

Joining him on the podium was privateer Afizi Supaat in second, followed by Anuar Ibrahim Pawi, younger sibling to national Moto3 ace Khairul Idhap Pawi, finished strongly in third. Shafiq still leads the Wira class standings with 50 points whilst Privateer S. Alif Nazirul S. Ismail and Saiful Azhary Muhamad are tied for second overall with 24 points each.
Round 3 of the Petronas AAM Malaysian Cub Prix 2016 season will take place in just a fortnight’s time on April 30 and May 1 in Kangar, Perlis. You can keep track of the current season’s progress via the official Malaysian Cub Prix website and Facebook page as well.
Petronas AAM Malaysian Cub Prix 2016 Round 2 – Batu Kawan, Penang

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Honda Thailand Unveils 150SS RACER Concept

Honda has dwelled deeper into the concept realm by introducing the 150SS Racer motorcycle. The concept machine was on display at the 2017 Bangkok Motor Show that opens its doors yesterday and will end on 9 April 2017.

It’s clearly seen, recognised and connected to the ever popular Honda Grom or MSX 125 here in Malaysia. Looking at the 150SS RACER, it is positive that Honda Thailand has brought to life something that most of us dream about when it comes to the perfect idea of a motorcycle.

Although the Grom or MSX 125 is a hit and miss for some folks, it’s hard to deny the beauty of this concept Honda machinery. First and foremost, the use of silver metallic paint job with a hint of blue carries the futuristic persona brilliantly. Clear see-through panels at the Yamaha R1-like tail bring the whole package together without being out of place.

Solid wheels made out of carbon fibre wrapped with Metzeler slicks give the 150SS RACER a jaw-dropping facade that looks good enough to be on a bedroom poster wall. Solid brake rotors are also thrown into the mix to flush in together with the disc wheels.

Honda Thailand took a step further by implementing some cafe racer accents (or naked bikes like the Ducati Monster depending on who’s looking) into the concept with a round headlight at the front and an almost straight handlebar we’re guessing to give the bike better handling and manoeuvrability.

According to the name, we can safely assume that the 150SS RACER borrows the engine taken from either the Grom or the RS150R. No figures were given about the concept but the exhaust on the other hand is as awesome as it gets. Talking about it won’t do the design any justice. Just take a look and you’ll understand why.

Since it’s concept race bike, it makes sense (sort of) to install a gyrocam on the futuristic race machine like the ones found on MotoGP bikes. It’s not much but these little things are what excite us the most. Honda Thailand did a great job in this concept and only time will tell if it will be brought into production.

In the meantime, enjoy the shots courtesy of Honda Thailand and stay tuned to Bikes Republic for anything and everything motorcycles.

				Rear view camera from the Honda 150SS RACER

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MotoGP: Hafizh Syahrin happy with first day progress

The first ever outing on the Yamaha M1 for Hafizh Syahrin proved to be quite a progress in the first day of the MotoGP Buriram Test 2018.
Despite finishing last, the Monster Yamaha Tech3 rider was only 0.4 seconds behind another rookie, Tom Luthi (Marc VDS).
Hafizh Syahrin is the first Malaysian ever to ride a modern day MotoGP bike.

The last minute replacement for the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team that is our very own Hafizh Syahrin seems quite happy with his performance in the first day of the Thailand pre-season testing. Held at the Buriram International Circuit, Hafizh has become the first South East Asian rider to ride a modern day MotoGP bike.

Malaysian gets his first taste of the premier class
After The Flag discuss Hafizh Syahrin's debut ride on a #MotoGP machine at the #ThaiTest ??Watch the full show at ? http://bit.ly/ATFThaiTest1
Posted by MotoGP on 16hb Februari 2018

Despite finishing dead last in the timesheets of the first day, the 23 year old rider was not too far off the marks compared to other rookie riders who have had more time and riding hours on their respective MotoGP machines. At the end of the first day, he was only 0.4 seconds behind Tom Luthi (Marc VDS).

According to Hafizh when asked about the Yamaha M1, “The first thing it’s an amazing bike, so much faster…every time I go it’s like a jet down the straight! There’s a lot of difference in the tyres, we have launch and traction control…for me it helps a lot on the exit, when you open the gas the bike is calm. I’m looking forward to understanding it more.”

“I feel good with the bike and with the team. They understand me because it’s my first time here. It’s not bad, I improved every session I went out and for my first day I think it was very positive. I’m not so far from the front, I’m not so far from Lüthi. But I’m trying to get closer step by step.”

Hafizh completed a total of 70 laps yesterday on the Yamaha M1 descended from the bike used by the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP outfit last year. Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more updates on Day 2.

Source: MotoGP
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WorldSBK reverse grid format NOT WORKING?

Some folks have been arguing that the latest WorldSBK reverse grid format has not been working out as well as they had hoped it would be.
The plan was to get the podium finishers of Race 1 to start in reverse order from the third row in hopes that they would other riders and teams a fighting chance was doomed from the beginning.
Almost 94% of the podium finishes so far has been filled by Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes from Kawasaki Racing Team together with Chaz Davies and Marco Melandri from Aruba.it Racing – Ducati.

According to a recent report made by MCN, the big guns over at WorldSBK are seriously contemplating on whether to scrap the reverse grid system which was introduced into the race series earlier this year. It seems that the format is not working out as well as they had hoped for.
Image source: Asphalt & Rubber
Those of you who are unfamiliar with the reverse grid format, the top three riders who finished on podium for Race 1 on Saturday will start Sunday’s Race 2 from the third row in reversed order while those who finished Race 1 from fourth to ninth will start from the first and second rows in Race 2.

Take for example the last round at Laguna Seca. It was Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) who won Race 1 followed by Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) in second and third respectively. In Race 2, Davies was placed on the grid in P9, Rea in P8 and Sykes in P7.

Looking to add a bit more spice and drama into the mix, the folks over at WorldSBK did not foresee that these three great riders would’ve completely dominated the podiums since Round 1 apart from a few other names like Marco Melandri (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team) and Leon Haslam (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing).

What seemed like a fool-proof plan to give other riders a fighting chance to get on podium went down the drain as the factory Kawasaki and Ducati riders and machines are leaps and bounds ahead compared to the rest of the field.

Even though the top riders started from third row, it took them no time at all to get to the front of the pack within the first few opening laps leaving everyone in their smokes. This has be proven by the fact that out of 48 podium spots in the past eight WorldSBK rounds, 45 spots were filled with the Kawasaki Racing Team and Aruba.it Racing – Ducati riders which makes up to almost 94% of total wins this season so far.

According to Executive Director of WorldSBK Daniel Carrera, “I think we were expecting something else from the grid system. I think we saw an impact in Aragon, Imola and Misano, but in the rest of the races in the first laps the top riders were in front. I think this is because of the gap between the top guys and the rest, if the gap was not that big the system would be providing different scenarios.”

“The target of this system was to offer something different to the opening race and also offer the opportunity for the riders not usually at the front to get better exposure. We will analyse the full effect of the system at the end of the season and we will see if we will continue or not.”

Whatever their plans may be, the better come up with something quick and fair as well as entertaining for all the fans. Not forgetting the sake of riders and teams and also the future of the racing series itself.

Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more updates.
Image source: WorldSBK
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2023 Modenas Ninja 250 ABS Now Available In Iconic Green – RM21,800

Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd (EMOS) has officially introduced the 2023 Ninja 250 ABS, which is now available in the iconic Lime Green/Ebony color scheme.

The special unveiling was done during the Modenas X Kawasaki Green Mania event held at Gamuda Cove on Sunday.

However, apart from the new visuals, the 2023 Ninja 250 ABS continues to feature the same specs and features.

That said, the 2023 Ninja 250 ABS continues to be powered by a 249cc, twin-cylinder, eight-valve, DOHC engine that pumps out 36hp at 12,500rpm and 23Nm of maximum torque upon hitting 10,000rpm. All this power is transferred down to its rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox, enhanced with Kawasaki’s assist and slipper clutch for ease of riding.

Other features include:

164kg (wet weight)
14-liter fuel tank
Front 310mm single semi-floating disc brake with a 2-piston calliper
Rear 220mm single disc brake with a 2-piston calliper
41mm telescopic front forks

According to EMOS, the 2023 Modenas Ninja 250 ABS is priced at RM21,800 (excluding registration and insurance).
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KTM 390 Duke Battle Malaysia Grand Finale 2014 @ Sepang International Circuit

Sights and sounds from the inaugural KTM 390 Duke Battle Malaysia Grand Finale races held last weekend in the Sepang International Circuit.

The first ever KTM 390 Duke Battle Malaysia one-make challenge came a climactic and surprising conclusion during its Grand Finale races last weekend. As always, the series was held as a support event to the weekend’s KBS-MAM Kapcai Endurance Series that held its Grand Finale last weekend as well.

Two races were held, one on Friday after qualifying and practice, followed by a second race on Saturday afternoon just before the KBS-MAM Kapcai Endurance Series race. This time round, 16 participants, comprised of top two winners from the previous seven state-level rounds plus one special media race, all vying for the crown challenge’s crown and grand prize.

Up for grabs is the grand prize of a brand new KTM 200 Duke (non ABS) naked bike, followed by a RM2,000 KTM PowerParts and PowerWear voucher for the runner up, and a RM1,000 KTM PowerParts and PowerWear voucher for the second runner up. More importantly, the weekend’s winner will claim the title as the first ever KTM 390 Duke Battle Malaysia champion.

To make things even more interesting, our friends at KTM Malaysia CKD took some time last week to retune their fleet of 390 Duke Battle bikes for the 5.5km-long Sepang International Circuit. From what we understood, the bikes have been re-optimised for the long circuit, having its sprocket and suspension settings altered slightly for Sepang’s full course. Though each race lasted just 7 laps each, it proved to be a perfect incubator for some action-packed and close racing action.

Race 1 on Friday was made even tougher following a late-afternoon thunderstorm. Nevertheless, all 16 riders took to the grid for what would become a very intense first race of the weekend.

Winning the first race was rider Mohamad Kanafi Kamarudin, with seasoned semi-pro Abdul Wafi Bin Hassan taking second just 2.623 seconds behind. Rider Muhammad Imran Zulkafli claimed the final podium spot.

Race 2 on Saturday afternoon was held under perfect weather conditions, but the racing intensified further here. Whilst Race 1 had no riders crashing out, Race 2 saw riders Mohd Hanif Zakariah and Muhamad Ariff Rosli crashing out on lap 6 and lap 5 respectively – a real shame given their top performance in the lead pack during the race.

Mohammad Khairi Zakaria claimed victory in Race 2 instead. Just 0.101 seconds behind in second was Muhammad Imran Zulkafli, whilst the final podium spot as claimed by rider Vinod Dhanabala Singham with just 0.139 seconds separating him and winner Khairi.

With his double podium and closest rival Wafi faltering, the overall win was claimed by non other than Muhammad Imran Zulkafli. Fondly addressed as ‘Uztaz’, the holy man and hobby rider initially couldn’t not believe that he won the title as the first ever KTM 390 Duke Battle Malaysia champion.

“I did my solat hajat just before the race and Alhamdulillah, this was the result Allah granted me with. I am very grateful,” said the 30-year-old Kedah native. Imran’s journey towards the title began after he took second overall in the series’ second round held in his home state earlier this year.

Shortly after the podium ceremony, a small hand-over ceremony was held on the podium where Uztaz Imran received the KTM 200 Duke naked bike grand prize from KTM Malaysia CKD executives.

The celebrations also continued for riders Vinod Dhanabalan and Muhammad Fairuz Zain Salleh. Despite missing out on the podium finishes, Fairuz Zain was took third overall for the weekend based on the points he collected from finishing 5th in Race 1 and 4th in Race 2. Vinod, on the other hand, took second overall after finishing 4th in Race 1 and 3rd in Race 2. Both Vinod and Fairuz came home with KTM PowerWear and PowerParts vouchers worth RM2,000 and RM1,000 each.

Full results can be viewed in the gallery below, as well as more pictures from the weekend. Don’t forget to check out our report of the KBS-MAM Kapcai Endurance Grand Finale as well held during the weekend.
KTM 390 Duke Battle Malaysia Grand Finale 2014 @ SIC

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Asia Talent Cup: Thailand shines in Qatar

It is a wonder why the qualifying times of nine riders from the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup were below the best lap time achieved in the same series at Losail Circuit last year.
However, raising above the rest was Thai rider Nakarin Atiratphuvapat, who set the fastest time in qualifying.
Nakarin also won Race 2 of the first race of the season in Buriram, Thailand last week.
Japanese rider Sasaki and Indonesian Izdihar completed the first row.
Malaysian rider Shafiq Rasol set the fastest time during practise, but he only managed to qualify in 3rd place.
In fact, the highest ranking Malaysian in qualifying was Helmi Azman in 5th place, followed by Fakhrusy Rostam in 6th, Adam Norrodin in 9th, new boy Azroy Anuar qualified in 15th place.
The qualifying results indicate that the two races this weekend will follow the trend set in Buriram last week when a group of 9 to 10 riders battled it for the race win until the very last corner.
At that time, Nakarin was 0.361 seconds ahead of the 2nd placed Sasaki, with Izdihar 0.648 seconds off in 3rd place. The next six riders were separated by just half a second. The race pace this year however has been deemed as very good, with nine riders going under the pole time set last year by Kaito Toba.
Race 1 is set to happen this evening, we will bring you live reports from Losail.

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You can now travel in pairs during MCO Phase 4

The fourth and hopefully final phase of MCO (Movement Control Order) is now allowing two family members to travel together (in or on the same vehicle) in order to shop for necessities, food items, as well as obtaining medical services at clinics, hospitals, and such.

A new addition in the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within Infected Local Areas) (No.4) Regulations 2020 has stated this movement in pairs as permissible which starts from today until 12 May 2020 (hopefully, the final day of the MCO).

Pairs are still confined within the 10km radius but if there’s a need to go beyond the limited distance (for medical purposes of emergencies), they will be allowed to do so without acquiring a permit.
One fine example would be if one needs to seek medical assistance and the nearest clinic that can offer such help is 15km away, then you’ll be allowed to travel without suffering the consequences in the forms of a fine or jail time.

According to Senior Minister (Security Cluster), Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, “Now that two family members are allowed to shop for necessities or seek medical services during the Movement Control Order (MCO), they are also allowed to travel further than the 10km if the necessities are not available in their residential area.”
AEON Credit payment relief extended to 31 May 2020

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MotoGP: Rossi & Lorenzo to race with Petronas SRT in 2021?

With the start of the MotoGP 2020 season being postponed as late as August, riders and teams are already starting to feel the pressure to compete and perform their level best this season as well as prepare for some monumental changes next season in 2021.
We got a few details from the Team Principal of Petronas SRT (Sepang Racing Team), Dato’ Razlan Razali, to help clarify a few things, including the prospect of Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo racing with them.

A lot of scenarios are being played out depending on whether the 2020 MotoGP championship takes place or not. If it does, Petronas Yamaha SRT is looking to fight for the championship as well as a number of race victories with Fabio Quartararo. Judging by how well both Fabio and Franco Morbidelli did in pre-season testing, that goal is closer than ever.

But what if there are no races this year? According to Dato’ Razlan, “To me, the worst-case scenario if there’s no championship this year. I would assume that in 2021, everyone will revert to the 2020 arrangement, because we will insist, and we will fight for Fabio to be with us. We really look forward to 2020 because of what he did last year.”
“We got him a new full-spec factory bike like Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales, and he did well in the testing. So, we know we can fight for the championship. in fact, we target for him to come in second with a couple of wins. We want that for the team.”

As for other prospects, Dato’ Razlan added, “We do have two or three other riders we are monitoring closely from Moto2. Our principles still remain that we want young talented riders. That’s what we want. We all know about the likes of Rossi and Lorenzo who want to join the team without even formally discussing with us. But for us, at the moment, our principles remain that we want to develop young riders.”

The team is also considering their very own Moto2 rider, Xavi Vierge to pull off something spectacular this year once the championship restarts. If his 2020 results are impressive, there’s also a chance for him to get promoted up to the Petronas Yamaha SRT MotoGP squad for 2021 (in the event that Franco Morbidelli does not perform well in 2020).
Ducati offers ‘unique solution’ to save MotoGP 2020

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Tokyo Motorcycle Show Returns In  2023 To Celebrate 50th Anniversary

The biggest motorcycle exhibition event in Japan, the Tokyo Motorcycle Show is set to return in March 2023 ahead of its 50th anniversary.

Tokyo Motorcycle Show to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2023.
Expect surprise motorcycle unveiling from the Japanese Big Four.

As such, the 2023 Tokyo Motorcycles Show promises the best line up from the Japanese Big Four including an all-new model.
The 2023 Tokyo Motorcycle Show will take place from Friday, March 24 t0 March 26, 2023.
As usual, the event will be held at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center, also known as Tokyo Big Sight.
This time around, exhibition will span to West Hall One, Two and Four including Atrium and Outdoor Exhibition areas in an effort to combat over-crowding.
Considering that the Covid-19 cases is still at a high in Japan, such measure is a must for everyone safety.
However, since the event is still six months away, further details remain limited at the moment.
Nevertheless, the tickets are already on sale at JPY1,800 (adutl advance ticket) and JPY2,200 (same day adult tickets).
Also, it is important to note that all ticket sales are only available to purchase online, including same-day tickets.
Meanwhile, the event is free for high school students and younger kids as do people with disabilities.
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Indian Springfield Jack Daneil’s edition announced

Newly launched Indian Springfield bagger gets treated as limited edition Jack Daniel’s celebratory edition.

Indian Motorcycles have expanded its special and limited edition Jack Daniel’s celebration edition by giving the newly launched Indian Springfield bagger this treatment. The new bagger now joins its sibling the Indian Chief Vintage in celebrating the famed whisky brand’s 150th anniversary.

If you remembered, Indian and Jack Daniel’s (or JD in short) previously released the Jack Daniel’s 150th Anniversary Edition Indian Chief Vintage model back in January. Styled by artisan Brian Klock from Klock Werks, the cruiser was dressed up in a special livery inspired by the colour scheme of the famed whisky brand.

The special collector’s item has its front wheel fender inscribed with the names of the seven master distillers who oversaw JD’s distilling process over the course of its 150-year history. Besides that, the cruiser also donned the JD brand’s logos placed in several areas too.

That treatment is replicated once again in the newly launched Indian Springfield bagger. On top of that, owners will also receive a custom-printed Jack Daniel’s whiskey barrel top with each bike (both the Chief Vintage and Springfield) that has the owner’s name, the bike’s number from its 150-unit run and its VIN printed on it.

As you would know by now, the new Indian Springfield bagger that was launched just last week is third model in Indian’s Chief range. Both the Chief Vintage and Springfield share the same Thunder Stroke 111 V-twin engine that displaces 1,811cc, with the Springfield offering a peak torque figure of 161.6Nm @ 3,000rpm, making it the torque-iest amongst the trio.

Indian states that both the bikes will be sold on a first come, first served basis whilst also allowing no reservations on any specific numbers. By now, you could probably tell that each of the 150 Jack Daniel’s celebration machines will be hand-built and hand-painted to order and customers deliveries are slated to commence no later than August this year – just before the annual Sturgis rally.

Indian will continue receiving orders until April 4. Both machines share the same asking price of $29,999 for customers in the brand’s US home market whilst Canadian buyers will need to fork out a higher price of $37,499 for each. Indian will reportedly allocate a few units for international markets where its pricing remains undisclosed for now.
Limited Edition Jack Daniel’s Indian Chief Vintage & Indian Springfield

Source: AutoEvolution
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2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black, Speedmaster & Tiger 800 launched! From RM56,900

Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia (Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd) has just launched the 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black, Speedmaster & Tiger 800.
Eight new bikes consisting of the Bobber Black, Speedmaster and six Tiger 800 variants are now officially available.
The new 2018 Triumph models are available from RM56,900 to RM79,900.

Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia has officially launched their latest models for this year which includes the 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black, Speedmaster and Tiger 800 range. The bikes were unveiled earlier tonight at Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. There are a total of eight new bikes for this beginning of the year where the Tiger 800 range alone consists of six new variants.

Imported by Motoradic Sdn Bhd and officially distributed by Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd, the new models were presented in front of over 350 guests comprising of members of the RatPack Triumph motorcycle club and motoring media personnel.

According to Dato’ Razak al-Malique, CEO of Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd, “We wanted to celebrate the launch of the new bikes amongst people who have stood by the brand through the years, from the very first customer to the one who has just bought his Triumph and is now a member of the RatPack.  We wanted these bikes to be welcomed by the people who are most passionate about the brand.”
2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black – RM79,900 (basic price with GST)

The latest addition to the Bobber family is packed with all the best goodies from the British manufacturer. Currently being the best-selling Triumph bike to date, the Black carries a much more ‘badass’ persona thanks to a few extra bits when compared to the standard Bobber.

Specs such as its fat 16-inch front wheel wrapped in Avon Cobra rubber fitted to its 47mm Showa cartridge forks are further amplified thanks to a brand new twin 310mm disc brakes with Brembo calipers. Other new features include a full LED headlight with DRL (daytime running lights), single button cruise control and super cool blacked out detailing for its exhaust, engine, bars, hubs, levers and more.

“The Bonneville Bobber has taken the Triumph brand to unprecedented heights. It is a bike that appeals to just about anyone and is perfectly suited for those who prefer a touch of classic bobber styling. And now the Bobber Black is set to complement the Bonneville Bobber package with its bold custom style, elegant engineering and more importantly, a thrilling hot rod ride and sound,” stated Dato’ Razak.

The 1,200cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine produces a hefty 77hp at 6,100rpm and 106Nm of maximum torque at 4,000rpm. Other specifications are similar to the standard Bobber. Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia has priced the new 2018 Bonneville Bobber Black at RM79,900 (basic price with GST).
2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster – RM79,900 (basic price with GST)

The Speedmaster has made a comeback and it is EPIC. Taking the best of what the entire Bonneville range has to offer, the new 2018 Speedmaster offers something extraordinary to a much wider audience of modern classic motorcycle enthusiasts around the globe.

Compared to the Bobber Black, the Speedmaster offers a more laidback and relaxed riding experience combined with practicality, versatility and a dash of attitude. While the Bobber Black comfortably carries a single rider in style, the Speedmaster offers a choice for a pillion to hop on for the ride.

“The Bonneville Speedmaster provides a level of comfort, practicality and versatility to the otherwise very capable Bonneville family. It is perfectly suited to those who want a dash of classic styling to their touring machine, or for those who wish to add pillion versatility to their ride,” said Dato’ Razak.

Features such as beach bars and forward pegs all tied up the classic look including its 16-inch spoke wheels and swing cage for that hardtail look. The same 1,200cc parallel twin engine that powers the Bobber Black resides in the new Speedmaster but thanks to its 12-litre fuel tank, the 2018 Speedmaster is able to cover longer distances.

The 2018 Bonneville Speedmaster is priced at RM79,900 (basic price with GST) and with modern specifications like switchable traction control, Ride-by-Wire, riding modes, torque-assist clutch and more, one will never go wrong with this latest Bonneville variant.
2018 Triumph Tiger 800 XR, XRx, XRT, XCx & XCa – from RM56,900 to RM81,900

For 2018, six different variants of the new Triumph Tiger 800 have been introduced in the local market which will fit any need of a touring rider. The models revolve around the road-going Tiger 800 XRx and off-road capable Tiger 800 XCx.

The latest Tiger generation comes with over 200 upgrades just for the engine and chassis which takes its 800cc inline-three cylinder engine to a whole new level. This translates to about 93hp and for a more responsive engine power and torque delivery. The entire transmission system has gone through an extensive rework where the gears are more suited for any off-road fun, improved acceleration and increased agility.

The most prominent visible feature has to be its fully adjustable full-colour TFT instrument where riders can check out all of the bike’s necessary information at your fingertips. Other new features include six riding modes, signature LED lighting, updated cruise control, adjustable screen, top of the line Brembo brakes, and updated suspension just to name a few.

“The Triumph Tiger 800 XCx and XRx have come to be some of the most successful adventure bikes in their respective segments. Both bikes are easy to ride, offer great control and comfort, and now have been updated to offer even more technology improving on the now infamous Tiger triple engine spirit” commented Dato’ Razak.

The prices for the new 2018 Triumph Tiger 800 range are as follows (basic prices with GST):
Tiger 800 XR – RM56,900
Tiger 800 XRx/XRx Low – RM69,900
Tiger 800 XRT – RM77,900
Tiger 800 XCx – RM74,900
Tiger 800 XCa – RM81,900

To know more about the new 2018 Triumph models, head over to www.triumphmotorcycles.my.
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Honda Developing Hidden Image Sensor For Motorcycles

Radar sensor technology is currently the most advanced system ever applied to a motorcycle.
The new technology allows the motorcycle to engage Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection, which subsequently increases the safety aspect.

The Bosch-developed system is already available on Ducati’s Multistrada V4 S, BMW’s R 1250 RT and KTM’s 1290 Adventure S, whereas Honda, on the other hand, went to develop their own radar sensor technology.

However, the new system is not easily integrated into the bike’s styling, which looks out of place at the front and rear of the motorcycle.

That is where Honda intend to overcome that aspect by developing their own front and rear radar technology based on a patent unveiled earlier this year involving the Goldwing and Africa Twin.
In the latest development, the Japanese firm’s new patents clearly show that the radar sensor has been cleverly hidden behind the bodywork. This is done by placing two image sensors tucked in beside the front LED bulbs.

The sensors are mounted with internal walls to keep them from being overwhelmed by light from the LED bulbs.
However, it is still too early to judge how well these new Honda-developed sensors would work compared to Bosch-developed radar technology.
What we do know is Honda always pride itself as a technology leader in motorcycles, and the in-house development of radar technology could well be better than the one available in the market today.
(Source: CycleWorld)
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2018 Vespa GTS Super 300 launched! RM27,072

Naza Premira Sdn Bhd has officially unveiled the 2018 Vespa GTS Super 300 earlier today.
Powered by their latest 278cc Quasar single-cylinder engine, the latest Vespa addition embodies both heritage and latest riding technology.
The 2018 Vespa GTS Super 300 is available at RM27,072.40 (basic price with GST).

Naza Premira Sdn Bhd, the sole custodian of the Vespa brand here in Malaysia has officially launched the 2018 Vespa GTS Super 300 or otherwise known as the GTS Super 300 Quasar. The unveiling was held at the MyTown Shopping Centre located in Kuala Lumpur earlier today.

Injected with the Italian’s latest yet iconic styling, the latest range of Vespa models combines the timeless look together with the latest riding technology for scooters. Regarded as Vespa’s most dynamic scooter, the GTS 300 Super is further elevated with sporty details from its signature grille, front cowl, 12-inch black rims, and of course, its 278cc Quasar engine.

Its 278cc single-cylinder engine is primed with four valves and electronic Magneti Marelli fuel injection pumps out an adequate 21.2hp at 7,750rpm and 22Nm of maximum torque at 5,000rpm. It is claimed to have a range of 303.km/litre of fuel so, in theory, the new GTS 300 Super is able to cover around 257km with its 8.5-litre fuel tank.

Apart from its racing background and sporty spirit, the new GTS 300 Super has been made more practical especially with the addition of USB charging port, double storage compartment under the leg shield plate and modern LED lights to ensure high visibility no matter the riding condition.

While it is able to hit a top speed of around 120km/h, the safety elements of the latest Vespa models has been elevated thanks to the addition of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Anti-slip Regulation (ASR). This provides controlled braking and traction control when the roads are not really in your riding favour. Owh, it also has dual disc brakes, too (220mm for both front and rear).

The 2018 Vespa GTS 300 Super is priced at RM27,072.40 (basic price with GST). There are four colours available; Monte Bianco (White), Verde Speranza (Green), Grigio Titianio (Black), and Giallo Gelosia (Yellow). To more about the new Vespa model, head over to any of the authorised dealers located nationwide.

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QJMotor To Venture Into European Market With The SRK700

QJMotor is ready to set foot in Europe after successfully passing the safety and emission regulations.

QJMotor to enter Europe with three new models.
QJMotor is betting on the SKR700, SKR400 and SRV550 for its first batch of bikes to reach Europe.

For those who are not in the loop, QJMotor (Qianjiang Motorcycle) is a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1985.
While the brand is less known in Europe, its subsidiary, Benelli, has been making waves, especially in Italy, with the TRK 502 emerging as the top-selling bike in the country.

That said, QJMotor wants a piece of the pie and is ready to explore the European market by the end of 2022.
Several models, ranging from small capacity motorcycles up to 800cc adventure bikes, have just been awarded European type approval.

According to reports, the first batch of bikes set to reach Europe is the SRK700, SRK400 and the SRV550.
However, the SRK700 is the most unique as there is no Benelli equivalent and runs on a 689cc parallel-twin that makes 74hp peak power and 55Nm of torque.
QJMotor also claimed the SRK700 hit both peaks of power at lower RPM than the Yamaha MT-07.

In addition, the SRV550 shares the same parallel-twin engine that MV Agusta uses in their Lucky Explorer 5.5.
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OFFICIAL: Modenas Vulcan S Now Available In Malaysia – From RM36,500

Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd (EMOS), the subsidiary of Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (MODENAS), has announced the price of its latest sports cruiser, the Modenas Vulcan S (ABS).

The Vulcan S is the first 650cc model to be rebadged by Modenas.
The Vulcan S is the perfect cruiser for daily commuting and touring.

The new model features Kawasaki’s renowned 649cc liquid-cooled, parallel twin engine, which is also found in the Ninja 650. The Vulcan S is tuned to achieve maximum linear power of 61hp and maximum torque of 62.4 Nm.
What sets the Vulcan S cruiser apart from other models is the “Ergo Fit” system that allows riders of all sizes to use the reduced reach setting, which makes the bike feel like it was built-to-fit each rider.

The model also features an 18-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel, which is close to a sports model, for natural and nimble handling. The low center of gravity allows riders to take deep leaning turns with confidence and ease.
The Vulcan S has a modern and sporty look with its inverted triangle headlamp and compact gauge cluster that sports an analogue tachometer.

All other information is shown on the multi-function LCD display that uses a blue LED backlight for projecting excellent visibility at night. The standard seat height of 705mm is extremely comfortable for the rider, and the motorcycle is easily maneuverable and super comfortable during high and low speed riding.

According to Roslan Roskan, Chief Executive Officer, MODENAS, the Vulcan S is one of the Kawasaki models that has long been awaited by customers.

				*Matte Sage Green

				*Metallic Flat Spark Black

The motorcycle is built to fit all sizes and ages and will help welcome edgy riders, old and new, into the sport without hurting their wallets too much. The Vulcan S comes in two different colors and prices: Metallic Flat Spark Black retailing at RM36,500 and Pearl Matte Sage Green at RM37,200, both of which will be available in all Kawasaki Dealer showrooms by the end of March 2023.
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BMW G 310 RR Officially Launch In India – 33.5hp, 27.3Nm

The new BMW G 310 RR officially breaks cover in India after weeks of teasers and rumours.

features the same 313cc single cylinder engine that makes 33.5hp and 27.3Nm.

gets the same bodywork as the TVS Apache RR 310.

The pint-sized supersport is the latest addition to the G 310 range joining the G 310 R and G 310 GS that runs on the same TVS-powered 313cc single cylinder engine.
Like the G 310 GS and G 310 R before it, the G 310 RR makes 33.5hp @ 9,700rpm and 27.3Nm @ 7,700rpm. Also, the RR gets the same five spokes, 17-inch wheels as its roadster siblings.

Interestingly, aside from the BMW badge and graphics, the G 310 RR features the same bodywork as TVS’ Apache RR 310.
The G 310 RR is the spitting image of the Apache right from the front and all the way to the rear. What sets the two apart is the standard all-black livery and BMW M-Performance Sport colourway.
The G 310 RR is also equipped with the same vertically-oriented 5″ TFT display and offers smartphone connectivity.

Also, the RR gets four riding modes; Track, Urban, Rain and Sport.
According to BMW Motorrad India, the standard RR is priced at INR285,000 (RM15.9k), while the Sport trim is available for INR299,000 (RM16.6k).
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Two Year Waiting Period For Honda X-ADV in Malaysia!

It seems like the global semi-conductor shortage has not only affected cars, but also motorcycles.

These days it is common to wait a few months for your new car or bike, but to wait over a year? Wow!
But that is exactly the response we got when we contacted a few Honda Big Wing outlets in search of a Honda X-ADV.

A member of our team was poking around to see how long it would take to get a brand new Honda X-ADV, and to our surprise, the general answer was that the waiting period was at least a year! AT LEAST!
We called a few Honda Big Wing outlets in KL, Selangor and the one in Penang, and shockingly the general answer was that the waiting period is now at least a year and a half to two years.

One outlet even said that the waiting period is now two years and the booking list is closed and they are no longer accepting any more bookings for the X-ADV.
An outlet in Penang said that it has over 170 people in its waiting list waiting to get their Honda X-ADV delivered.

Why would anyone wait more than a few months for a new motorcycle is beyond us when there are so many options out there, and there’s no telling if a better bike may become available in the next few months.
The global semi-conductor issue has truly affected all industries, and there is no telling when it will end.

The Honda X-ADV is undoubtedly popular, but is it worth waiting 2 years for?
But the good thing is, those that already own the Honda X-ADV can expect the second hand prices to go up!
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Free Roadside Assistance For Bikes Under 250cc – Allianz Malaysia

Great news for Allianz Malaysia comprehensive policyholders as the company now offers free roadside assistance for (below 250cc) motorcycles.
The roadside assistance service by Allianz Road Rangers includes:

emergency towing assistance (free for up to 50km)
fuel delivery
battery
flat tyre service

Any Allianz Motorcycle Plus (Comprehensive) or Allianz Motorcycle (Comprehensive) (below 250cc) customer can reach out to Allianz Road rangers 24-hour helpline at 1800-22-5542.
Allianz will then dispatched a tow truck or a technician to the location of the customer.
According to Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad (Allianz General) Chief Executive Officer Sean Wang, small-displacement motorcycle owners have long waited for a better on-the-road service.
“Allianz General is always trying to push the envelope and provide services that
matter to our customers.
“We started the Allianz Road Rangers service for our motor comprehensive (private car) customers in 2017, and it feels great that we can now do the same for our motorcycle comprehensive policyholders below 250cc,” said Sean.
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Kawasaki Z250SL launched – Priced at RM15,739!

Kawasaki Motors Malaysia has taken the wraps off of its latest model, the Z250SL. It’s also the company’s most exciting model not because of it’s looks or power but because of it’s price. At RM15,739, the new SL weighs in at just 148 is also a fantastic 20kg’s lighter than its fairinged brethren, the Z250. Powered by a single-cylinder, 249cc, 4-stroke engine mounted aboard a distinctive trellis frame, the SL is a slim pocket rocket that is bound to excite with its quick-revving engine, and small dynamics. Features of the SL include a digital bar-graph tachometer, digital speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, clock and fuel gauge. Other performance and riding features include 37mm telescopic forks, lightweight wheels, uni-trak suspension that offers a smoother ride and stable handling, a radiator fan cover, petal disc brakes, electric starter and fuel injection. In a press release issued at the launch event, Kawasaki Motors Malaysia stated that the Z250SL is suitable for entry level riders, lady bikers and as a step up model for those upgrading from a moped or scooter.
Specifications
Engine: Single cylinder, liquid-stroke, 4-stroke
Displacement: 249cc Bore and stroke: 72.0 x 61.2 mm
Compression ratio: 11.3:1
Valve system: DOHC, 4-valves
Fuel supply: Fuel injection
Ignition: Digital
Starter: Electric
Transmission: 6-speed, Return
Power: 25hp@9,700rpm
Torque: 22.6Nm@8,200rpm
Frame type: Tubular diamond, steel
Rake/Trail: 24 degree / 90mm
Suspension, Front: 37mm telescopic fork type Suspension,
Rear: Bottom-link uni-trak with spring pre-load: 5-levels
Tyres: Front – 110/80-17M/C 52S || Rear 130/70 – 17M/C 62S
Brake Front: Single 290mm Petal Disc with Dual-Piston Caliper
Brake Rear: Single 220mm Petal Disc with Dual-Piston Caliper
Length x Width x Height: 1,935 x 700 x 1,015mm
Wheelbase: 1,330mm
Seat Height: 785mm
Fuel capacity: 11 litres
Weight: 148kg
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2020 Vespa GTS 300 HPE Super Tech arrives in Malaysia – RM33,300

Vespa Malaysia has been churning out model after model every month since June this year (except for November) and the latest one comes in the form of the 2020 Vespa GTS 300 HPE Super Tech. In the GTS range, this bad boy sits at the very top with sporty features and updated technology.

In terms of design, the 2020 Vespa GTS 300 HPE Super Tech still carries that iconic 300cc Vespa façade, with the exception of its black rims with yellow details, also found on the front shock spring and right side of the body panel above the pillion’s retractable foot rest.

The Super Tech also features a 4.3-inch TFT colour display which conveys all the necessary information to the rider from speed, mileage, ambient temperature, and fuel level. This TFT display is further enhanced with the Vespa MIA smartphone connectivity system which can handle calls, messages, navigation, and many more when connected to your phone via Bluetooth.

Underneath all that jazz lies Vespa’s latest and most powerful engine yet, a 278cc single-cylinder four-stroke 300 HPE (High-Performance Engine) that churns out a very healthy 23.8hp at 8,250rpm and 26Nm torque at 5,250rpm. Meeting with the latest Euro5 emission regulations, the GTS 300 HPE Super Tech can travel the distance thanks to its exceptional fuel efficiency at 29.4km/l and 8.5-litre fuel tank.

Other features include:

12-inch two-tone alloy rims
All-LED lighting system
Dual-channel ABS
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
New ergonomic seat & handlebar
Dedicated Vespa Super Tech body details, front shield & horn cover

Vespa Malaysia has announced that the 2020 Vespa GTS 300 HPE Super Tech will be priced at RM33,300 (excluding road tax, insurance & registration). Two colours are up for grabs – Grey Avio and Nero Vulcano. To know more, head over to the nearest Vespa authorised dealer.

Written by: Sep Irran
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