Why you should be excited about the new 2017 KTM 250 and 390 Duke

This coming 26 September 2017, KTM Malaysia will launch their new 2017 KTM 250 and 390 Duke into the Malaysian market.
These bikes are highly-anticipated around the world and have been regarded one of the most anticipated entry-level naked bikes this year.
Here are some reasons why you should be excited about the latest generation KTM Dukes.

As we all have been informed, KTM Malaysia has big plans this coming 26 September 2017 where it has been said that they’ll be introducing the latest 2017 KTM 250 and 390 Duke into the Malaysian market. These two models have been highly awaited by many people and here are the reasons why you should be excited about the new 2017 KTM 250 and 390 Duke.

Both the new KTM 250 and 390 Duke have gone through a major restyling work. Heavily inspired by their bigger and more badass sibling, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R, it’s very hard to deny that the latest generation KTM entry-level naked bikes are simply stunning.

To know more about the KTM 390 Duke during last year’s EICMA Show in Milan, CLICK HERE.
Both the 250 and 390 Duke come with super aggressive styling and bold edges from the front all the way to the back. This gives the impression that the bikes are super muscular and will indeed make a statement everywhere they go.

Both the engines found on the new 250 and 390 Duke have gone through an evolution which makes them now Euro-4 compliant. Better power and torque delivery are paired with that new sexy side exhaust which elevates the bikes’ muscular facade to an entirely new level.

Other premium features that we feel makes the new KTM entry-level naked bikes different from other options in the current market today are their super premium WP suspensions, bigger disc brakes and slipper clutch.

The biggest update of all has to be the new TFT display found only on the new 390 Duke. Like the one found on the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and Super Duke R, this state-of-the-art fully-digital panel displays the entire bike’s information and also allows the rider to connect their smartphones via Bluetooth.

Other features that are only found on the 390 and not the 250 are Ride-by-Wire throttle and ABS which come as standard features. Well, how about that.

Well, folks. We can go on and on regarding why the new 2017 KTM 250 and 390 Duke should excite any motoring enthusiast in the country but come 26 September 2017, we’re quite confident that these bikes will blow our minds away once we see them live. We’re sure when the time comes, you’ll react the same way too. Get those #KTMMalaysia #MindBlown #250Duke #390Duke ready, ladies and gents.

In the meantime, enjoy the awesome video of the 390 Duke in action!
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Train with Valentino Rossi at Dainese Riding Masters MotoGP Class!

If you want to be the track day rider or motorcycle racer, you’ll definitely need to learn from the best. Who better to do so than the GOAT himself, Valentino Rossi. This coming April, you can get some personal training from the nine-time world champion himself if you can get a slot at the Dainese Riding Masters MotoGP class.

The first Dainese Riding Masters classes will take place on 22 April 2020 at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli where participants can grab the opportunity to learn from the likes of Valentino Rossi, Franco Morbidelli, Marco Bezzecchi, and Luca Marini. The MotoGP Class starts at $2,899 per pax (around RM12,287) to learn and study from the masters of MotoGP.

The Dainese Champions Class will be spearheaded by Marco Bezzecchi and Luca Marini who are also formidable riders who happen to be champions as the name goes. It’s definitely one of the greatest ideas in the world when it comes to getting some hands-on training from championship-winning riders who are adored by millions of fans worldwide.

There are also other packages and classes that enthusiasts can register for such as Safety and Racing Classes which are more affordable. Although the prices may be cheaper, you can be sure that Dainese will offer some grand experiences for you to become a much better rider, both in and out of the circuit.

For more information, check out all the details available in the “Experience – Riding Master” section on the website https://www.dainese.com. All Racing, Champions and MotoGP classes will be conducted using the powerful Yamaha YZF-R1M. How spectacular.
Valentino Rossi and Lewis Hamilton Complete MotoGP – F1 Swap

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Ducati Malaysia Bags Two Awards – Best Commercial After Sales & Best Marketing Team

Ducati Malaysia awarded with the Best Commercial After Sales and Best Marketing Team during the 28th Ducati APAC National Meeting.
The recognition was presented to Ducati Malaysia by Marco Biondi, Ducati Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Asia Pacific.

Meanwhile, the meeting also witness Ducati Philippines takes home ‘Best Growing Market of The Year’ award, Ducati Taiwan awarded with ‘Best Service and Training Team’ while the award for ‘Best Importer of The Year’ went to Ducati South Korea.
*Dennis Michael, Head of Ducati Malaysia (far right)
“Firstly, I would like to thank my amazing team for pulling out all the stops in achieving such recognition in the eyes of our band principal.
“Throughout all the years of operating, this is the first year ever Ducati Malaysia has received such award.
“These two awards reflect the passion and commitment that we have collectively poured into Next Bike Sdn Bhd to becoming the premier beacon of Ducati for all Malaysians,” said Dennis Michael, Head of Ducati Malaysia.

The Ducati APAC National Meeting is a yearly meeting that revolves around 13 Ducati representative in the Asia Pacific region.
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GIVI at 2017 Shell Malaysian MotoGP

It has become a tradition for GIVI to be present at the Malaysian MotoGP.
They gave away plenty of great goodies to those who visited their pavilion.
Participants of the MotoGP convoy also received plenty of great stuff.

“It had become a tradition for GIVI to participate in MotoGP and organize this MotoGP convoy,” said Joseph Perucca, Overseas Operational Director of GIVI.

His words couldn’t be truer as GIVI has a large presence in MotoGP every year, from supporting the LCR Honda MotoGP Team and the factory Ducati Team, to the massive pavilion, and the convoy.

This year, GIVI Malaysia went about designing their pavilion with slight differences. But they weren’t insignificant, by and large.

Firstly, they’ve included as the backdrop. GIVI Malaysia’s tour bus is always on location during Cub Prix races and also special events.

Secondly, there are many more different motorcycles on display, all fitted to the gills with GIVI cases and accessories. They included the Honda RS150R, Kawasaki Versys-X 250, besides others.

Thirdly, the usual display case of GIVI’s cases, helmets and apparel were also present, but the helmets were the newer models.

But the most significant difference this year is the inclusion of the injection moulding machine, which they use to produces the ABS cases you and I have long used and loved. However, instead of producing large cases during MotoGP, the machine was configured to produce coin boxes, made from the same material as the cases and complete with GIVI’s red and silver logo.

The boxes were given away as complimentary gifts to those who have liked GIVI Malaysia’s Facebook page. The long queue snaked its way into the middle of the mall area.

The pavilion was also where MotoGP riders visited for autograph sessions. LCR Honda MotoGP Team’s rider, Cal Crutchlow and team boss, Lucio Cecchinello made their appearance on Saturday afternoon to sign postcards, posters, t-shirts, helmets and whatever GIVI paraphernalia fans presented to them. The fans had started queuing two hours prior to the autograph session, braving the scorching Saturday sun.

Participants for the MotoGP Convoy congregated from as early as 7am, at the KL Tower, on Sunday morning. GIVI has always tied in their MotoGP convoys to special promotions for certain top cases, and it was for the recently-launched B32 “Mule” top case this year.

The special guest this year was Anita Yusof, Malaysia’s own world traveller, in addition to Lucio Cecchinello.

Participants who registered for the convoy received many wonderful goodies, including the new RWB02 waterproof waist pouch, a cap, balaclava, a special edition 2017 GIVI MotoGP Convoy jersey, and a grandstand ticket; besides a voucher each for a bottle of Castrol engine oil and a can of Monster Energy drink. But that’s not all. Participants also received a parking sticker for the coveted PA1 motorcycle parking lot, which was situated directly opposite the main SIC entrance, saving both money and time.

The weekend’s event culminated with the MotoGP race, of course.

Don’t despair if you missed this year’s festivities set up by GIVI, just make sure you participate in 2018 for the full MotoGP experience.

PICTURE GALLERY

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Yamaha XSR700 revealed

Custom-styled motorcycles are all the rave nowadays, and more the most recent manufacturer to join the bandwagon is Yamaha, with the XSR700 – a custom-style edition of the MT-07 which has just been officially revealed yesterday.

According to Yamaha, the XSR700 is the production version of the MT07 that was restyled by renowned Japanese custom bike builder Shinya Kimura. The company added that this model adds to the brand’s range of custom-style ‘Faster Sons’ special editions, which also includes the XJR1300 Racer and XV950 Racer.

Unlike the traditional looking naked XJR1300 and XV950 cruiser, the XSR700 is the first to stem from a contemporary-styled model. Rumour has it that Yamaha might even consider the R1 for the custom treatment.
Noteable features on the Yamaha XSR700 include:
* Two-texture leather seat
* Aluminium retro fuel tank
* Aluminium fender
* Aluminium headlight bracket
* Wide tapered back handlebars
* Mesh side panels
* Stubby rear muffler
* Embroidered seat logo
* Wide range of customization accessories

The 2016 Yamaha XSR700 is expected to hit European dealerships from November 2015. As much as the Malaysian market is concerned, there have not been any official announcements from Hong Leong Yamaha yet, but lets just keep our fingers crossed.
2016 Yamaha XSR700
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All-New 2021 Honda CBR600RR Now Available In Malaysia – RM98,888!

The 2021 Honda CBR600RR finally makes its official debut in Malaysia with the new generation motorcycle comes with a host of upgrades and updates from the previous model.
Starting with the looks, the 2021 Honda CBR600RR carries more of the design DNA from the Fireblade series and we’re not complaining one bit. The biggest change has to be the front fairing where the CBR600RR enhanced with a set of winglets, making it the very first production middleweight model to offer them.

Dressed in the iconic HRC colours, the 2021 Honda supersport model still has the 599cc inline-four DOHC liquid-cooled engine but thanks to some upgrades, the new CBR600RR now produces a higher 121hp at 14,000rpm and 64Nm of torque at 11,500rpm.

This was done thanks to new camshafts, valve springs, and crankshaft as well as enhanced intake and exhaust ports for better efficiency. To manage all of its newly found power, the new CBR600RR comes with an updated IMU unit (inertial measurement unit) that keeps the ABS, traction control, ride-by-wire throttle, wheelie control, and engine braking all in check.

As for weight and dimensions, the new Honda supersport model is now around 5kg heavier at 194kg as Honda made some minor alterations to the chassis used from the previous-gen model. The new CBR600RR now has increased rake and trail as well as a slightly longer wheelbase for better agility and manoeuvrability.

Other notable specs include a full-colour TFT screen, selectable riding modes, slipper clutch, Showa Big Piston front forks, 18-litre fuel tank, Tokico callipers, optional bi-directional quickshifter and many more.

According to Boon Siew Honda, the 2021 Honda CBR600RR is available with a price tag of RM98,888.

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Get ready for the 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R

It looks like Kawasaki is currently working on a brand new 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R.

Documents were filed to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regarding the emissions output of the 2019 supersport machine.

The new ZX-6R is heading towards the Euro5 emissions regulations and it is said to produce only half of the emissions compared to the previous model.

Rumours on a brand new Kawasaki supersport machine is currently heating up as talks of the 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is currently underway. Based on a few key sources, it’s not just talk but Kawasaki is walking the walk with this one.

First and foremost, a document filed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is probably the biggest indicator of the next-generation middleweight Ninja. Retaining its 636cc inline-four engine configuration, it is stated that it has the ability to produce half of the emissions when compared to the previous ZX-6R.

Works from Team Green to make their sports bike more ‘green’ are all part of their effort to conform to the Euro4 emissions regulations. Due to this, rumours are also going around that the current power output of the ZX-6R at around 129hp might see a slight decrease for the 2019 model.

This also suggests that it won’t just be an updated version but rather, a brand-new Ninja ZX-6R built from the ground up. Other possible details of the 2019 machine include:

New three-way closed-loop catalyst
Overall weight decrease (estimated around 195kg)
Reworked dimensions for improved agility (wider & shorter)
More aerodynamic bodywork (aerofairings?)
Updated electronics (possibly an addition of Inertial Measurement Unit or IMU)

As of now, no other details is being shared about this upcoming supersport machine but one thing is for sure; middleweight sports bikes are going into a whole new era and Kawasaki is one of the manufacturers ready to face the challenge head-on. Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more updates.
WorldSBK: Tom Sykes is leaving Kawasaki

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Motonation fans took home Petron Miles Cards worth RM4,000!

Four lucky Motonation festival attendees collected their Petron Miles Card today filled with points worth RM,1000 each.
The Petron Miles Cards were just some of the lucky draw prizes given away during the Motonation event held last year at PICC.
Petron Malaysia also sponsored their premium fuels as well as 5,000 souvenirs during the three-day festival.

Four lucky fans who attended the Motonation event back in December last year got to take home Petron Miles card filled with points worth RM1,000 each. The prize-giving ceremony was done earlier today at the Petron Malaysia’s Headquarters located in Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara.

Petron Malaysia was one of the major sponsors of the main event which was held last year at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC). Motonation promised many prizes to be given away including Petron Miles privilege cards filled with points worth RM1,000. Earlier today, the promise was delivered to four lucky individuals.

Apart from the Petron Miles Cards, Petron also sponsored Blaze 100RON petrol, Turbo Diesel Euro5 fuels and Gasul LPG during the festival for the car drift shows’ and shuttle buses’ fuel usage, power the generators for outdoor activities and cooking gas for food truck vendors.

To make things even more exciting, Petron went an extra step by contributing 5,000 Porsche car models and reversible umbrellas to the first few lucky visitors  as souvenirs. It is safe to say to Petron Malaysia literally fuelled the Motonation festival with excitement (as well as their fuel).

Motonation is Malaysia’s first automotive corporate and lifestyle event which was successfully held last December in Putrajaya with more than 150 vendor participants occupying a total of 640 booths and clocking a total of 120,000 visitors throughout the entire 3 days. To check out some of the major highlights of the event, read the story below!
Motonation 2017 – The Grand Finale

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Ten Most Unusual Production Motorcycles (Part 10)

Please click here for Part 1 (Suzuki RE5), here for Part 2 (Honda CBX1000), here for Part 3 (Yamaha GTS1000), here for Part 4 (Suzuki Katana), here for Part 5 (Böhmerland), here for Part 6 (MTT Y2K and 420RR), here for Part 7 (Honda DN-01), here for Part 8 (BRP Can-Am Spyder), and here for Part 9 (Honda NR).
We’ve reached the final motorcycle in this collection. We’ve decided to leave out the older motorcycles prior to the 80’s and 90’s as they were too far back and most of the successful technologies and methodologies have been transferred to motorcycles in the following decades.
That doesn’t mean manufacturers have stopped researching and developing new ideas. Far from it, in fact. But manufacturers are more in tune to what the majority of potential buyers want these days to design bikes that don’t look totally out of this world, apart from a few.
Without much further ado, let’s check out this last bike.
BIMOTA TESI 3D
Truth is, any Bimota would be considered unusual compared to virtually any stock production bike, but that would mean all ten would be Bimotas in this article. Picking just one out from the Rimini, Italy-based company’s family isn’t easy either, like the 1998 SB8R and SB8 RS, DB3 Mantra.
Bimota Mantra DB3
For example, the YB4EI which come agonizingly close to winning the inaugural World Superbike Championship in 1988, ridden by one Davide Tardozzi. Tadozzi had won eight races that season but because of point scoring technicalities, Fred Merkel won on the Honda RC30 despite having just two victories.
Bimota YB4EI
Bimota only builds frames, chassis and other technologies around engines from other manufacturers. The first letter of a Bimota denotes where the engine was sourced from, for example: YB means Yamaha-Bimota, BB stands for BMW-Bimota, DB for Ducati-Bimota and so forth. As such, production is low volume. Only the Suzuki GSX-R1100 powered SB6 saw 1,144 bikes being produced from 1994 to 1996, while the next highest figure was just 600 bikes.
Bimota SB6 – Courtesy of totalmotorcycle.com
As such, one model, in our opinion which truly reflects upon that philosophy is the Tesi 3D which made its first appearance in 2007.

Remember we covered about the attempt to move away from hydraulic forks for the front suspension on the Yamaha GTS in Part 3? The Tesi was also developed in this vein. The concept of the Tesi differs slightly from the Yamaha GTS’s, however.
The Tesi 3D is the third iteration of this project, powered by the powerful Ducati 1098 engine. The engine is clamped between two machines aluminium plates, with all other components mated to these plates, including both front and rear swingarms.

The front swingarm mates to plate on both sides, with an Ohlins shock attached to the right in a cantilevered position. The handlebar’s shaft is connected to horizontal shafts on each side that steers the front wheel, for a hub centre steering setup.
Bimota is currently building the new Tesi 3D to celebrate their 40th year, called the Tesi 3D 40 Anniversario (pictured here). Only 40 examples will ever be built.

BONUS UNUSUAL PRODUCTION MOTORCYCLE
How could we leave out the Kawasaki Ninja H2 and its variants? Unleashed by Kawasaki in 2015 to be the bike to conquer the world, it’s supercharged.

The track-only H2R produces 300 bhp, while the road-legal version pumps out 200 bhp. Kawasaki had just announced the H2 SX and H2 SX SE sport-tourer. Still supercharged but made practical for daily riding and touring. (Please click here to know more about the H2 SX.)

Please click here for Part 1 (Suzuki RE5), here for Part 2 (Honda CBX1000), here for Part 3 (Yamaha GTS1000), here for Part 4 (Suzuki Katana), here for Part 5 (Böhmerland), here for Part 6 (MTT Y2K and 420RR), here for Part 7 (Honda DN-01), here for Part 8 (BRP Can-Am Spyder), and here for Part 9 (Honda NR).
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Moto3: Petronas Sprinta Racing ready for 2018!

The Petronas Sprinta Racing Moto3 team has been officially launched yesterday at the Sepang International Circuit.
The whole new partnership between Petronas and SIC has led to the team’s new direction for 2018.
Both Adam Norrodin and Ayumu Sasaki are ready to bring the fight to the rest of the Moto3 field.

The Petronas Sprinta Racing team was officially launched yesterday at the Sepang International Circuit. This partnership between SIC and Petronas as the official title sponsor which will run its course for three seasons will start with Adam Norrodin and Ayumu Sasaki taking their race-bred Honda Moto3 machinery to podium contentions.

It was only a few months back when the partnership was announce with the hopes of bringing both establishments into greater heights by highlighting Malaysia as a breeding grounds for great racing talents. With proper guidance in mind, both Adam Norrodin and Ayumu Sasaki are ready to take on the 2018 season.

When asked about the partnership, Team Manager Johan Stigefelt stated “It means a lot to be associated with such a high value brand, with whom have already had great success in Formula One. This is the start of a great partnership, so it’s a very exciting time for us all. We will work hard to achieve good results and together I hope we can further our program with Adam and Ayumu in Moto3. I’m very happy and proud to be a part of PETRONAS Sprinta Racing.”.

As for Malaysia’s very own Adam Norrodin, the 19 year old racer commented ““I’m really happy to have PETRONAS Sprinta with us; they are so big and well known in Motorsport, I feel very proud to be sponsored by them and carry their name. I’m excited for this partnership and really looking forward to this year.”

“This is my third season in the Moto3 World Championship, so it’s a very important year for me. I want to be the best I have ever been. I have a lot more confidence and experience now, so I feel ready to give it my all. I want to be regularly in the top ten for myself and the team; I want to be fighting for the podium. I will push to be up there and do everyone proud,” added the number 7 rider.

Ayumu Sasaki is also excited about 2018 regarding to whole new approach and direction. The 2016 Red Bull Rookies Cup champion said “I’m really happy to be part of this family. For me PETRONAS Sprinta is one of the best sponsors; they already sponsor the Champion team in F1, so I want to do my best for them in this Championship. This will be my second year in Moto3 so I will push harder than before; try to stay in the front group and fight for the podium as much as I can.”

The 2018 season will kick things off in Qatar on 18 March 2018 where the boys will duke it out with the rest of the field under the floodlights of the Losail International Circuit. Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more updates.
Source: SIC Racing Team
Confirmed: Hafizh Syahrin Steps up to MotoGP!

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2020 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR TheArsenale edition unveiled

MV Agusta is known for some of their very beautiful and super limited special edition models in the past and their latest 2020 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR collaborates with one of the world’s most exclusive online retail concepts, TheArsenale.

Clad in TheArsenale’s signature black and orange details, MV Agusta went through all lengths to ensure that this limited 2020 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR portrays the best assets of the online retail giant. In other words, ‘over-the-top excellence’.

According to Ratmir Sardarov, Director of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., “We are excited about this new collaboration with TheArsenale. We were instantly seduced by their pioneering spirit and their extreme approach to luxury retail. Only the best, most exclusive models feature in their online virtual garage and our special TheArsenale edition Dragster 800 RR, a piece of pure motorcycle art, is now one of their brightest gems.”

As for Patrice Meignan, CEO and founder of TheArsenale, “We were proud to be working on such a project with an incredible brand and our joint efforts got paid off when we saw the bike in flesh. A performance machine that carries the graphical look that we always envisioned our dream bike to be; this MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR x TheArsenale is the embodiment of our transportation dreams.”

MV Agusta to launch new 950cc engine & adventure bike

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Truck Driver Volodymyr Zhukovskyy Who Killed Seven Bikers has History of Arrests

Photo credit WGAL-TV

Volodymyr Zhukovskyy, the truck driver who mowed down the group of bikers has a history of arrests.

He had records of arrests in five states for substance abuse, dangerous driving and accidents.

Seven riders were killed in the New Hampshire accident.

Volodymyr Zhukovskyy, the truck driver who mowed down the group of bikers in New Hampshire, USA has a history of arrests.
A Boston Globe journalist did some digging and came up with a disturbing revelation concerning 23-year-old’s records. He had been arrested in six states before for DUI (driving under influence), dangerous driving, and accidents.
Volodymyr Zhukovskyy – Photo credit Don Treeger/The Republican via AP, Pool

Zukhovskyy is an immigrant from Ukraine. He was also involved in accident at 16 years old and was found to be driving without a license.
He committed his first offence not long after obtaining his driver’s license in 2013. He was arrested and charged for DUI in June that year in Massachusetts. The judge suspended his driving license.
Zhukovskyy was again arrested in 2014 for driving with a suspended license, providing false information and possession of drug paraphernalia, this time in Ohio. The Boston Globe journalist noted that the Ohio authorities didn’t communicate the arrest with their counterparts in Massachusetts.
In 2017, he then sought assistance for his addiction to alcohol, cocaine and heroin in Pennsylvania.
He obtained a commercial driving license a year later in 2018. But he didn’t stay out of trouble very long.
Police arrested him at 2am on 11th February 2019, following reports of an intoxicated person. They found a crack pipe. However, he was given a deferment with probation and no record as long as he behaved. The probation was due to end on 14th June 2019.
Just one week later, he was arrested in Iowa for improper lane usage and not complying with safety regulations. He paid the fine and went away a free man.
On 11th May 2019, he was arrested in Connecticut for DUI. He posted bail, while awaiting his arraignment on 26th June. When Connecticut’s authorities communicated the charges to Massachusetts where his license was issued, the two states blamed each other for not suspending his license following the 11th May arrest.
Zukhovskyy’s driving record got more serious after that. On 3rd June, he rolled over the Mack truck car hauler in Texas. He claimed that a car had swerved in front of him but the police found no signs of another vehicle. The police didn’t fine him plus, he wasn’t intoxicated at the time.
The authorities should’ve stopped him from ever driving again at this point but no one did. So, on 24th June, Zukhovskyy drove into a group of Jarhead MC riders in New Hampshire, killing seven. The ex-US Marines had just left their bed and breakfast.
He has since been arrested and police found wax packets with heroin residue in his home.

But the accident also highlighted the failure of the authorities in keeping a dangerous and potentially life-threatening driver off the road. Massachusetts Registrar of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Secretary Erin Deveney took responsibility and resigned (at least she took responsibility, unlike some politicians in Malaysia).
The Governor of Massachusetts Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and the United States Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack promise to overhaul RMV for improvements. The US Immigration and Customs Department has also filed a request to detain Zukhovskyy, meaning that he could be deported back to the Ukraine.
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TVS Motor Company invests £100m into Norton Motorcycles brand

New owners of ailing British brand Norton Motorcycles, India’s TVS Motor Company, puts up £100m investment to spur brand’s development.

India’s TVS Motor Company announces new £100m investment into Norton Motorcycles.

TVS acquired Norton back in April 2020 and aims new funds aim to spur further development.

Funds already cover Norton’s new Solihull production plant, and will spur 250-300 new jobs.

Also covered are reengineering efforts for both the 961 Commando and V4 SV superbike.

TVS exec also noted plans to explore electrification future for the Norton brand.

India’s motorcycle giant TVS Motor Company announced a £100m (approx. RM554.9m) investment into the Norton Motorcycles brand, which will reportedly create an estimated 250 to 300 new jobs over the course of the next three years.
TVS Motor Company had acquired the Norton Motorcycles marque back in April 2020, and part of this fund has already been invested into a new manufacturing plant in Solihull, as well as reengineering the 961 Commando and V4 SV superbike ahead of their upcoming launches.
“This investment will be towards electrification, cutting edge technology, world class vehicles, manufacturing, sustainability and the future of mobility,” said Sufarshan Venu, Joint Managing Director of TVS, Sudarshan Venu.
The Indian exec further noted that the investments, which spreads over the next few years, will result in an exciting range of products for the global market. Besides new jobs at Norton, Venu also spoke fresh opportunities across the motorcycle industry as this new investment is expected to create a a further 500 to 800 indirect jobs across the supply chain.

The announcement of new funding into the Norton Motorcycles brand by TVS Motor Company coincided with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s recent visit to India from April 21 to 22. Notably, exactly how much of this money has already been spent remains uncertain for now.
“I’m very pleased that TVS Motor Company has decided to join the legions of Indian companies investing in the UK, boosting our future mobility sector and driving economic growth,” said Prime Minister Johnson regarding the announcement.
Looking ahead, Norton Motorcycles have set clear goals for 2022, and it plans to start production of their V4 SV superbike at their new Solihull plant whilst continuing focus on restoring faith in the brand – it’s still reeling in from the wake of ex CEO Stuart Garner who was recently sentenced.
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2021 Ducati SuperSport 950 begins production in Italy

The all-new 2021 Ducati SuperSport 950 has become the first new model from the 2021 Ducati World Premiere line-up to go into the production line in Borgo Panigale, Italy. Ducati dealerships around the globe are expected to receive their first shipment within the coming months.

This new model which carries a more aggressive façade thanks to some design cues from the Panigale series is said to offer the perfect level of sportiness for everyday use. This is especially visible from its full-LED headlights with DRLs and more aggressive fairings.

Other updates on the 2021 Ducati SuperSport 950 further elevates its safety and comfort while retaining exciting levels of sportiness into the mix. Powered by a 937cc Testastretta twin-cylinder engine, the SuperSport 950 produces 110hp at 9,000rpm and 93Nm of torque at 6,500rpm.

In terms of electronics, this beauty also comes with selectable riding modes, Bosch Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS). This is also adequate for some track day fun for those who are looking for a versatile Ducati machinery.

This model will be available in Ducati Red for the base unit, while the SuperSport 950 S comes with this colour option as well as the sexy Arctic White Silk. We’re not sure when it’ll arrive here in Malaysia, but our best guess would be sometime within the second half of 2021. Stay tuned for more updates.

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Rossi goes old school with 2018 AGV Pista GP R

Nine-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi has unveiled his latest 2018 AGV Pista GP R.
Following the two-year contract renewal with Movistar Yamaha, the 39-year-old showcased a very retro-looking helmet.
With a minimalistic approach, his 2018 helmet was inspired by helmets used in Formula 1 back in the 70s and 80s.

Following the recent announcement of his two-year contract renewal with the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team, nine-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi introduced his latest 2018 AGV Pista GP R livery. The latest design showcases something very different from the norm where the 39-year-old went with the ‘old school’ appeal.

The retro design is said to have been inspired from the good old days of Formula 1 back in the 1970s and 1980s. As the MotoGP grid heads towards the future, more and more complicated designs have been popping up and the Italian wanted to bring back his riding flare with something classic.

According to Rossi, “It’s changed a lot because I wanted to try something classic. I looked at the iconic Formula One helmets of the seventies and eighties and tried to have less on there rather than more – and I like the result!”

Through Drudi Performance, the iconic Sun and Moon can be seen on either side with a minimalistic approach and even fewer colours compared. This is even more apparent when compared to his intricate Mexican-inspired winter test helmet he sported during the pre-season testing.

A combination of matte black and yellow is highlighted even further with his name and number planted at the back. A small 58 resides on the bottom rear left in memory of his very good friend and rider, Marco Simoncelli.

The MotoGP circus is already geared up in Qatar where they will the first race of 2018 will commence this Sunday at 12 am (local time) under the floodlights.
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Ducati Multistrada 1260 recalled – kickstands may break?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) together with Ducati North America have issued a very unique recall regarding the Ducati Multistrada 1260 models. Close to 500 models are affected by the issue where the kickstands may break.

The 2018 line-up consisting of the Ducati Multistrada 1260, 1260 S, and Pikes Peak models are potentially involved in this recall at a total of 493 units. According to the recall report submitted by the NHTSA, the side stand manufacturing process was done incorrectly due to improper welding.

Due to this improper welding, the side stand may potentially break at the weld between the tube and the upper forged part. Below are the full details of the report that is currently affecting the US market.
Vehicle: 2018-2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260, S and PP
Production Dates: SEP 20, 2017 – FEB 13, 2018
VIN Range: Begin – ZDMAAEKWXJB000050, End – ZDMAAEKWXJB002509 Not sequential
Description of the Defect: On certain motorcycles, the side stand may not have been manufactured correctly. An improper weld that joins the tube to the forged part on the top of the stand, could affect the reliability of the component.
Description of the Safety Risk: Due to an improper weld, the side stand may be compromised and separate at the weld. If the defect occurs, the side stand could break at the weld that joins the tube to the forged part on the top. The bike could fall down increasing the risk of injury.
Description of the Cause: The cause for this is that the length of the tube may have been cut out of tolerance causing an improper weld at the joint.
Identification of Any Warning that can Occur: None at this time.
Description of Remedy Program: Official Ducati dealers will replace the existing side stand with a new one. This rework will be carried out free of charge. A Ducati North America Recall Bulletin is scheduled to be published to the Ducati Dealer Network using the established communication process. Owner notification letters are expected to mail within 60 days from the submission of this report.
CLICK HERE to read the complete report.

There’s still no news regarding whether this issue affects the bikes here in Malaysia. We will update once we have any fresh information regarding the matter. In the meantime, fellow owners who are concerned may check with their dealers or service centres pertaining to the issue of the Multistrada’s side stand.
Dubai Police Gets Ducati Panigale V4 R

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KMOG Borneo Ride 2017 (Day Five and Wrap Up)

Day Five of the KMOG Borneo Ride 2017 took us from Keningau to Labuan.

We rode over the Crocker Range and on to Menumbok for the ferry to Labuan.

Labuan is the end of the first leg.

Keningau, Sabah, 5th November 2017 – We had thought we’d be allowed to sleep in today after yesterday’s “adventure”, but we were told the briefing will be at 7am.

The early flag-off time was because we had planned to ride over the Crocker Range in the early hours when it was covered in mist and possibly fog. Needless to say, riding here was an item in my bucket list.

I’ve heard much about riding across the Crocker Range from riding enthusiasts, so I dragged my ragged body out of bed at 6am into the bathroom to freshen up for breakfast. If anyone thought being a motojournalist is easy, consider the fact that I had slept at 4am in order to work on the previous day’s story. Plus, the food from last night’s dinner didn’t seem to be on agreeable terms with my stomach.Anyway, breakfast done, we loaded up our bikes for this beautiful day. But everyone took their time, no doubt still feeling the effect of yesterday’s hammering.
It seems that the Crocker Range was just in Keningau’s backyard (no wonder it was so cold in the middle of the night). We had travelled less than 10km before the road started climbing into the hills – and corners(!).

The road here was beautiful, a stark contrast from what we have ridden on so far. The road surface was smooth and grippy, but more importantly and surprisingly, the corners were positively cambered.

I’m sure everyone in the KMOG Borneo Ride 2017 smiled as we started sweeping through the curves, cool breeze in our helmets and through our riding gear.

We reached a vantage point and shot photos with the KMOG Borneo Ride 2017 banner. Hills in the yonder were clearly seen. The mist had started to lift.

We had so much fun covering this route that it was over before we had warmed up, especially for me on the 1290 Super Duke GT, and it was its natural home. It’s the first time I’ve switched to the SPORT Ride Mode and SPORT Damping.

With the cinnamon city (Keningau means “cinnamon” in the local dialect. It’s where the spice is grown and exported) and Crocker Range behind us, the heat started coming back first gradually, then to very hot. Yet, I didn’t feel sleepy or stuffy because the air around Borneo is pretty fresh.

We rode on until it was time for lunch. Pauline from Borneo Excursions had caught back up with us at Kuala Penyu town and we were led to Jonathan Freddy P. Bagang’s home at Kuala Penyu. Jonathan is Penang’s Director of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia.

There to welcome us was a gamelan band and members of Jonathan’s family and friends, who had prepared a special lunch, which Bear Grylls would’ve been elated.

The lunch was special alright, which included what the locals called butod, the larvae of the sago tree weevil (beetles). These giant larvae were white in colour giving the appearance of monster maggots. They were alive and wriggling in a dish. There was another dish beside that had them fried in soy sauce. It’s a delicacy around here and a 100% source of protein.

Also shown to us was a large Horlicks jar containing a cow’s stomach, mouse deer embryo, pangolin embryos and other “stuff” soaked in a colourless liquid. That liquid turned out to be rice wine. The family had kept that recipe for 50 years, topping up the wine when it ran low.

Of course, there were other dishes too, including vegetables, fowl and fish. Fresh fruits were especially tasty, no doubt due to being grown in places of low pollution. I downed cup after cup of Sabah tea and Tenom coffee.

Jonathan’s neighbours Raineh and her husband also came by to assist and they invited the participants to take part in their traditional Sumazau dance performance.

Soon it was time to say goodbye. KMOG President Ong Ten Sun presented KMOG Borneo Ride 2017 memorabilia to Mr. Jonathan and family.
We rode on to the Menumbok Ferry Terminal and spent some time awaiting our turn to board the ferry to Labuan. It was quite a wait as the ferry operates on fixed intervals.

The ferry was large and could fit all 38 bikes at one go, and still had room for other large vehicles. There was an air-conditioned deck for passengers above the vehicle deck, where most of the participants retreated to.

The ferry ride took one-and-half hours. As we got closer to Labuan, we could see many ships of different fit outs, but the majority serving the oil and gas industry at Miri. Our hotel, Billion Waterfront, was situated right next to the sea.

Dato’ Chia Beng Tat, Chief Executive of KTM Malaysia had joined us for dinner that night. We sat at the table with Captain Ganesan, the tough pilot set a Guiness World Record by riding his motorcycle continuously for 5600 kilometres over four-and-half days straight! He had also ridden 1,500km from Kuching to Kota Kinabalu for the KMOG Borneo Ride 2017 briefing on 1st November! We are not worthy!

Labuan signaled the first leg of this epic journey, and it was also the location where a few of us had to say goodbye to the rest of the participants. I had to fly home on the 6th to prepare for another engagement on the 9th. The group stayed over for another night before departing to Miri through Brunei.
At the time this article went “live,” they had arrived safely in Miri.
The KMOG Borneo Ride 2017 had been an astounding success on many fronts.
Firstly, it provided an important activity for KTM motorcycle owners to experience the KTM lifestyle firsthand. Secondly, it would’ve extinguished any doubt about the reliability and capabilities of KTM’s motorcycles to not only the owners themselves but also to the world at large, since not a single bike broke down. Thirdly, it provided an enjoyment unlike any other, as participants experienced every aspect of riding and the environment in which they rode through. Fourthly, participants experienced the many wonders of Borneo, in terms of the roads, weather, environment, sights, culture, people, food.
But most of all, the KMOG Borneo Ride 2017 participants experienced the freedom of being on the road (and also off) on the orange-coloured machines from Austria.

 Please click here for Day Four of the KMOG Borneo Ride 2017.
Please click here for Day Three of the KMOG Borneo Ride 2017.
Please click here for Day Two of the KMOG Borneo Ride 2017.
Please click here for Day One of the KMOG Borneo Ride 2017.
PICTURE GALLERY

				Riding over the famed Crocker Range not far from Keningau

				Coming off the Crocker Range

				Refuelling at Kuala Penyu before lunch

				A great view should not go to waste

				Kuih Kelupis

				We were welcomed by a traditional band

				Butod (sago tree weevil larvae) – a local delicacy

				A group photo before we moved on

				On the ferry to Labuan

				A group shot on the ferry

				The quicker way to Labuan, locals call these boats “flying coffins”

				Full view of the ferry

				The marina behind the hotel

				Another great setting for a KTM

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Here’s a sweet Akrapovic exhaust for your Aprilia RS 660

Akrapovic is on a roll at the end of 2020 with the release of its new Racing Line (Carbon) exhaust system for the latest 2021 Aprilia RS 660. This full-system exhaust offers optimised power and torque delivery plus a wicked soundtrack while meeting with Euro5 regulations.

This EC/ECE type-approved Akrapovic exhaust made with a combination of carbon fibre muffler, end cap, and heat shield, plus lightweight titanium outer sleeve and high-grade stainless steel help to cut down the overall weight by 0.4kg and kicks up the figures by an extra 2.4hp and 3.6Nm torque.

In other words, the 2021 Aprilia RS 660 with this exhaust kit gets an improved throttle response as well as a deep sporty sound that also slightly enhances the bike’s power-to-weight ratio. This unit is also admirable for its ‘plug and play’ simplicity without any additional mapping needed.

If that’s not enough to float your boat, you can also opt for the Racing Line (Carbon) S-A6R1-APLC unit (pic above) that’s not EC/ECE compliant but what you’ll get is a full-system exhaust that cuts down the weight by 2.4kg and ups to figures by 4hp at 11,200rpm and 4.9Nm torque at 4,500rpm. In other words, it’s an all-out race exhaust, baby. Braap, braap, mothertruckers.

Written by: Sep Irran
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2017 CCM Spitfire – 150 Units of Pure Machinery Beauty

The first of many bikes to be custom-build by CCM’s creative department, Skunkwerx

Launched February 2017, this limited edition of 150 units are all SOLD OUT within a few weeks on introduction

A bike built purely out passion and creativity without any constraints to the builders and designers

British bike manufacturer, CCM, has rocked the world when they introduced the custom CCM Spitfire during the Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show just last month. According to CCM, this is their finest production yet created by the latest creative division known as Skunkwerx.

Inspired by the engineers from Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works division that created the company’s best flying machines known to man, the mechanics and designers over at CCM were given the same opportunity; to create a bike without any interruptions in terms of funding or even the company’s hierarchy.

When you look at the result, it’s hard to deny that the 2017 CCM Spitfire is pure beauty. To start things off, the tubular steel frames for all 150 units were handmade by their team’s finest veteran welder, Ted Unwin. The name Spitfire came to mind when they decided to use the same T45 high-strength British steel used in building the classic fighter plane’s fuselages. Just looking at the beautiful welds is enough to give goosebumps to any witnesses. The overall minimalist package tips of the scale at just 120kg.

To make the Spitfire even more exciting, the team has included a 600cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine that comes with titanium valves. The motor is able to produce 55hp @ 5,500rpm and 58Nm of torque. This in turn gives it a good power-to-weight ratio of 0.46hp/kg which is a higher figure when compared to the Ducati 959 Panigale sports bike.

Suspension is taken care off with a WP 48mm upside-down fork with rebound and compression adjustments. The rear end is equipped with a fully adjustable Tractive monoshock with 150mm of travel making it a breeze in absorbing minor road imperfections. All of these are connected to 19-inch flat track tires wrapped around billet hubs and high strength spokes.

With decent power and relatively low weight, stopping the Spitfire requires some serious stuff. That’s why they’ve enlisted the help of a couple of Brembo calipers to be equipped on the front 320mm disc and 240mm rear disc. This ensures safe and stable braking regardless of the conditions.

Priced at £7,995 (around RM43,980), all of the 150 units are spoken for as of last week. Looking at the facade of the bike alone is enough to get grown men and women struggling to take out their wallets in order to own this limited edition ‘bedroom poster’ dream bike. Not bad, CCM. Not bad at all.
Photo source: www.motorcyclenews.com

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Habits to Excel in the Automotive and Motorsports Industries

There are certain habits to be successful in the automotive and motorsports industries.

Here we spoke to Harun Zainal, one of TOC Automotive College’s Trainer in the Superbike Technician Course.

Do you have what it takes?

It’s just like reading the book “Millionaire Success Habits.” There should exist certain habits to be successful in the automotive and motorsports industries, too.
We decided to speak to Harun Zainal, a Trainer in the Superbike Technician Course at TOC Automotive College.
Bikes Republic: Surely TOC Automotive College welcomes every student. But what do these students need in order to excel?
Harun Zainal: First of all, it’s passion and patience, especially in motorsports. It’s because we don’t know how our team will be. A team is made of different personalities and attitudes, so we need to be strong.
Other than that, as a technician, we should love to look at machinery in motion. We can’t take it when we see a broken or motionless vehicle. In motorsports you want to see the vehicle become faster.
It is the technician’s mission in making that vehicle go faster. But how do we do that? You need to work with the team.
There must also be a willingness to learn. There’s no such thing as you stop learning in the industry. There is always something new that you will learn. You learn at every single race.

Bikes Republic: What make motorsports tough?
Harun Zainal: It’s not just about making the vehicle go fast. We need to learn about the regulations and make it work within that set of rules. Not adhering to the rules means disqualification. (Getting DQ’d wastes everyone’s effort, time and money – Editor.)
Bikes Republic: What kind of motorcycle racing is TOC involved in?
Harun Zainal: TOC is involved in racing the Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK), the TOC-Ducati Desmo Cup and Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF).
We supply the pit crew to these teams involved (so the students may learn).
Bikes Republic: How about the TOC students who are graduating? What qualities should they have when entering the workforce?
Harun Zainal: Based on my own experience, it’s not about the salary, it’s about loving what you do. It’s about having a vehicle running optimally.
To me a technician is like a motorcycle or car doctor. You should not think about money, instead you should focus more on helping people. That shouldn’t only apply to my students, but also to all the technicians in the country.

Bikes Republic: There are many workshops that still lack in proper workshop practices. Does TOC inculcate the correct workshop practices?
Harun Zainal: Yes, of course. We already teach the students about proper workshop ethics from their very first classes on the first day. It’s about training up self-discipline good attitude.
We hope that they could spread this culture among other technicians. I think a big number of workshops are gradually beginning to change their ways.
Vehicle owners are increasingly aware about sending their vehicles to workshops that are clean, have proper tools, etc. This is a good culture. I can foresee that the workshops in our country will head towards being better in the next few years.

Please click here to find out more about the TOC Automotive College. Please click here if you are interested in the Superbike Technician Course. TOC has a programme called Bina Bakat to assist potential students in need of an education loan.
TOC Automotive College can be reached at (+603) 7960 8833

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Viral dashcam: Failed lane-filtering causes crash, but who’s at fault?

Viral dashcam footage shows two bikers crashing into each other after a failed lane-filtering attempt, and one of them blames the car driver. Who’s really at fault?

Viral dashcam footage shows collision between a ‘superbike’, a kapchai and a white sedan following a failed lane-filtering attempt.

What ensued after has sparked plenty of arguments and irk amongst social media users about who’s really at fault.

This is just one of the many risks of lane-filtering many urban riders face on the daily in Malaysia.

pic.twitter.com/pXCiold0GM
— . (@anthraxxx781) April 25, 2022

Twitter was set alight today after this viral dashcam video surfaced. It shows a traffic collision that occurred locally – likely in the city centre – involving what appears to be a ‘superbike’ of sorts that ploughed into a kapchai ahead following the latter’s failed lane-filtering attempt.

What ensued after has caused much irk and arguments amongst many Twitter users. Following the crash, which saw the kapchai rider thrown off into the street, the superbike rider proceeds to blame the driver in the white sedan immediately by directing a few berating gestures.
After close study, there’s indeed a lot going on here. The white sedan has its indicators on to signal intent to switch lanes, the kapchai rider’s sudden braking whilst filtering between said sedan and a another car, as well as the superbike rider’s rather close tailing distance.
Though no serious injuries and damages were seen in the aftermath of this collision, much of the comments and responses sparked by this video begs to question who’s at fault here. You can go through this ever-growing thread on Twitter by clicking here.
Evidently, regardless of who’s fault it is, crashes like this is just one of many risks faced by local urban riders daily, especially when performing lane-filtering during peak rush hour. We’re just glad no one was seriously injured in this incident, and we hope plenty of lessons were learnt all-around…
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These are the leaked specs of the final Ducati Panigale R!

July 7 is the date where the world will see what could possibly be the final final final Ducati Panigale. Ducati has sent out tease after tease (see video below) and has even let the world know that July 7 is an important date.
July 7 is also the date where the MotoGP circus heads to the legendary Laguna Seca, and that is where Ducati will drop the covers on one of the most anticipated superbikes of this year. It is also an important date because apparently the new final final final Panigale R will be the last Ducati superbike featuring a L-Twin engine. Ducati will be switching over to an all-new engine format, back in January of this year, CEO Claudio Domenicalli had confirmed that the Italian bike maker will be ditching the much loved L-Twin for a more mainstream V4 engine.
The next generation Ducati superbike will no longer feature the iconic L-Twin, and will instead revert to the aforementioned V4 format, which is favoured by Japanese bike makers like Yamaha and Honda for being rich in torque, and incredibly smooth.
But for now, what will the final final final Panigale R be like compared to the flagship Superleggera? Well, apparently a Ducati dealer had leaked some information on to the internet, and this is what we have found out:

Mark July 7 on your calendar and tune in to Bikes Republic for the latest on Ducati’s final L-Twin superbike.

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Honda CB200X Unveiled In India – 184.4cc, 16.3hp

Honda has officially launched the all-new CB200X in India, an adventure motorcycle based on the same engine found on the Hornet 2.0.
The overall design of the CB200X shares the same characteristic as its bigger siblings, the CB500X; however, some aspects are taken from the Hornet 2.0, especially the angular V-shaped LED headlights.

Other features include a tall windscreen, a wide handlebar, engine protector, handguards and split seats.
It also offers the same instrument cluster found on the Hornet 2.0 that allows smartphone connectivity and navigation.
Nonetheless, the CB200X comes with higher ground clearance, longer travel suspension and 276mm disc at the front and 220mm at the rear.

Other exciting features include an upside-down fork, preload-adjustable monoshock and 17″ alloy wheels.
Meanwhile, the 184.4cc single-cylinder engine churns out 16.3hp @ 8,500rpm and 15.5Nm @ 6,000rpm.
According to reports in India, the CB200X is priced at INR144,500 (RM8.2k) and is available in Sports Red, Matte Selene Silver Metallic and Pearl Nighstar Black.
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Benelli R18i Officially Launch In Malaysia – RM7,999!

Benelli Malaysia to compete in the super moped segment with the new R18i priced at RM7,999.
Unlike 150cc powering the RFS150i, the R18i is packed with a 174cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine capable of producing 18hp @ 9,500rpm, and 15.1Nm @ 7,000rpm mated to a 6-speed transmission.

According to Benelli, the suspension setup is handled by an upside-down (USD) fork at the front and an adjustable Kayaba (KYB) mono-shock at the rear.

Meanwhile, the braking is done by a single 240mm disc brake at the front and 220mm at the rear, the same dimension found on the Benelli RFS150i.

Other important features include a 4.8L fuel tank, 126kg (dry) weight, 787mm seat height and 17″ rims.

The Benelli R18i is available in the colour options, special edition blue, red and black and comes with a two-year warranty or 20,000km (whichever comes first).
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Joining the Austrian ‘orange fever’ in the KTM Malaysia CKD Ride to Port Dickson 2015.

Our friends at KTM Malaysia CKD recently extended an exclusive invite to us, and our colleagues in our sister site MotoMalaya.net last weekend to join in on the firm’s specially organised ride to Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan. The ride, which took place on Saturday, was organised especially by the Austrian brand’s Kedah-based local assembly arm, in partnership with the KTM CKD Owners Club as well.

The Saturday ride saw up to 120 bikes taking part, with the bulk of it comprised mostly of the Austrian brand’s two most popular CKD models – the Duke and RC series. KTM Malaysia CKD has hosted plenty of group rides over the last few years, this latest one to Port Dickson being its third for this year. This ride also saw the entry of several other clubs, namely the KTM Dukers and its various chapters hailing from all corners of the peninsula.

According to KTM Malaysia CKD’s customer care unit representative and KTM CKD Owners Club head Nurul Fazura Binti Ahmad, the firm has organised these special activities as part of its lifestyle experience offer for its customers. Interestingly, this ride to Port Dickson was also the first time the firm’s new RC200 and RC390 models and their owners turned up in high numbers, equalling its presence with their Duke 200 and Duke 390 counterparts.

The ride to Port Dickson was flagged off early on Saturday morning in its starting point, which is the newly-opened KTM Malaysia CKD Kota Damansara Lifestyle Showroom.

Several stops were scheduled along the way, bringing the group to visit some of the brand’s authorised dealers located in Kajang (Cycle Advance Sdn Bhd), Port Dickson itself (P.D. Ban Hin Motor Sdn Bhd), as well as Nilai (Sendayan Motor Sdn Bhd).

Ensuring the safety of all its participants, KTM Malaysia CKD deployed a high number of its staff for the ride as ride marshals plus one support truck to provide participants with the necessary assistance. And, despite not being able to secure an official police escort detail in time, the orange brand’s staff were prompt and efficient at managing the group through traffic and highways safely and efficiently, constantly reminding participants to be as safe as possible.

Also deserving credits here were the owners and club members themselves who showed a very safe and disciplined approach with this ride. This was made very clear when part of the group (us included!) found ourselves bogged down by heavy rains on the return trip back to Kuala Lumpur. And, despite their high numbers, we are glad to report that this was one incident-free massive group ride – something most other groups should exemplify.

As the ride concluded, KTM Malaysia CKD’s Fazura also shared with us that the firm has planned a few more group rides for the coming months. These include a charity ride up into the East Coast that is scheduled for early next month. More information on KTM Malaysia CKD’s upcoming activities can be obtained by following the firm’s official Facebook page.
Check out our extensive photo gallery below of the ride. Alternatively, you can also view them, as well as several more exclusive snaps on the official BikesRepublic.com Facebook page as well.
KTM Malaysia CKD Ride to Port Dickson 2015
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AOS Gasolina Tour 2016 Block Party

Sights from last weekend’s AOS Gasolina Tour 2016 Block Party held in Sunway.

Our friends from Art Of Speed (AOS) Malaysia recently held a special weekend shindig in Sunway. We were invited and, suffice to say, the AOS Gasolina Tour 2016 Block Party isn’t your average block party of sorts.

The main highlight of the evening soiree held last Saturday was to mark the opening of the newly opened Riders Garage outlet in Sunway, which also doubled as AOS Malaysia’s new home base.

Specialist custom culture merchants Riders Garage, along with renowned Sunway-based custom builders Beautiful Machines who are based just a few doors down, had partnered up with AOS for this block party in fact.

Riders Garage also took the opportunity at showing off some of its latest additions into its inventory. The outlet even held a special boot care workshop with partners Red Wing boots while displaying lifestyle gears from renowned custom culture brands such as Mooneyes and TT & Co.

Aside from the tunes fuelled by DJs and local bands, the air was filled with the high-octane revs of a variety of custom cars and custom bikes.

The grounds featured plenty from café racers to restomods, rare muscle cars to pristinely restored classic, even mildly rusting ‘survivors’ and wild customs – this really was a petrolhead’s playground.

Also present here were a number of local groups, but the loudest of the lot were non other than the members of the HTC Motorcycle Club who turned up en-masse. Comprised large of Harley-Davidson owners, these lot were indeed the life of the party.

Like its last stop in Penang (read: Tryharder x AOS Gasolina Tour 2016), the AOS Gasolina Tour Block Party brought out some of the local scene’s best and brightest through its small ‘Show & Shine’ competition.

All in all, this really was something any petrolhead shouldn’t have missed last weekend. But if you did, then worry not because the AOS Gasolina Tour 2016 still has one more stop left, this time in the peninsula’s southern region.

From Nov 12 to Nov 13, the AOS Gasolina Tour 2016 heads down south to Puteri Harbour, Johore for the ‘Art Of Speed Johor’ showcase. A collaborative with Johor-based group called Leftee, the event will run as part of the southern state’s Iskarnival festival.

So if you happen to be in Johore during those dates, then do make your way over to the Art Of Speed Johor showcase if you can to see some of the best and brightest custom culture workings of the southern region.
You can stay up to date with the AOS Malaysia online through its official website and official Facebook page as well.
(Images courtesy of AOS Malaysia)

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Report: KTM E-Speed project canned

Sources allege that the KTM E-Speed electric scooter project has been axed.

According to a reliable source online, Austrian brand KTM has reportedly canned its E-Speed electric scooter project.
IF you remembered, KTM was the first two-wheeled manufacturer to announce an electric product back in 2011. Despite CEO Stefan Pierer’s remarks about the technology’s wrong timing, the brand did show three revamped versions of its Freeride E models at EICMA previously.
Official reports indicate that KTM has opted to axe the E-Speed electric scooter as it does not line up too well with the brand’s “Ready To Race” image and tag. Despite the product’s fate obviously sealed by customer and dealer feedback, CEO Pierer and parent company Pierer & Co could indeed reconsider and revive the project later on.
Source: Asphaltandrubber
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Harley-Davidson introduces new Roadster

Harley-Davidson has just introduced it’s latest addition to the Sportster family, and calls it the Roadster.

The new Roadster has been stripped down with a minimalist design with only the “essential elements of a pure riding machine,” as Harley so eloquently put it.

The new Roadster also marks the continuation of a legend that began when the Sportster was first introduced back in 1957. The Sportster is also the longest continuously produced motorcycle in the world, and it is not about to lose steam.

The new Roadster will join Harley’s Dark Custom line-up with a design inspired by the barebones classic racing motorcycles and the latest trend in simple, basic, ‘naked’ builds.

The new Roadster may not look very different than older Sportsters, especially the Iron range, but there is a lot that is new; the Roadster gets new exclusive 5-spoke cast aluminium wheels and tyres (the front are 120/70 R19, the rear is 150/70 R18) and are mated to a new rear suspension and a front fork which is now set at a steeper angle. Harley says the 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels together with the revised suspension will deliver better ground clearance. The seat however is still set low at just 785mm.

The brakes are also new with dual 300mm floating discs up front with ABS-enabled twin-piston callipers, and a 260mm rear disc with a twin-piston caliper. The low-rise handlebar is also new while the mid-mount foot controls are supposed to centre the rider’s weight, while the fuel tank is the same 12.5-litre Sportster fuel tank.

Visually, keen Harley fans will notice that the rear fender is shorter than before while a drilled and slotted belt guard and exhaust shields seem to mimic the lightening holes in a race bike. Also new is a single four-inch clock up front tucked low in front of the triple clamp. The meter has also been changed from the usual analogue speedo, to a large analogue tacho, and a digital panel for the speedometer and other information.

The new Harley-Davidson Roadster will be available in the US in June in four colours together with a wide range of custom parts in the official Harley-Davidson catalogue. The bike shown here features a modified bike with blacked-out exhausts, a new seat, rider footrests, transmission and engine cases, blacked-out heads, removable numberplate hanger, new bar grips, mirrors, darkened indicators, a new fuel cap and a performance air filter.

Features
1200cc Evolution engine
Premium emulsion technology rear suspension with screw-style pre-load adjustment
43mm inverted front forks with premium cartridge dampening technology and triple clamp design
Dual disc front brakes with ABS
Optimised steering geometry for a responsive, confidence-inspiring ride
Two-up seat with ribbed detail and minimalist styling
Lightweight offset-split 5-spoke Cast Aluminium wheels – 19in front, 18in rear
Mid-mount footpeg controls
Chopped front and rear fenders
Low rise handlebar
Nual-function clock
Finned cast timer cover
Custom tank graphics

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2018 Brixton BX150 series now in Malaysia! From RM8,988

Mforce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd has unveiled the 2018 Brixton BX150 series for the Malaysian market.

Brixton Motorcycles is an Austrian-owned brand focusing on low-capacity modern-classic machines.

Priced from RM8,988 to RM9,588, there are three options available; BX150, BX150X, and BX150R.

Need a little ‘spice’ in your daily ride? Looking for a unique 150cc motorcycle that won’t break the bank? Want something more than just the usual moped or scooter? Mforce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd has got you covered with their latest 2018 Brixton BX150 series.

The sole distributor of Benelli and Sym motorcycles here in Malaysia has added yet another brand under their wings and it promises to be something unique for the Malaysian market. Brixton Motorcycles is an Austrian brand with a very British name selling bikes that has multiple factories around the world.

Mforce Bike Holdings took note of the popularity of 150cc bikes here in Malaysia and decided to bring in three different models that’ll cater to three different personalities. The base model starts with the Brixton BX150 which in itself carries a very British-inspired look from its military green colour scheme right down to its brown saddle.

All three bikes are fitted with the same 149cc, four-stroke, SOHC, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine which is said to produce around 11hp at 8,000rpm and 11.4Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. All the power is transferred down to its rear wheel via a five-speed manual gearbox. There’s also a USB charger which comes as standard!

The 2018 Brixton BX150X which happens to be our favourite in the line-up carries a more ‘scrambler’ appeal. Fitted with knobby tyres (18-inch front, 17-inch rear) and its alluring matte black colour scheme, the BX150X comes at a price of RM9,288 (basic price with 0% GST).

The BX150X (and also the other two models) comes ready with front telescopic forks and rear unit swing suspension setup that have been further amplified with a set of disc brakes (280mm single front, 220mm single rear) to help with the stopping power.

Feeling a bit fancy with your twirl moustache? Go for the 2018 Brixton BX150R which carries a very distinctive ‘cafe racer’ flavour. Priced at RM9,588 (basic price with 0% GST), the BX150R comes with a super sleek facade thanks to its special classic tyres, rear seat cover, and clip-on handlebars just to name a few.

Everything about the 2018 Brixton BX150 screams good old ol’ school and they promise to be a great alternative for the Malaysian market. Those who are interested should be glad to know that they’re already available for booking at all authorised showrooms across the country.

2018 Benelli 752S & 402S – Coming soon to Malaysia!

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Revised 2017 KTM 390 Duke spotted testing

Refreshed KTM 390 Duke spotted testing out in the wild.

Austrian brand KTM has been spotted testing yet another prototype bike in Spain recently. According to reports, this is the refreshed KTM 390 Duke naked bike for 2017. (Featured image: current KTM 390 Duke model)
KTM has not mentioned anything about the bike just yet, but we can definitely expect the refreshed 390 Duke to debut later this year at either INTERMOT or EICMA before it goes on sale next year.
2017 KTM 390 Duke spyshot. (Image credit: MCN)
Based on these spyshots published by MCN, we can see that there are several cosmetic changes. Highlights here are the reshaped fuel tank, the restyled side panels, as well as the new seats and a new rear lighting unit.
2017 KTM 390 Duke spyshot. (Image credit: MCN)
Underneath its skin, it appears that KTM has retained the familiar 373cc single-cylinder engine as in the previous model, but we can expect it to be enhanced with slightly more power, better efficiency and, more crucially, compliance with strict Euro 4 emissions. This will allow the 2017 KTM 390 Duke to stay strong against the rising competition in the sub-500cc category.
2017 looks to be a monumental year for Team Orange. Besides this recent sighting of the 2017 KTM 390 Duke test mule, prototypes of an updated 1190 Adventure and a brand new 890 Duke naked bike were also spotted testing not too long ago, with both destined for revelation later this year before entering markets next year.
Source: MCN
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AEON Credit can help you own your dream bike

AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad (AEON Credit) commenced operations in Malaysia in 1997 with its Easy Payment (EP) schemes for purchase of consumer products through appointed retail merchants and chain stores.
Today, AEON Credit’s business operation has expanded into vehicle easy payment schemes, personal financing schemes, issuance of credit cards under international brand names of Visa and MasterCard and other services. Currently, the company serves a database of more than one million active customers.
The new Monster 821 could be yours with the new easy payment scheme from AEON
AEON Credit is a subsidiary of AEON Financial Service Co., Ltd. Japan (AFSJ) which is a part of the AEON Group of Companies (AEON Group), a global retail and financial services group. In March 2012 AEON Group further reinforced its Malaysian presence through an aggressive re-branding exercise of the retail operations of Jaya Jusco Stores to “AEON” stores, which have been operating in Malaysia since 1984.
AEON Credit launched its Motorcycle Easy Payment (MEP) scheme in 2002, starting with 50 appointed merchants in Klang Valley and Johor. As of 2015, AEON Credit has grown to be a formidable market player in motorcycle financing, boasting over 1,200 appointed merchants nationwide, with financing facilities covering a wide range of motorcycles and motorbikes.
They Harley Davidson V-Rod is a dream bike for many, AEON Credit can help you with its easy payment scheme.
Recently AEON Credit launched the AEON Super Saving for Superbikes promotion which is aimed at making superbike easier and more affordable to own. This promotion would especially appeal to superbike enthusiasts and hobbyists.
The promotion offers cover a wide range of brands which include Kawasaki, Ducati, BMW, Harley-Davidson, Aprilia, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, KTM, Benelli, Naza, Cagiva, Can-Am, Moto Guzzi, Triumph and many more.
The new Harley Davidson Street 750 is highly customisable and is also available with AEON Credit Easy Payment Scheme.
This promotion offers a very competitive rate, starting from as low as 0.35% per month, or 4.20% per annum with high financing margin up to 90%. Customer can also enjoy flexible financing tenure of up to seven years. Emphasising on its’ ‘Customer First’ philosophy, AEON Credit has made application for the financing simple, hassle free and fast for its customers.
Yes, this beautiful Triumph Speed Triple could be yours too, thanks to AEON Credit.
Another plus to factor to this financing scheme is that new customers will not have to wait too long to get their financing application approved as it can be done within 3 to 4 working days, while AEON Express Card members will get their loan approved within an hour. All application are subject to the existing terms and conditions.
Kawasaki’s latest Vulcan S is a great bike for beginners, and is surprisingly affordable with AEON Credit Easy Payment Scheme.
Interested applicants can visit any of our appointed merchants and start applying:
Basic documents required for application:
i. A copy of IC
 ii. Latest three month pay slip (self-employed are also welcome to apply),
 iii. Latest EPF statement
 iv. Latest/updated Bank statement or savings passbook
For more information visit http://www.aeonmalaysia.com.my/acs/af/aeon/content/moreContent.do;jsessionid=3480FF143D3870B21895EAB46A3DC0CA.bvserver1?channelId=-8805&selectedChannels=-8805&contentTypeId=2&contentId=25783&rootChannelId=-8805

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Kenny Roberts: MotoGP has never been better, Marquez can be beaten!

CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - APRIL 14: Kenny Roberts during the Americas GP at Circuit of the Americas on April 14, 2019 in Circuit of the Americas, United States of America. (Photo by Gold and Goose / LAT Images)

Kenny Roberts, or King Kenny, needs no introduction. The three time 500cc world champion is also the the first ever American to win a MotoGP race, and his riding style changed the way GP bikes are ridden.
In the year 2000, King Kenny was named a Grand Prix legend by the FIM.
So when King Kenny speaks, the world listens.
In a recent interview with crash.net (the excerpts of which are below) at the American MotoGP round in Circuit of the Americas, King Kenny was quoted as saying that MotoGP racing has never been better.
“Unbelievable. It’s never been better. I mean the talent of the riders, the equipment… MotoGP’s obviously the best show in the world now.”
Kenny, who turned to rider development and then team owner, is still intrigued by the technical side of MotoGP.
He says he loves the new aerodynamics packages on modern MotoGP bikes, “I was ahead of my time [with investing resources in aerodynamics] but we didn’t have enough money to make it all work.
“We had one of the three-cylinders designed by Lotus and it was ten miles an hour quicker at Barcelona down the straight, but it wouldn’t stop. And we didn’t have the budget with Lotus to find out why it wouldn’t stop.”
“It was a funny thing because you’d sit there and look at it going ‘why is the back end coming off the ground?’ No-one knew. There’s a lot to it. They’ve just scratched the surface, in my opinion.”
In the interview, Kenny also mentioned that any of the current top six bikes can be easily adapted to any riding style by a top rider.
“You can make the bike, whatever you need it to be,” he said. “It’s just work and setting the bike up.
“From the little bit I know, the Japanese could not ride my motorcycles because the steering head was too steep. They just couldn’t ride it. It would shake too much and if it shook, they didn’t like it. Eddie couldn’t ride it.
“I think that with any of the [current] motorcycles, with a little bit of work on it, you’d have the same thing. It’s a lot harder to ride. It’s a lot harder on your body. But you are faster. So I think any of them would do that.”
Kenny was legendary for his dirt-track riding style, so crash.net asked him if anyone on track reminds him of himself?
“No, you could never ride as hard as they ride now with my equipment,” he replied.
“If my ’80 bike, the first with aluminium, had the grip these bikes had it would go ‘boing’ and away it would go. Which it actually did with me a couple of times. If you had too much grip, the flex would be so much it would spring back. So with these [modern] tyres you couldn’t ride that motorcycle.
“I think, from my standpoint, Marquez probably comes closest to throwing the bike in. Making it turn. And exiting. Which is what I tried to do… I wasn’t quite as good at it!”
And does he think Marquez can be beaten?
“Yes [Marquez can be beaten] but it’s going to be him beating himself, it looks like to me. Somebody is going to have to really step up and put the pressure on him that he needs to make a mistake and right now I don’t see that happening…”
Click here to read the original interview where Kenny speaks about his surprise that Rossi is still racing at 40!
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Is a Ducati Multistrada V4 on the Way?

A Ducati Multistrada V4 could be in the works.

Ducati already started with Streetfighter V4.

The new Multistrada could make its appearance for year 2021.

When Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali said that there will eventually be more V-Four powered models, he wasn’t joking. First up was the Streetfighter V4 (although in tragic circumstances) and now perhaps a new Ducati Multistrada V4?
The current Multistrada 1260 is powered by a 158-hp V-Twin but adding the V-Four could be just the thing to move the sport-tourer yardstick.
It may seem that sticking a 214-hp V-Four into a sport-tourer is foolhardy but consider the 200-hp supercharged Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX. It certainly begs the question of who goes touring at 250 km/h. Just to answer that questions, we’ve seen Kawasaki 1400GTR riders who ride at more than 200 km/h in convoys, complete with spouses and luggage.
Anyway, detuning the 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale engine to 180-odd-hp ought to be the game should there be a Multistrada V4. Bringing the horsepower down would be easier than opting for a high-revving engine like in the Panigale V-Four.

In a way, a Multistrada V4 makes sense since it could then share the same engine as the Panigale. Development costs will be lower as the manufacturer doesn’t have to design and build an entirely new engine.
We predict that the new bike should show itself by the end of 2020, instead of this year, since the current Multistrada 1260 only needs to comply to Euro5 in 2021.
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Is this the New Sports Bike from Modenas?

Modenas has released another teaser shot of what’s going to be their first ever sports bike in Malaysia.
According to the photo, the bike is possibly going to be based on the Pulsar RS200 from India’s Bajaj Auto.
The full-fairing sports bike features a 200cc single cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with three-spark ignition system which produces 24.5hp at 9,750rpm and 18.6Nm at 8,000rpm.

Looks like Modenas has released yet another teaser to a possibly brand new sports bike from the local bike manufacturer. As we move even closer to the big date of 19 May 2017, Modenas gave us a playfully teasing sneak peek on what is to come in the next two weeks.

According to the teaser shot (and also following the fresh collaboration news between Modenas and Bajaj Auto of India), it seems like the new Modenas sports bike will be largely based on the Bajaj Pulsar RS200. The full-fairing sports bike features a 200cc single cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with three-spark ignition system which produces 24.5hp at 9,750rpm and 18.6Nm at 8,000rpm.

The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 is built around a pressed steel perimeter beam section frame which gives an overall kerb weight of just 165kg. The front telescopic fork with antifriction bush is connected to a 17-inch wheel with 300mm disc brake setup. For the rear, the Pulsar RS200 has Nitrox mono shock absorber connected to single 230mm disc brake.

The RS200 also comes with a 13 litre tank and a fuel range of 35km per litre of fuel. If the new Modenas sports bike uses the same engine, it means that it will have a range of 455km for every tank of fuel! Talk about frugal. Bajaj also claims that their 200cc sports bike has a top speed of 141km/h.

Other features include a digital speedometer, analogue tachometer, dual projector headlamps and an LED tail light. As for the price and full specification on what Modenas has in store for the Malaysian market, we have no choice but to wait until 19 May 2017. In the mean time, the bike is sold in India at 124,523 Rupees (around RM8,407) for the non-ABS model and 136,738 Rupees (around RM9,231) for the ABS variant.

Those of you who missed the first teaser from Modenas, below was their first teaser of a possible naked bike based on the Bajaj NS200. We’re guessing that they’re going to release yet another teaser soon to give us a taste of the upcoming trilogy launch.
Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more updates.
Interested in bikes from Modenas? CLICK HERE to check out our Bike Buyer’s Guide!

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Ducati Multistrada 950 Media Ride

Ducati Malaysia organized the Ducati Multistrada 950 Media Ride recently.

The ride’s objective was to highlight the Multistrada 950’s capabilities.

However, the ride gave journalists a taste of the lifestyle attached to the bike.

What’s the biggest fun about motorcycling? It isn’t just the motorcycle, instead it is the entire lifestyle or “eco-system,” that’s attached to it. It was definitely so with the Ducati Multistrada 950 Media Ride.
Ducati Malaysia wanted to highlight the capabilities of the MTS 950, but it was more than just about the bike.

The Gathering
A row of three Multistrada 1200 Enduro and another row of eight shiny Multistrada 950 greeted us in Ducati Malaysia’s compound.

The crew nodded and smiled at us as soon as we arrived. One guy handed us DRE: Ducati Riding Experience stickers before ushering us inside for the registration. The registrar proceeded to assign us to our individual MTS 950 and pointed us to breakfast.

Pre-ride briefing began with a welcoming speech and short product presentation by David Lim, Marketing Executive of Ducati Malaysia. We knew what the MTS 950 represents when it was launch but may have forgotten by now, so it was a great refresher.
Next up was a presentation by Haizal Omar, the Lead Marshal and DRE Instructor. He briefed us by using points from a very famous set of riding tips called “The Pace.”

“The Pace” was written by the famous motojournalist, Nick Ienatsch. It was first published in Motorcyclist in 1991 before being reprinted in the sister magazine Sport Rider in 1993. The sub-heading read, “Separating street from track, riding from racing.” He refined and added a few more tips later and published them as “The Pace 2.0” in Cycle World Magazine in 2013. Many instructors, other motojournalists and even bike clubs refer to it. (More on “The Pace” in another article.)
I had adhered to The Pace (mostly) ever since reading it in Sport Rider while I was recuperating after crashing my Cagiva Mito EV.
The Pace covers the disciplines of road riding, especially in a group. We were split into two groups, led by Haizal and Didi, respectively. They will lead at a pace that’s comfortable for the riders in each group. They will continue to check from time to time to determine each person’s comfort level.

Additionally, Haizal is a certified instructor out of California Superbike School and teaches riding techniques himself. Hence, he will impart his experience and knowledge to us during the ride as part of the Ducati Riding Experience.
Ducati Malaysia also loaned us Ducati-branded riding jackets. Most of them were made by Dainese, although there are some by Rev’ It.
The Ride
We rode straight to the Karak BHP petrol station before continuing down the fabled highway. Traffic was light since it was a weekday.

The Marshal kept the pace up for us to experience the MTS 950. The keyword here, however, was a high pace without feeling rushed. Attempting to banzaicorners will cause fatigue, mistakes and people getting left behind.
Instead of blasting through the turns like it was the Motojournalist GP at Karak Circuit, it was a nice, flowing ride on Tuesday morning.
Klau Dam
We turned off the highway and rode towards Sungai Klau.

This route not only bypassed the busy Bentong town, it was also way more scenic. The narrow road was flanked by oil palm estates until they gave way to the view of a river and small lakes. We could see the Titiwangsa mountain range topped with cotton-like clouds up ahead.

We stopped for a breather and photo opportunity. One of Ducati Malaysia support vehicles had arrived ahead of us, and the crew waved us into a parking area. They handed us much welcomed cold towels and drinks.

YES Orchard & Café
The cafe is off the main road, giving us a chance to do a little off-roading.

We arrived well ahead of time for lunch so the orchard provided a basket of Raub durians to sample. They were huge! But the fruits inside were just as huge once we split the open. Those were the best durians I’ve ever tasted. The flesh was as thick as cake, but super creamy and sweet! (I’ve got a sore throat now as I type this.)

The DRE instructors sat down with us to impart some tips, in the meantime. We were briefed on countersteering, vision, line selection and other important riding skills.

Lunch was served soon after. I’m never a fan of tempoyak ikan patin but this was exceptional! I bet I need to search like mad for something this good in KL.

Sungai Koyan – Cameron Highlands
Probably the highlight of highlights of the ride.

The Sungai Koyan-Cameron Highlands road is heaven for riders who abhor having chicken strips on their tyres. It consists mostly long corners with tight entries. There are a number of decreasing radius turns to up the thrill quotient.

The surface is grippy, but the apexes of many corners have sunk since the dam project. My wife and I were thrown off the seat the last time we came up here on a bike. This was going to be a real test for the MTS 950.
As before, the pace was controlled expertly from the front. We rolled off the throttle early, hang outside the corners a little longer to establish the safest lines, before peeling in late and coming on the throttle a little earlier to balance the bike. There was no full throttle blast, eyeball-popping braking, bike squirming, tyre-squealing corner entries. It was all smooth, smooth, smooth riding. We were riding at a brisk pace yet there was still time to admire the view. Ah, what a pleasure riding at The Pace.

The MTS 950 was fully at home here. A small force at the handlebar was enough to have the bike leaning over. Once on its side, a crack of the throttle settled the chassis and the bike stuck beautifully onto the chosen line. Tightening the cornering arc only needed a slight shift of the shoulder into the corner.
The dips on the road were noticeable, of course but the suspension didn’t threaten to send us into orbit on the rebound.
(You can read the full review of the Ducati Multistrada 950 here.)
Ringlet, Cameron Highlands
It’s true how time flies when you’re having fun. The white-canopied nurseries on the hillsides welcomed us as we approached Ringlet. They look like groups giant UFOs, if the lighting is right.

We rode into the Shell petrol station at Ringlet to top off our tanks. This was the only refueling stop since we left Ducati Malaysia in the morning. We had covered 294km with a balance of 30 km of fuel. That’s impressive considering our pace.

Jim Thompson’s Cottage
From there it was up the mountain to our accommodation at Jim Thompson’s Cottage. It’s situated up a hilltop near the Sultan Ahmad Shah Golf Course.

But, who was Jim Thompson?
American Jim Thompson built this house back before WW2. He decided to go for a walk one day in 1947 but never returned. His body was never found and there was no sign of him anywhere else.

It wasn’t a large bungalow by any means but it was classical with wrought iron doors, heavy wooden room doors, wooden floorboards, wooden staircase, and get this, fireplace in the living room and a number of rooms.
The cottage is now a resort and hotel. It turned out that many auto manufacturers have chosen this location for their functions. Good choice, I say. That’s because there’s a large compound and garden to chill (literally) to the cool air and enjoying the beautiful vista. The “restaurant” is a covered part of the compound.

We checked in to our rooms and we didn’t even close the doors. Instead, we convened in the living room to chit chat. It felt like… home. This was way different than staying in a high-rise hotel where participants hide in their rooms.

Dinner consisted of steamboat and the obligatory BBQ. But we sat and ate together, the media, Ducati crew and Naza employees. We shared stories, laughed at what happened in the ride today (like me consistently failing to U-turn the bike). The atmosphere was so lively that we completely forgot to visit Brinchang town.

Ducati Malaysia and the DRE Instructors handed out our certificates of participation. Additionally, the instructors picked three participants who had adhered to The Pace and convoy riding etiquette.

Cameron Highlands
My roomie roused me at 7.30 for breakfast. The eating area was just outside my window, so I was tempted to order “room service.”
It was a simple breakfast, but we had time to chit-chat again, until it was time to check out.
I don’t think anyone had the heart to leave.
Cameron Highlands – Simpang Pulai
We were surprised by the heavy traffic despite being a weekday. Good thing it was a small convoy, as we did our best to scythe through without upsetting the car drivers.

It was a tough ride, but we soon made it to the beginning of the Cameron Highlands-Simpang Pulai road. We stopped at a vantage point for a breather and some photos. The traffic was noticeably lighter here, except for the opposite lane heading up the mountain. Poor souls.
We hopped back on our bikes after 30 minutes. It was time to clean the tyres.
Again, The Pace was applied and we had a whale of a time riding down this notorious stretch of road. The marshals had advised us to ride loose and look through the turns at all times.
That piece of advice was fully practiced when the Lead Marshal ran through a deep pothole in the middle of a corner. The rear tyre slid sideways but he controlled it so expertly that Amir and I didn’t even flinch. Kudos.
We got down to the hot and dusty quarries of Simpang Pulai soon enough. Too soon. We weren’t tired in the descend but our energy was soon sapped by the heat.
We stopped at a Shell station to refuel and headed to lunch at Gopeng.

Adeline’s Villa
Adeline’s Villa is located in the eco-tourism area near the Geroh River. The main buildings in the resort are wood huts with thatched roofs. American troops in Vietnam named these type of buildings “hooches.”

We had another wholesome meal here despite being fully aware that we’ll be drowsy afterwards… But how can any “normal” Malaysian resist food?
There’s a surprise at this resort. Diners are required to wash their own dishes after eating. Hmm… that’s “novel.” However, before you yell “forced labour,” the food here was great. The vegetables and meats were fresh and juicy.

So, we did our dishes and suited up for the trip home. The sun was beating down on our heads at that moment and our eyes looked more like the slit between the cam lobe and shim. Yet we frowned at rain clouds in the distance.
The highway had slow traffic in a couple of spots due to road construction but was otherwise clear. It was a brisk ride, we covered the 188-km distance to Ducati Malaysia in just over one-and-half hours.
Conclusion
Having the opportunity to sample the Ducati Multistrada 950 was already fun itself but the entire trip made it extra special. The organization was top notch, and everyone carried out their tasks professionally. For example, the Ducati crew were cleaning our bikes while we joked and laughed ourselves hoarse. A few guys went around checking the bikes from top to bottom and made adjustments while we were at breakfast. The support crew were always (somehow) ahead of us at the stops to help us park the bikes and offer ice-cold face towels and drinks.

The management crew were always on hand to answer our queries or listen to our critiques. The DRE Instructors Haizal and Didi were always on their toes to impart their hard-earned knowledge.
Well done, Ducati Malaysia. Keep up the great work.
Please contact Ducati Malaysia for more information on the Multistrada 950 and other Ducati models. The dealership can be reached at 016-2291533. You can also follow the official Facebook page.

PICTURE GALLERY

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Design accolades for Ducati XDiavel and Yamaha YZF-R1

Ducati XDiavel and Yamaha YZF-R1 named as winners in annual Red Dot Award.

The 2016 edition of the annual Red Dot Award has named two bikes in its winners list. They are none other than the Ducati XDiavel and Yamaha YZF-R1.
For the uninitiated, the annual Red Dot Award stands as one of the most prestigious awards for design in the world. Awards are usually given to highly deserving products that have set new benchmarks in terms of both creativity and innovation with their designs.

First of the two to win was the new generation Yamaha superbike. Interestingly, it was the base Yamaha YZF-R1 model and not the track-focused YZF-R1M model that took the 2016 Red Dot Award for Product Design.

This marks Yamaha Motor’s fifth consecutive Red Dot award to date, and now stands as a grand testament to the Iwata-based marque’s prowess in design.

You can read up about the all-new Yamaha YZF-R1 and R1M in our initial launch report by clicking here and get an idea of its impressive performance from our test-ride report by clicking here.

Next up came the all-new Ducati XDiavel powercruiser that was named as the Red Dot Award 2016: Best of the Best in the Product Design category. Specifically, it was the Ducati XDiavel S model that took the award.

The bike stood out amongst an entry list of 5,000 products to impress a jury of 40 renowned international experts that collectively agreed on this bike deserving this coveted prize.

Based on the Diavel, the Ducati XDiavel introduced during EICMA 2015 sees the famed Italian marque finally breaking into a new segment with its first belt-driven and feet-forward cruiser model. (See more of the Ducati XDiavel by clicking here)

With the XDiavel, Ducati is set to welcome a new set of customers as how its Scrambler lifestyle sub-brand has. This is undoubtedly one huge milestone for the Italian marque as it celebrates its 90th anniversary this year.
Source AutoEvolution ( Link 1 / Link 2 )
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Is this the world’s fastest 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260?

Ducati has possibly created the world’s fastest 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak bikes.
These two bikes will compete next month at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 2018.
Some modifications include OZ Racing magnesium wheels, custom Termignoni exhaust, special Ohlins suspensions, and more.

For this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Ducati is ready to get things going with more than just a normal bike with a normal rider. In order to reclaim the King of the Mountain title, Ducati has essentially created the world’s fastest 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 specifically for Pikes Peak.

Piloting two of these babies won’t be your everyday track day riders, too. Former outright Pikes Peak record-holder Carlin Dunne and current Pikes Peak middleweight record-holder Codie Vahsholtz have been appointed specifically for one task only; get the 1260 to the top the fastest way possible.

These 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak editions have gone through a rigorous diet program where they’ve removed all the unnecessary lighting system and any engine protection which may be good for road use but are seen as extra weight for Pikes Peak.

To further drop the bike’s overall weight, some OZ Racing forged magnesium wheels have been installed along with a custom Termignoni full system exhaust which we all know cost a small fortune to obtain. Dropping the weight helps with handling and the exhaust assists in optimum engine breathing capabilities for its 1,262cc Testastretta DVT engine for maximum power output.

A custom Ohlins suspension package has been included for maximum suspension response and feel to ensure that the riders are able to pilot the Multistrada up the unforgiving Pikes Peak. In order to win the ‘Race to the Clouds’, the Ohlins suspensions have been further modified by Race Tech to optimum suspension setup including ride height adjustments.

Other updates include a WorldSBK-spec master cylinder fitted to its front Brembo M50 brake unit, custom Rizoma rearsets for improved cornering clearance and an ECU update for maximum power and torque outputs.

The end result? Without a doubt the world’s fastest Ducati Multistrada and one of the most fine-looking ones, too. What a pair, these two. The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 2018 Race Day will happen on 24 June 2018 in Colorado Springs, USA.

Ducati Malaysia announces NEW prices with 0% GST

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Triumph Motorcycles Acquires Electric Dirt Bike Specialist OSET

Triumph Motorcycles has announced it has acquired kids electric bike builder OSET.

Founded in OSET has sold over 40,000 bikes worldwide.
OSET specializes in electric dirt bikes for kids.

According to Triumph, the deal allows both companies to share their expertise and grow internationally together.
OSET was established in 2004 by Ian Smith, who wanted to build an electric dirt bike for his son, Oliver.

After moving to a new UK headquarters in East Sussex from America in 2010, OSET has sold more than 40,000 bikes globally by developing an in-house electric powertrain.
Meanwhile, the latest acquisition by Triumph comes just ahead of the anticipated launch of the company’s motocross and enduro range.
“The acquisition of OSET sits within Triumph’s strategy of entering the off-road segment.
“We are excited about the opportunity of joining forces with OSET Bikes: a dynamic brand that has been encouraging children into motorcycling for many years and have been at the forefront of developing electric trials bikes for fun and competition,” said Nick Bloor, Triumph CEO.

Meanwhile, Smith has assured that the OSET brand will remain as it is despite the acquisition by Triumph.
“The OSET brand will remain as OSET and will continue to serve the trials and off-road motorcycling community.
“We are now better positioned to develop and innovate across our range while enjoying the security of scale and market position Triumph can offer OSET,” he said.
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