BMW plans sub-500cc model range

BMW Motorrad have confirmed and announced plans to build a series of sub-500cc models, intending to introduce them globally within the next few years.
This marks BMW Motorrad’s first entry into the sub-500cc market segment. The range will reportedly include nakeds and perhaps adventure models with a capacity no larger than 250cc. The German firm has signed a co-op with India-based bike makers TVS Motor for the project.
Aimed primarily for developing Asian markets, BMW’s sub-500cc range will be built in India and is poised to compete strongly against the likes of KTM and its smaller capacity Duke series. BMW Motorrad president Stephan Schaller stated that this new range will meet BMW’s expectations in terms of riding fun, stability, agility, and performance rating.
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All-New Royal Enfield Scram 411 Now In Malaysia – From RM26,900

After its global introduction in March 2022, local distributor Didi Group has officially launched the Royal Enfield Scram 411 for the Malaysian market.

New Royal Enfield Scram 411 is a stripped-down Himalayan poised for the urban scrambler.
Features the same 411cc single SOCH engine as the off-road capable Himalayan 411.

Dubbed as an ‘urban scrambler’, it’s essentially the brand’s Himalayan adventure bike that’s been stripped down and given a proper modern retro styling twist.
Whilst the Scram 411’s base chassis remains unchanged from the Himalayan, it does employ identical 41mm front forks tweaked with slightly less travel – 190mm down from 200mm. The rear monoshock’s 180mm travel figure remains unchanged though.

That, along with the adoption of 21-inch (front) and 19-inch (rear) wheels ought to see the Royal Enfield Scram 411 boast slightly better on-road manners compared to the Himalayan ADV it underpins.

Also unchanged is the Himalayan’s powertrain package employed by the Royal Enfield Scram 411. You get the same air-cooled 411cc single with 24.3bhp @ 6,500rpm and 32NM @ 4,000RPM in this urban retro redux of said ADV machine.

Other major changes from the Himalayan obviously lay in the overall styling. The Scram 411 trade’s away the Himalayan’s fairing and high mudguard for a stripped down look with a small bit of bodywork to covering the instrument dial’s back.
There’s also a new single-piece seat that Royal Enfield says will offer enhanced comfort for long riding stints allowed by the sizeable 12.5-litre tank present, not forgetting the brand’s Tripper navigation unit brimmed as standard a feature too.

Like what you see in the new Royal Enfield Scram 411? Head to Royal Enfield latest showroom at Gasket Alley to check out the new bike priced at RM26,900 (base), RM27,100 (mid) and RM27,400 (premium).
GALLERY: 2022 ROYAL ENFIELD HIMALAYAN SCRAM 411

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MotoGP: Dovizioso conquers Austria; Marquez & Pedrosa podium

The Austrian MotoGP round of 2017 saw a tremendous battle between race winner Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) and championship leader, Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda).
After overtaking Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) who led the first half of the race, the duo battled continuously up until the very last corner of the very last lap.
Fellow Repsol Honda rider, Dani Pedrosa completed the podium spot with a third place finish.

The 11th round of the MotoGP 2017 held at the iconic Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria was indeed a great addition into the history books as one of the most captivating races of all time.

It was a battle to the finish between the factory Ducati riders and of course the Repsol Honda boys in a nail biting race especially between race winner Andrea Dovizioso and Marc Marquez.

The pair was cool and calm at the beginning of the race where surprisingly Jorge Lorenzo and his aero wing fitted Ducati Desmosedici GP17 led the first half of the race. After a dramatic overtaking manoeuvre by both Dovizioso and Marquez, the real battle for the win started between the Ducati and Honda.

Change of the lead!!!
The battle is heating up at the #AustrianGP ? ? ?The Ducatis vs Marc Marquez!
Posted by MotoGP on 13hb Ogos 2017

Countless overtaking manoeuvres were carried out between the Italian and the Spaniard. With Marquez pushing his limits, it was Dovizioso who came up triumphant with his cool and almost perfect riding.

The pair almost clashed at the final turn in the very last lap when Marquez came in too hot on board his Honda RC213V but DesmoDovi kept his Desmosedici GP17 tight across the apex and crossed the chequered flag as the victor. To check out the video, CLICK HERE.

The other Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa completed the podium after almost catching up with the front two when they were tripping up each other. Pedrosa’s uncharacteristic choice of going with the hard rear tyre was the main culprit in being unable to fight for the win.

Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) surprised everyone by not only leading the first half of the race but piloted his Ducati almost as good and smooth as the days when he was riding the Yamaha M1.

It seems that whatever Ducati has done to his Desmosedici is working quite well for the Spaniard especially the new carbon fibre forks and the newly-installed aerodynamic fairings. Lorenzo crossed the line in P4.

Unsurprisingly, fellow Frenchman Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) was the top Yamaha rider after capitalising on not one but two opportunities when the two factory Yamaha riders from the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP outfit overshot the same turn during the Austrian GP.

Zarco kept his cool and crossed the finish line as not only the top Yamaha rider on a satellite bike but also the top independent rider.

The Movistar Yamaha duo, Maverick Vinales and Valentino Rossi seemed to carry very good paces earlier in the race. Due to tough competition especially from the factory Ducati and Honda machineries, they were left to salvage P6 and P7 respectively.

Almost five seconds behind Rossi was Alvaro Bautista (Pull&Bear Aspar Team) who had quite a lonely race. Right behind him was Loris Baz (Reale Avintia Racing) and wildcard rider for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team, Mika Kallio completed the top 10.

As of now, Marc Marquez seats on top of the 2017 MotoGP world championship standings with 174 points followed by today’s race winner Andrea Dovizioso with 158 points and Maverick Vinales with 150 points.

The MotoGP circus will now head to the United Kingdom for the Octo British Grand Prix which is going to be held at the legendary Silverstone Circuit on 27 August 2017. Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more MotoGP updates.
Image source: MotoGP
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Honda CBR150R Repsol Edition Now In Malaysia – Only 800 Units, RM13,499

The 2022 Honda CBR150R Repsol Edition are now available in Malaysia.

the Repsol Edition features the iconic orange colour scheme taken from Honda’s RC213V MotoGP machine ridden by Marc Marquez.
priced at RM13,499.

Limited to 800 units, the CBR150R Repsol Edition features the same orange livery as Honda’s RC213V MotoGP machine.
The iconic orange colour scheme can be seen on the tank, side panels, above the front headlamp on the front and rear wheels. The Repsol wording is also noticeable on both sides of the bodywork.
Mechanically, the CBR150R Repsol edition still features the same equipment and electronics, including the wavy disc brake, fully digital speedometer and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Powering the CBR150R Repsol edition is the same 150cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine capable of producing 16hp @ 9,000rpm and 13.7Nm @ 7,000rpm. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a 6-speed transmission with a final chain drive.
For those interested, the Honda CBR150R Repsol Edition is priced at RM13,499.
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WMOTO RT3 250 ABS Lands In Malaysia – RM15,188!

The 250cc maxi-scooter segment now has a new competitor in WMOTO latest model, the RT3 250 ABS.
Officially launch via online presentation, the scooter will now join Modenas Elegan 250 ABS, SYM Crusym 250, Yamaha XMAX and other notable brands to be sold in Malaysia.

The RT3 is packed with many latest features, including the intelligent key system (keyless) that enables the rider to turn on or off the engine, open under-seat storage, and open the fuel cap without a physical key.

The scooter also offers a great range with the help of a 17L fuel tank, while the suspension system is handled by a telescopic front fork and adjustable dual shock absorbers at the rear.

WMOTO RT3 is powered by a 247cc single-cylinder 4-valve DOHC engine that produces 23hp @ 8,000rpm and 22.5Nm @ 6,500rpm, an added advantage over the 249.1cc SOHC, 2-valve engine found on the Elegan 250.

Other notable features include:

full LED lights setup
wide storage space
two UBS ports
adjustable side mirrors
adjustable brake lever
120/70 front and 140/60 rear tyre
combination of digital LCD and analogue meter

The WMOTO RT3 is available at a recommended selling price of RM15,188.
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Suzuki Malaysia is back, baby!

A couple of months ago, Suzuki Assemblers Malaysia announced that they’ll be closing up shop. The good news is that there will be a new party taking over the Suzuki motorcycle brand here in Malaysia and we can now confirm that the new Suzuki Malaysia Sdn Bhd which has been said to take over all future arrangements is actually the same folks from Kawasaki Motors Malaysia (KMSB).

We Are Back to Malaysia!Stay connected on our social media for updates and interesting news coming Up NEXT!#suzukimalaysia
Posted by Suzuki Malaysia on Selasa, 22 September 2020

The news has been circulating for quite a while considering the fact that Suzuki dealers and customers are worried about the brand’s presence here in the country. We also got to know that KMSB will be taking over the role as Suzuki’s official distributor here in Malaysia but it was never confirmed until earlier this month.

A package of moon cakes was sent to esteemed media members but this time around, there were two cards attached to it. One was addressed from KMSB’s headquarters in Glenmarie, Shah Alam and the other card with the same message was addressed from Suzuki Malaysia Sdn Bhd, with the address located right next to KMSB’s.

Earlier today, they’ve officially announced their return to several social media platforms and we can only assume that the official announcement will come very soon, together with the plans for the future of Suzuki here in Malaysia. The obvious questions would be what new models they’ll introduce to the market and when.
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Art Of Speed Malaysia awards lucky draw winner

Art Of Speed lucky draw winner receives brand new Triumph Street Twin from Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd.

For 20-year-old Wan Muhammad Afiq bin Wan Mamat, it seemed like a dream come true earlier this week when he took delivery of a brand new Triumph Street Twin as the lucky draw winner from Art Of Speed 2016 (AOS 2016).
“I still can’t believe that I won a bike! Thank you Triumph and AOS for this amazing prize!” said this youngster from Kelantan earlier week during a special handover ceremony held in the flagship Triumph Petaling Jaya showroom.

To refresh your memory, Art Of Speed Malaysia partnered up with exclusive Triumph motorcycles distributors Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd (Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia) for the special lucky draw prize at this year’s Art Of Speed event. The lucky draw was open exclusively to ticket holders of AOS 2016.

Also present during the special ceremony was Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd CEO Dato’ Razak Al-Malique. Having handed Afiq with the keys to his brand new Street Twin, Dato’ Razak also congratulated the lucky and perhaps deserving winner.

The executive further added, “The AOS event is an important platform for our company and the sponsorship is also essential for the success of Triumph motorcycles in these recent years.”

During this presentation, Art Of Speed Malaysia also took the opportunity to announce its Gasolina Tour 2016. This tour will be held as both a stand-alone event and in of other local organisers in an effort to create more quality content for the latter’s communities nationwide.
The tour kicks off this weekend in Tanjung Bungah, Penang from Aug 26 to Aug 28 where it joins the island state community’s TryHarder at presenting a ‘Main Stage’ event of sorts.

The event in Penang this weekend will greet visiting enthusiasts with a laidback approach that’s supplemented with music, entertainment and campsite activities plus an “Aloha Ride” group ride around the island.
Other highlights of the Art Of Speed Gasolina Tour 2016 later this year include an appearance at this year’s Port Dickson International Bike Fest, as well as Puteri Harbour in Johore during the Iskarnival Festival later this year on Nov 13 and 14.
In between those two tour dates, Art Of Speed Malaysia will also host a bloc party to commemorate its new home base in Bandar Sunway. Scheduled for Oct 15, it will be co-hosted with Beautiful Machines and Riders Garage.
You can stay up to date with Art Of Speed Malaysia via its official webpage, artofspeedmy.com and through its official Facebook page as well.
(Images courtesy of Art Of Speed Malaysia)

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Another Child’s Limb Trapped Due to Loose Clothing

Picture credit Harian Metro

A child’s limb was trapped at a motorcycle’s back wheel of a motorcycle.

His loose jacket was caught by the motorcycle’s rear wheel.

This was one of many motorcycle accidents resulting from loose clothing.

The nation was shocked by in June 2018 when a 5-year-old lost her arm. Another case followed in July when a 7-year-old girl lost her leg when I got stuck in the rear wheel of a motorcycle.
Yet another child had his limb stuck in similar fashion just hours ago in Bandar Sunway.
The boy was riding pillion on a motorcycle when the jacket he was wearing was entangled in the rear wheel. The force pulled him off the motorcycle, and his left arm into the space between the shock absorber and the wheel. Eyewitnesses reported that his jacket was too large, hence too loose for the boy.
Onlookers hurried to assist the stricken boy and managed to free him arm. He did not suffer further injuries, thankfully.
There have been many motorcycle accidents involving loose clothing of late. In September 2018, a 35-year-old man and his 69-year-old fell off their motorcycle when the pillion’s loose jacket was caught in the sprocket of their motorcycle. The former died on the spot due to head injuries.
Another child broke his arm in April 2017 when riding pillion with his mother.
Please ensure that your clothing is not too loose and securely fastened before your ride. The rider should always check if his passenger’s wearing proper safety gear and that they are secured.
Source: Harian Metro
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Algarve GP: Bagnaia Takes Third Premier Class Win, Ducati Clinched 2021 Constructors Champion

Francesco Bagnaia produced a dazzling display to record his third win MotoGP win of the season as the race was cut short due to a red flag incident involving Iker Lecuona and Miguel Oliveira.
The Ducati Corse rider was on top of his game in Portimao, leading every lap around the circuit since the start of the race.

Despite a bad start that saw teammate Jack Miller take the lead from Bagnaia, the Australian lead lasted just one corner as Bagnaia repassed Miller at Turn 2.
Bagnaia was leading the race comfortably ahead of Joan Mir and Miller with just five laps to go.
Shortly after that, Lecuona crashed into Oliveira, which resulted in a red flag.

The red flag means Bagnaia recorded his third premier class win while Mir and Miller completed the podium.
“I’m thrilled! We deserved this pole position, as in the Portuguese GP, our lap time got cancelled due to the yellow flags.
“I was improving again on the last lap, but unfortunately, I made a mistake in the last sector and went wide. We are strong this weekend; we tried both the medium and hard tyre, and we were pretty competitive with both.
“Today was cool and windy, but tomorrow the conditions should be better, so tomorrow morning we’ll evaluate what our final tyre choice will be for the race,” said Bagnaia.

Meanwhile, the success of Bagnaia and Miller alongside fellow Ducati’s Johann Zarco, Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini has helped the Italian firm to be crowned back-to-back 2021 MotoGP Constructors World Champion.
Ducati secured a total of 21 podiums this season.
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MotoGP: Max Biaggi To Join RNF Aprilia In 2023, Shutdown Moto3 Team

MotoGP legend, Max Biaggi has decided to shutdown his Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max Racing Moto3 team after four years.

Max Biaggi is heavily linked with a move to RNF Aprilia MotoGP team for the 2023 season.
Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max Racing to exit Moto3 by the end of 2022.

The announcement came at the back of John McPhee and Ayumu Sasaki taking top two podium position at the Malaysian MotoGP on Sunday.
The four-time 250cc Grand Prix champion and two-time Superbike World Champion (WSBK) titleholder recalled the team achievement in the last years.
“A wonderful double, after a very difficult period, in which it was necessary to make painful decisions.
“We started the World Championship Moto3 four years ago and every year we got at least one win. In the debut year there were even three, like this year.
“We had the pleasure and honor to bring three different drivers back to victory and we brought a young driver to the first victory. All this fills me with pride and satisfaction. We started very far away and after a few years we set up a winning team, but now for me the time has come for new challenges.
“Valencia will represent the last race in Moto3 of the Max Racing Team. I want to thank Sterilgarda Alimenti, which has always supported me, Husqvarna Motorcycles, KTM and all those who in recent years have contributed to achieving these results,” he said.

In addition, the 51-year-old also hints looking forward to the next project in 2023.
Reports suggest that his next destination is to join Razlan Razali’s RNF Aprilia MotoGP outfit where he will assume the role of Technical Advisor.
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The Watkins M001 – A bike you need to see to believe

Jack Watkins is the person responsible for the Watkins M001 custom bike.
The Gdańsk University of Technology lecturer with a PhD in mechanical design took four years just to design the front end.
Powering this technological marvel is a BMW R 1150 RT engine from 2002.

What happens when a fella with a PhD in mechanical design who works for a Polish industrial firm and also a lecturer/researcher at the Gdańsk University of Technology decided to build a custom bike? The end result is the Watkins M001 and an endless supply of dropped jaws on the floor.

After years of breaking down the essence of design, mechanical and advanced fundamentals of how motorcycles work plus where it should lead into the future, Jack Watkins gave birth to the extravagant Watkins M001 which started out life as an idea wrapped around an air-cooled BMW R 1150 RT engine. The hub-centre steering design alone took four years to accomplish but the result is nothing short of spectacular.

With the help of Mateusz Kozlowski from Moto Spec in Gdańsk, almost everything is custom made to perfection in order to bring Watkins’ vision to life. Hundreds of components had to be made in order to get the Watkins M001 to perform as how it should. Some parts were sourced and then customised afterwards like its R 1150 RT engine from 2002, rear shock, GS rear wheel, and Yamaha XJ6 front wheel with a milled hub just to name a few.

Looking at the main chassis, Watkins went for two sheets of laser-cut steel and basically bend them into place. Thanks to his specialised skills in 3D technology, Jack was able to achieve some very impossible tasks like getting the engine mounting points right and manufacturing his own jig to weld everything together.

A 16-litre fuel tank was also a huge challenge in making sure everything fits perfectly in the bike’s dimensions. Major considerations on weight distribution were also thought of as Watkins wanted the bike lean more towards its rear end. Our favourite custom piece has to be its complex exhaust system where it took Jack over five hours to install. He also claimed that the noise it makes is ‘unique’.

We could go on and on about how the bike is a prime example of a technological masterpiece in terms of design and functionality but we would rather you sit back and just soak in the genius that is the Watkins M001.

Image source: Watkins by Maciek Bejma
Check out this BMW R1250 Global Sport Concept

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MotoGP:Maverick Viñales confirms move to Yamaha

Rising MotoGP sensation Maverick Viñales confirms his move into Yamaha for 2017.

It has been speculated for weeks, and now it is officially official. Young Spanish rider Maverick Viñales will be leaving the Ecstar Suzuki Team by season’s end to join the factory-backed Yamaha MotoGP squad for next season.
The first confirmation came from Team Ecstar Suzuki where it announced that 21-year-old Viñales will not be on the team’s roster for the 2017 season. Minutes after that, the Movistar Yamaha Factory Racing team issued its announcement that Viñales will join its team and race alongside Valentino Rossi for the next two season – 2017 and 2018.

Maverick Viñales has admitted himself in the recent weeks that this decision would be the ‘hardest of his life’, but the confirmed statement by both the factory-backed Suzuki and Yamaha teams have offically confirmed his decision.
Dubbed as MotoGP’s next biggest thing, the young Spaniard has got all the makings of becoming MotoGP’s next champion. Maverick Viñales began his GP racing career back in 2011 where he began racing in the defuncted 125cc world championship for Aprilia.
2012 saw him swithing to the Honda-powered Blussens Avintia Moto3 team and the KTM-powered Team Calvo outfit in 2013. With the latter outfit, Maverick Viñales scored the 2013 World Moto3 Championship before moving up into Moto2 in 2014 with the Paginas Amarillas HP40 team and ranked third overall.

His debut in the premier class came last year when he signed with the returning Suzuki factory outfit where he outraced his more experienced teammate and compatriot Aleix Espargaro on a number of occasions. The best performance came recently when he landed a podium finish during the French GP.
It will be interestng to see how the young Spanish sensation would perform as he joins the championship-winning Movistar Yamaha Factory Racing team led by manager Lin Jarvis. More importantly, we’d like to see how he does now that he gets to race alongside his childhood hero, Valentino Rossi.
Sources: MCN (Link 1 / link 2) / AutoEvolution
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Kawasaki Buys More MODENAS Shares

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. has increased their stake in Modenas.

Their current purchase will see them hold a 30% stake, up from 11%.

But converting the upcoming CPS will bring KHI’s stake to 48%.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) otherwise known as “Kawasaki Japan” increases their stake in Modenas from 19 to 30 percent.
KHI and DRB-Hicom Bhd. entered an agreement for KHI to purchase and additional 14.3 million shares which equals an 11 percent stake. The shares were valued at RM 40.3 million cash.
Additionally, KHI is also subscribing to 52 million convertible preference shares (CPS) that will be issued by Modenas. KHI’s stake in the company will rise to 48% upon conversion.
KHI’s larger equity means that will actively participate in Modenas’s operations, rather than just being a bystander. The two entities have been partners for more than 20 years and KHI has been a 19% shareholder in Modenas since the latter’s inception in 1995.
The first Modenas motorcycles were based on Kawasaki’s models, including the Jaguh 175 lightweight cruiser. Apart from producing motorcycles, Modenas also machines components for KHI.
Their production facility is based in Gurun, Kedah and has a capacity of 130,000 units per year.
It’ll be interesting to see what KHI has in mind for the Modenas-Bajaj partnership.
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Video: WRC ace Loeb shows off biking skills

Nine-time WRC champion Sébastien Loeb proved that he is the master of both four and two-wheels in the video posted below.
The Frenchman, widely regarded as the WRC’s equivalent to F1’s Schumacher, traded his usual Citroën rally car for several bikes during the Scorpion Masters event held at the Paul Ricard circuit late last year. In the video below, you will see Loeb mastering a beastly KTM 1290 Super Duke R on circuit, followed by stints off-roading with a KTM dirt bike and a trials bike.

According to sources, Loeb finished 13th out of 28 bikers during the event. Notable names that took part in the Scorpion Masters included WSB’s David Checa, world motocross double-ace Frederic Bolley, and champion supermoto rider Boris Chambon. Winning the Scorpion Master however was multiple endurance champion David Knight.
Loeb’s somewhat successful participation only adds to his extensive achievements list that does not seem to fit his semi-retirement. Next, the 40-year-old Frenchman will reportedly enter to race in the World Touring Car Championship.
Source: Visordown
Main image: Snohomish Spirits and Sports
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Gallery: 2015 Shell Malaysian MotoGP pre-race press conference

Sights and sounds from Thursday’s pre-race press conference ahead of the 2015 Shell Malaysian MotoGP race weekend.

The 2015 Shell Malaysian MotoGP kicked off in high gear today starting with a pre-race press conference.

Present here were Movistar Yamaha riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo, Ducati Corse rider Andrea Iannone, Repsol Honda rider Marc Marquez, rookie and  Suzuki Ecstar rider Maverick Viñales, as well as Danny Kent from the Leopard Racing-Honda Moto3 team.

Also making a special appearance here was newly crowned Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup champion Ayumu Sasaki.

The atmosphere was indeed tense, especially between battling Yamaha teammates Rossi and Lorenzo. Rossi has the opportunity to clinch this year’s title in Sepang this weekend, but he will face still opposition from teammate and title rival Lorenzo.

However, one should also not discount soon to be de-throned world champion Marquez’ intent at spoiling the rivalry. Marquez did just that in the previous round held in Australia whilst his Repsol Honda teammate, Dani Pedrosa, did the same two round earlier in Japan.

Also under pressure this weekend is Danny Kent. The Brit has a very strong chance at clinching the world Moto3 title this weekend should he not suffer the same fate as he did in the last two rounds.

Ducati’s Andrea Iannone, on the other hand, also expressed his keen intent earlier today at putting on another stellar performance as he did in Australia.

Stay tuned to our regular updates as we bring as much coverage of the weekend in Sepang.
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Who will be the 2020 Moto2 & Moto3 world champions?

The final round of the MotoGP 2020 championship goes live this weekend where we will finally witness the crowning of two world champions in the Moto2 and Moto3 categories. Joan Mir (Suzuki Ecstar) won the rider’s championship in the premier class last week and ultimately ending Suzuki’s championship drought for the last 20 years.

Going into Moto2, four riders have the chance to battle it out and they are Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team), Sam Lowes (Marc VDS), and the two SKY Racing Team VR46 riders, Luca Marini and Marco Bezzecchi. 23 points separate the top four riders and racing for the first time in Portimao will pose a challenge for all these riders.

The Moto3 250cc class is just as exciting thanks to Albert Arenas (Aspar Team Moto3), Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia), and last week’s race winner, Tony Arbolino (Rivacold Snipers Team). All three riders have 170 points, 162 points, and 159 points, respectively. That’s 11 points separating these three very talented riders and they’ll definitely throw everything they have into tomorrow’s race.

As for MotoGP, the top seven riders will be fighting for the second and third positions in the championship. Another important title that has not been decided yet is the manufacturer’s title, and that will go down between Suzuki and Ducati who are tied with 201 points each. We’re not sure how all of these will go down, but mathematically, Ducati has four more riders in the grid than Suzuki. Just saying…
New 2021 BMW S 1000 R unleashed – 176hp, 199kg

Written by: Sep Irran
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Shark Helmets introduces limited edition Johann Zarco helmet

New helmet limited to 1500 units only.
Hailed as one of the safest helmets ever.
Constructed from carbon aramid fibre and features double blade spoiler.
Comes with anti-scratch and anti-fog features.

Shark Helmets has introduced a new limited edition model of its flagship helmet, the Race-R PRO in celebration of Moto2 World Champion, Johann Zarco.

Distinguishable by its striking design and visible carbon fibre, only 1500 units of the limited edition helmet will ever be produced. Naturally, it will come with all the features expected of a top level racing helmet – lightness, stability, comfort and ventilation.
The Race-R PRO is constructed from carbon aramid fibre and features a double blade spoiler to aid high speed aerodynamic force. Crystal clear visibility is another feature of this helmet, achieved thanks to the optical class one visor with variable density – the visor is 2.8mm around the edges and 4.25mm in the centre – which offers near perfect optical quality.

On the safety front, the visor has a patented four anchor point visor safety lock and is treated with an anti-scratch treatment outside and an anti-fog treatment inside. It fastens securely using a double D-ring strap and tucks away using a magnet. It also comes with a quick release visor system and the interior is removable and washable.
The Race-R PRO is hailed as one of the safest helmets on the market with five stars in SHARP testing and has appeared on the winners podium at world-level racing championships over 150 times.
Each helmet is individually numbered and for those of you who prefer not to have stickers on your helmet, the helmet comes with sponsor stickers unattached but included in the box.
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Norton Unveils The Hand-Built V4CR Cafe Racer – Only 200 Units, 185HP

Norton Motorcycles, under the guidance of TVS Motors, has recently showcased their latest creation, the Norton V4CR.

The V4CR joins the Norton lineup as a neo-retro sports naked motorcycle, captivating enthusiasts with its raw power and vintage-inspired aesthetics.
The V4CR as the brand’s first completely new motorcycle under the TVS Motors ownership.

Derived from the successful Norton V4SV supersports bike, which made waves upon its debut last year, the V4CR boasts striking similarities to its predecessor. The heart of this beast is the same 1,200cc engine found in the V4SV, delivering an impressive peak power of 185 horsepower and a torque of 125Nm.
Furthermore, the V4CR adopts the TT-developed aluminum frame utilized in the V4SV, ensuring an exceptional riding experience.

The V4CR moniker stands for “cafe racer,” alluding to its neo-retro styling that combines classic design elements with contemporary touches. A full-carbon fairing adorns this captivating machine, further enhancing its allure.
Norton Motorcycles proudly presents the V4CR as their first completely new motorcycle under the TVS Motors ownership, following the successful launch of the “re-engineered” V4SV and Norton Commando 961.

 “The Norton V4CR is a raw expression of impeccable design and intoxicating performance. We’ve stripped back the outer shell of the V4SV, ensuring an uninhibited motorcycling experience for riders,” said  Dr. Robert Hentschel, CEO of Norton Motorcycles.
Attention to detail has been paramount during the creation of the V4CR. Meticulous engineering and design teams meticulously refined every aspect of the motorcycle, from initial sketches to concept production and final finishing touches.
This bike represents the culmination of Norton’s learnings and investments over the past three years, providing a tantalizing glimpse into Norton’s future.

Hand-built to perfection, the Norton V4CR comes equipped with top-of-the-line features, including Brembo brakes, a quickshifter, and auto-blipper for seamless gear shifts, as well as billet aluminum machined yokes, aluminum OZ racing wheels, and Ohlins suspension.
Production will be limited to a mere 200 units, making each V4CR an exclusive gem for discerning riders. The price tag for this extraordinary machine stands at GBP41,999 (RM240k) per unit.
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2023 Honda BeAT Arrives In New Vibrant Yellow – RM5,990

Boon Siew Honda (BSH) has unveiled exciting updates for the ever-popular scooter, the Honda BeAT.

Known for its affordability and maneuverability, the Honda BeAT has captured the hearts of Malaysian riders since its debut in 2015. Now, the 2023 Honda BeAT arrives with a stunning new visuals, accompanied by an affordable price tag of RM5,990.
The latest iteration of the Honda BeAT showcases a fresh Sporty Modern visual design. The scooter’s graphics concept draws inspiration from modern abstract art, creating a captivating aesthetic that will surely appeal to the trendy youths and scooter lovers across Malaysia.

In terms of colour options, the 2023 Honda BeAT offers a range of choices to suit every rider’s taste. The classic Red and Blue shades continue to be available, exuding a sense of timeless elegance. Additionally, the ever-popular Black option remains a sleek and sophisticated choice for riders who prefer a more understated appearance.

However, the highlight of the new color lineup is undoubtedly the introduction of a vibrant Yellow shade. This fresh and energetic color choice adds a bold statement to the Honda BeAT’s overall appeal, allowing riders to stand out on the road with confidence.
Boon Siew Honda has ensured that the new 2023 Honda BeAT will be readily accessible to enthusiasts across the country. The scooter will be available for purchase at all Honda authorized dealers starting from 30th June 2023.
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Ducati Asia Pacific Training Centre Opens

Ducati opened a state-of-the-art training facility at its factory in Rayong, Thailand.

Called the Ducati Asia Pacific Training Centre, it will host a great number of training programs.

The programs will further enhance customer experience and immerse them in Ducati’s World.

Ducati opened its newest and state-of-the-art training centre at the Ducati factory in Rayong, Thaiand.
The Italian manufacturer aspires to enhance the level of customer experience in every aspect in their dealerships in the Asia Pacific region. all brand trainings, Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) certifications and technical trainings will be conducted at this Ducati Asia Pacific Training Centre henceforth.

Dominique Cheraki (Ducati Asia Markets Director) commented, “The best training program in the world is worthless without the will to execute it properly, consistently, and with intensity. With our new Training center we have now state-of-the-art facilities that will enable us to deliver strong brand andtechnical trainings to all personnel from the whole Asia-Pacific Ducati network.”
Ducati APAC started deploying the Genius Program last year as part of this goal since 2016. The program consists of a series of courses and trainings that not only certifies the knowledge and skills of Ducati’s technicians, but also draws a career path for them based on different level of expertise and certifications achieved.

The Ducati APAC Training Centre will also host brand training to further enhance customer experience in Ducati products, in addition to the Ducati world which is composed of the factory’s current and heritage in racing, online and offline communities, lifestyle and brand immersion.
Alberto Strada (Ducati Motor Thailand Managing Director) also commented, “With this brand new facility, Ducati Motor Thailand becomes even further the Ducati hub for the Asia-Pacific region. Founded in 2010 as a production plant for the ASEAN community, the Thai facility has been hosting the Sales, Marketing and After Sales departments since 2011 and now we have the pleasure to add the Ducati Asia Pacific Training Center, as additional milestone to develop and reinforce the Ducati brand throughout the entire region”

The Ducati APAC Training Center, which was awarded Board of Investment privileges, covers more than 200sqm and, thanks to its modular layout, can host multiple training sessions simultaneously. In addition, thanks to the availability of augmented reality technology, training-engines and training-workshops, in 2019 more than 230 technicians and 100 dealers’ employees will be enabled to provide Ducati customers with a 360-degree experience all over the region.
“Ducati keeps raising the bar in terms of sophistication on its products and it is fundamental for us to ensure that our network is always technically prepared and updated to provide the best service possible to our customers. On the other hand, we can’t forget about our collectors’ motorcycles and that is why we also have 14 training engines that we use to train our network on every Ducati model produced since 1980 until now ” stated Luca Stasi, Ducati APAC After Sales Director.

Operations have already started and groups of Ducati personnel from Thailand, India, China, Korea etc. are scheduled to be experiencing this state-state-of-the-art facility in the next weeks.

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You can still claim accident compensation if you’re hit by an uninsured vehicle

Red light accident - Credit Sinji Ng and Malay Mail Online
Here’s what you ought to know about claiming accident compensation in the event that you get into an accident caused by uninsured vehicle.

Accidents happen, and motor insurance are made mandatory for that reason.

However, there are still plenty of errant motorists on the road driving/riding an uninsured vehicle.

Accidents involving them are inevitable, but victims can still claim accident compensation for it through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of West Malaysia (MIB).

Here’s what you should know about filing these claims with the Bureau and how to do it.

Rempit crash (Pic for display purposes only) – Courtesy of Sarawak Voice
As motorists, we are all at risk of being involved in an accident or collision on the daily. Thankfully, we are all protected by laws and legislation that stipulates that all vehicle owners must possess one form of motor insurance or another before being allowed on the road.
However, as is the common case, there are still a handful of errant road users who risk their lives – and that of others – by hitting the roads with their vehicles WITHOUT valid insurance. Inevitably, accidents and collisions involving motorists in an uninsured vehicle is inevitable for some.
So, what happens should you find yourself involved in a situation whereby you are collided into by said irresponsible parties driving/riding an uninsured vehicle? Or worse still, the offending uninsured party who caused this crash refuses or cannot compensate for the your injuries and possible hospitalisation?
Well, worry not as there is still a way for you to get compensated by an insurance-type body, especially if you suffer injuries resulting from the whole affair. In fact, the folks over at AskLegal.my have done an in-depth piece on this some time back, and we reckon it’s worth a retelling through this short summary of ours.
Here’s where you should take note of a body that exists called the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of West Malaysia (or MIB for short). MIB was established especially with the aim of protecting road users who have been hit or collided into by an uninsured vehicle.
The Bureau is funded by annual contributions from all motor vehicle insurance providers in Malaysia – apparently, the government had made this a mandatory step for these companies to comply with. These funds are then used to compensate parties who submit their claims for cases as such.
Here’s a few conditions you should know first before filing a claim to the MIB:

Claims can be submitted individually. A lawyer or attorney is NOT required for this, but claiming parties can still opt to be represented by one.
MIB does NOT accept claims involving hit and run cases – claiming victims must state the plate number of the uninsured vehicle that hit/collided into them.
Claims must be filed and submitted within three years from the date of the incident.
If victims decide to proceed with filing a lawsuit through a lawyer, said legal representative must notify MIB within 30 days of filing the lawsuit.
Take note MIB will only compensate for injuries suffered as a result of the accident. No compensation will be given for any damage to your vehicle.
Compensation payment given by the MIB is on a compassionate basis, meaning its value is entirely up to the discretion of the MIB.

Sure, that last fact may not sit too well with many, but remember this: your prized car or bike is replaceable, but you, the driver/rider aren’t. Above all, it is still better than nothing indeed.
On a side note, don’t let the Bureau’s ‘West Malaysia’ name throw you off either too as they still offer coverage to East Malaysians too.
Say you find yourself ready to file a claim for such a case with MIB, then here’s what you’ll need to have ready as supporting documents for your claims:

Cover letter describing the accident
Your police report of the incident
The offending third party’s police report of the incident
your medical report from the incident detailing injuries you’ve sustained

Once you all of the above ready, you or your appointed legal representative may submit your claim to the MIB via the following details:
Motor Insurers’ Bureau of West Malaysia
Wisma PIAM
No.150-3, 3rd Floor
Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields
50782 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2274 7395
Fax: 03-2274 5910
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2017 Indian Scout Bobber “Thunder Black” unveiled

The latest 2017 Indian Scout Bobber has been recently introduced to the cruiser market.
Blacked out in the “Thunder Black” colourway, the new Indian Scout Bobber comes with chopped front and rear fenders together with other Bobber characteristics.
At the heart of the Bobber, the 69-cubic-inch (1,130cc) V-twin, DOHC fuel-injected engine fires out 100hp at 8,100rpm and 97.7Nm of torque.

We’re currently witnessing a resurgence of the cruiser scene not just back to its former glory but with bikes like the latest 2017 Indian Scout Bobber popping up, it looks like the cruiser scene is ready to blow off its lids with all these bikes especially this latest offering by Indian Motorcycles.

Murdered out in matte black colour dubbed the “Thunder Black”, the Scout Bobber is as menacing and awesome as production bikes get. Those chopped front and rear fenders really brought out all the masculinity of the Scout onto a whole new level. The facade has been changed to a rawer mechanical look especially with all the blacked out parts like the exhaust, frame, handlebars and side mirrors.

To further compliment that old school Bobber look, the 2017 Scout Bobber also comes with optional wire wheels that not only looks awesome but feels true to the Bobber personality. Like most production Bobbers available in the market, Indian is also offering some interesting accessories to further add some personal touches like the passenger seat, slip on exhaust, saddlebag and many more.

At the heart of the Bobber, the 69-cubic-inch (1,130cc) V-twin, DOHC fuel-injected engine fires out 100hp at 8,100rpm and 97.7Nm of torque similar to the Indian Scout which is plenty enough to send you screaming down the highways (with joy and excitement, of course).

Some folks said that most cruisers are just straight shooters that perform at their best on long highways and less in the corners but considering the Scout Bobber’s lower rear suspension and front cartridge type telescopic fork, this cruiser can handle any bends and twisties with no issues.

The new Bobber-fied Scout also comes with a low slammed stance courtesy of a lowered rear suspension not just gives a mean profile that demands respect and awe but also improves riding feedback to the rider. Everything has been stripped down to the true essence of a Bobber but elevates the persona higher into the stratosphere.

If you thought that the previous generation Scout could be a game changer in the cruiser market, the new Scout Bobber definitely looks like it has the potential to become the market leader instead. The price has not been confirmed yet for the Malaysian market but considering that the current Indian Scout is priced at RM114,480 (basic price with GST), we reckoned that the 2017 Scout Bobber won’t be too far off.
Source: Indian Motorcycle

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MV Agusta 350cc motorcycle coming soon?

It looks like the folks from MV Agusta will be diving into the 350cc motorcycle category, hopefully in the next couple of years. The manufacturer will still stand as a premium exotic brand but plans to extend its offerings to a bigger market with the introduction of smaller capacity bikes below 500cc.

According to a recent post made by Asphalt & Rubber, MV Agusta’s CEO Timur Sardarov wants in on the ‘biggest relevant market in the world’. According to the man, it’s the market of 350cc-500cc. The heart that will be driving their new bike class is a twin-cylinder power plan and this new beauty is focused on delivering high performance with state-of-the-art technology, even at a lower displacement.

There’s still no news on the engine configuration (V or parallel) but we’re guessing that the parallel-twin setup will be chosen in order to cut down costs as well as the final selling prices. The article also stated the new smaller MV Agusta bikes will cost somewhere around €6,000-€7,000 (RM27,731-RM32,353) for the European market.

As for the type of bike, we’re pretty sure that there will be sports bike offering as well as a naked version for the ‘everyday’ riding scenario. With MV Agusta’s experience in the world of touring, we’re pretty sure that we might even see a dual-sport version in this segment as well, considering its rise in popularity all around the world.

It’ll probably take a few years for these bikes to reach the showrooms, but we can expect to see a glimpse of them at the end of 2020 during the famous EICMA show in Milan, Italy. Could this be the segment that will blast brand to above and beyond? We definitely high hopes for it.
2020 MV Agusta Rush 1000 — 209 bhp and Radical to the Extreme

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Aprilia Ready To Take On New Adventure With The Tuareg 660

Earlier this month, Aprilia officially unveiled the Tuareg 660, a middleweight adventure motorcycle powered by the new 660cc parallel-twin found in the RS and Tuono.
Unlike the road-focus RS and Tuono, the Tuareg offers serious off-road capabilities thanks to a 240mm long-travel suspension, 43mm fork with single shock absorber and 1500mm wheelbase, making it a serious rival to the Yamaha Tenere 700.

While it may seem a bit far-fetched to compare the Tuareg to the established Tenere, the Noale-based company has equipped the new motorcycle with advanced riding aids.
Firstly, the Tuareg tops out at 80hp and 70Nm, that’s more than the 72hp found on the Tenere.

Moreover, the Tuareg weigh at just 187kg (dry), putting it within the same league as the Tenere 700.
Moving on to electronics, the Tuareg 660 gets Aprilia’s latest APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), which offers four riding modes (two customisable), traction control, cruise control, engine mapping, and ABS, accessible via a 5″ TFT instrument.

Aprilia is yet to release the official price for the Tuareg, but we expect the Tuareg to make its way here in Malaysia soon.
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Moto Guzzi Sunday Ride

Moto Guzzi organized the Moto Guzzi Sunday Ride this past weekend.

First Moto Guzzi ride formally organized by Moto Guzzi Malaysia.

The ride headed to Gohtong Jaya and Bentong.

What’s the best way to build camaraderie and a family of bikers? Go on a ride, of course.
Moto Guzzi Malaysia organized their first official ride since relocating to their new home at Gasket Alley, Seksyen 13, Petaling Jaya.

Modestly called, “Moto Guzzi Sunday Ride,” the outing was planned to gather the number of Moto Guzzi owners in Malaysia for a relaxing ride to Genting Permai and onwards to Lemang To’ki 2 (the main Lemang To’ki outlet is closed) in Bentong, Pahang.

Guzzi and other motorcycles owners started gathering at 8.30am. Another great aspect of motorcycle rides is that one will get to see a pleasant mix of different bikes, and we weren’t disappointed this weekend.

There was a California, a number of V7 Racers including one which was customized into a scrambler, a V7 Anniversario 50, V9 Bobber, and a Norge tourer. There was a myriad of bikes of different makes too.

We pushed off after a safety briefing by the ride marshal and Juan Chow, riding at steady pace behind the marshal all the way to the BHP petrol station just after the Gombak toll plaza. We noticed the traffic was exceptionally heavy for a Sunday.

Everyone took a quick breather from the scorching sun while the marshals did a quick headcount.

From there it was a short ride up to the Nanyang Kopitiam Restaurant at Genting Permai. Apart from the Starbucks adjacent to it, Nanyang has now become was already packed with groups of bikers. We caught sight of celebrities Afdlin Shauki and Johan seated not far from us.

After a quick brunch, he descended back down to Karak Highway and headed to Bentong.

If traffic was heavy along the highway, it was worse when we reached the town. By now the convoy had gotten strung out as we had to navigate around other vehicles.
A traffic jam is the worst place to be for any biker, because that’s when car drivers start misbehaving out of frustration. A car cut right across this writer’s front wheel, and a 4×4 darted out of the intersection to Fraser’s Hill. Another car swung into our path, as if refusing to let us pass.

We finally reached Lemang To’ki after battling the traffic, only to realize that the marshal had mistakenly led us to the closed outlet.
We doubled back toward Bentong town but the guy in front of our group of eight bikes had lost touch with the marshal. Seeing a shaded and safe area, we pulled in and stopped. A rider in the group got in touch on the phone with someone and told us that there had been an accident.
The Yamaha T-Max ridden by a Moto Guzzi staff was T-boned by a mini SUV which charged out of an intersection the town, and both victims on the bike were taken to the Bentong Hospital. As my pillion was the other pillion’s housemate and BFF, we decided to just swing over to the hospital nearby.
The rider suffered a broken left foot. His pillion fared worse as her left knee was torn open. We feared the worst, but she suffered no broken bone after being X-rayed, thankfully.
Both are now recovering at home.

In closing, I would like to comment that it had been a relaxing ride, and it would’ve been perfect if not for impatient drivers. It was nice to see the participants getting along well, as they joked and laughed about the ride when we stopped at Gohtong Jaya. Also, a word of advice: Please be extra vigilant should you ride to Bentong on weekends and public.
PICTURE GALLERY

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MotoGP: Bye bye Ben Spies

American MotoGP rider Ben Spies announced his retirement from active racing this week, citing doubts of his physical abilities to race next year.
The 29-year-old American has undergone a tough time in the current MotoGP season, with his seemingly unrecoverable shoulder injury sustained since October 2012 forcing him to sit out most of this year’s races. The Texas native riding for the factory-backed Ignite Pramac Racing Team did return this year in Indianapolis, but a crash during that round’s practice session led to him to more surgeries in treating his shoulders further.
Ducati and former World Superbike Champion Spies made a joint decision recently, releasing the Texan from any racing commitments for the 2014 season. Spies’ has created another vacant seat at the Ducati-backed Pramac outfit, and it presently remains unclear as to who will inherit the slot next season.
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2016 Honda CB500X teased

All set to be unveiled next week at the 2015 Tokyo International Motor Show, Honda has decided to tease us with a darkened image of the new CB500x.
For 2016, Honda said that the CB500X will be receiving a new LED headlight and taillight, as well as a taller windscreen and a hinged fuel cap. The forks now have external preload adjusters as well, while the front brake lever can be adjusted to fit different hand sizes.
The company added that it has made changes o the transmission too, in order to offer riders smoother gear changing experience.
While most markets in the world will be getting the Honda CB500X as it is, it is said that it will be sold as a CB400X in Japan in an effort to comply with local regulations.
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Catch Triumph’s 250cc MX Bike In Action

Triumph Motorcycles has unveiled the final installment in its ‘Vision to Reality’ film series, featuring motocross legend Ricky Carmichael and up-and-coming amateur Evan Ferry.

The film showcases the last stage of testing for Triumph’s highly anticipated new 250cc motocross bike.
The highly-anticipated 250cc MX bike is set to take the brand’s to new heights.

Ricky Carmichael, known for his unparalleled skills in the motocross world, praised the bike for its balanced design and agility. “It’s really balanced, it’s good how it pulls coming out of the corner, it’s very nimble. When you see a line, boom, you can do it,” Carmichael said in the film.
Watch the video below:

He was joined by Evan Ferry, an emerging talent in motocross who has also participated in the bike’s testing program. Ferry seemed especially impressed with the bike’s frame. “They found something special with the frame. I don’t think I’ve ever felt something like that,” Ferry added.
The ‘Vision to Reality’ films have been rolling out as a teaser leading up to the grand reveal of the new 250cc bike. These films offer a behind-the-scenes look, introducing viewers to the team behind the development, as well as glimpses into the all-new aluminum chassis and engine.
While the release date for the bike remains under wraps, the buzz around the final film suggests that motorcycle enthusiasts are in for a treat when the bike finally hits the market.

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New Triumph Bonneville teased

 Triumph has released a teaser video for what looks like the new Boneville. The video, which runs for 30-seconds long shows a mixture of design sketches, drawings,  shots of classic Bonnevilles, as well as glimpses of the new bike. From what we can see, it looks like the Triumph Bonneville is going to be offered in more than one version – standard, scrambler, and what appears to be a cafe racer.
 While no technical details have been disclosed, rumour has it that the new Bonnie will be powered by a liquid-cooled 1,100cc mill. The only two things confirmed as of now, from what we have seen in the teaser is that there is definitely a new Bonneville, and it is going to be revealed on the 28th. That said, let us stay tuned and be hopeful that more details of the new Triumph Bonneville will surface within the next couple of weeks.
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2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Price Announced – From RM99,900!

After months of waiting, finally, the Milwaukee based company officially launched the 2021 Pan America.
The Pan America is available in two variants; the Standard comes in Vivid Black and River Rock Grey while the Special in Vivid Black, Gauntlet Grey Metallic, Deadwood Green and the two-tone Baja Orange and Stone Washed White Pearl.

The all-new Pan America is powered by a Revolution Max 1250 dual spark VVT that produces 150hp @ 9,000rpm and 127Nm @ 6,750rpm.
According to Harley-Davidson, the unit is built from the ground-up in an effort to improve the weight distribution.

The Pan-America Special is packed with a beefy 47mm inverted fork with trick semi-active suspension, including Adaptive Ride Height adjustment.
The Adaptive Ride Height works by adjusting the seat height accordingly, which we think a very innovative move by Harley-Davidson.

The suspension automatically drops the bike down to 855mm once you come to a stop before returning to 890mm once you are on the move, simple yet practical for many.

The rear shocks are handled by a linkage-mounted monoshock with automatic electronic preload control and semi-active compression and rebound damping.

The braking is done by radially mounted, monoblock, 4-piston calliper at the front and dual rotor, floating, tower-mounted at the rear.
The standard and Special comes with a full colour 6.8″ TFT touchscreen display, full LED Light setup, cornering ABS, lean-sensitive traction control, cruise control and hill control which put the Pan America as the most technologically advanced motorcycle coming out of Milwaukee.

As far as an adventure motorcycle goes, Pan America offers a 21L tank with a weight of 258kg for the Special and 245kg for the standard.
The pricing for the all-new Pan America 1250 Standard and the Special are as follows:
Pan America 1250 Special

Vivid Black – RM115,900
Color – RM116,900
Two-Tone – RM118,900

Pan America 1250 Standard

Vivid Black – RM99,900
Color – RM101,900

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MODENAS Does Not Rule Out Building A Super Moped!

There has been a lot of noise online among fans of MODENAS.
Many are asking the company to also build a high capacity super moped to rival the likes of the Yamaha Y16 and the Honda RSX.
But the company has been unable to respond, until now.
With Kawasaki as its partner, MODENAS could finally take on the super moped category.

Great news for fans of the super moped, MODENAS has confirmed that it will not rule out its participation in the super moped category.
MODENAS has been under pressure on the digital front about producing a super moped underbone motorcycle, but has been unable to respond.
However, with the involvement of Kawasaki, MODENAS CEO Mr Roslan Roskan has confirmed that the company will not rule out producing a super moped.
“Modenas does not rule out  building a super cup model, ‘kapchai’ models make up a big part of local business, and Kawasaki is willing to explore smaller capacity engine capacity. The underbone category offers the highest growth segment, and so for MODENAS to grow further with Kawasaki as our partner we will participate in this segment, our plant has the capacity and we are prepared,” said Mr Mr Roslan.
Mr Roslan also hinted that should the company build a super moped, it will be powered by a high capacity engine, perhaps more than 150cc.
Kawasaki has always had a stake in Modenas, previously holding a 19% equity in the Malaysian national motorcycle maker. However, Kawasaki has increased its stake in MODENAS to 30% and may take that figure up to 48% if certain conditions are met.
Part of this includes technology sharing, sales and marketing as well as local-assembly of certain Kawasaki models which for now only includes models below 650cc.
Kawasaki does not build underbone motorcycles, but with MODENAS under its wing now and with the booming underbone category, we could still see a MODENAS super moped on our streets, but there’s no telling when.
Confirmed: MODENAS Vulcan S Will Be Introduced Later This Year!

MODENAS Ninja 250 and Z250 Almost Ready For Launch!

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Video: Electric-powered Mission RS detailed by MotherboardTV

Online tech video-mag MotherboardTV recently visited the rebooted Mission Motorcycles firm, detailing its revolutionary electric-powered Mission RS supersports. (see video after the jump).
The high-tech an all-electric Mission RS is giving us a glimpse of what two-wheeling would look like. To refresh your memory, the Mission RS’ electric motor develops a whopping 160hp and 162.5Nm of maximum torque. It also features WSBK-spec Ohlins suspension, carbon fibre componentry, and 17kWh battery pack (read more here).

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False Neutrals – What are they & why do they happen?

False neutrals happen whenever your bike shifts into a state of neutral other than the true neutral positioned between first and second gear.
False neutrals are dangerous as it robs the bike of its forward drive as well as the super important mechanical grip.
This article will explain on what are false neutrals, why they happen and how to avoid them from ever happening.

Have you ever been in a situation where you’re shifting through the gears while ripping through the mountain roads feeling like a street version of Valentino Rossi when suddenly your bike seems to shift into what seems like neutral but not the intended position between first and second?

That is referred to as a ‘false neutral’ where the transmission does not engage the gears properly especially when shifting through higher gears like from fourth to fifth or fifth to sixth. This can be very dangerous if one doesn’t know how to handle the situation properly. Even top riders like Isle of Man TT star Guy Martin was caught by surprise in the recent Isle of Man TT superbike race when he crashed when his Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 suffered from a false neutral as you can see and hear in the video below.

While Guy Martin was lucky to get out of that crash almost unscathed and uninjured, this usual occurrence among riders on the road won’t have the same consequences as false neutral rips away all mechanical grip of the motorcycle which we all know is very, VERY dangerous. So, knowing how to avoid false neutrals completely is very helpful information to know.
Simply put, false neutrals are actually incomplete gear shifts. When the gear shifts from one gear to another (let’s use from fifth to sixth gear as an example), the gear dogs needs to disengage completely from the previous gear before engaging to the next. When the shift is not made correctly, the gear dogs and shift fork won’t engage the next gear properly making it spin freely in between gears without engaging either one.
The effect is the same as if you pull the clutch lever in when the bike is motion. As that happens, the drive and mechanical grip lose efficiency and greatly affects the overall riding experience. Another simple way to explain this phenomenon is by rubbing your hands together. A proper gear shift is like interlocking your fingers together which is what the selected gear and gear dogs are suppose to do. A false neutral is like rubbing your palms together where one hand doesn’t really affect the other.
A false neutral has its good side as well despite any unwanted consequences when it does happen. You see, there must be enough clearance between the gears so that the gear dogs and shift fork can disengage properly before engaging the next gear. This helps to avoid the transmission from engaging two gears at once which will results in transmission catastrophic failure. KABOOM.
Now that you know what false neutrals are and why they happen, having the right knowledge to avoid them completely can be quite beneficial. The best advice we can give is that whenever you’re shifting gears, disengage the gears properly by pulling the clutch lever all the way in and then shift to the next gear properly. Be firm with your left foot when you do so.
If the situation does occur and you’re in a false neutral, don’t panic. Just pull the clutch lever in again and re-shift the gear. When the gear dogs do get back into the right interlocking position, it might make a nasty clunking sound but it can be easily avoided simply by rev-matching the engine to the bike’s speed.

If however false neutrals still happen despite you shifting the gears properly, you might want to get the transmission checked ASAP as there might be damages to the shift linkages or gear dogs that are stopping the overall transmission to shift properly. Be prepared to fork out some cash to get the repairs done but at the end of the day, your life matters more.
To make things easier, you can watch video made by motorcycle experts over at Motorcyclist Online on false neutrals below.

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TESTED: 2020 Yamaha MT-25 – “Rush of Darkness”

It’s been a while since we tested a brand-new bike in the local market and today’s special is brought to you by the great folks over at the Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) and its latest 250cc offering, the 2020 Yamaha MT-25. Nicknamed the “Rush of Darkness”, we’re here to see if it lives up to all the hype.

Launched back in September, the 2020 Yamaha MT-25 entered the market where both the brand and naked bike offering are at an all-time high. While other manufacturers have already showcased what their entry-level naked bikes are made of, we were quite intrigued to see how the Yamaha MT-25 compares against the other front-runners of the segment.

The Honda CB250R ‘Neo Sports Café’ has been a long-time favourite of ours ever since we tested it out back in February 2019. It was fun, stylish, and relatively easy to ride in all sorts of conditions. Then there’s the Kawasaki Z250, a bike with specs much closer to the Yamaha MT-25 but a lot bulkier in nature.

To be honest, our hopes weren’t that high especially when we heard its engine turned on and idling during the launch. For a 250cc inline-two engine with 35.5hp on tap, it sure sounds like my Modenas Pulsar NS200 (which in all honesty a good bike to ride daily but with a less than inspiring soundtrack).

So, when we went to pick up the 2020 Yamaha MT-25 at HLYM’s headquarters in Sungai Buloh, we were quite pleased when we opened up the throttle as we sped away from our pickup point. The sound it makes is arguably one of the best-sounding 250cc bikes and it just gets better as you rev it harder.

Its 250cc inline-two DOHC engine is derived from the Yamaha YZF-R25 but on paper, it actually makes 1hp more than its full-fairing sibling (torque is the same at 22.6Nm). To achieve this figure, one would have to rev it up to 12,000rpm and with a redline of 14,000rpm, the Yamaha MT-25 is a screamer, and that is a very good thing.

When it comes to 250cc bikes, naked or sports, you’re always led to think that any bike in this particular segment presents a fun all-rounder that can handle multiple riding situations fairly well (daily workhorse to work, weekend warrior up and down Genting, etc.) but you’re always pulled back to the fact that it’s 250cc bike as it does comes with limitations in terms of a surge of power you feel as you open its throttle wide open.

This is exactly the case when we tested the Honda CB250R Neo Sports Café and Kawasaki Z250. Both very fun bikes to ride, but the designs plus their price ranges only attract a selected group of individuals (which is why you don’t see that many on the roads).
Power delivery for both these bikes are smooth, but you’ll still feel that limitation of riding a 250cc bike (even less with the Z250 where we felt it had less-than-desirable torque delivery).

Not the Yamaha MT-25, though. This is the first time that we questioned whether it is really just a 250cc bike, because the feeling you get is so much more. All of our colleagues felt the same way and we all concluded that the MT-25 feels more like a 400cc in terms of how it delivers its power at a high range paired with the sound it makes as you do so. In short, we were in awe of it. Truly.

Going to its design, it’s definitely a bike that attracts a lot of attention. Our usual shooting spot was a bit busy that day with cyclists and most of them stopped and asked one of two questions in high interest. “What bike is this? Looks great!” and “Is that the Yamaha MT-25? *glimmering eyes*”

And it justifies our conclusion that the MT-25 really look good even at a standstill. Those sleek LED lights up front, wicked-looking fuel tank with those air intakes on the sides, a complete and very clear LCD meter display.

The only thing that sticks out like a sore thumb is that round horn under the headlight, which might look out of place, but we guess that the positioning is optimum for the rider’s safety when they want to get the attention of other road users while riding. That, we can forgive.

Other things that we love about the 2020 Yamaha MT-25 are how smooth and light the clutch feels (but not too soft like some models in its segment), smooth shock-absorbing suspension, and a very precise braking system that delivers exactly how much you want when you apply the brake levers.

That feeling is further amplified with the addition of dual-channel ABS (which the R25 doesn’t have) and it doesn’t interfere too much when you apply the brakes hard. To us, it delivers just enough assistance in getting the bike to stop safely and quickly without too much interference. New riders will definitely want this in emergency situations.

Fuel consumption is not bad either as we clocked around 4.2 litres for every 100km. Paired with its 14-litre fuel tank, you can actually travel the distance before requiring stopping to refuel. That’s perfect for those daily commutes to the office as well as some weekend fun up and down winding hill roads.

To conclude, the 2020 Yamaha MT-25 is wonderful to ride with good power delivery and a confidence-inspiring riding experience. Fast on the straights, smooth on the corners, very manageable in traffic jams, and quick to accelerate to its limited top speed of over 160km/h. If you ask us which bike is the king of the 250cc category, it would be this RM21,500 Yamaha MT-25 hands down. HANDS.DOWN.

Written by: Sep Irran
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2018 MotoGP Sepang Winter Test photo gallery

The 2018 MotoGP Sepang winter test saw Jorge Lorenzo from Ducati setting the fastest lap of 1:58.830.
Dani Pedrosa of Repsol Honda was close behind on his Honda RC213V with a 1:59.009.
Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda CASTROL) completed the top three with a 1:59.052.

It has been an amazing three days of the 2018 MotoGP Sepang winter test where it started out gloomy in the pouring rain on Sunday but the weather gave way for the rest of the sessions. Riders young and old were setting some incredible lap times on their race machines but it was Ducati’s Jorge Lorenzo who stole the spotlight this time around.

The combined times for all three days saw Lorenzo sitting on top of the charts with a blistering 1:58.830 which blew Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa 2015 record right out of the water. It looks like the new Ducati Desmosedici GP18 indeed has only positive feedbacks according the words of their star test rider, Casey Stoner.

Dani Pedrosa set the second fastest lap time of the 2018 MotoGP winter test with at 1:59.009. That’s quite an impressive feat considering that both Pedrosa and Marquez (seventh fastest with 1:59.382) were essentially testing three different bikes with three different engine configurations.

Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda CASTROL) benefitted greatly from the new Honda RC213V where he sits in third position with a 1:59.052. Crutchlow is only one of two private team riders who sit in the top ten. The other rider is Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) who is in P9 overall with a 1:59.511.

Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) achieved P4 with a stunning 1:59.169 closely followed by Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing) and Alex Rins (Team SUZUKI ECSTAR).

It was especially impressive to see Jack Miller doing so well after making his move to the Pramac squad and their Ducati machinery.

The oldest rider in the grid who is none other than Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Valentino Rossi sits in P8 with a 1:59.449 followed by Zarco and Danilo Petrucci (Alma Pramac Racing) where these folks completed the top ten fastest lap time setters.

Looks like Ducati is on top closely followed by the Hondas. Stay tuned to Bikes Republic as the pre-season testing will continue in two weeks’ time in Buriram, Thailand.

2018 Sepang Official MotoGP Test: Conclusion

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An electric Ducati bike by 2030?

There’s a plan indicating that an electric Ducati bike will appear in the market by the year 2030.
The VW Group announced at the recent Frankfurt Auto Show on their latest green initiative dubbed “Roadmap E”.
The initiative plans to diversify each and every motoring brand under its wings with at least one electric vehicle by the year 2030.

According to a recent report made by Asphalt and Rubber, the recent Frankfurt Auto Show saw Volkswagen Group Chairman Matthias Muller announcing that all of the motoring brands and companies under them will introduce at least one fully-electric machine by the year 2030.

Dubbed the “Roadmap E”, the initiative has the German parent company’s eyes firmly set for all the automotive brands currently housed under their wings. However, they are also making it aware that the initiative will also affect the giant Italian motorcycle manufacturer under them that is Ducati.

The report was apparent from the very sentence quoted by VW Group in their press release which was “There will be at least one electrified version of each of the 300 or so Group models across all brands and markets.”

After the latest introduction of the powerful and petrol-powered Ducati V4 Stradale engine, there’s no telling if the Italian brand is entirely ready to make that paradigm shift towards electric power. With the future of clean technology quickly on its way, there’s no denying that it is indeed quickly making strides and it would be a good idea for Ducati to join the bandwagon.

To know more on the Ducati V4 Stradale production superbike engine, CLICK HERE.

There’s a good 13 years before the Roadmap E initiative comes to its end. That’s more than enough time for Ducati to come up with something so amazing that it’ll blow everyone’s minds Green technology style. So get ready, folks. An electric Ducati is not just a fantasy anymore, it’s in the works.
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Mercedes AMG to buy over MV Augusta?

A report has surfaced online indicating that British media are carrying a story about a possible buy off of MV Augusta by Mercedes-AMG.
The story was first carried by Top Gear UK and if the report is indeed true, then Mercedes-AMG is already well into preparing to make a bid to buy the famous Italian motorcycle producer.
There is no further information available but the report says that AMG executives “are already deep into exploring the possibilities of a tie-up”.
Though it all seems very unlikely, but the facts are very different.

The agreement is apparently very likely because Invesindustrial, which is a private equity fund, are said to be playing a crucial role. If you don’t already know, the fund is owned by the Bonomy family, who are the former owners of Ducati before it was sold to Audi.
Mercedes-AMG has a co-operation with Ducati a few years ago, but that fell through very quickly as Audi moved in to take over the Italian exotic bike builder.
Interestingly, Invesindustrial also owns 37.5 percent of Aston Martin, who is now working very closely with Mercedes-AMG and will be using AMG engines in some upcoming new models.
This is not the first time that MV Augusta will be swapping hands, Proton famously owned the brand about a decade ago, but sold it for a controversial one Euro after losses piled up and there seemed to be no way out.
As a recap, Cagiva owned MV Augusta in 1999, then Proton in 2004, then a finance company in 2005, then Harley Davidson in 2008; and then finally to Claudio Castiglione, the man responsible for Ducati’s great revival in 2010, who then sadly passed away a year later.
If this deal pans out, there can be nothing but good things to come out of the deal for MV Augusta.
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Prices dropped for Modenas Pulsar RS200 & Dominar D400

Modenas has just announced that they’ll be officially dropping the prices for two models in their street bike segment, the Modenas Pulsar RS200 and Modenas Dominar D400. Effective immediately, both models see prices being reduced by 12% and 11% respectively from the previous prices offered across the country.

Looking at the Modenas Pulsar RS200, a 12% reduction sees the bike now being offered at a new price of RM9,990 (basic price excluding road tax, insurance & registration). Compared to its previous price tag of RM11,350, that’s quite a drop of RM1,360.

As for the touring-capable Modenas Dominar D400, you can now get one at a cool price of RM13,788 compared to its previous price tag of RM15,488 (prices excluding road tax, insurance, and registration). That’s a drop of 11% or RM1,700 which you can save (or use to upgrade your riding experience with premium riding gear or bike accessories. Sweet.)

According to Mr Roslan Roskan, CEO of Modenas, “Through improvements in our production process, we have managed to significantly bring down the manufacturing costs for the Modenas Pulsar RS200 and Modenas Dominar D400 models, and MODENAS is passing these cost savings to all two-wheel enthusiasts to make both these popular models much more affordable in Malaysia,” says Roslan.

INCOMING: 2020 Modenas Ninja 250?

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What do Motorcycle Names Mean? (Part 3)

Motorcycle names can be as interesting as the bikes themselves.

There are ones which made you wonder what they mean.

There are just too many, thus we’ll break them into parts.

Motorcycle names can be as interesting as the bikes themselves. Manufacturers usually choose them based on heritage, branding, range or the kind of emotions they allude to.
There are too many to think about, so we’ll put in what comes to mind. Here’s Part 3.
12. Honda CBR1100XX Super Black Bird

The CBR1100XX was Honda’s weapon to wrest the world’s fastest production bike title back from the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11. They succeeded in doing so. Honda named their bike after the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird spylane, which hit Mach 3.3 (3.3 times faster than the speed of sound) or 3529 km/h.
13. Suzuki Katana

Here’s a simple one. The iconic bike is named after the equally iconic Japanese Samurai sword. As such, the name alludes to something of cutting edge, sharp, just like the bike was when it broke new grounds in terms of motorcycle design.
14. Suzuki Hayabusa

Suzuki didn’t want to get left behind in the fastest production bike game and hit back with the Suzuki GSX-1300R Hayabusa in 1999. Although it fell short of hitting the 200 mph (320 km/h) mark, it did go over 300 km/h thereby winning the game. The name “Hayabusa” is the Japanese peregrine falcon which could hit 390 km/h in a dive. But what most didn’t know is that one of its prey is the black bird. In other words, the Hayabusa is a “black bird” killer.
15. Yamaha Super Ténéré

The Yamaha Super Ténéré was the roadgoing adventure bike named in honour of the Paris-Dakar Rally winning bike. Ténéré means “desert” in the Berber (Northern African ethnic group) language. Had Yamaha used the Arabic word for desert, the bike would’ve been called the “Sahara.”
16. Yamaha Virago

The Virago is one of Yamaha’s cruiser range. Virago means a warrior woman, an amazon. Naming it Amazon wouldn’t have given the bike the right image since it’s not an adventure bike.
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Ducati Malaysia Now Accept Pre-Bookings For The All-New Multistrada V4S

Last year, we witnessed the unveiling of the new Ducati Multistrada V4 at the 2021 Ducati World Premier.
Fast forward into August, the Multistrada V4 is nearing its official launch for the Malaysian market as Ducati Malaysia has finally accepting pre-bookings for the V4S variant.

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 includes:
Riding Modes
Power Modes
ABS Cornering
Ducati Traction Control
Ducati Wheelie Control
Daytime Running Light
Ducati Brake Light

The 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 comes in three different variants: the base V4, V4 S, and V4 S Sport.
The V4 S comes in Ducati Red and Aviator Grey with the option to choose between spoked or alloy wheels; meanwhile, the V4 S Sport comes in the Sport Livery and Akrapovic exhaust system.
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MotoGP: Oops! Marc Marquez did it again!

The second half of the MotoGP season saw the brilliant Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) taking the win in Brno in a sensational flag-to-flag race.
The 24 year old finished leaps and bounds ahead of his team mate, Dani Pedrosa who completed the Honda’s perfect one-two finish with a 12-second gap.
Maverick Vinales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) made sure that Marquez’s lead was not too far ahead in the championship by finishing in P3 ahead of his team mate, Valentino Rossi.

With the stakes for the 2017 MotoGP World Championship getting higher than ever, it was the ever brilliant Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) who yet again displayed his superb timing and strategy to take the win in the Czech GP.

With the race being declared a wet race at the start, riders and team quickly prepared for the possibility of swapping to race bikes setup for the dry as track conditions quickly indicated signs of drying up. Marquez and his signature quick wits for premier-class race strategy was the first rider to roll into the pits to swap to his dry bike after quickly finding out that the wet tyres weren’t getting him anywhere fast.

The strategy paid off yet again and he quickly pulled in some fast lap times before taking the whole shot win with a boost to his overall championship points and battle for the 2017 crown.

The first blitz towards Turn 1 saw Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) surprising everyone by not just leading but jogging away from the rest of the pack. Lorenzo’s lead was short lived after everyone has swapped their bikes for the drying track and he only managed to finish in P15.

The Repsol Honda squad also had another reason to celebrate as their second rider Dani Pedrosa completed the Honda one-two finish at Brno. Pedrosa crossed the finish line over 12 seconds behind his compatriot as Marquez was the first the one to swap his Honda RC213V at the end of the first lap; ahead of everyone else.

Not too far behind, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Maverick Vinales managed to salvage the final podium spot after a very tough race start. With all the flag-to-flag mayhem, Vinales took the chance and fought his way to third at the same making sure that Marquez won’t lead too far in this year’s championship battle.

The other Movistar Yamaha MotoGP pilot Valentino Rossi proved that he still got what it takes to fight in the championship. Sadly, he repeated the same mistakes as in other flag-to-flag races with rapidly changing conditions.

Rossi together a few other riders stayed one for three laps before deciding to swap their race machines. By the time they did so, Marquez was already too far ahead in the lead. It was a tough battle but Rossi finished in fourth just half a second ahead of LCR Honda rider, Cal Crutchlow.

Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) also managed to secure P6 despite coming into the pits late. Given a few more laps, the Italian could’ve finished slightly higher but the upside is that he is now third in the MotoGP world standings with only a point separating him and Rossi who’s currently in fourth.

Marc Marquez now leads the championship with 154 points followed by Maverick Vinales (140 points), Andrea Dovizioso (133 points), Valentino Rossi (132 points) and Dani Pedrosa (123 points). The MotoGP season is getting hotter and with how things are looking, it won’t be a surprise if the battle continues on to the final round in Valencia.

Image source: MotoGP
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Gone riding – The long weekend is here!

It’s finally here, everyone. The long weekend has finally arrived. Thanks to Malaysia’s love for public holidays and efficiency in timing those holidays right before AND after weekends, we’ve been blessed with multiple three to four day weekends this year so far.
Rossi approves of this super long weekend (Image source: MotoGP)
Coincidentally, today (31 August 2017) marks the country’s 60th Independence Day. While we’re celebrating peace, love and tranquillity from this rare Thursday public holiday, most of us have already gone through their tactical plans for a very special long weekend due to the fact that Muslims around the world will be celebrating Eid al-Adha (Hari Raya Haji).
This also means that most Malaysians are also rewarded with an off-day from tomorrow until Sunday. Four days of bliss!
The Ducati MotoGP squad celebrating Malaysia’s four-day weekend (Image source: MotoGP)
But hold on, dear Malaysians. With our glorious athletes winning so many gold medals in the 2017 29th SEA Games (141 gold, 92 silver and 86 bronze), there’s a big possibility that we might get ANOTHER PUBLIC HOLIDAY next Monday! (4 September 2017)
That’s right, folks. Malaysia is the Oprah of public holiday. You get a day off! You get a day off! EVERYBODY GETS A DAY OFF!

 Beautiful morning at the track @sepangcircuit #bikesrepublic #motomalaya
A post shared by BIKES REPUBLIC (@bikesrepublic) on Aug 29, 2017 at 6:10pm PDT

If that’s true, Malaysians will get a five-day weekend which also means one thing for riders across the country; gone riding. And more riding. AND MORE RIDING!
In fact, they’ve already started as early as yesterday with an open track day session at the Sepang International Circuit.

We joined in the fun with Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia organising a stellar media test ride session for the new 2018 Triumph Street Triple 765 line up which includes the S, R and the RS.

You can also check out their 2018 Triumph Street Triple range official launch which was held yesterday at Fast Bikes, Petaling Jaya by CLICKING HERE.
So to all Malaysians, we here at Bikes Republic would like to wish everyone an awesome happy Independence Day, Selamat Hari Raya Haji and safe journeys to everyone who’s going back to their hometowns for this long and prosperous weekend.

We too will be taking a short break to get some riding miles under our belt plus some quality time with our loved ones but don’t stay away too far as we will continue to bring you more awesome news, stories and updates very, very soon.

So take a chill pill, relax and have a blessed weekend, everybody!
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2023 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition Breaks Cover

KTM has introduced a ‘factory edition’ version of the 2023 450 SX-F dirt bike by the Austrian brand’s US division.

The 450 SX-F gets KTM’s factory treatment for 2023.
Featuring two-time 450SX AMA Champion Cooper Webb graphics and livery.

The introduction of the factory edition 450 SX-F is as expected after its fellow Pierer Mobility Group member, GasGas rolls out its own factory rendition, last week.
Visually speaking, the KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition features the same Red Bull graphics as the KTM team competing in the AMA Supercross and AMA pro Motocross series.

That said, the dirt bike also features two-time 450SX AMA champion Cooper Webb #2 plates.
In terms of power, KTM claimed the 450 SX-F Factory Edition makes 68hp however, several reputable media has rated the motorcycle to make around 55hp after putting it on the dyno.

Nonetheless, thanks to the bike’s quickshifter system, power delivery is smoother for a motocross machine.
According to KTM, the 450 SX-F Factory Edition also equipped with a series of other modification befitting a motorcycle that fight for title success.

Other key components available on the factory edition includes:

KTM factory racing seat
KTM factory wheels
Akrapovic slip-on pipe
semi-floating front disc
KTM factory racing front brake disc guard
KTM factory racing skid plate
KTM factory start device
ODI lock-on grey grop set
Hinson outer clutch cover
KTM orange sprocket

Unfortunately, the KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition will only be available in the US.
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Your Chance to Test Ride the Moto Guzzi V85TT

Here’s your chance to ride the Moto Guzzi V85TT dual-sport motorcycle.

The event will be held on 29th June 2019 from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm, at the Rimba Valley Motor Campsite, in Janda Baik, Pahang.

The bike is already a hit in many parts of the world.

We’ve ridden and written pretty much about the Moto Guzzi V85TT dual-sport motorcycle of late.
Honest, cross our hearts the V85TT was one sweet motorcycle to ride. But that isn’t from a motojournalist’s point of view only, as the Piaggio (the parent company of Moto Guzzi) designed it to be accessible to 95% of the riders in the real world. What that means is that everyone can ride and enjoy themselves on it.
Sure, it has that “heritage” look but heritage and history is what the Guzzi brand is all about. But fear not, it doesn’t handle like Grandpa’s bike that’s rotting under the nangka (jackfruit) tree. This is a modern motorcycle through and through.

These are the reasons why the bike is selling like hotcakes in the world over.
And it is now in Malaysia. To take it up a notch, members of the public are invited to test ride the bike and judge for themselves this weekend.
It will be held on 29th June 2019 from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm, at the Rimba Valley Motor Campsite, in Janda Baik, Pahang. (Please click on the map below.)

Apart from the test ride, attendees will also get to enjoy local delicacies beside chilling by (or in) the crystal clear stream and breath in clean air.
Please click on this link to register https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YfTjLTduFRxs25DEF9cZpHoHixFKx2IVTOe6BNC0lqc/
You may also contact https://wa.me/601123008919for more information.
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2016 Aprilia RS-GP properly unveiled in new livery

Aprilia Racing Team Gresini properly unveils 2016 Aprilia RS-GP bike with new livery.

Though the turnaround in its racing fortune in MotoGP remains to be seen, the mood in the Aprilia Racing Team Gresini is indeed festive following the proper unveiling of the 2016 Aprilia RS-GP bike with a bright new livery.

The team’s previous silver and black scheme is replaced on the 2016 bike with this new colourful scheme, sporting all the colours found on the Italian flag plus a few other shades too.Piloting the new 2016 Aprilia RS-GP are non other than Spaniard Alvaro Bautista and German Stefan Bradl.

Aprilia still remains coy about details surrounding the 2016 Aprilia RS-GP bike’s engine design and layout. The outfit claims to be using a brand new “narrow angle” V4 design, which likely means the angles are less than 90-degrees. Rumours up and down the paddock during the on-going final round of pre-season tests in Losail, Qatar suggests that this new engine does not share the same 65-degree layout in the previous Aprilia RS-GP’s engine.

Instead, Aprilia were keen to mention that their new V4 engine powering the 2016 RS-GP is primed with pneumatic valves and a counter-rotating crankshaft, allowing the bike to generate over 250hp. Mated with a seamless transmission, the powertrain in encased within a twin-spar aluminium frame design with an aluminium swingarm connected to it.

As previously reported, the new 2016 Aprilia RS-GP machine has shed some weight over its predecessor. Again, Aprilia remains coy with details and figures, but reports indicate that the new machine tips the scale with a figure that is right on, or at least very close to, the FIM-regulated minimum weight requirement for all MotoGP bikes.

The upcoming 2016 MotoGP season will be a crucial one for the Italian manufacturer as it attempts to turn its fortunes around. Aprilia made its full-time return into the premier MotoGP class last year, but the 2015 Aprilia RS-GP machine, which was developed based off the Aprilia RSV4 superbike, struggled to perform against even some of the satellite machinery.

Nevertheless, Aprilia’s racing head Romano Albesiano remains as before postive. Albesiano was recently quoted in stating:
“The first responses from testing have been positive. We received very positive feedback from both riders specifically from a dynamics point of view. In any case, this is the beginning of a long path and we are well aware of the inevitable difficulties that come along with any new project.”
2016 Aprilia RS-GP

Source: Aprilia Racing Team Gresini via Asphaltandrubber
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TOC Bina Bakat Recognized as Assistance to B40 Segment

TOC Bina Bakat programme is officially recognized by the Ministry of Education Malaysia.

It seeks to assist the B40 segment students.

The programme was officially launched together with the ministry today.

The TOC Automotive College had launched the TOC Bina Bakat programme in 2018 to provide financial assistance to those in need of quality education at the college.
The programme provides up 100% education loan in addition to a work-based learning curriculum. The college targeted lower- and middle-income households as the beneficiaries for assistance, while providing them with the correct technical knowledge and skills for future jobs in the automotive industry and beyond.
As highlighted in the Education Ministry’s Education Blueprint (Higher Education), there will be demand for an additional 1.3 million Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) workers by 2020, in the 12 National Key Economic Areas, as part of the government’s Economic Transformation Programme.
YB Dr. Maszlee Malik’s representative at the launch
As such, human capital must be sought from everywhere including among the marginalized B40 income groups, thus the programme is their perfect springboard to high-quality education and opportunity in the work force.
As we’ve written before, the programme provides places for automotive education without upfront tuition fees. On top of that, the college will seek job placement for the graduates on completion of their courses. It also covers the new TOC Superbike Technician Course, by the way.
A total of 62 students have benefitted from the TOC Bina Bakat programme as of now. the programme is expected to grow exponentially due to nationwide recruitment in all states in Peninsular Malaysia.
“This infrastructure TOC built through their programmes and industry partnerships is critical in helping the Ministry of Education reach the students that we are trying to help the most. This includes those who find themselves with less interest in academics, as well as those who may have failed their SPM examinations, or even failed to obtain places in vocational, public and private colleges,” in a statement prepared by YB Dr. Maszlee Malik, Education Minister of Malaysia.
Please click here to find out more about the TOC Automotive College. Please click here if you are interested in the Superbike Technician Course. TOC has a programme called Bina Bakat to assist potential students in need of an education loan.
TOC Automotive College can be reached at (+603) 7960 8833

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Buy The New Honda Vario And Win Tickets The Premiere Of MALBATT: Misi Bakara

Calling all movie enthusiasts and Honda fans! Boon Siew Honda is back with a thrilling opportunity that you won’t want to miss.

get tickets to catch the highly anticipated MALBATT: Misi Bakara by purchasing the new Honda Vario 125 and Vario 160.
the campaign period is from 13 July 2023 until 31st July 2023.

Introducing the “BUY Honda VARIO AND WIN” campaign, where you stand a chance to win two tickets to the exclusive premiere of the highly anticipated movie, MALBATT: Misi Bakara, starring the charismatic and beloved actor, Hairul Azreen.

The campaign is set to run from the 13th of July 2023 until the 31st of July 2023. During this limited time, customers who purchase a Honda Vario 160 or Vario 125 motorcycle will automatically be entered into the contest. This means that not only will you be getting your hands on one of Honda’s finest two-wheelers, but you’ll also have the chance to experience a memorable night at the movies.
*Honda Vario 160
The premiere of MALBATT: Misi Bakara is scheduled to take place on the 8th of August 2023 at the prestigious IOI City Mall in Putrajaya. Be the first to witness the thrilling action and gripping performances in this new movie.
*Honda Vario 125
For those eager to know if they have won, mark your calendars for the 2nd of August 2023, as the lucky winners will be announced on that date. Keep an eye out for the official announcement, and who knows, you might just be one of the fortunate recipients of the prized movie tickets.
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