Ducati Panigale V2 ‘White Rosso’ arrives in Malaysia – 2 units available!

Most folks would think that the Ducati Panigale V2 looks good in red, but we think that the limited edition ‘White Rosso’ livery takes it to a whole new level. A couple of units have landed here in Malaysia and if you’re quick, you can be the first owner of this beautiful beast finished in Star White Silk with hints of Ducati Red.

Think of it as the baby version of the Panigale V4, but there’s nothing baby about it when you twist open the throttle to unleash its 955cc twin-cylinder Superquadro engine. Producing 155hp at 10,750rpm and 104Nm of max torque, the Panigale V2 is simply a masterpiece to ride, both on and off the track.

Our head editor, Keshy Dhillon, travelled all the way to Jerez, Spain to give it a go at one of the most iconic MotoGP tracks in the world, and below is the official review written by the man about the Ducati Panigale V2.
Ducati Panigale V2: The Superbike For All!

Its electronics package is filled to brim with features such as:

ABS Bosch Cornering EVO
Ducati Traction Control EVO 2
Ducati Wheelie Control EVO
Engine Brake Control EVO
Selectable Riding Modes (Street, Sport, Race)
Ducati Data Analyser + GPS (DDA+ GPS)
Ducati Quick Shift up/down (DQS) EVO 2
Ducati Lap Timer GPS (DLT GPS)
Ducati Multimedia System (DMS) + many more

To know more, please contact any of the authorised dealers located in Malaysia to book a viewing appointment. But do hurry as there are only two units and we’re not sure when the next shipment will come in. The price tag is around RM109,900.

Written by: Sep Irran
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New Triumph Range In Collaboration With Bajaj Is Underway, Official Announcement Soon

Triumph Motorcycles is soon to announce a new range of small and medium capacity bikes in collaboration with Indian firm Bajaj Auto.
Triumph penned a deal with Bajaj back in January 2020 to develop a new range of so-called ‘baby’ Triumph that would sit between 200 to 750cc model range.

While the Covid-19 pandemic has pushed back the new model’s unveiling, according to Triumph Motorcycles Head of Brand Management, Miles Perkins, plans are still on track.
“That’s going great guns, I have seen the development motorcycles and the prototype for those, it’s all on track.
“We haven’t yet confirmed exactly what the bikes are and exactly when we will launch them but the news is forthcoming soon,” he said.

Interestingly, the latest update suggests that the new range will be sold globally, dismissing the earlier reports that Triumph intends to target only the Asian markets.

Meanwhile, Triumph is currently busy updating its 2022 range starting with the recently launched new Tiger Sport 660. The British firm is also set to unveil the new Tiger 1200 range after dropping a few sets of teaser photos and videos of the new adventure bike.
(Source: Visordown)
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Custom bikes FOR SALE from Shawn Seelan Creations!

Local renowned bike builder Shawn Seelan of Shawn Seelan Creations is letting go almost all of his custom bikes.
Custom motorcycles from tricked out Honda Ruckus to original condition Honda Motocompo and Suzuki Choi Nori, these are indeed super unique two-wheelers especially here in Malaysia.
To know more about the bikes that are on sale, head on over to the Shawn Seelan Creations official Facebook page and get ready to be amazed.

Shawn Seelan of Shawn Seelan Creations (part of the Custom Cartel) is letting go some of his prized possessions for those who are interested in owning one (or more) of his custom bikes. According to the Shawn Seelan Creations Official Facebook page, the local renowned bike builder will be letting go all of his beloved bikes except for a couple of special ones.

Shawn Seelan has been involved in a number of different custom projects for quite some time. Racking some serious reputation and respect in the custom scene this young man was even selected by Boon Siew Honda to customise their iconic Honda EX5 Dream bike for this year’s Art of Speed Malaysia gathering. The result? A super customised Honda EX5 Dream dubbed “Raijin” aka “God of Thunder”.

To know more about the customised Honda EX5 Dream built by Shawn Seelan himself, CLICK HERE.
In his list of bikes that are on sale (quite a long list, too), there are four Honda Ruckuses for sale which are originally Honda Zoomer scooters that have been customised into stunning pieces of rolling art. These babies have been stretched out for that low rider look plus an assortment of candy colours awaiting their new future owners.

Apart from all the Ruckuses, Shawn Seelan Creations is also letting go a couple of Honda Motocompo bikes which have been fully restored to their original conditions. These mini bikes have been kept as close to the original state when they first rolled out of the showroom way back in the early 80’s. Yes, we know you want them because we want them.

Other bikes in the “For Sale” list are a couple of Suzuki Choi Nori (original condition), Honda Gorilla 50cc (custom), Honda Monkey 50cc (original condition), unknown scrambler from New Zealand (custom with full race internals), Honda EX5 Dream (SUPER CUSTOM + award winning bike) and a Demak Spark aka “The Monster” (fully custom, too).

According to our hearts, we would be going “OH MY GOD! ONE OF EACH, PLEASE!” but we don’t want to be selfish because these babies are meant to make a lot more people happy than just us here at Bikes Republic.

To those interested, you may head over to the Shawn Seelan Creations Official Facebook page or contact the man Shawn Seelan himself at +6010-7749389. To check out the original posts, CLICK HERE (for the Honda Ruckuses) and HERE (for other custom bikes for sale).

Do yourself a favour and add some more happiness into your lives. What better way than to possess your very own customised two-wheeler. Are we right or are we right? Right!
To know more about Shawn Seelan Creations, CLICK HERE to check out our featured article on the men behind this local custom outfit.

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Product review: Shark Skwal LED Sak Art Design

When Winmaster Sdn Bhd, the authorised distributor of Shark helmets in Malaysia announced the arrival of the Skwal; the market’s first helmet to incorporate LED lights into its design, the level of excitement in the air was definitely on the higher side, as it was nothing like we have seen before. Although the brand had many other models that ranked higher in the product line up, it was the Skwal which got all the attention, as it was a potential game changer.
So, in order to find out if the Shark Skwal was just a novelty or if it really delivers, we managed to get our hands on one, thanks to Winmaster Sdn Bhd, to get a first-hand feel of the helmet.

Now, for those who are unaware, the Skwal is the latest helmet to be released by Shark into the existing Pulse range, and is the first helmet to incorporate LED lights into its design in the market. According to Shark helmets, it is confident that the Skwal marks the beginning of a new era in rider safety and electronic helmet functionality.
The Skwal has three cleverly integrated neon green LED’s, which are situated in the front mouth piece, the front air intake, as well as the rear air vents, which not only enhance the sleek and aggressive look of this helmet, but is also a huge factor in visibility and rider safety.

Among all the colours in the spectrum, neon green was the colour chosen by Shark for the LED as it was a prime colour, alongside red and blue. However, since red and blue are used by authorities, green was the best option for visibility.
In case you’re wondering how the LED’s operate, they are powered by a small in-built battery, which is fully rechargeable via a micro USB cable. The company said that the helmet’s battery has up to 5000 recharge cycles and an impressive battery life of five hours on the continuous light mode, or ten hours on the flashing light mode. The two light modes can be selected with a press of the button positioned on the lower right side of the helmet.

Although it seems like there are a lot of components involved, the Shark Skwal only weighs 1,470 grams, including the lights and battery pack, putting it into the feather weight category of the helmet market.
In terms of standard features, the Skwal comes with a flip-down internal sun visor, Shark ‘easy fit’ feature for riders who wear glasses, a micro-lock buckle system, a fully removable and a washable lining made of bamboo.

A couple of interesting things about the bamboo inner lining is that it has a generous dosage of anti-bacterial properties to keep it clean at all times. In addition, the material is much more odour resistant than other materials that are usually used to make inner linings.
It also features a clever Autoseal visor adhearing gasket, which makes the helmet one of the most stable helmets today. What the Autoseal feature does is that it pushes the visor inwards when it is pulled down, making it air-tight, quiet, and waterproof.

As much as the design is concerned, the Shark Skwal is quite neutral. It doesn’t look too futuristic or too traditional, not too complicated or too simple, and not too rounded or too angular.
The good thing about this is that it suits riders who are astride any type of motorcycle, regardless of whether it’s a cruiser, a sports bike, or even a scooter. Simply put, it looks good with anything.

What we love most about the Shark Skwal LED helmet is the drop down integral anti-scratch and anti-UV sun visor. Not only is it scratch-proof, but it is designed in a way that it drops much lower than many helmets out there in the market, making the rider feel like he or she is wearing sunglasses.
As safe as it is from wind, and water, it couldn’t escape from the infamous fogging woes. However, Winmaster Sdn Bhd said that it will not be an issue for its customers as a helmet pinlock worth RM120 will be given for free with every purchase of the Shark Skwal LED helmet.

Catered towards riders of all age, the Shark Skwal is available in black, white, matte and gloss finishes, as well as a wide range of graphic and colour scheme for those who would like to stand out from the rest. The model you are looking at now, however, is more special, as the livery was designed by Sak Art design; an internationally renowned graphic design house that has collaborated with numerous companies in the automotive industry.
Priced very competitively at RM950 for solid finish and RM1,030 for the units with graphics, the Shark Skwal is worth every sen it asks for. Not only does it look good, but it is feature-packed, comfortable and has decent build quality. Although it is not the quietest helmet around, features like the LED lights, and the visor systems work well. Besides that, most importantly, for what is being offered, RM1,030 is as sweet as a deal can get.

Helmet: Shark Skwal LED Sak Art Design
Type: Full face
Distributor: Winmaster Sdn Bhd
Weight: 1.47kg
Price: RM950.00 (solid) / RM1,030 (graphics)

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ARRC 2016 Round 2 highlights (with videos)

FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2016 (ARRC 2016) heats up during Round 2 in Buriram, Thailand.

The competition level was raised higher during the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2016 (ARRC 2016) series’ second round held in Buriram, Thailand last weekend.
Supersports 600

In the ARRC 2016’s premier SuperSports 600 category, the weekend began with Japanese rider Tomoyoshi Koyama ending his drought of race wins on Saturday after wining Race 1.

Astride the T.Pro Yuzy Honda NTS with WOW race machine, Koyama had to fend off the relentless charges of Malaysian rider Zaqhwan Zaidi and his teammate Yuki Takahashi astride the Musashi Boon Siew Honda machine who finished in second and third respectively.

Zaqhwan would eventually return to top form in Race 2 on Sunday as the Malaysian rode to a superb victory whilst teammate Yuki Takahashi took third. Joining them on the podium was Zaqhwan’s compatriot and returning ARRC 2016 champion Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman who finished second astride the BikeArt Racing Kawasaki machine.

Whilst Azlan Shah still leads the standings with 78 points, Zaqhwan is now just 1 point away in second with 77 points, followed by Koyama in third with 69 points. Suffice to say, Azlan Shah will be facing some serious challenges in his quest for the 2016 title.
Asia Production 250

The supporting Asia Production 250 category began with Yamaha Thailand Racing Team’s dominance on home soil in Race 1 as riders Apiwat Wongthananon and Peerapong Loiboonpeng scored a 1-2 finish for the team. Completing the all-Thai podium in Race 1 was Somkiat Chantra who finished third astride the AP Honda Racing Thailand machine.

Unfortunately, the tables would turn on the Thai home heroes in Race 2 on Sunday as Peerapong was the lone local on the podium in third place. The Kawasaki-powered Trickstar Racing team and its Japanese rider Takehiro Yamamoto claimed victory here instead, followed by the Yamaha Racing Indonesia Team and its rider Galang Hendra Pratama in second.

The weekend ends with Apiwat Wongthananon still leading the class’ championship standings with 81 points, followed by Peerapong Loiboonpeng in second with 76 points whilst Galang Hendra Pratama ranks third with 54 points.
Underbone 130

Last but not least came the weekend’s highly competitive Underbone 130 category. Though many Malaysian riders dominated this category during its season opener, it was the non-Malaysian teams and riders that shine most during the second round in Thailand.

Race 1 saw Indonesia’s Wahyu Aji Trilaksana and the TPK48 BKMS Indonesia team taking top honours. But race 2 would see Malaysian rider Ahmad Fazli Sham astride the UMA Racing Yamaha Maju Motor machine taking victory instead.

In the standings, Malaysians Md Izzat Zaidi Salehan and Md Amirul Ariff Musa still lead the title race in first and second respectively whilst Indonesia’s Wahyu Aji Trilaksana has elevated up into third.
Round 3 – Suzuka, Japan
Round 3 of the ARRC 2016 season will take place in the famed Suzuka Circuit, Japan next month on June 4 & 5. Stay up-to-date with ARRC 2016 by following its official Facebook page, YouTube Channel and its official website as well.
ARRC 2016 Round 2 – Buriram, Thailand

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This 81-Year-Old Grandmother Won A BMW C 400 X Maxi-Scooter

created by Polish
Maznah Harun was caught off guard after discovering she had won a BMW C 400 X maxi scooter from MBSB Bank Bhd.

The BMW C 400 X were among the top prize for MBSB “Simpan Berganda Menang Bergaya” campaign.
The 81-year-old took home the maxi-scooter after a year of saving at MBSB.

The 81-year-old grandmother was among the winners of the MBSB Bank “Simpan Berganda Menang Bergaya” campaign after a year of saving with the bank.
Unfortunately, Maznah won’t keep the RM45,000 worth of scooter as she plans to sell it.
“I have entered many contests, but this is the first time I ever won anything.
“I will sell the scooter and the money from it will be rolled back into my MBSB Bank savings,” she said.

The BMW C 400 X scooter was among a host of prizes up for grabs during the MBSB Bank campaign, including a BMW X4 30i M Sport, Mercedes Benz A200, Mercedes Benz C200 and Mercedes Benz GLC 300 AMG.
The C 400 X is currently on sale in Malaysia for a recommended selling price of RM44,500.
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Victory Motorcycles returns for PPIHC 2016 race

Victory Motorcycles announces return to the famed Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 2016 (PPIHC 2016) race with two bikes.

American manufacturer Victory Motorcycles confirmed its return for the world-famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 2016 (PPIHC 2016) race this year. The marque will field two bikes starting with its acclaimed petrol-powered Project 156 and electric-powered Empulse RR prototype race bikes.

Named after the famed hill climb course’s 156 turns, the Victory Project 156 prototype racer marks its second appearance at PPIHC 2016. The machine was raced in last year’s edition of the PPIHC by Cycle World journalist Don Canet.

The prototype had the performance and capability but was Canet was forced to retire just before the finish line in last year’s running due to mechanical issues. This year, the Victory Project 156 will be raced by 2014 Pikes Peak Heavyweight Champion Jeremy Toye who will begin testing bike sometime this month. Canet returns to race in the PPIHC this year with Victory, this time astride the electric-powered Victory Empulse-RR.

Toye is a renowned figure in the PPIHC community as he was one of the first few riders to break the hill climb’s 10-minute barrier. In 2014, Toye did just that when he rode a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R up the course and clocked in a blistering time of 9:58.687.

However, the all-time record stands at 9:52.819 that was set by rider Carlin Dunne who rode a specially prepared Ducati Multistrada. The best absolute record time for the PPIHC course was set by famed French rally ace Sebastian Loeb and his 8:13.878 timing he clocked back 2013 in a Peugeot 208 T16 racer.
Also known to many as the ‘Race to the Clouds’, PPIHC 2016 takes place on June 26 this year. The video posted below of Don Canet’s short but impressive run up the course astride the Victory Project 156 prototype should give you an idea of how challenging this hill climb course is.

Source: AutoEvolution / Visordown
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Ducati reveals updated new Diavel

As previously reported, Ducati has finally unwrapped its new and updated-for-2014 Diavel supercruiser model just this week.

The new Diavel’s reveal at the on-going Geneva Motor Show does reflect on the Italian brand German owners Audi AG, but nevertheless, things look promising. Confirming our previous report, the updated cruiser now sports a very visible face-lift complete with new full-LED headlights, followed by the adoption of a new engine, and a new meaner-looking exhaust system.

Aesthecially, new bits on the outside include the bar-risers, radiator covers, seat, side-stand, followed by a refreshed instrumentation unit that now features a new fuel gauge. However, the icing on the cake for the exterior’s revamp are the full-LED headlamps and its housing, exuding a very streamlined and modern touch to the exterior’s aggressive naked-like styling.

Of course, the most substantial of changes with the new Diavel is its engine. The new model adopted Ducati’s new generation 1,198cc Testastretta 11° DS twin-spark V-twin engine as seen in the Multistrada. While the claimed peak power output of 162hp remains unchanged, Ducati states that the new twin spark (or dual spark) motor will offer improved mid-range torque delivery.

The new mill’s peak torque figure has increased slightly to 130Nm from its previous iteration’s 127Nm. Rounding things off in the powertrain department is the new exhaust system with restyled twin-slincer housings to match the aforementioned modern exterior retouches.

Three variants will be offered, starting with a base model that features a new ‘Dark Stealth” livery painting the trellis frame and wheels in black. Following this are two Diavel Carbon editions that weighs in at 205kg (5kg less than the base). In Carbon trim, it features either a red-painted frame with “Ducati Red” paintwork over matte carbon, or a “Star White” paintjob over matte carbon with a white-painted frame. Both Carbon trims also have black forged aluminium wheels by Marchesini offered as an option.

The new Diavel will be hitting European and American showrooms starting April this year. We hope that it would not take the brand too long to introduce it here on our soil within the year.
See more of the updated and new Diavel in our extensive and the the promotional video posted below.
New Ducati Diavel promo clip

New 2014 Ducati Diavel
Source: Visordown and Asphaltandrubber via Ducati
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Honda Super Cub C125, Honda CB1100RS, Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP Launched

Boon Siew Honda launched the Honda Super Cub C125, Honda CB1100RS and Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP today.

They provide Malaysian motorcyclists with more choices in Honda motorcycles.

Boon Siew Honda also announced a positive 2018 with approximately 156,000 motorcycles sold.

Boon Siew Honda launched three more models to the Malaysian market today to kick off 2019. They are the Honda Super Cub C125, Honda CB1100RS, Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP.
Being of different segments, the additional models provide Malaysian motorcyclists with even more choices in Honda motorcycles.
Honda Super Cub C125 (from RM 13,999)

Honda started a revolution when they introduced the Super Cub C100 in 1958. The Super Cub has evolved over the last 60 years. By then, it had become the largest-selling motorized vehicle of all time with more than 100 million units sold worldwide.
The Super Cub is now back in the guise of the Super Cub C125.
While its styling is reminiscent of the original Super Cub, the new bike is thoroughly modern.

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Highlights:

Unmistakable and unique styling.
Full LED lighting.
Honda SMART Key system.
Electrically locked seat.
Powered by a 125cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected, SOHC, single-cylinder engine.
It produces 9.1 bhp (6.79 kW) at 7,500 RPM and 9.98 Nm of torque at 5,000 RPM.
Front disc brakes with Nissin caliper.
Cast alloy wheels.

It is offered in Pearl Niltava Blue, Pearl Nebula Red and Pearl Shining Black.
Honda CB1100RS (from RM 75,999)

The CB1100RS harks back to the days when Honda’s inline-Four engines were the king. Specifically, it started with the CB750 in 1969, which was rightfully called “first superbike.”
Since then, Japanese motorcycles with multi-cylinder engines, round headlights, high handlebars, and bench seats became known generically as the UJM for Universal Japanese Motorcycle.
The UJM styling is timeless as Honda continued selling the CB line-up such as the sublime CB 400 Super Four VTEC and later the CB1100 over the years in many markets around the world. Except Malaysia.
Perhaps 2019 is the year to remember with the launch of this bike.
As with its predecessors, the CB1100RS looks like a 70’s bike but it a modern motorcycle in its essence.

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Highlights:

LED headlight and LED classic taillight.
Seamless fuel tank.
Signature Honda DOHC valve cover.
Showa SDBV (Showa Dual Bending Valve) forks.
Twin Showa rear shocks with remote reservoir.
Radially-mounted four-piston front brake calipers.
Aluminium 17-inch wheels.
1140cc, air-cooled, 16-valve, DOHC, inline-Four engine.
It produces 88.5 bhp (66 kW) at 7,500 RPM and 91 Nm of torque at 5,500 RPM.

It looks like a torquey machine judging from the spread between maximum torque and peak power.
The Honda CB1100RS is available in Darkness Black Metallic and Matt Beta Silver Metallic.
Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP (from RM 114,999)

The “SP” version of the CBR1000RR Fireblade brings more fire to the table. It is endowed with more power, less weight and equipped with more technology compared to the “standard” Fireblade.
While other manufacturers kept pushing up the power output of their superbikes, Honda chooses to adhere to their “Next Stage Total Control” philosophies. You could say “What’s power without control?”

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Highlights:

First Honda motorcycle equipped with Öhlins Smart Electronically Controlled suspension.
Compact, 16-litre titanium fuel tank.
Full Brembo brake system.
Quickshifter.
Cornering ABS.
Weighs in a t 195 kg, dry.
The 1000cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline-Four engine punches out 189 bhp (141 kW) at 13,000 RPM and 114 Nm of torque at 11,000 RPM.

The Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP is offered in HRC Tricolor only (no Repsol thank you very much!).
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Hafizh and Ramdan Looking Forward to Home Race

PETRONAS Talent Development Programme’s riders, Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah and Mohd Ramdan Rosli are optimistic on their home race as they wish to perform their best at the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) at the Sepang Circuit this 24 to 26 October.

For Petronas Raceline Malaysia’s rider, Hafizh Syahrin, the upcoming race in Sepang marks his home debut in the Moto2 category. The 20-year old rider has shown impressive performance throughout his full season of participation in Moto2 where he already racked up a total of 42 points from the first 16 rounds with a best place finish of seventh in Indianapolis.

Team Manager, Barry Leong said, “Hafizh’s pride is at stake this weekend and it’s quite obvious his fans are epecting another spectacular performance. As the principal, i hope for the best from him but at the same time I will not personally exert any pressure on him.”

In addition, PETRONAS also reached another milestone where its 19-year old rider, Mohd Ramdan who currently competes full-time in the Spanish National Championship (CEV) is set for his maiden Grand Prix wildcard entry in the Moto3 category that runs on single-cylinder 250cc four stroke engines.

“This is my first time racing in the world championship and on top of that, I will race in front of my home crowd. It will be a tough weekend because other riders have more experience in Moto3 but like always, I’ll be pushing as I can and hopefully I can put in a good performance,” said Mohd Ramdan.
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Bosch motorcycle systems bags ASEAN NCAP award

Simong-Song, Managing Director of Bosch receiving an award from David Ward, Secretary General of Global NCAP (far left) and Professor Dr. Wong Shaw Voon, Chairman of ASEAN-NCAP (middle).Pic Credit:Bosch
Bosch motorcycle systems awarded with ASEAN NCAP Safety Technology award.

Leading automotive OEM (original equipment manufacturer) Bosch has been awarded with the “Safety Technology Award: Innovative Motorcycle Technology for Safer Riding” by the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) this week.
Image credit: Bosch
The award sees Bosch being recognised for its continuous efforts in innovating safer riding with two-wheeler technologies such as the motorcycle anti-lock braking system (ABS), motorcycle stability control (MSC), and side view assist (pictured above) that were developed by its Japan-based Two Wheeler & Powersports Division.

Both systems were displayed and demonstrated yesterday at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) during the Global NCAP #StopTheCrash campaign. You can check out our feature of the Bosch motorcycle ABS system demonstration we published yesterday.
Presently, the ASEAN region sits as the world’s third largest motorcycle market, with Bosch highlighting the region’s rising demands for enhanced riding safety especially in emerging markets. With statistics indicating 21,000 fatal motorcycle accidents recorded annually in Indonesia and Thailand alone, it is easy to see why.
Malaysia, on the other hand, has the third highest road traffic fatality rate in ASEAN. According to the World Health Organization’s records in 2015, around 18 road fatalities were recorded daily in Malaysia with more than 60% of which involving motorcycles.

According to Bosch, its accident research studies show that if every motorcycle is equipped with ABS, roughly one fourth of accidents could be prevented. Presently, motorcycle ABS has become mandatory equipment for all 125cc and larger bikes in the European Union. Examples include the  2016 Vespa Sprint ABS and Primavera ABS that were recently launched locally.
Similar legislation will be enforced in Japan and Taiwan starting from 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Presently, Bosch offers its new and compact ABS 10 suite that’s developed specifically to meet the requirements of emerging markets. The first new production motorcycle model to adopt it is the upcoming 2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 250/300 that’s slated to enter markets early next year.
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Motack attack

Its been weeks since the last bike event and even we are getting some signs of withdrawal, though the first round for Motack is just about one week away, it feels like it cant get here fast enough.
For the ones thats not up to date, Motack stands for Malaysian Motorcycle Time Attack. Riders take turns in negotiating a tightly wounded maze like circuit marked by cones. Hit a cone and you get a time penalty, the rider who clocked the fastest time wins.

The event will be happening at the Citta Mall, Ara Damansara, Subang on the weekend of 7th and 8th of February.
There will be seven classes available for you to join, Below 205cc, Below 700cc, Above 700c, Above 1000cc, Ducati Challenge, Motack All-stars and the last class Others
Apart from local riders, there will be participants from Singapore, Vietnam and Japan. One of them is a lady rider from Japan, Kaori Takashima which if you watch the video (bottom) you know she could easily put most guys to shame.

If you are interested but not sure if you can even follow Kaori on a simple course then you can join the Moto-gymkhana riding clinic instead and improve your riding skill.
And for the rest of us who would prefer just to kick back and watch the action from the sidelines will also get to check out a few sales and exhibition booth at the venue.

For more information contact our good friend, Haris or Hitman as we call him at 019-2711 609

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“Bonus MMA Match” at Entrance to SIC Grandstand at the 2019 Malaysian MotoGP

Race fans entering the SIC grandstand area were treated to a “bonus MMA match” at the 2019 Malaysian MotoGP today.

No official word of what led to the fight.

It was speculated that the man had a “fake ticket.”

Race fans were treated to a “bonus MMA match” while waiting to enter the SIC grandstands for the 2019 Malaysian MotoGP today.
The video of a fight between a spectator and ticket checkers at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is making rounds in social media, originally posted by Sukan Star TV on their Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

Sepang Moto GP
A post shared by  Sukan Star TV – sstv.my (@tvsukanstar) on Nov 3, 2019 at 3:57am PST

The video began with a man attempting to drop a flying kick on one of the staff members. He missed and landed on the ground, instead. The intended recipient became the attacker now and went on the offence by stomping and landing a few jabs on him.
Other ticket checkers got in the action, too. A yellow-shirted man stamped a few size-41 (judging from his size) soles on the now hapless man. They also landed a few more well-placed hooks on the man’s head as he tried to rise to his feet.
Soon, a man dressed in all-black attire and cap (looking pretty much like a referee) stepped in to push the assailants apart, and in a way, counting the man out. 1-2-3 — DING! DING! DING!
But just when we thought it was all over, the angry man sucker-punched another staff while getting back to this feet! The staff retaliated with more roundhouses to the back of the man’s head while he walked back into the crowd.
The cause of the fight is still open to speculation. However, it was largely rumoured that the staff had refused the belligerent man entry due to a “fake ticket.” No word yet regarding investigations into the matter.
It’s been an eventful 2019 Malaysian MotoGP, to say the least. First, there was news of the Angel Nieto’s paddock being broken into, followed by the sorrowful news of Afridza Munandar’s demise, and now this.
Now, shall we file this report under “Motorsports” or “MMA”?
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Honda CBR250RR the be launched on 18 December 2020

Boon Siew Honda has finally announced that the 2021 Honda CBR250RR will be launched here in Malaysia on 18 December 2020. BSH already informed us that their latest 250cc sports bike will arrive in the local market at the end of the year back in September, and they’re ready to deliver.

In fact, bookings for the 2021 Honda CBR250RR are already being accepted by authorised dealers like Honda BigWing Setapak since the start of October. BSH also stated that this will be the latest model which comes with specs like bi-directional quickshifter, assist/slipper clutch, ride-by-wire throttle system, and selectable riding mode.

Weighing in at just 168kg, the CBR250RR is powered by a 250cc inline-two DOHC engine that produces 41hp at 13,000rpm and 25Nm torque at 11,000rpm. We’ve asked around and we were told that the expected price should be below the RM30,000 mark.

If you happen to be in Japan, you have a choice of four different colour options – Matt Gun Powder Black Metallic, Pearl Glare White, Grand Prix Red and Grand Prix Red (Striped). Its price tag for that region starts from 821,700 yen (around RM33,062) all the way up to 854,700 yen (around RM34,401). That’s 500cc territory, folks.
2020 Ducati Superleggera V4 officially launched in Malaysia – RM888,000

Written by: Sep Irran
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Ten Things Motorcyclists Should Never Do (Part 1)

Being silly on a motorcycle will lead to bad things, eventually.

Always ride with logic rather than being emotional or fearless.

Good riders always think of what’s ahead rather than the spur of the moment.

In putting together this “Ten Things Motorcyclists Should Never Do” list, we looked back on another article we’ve written on the ten most common mistakes made by riders, regardless of whether they are newbies or veterans. But I’m sure you could agree that the list wasn’t fully er… full, since we covered only ten items at one go.
Our way of life is fun because it gives us the opportunity to critique our own riding from time to time, as part of our journey to be a better rider and enjoy the sport for as long as we could ride. We hope that you, our brothers and sisters in arms, take a look at our safety tips from time to time.
So, the Ten Things Motorcyclists Should Never Do:
1. Ride when less than happy

While riding is definitely a form of therapy, it isn’t advisable to do it when your head is still playing images of the fight you had with your boss or spouse. The margin of arriving safely on a motorcycle is very thin, unlike if you were driving, so you need to pay 100% attention to your riding. So, take a moment to cool down before you decide to ride up to Gohtong Jaya.
2. Insisting on right of way

Every rider knows that we’d lose if we choose to be insistent against bigger vehicles, be it our fault or otherwise. Yet, many of us still fight against other road users when the red mist descends. Truth is, I do get angry at idiotic drivers at times but there’s no point in ending up being crushed to hamburger on the road. Let them go because karma will deal with them, Insy’Allah.
3. Lingering in blindspots

Lingering in the blindspots of other vehicles (including other motorcycles) is one of the most dangerous thing to do in traffic. The other vehicle may swerve into you since the driver doesn’t you’re there. We Malaysian motorcyclists are a lucky lot since there is no law against traffic filtering and lane splitting, so let’s use that privilege effectively. Just remember to keep moving at a pace no more than 40 km/h faster than the traffic around you.
4. Trusting other road users explicitly

Are you sure others are giving you way? Do you think they realize you’ve stationary at the junction? It’s always best to ride with a certain level of paranoia. While one may argue doing so takes some of the joys out of riding, being safe beats hitting the ground. Or a car.
5. Not knowing your limits

There’s a simple gauge to this. If you constantly feel stressed out that you almost hit a car or running wide in corners, you are over your limits (lack of training, notwithstanding). Read up on riding tips or better yet, seek out some advanced training to unlock your limits correctly. In the meantime, slow down.
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Biker Stories (Part 3) – The Wall

I was working as soon as I finished my SPM examinations. Didn’t go on a long holiday with friends, didn’t even bum out at the beach night after night with a cold drink. “Time to earn your own money, Son.”
Through the help of a few friends, I became a waiter in a hip new pub in Penang, called “20 Leith Street.” The place has since been converted to a hawker centre and it’s just next door to the blue-coloured Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, which is now a boutique hotel. Back then, the latter was overgrown, run down and pitch black like a haunted house. I didn’t dare step near it.

Anyway, one morning after work, the five of us guys stood outside, just chilling, talking gibberish and smoking. Our supervisor whistled at and teased the transgenders who walked up and down the street outside. A homeless man in torn shirt and pants sat on the sidewalk opposite ours, mumbling to himself (hoped he didn’t see dead people). Yeah, those were the bad ol’ days.
Anyways, we talked about all sorts of stuff. Fishing, camping, hiking, swimming… There was no such thing as Astro and PlayStation in 1998.
Boys being boys, we got around to talking about cars and motorcycles. (About girls too, of course, on how we don’t understand them – and we still don’t today – but that’s for another story).
Among us, only Poh Keat owned a bike, a used Honda C90.

The rest of us wanted a bike for ourselves too, but we haven’t ridden one before. Then Chris got super-enthusiastic and wanted to learn how to ride at that very moment. The compound was huge, tarred over as a parking lot and there’s no one around to be a bother
After much cajoling, Poh Keat gave in to Chris’ requests. He pointed out on how to get it in gear, roll out and stop.
As Chris got moving, we started throwing insults at him. We were his buddies, right. But he ignored us and started doing pretty descent by his second orbit around Poh Keat, who stood in the middle and barked orders.
We lost interest in teasing him so we went back to talking about girls. I was still single, okay. All the while, Chris passed by like clockwork, getting a little faster each time.
Then on one pass, Chris gunned the throttle a little too much, casuing the bike to roar forward. Surprised, he instantaneously chopped the throttle, which resulted in the rear hopping and squirming (he must’ve been in first gear). His arms went straight immediately and his legs came off the footpegs, looking like a character from The Flinstones trying to brake by dragging his feet on the ground.

The bike now went straight, instead of turning into the circle and headed for the tall wall separating 20th Leith Street and Cheong Fatt Tze!
Poh Keat yelled while running toward Chris, “WOI!!! STOP STOP STOP!!!”
At this point, we heard “BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!” all the way to the wall. THWACK! The bike’s front tyre tapped the wall like how when someone walked into a glass door.
Chris and the bike plopped over like sacks of potatoes stacked too high. And the horn was still on! BEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeppppp….. its sound tapering off as it got hotter.
Picture 112
Poh Keat had caught up to Chris and tried to lift the bike up. We ran over to help too.
“WHY DIDN’T YOU BRAKE?!” yelled the unfortunate bike owner.
“I did try to brake!” replied Chris in defiant defense. “But instead of stopping, your stupid bike only went beeeeeeeeeeeep!”
Our wisecrack Supervisor spoke up, “So did the wall move out of the way when you honked at it?” Apart from Poh Keat and Chris, I believe the other three of us have never laughed any harder than that morning until this day.
Click here for Part 1.
Click here for Part 2.
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Kawasaki Road Safety Campaign organised at Sungai Besi Toll Plaza

Kawasaki Motors Malaysia (KMSB) has officially launched the Kawasaki Road Safety Campaign 2018 earlier today.
This is the third year running KMSB has organised it at the Sungai Besi Toll Plaza to increase awareness on road safety.
All motorcyclists can get their bikes checked absolutely free no matter type or brand.

Kawasaki Motors Malaysia (KMSB) has officially launched the 2018 Kawasaki Road Safety Campaign earlier today. The road safety campaign is held as part of the KMSB’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program to raised road safety awareness ahead of the Chinese New Year holiday.

Officially launched by Malaysia’s Minister of Transport, Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai, the campaign kicked off at 9am and will continue on until 6pm today. Held at the Sungai Besi Toll Plaza (Southbound), riders who ride all kinds of motorcycles can get their bikes checked by trained personnel from the Kawasaki Exclusive Service Centre. The 16-point check is free of charge.

Those who register early got to take home brand new Swan helmets and high-visibility windbreakers courtesy of AEON Credit Services and Tokio Marine insurance. Together with the theme “Fikir keselamatan, tunggang dengan bertanggungjawab” or “Think safety, ride responsibly”, KMSB together with its event partners joined in the program to promote awareness on road safety and proper bike maintenance.

Present during the launch were the Malaysia Motorcycle and Scooter Dealers Association (MMSDA), YB. Dato’ Jeffrey Lim, the General Manager and Director of Kawasaki Motors Malaysia and others respectively from JPJ, KKR, PLUS, PDRM, JKJR,  Tokio Marine Insurans (Malaysia) Berhad, AEON Credit Service, KHI Helmet, Bridgestone and more.

KMSB is aware that 63% of road accidents in the past 10 years involved motorcyclists which translate to about 40,609 cases. 80% of such accidents were caused by road user errors and carelessness. KMSB together with other participating bodies hope that the campaign can increase the awareness for all road users to be more responsible when on the road.

Together, we can all make a difference if all road users ride and drive responsibly. Safety first, people!

Kawasaki Motors Malaysia Organizes Road Safety Campaign 2017

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Arai Unveils Special Edition Helmet in Celebration of 100th Manx Grand Prix

In honour of the Manx Grand Prix’s centennial anniversary, renowned helmet manufacturer Arai has collaborated with The Visor Shop and the Manx Grand Prix to create a limited-edition masterpiece.

The Arai RX-7V Evo, specially designed for this occasion, is set to be released on July 20.
The Manx Grand Prix, an iconic event in the road racing calendar, has captivated motorsport enthusiasts since its inception in 1923. While it may stand in the shadow of its counterpart, the Isle of Man TT Races, the Manx Grand Prix continues to hold its own as a thrilling spectacle.
For over a decade, Arai has been designing special edition helmets for the Isle of Man TT, and this endeavor for the Manx Grand Prix follows suit.

The helmet’s design features the famous Snaefell Course outline, paying homage to the race’s iconic route. It also incorporates references to prominent landmarks and timing points, as well as the Triskelion, symbolizing the Three Legs of Man.
On June 1, the special edition helmet was officially unveiled at the Arai Village during the Isle of Man TT. Priced at GBP829.99 (RM4.7k), this exclusive piece will be cherished by motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors alike.
With its limited production run, the Arai RX-7V Evo commemorates the historic milestone of the Manx Grand Prix, an event that has continually pushed the boundaries of road racing. Mark your calendars for the release on July 20, 2023, and secure your piece of racing history.
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All-New Honda XL750 Transalp To Land In Malaysia Soon?

Honda officially rolled out the all-new XL750 Transalp in November last year at EICMA.

The Transalp features the same parallel-twin engine as the Hornet.
Fitted with Showa’s suspension at the front and rear with Pro-Link swingarm.

23YM XL750 Transalp

The Transalp nameplate returns for 2023 with the middleweight adventure motorcycle set to go up against the Yamaha Tenere 700 and KTM 890 Adventure.
Although the bike is yet to be available in Malaysia, we understood that Malaysian might not need to wait long as the middleweight adventure is said to arrive soon.

While there’s no official word from Honda Motorcycles Malaysia, we expect the XL750 Transalp could arrive sooner than expected.
Mechanically, the Honda XL750 Transalp features an all-new parallel-twin engine that makes 90hp and 75Nm. That said, the Transalp slots in between the 74hp Tenere and 105hp 890 Adventure.

Similar to Honda CB750 Hornet, the XL750 Transalp features a 270-degree crank and a new airbox which Honda claimed to offer a low-end beat and top-end howl.
However, the ride-by-wire system has been explicitly tuned to best suit the bike’s touring and off-road ability.

Electronically, the XL750 Transalp gets four riding modes (Sport, Standard, Rain and Gravel and User), each of which can be selected while on the fly thanks to a lefthand switch cube.
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KTM Malaysia Orange Carnival Begins in Johor on 28th July

KTM Malaysia’s largest event, the KTM Orange Carnival will kick off its first leg on Saturday, 28th July 2018.

Starting in Johore, it will be held at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in Skudai.

Many activities are in store and KTM owners, owners of all othe brands and general public are welcomed to attend.

It carnival time in the south as KTM Malaysia will launch the KTM Orange Carnival at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in Skudai, Johor, on Saturday, 28th July 2018.

Judging by the program list stated by KTM Malaysia, the carnival looks set to be the biggest ever organized by the official distributor, as it includes a large number of activities KTM owners, non-KTM owners and the public at large.
The first is the test ride session. Attendees have the opportunity to test ride the latest KTM models, from the Supersport, Duke, and Adventure series. But that’s not all, as those who test rode the motorcycles will receive a KTM multipurpose bag and one lucky draw ticket. Talk about having your cake and eating it. KTM Malaysia will also hold technical briefings on the features of the motorcycles before the commencement of the test rides.

The next great attraction is the Fun-Hana competition, which tests riders’ skills in recording the fastest time in negotiating a gymkhana course. It is open to bikes of all makes. Participants can join the following classes, but the numbers are limited to 16 per category:

Below 200cc.
200- to 500cc.
500cc and above.

Prizes for the Top 4 riders are:

1st place: RM200 plus a medal, Gracshaw helmet and ELF engine oil.
2nd place: RM100 plus a medal, Gracshaw helmet and ELF engine oil.
3rd place: A medal.
4th place: A medal.

KTM Malaysia is also offering a special service campaign exclusively for KTM owners which includes a FREE 13-point safety check from 9am to 5pm. Owners who purchase 2 bottles of ELF engine oil will also receive a lucky draw ticket. The items being checked are:

Electrical systems,
Tyre condition,
Tyre pressures,
Brake system,
Engine oil level,
Coolant condition,
Chain tension,
Chassis bolt/nut check,
Side stand,
Suspension condition,
Engine oil leak,
Cables, and
Systems diagnostics with the KTM XC1 Diagnostic checker.

There will be a special sale with items going at up to 60% discounts. Those who purchased more than RM150 of KTM PowerWear merchandize or RM500 of KTM PowerParts items will be eligible for a lucky draw ticket.
As for visitors who didn’t take part in the above activities or wish to increase their chances in the lucky draw, KTM Malaysia offers Orange Carnival Pack which is priced at RM30 each. The pack consists of a lucky draw ticket, KTM Malaysia Orange Carnival T-shirt, and KTM lanyard.

Among the lucky draw prizes are KTM PowerWear and KTM PowerParts worth RM20,000. The grand prize is a brand new KTM 390 Duke.
KTM Malaysia’s Factory Rider, who is also the winner at the recent GIVI Rimba Raid Mat Daling, besides Malaysian MX and enduro champion, and 2016 FIM Asia Supermoto champion, Muhd. Habibullah Muhd. Saleh, better known as Gabit, will perform at the stunt shows at 11.30am and 4.00pm.

Other vendors include Gracshaw Helmet and ELF engine oil. Sponsors of the carnival are Gracshaw Helmet, ELF Lubricants and Corporate Hero.
Please refer to the map below for the location.

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PUTOLINE HF204 Oil Filter First Impression

The PUTOLINE HF204 oil filter has a very high quality.

The filter meets or even exceeds OEM specs.

Its performance is something we’ve never experienced before.

We thought we’ve tried them all and found them to be the same, but along comes this Putoline HF204 oil filter.
But first, a little background
The next most important consumable in your engine is the oil filter, after the oil.
The filter’s job is to capture contaminants in the oil. They include inorganic contaminants such as dust being pulled into the engine through a dirty air filter, besides microscopic to large metal shavings of internal engine parts. Organic impurities include oxidized petroleum and bacteria that can form sludge. Besides those, the filter must take care of moisture, too.

It’s critical that parts including the camshaft and cam lobes, piston rings, piston connecting rod bearings, cylinder walls, crankshaft bearings, transmission, clutch are not only lubricated, but lubricated by contaminant-free oil.
However, that’s not all. The oil filter needs to keep the oil flowing in a smooth manner while filtering it. Oil flow has to be constant, regardless if you are idling, shuffling through traffic or at a full blast at Karak or the track. It needs to keep up with engine RPM fluctuations during gear shifts.
The filter must not break down nor impede oil flow as the oil ages. If the filter element breaks down, it will find its way into the engine and cause claustrophobic damage. The same happens if oil stops flowing.
About PUTOLINE HF204 oil filter
Putoline oil filters are made to provide a reliable service from the very moment you spin them on.
They feature various types of synthetic filter media (elements) that capture inorganic and organic contaminants in oil. This nano fibre filter media is further supported by steel wire. As such, the filter has a service life of one year or 40,000 km (25,000 miles). (But do replace your oil and filter during every oil change interval.)

All this quality would usually see the product of being expensive, yet it is priced at a very reasonable price. We suspect this is achieved by careful sourcing of parts that constitute the final product. All Putoline filters get their steel from Japan, glues from Germany and filter element from Finland. The company is based in Holland, by the way.
First impression
We were (pleasantly) surprised to see its housing when we took the plastic cover off. It’s a type of coating we’ve yet seen. Smooth, deeply painted, we’re told by the (official distributor) Bikerzone that it’s the same type of coating used for grand pianos.
Any suspicion we had about the claim was quashed when we installed it. I had ordered the wrong oil filter wrench cap and it couldn’t fit squarely on the filter’s flutes. Consequently, it scratched up and warped the old filter’s top when I removed it.

But I didn’t have a choice. The old filter now sat in the drain pan, surrounded by used oil.
So, wrong wrench or not, the new Putoline filter had to go on. The wrench cap would grab the new filter on and off, on and off. Thank goodness that oil filters need only a quarter turn from hand tightening. I checked and checked, but there was not one scratch on the housing.
Impressive.
Next of course, is riding. I’ve since logged nearly 500 km by the time of this writing. My bike used to stumble when rolling on the throttle from around 2000 RPM, but that stumble has disappeared. The bike would also sometimes seem choked a bit after changing gears. That also vanished.
But it wasn’t just about on throttle. The bike has also smoothed out by heaps when I went off throttle. The ER-6f has a natural high back-torque (engine braking) which interrupts smooth midcorner rolling speed. Now it’s as smooth as a bike with slipper clutch.
Conclusion
The Putoline HF204 has changed how the bike feels and makes it a pleasure to ride. Of course, everything feels good when its new, but we’ll continue with monitoring the part through its lifespan. Stay tuned for the next review at 1500 km.
So, are all oil filters the same? “No” is the resounding answer.
Where to buy?
You can order the filter from our BikesRepublic webstore. For the record, we only sell products that we’ve used and/or trust, instead of pushing for profits. The filters meets or even exceeds OEM specs.
Please click on the link below for the Putoline HF204 synthetic filter:
https://bikesrepublic.com/store/product/putoline-hf204-synthetic-oil-filter-for-honda-kawasaki-mv-triumph-yamaha/
We also have the Putoline HF153 synthetic filter for Ducati models. Please click on the link below:
https://bikesrepublic.com/store/product/putoline-hf153-synthetic-oil-filter-for-ducati/

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2018 Royal Enfield Himalayan now available in Malaysia – RM36,880!

The 2018 Royal Enfield Himalayan is now available for booking at RM36,880 (basic price without GST).
Powered by their latest LS 410 engine, the 411cc adventure bike produces 24.5hp and 32Nm of torque.
RE Motorcycles Sdn Bhd will be offering the new Himalayan in two different colours; Granite and Snow.

It was late last year when Royal Enfield launched the 2018 Royal Enfield Himalayan, an entry-level adventure bike with a bit more grunt, power, and style. It was promised to reach markets around the world around June and Royal Enfield Malaysia (RE Motorcycles Sdn Bhd) delivered the promise when the bike was brought over last week.

With a price tag of RM36,888 (basic price without GST), this purpose-built machine made for adventure and touring is now open for booking and it represents the future of Royal Enfield with a completely new bike and engine designed from the ground up.

Powered by their latest LS 410 engine which is a 411cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected power plant, the new Himalayan is able to produce a respectable 24.5hp at 6,500rpm and 32Nm of maximum torque at 4,250rpm. The result is a proper adventure machine with a flat torque curve that works brilliantly for both beginners and veterans alike.

According to Muhammad Syahrul, General Manager of RE Motorcycles Sdn Bhd, “The Himalayan is the culmination of Royal Enfield’s 60 years of enduring history in its spiritual home—the Himalayas. Large adventure tourers that currently define this category, do not fare well in the mountains like Himalayans as they are very heavy, extremely complicated, intimidating and not really designed for that environment.”

“With its purpose-built ground-up design, the Himalayan is a simple and capable go-anywhere motorcycle that will redefine adventure touring in Malaysia. Functionally, its non-intimidating Spartan design, a flat torque curve, accessible seat height and long suspension travel alongside the ease of ownership, make the Himalayan is an extremely versatile motorcycle that is adept for long rides while equally being the definitive choice to navigate our urban jungles. We believe the motorcycle will open gates for a new segment of customers for Royal Enfield in Malaysia”

Other featured specs on the new Himalayan include:

41mm telescopic fork with 200mm travel
Monoshock with linkage that provides 180mm of travel
15-litre fuel tank
300mm front disc with a two-piston floating caliper
240mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper
21-inch front wheel; 17-inch rear wheel

There are two colour options available for the new 2018 Royal Enfield Himalayan; Granite and Snow. Priced at RM36,880 (basic price without GST), you can now head over to any of the authorised Royal Enfield Malaysia dealerships scattered across the country.
Royal Enfield flagship store launched in Shah Alam

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New Colours for 2019 SM Sport 110R

The 2019 SM Sport 110R will come with new colours.

The bike is a daily commuter for the city and town.

It represents value for money as it does include some useful features.

The 2019 SM Sport 110R will come in new colours. They are black, blue and red.
The SM Sport 110R belongs in the smaller, utilitarian category of underbone bikes (kapchais) to serve as daily commuters in both cities and towns.

However, it does boast a number of features despite of its greatly affordable price and capacity. It has a Fuel Saving switch to run it in economy mode. The air-cooled 109cc SOHC engine complies with Euro3 emission standards.

Furthermore, the bike has daytime running lights (DRL), LED turn signals all-around, Kayaba (KYB) suspension, safety key switch and a 5V USB charging port. Additionally, there is a large storage space. The SM Sport 110R ups the ante by using tubeless tyres.

Besides that, it has a sporty and aerodynamic styling which most riders could accept.

But what the bike truly represents is value for money, because at just RM 3,918.00 (basic selling price and not on-the-road), you’d be hard-pressed to find something like this in this price bracket.
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Norton Motorcycles faces major financial issues?

One of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers in the industry, Norton Motorcycles, is currently in deep financial issues with the announcement of entering administration. It seems that they’re in deep waters when it comes to unpaid taxes to the HM Revenue & Customs of around £300,000 (around RM1.59 million).

Norton was taken over by entrepreneur, Stuart Garner, whose ambition is to bring back the Norton name into the elites of motorcycling but several news outlets have pointed out that accounting group, BDO, was appointed to administrate Norton and two other companies belonging to Garner, Donington Hall Estates and Priest House Hotel.

According to a recent report posted by Visordown, BDO commented “Our job is to determine and execute the most appropriate strategy as swiftly as possible to protect creditors’ interests, bearing in mind the need to minimise distress for all parties. We are currently assessing the position of each of the companies in order to conclude upon the options available to them and the most appropriate way forward.”

Norton Motorcycles revealed that their yearly profits ending March 2018 was only £33,701 (around RM178,950) and that’s before tax. With liabilities amounting to somewhere around £3.38 million, the company has been labelled as “dependent on the future financial support of its bankers and its creditors … a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the company’s ability to continue as a going concern.”

Is this the end of the line for Norton?
Supercharged Norton Superlight SS

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2022 Aprilia RSV4 Factory Gets New Colour Update – Same Excitement, Only Cooler

Aprilia begins its 2022 lineup with the updated RSV4 Factory that now features an Ultra Dark colourway.
The new colourway is set to meet a wider audience who seeks a darker and stealthier look, which adds excitement while riding the high-performance motorcycle.

However, no changes were made to its mechanics as the Noale Factory has already made a huge update to its flagship sportbike in 2021.
The RSV4 Factory gets a displacement bump from 1,077cc to 1,099cc and churns out even more peak power, 217hp @ 13,200rpm, while reducing its carbon emission to meet Euro 5 emission standards.
Aprilia also integrated the RSV4 bi-plane wings into the double-wall fairing that boosts engine cooling capabilities while optimizing its high-speed stability.

The RSV4 also gets a MotoGP-inspired swingarm that is now lighter and features a reinforced lower brace that helps improve stability and acceleration.
Last year, other upgrades included Ohlins Smart EC 2.0, a new LED headlight, a more prominent TFT display, and revamped ride-by-wire system.
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Norton Opens First Flagship Store At The Bike Shed London

Norton Motorcycles has just opened its first retail store, the Norton Atelier, at The Bike Shed in London. This is a major milestone for the British brand, which has been steadily rebuilding after a period of tumultuous change.

The new flagship store to showcase the brand’s V4SV superbike and the iconic Commanod 961.
Norton also plans to establish showrooms at five other locations throughout the UK.

Norton’s new CEO and a £100 million investment have helped to revitalize the company, and the launch of the 2023 Commando 961 has shown that Norton is ready to compete once again.

The Norton Atelier showcases the V4SV superbike and the Commando 961, both of which are available for purchase or test rides. Additionally, the showroom features Norton apparel designed by Savile Row fashion designer Nick Tentis. Tentis has also played a significant role in designing the retail space, which he describes as reflecting the history and values of the Norton brand.

The launch of the Norton Atelier is just the beginning for the brand. The company plans to establish showrooms at five other locations throughout the UK, including Krazy Horse London, Crawley’s P&H Motorcycles, Sheffield’s Via Moto, Bodmin’s Thor Motorcycles, and Cheshire’s Oakmere Motor Group. All of these locations will offer test rides, maintenance, and parts and accessories.

Norton Chief Commercial Officer Christian Gladwell expressed his enthusiasm for the brand’s expansion into the marketplace. “More dealers mean more riders enjoying the results of the hard work and dedication that the entire team at Norton has contributed towards,” he said.
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Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Test & Review – “The Dakar Legend Returns”

The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin pays homage to the Africa Twin of the 90s.

This is Honda’s entrant in the heavyweight dual-sport market.

It’s big and tall, and biased towards off-road riding.

The “Africa Twin” moniker is one of the most celebrated names in motorcycling, so naturally, we were excited when Boon Siew Honda called us to pick up the new Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin.
Origins and Background
During the heydays of the Paris-Dakar Rally, the HRC-built NXR-750 tore up the Saharan dunes to four victories. It was no small feat. Being in the late-80s means there was no gimmickry of the modern bikes.
The first Honda Africa Twin was the XRV650, produced from 1988 to 1989, but the truly iconic XRV750 Africa Twin made its debut in 1989 for 1990 model year.
XRV650 Africa Twin
It is powered by a 752cc, four-sparkplug V-Twin (hence its name) and had all the trappings of an adventure bike including twin large headlamps, long-travel suspension, engine bash plate, wire spoked wheels, semi-off-road tyres. In short, it looked like it just got off the rally and straight into the dealerships.
XRV750 Africa Twin
Although the Africa Twin had stiff competition from the BMW R 100 GS, Yamaha Super Tenere, Cagiva Elefant, et al, the big Honda was a success. In fact, production carried on until 2003.
Introduction to the CRF1000L Africa Twin
Many fans and even motojournalists cheered when Honda announced their plans for a new Africa Twin. Heck, the romantics among us got teary-eyed when they recalled their exploits on the AT in the 90’s.

Designated as the CRF1000L Africa Twin, it’s a dual-sport more oriented towards off-road riding.
The new bike has a slim and tall front profile. Besides that, the front looks like an extended forehead above the tightly arranged headlamps. It’s the “Dakar styling” where a pace note scroller/GPS sits behind screen.
Moving back, the rear part of the bike from the head onwards invokes the profile of the XRV750. This is especially true when you view the back of the fuel tank and seat. Anyhow, we felt that Honda did a great job of amalgamating design elements of the old bike to the new.

Riding the CRF1000L Africa Twin
First impression? Oh my! This thing’s tall! We’ve tested plenty of tall dual-sport bikes, mind you. Of course, the Africa Twin isn’t as tall as motocrossers or enduros but it’s definitely the tallest among dual-sport bikes. Someone had adjusted the rear shock’s preload all the out to lower the rear end, but I still had to hang one leg in the air when I stopped.
I knew I should’ve worn my platform shoes. Just kidding.

However, traffic lights became my No. 1 enemy (for the moment). That’s because I had to first determine if the road was slanting to the left or right, before shifting my buttock and leg out while coming to a stop. The slim profile helped a lot, but the badly adjusted chassis meant that the handlebar was sitting too high up, making the bike feel like it’s carrying bricks on its fuel tank.
We decided to ride it to Kuantan together with the Honda X-Adv.
The engine’s torque was impressive, keeping the engine rolling at low revs at highway speeds. The 998cc parallel-Twin uses a 270oto mimic the firing order of a 90oV-Twin, so a smooth character was expected. It produces 94 bhp and 98 Nm of torque.

The AT picks up speed quick to the sound of a rumbling engine. Small pops accompanied the DCT upshifts.
But we wished the front end has a little more high-speed stability and the handlebar moved around at higher speeds. We could expect this of dual-sport bikes with high handlebars but the AT’s moved the most. Then again, this bike is biased towards off-roading.
As such, it didn’t like being slammed into corners. You need to brake and release early, coast a bit to let the chassis settle down before turning in. Similarly, you need to be super smooth with the gas during the lean to straight up transition. Being throttle happy will send the handlebar waggling back and forth.

These handling traits disappear when the road turns to no road. There’s a large button marked with a “G” (for gravel) right next to the instrument panel. Pressing that switches into gravel ride mode and the corresponding levels of electronic intervention.
The softly sprung suspension absorbed the bumps easily and the bike seemed to float. Again, the bike’s slim waist was advantageous as it lets you move around while standing up.
However, it still felt top heavy for me. It possibly has to do with my height. At 167cm, I’m probably too small for the bike. A person from 180cm and up ought to reap the benefits of its ergonomics.

DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission)
Oh yes, the test unit was fitted with Honda’s proprietary DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission). It’s actually a semi-automatic/semi-manual gearbox. The rider could select D (Drive), S (Sport) or M (Manual). N (Neutral) position needs to be selected manually.
Shifting is via toggles on top and below the left switch cluster.

In D, the bike drives like a giant scooter. The transmission takes care of the upshifts and downshifts automatically. The rider can intervene at any time, but it upshifts early for smooth power and fuel savings
In S, shifting is still automatic but it will hold on to a gear until peak torque before shifting up. The gearbox will downshift when a certain limit is reached, and it will blip the throttle automatically. The rider can also intervene at any time.

In M, the rider is in charge of gear selection. The engine will also auto-blip the throttle when downshifting.
Riding the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin with DCT
Just like the VFR1200, the Africa Twin with DCT doesn’t feature a clutch lever and gear lever. This is when you have re-learn how to ride a motorcycle.
Using the fully automatic “D” feature was convenient but bear in mind that it shifts when you least expected it to. Like upshifting in the middle of a corner or downshift when you’re rolling to a stop. We found out the hard way.

DCT Lesson No. 1
I was riding with my wife as the pillion. The transmission was in D-mode, 2ndgear as I filtered past two rows of cars. It suddenly kicked down to 1stgear without warning. But since there was no clutch lever, it felt like the engine had cut out, followed by that sickening feeling of a bike toppling over.
There was a BMW 3-Series on our left, but thankfully my reflex kicked in and I pushed out my left elbow which landed on the car’s driver side window. It held the bike up from falling onto his car!
So, lesson learned. I tried S-mode for a while then decided to just use M-mode anytime I ride.

DCT lesson No. 2
Nearing my house, I shifted into 1st(you can’t shift into N when the bike’s moving) and stopped to let a car pass. I reapplied a little bit of throttle to drive the bike up to my gate.
BUT! The engine “caught” like what happens when you release the clutch lever with no engine RPM. It put out a “CLACK!” Again, no clutch lever. My reflex tried to reopen the throttle but it didn’t catch. The bike went over on the right side like a poor tree while blasts of profanities violated my neighbours’ ears. And I swear I didn’t touch the brakes!
It meant that you can’t pussyfoot with the throttle.

Conclusion
We know, it sounds like we didn’t enjoy ourselves with the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin. But we assure you that it was okay 75% of the time. It was too bad that the DCT and height needed too much concentration.
It’s a nice bike to ride if you’re an Africa Twin and Honda fan, not bad if otherwise.
The caveat is you need some time to learn it, especially if you opt for the DCT version. Besides that, the ergonomics really need some getting used to as it’s rather different from other dual-sport bikes we’ve ridden.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE

ENGINE TYPE
2-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 8-valve, liquid-cooled, parallel-Twin with 270o crankshaft

DISPLACEMENT
998 cc

BORE x STROKE
92.0 mm x 75.1 mm

POWER
93.8 hp @ 7,500 RPM

TORQUE
98 Nm @ 6,000 RPM

COMPRESSION RATIO
N/A

TRANSMISSION
Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)

FUEL SYSTEM
Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle

CLUTCH
Multiple-plate wet clutch with slipper feature

CHASSIS

FRAME
N/A

FRONT SUSPENSION
Showa cartridge-type upside down ø 45 mm forks, adjustable for preload, compression damping and rebound damping

REAR SUSPENSION
Monoshock with Pro-Link Arm, remote gas reservoir, remote preload adjuster, adjustable for rebound damping

SUSPENSION TRAVEL FRONT/REAR
252 mm / 240 mm

FRONT BRAKE
2x radially-mounted 4-piston monobloc calipers, ø 310 mm floating discs

REAR BRAKE
1X single-piston floating caliper, ø 260 mm brake disc

ABS
2-channel ABS (rear disengable)

TIRES FRONT/REAR
90/90-R21; 150/70 R-18 (both tube type)

STEERING HEAD ANGLE
N/A

TRAIL
N/A

WHEEL BASE
1,580 mm

SEAT HEIGHT
920 mm standard, 900 low seat position

FUEL TANK CAPACITY
24.2 litres

WEIGHT (READY TO RIDE)
243 kg

PICTURE GALLERY

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BMW Motorrad Option 719 Preview at Auto Bavaria

BMW Motorrad Auto Bavaria held a special preview for Option 719 last night.

Option 719 is part of the BMW Motorrad Spezial ex-factory customization program.

Option 719 is currently available for R nineT, K-Series and C-Series line-ups.

BMW Motorrad Auto Bavaria held a special preview for Option 719 last night. The special event was held in conjunction with their BMW Motorrad Fest.
Auto Bavaria unveiled four R nineT’s with various Option 719 paintjobs. A customer, Dato’ Ariffudin Mokthtar also took delivery of an R nineT Pure finished in Black Storm/Metallic Auburn.

It was appropriate to debut Option 719 on the R nineT series, since it was designed to be customized. It is perhaps high time to launch the program as the Option 719 has been around for some time.

Option 719 is part of the BMW Motorrad Spezial ex-factory customization program. Owners could specify the special options for their BMW motorcycles prior to them arriving at the showroom or order the parts later. Depending on model, customers could choose from a catalog full of components such as billet brake fluid reservoir caps, engine covers, hand levers and paint jobs.

Customization is carried out by BMW’s in-house artisans such as those who carry out pinstriping, polishing, billet machining, seat leather stitching and so forth.

Customizing one’s bike with Option 719 accessories also means that the bike’s warranty isn’t voided. Besides that, the customer is assured of work being carried out by trained personnel, hence his bike isn’t butchered.

Option 719 is currently available for the R nineT, K-Series tourers, and C-Series urban mobility (read: scooter) line-up, but there are plans to expand it to include the adventure (GS) and sport (S 1000 RR) series.

You may obtain more information about Option 719 by following the BMW Motorrad Spezial webpage.

Interested parties can view the bikes at BMW Motorrad Auto Bavaria. Please follow BMW Motorrad Malaysia’s Facebook page and BMW Motorrad Malaysia’s website for more information on BMW motorcycles.
PICTURE GALLERY

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Do You Have Bakat Besi? Take part in this contest and show us what you have!

Modenas Malaysia had recently launched the Bakat Besi: Peraduan Reka Bina contest (translated vis-a-vis as Metal Talent), Malaysia’s inaugural talent search program for motorcycle design and engineering. (No, it’s not a talent show for heavy metal bands, sorry guys.)
Motorcycle builders, mechanics, students and enthusiasts standa chance to build a career out of their passion for designing and building motorcycles. The first instalment of the program is Bakat Besi: Peraduan Reka Bina (Metal Talent: Design and Build) which seeks to unearth the appropriate talents.
There has never been a lack of creative talents here in Malaysia. Instead, they are hidden from mainstream view due to either lack of continuous exposure or mainly just because these builders are driven by their passion alone.
But what Bakat Besi: Peraduan Reka Bina aims to do is to bring these talents to the fore, with the opportunity to put their motorcycle design and engineering skills on the table, and to ultimately build a source of income for themselves and seeding the creativity of the Malaysian motorcycle industry.

The contest is divided into two categories. The first, called Bina Sifu, groups of 12 top builders (shown above) in Malaysia to customise the latest Modenas V15, Pulsar RS200 and Pulsar NS200. Modenas is the main sponsor of the Bakat Besi: Peraduan Reka Bina and they are sponsoring those bikes.
The 12 participants will be divided into six teams, consisting of a builder and constructor in each, and an RM10,000 budget is allocated to each team for the build. Entries will be judged on the grounds of aesthetics, performance and commercial value. The winner will receive a cash prize, a new Modenas motorcycle, and perhaps most importantly a production contract.

In the second category called Reka Sifu, contestants will submit their conceptual designs of a Modenas motorcycle or sticker designs. The entries will be judged by a panel, besides the public on social media.
The panel of judges will score 60% of the total points, while the remainder will be determined by the public.
As the Bina contest will be filmed, the public will gain exclusive insights to the design and build processes. The series consists of nine episodes and will be aired on Modenas’ official YouTube channel.
For more information on the contest, please log on to www.r8der.my and follow Bakat Besi: Peraduan Reka Bina on R8DER’s Facebook page.
Watch the video below for more information regarding Bakat Besi!

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Riding High in the Himalayan Range

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Most bikers dream about getting to ride one of those twisty pass in Europe. Bragging rights, a once in a lifetime experience or whatever could be the reason, its child’s play compared to what few had gone through riding across some of the highest parts of the world, riding the Himalayan range.

We are talking about places like Khardung La, in the Jammu and Kashmir state, which is at 5,359m above sea level. That’s about 1km higher than Mount Kinabalu itself, the highest point in this country.

The story started a few years back when Fadil Ali went on to follow the annual Royal Enfield’s Himalayan Odyssey ride up the mountains in the Himalayan area. He joins the group a few more times before deciding to venture off on his own adventure, going for a different section of the Himalaya. He is joined by 15 other men and one female rider for a ride from Manali to Leh, using Royal Enfield Bullet 500 bikes.

Amazingly according to Fadil, the RE bikes which was almost the same bike built back in 1955 remained stock standard with no special modification done to it. “The bikes are so simple and rudimentary, less things to go wrong and hardy, making it just perfect for our ride up the mountains,” explained Fadil. If you had watched World’s most dangerous roads on the Discovery Channel then you can have some idea of what these guys went through as the road (if you can call it that) are quite similar to that.

Some are paved but most are just made of gravel, only passable during a short period of time, between May to September. Their journey started in New Delhi where they landed and took an 18-hour bus ride to Manali where they picked-up their rented bikes and their guide.

Two nights in Manali to acclimatise before they were off Sarchu campsite, which is 230km away. While dying of a high-speed crash is impossible since they were maxing out at 30 to 40km/h speed most of the time, there were many other factors that made the journey dangerous.

Sub-zero temperatures, land slides, falling rocks and high altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) were some of the dangers the group had to face throughout the ride. Amazingly they had to go through all of that on the Manali to Sarchu section itself. “It was one of the scary moments of the ride, though the group had done some preparation for the ride, it still took a lot out of the group,” said Fadil.

As the only female participant on the trip, Alison Murugesu didn’t see it as challenge as she puts it, “I have 17 heroic men to help me if I need so,” said Alison laughing. On tow with Alison was her ten-year-old son Adrian Ishak Ghani, who was happily being pillion whenever conditions permits, which was scarce. Most of the time the young traveler was safely following the group in the back-up crew’s 4×4.

After a night’s rest the group moved on to Leh, 260km away. Again it was a challenging ride for the group especially Mohd Ishar Ishak who was suffering from AMS.

“The most part of the routes were gravelly. I remember letting the bike fall, when I failed in my attempt to ride a shortcut via a 45deg slope. I could not remember the fall, it happened in a blink of an eye. However, I remember thinking, ah.. I fell,” explained Ishar.

“Lucky for me, I was wearing a full PPE for riding. I suffered neither a scratch nor a bruise. I did feel some weird feeling on my right hip joint, whenever I squat, but it went away after two days. After that, I discovered that I could sit cross-legged for a long time without pain – so, the fall had fixed my right hip joint.”

Ishar decided to play it safe and finish the section in the safety of the group’s 4×4 support vehicle. Upon reaching Leh, they had a free and easy time for the next two days where the group rest and gathered their strength while taking their time visiting some local attractions like the museum. Leh, located about 3500m above the sea is an important location for travelers to stopover since ancient time as it is located between India and China.

The last three days the group rode to nearby locations like Nubra Valley and Lake Pangong before returning to Leh and then to Delhi for the flight back. “It was an eye opener, everything is raw, the trip really gives me a new perspective in life,” said Mohd Hamka Mohd Hassan.

Are they going for it again? for sure, at least Fadil is, to a different location and interested bikers are welcomed.
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HJC Helmets sponsors MotoGP rider Andrea Iannone!

HJC Helmets has announced that they will be sponsoring Andrea Iannone for the 2018 and 2019 MotoGP seasons.
The 29 year old Italian from the Suzuki ECSTAR team will be using a brand new professional racing helmet based on their highly-regarded HJC RPHA 11.
Catch Iannone and his brand new HJC helmet this Sunday during the MotoGP 2018 Sepang winter test.

HJC Helmets is proud to introduce their latest sponsored rider, Andrea Iannone from the Suzuki ECSTAR of MotoGP. The number 1 brand helmet in North America has signed the 28 year old Italian rider for the 2018 and 2019 MotoGP seasons.
Image source: MotoGP
Andrea Iannone also known as “The Maniac” has been in the limelight for quite some time now ever since he joined the premier league. Once a rider for Ducati Team, he was the one who ended the top podium drought for Ducati in MotoGP two years back.
Image source: MotoGP
He then made his move to Suzuki to help them develop one of the most anticipated MotoGP race bikes that is the Suzuki GSX-RR. Paired with his wild riding style and charismatic personality, it’s no wonder that HJC made the deal with the talented Italian.
Image source: MotoGP
According to Andrea Iannone, “I am very excited to join the HJC Helmet family this year.  HJC has a tradition of quality and race performance helmets. With their multiple MotoGP title sponsorships and the large portfolio of racers around the world, HJC is the brand of choice in MotoGP. I am glad to be one of their top ambassadors and I look forward to a long-term commitment to the brand.”

HJC Helmets also announced that Iannone will be wearing a brand new helmet developed specifically for professional racing purposes. This new race helmet will be developed from the flagship and most high-end helmet in the market, the HJC RPHA 11 full face helmet.
Image source: MotoGP
Catch Andrea Iannone and his brand new HJC helmet this Sunday during the first day of the MotoGP 2018 Sepang winter test happening from 28 to 30 January 2018. See you guys there!
2017 HJC RPHA 11 Monster Energy helmets now in Malaysia – RM2,429!

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Malaysia Speed Festival 2018 (MSF) ready for Round 2

Round 2 of the Malaysia Speed Festival 2018 (MSF) is set to roll this weekend on 7 and 8 April 2018.
Over 60 bikes have registered for the track day sessions as well as the first round of the MSF Super400 and MSF Super1000 races.
Other events include MSF Drift Gonzo, MSF Cars Racing, and also MSF Car Track Day.

Over 60 motorcycles will be going head to head against each other this weekend (7 and 8 April 2018) at the Malaysia Speed Festival 2018 or otherwise known as MSF. One of the biggest national motorsports events will be held at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) and where motorcycle racers will battle it out in the MSF Super400 and MSF Super1000.

This is your chance to get up close and personal with some very interesting race machines registered in the two bike categories. The entrance to Main Grandstand free of charge but it’ll be way more fun if you opt for the option to watch the races live from the paddock with just a small entrance fee of RM20 (RM35 after 11 am).

All track day enthusiasts and motoring fans are welcomed to join the activities where it’s not just superbikes that’ll battle it out in the first round of MSF Superbikes. Other planned activities include MSF Superbike Track Day on Saturday, MSF Drift Gonzo for all you drift junkies as well as MSF Cars Racing and track day for those who prefer four-wheelers.

To know more about this all-weekend motorsports extravaganza, check out the official MSF Facebook page.
Image source: MSF
“One state, one race circuit in 10 years” – Khairy Jamaluddin

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2021 Yamaha MT-09 photos leaked online

It was only last week that Yamaha Motor Europe released a teaser video for what looks like the new 2021 Yamaha MT-09. Not much info has been released for the bike apart from the message “Coming soon” but now, some leaked photos have made their way online and this is what it’ll look like.

Starting from the front, the new-generation Yamaha MT-09 comes with a new front headlight design that reminds us of the old KTM 390 Duke. The setup now has one main headlight and two strips of DRLs on the side which we assume are all LEDs. This design might be on the fence for Yamaha enthusiasts.

The fuel tank is now sculpted differently with new side air intakes which helps send some much-needed air to what we assume is a new and bigger triple-cylinder engine. Experts in the field have indicated that the new MT-09 has an updated 890cc unit that puts out around 120hp, a decent 5% increase from its predecessor.

Another new feature that we can see is a new TFT screen that displays a bunch of things like traction control level, selectable riding modes, fuel level, gear indicator, and a small display on the side that indicates the presence of an up/down quickshifter. Sweet.
And it that a set of Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 rubbers? Double sweet.

More details will be released soon regarding a possible new chassis and swingarm, but for now, this is all we can confirm via the leaked photos. There’s no indication on when the official launch will be, but these shots will certainly mean that it is soon. Really soon. Stay tuned, folks.
20% discount on spare parts @ Modenas Power Store, Kota Damansara!

Written by: Sep Irran
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Guy Martin quits road racing

Legendary road racer Guy Martin has decided to call it quits on his career as an international road racer following an unsuccessful return to the road racing scene.
After an unexpected return to road racing by accepting an offer from the Honda Racing Team, everything went downhill from there for both Guy Martin and John McGuinness.
As McGuinness sat out of the Isle of Man TT race following a broken leg from a crash in the North West 200, Martin finally puts a stop on road racing after fruitless attempt with the Honda Racing Team.

Following his recent withdrawal this year’s Ulster Grand Prix prior the 2017 Isle of Man TT, legendary road racer Guy Martin has decided to call it quits on his career as an international road racer. After suffering a major crash at the 2015 Ulster Grand Prix road race, most of us would think that Guy Martin would count his lucky stars after making out alive from that horrible crash which resulted in weeks of hospitalisation.

He finally broke his road racing blackout after accepting a once-in-a-lifetime offer by Neil Tuxworth, the big gun of Honda road racing handling the Honda Racing Team for the Isle of Man TT race. Together with John McGuinness aka “The King of the Mountain” and the latest Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2, Martin accepted the offer. The fairytale completely ended even before the 2017 Isle of Man TT races concluded.
Image source: Grimsby Telegraph
The first blow was felt when the brand new Honda Fireblades were received late by the team which left both McGuinness and Martin not enough time for testing and development. Things turned for the worse for the entire team when McGuinness suffered a huge crash caused by an unexpected throttle blip from the race kit ECU which left him with a broken leg and out of this year’s TT race.
John McGuinness (left) with Guy Martin (right)
Martin did not have a good time as well during the TT race as he suffered a crash in the Superbike race when his bike unexpectedly suffered a false neutral that left Martin shaken and unconfident with the bike’s ability to compete at the highest levels. Martin sat out the final premiere class Senior TT race following the incident.
Image source: Grimsby Telegraph
Martin finally call quits for his long road racing career after one final test session in Cadwell Park. According to the 35 year old Brit, “Racing’s been good to me, but I’m bored of it. You spend the early part of the year preparing for the season – testing, racing, talking about it, and then doing it all over again. It’s like Groundhog Day. It’s time to stop.”
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2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 Lands In Malaysia – RM135,900

Last year, we witnessed the official unveiling of the new Ducati Multistrada V4 at the 2021 Ducati World Premier.
Fast forward into September, Next Bike Sdn Bhd the official distributor of the Ducati brand in Malaysia has finally unveiled the all-new Multistrada V4 for the local market.

Starting with the design, the new 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 still carries that iconic Italian ADV bike looks where form blends exceptionally well with function.
At the front, the headlight is inspired by the very sporty Panigale series thanks to its full-LED setup and daytime-running lights with cornering illumination functions.

You’ll also see a strange square box embedded upfront, which is the bike’s internal radar system linked to its Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection systems.

A more sporty appeal is seen on the sides thanks to those wind-shaped curves that not only looks superb but also helps to increase stability as well as provide thermal and aerodynamic comfort.

This also helps with the overall riding ergonomics due to its slim subframe for ‘greater control and riding pleasure.

The heart of the new Multistrada V4 lies a 1,158cc Ducati Granturismo V4 engine that puts out 170hp at 10,500rpm and 125Nm of torque at 8,750rpm.

Features like a counter-rotating crankshaft (MotoGP inspired) and dedicated gearshift (Panigale V4 inspired) offer even more versatility, especially with its shorter first gear and longer sixth gear.

Safety features include:
Riding Modes
Power Modes
ABS Cornering
Ducati Traction Control
Ducati Wheelie Control
Daytime Running Light
Ducati Brake Light

Pricing for the new Multistrada V4 starts from RM135,900.
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New colours for 2020 Yamaha Niken GT

Yamaha has updated its Sport Touring models for the global market with a diverse line-up of bikes ranging from 700cc – 1,300cc. What you’re looking at the moment is the 2020 Yamaha Niken and Niken GT, which are now available in some new and very cool colours (not in Malaysia, though).

For those who are able to obtain the Yamaha Niken and Niken GT, the 2020 model gets new colour options. The range-topping 2020 Yamaha Niken GT is now available in the new ‘Tech Black’ colourway, featuring a bright red cowl, front fenders, and side panels that offer a more ‘sporty and dynamic’ façade.

If Tech Black is not up to your taste, the Niken GT is also available in Phantom Blue and Nimbus Grey. If you want a regular 2020 Yamaha Niken, that is now available in the classic Graphite finish. No matter what colour you choose, rolling around on this three-wheeled beast will certainly make you the centre of attention.

The Niken is powered by a powerful 847cc inline-three DOHC crossplane-crank engine (the same one in the very popular MT-09) that produces around 115hp, which is more than enough to offer an exhilarating sport touring performance no matter if you’re blasting down the highways or carving through mountain roads.

This is the craziest Yamaha Niken in the world!

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Ten Must-Have Tools for Motorcyclists

Tools are essential in any motorcycle.

While modern motorcycles are as reliable as the atomic clock, that doesn’t discount emergencies.

It’s always best to be prepared for the worst.

Roadside motorcycle repairs are almost extinct in these times as motorcycles become ever more reliable. However, that doesn’t rule out breakdowns due to say, minor accidents (touch wood!), such as experienced by this writer during the recent GIVI Rimba Raid Mat Daling.
Time to break out the tools kit.
This is no time to discover that either you’ve got no tools or crappy and/or inadequate ones that came with your bike (depending on the manufacturer).
Here are Ten Must Have Tools. You could choose to store them under your bike’s seat or in the tool box, but best to we ride while adhering to the Scouts’ principle of being ready.

 Multi-tool

A multi-tool is always handy as it combines many tools into one compact package. You’d usually find a knife, a pair of pliers, a pair of screwdrivers with different heads. Do get yourself a sturdy set such as those from Victorinox (the ever-popular Swiss Army knife), Gerber or Leatherman.
The caveat of a multi-tool is that it only contains basic tools, leaving out the wrench, among others.

2. Screwdrivers
The screwdrivers included with multi-tools are too short, thereby lacking the torque to turn stubborn screws, besides being unable to reach difficult places. You ought to include a pair of 15cm (6”) long Phillips and straight-edged screwdrivers under the seat. Also, best that they have magnetic tips to help you in retrieving metal objects.

3. Pliers
You may already have a multi-tool, but it’s still best to have a dedicated pair of pliers under the seat, in case you forget the multi-tool. We prefer the needle-nose (long nose) variety as it could fit into tight spaces. Do choose the pair with a sharp and strong cutter.

4. Allen/Hex Keys
Most bikes use both normal screws in combination with allen or hex (usually called “flower” locally) screws. Yes, you can find an entire set contained in a flip-out style holder, but we recommend that you obtain ones with long handles for the necessary torque. Additionally, find those with ball-ends as they slot in easier at acute angles. You can bring those corresponding to the sizes of the screws on your bike and leave the rest at home.

5. Adjustable wrench (spanner)
Honestly, we abhor the adjustable wrench as it never fits a bolt or nut exactly, leading to rounded bolts and nuts. Yet, it’s the only tool you could turn to when you don’t have enough wrenches or sockets. A locking type is recommended as it frees your hands to work on other things.

6. Wrenches (Spanners)
How could anyone leave these out? You don’t have to buy from the smallest to the largest, instead have those sizes on your bike. Please don’t be cheap when you shop for wrenches (or any tool for that matter) as low-quality ones with have you crying over rounded bolts and nuts.

7. Puncture repair kit
Every motorist, motorcyclists included, should learn how to fix a flat tyre and carry a set of puncture repair kit. Sure, you could call for assistance but what if you had a flat in some deserted location without telephone service. At night. We found this Oxford tyre repair kit in Hodaka Motoworld.

8. Torchlight
You could argue that any mobile phone has a torchlight function. Very true. But you need one hand to hold on to it or place it on somewhere secure. A headlamp is best. We found compact, bright, weatherproof and long-running LED ones from Energizer here in Malaysia.

9. Cable ties
No tool pouch or toolbox is complete without cable ties. You could repair just about anything with them, such a dropped number plate, loose bodywork, etc.

10. Duct Tape
No ducks were harmed in making duck tapes. Hahaha. Sorry, just a little joke. Duct tapes are excellent for temporarily repairing leaks for example a hose (hence the name “duct”) or patching up small leaks.

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