2018 Honda CB650F Test & Review: The All-Rounder

The 2018 Honda CB650F is the naked version of the fully-faired CBR650F.

Both bikes share the same engine but different riding dynamics.

While the CB650F is meant to be a naked sportbike, it does well as an all-rounder, too.

We’ve tested many motorcycles. Adventure-tourers, luxury tourers, supersports, scooters, cruisers, standards, café racers, modern classics, classics that aren’t modern, etc., etc. Many fit into their respective categories and perform their roles well with singular purposes. But the 2018 Honda CB650F seemed to do just about everything.
Launched together with its CBR650F fully-faired brethren, the CB650F takes on the look of a naked sportbike. It does look the part with its multi-faceted bodywork, engine hung out in open with its four exhaust headers for all to see, a stepped seat.
2018 Honda CBR650F Test & Review – “Between Two Worlds”

The 650cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, inline-Four engine is shared with the CBR650F, so as almost every part of the bike, with the exception of the headlight and handlebar.

The CB650F’s seating position put me in a nice forward crouch without needing me to plop my (substantial) belly over the tank and offering my bum to the traffic behind. The angle was between the fully sit-up style of say the Yamaha MT-07 and aggressive Honda CBR650F.
The seat may look tall but has a nice height which is accessible to most riders, while the footpegs are placed relatively high and back for ground clearance.

Stabbing the ignition button brought the bike instantly to life with a “whooshing boom,” courtesy of four cylinders. The engine felt smooth when I blipped the throttle, although there was some vibration to tickle certain parts of the body.

The CB650F needed a little more clutch slip to get going put the power kicked in quickly, accompanied by a hair-raising burble from the airbox under the fuel tank. Just as Honda claimed, the engine was tuned for low- to mid-range torque and it accelerated surprisingly fast for a mid-range inline-Four through the slick gearbox as it surfed that wave of torque around heavy traffic.

Its engine served more like a three-cylinder bike, actually, because there’s always torque everywhere up to 8000 RPM. Heck, you could even filter through traffic at 60 km/h in fourth gear without any driveline snatch. It makes life a whole lot easier than having to constantly shift gears back and forth.

But when the roads opened up, so did the CB650F as it rocketed away and kept building speed briskly. It kept finding myself riding faster than I should. Well, why not, it’s got 90 bhp and 64 Nm of torque.

Now the bike has taken on the role of a sport-tourer, as it could hold on to any high-speed I chose. There’s another surprise here: Most naked bikes would have the windblast hammering on your chest at 130 km/h, but I found that I could sit up relaxed at 160 km/h. That’s true credit to the bike’s seating position.

The tingles typical of inline-Fours stayed with me at most times but it seemed to balance out at above 110 k/h. There’s still plenty of go at this speed as a twist of the throttle had me passing an entire line of cars in a hurry.

The Honda CB650F handled quite well and it’s more nimble than the CBR650F despite the same 25.5o rake and 101 mm trail. The taller handlebar means your arms are extended straighter while gripping the handlebar, hence your countersteering forces are more perpendicular (straight ahead) in relation the handlebar. Compared to bikes with their handlebars down in front the headstock, there is a tendency to push downwards on them as support for your upper body weight, resulting in slower steering.

The bike never protested when slammed it into corners considering the basic suspension package. The bike was suspended by the same non-adjustable Showa Dual Bending Valve Forks (SDBV) forks in front and a monoshock at the rear (adjustable for preload only). But the suspension definitely felt better on the CB650F as I didn’t have so much upper body weight on the front end.

The only thing I had to do was remind myself to hit corners with a gear higher as the engine’s torque results in heavy engine braking with the throttle off. However, this is just my personal preference as I prefer the bike to freewheel into corners. I would reduce a couple of teeth on the rear sprocket or install a slipper clutch if this bike was mine.

That brings me to what I didn’t like. The throttle was abrupt when it’s picked up from fully closed. Not from when the bike is idle, but when riding and shifting gears at low speeds, spoiling super smooth ride. I had to compensate by leaving some throttle on.

All-in-all, the 2018 Honda CB650F was a nice bike to ride around on a daily basis as it performed the role of an all-rounder remarkably well, whether it was commuting, long-distance blasting on the highway or weekend corner carver.

It’s offered at a price that’s hard to beat, considering that it has 90 bhp, great Honda build quality and comfortable, all at the same time.

2018 HONDA CBR650F

ENGINE

ENGINE TYPE
4-stroke, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled, inline-Four

DISPLACEMENT
648.72 cc

BORE x STROKE
67.0 mm x 46.0 mm

POWER
90 bhp (67 kW) @ 11,000 RPM

TORQUE
64 Nm @ 8,000 RPM

COMPRESSION RATIO
11.4:1

TRANSMISSION
6-speed

FUEL SYSTEM
PGM-Fi programmed fuel injection

CLUTCH
Multiple-plate wet clutch, cable-operated

CHASSIS

FRAME
Steel diamond

FRONT SUSPENSION
ø 41 mm Showa Dual Bending Valve (SDBV) telescopic forks

REAR SUSPENSION
Monoshock with adjustable spring preload

FRONT BRAKE
2 X Two-piston caliper and ø 320 mm discs

REAR BRAKE
1 X Single-piston caliper, ø 240 mm brake disc

TYRE FRONT; REAR
120/70 ZR-17; 180/55 ZR-17

STEERING HEAD ANGLE
25.5o

TRAIL
101 mm

WHEEL BASE
1,449 mm

SEAT HEIGHT
810 mm

FUEL TANK CAPACITY
17.3 litres

KERB WEIGHT
214 kg

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Covec & Bull-it Jeans win Queen’s Award

How do you get recognised for a great business in the UK? Apart from having a superb line of products, companies can also strive to get the Queen’s Award for Enterprise and Covec Limited, the parent company of motorcycle clothing brand, Bull-it Jeans, just got theirs and what an honour that is.

The award was given to Covec and Bull-it as a recognition for their success in exporting their products all over the world despite facing some tough competitions in the market for protective motorcycle clothing. Outside of the UK, you can find Bull-it Jeans in 14 other countries across Europe, North America, and more.

Their products have been getting huge demands thanks to their revolutionary textile embedded with ‘inflexible liquid crystal polymer’ that offers ‘abrasion resistance, moisture regain qualities and low thermal conductivity, all whilst enhancing the strength of the material.’ While Bull-it Jeans are made especially for riders, parent company Covec also caters to other markets from sportswear to military clothing.

Bull-it Jeans are also tied with a lot of big names in the industry such as Triumph Motorcycles, Rokker of Switzerland, KLIM USA, RevZilla, IXS, and The Bike Shed Motorcycle Club. Despite facing several major hurdles in the last few years, they have been grinding non-stop to build their brand and business to the point where they have successfully achieved the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

Bull-it Jeans offer a wide range of casual-looking jeans that offer protection for fellow riders. Various designs and cuttings for both men and women can be found on their official website, www.bull-it.com, and they definitely look great for daily riding. Check out their range and up your daily riding gear!
The Differences Between Motorcycle Helmets and Car Helmets

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Upgraded 2022 Modenas Dominar D400 coming in June?

Upgraded 2022 Modenas Dominar D400 reportedly set for local introduction middle of this year.

Upgraded 2022 Modenas Dominar D400 set for local introduction, reportedly in June

It will get new features to enhance touring abilities plus a USB charging port.

Mechanically, it remains unchanged from current form.

Expect revision towards RM13,997 base price figure.

Word has it that an upgraded 2022 Modenas Dominar D400 model is poised for local introduction towards middle of this year, likely in June.
Though positioned as a ‘sport tourer’ in its current and recently revised 2021 model year form, the upgrades this 2022 model year version offers will further reinforce this image. Highlights include a taller windscreen, a pair of handguards, inclusion of a USB charging port, an engine bash plate, as well as a luggage rack and backrest setup.
Apart from that, the 2022 Modenas Dominar D400 will retain much of the mechanical specs as seen in its current form. At the heart of things is a liquid-cooled 373cc DOHC single-cylinder developing 40HP and 35NM.
Other bits reportedly unchanged in the 2022 model is its 13-litre fuel tank, single-disc brake setup front and aft, 43mm front forks and Nitrox pre-load adjustable rear monoshock suspension, as well as the novel dual-dash displays.

Upgraded with the aforementioned key new features, we can also see a slight change in price – the current Dominar D400 carries a base sticker price of RM13,997. We can likely expect a hike, perhaps a slight one, given the new features added.
What’s certain is that the upgraded Modenas Dominar D400 will still stand as an affordable offering in the rapidly growing local entry level and middleweight sport tourer segment.

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Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Launches 2019 Extended Warranty Program

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn. Bhd. (HLYM”) rolled out a new Extended Warranty program for Yamaha motorcycle owners in Malaysia.

The program covers two years and up to 20,000km, whichever comes first.

The program is only applicable to new bikes registered from 1st July 2019.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn. Bhd. (HLYM”) rolled out a new Extended Warranty program for Yamaha motorcycle owners in Malaysia, allowing them to enjoy better product value and longer protection terms for their motorcycles.
Yamaha owners are now covered for an additional year, over and above the existing one-year manufacturer warranty that comes with the purchase of a new Yamaha motorcycle. The new Extended Warranty program entitles Yamaha owners to two years coverage or up to 20,000km, whichever is to come first.

The specified coverage is applicable only for motorcycles registered on or after 1st July 2019, and includes all Yamaha models produced by HLYM Malaysia.
“With this new feature, HLYM looks forward to increase consumer confidence, as well as Yamaha’s competitiveness within the Malaysian automotive industry which would help bring a positive push to the industry as a whole,” said Dato’ Jim Khor, Managing Director of HLYM.
Please refer to the table below for the scope of warranty.
Scope of Extended Warranty-ENGLISH
HLYM has also imposed a pre-delivery checklist for the benefit of customers upon receiving their new motorcycles. Verification is undertaken by authorized dealers to ensure all motorcycles are delivered in its best condition, towards further enhancement of customer satisfaction.
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Launched: WMoto ES250i maxi-scooter – From RM13,888

MForce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd debuts new Keeway-based WMoto ES250i quarter-litre maxi-scooter locally, priced from RM13,888.

WMoto ES250i is the latest entry into booming quarter-litre maxi-scooter segment.

244cc liquid-cooled SOHC single is good for 21HP and 21NM.

Extensive kit list includes dual-channel ABS, TPMS, full-LED lighting, and more.

Available through authorised dealers now with attractive base price of RM13,888.

Homegrown motorcycle brand WMoto launched its latest offering earlier today called the WMoto ES250i. Its arrival sees assemblers and distributors MForce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd poised for a slice of the pie in the booming quarter-litre maxi-scooter segment.
On the surface, the Keeway-based WMoto ES250i boasts edgy and somewhat premium styling, bolstered by the presence of full-LED lighting front and aft, snazzy 13-inch alloy wheels, as well as a tasty blacked-out flyscreen amongst its key traits.

In terms of size, it does lean more on the compact side of things – it’s a tad smaller than key rivals (read: Modenas Elegan 250, Yamaha X-Max 250.). But that’s not bad news entirely considering the styling, peppy powertrain and extensive list of kit it boasts.
Under its skin, the WMoto ES250i employs a liquid-cooled 244cc SOHC single that thumps out a decent 21HP and 21NM of twist to drive the rear wheel via twist-and-go CVT belt-drive – typical of such scooters.

Tipping the scale at a claimed 147kg, the powertrain proved peppy indeed when we took it for a quick spin around the block during its pre-launch press preview earlier today. This is also were a number of its key hardware shined, namely its suzzies and anchors.
Surely, the presence of dual-channel ABS will be a key draw towards the WMoto ES250i, as are its adjustable front forks and twin rear shocks – both supplied by KYB. Furthermore, the presence of a sizeable 12-litre tank ought to promise decent range as well.

Other key bits present include smart keyless ignition featuring a keyfob design akin to that of a certain German sportscar brand. Said fob even has a bike locator feature primed – nifty for when you park it in crowded parking lots.

Besides that, other notable standard features present consists of a USB port in the left-side of the centre dash, a neat hybrid digital-analogue instrument display panel featuring a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), not forgetting a decently sized under-seat bin capable of storing an open-face lid.

Offered in three snazzy colourway choices, the WMoto ES250i is now available through authorised dealers nationwide with a very attractive, near-bargain price RM13,888 – base price excluding on-road costs (insurance, registration, etc) and accessories.
Given the style, performance and features it packs for the price, this somewhat left-field quarter-litre maxi is poised to give its aforementioned rivals something to sweat about…
2022 WMoto ES250i Specs

Gallery: WMoto ES250i launch

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Bikers Gallery Sdn Bhd (Alor Setar) launches First Kawasaki Ninja Shop in Northern Malaysia

The first ever Kawasaki Ninja Shop in Northern Malaysia was launched earlier today by Bikers Gallery Sdn Bhd.
Located in Alor Setar, Kedah, the Kawasaki Ninja Shop is also one of the largest in Malaysia covering over 33,000 square feet of space for the bike display area and Kawasaki Exclusive Service Center (KESC).
The Kawasaki Ninja Shop is a concept store dedicated to the Kawasaki brand which covers motorcycles, riding gears, merchandise and many more to suit all types of riders in the country.

Bikers Gallery Sdn. Bhd. located at Jalan Raja, Alor Setar, Kedah has become successfully launched the first ever Kawasaki Ninja Shop in Northern Malaysia. The Ninja Shop was officiated by Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Diraja Ahmad Bashah Md. Hanipah together with En. Ahmad Faez Tan Sri Yahaya (Executive Chairman of Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.), Mr. Hee Sze May (Director & Owner of Bikers Gallery Sdn. Bhd.), Mr. Wee Hong (Chairman of Malaysia Motorcycle and Scooters Dealers Association) and Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Jeffrey Lim (General Manager & Director of Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.).

What makes this particular Kawasaki Ninja Shop special? Apart from being the first Ninja Shop to open its doors in Northern Malaysia, it is also one of the biggest covering a massive 33,000 square feet which includes the display area and also the Kawasaki Exclusive Service Center (KESC).

Those who are unfamiliar with the Kawasaki Ninja Shop, it is actually a concept stop dedicated solely to the Kawasaki brand and all its offerings. Whatever you desire from the Kawasaki, you can be sure that the Ninja Shop will have something to suit your motorcycling desires from Sport, Super Sport, Scrambler, Touring and other categories.

The people of Alor Setar and nearby areas can now visit the Kawasaki Ninja Shop to have a look at all of their bikes and merchandise including all of their 2017 line up; Kawasaki Z650 ABS, Kawasaki Ninja 650 ABS, Kawasaki Z900 ABS and Kawasaki Versys – X 250 . Already own their bikes? They also have a lot of official Kawasaki riding gears and merchandise to go along with that wonderful motorcycle of yours.

The service area is taken care of by trained personnel from the Kawasaki Exclusive Service Center (KESC) with the sole purpose of taking care of all Kawasaki bikes to ensure optimum performance every time a bike is sent in for servicing. There’s even a comfortable waiting area for bikers to hang out while waiting for their bikes.

To further support Bikers Gallery’s Ninja Shop and Kawasaki Exclusive Service Center (KESC) opening in Alor Setar, Kedah a convoy of Kawasaki CKD Ride 2017 which consist of about 100 Kawasaki bikers led by Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Jeffrey Lim himself attended the grand opening.

So if you’re nearby, don’t forget to stop by the new Kawasaki Ninja Shop located No. 380, Jalan Raya, 05000, Alor Setar, Kedah for great Kawasaki discounts and offers and we’re positive that they extend their great services to ensure the good times keep rolling with Kawasaki.
Interested to own your very own Kawasaki bike? CLICK HERE to check out all of the available models here in Malaysia via or Bike Buyer’s Guide!
Photo source: Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia)
Biker’s Gallery Kawasaki Ninja Shop Grand Opening Gallery

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This race-ready 2021 Honda MSX125 Grom HRC is awesome!

Honda just unveiled the 2021 Honda MSX125 Grom and like previous models, they’ve also unveiled a race-prepped model thanks to the folks from HRC. It might be an unusual proposal, but this 2021 Honda MSX125 Grom HRC race bike is simply one of the coolest looking things we’ve seen this year.

This is not just a bike that looks like it’s ready for some track-day fun. This is in fact, a race-prepped machine is kitted with all the fixings for next year’s HRC Grom Cup which will be held throughout Japan in 2021. And you can actually buy the race bike that they’ll be using next year.

The HRC kit for the 2021 Honda MSX125 Grom consists of a race cowl, muffler, and other race parts together with that signature HRC tri-colour scheme we all love (don’t deny this, it definitely looks awesome). Since it’s also a race bike, you won’t be able to ride it legally on the streets.

Internally, we’re still not sure if HRC has worked its magic on the 125cc single-cylinder PGM-Fi engine but the stock unit on the road-going machine puts out 9.6hp at 7,250rpm and 10.5Nm of torque at 5,500rpm. What’s also new is that it comes with a five-speed manual gearbox. SWEET.
2021 Honda MSX125 Grom launched in Europe

Written by: Sep Irran
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So what is next for Aprilia in Malaysia?

Piaggio Group and Naza Premira recently announced that the companies have amicably decided to stop the distribution of Aprilia in Malaysia. Read about it here.
The next day, the Piaggio Group announced the appointment of a new company that will take on the distributorship of Aprilia. Read the full statement here.
The new company is Didi Resources Sdn Bhd, the distributor of Moto Guzzi and Harley-Davidson.
We caught up with the team at Didi Resources to find out their plans for Aprilia in Malaysia.

So as soon as it was announced that Naza and Piaggio had amicably agreed to cease the distribution of the Aprilia brand in Malaysia, we got in touch with the new company in charge of the Italian brand for Malaysia – Didi Resources Sdn Bhd (DRSB).

Some of you may remember DRSB as the company that has been handling the other brand under the Piaggio Group – Moto Guzzi.
DRSB took on the custodianship of the Moto Guzzi brand last year and has since done a stellar job. Moto Guzzi has been selling spectacularly well and the introduction of a number of new models, including the recent introduction of the gorgeous V7 III Carbon (you can read about it here), has given fans and potential owners a diverse choice of models, with at least three more models due to be introduced this year.

Not only that, but DRSB has proven that it does not only know how to sell bikes, but it also knows how to offer a great ownership experience through great after sales service with a dedicated workshop and specially trained technicians. The workshop is equipped with state-of-the-art Piaggio Advanced Diagnostics System and all of its technicians are trained to use the computer and its software, which is required to maintain all of the models under the Piaggio umbrella, Aprilia included.

Besides that, the team at DRSB has also been actively engaging its owners through specially organised rides such as a recent weekend ride to Melaka (you can watch the video here), and the first ever night ride to Penang for Sahur during the recent month of Ramadan.

So when it comes to selling, maintaining and taking care of its owners, DRSB has been impressive. But that is not entirely surprising, the company consists of some of the most experienced people in the industry. Helming the company is Mr Rewi Hamid Bugo (above), a successful businessman with diverse interests who serves as the Chairman of DRSB. The General Manager is Juan Chow Wee (below, left), whose experience includes managing the Ducati brand in its early years, and who has previously worked on the Aprilia brand before. And then there is the ever popular Idon Pang (below, right) who serves as the head of after sales for DRSB. He has also previously served as the head of after sales for Aprilia and other brands, so is perfectly placed to manage such an iconic brand.

I managed to catch Juan for a chat after the announcement was made that DRSB will take on the distributorship of Aprilia, and it was clear that there is huge excitement in the company for the Aprilia brand.

“We want to first assure all Aprilia owners everywhere in Malaysia that we are here to take care of them and to serve their ownership needs. It does not matter where they bought the bikes from, as long as it is an Aprilia, they can come to us,” said Juan Chow Wee.

The new distributor says it is committed to honoring all warranties for all new bikes sold, it will also offer servicing packages and will stock up on spare parts for Aprilia bikes. Besides that, it wants to make Aprilia more competitive in the market and so there will be a price adjustment that will make the brand more enticing to a wider demographic.

“We do not only want to sell Aprilia bikes, but we want to offer new and current Aprilia owners the full extent of the Aprilia lifestyle, which means we will be activating a number of events for owners including track days and even weekend rides. We want to be able to engage owners in a way they have never been before,” added Juan.

So what can Aprilia owners expect from the new custodian of the brand? Well the new flagship showroom will open at The Gasket Alley by November this year, so owners have a place to hang out. The official service centre too will be located at The Gasket Alley, and the company expects to be fully stocked with parts by September.

As for owners who live in other states, DRSB says that it will evaluate the dealership network and either retain current dealerships that show a genuine interest in growing the Aprilia brand, or it will let go some and sign on more promising dealerships that can better serve the needs of Aprilia owners all over the country.
Juan explained, “owning an Aprilia is not just about owning a great bike, but it also gives access to an exclusive lifestyle. Our dealers should be able to offer all their customers access to a great ownership experience.”

“We want to reactivate the Aprilia community, we want to engage them and offer them fantastic ownership experience through a fully stocked workshop, monthly events and we want to take a brand that has been flying under the radar for too long to greater heights. We are committed to taking back the glory of Aprilia to its true value.”

The company has plans to offer all-new models after the launch of its service centre and flagship showroom. And judging by its success with Moto Guzzi, we are actually quite excited about the growth of the Aprilia brand in Malaysia.
More to come.
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Learn to ride with BMW: Riding Clinics by Auto Bavaria Glenmarie

Official distributor of BMW cars and Motorrad motorcycles, Auto Bavaria of Glenmarie is hosting an interesting few days of great deals, and safety riding clinics for bikers.
The event is being held from Friday, 16th of Jan till Sunday, 18th of Jan at Car Park B of the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. It starts from 9am and goes on till 9pm.

Visitors can expect to view and test drive the latest range of BMW cars, but while all that is well and good, it is of no interest to us.
What is interesting though is that there is a special marquee for BMW Motorrad bikes, the entire Malaysian range is on display. And you get to ride them too! Well, not all of them but who’s complaining?

However you must register your interest earlier, but you could however head over to the location after 4pm, where you can be a walk in guest and, depending on whether or not there are slots available, be given a bike to ride.
We did it, and it was awesome!
We were part of the first batch of riders, and not only got to experience the dynamics and agility of BMW bikes – the S1000R and R1200RT to be specific – but also brushed up on our riding skills.

The organiser, Auto Bavaria Glenmarie organised a safety riding clinic with KK Wong, an advanced driver and rider trained by the boys of BMW AG at the firms own advanced driving clinics.
The 2 hour session involves a group of 8 riders going out together to a specially laid out course. It all begins with a warming up session where you get to do some exercises to get familiarised with the bike. This involves standing up on the bike, riding with one leg or hand, and all kinds of things that show you that you can trust the bike you are riding.

Next up is emergency braking, which was particularly insightful. This exercise involved listening to the instructors advise, watching him do it and then doing it by yourself. You basically had to ride up to speeds of either 30, 50 or 60km/h, and then jammed the brakes. You first work with the rear brakes, then the front and then both brakes to better understand how long it takes you to come to a complete stop. Bike stability was never an issue no matter which brakes you used.

And then after that was a section called the Slow Straight. This is where a line of cones are lined up straight for about 50 metres, and you have to ride the bike through that as slow as you can. Crawling was more like it. This was basically to improve your balance on the bike, and to understand the weight distribution of the bike. Apparently some riders can take up till 35 seconds to finish the course, which is unbelievable because it really is tough to keep the bike upright while riding at about 8km/h. Yours truly probably did it in 5 seconds.

After that was the slow slalom, which was even more treacherous because now not only did you have to ride really slow, but you had to ride through a bunch of cones that were placed so tight, even a cyclists would find it tough. But the bikes did it with ease. It looked really hard, and doing it for the first and second time was tough too. But then you learn to understand the basics which is to just look at where you want to go instead of where you are heading, in this case, the cone ahead of the cone that is coming towards you. Complicated I know, but it’s easier done that said. Trust me.

Then came something called the ‘steering lock drills’, this is where you need to ride the bike in a really tight circle. Quite simple because you just need to balance the throttle and the brake, but takes some getting used to. I was personally riding the RT, which can feel quite heavy at low speeds, but it is also known to have a perfect centre of gravity. So riding in ever tightening circles was actually quite easy, considering the heft of the bike.

The final session was possibly the easiest, and that is learning the four basic riding style – the Push Method, In Line, Hang Off and Spiegel Method. We got to practise each style by riding in a wide circle around a pre set set of cones.
The Push Method is where you have to push the bike into a corner, dirt bike or motard style. This riding style apparently is one of the best because it gives you full control of the bike, especially in emergencies.

Then there is the In Line method where you just stay on the bike and lean with the bike. This is an easy method too, but is not as comfortable.
The Hang Off method is something we are all familiar with, this is where half your body or butt cheek is hanging off the bike. Great if you are riding on a circuit, not good at all if you are riding on the road. Why? Well who is going to control the bike if half of your body is already hanging off it?

The Spiegel Method is interesting and is something I have never heard of before. But apparently it is named after a professor who is also a biker who just happened to find the best way to ride after studying over 500 bikers. Yup it is true, it is the most comfortable, and the most confidence inspiring, all of us were actually riding faster than all other styles and stayed in full control.

For the Spiegel Method, you basically just push your knee that is facing the corner inwards so as not to fully lean off the bike, but just a bit while still keeping your body on the bike and your foot firmly on the peg. It works.

That marked the end of the practise, and of course, food and drinks were served.
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And the legend is reborn – Honda Africa Twin

After months of waiting Honda finally released two pictures of what they call the new Africa Twin with some details to follow.
The bike company showcased the ‘True Adventure’ concept bike at the Milan show in November last year, which looked production ready but offered little in detail about the new model or when it would be out for sale.

Heres what Honda said in their release –
Honda is delighted to announce the return of one of motorcycling’s most celebrated and evocative names – the Africa Twin. Having clearly shown the direction of its development and intent with the reveal of the True Adventure prototype at EICMA in November 2014, Honda can now confirm that the all-new CRF1000L Africa Twin will be in dealers across Europe in late 2015.
Some motorcycles encapsulate perfectly what an adventure motorcycle is all about. The original XRV650 Africa Twin – which debuted in 1988, after the first 3 out of 4 consecutive wins at the Paris-Dakar* – was one such machine. Its go-anywhere ability, rugged durability, easy-handling agility and all-day comfort made it the perfect partner with which to explore.
And it helped to define a motorcycling segment that has now grown into one of the most popular worldwide.
The new Africa Twin remains true to all the attributes and abilities of the XRV650 and its successor the XRV750, while adding the benefits of everything Honda has learnt on and off-road over the last decade, including Team HRC’s return to the Dakar in 2013**.
Furthermore, in a first for the category, the Africa Twin will feature the option of a new evolution of Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) *** technology, which remains unique to Honda in motorcycling.
This latest evolution of DCT has been specifically developed and programmed to provide the off-road ability with which the Africa Twin is synonymous.
The all-new CRF1000L Africa Twin is set to redefine expectations of just what a large-capacity adventure motorcycle can and should be capable of, both on and off-road, and opens an entirely new chapter in Honda’s illustrious history of dual-purpose motorcycles made for true adventure.
The NXR750V, a full HRC race machine, faced stiff competition in the gruelling Paris-Dakar through the late 1980s but won out in 1986 and 1987 in the hands of Cyril Neveu, in ’88 with Edi Orioli and finally in ’89 piloted by Gilles Lalay.
The road-going XRV650 Africa Twin was produced between 1988-9 by HRC in tribute to their efforts, and laid the foundation of what would become a legendary machine.
In late 1989 the XRV750 Africa Twin was launched and quickly became an adventure touring benchmark.
It featured a 742cc, 6-valve liquid-cooled V-twin engine (producing 45kW power and 62.7Nm torque), long travel suspension and large fuel tank, chain final drive, 21-inch front wheel (widening off-road tyre choice) and dual front disc brakes.
Revised twice and in production until 2003 it remains a sought-after machine today, with good examples commanding premium prices.
After a 24-year absence, Honda returned to the Dakar in 2013 with Team HRC. For that edition of the race (now run in South America) they developed the CRF450 RALLY – a motorcycle based around the enduro-spec. single-cylinder CRF450X and entered three riders; Team HRC reached their primary target of all machines reaching the finish line.
In 2014, with a completely new CRF450 RALLY, Team HRC brought a 5-man squad to the event; Spaniard Joan Barreda went on to take five stage wins.
2015 saw Team HRC come even closer to their ultimate goal, with Portugal’s Paolo Goncalves finishing runner-up in Buenos Aires.
Team HRC scored the greatest number of stage victories and Joan Barreda proved an unyielding leader throughout the first week of the rally, collecting more stage wins than any other rider in the Dakar 2015.
Laia Sanz, in ninth, surpassed all of her own objectives and made history by finishing higher than any other female in the history of the Dakar.
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Is the Yamaha T7 Concept adventure bike finally going into production?

The latest teaser video posted by Yamaha Motors Europe entitled “Your adventure awaits” has got everyone excited with rumours that the Yamaha T7 Concept will go into production.
Introduced last year during the EICMA Milan show, the T7 Concept gained a lot of attention and praise with its futuristic yet rugged lines ready to conquer any terrain.
The fully-function concept bike has made a few appearances but on 6 September 2017, it might make its official appearance as Yamaha’s latest production middleweight dual-sport bike.

The world was super excited when Yamaha launched the futuristic T7 Concept last November during the EICMA show in Milan, Italy. Looks like the chance of the Yamaha T7 remaining a concept is slowly dissipating with the manufacturer’s latest teaser video for a brand new adventure two-wheeler.

The Yamaha Motors Europe-produced video entitled “Your adventure awaits” which has already made its way around many social media platforms such as Youtube points to the T7 Concept bike as there were no other new adventure bikes introduced during EICMA Show in Milan.

The middleweight dual-sport bike is said to be heavily-inspired by the brand’s MT-07 street bike which has gone through a major evolutionary process with futuristic designs plus rugged styling elements. The combination has proven to be very successful in the public’s eye.

With a look that’s already buff enough to take on rallies like Dakar with ease, the Yamaha T7 is powered by the same 689cc, twin-cylinder engine platform as the MT-07 but we’re confident that it’ll be tuned to be more aggressive in order to conquer multiple terrains.

Other interesting features include an all-new chassis design, high-tech Kayaba suspension package, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheels plus that enticing Akrapovic exhaust which we think fits perfectly with that blue and grey silhouette of the T7.

The only thing we’ll know for sure whether the T7 remains like the beautiful concept or something different is by waiting for the launch on 6 September 2017. We were very impressed during EICMA 2016 and come 6 September 2017, we’re confident that most of us will be blown away.

Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more updates.
To know more about Yamaha during last year’s EICMA show in Milan, CLICK HERE!

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Hi-Rev Racing kicks off 2017 in style

Hi-Rev Racing set for another year of competition in Cub Prix and ARRC.

Leading homegrown lubricants brand Hi-Rev has kicked off its 2017 in style after officially launching its two racing teams for the Malaysian Cub Prix and Asian Road Racing Championship (ARRC) series.

The Hi-Rev Racing teams’ livery for 2017 were recently unveiled during the firm’s annual Chinese New Year gathering held last weekend in Petaling Jaya. The race machines for both series were unveiled during this swanky soiree.

Hi-Rev is no stranger in both series, having competed and won numerous titles in them for many years now. Like the years before, Hi-Rev Racing aims to use motorsports as a platform to both share and enhance its technologies and products’ performance even further.

With that, customers can also expect more motorsport-inspired activities throughout 2017 thanks to Hi-Rev Racing’s competition efforts in both the local and regional stage. Locally, the brand has already partnered up with veteran Soong Chee Kieong and his SCK Racing outfit in the local Cub Prix series.
You can stay up to date with Hi-Rev Racing online via Hi-Rev Junction’s official Facebook page. You can also visit the Hi-Rev Junction E-store to know more about Hi-Rev’s current range of products produced using strict manufacturing standards certified under ISO9001:2008 Quality Management System.

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Harley-Davidson of Johor Bahru officially launched

Naza Prestige Bikes Sdn Bhd, the authorised Malaysian importer and distributor of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, marked a major milestone when it launched its latest full-fledge 3S centre in Johor Bahru today.

The new Harley Davidson of Johor Bahru 3S centre now stands as a one-stop centre and dedicated hub that will cater to all Harley-Davidson motorcycle owners in the Peninsula’s southern region.

Present during the launch were several top tier executives of the Naza Group led by group executive chairman Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin. Also present here were Harley-Davidson Asia Emerging Markets’ managing director Peter Mackenzie.

Of course, no major milestone in the soutern state of Johore is complete without the approval of HRH Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, the Sultan of Johore. Sultan Ibrahim was present during a specially organised private launch ceremony and tour held prior to the scheduled press launch later in the afternoon.

The new Harley-Davidson 3S centre is located just next to Ducati Johore in the heart of Johor Bahru along Jalan Dato’ Abdullah Tahir. The two-storey facility measures roughly 470 square meters for each floor. Inside, it houses two state-of-the-art service work bays, a large showroom display area, a Parts & Accessories store, an official Harley-Davidson merchandise and apparels boutique, as well as customer waiting lounges.

The opening of Harley-Davidson of Johor Bahru was aimed at further enhancing the famed American brand’s presence in the peninsula’s southern region. It now joins in the brand’s Malaysian network along with the main Harley-Davidson of Kuala Lumpur flagship store in Petaling Jaya and Harley-Davidson of Penang.

Owners and customers can locate the new Harley-Davidson of Johor Bahru outlet via the following Google Maps link:

Harley-Davidson of Johor Bahru Launch

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Moto2: Hector Barbera fired for drunk driving

Current Pons HP40 Racing team rider Hector Barbera has been fired for a drunk driving conviction.

The 31-year-old was found guilty of driving over the limit in Spain last week and was handed a one-year driving ban.

The parting of ways between the ex-MotoGP rider and the Pons HP40 Racing team is effective immediately.

The Pons HP40 Racing Team has issued an official announcement stating that they have parted ways with their current Moto2 rider, Hector Barbera. This is due to the fact that Barbera was convicted with drunk driving earlier this week in Spain.

It was around last week when the ex-MotoGP rider was arrested and found driving over the limit during a night out of town. He was brought to a court in Valencia where he was found guilty of the offense and was slapped with a one-year driving ban.

The former Reale Avintia Racing team rider was dropped from the premier class and with his less than impressive performance in this season’s Moto2, things are certainly not looking great for the 31-year-old Spaniard.

Barbera has issued his own personal statement which can be read below:

“I accept my mistake and accept the consequences. The worst is what has to do with my family, my friends and my partner, but also with my professional career. From the next Grand Prix of Catalonia I will not continue competing with my current structure.”

“Even those that you think is deserved, that can be, you will understand that it is a very hard time for me. The word ‘repentance’ falls short to express what I feel. I have taken my step to Moto2 very seriously, although things are not going well. I am training more than ever and working very hard.”

“I insist once again that I assume the consequences of what has happened. I will not stop fighting even though things are difficult, and this will be the attitude that I will continue to maintain. I apologize to anyone who has been affected by this situation, and I thank those who support me at a time like this.”

Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more MotoGP news and updates.
Image source: MotoGP
Check out the 2019 MV Agusta Moto2 race bike

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2019 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory, More Details Emerge

The 2019 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory has been upgraded.

More details have emerged since its launch last year.

One of the main highlight is the Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active electronic suspension.

Updates to the 2019 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory was released last year alongside with the 2019 RS4 RR, from which the former is based on.
We’ve covered it before, but more details have emerged since over the upgrades the Tuono V4 1100 received.
Highlights:

The engine produces 175 bhp at 11,000 RPM and 121 Nm of torque.
Wet weight is only 209 kg.
Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active electronic suspension. (More on this.)
Bosch IMU-based traction control and ABS.
Other electronic riding aids include wheelie control, launch control, quickshifter, pit lane speed limiter and get this: Cruise control!

Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active electronic suspension:
The Ösuspension is the latest in electronic suspension evolution. It not only performs the preset duties of semi-active suspensions of the past, but the rider could tune it to achieve different objectives.

The Objective Based Tuning Interface allows you to tune, for example:

Less fork dive when you brake for a corner.
Softer damping in the middle of the corner for more grip.
Harder rear shock when you accelerate out of the corner.

The suspension system’s ECU takes readings from the suspension movement, brakes, throttle and IMU (lean angle, yaw angle) to formulate a solution for the current riding mode. Besides that, it not only works on the suspension, it works on the electronic Öhlins steering damper, too.

The rider can switch the system to manual mode. The suspension will then react accordingly to the present modes – Track, Sport, Road – selected by the rider.
This system was first seen on the Ducati Panigale V4 and V4 S.
Unfortunately, the Tuono V4 has always flown under the radar when it comes to naked sportbikes for some reason. That’s a real shame because it offers the raw performance that most bikes have damped out these days. Even the much-vaunted beast – the KTM 1290 Super Duke R – has mellowed, but not the Tuono. And we haven’t started on the V4 soundtrack yet!

This bike is the very essence of why we love bikes in the first place. In other words, that ability to leave everything behind including supercars without needing to sell both your kidneys.
When will it arrive it Malaysia? Soon, hopefully!
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Most Fun Gym (MFG) – the MX park for all!

We take a peek inside the Most Fun Gym (MFG) motocross park in Sungai Penchala.

Motocross riding is a seriously fun affair. Just ask any professional rider and they’ll tell you the same thing. And it seems that the Most Fun Gym motocross park in Sungai Penchala aims to bring that fun closer to all.

Opened sometime last year, Most Fun Gym (or MFG for short) is owned and operated by 63-year-old Oh Kah Beng. If the name sounds familiar to you, Kah Beng is in fact a living legend in the local motorcycle racing scene having raced two-stroke GP bikes back in the day – a story we’ll save for later.

“When I was offered this piece of land by the owners, they told me to turn it into fun place for all. Naturally, knowing that some of the most popular motocross paths are too far away from the city, I saw this unique opportunity,” said Kah Beng as he explained how the idea and concept of MFG got off the ground.

Tucked away up in the green hills of Sungai Penchala (near Damansara and TTDI), the premise is any motocross rider’s dream. The best part? MFG welcomes all walks of life regardless of skill level and age to come and try it out.
In other words, both novices and seasoned riders alike are welcomed here. Here’s what you ought to know about this dirt-busting haven.

The course
MFG features three separate course layous. First comes a short ‘Beginner’ track that’s comprises of a near-flat figure-8 layout. Next comes the slightly longer ‘Intermediate’ layout that features small jumps and banked dirt corners.

				Image source: MFG Facebook

				Image source: MFG Facebook

The third layout, which is the ‘Advance’ layout, is reserved for those who have passed the first two courses and for highly experienced MX riders. As you can see from the featured video, the jumps here high and will easily sate any avid MX rider’s appetite for some ‘airtime’.

A video posted by BIKES REPUBLIC (@bikesrepublic) on Sep 2, 2016 at 4:29am PDT

Coaching classes
Novices can sign up for any of the three coaching packages available. First of which here is a basic two-hour trial lesson that costs RM300. Next to it is MFG’s five-hour long plan that’s split into two sessions across two days – one session per day. This is priced at RM600 (price based on KX bikes).
But if you seek the proper and full experience, MFG also offers an eight-session package. Each session lasts for two hours, and this package costing just RM1,600 in its entirety.

Kah Beng himself will conduct the classes. Our junior editor recently had a go with his first trial lesson and, without any doubts, the retired national GP bike champion is one effective coach indeed.

Coaching Package
Duration
Price Per Pax

Trial / Pay n Play
2 Hours
RM300 (KX) / RM350 (YZ125)

Basic
5 Hours
RM600 (KX) / RM700 (YZ125)

Full
16 Hours (2 Hours x8)
RM1,600 (KX) / RM2,000 (YZ125)

Own Bike (With Protective Gears)
2 Hours
RM150

According to Kah Beng, the only pre-requisite here is that participant must know how to ride a bicycle at least. In short, MFG welcomes even the most greenest of novices to sign up for MX riding lessons in its premises.
And just before you think these classes are for newbies or the young only, Kah Beng reminded, “For veteran or experienced riders alike, it is always good to go a ‘refresher’ course once a while, and this is something we can provide as well.”

As far as age in concerned, the park welcomes riders from as young as six years old. Believe or not, MFG recently welcomed a 75-year-old grandmother as one of its newest members, and she’s living proof that you’re never too old to get started with MX riding.
Kah Beng further adds, “Dirt-riding isn’t just fun, it’s the best way to improve your riding skills too. If you can master riding on dirt, then riding on the road or track will be a cinch!”

Gears – rentals and retail
If you’re a true novice with little to no gear at hand, then worry not as MFG will sort these out for. MFG will be able to loan you a helmet plus all the necessary armour comprised of a knee + shin guards and elbow guards as well.

The only requirement here is that all participants must wear long jeans, ankle-high sports shoes and a long-sleeve top made of tee-shirt material. We recommend high-socks to go along with those shoes and perhaps investing in a proper MX dri-fit jersey.
Should you wish to buy your own MX gears instead, then you’d be glad to know that MFG also acts as a retailer for several brands such as Shark helmets and Furygan apparels.

Bike rentals
MX bike rentals are also available here in MFG, with the cost of which being packaged together with the coaching lessons. There’s a variety of vehicles to choose from starting with mini bikes and quad-bikes for kids and beginners.
There’s also mid-sized pit-bikes for intermediate riders, as well as full-sized two- and four-stroke MX bikes available. The latter however is reserved for the highly experienced.

Can I bring my own bike?
For the experienced MX enthusiast with your own bikes and gears, worry not as MFG also offers special track rental rates. For this, MFG charges just RM150 per bike for two hours of track time in total.
“I chose to keep this very affordable so that I can boost the local MX community here. You don’t have to travel so far and, at the same time, you don’t have to spend too much money as well,” explained Kah Beng about these affordable and special rates he devised.

The MX park for all
If you’re an avid MX enthusiast living in the Damansara, TTDI, Petaling Jaya or even Mont Kiara areas, MFG will easily cater to your dirt-busting needs. MFG operates daily from 10am to 6pm.
You’ll need to place your slot bookings in advance, especially for weekend sessions. You can place your bookings by calling Kah Beng direct via mobile: +6012 277 1770. Alternatively, you can also place your bookings by calling the park’s administrator Ms Julisa Neoh via: +6012 207 2516.
NOTE: MFG currently doesn’t have credit card facilities just yet. You’ll need to prepare cash or perform online transfers beforehand with the latter made through Maybank account number 514271051585 (OH KAH BENG).

How do I get to MFG?
If you’re familiar with the Sungai Penchala area, MFG is actually located near the Lotus Cars and Audi Damansara flagship centres. More specifically, it is sited within the City Car Plaza compound – drive uphill upon entering the gated warehouse.
For those unfamiliar with the area, you can refer to the map we’ve attached below. You can reach Kah Beng or Julisa Neoh via the aforementioned hotlines.
Alternatively, you can also stay in touch with MFG through its official Facebook page as well. Don’t forget to check out more images in the gallery we’ve prepared at the end of this post as well.

Most Fun Gym (MFG) – The MX Park For All!

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Over 720,000 Allianz Motorcycle Plus policies sold in one year

If you’re looking for the best motorcycle insurance coverage for bikes below 250cc, one of those policies placed high on the list is the Allianz Motorcycle Plus policy. In essence, this particular policy from Allianz General Insurance Company offers riders with ‘bigger protection at no extra cost’.
Launched just over a year ago in April 2019, the Allianz Motorcycle Plus offers protection to fellow bike owners from damages or losses like accidents, fire, and theft. What makes them different is the fact that they also cover third party deaths as well as bodily injuries under the same policy.

There’s a reason why more than 720,000 policies were issued from May 2019 to May 2020 where bikers can opt between comprehensive coverage or third party only. Both of these offer an Accident Cover up to RM5,000 (for death or permanent disablement) and RM50 daily income for hospital stay (up to 60 days).

According to Horst Habbig, Chief Sales Officer of Allianz General, “What Allianz General offers customers is extra protection at no extra cost because what matters to us is providing protection that will truly make a difference in the lives of Malaysians. After all, if someone has got to look out for the kapcai (underbone) riders – let it be us.”
“Malaysians are very discerning, and they know good value when they see it. While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way people think, they are still going to seek security in quality. That makes our jobs as insurers a little easier as we continue to provide affordable products with the best protection and the best coverage that money can buy,” added Habbig.
To know more about Allianz Motorcycle Plus, head over to www.allianz.com.my/motorcycle-plus.
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New colour for 2018 Honda Africa Twin – Matt Ballistic Black Metallic!

Boon Siew Honda (BSH) has introduced a brand new colour option for their 2018 Honda Africa Twin.

The new Matt Ballistic Black Metallic showcases a more sleek and stealthy appeal perfect for urban riding.

This new colour option is only available for the standard model which comes in either Manual or DCT transmission from RM69,999 (basic price without SST).

Boon Siew Honda (BSH) is proud to announce a brand new colour variant for their full-size adventure touring machine, the 2018 Honda Africa Twin. The standard model of the Africa Twin is now available in a sleek and stealthy colour option called ‘Matt Ballistic Black Metallic’ and it is kind of reminds of KITT from Knight Rider or the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird (both equally awesome, no argument there).

The new colour which offers a more subtle yet stylish appeal goes hand in hand with the performance of the Africa Twin for those who wishes to ride this baby around town and other urban areas. There’s no doubt that you’ll not look out of place in areas like Bangsar whenever this bad boy roll into town.

Do not be fooled by the new facade as the Africa Twin still packs a 998cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine which churns out a respectable 94hp at 7,500rpm and 99Nm of maximum torque at 6,000rpm. Paired with its sturdy chassis and bodywork, it’ll take you to any place at any given time. All you need is a good set of riding skills and you’re gold.

This new colour option is available for the Standard Honda Africa Twin model which is offered in two different variants; Manual Transmission and DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission). As for the Adventure Sports model, the Tricolor option is still available for purchase.

To know more, head over to the nearest Honda Big Wing showroom or check it out online at www.honda-bigwing.com.my.
Honda Monkey Makes a Comeback Priced from RM 13,999

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Win a Vespa weekly with Petronas

Stand a chance to win yourself a brand new Vespa with Petronas in its latest Mesra Kad ‘Pump and Win’ campaign.

National oil firm Petronas is kicking off the New Year with a bang for its Mesra Kad members. Earlier today, the firm launched its latest ‘Pump and Win’ campaign in one of its key stations located in Ampang, and it is opened exclusively to all of its Mesra Kad holders.
Up for grabs in this campaign are exclusive prizes such as a brand new Mercedes-Benz CLA200 grand prize, eight customised Proton Iriz hatchbacks, as well as 16 classy Piaggio Vespa and 16 nifty JAVA foldable bikes – the latter two meant to entice its two-wheeled consumers. Both the Vespa and foldable bikes will be given out as weekly prizes throughout the campaign period.
*Not actual prize.
Additionally, winners of the Mercedes-Benz CLA200, Proton Iriz and Piaggio Vespa prizes will also receive RM1,000 and RM500 free fuel respectively while 1,600 consolation prize winners will receive 3,000 Mesra points.
The campaign is opened exclusively to all Mesra Kad holders at all participating Petronas stations nationwide. To enter, just spend a minimum of RM40 on Petronas fuels (Primax 97, Primax 95 or Dynamic Diesel) at any Petronas station in a single transaction and swipe your Mesra Kad during payment.

This new Petronas ‘Pump and Win’ campaign will run from Jan 5 until Feb 29. More information as well as contest terms and regulations can be obtained by visiting mymesra.com.my.
(Images courtesy of Petronas Dagangan)
(Vespa image lifted from Vespa Malaysia)
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Where have the 600cc Supersport Bikes Gone (Part 2)?

600cc supersport bikes were once developed on par with their bigger counterparts.

It was the most popular class and outsold the bigger bikes.

The class has been in decline but why?

We looked at the genesis of the 600cc supersport models in Part 1, so let’s take a look at more of the groundbreaking models in this part.
As we mentioned earlier, the class became a hotbed for sales across the world as riders sought bikes that are not only cost less to buy, they cost less to insure, too. Besides that, 600cc bikes were getting pretty fast but were still relatively easier to ride than their 750cc and 1100cc counterparts. The category should have seen ongoing developing and good sales, but something happened along the way to cause its decline.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R (1995)

Sure, the ZZ-R600 was fast and handled reasonably well, but there’ no getting away from its sport-touring platform. No one is going to race that and win.
So, Kawasaki chucked out that format and returned to with a sporty 600 in 1995. With a bodywork based on the Ninja ZX-9R, the ZX-6R had ram air intake too, which upped engine power to 101 hp. That made it the first production 600 to go above the “ton.” It went faster too, hitting 262 km/h.
Now the power wars were on.
Suzuki GSX-R600 SRAD (1997)

Suzuki finally got on the ball and released the GSX-R600 a year after the groundbreaking GSX-R750T. The smaller Gixxer was based almost thoroughly on the 750, albeit with a sleeved-down engine, adjustable but conventional telescopic shocks and 4-piston front brake calipers. But it did have Suzuki Ram Air Direct (SRAD).
It was a manic bike on the road, suited to twisty roads that’ll have bigger bike riders holding back on the throttle.
Yamaha YZF-R6 (1999)

The class is going to get even hotter. Yamaha finally fought back with the sublime YZF-R6, a year after launching the YZF-R1. However, the R6 didn’t share any parts with the R1 except for a compact, light and agile concept.
As per the R1, the R6 received a “stacked” transmission. It shortened the engine and provided the bike with a short wheelbase (shorter than the FZR400RR). That allowed engineers to move the fuel tank backwards and consequently the handlebars toward the rider. It was the beginning of mass centralisation.
The manic inline-Four spun to 13,000 RPM and put out 120 hp. Since it was also light, it accelerated faster and had a 265 km/h top speed.
Triumph TT600 (2000)

Triumph decided to get into the middleweight market too, since it was thriving. It was a brave decision since the new Triumph had to contend with what the Japanese had done for many decades.
So, the Hinckley manufacturer gave the TT600 the best components such as an aluminium frame, fuel-injection, forged pistons, fully-adjustable suspension and top-of-the-line Nissin brakes.
It handled really well, as a result but the engine was blighted by spotty fuel injection programming.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R/ZX-636 (2003)

With the everyone in the class now fighting tooth and nail, Kawasaki decided to up the power of their ZX-6R. Not in the conventional term, instead by upping engine capacity to 636cc. This “cheater” engine was for the road, while the manufacturer offered a 600cc machine for racing (like how what Ducati is doing currently with the Panigale V4).
It may have been a 636, but it was as close to an engine tuning gone mad. This is why the engine is a favourite among stunt riders (including one Aaron Twight).
Triumph Daytona 675 (2005)

Triumph wasn’t going to give up and 2005 saw the much-loved Daytona 675. Again, they held nothing back in terms of chassis components but the engine also saw it being changed to a triple. The three-cylinder engine has natural primary and secondary balance, besides having the right amount of torque and top-end horsepower. The 675cc is based on the extra capacity allowance for three-cylinder bikes in racing.
Years of development saw the engine grow to the current 765cc, which also powers the Moto2 grid.
The bike and its later variants were the best-handling 600 supersport. Period.
It had to end…
Suddenly, the 600s were gone. Much of it was due to riders moving on to sport-touring and dual-sport motorcycles. Sportbikes, whether 600cc, 750cc or 1000cc were suddenly spurned as riders seek something more practical to fit a whole variety of uses and roads.
Currently, there are only the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, Suzuki GSX-R600 and Yamaha YZF-R6 soldering on as pure 600cc supersport bikes. However, only Kawasaki and Yamaha are really pushing the development on their bikes. Hang on, though, Aprilia is about to launch their RS660.

There are bikes in the 600cc class at the moment, such as the Honda CBR650R, Kawasaki Ninja 650 but these aren’t true supersport bikes. Still, they’re much more practical at the price of all-out performance.
2019 Honda CBR650R
Will the 600cc supersport class ever see a resurgence? We do hope so.
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BMW Motorrad release prices for 2018 BMW G310R and K1600GTL – RM20,534* and RM110,647*

BMW G 310 R (K03)
BMW Motorrad has released their latest pricing for four of their 2018 models; K1600B Bagger, K1600GT, K1600GTL and the highly-anticipated G310R.
While BMW Motorrad Malaysia has finalized the prices for the K1600B Bagger and K1600GT, we are only seeing the US prices for the K1600GTL and G310R for the very first time.
The 2018 BMW K1600GTL and G310R are priced at $25,595 (around RM110,647) and $4,750 (around RM20,534)*

*Prices stated for the US market after direct conversion without tax, insurance or GST.

BMW Motorrad has finally released the official prices for four of their 2018 models including two models which have not been labelled with any figures before until yesterday. The recommended prices for three of their 2018 models in the US are as follows (note: the prices stated below are of direct conversion without adding tax, insurance or GST):
2018 BMW G310R – $4,750 (RM20,534)
2018 BMW K1600B Bagger – $19,995 (RM86,438)
2018 BMW K1600GTL – $25,595 (RM110,647)

While we know that BMW Motorrad Malaysia has only confirmed the price for their beautiful 2018 BMW K1600GT seen above at RM159,900 (basic price with GST), there are still no news on the other three models for our Malaysian market.
CLICK HERE to know more about the 2018 BMW K1600GT.

CLICK HERE to know more about the 2018 BMW K1600B Bagger.

CLICK HERE to know more about the 2018 BMW G310R.

CLICK HERE to check out BMW Motorrad’s showcase at EICMA 2016 in Milan, Italy.
BMW G310R at it’s debut last year at EICMA, in Milan
So far, there are no updates yet on when the bikes will be available in the Malaysian market or the pricing, we know that the G310R will definitely sell like hot cakes IF they play their cards right by putting a suitable number on it.
Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more updates.
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Emotional Moto2 win for Japan in Qatar!

If you’ve watched the first Moto2 race of 2020 last night, you would know that it was a fantastic race with an emotional win for Japan as Tetsuta Nagashima (Red Bull KTM Ajo) from Japan claimed his first-ever win in the MotoGP intermediate class.

Why was it so emotional? 10 years back, his close friend, the late Shoya Tomizawa, won the first-ever Moto2 race at the same track. That very same year, Tomizawa lost his life in the 11th round when a race incident occurred competing at the San Marino Grand Prix. The victory was obviously dedicated to his close friend.

What a way to pay tribute to the late Shoya Tomizawa ❤
10 years since his famous victory and @tetsuta45 delivers Japan a #Moto2 winner again! ??#Moto2 | #QatarGP ?? pic.twitter.com/vzwSMJ3Z5s
— MotoGP™ (@MotoGP) March 8, 2020

Going back to the race, it seems that the race was in the bag for Luca Marini (SKY Racing Team VR46) as he got off to a flying start against the likes of Joe Roberts, Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo), and Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team). It was like a Moto3 battle as the top riders battled it out for the very first win of the season.

With most riders running the ultra-soft front tyre option, tyre conservation was key in maintaining a good pace throughout the race. Unfortunately for Marini, his tyres just dropped along with his leading position before crashing out at the very last lap.

Lorenzo Baldassarri (FlexBox HP 40) took on the lead with a close battle against Bastianini. What they did not know at the moment was Tetsuta Nagashima was setting back-to-back fastest laps and was catching the front runners. Bear in mind that the 27-year-old Japanese rider started the race back in P14.

While the top 3 riders were busy tripping each other, Nagashima powered on his Triumph-powered KTM machine to the front before taking over the position and leaving them in the dust under the floodlights of the Losail International Circuit. The Japanese crossed the chequered flag in P1 followed by Baldassarri and Bastianini.

Our homeboys, Hafizh Syahrin (Aspar Team) and Kasma Daniel (Onexox TKKR SAG Team) had a tougher time as the former MotoGP rider finished the race in P19 after having late issues with his bike and an unfortunate DNF for Kasma Daniel. The entire Moto3 and Moto2 teams will have quite a rest to recover before their next round in the US this coming April.

Thai govt suspends MotoGP round in Buriram

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Suzuki Plans to Develop Heads-Up Display Helmet

Suzuki's latest patent for a heads-up display (HUD) helmet

Suzuki has plans to develop their very own heads-up display (HUD) helmet for the future of motorcycling

The usual HUD unit will not just display vital information but also relays live video feed of the rear which plans to replace the conventional rear view mirrors

Nuviz Rider POV

Suzuki is currently working on helmet development technology that will enable riders to receive vital information related to their motorcycle or journey via a heads-up display unit. As this is a great potential in the future of motorcycling, more and more major bike manufacturers are getting involved in this high-tech wizardry.
DigiLens System
To most riders, being able to receive vital information on the fly displayed within their helmets sounds incredible. Information such as speed, navigation and even answering phone calls while riding in theory would be much safer as the rider won’t need to stray their vision away from the road to look down at the equipment.
Heads-Up Display vision from BMW Motorrad
Suzuki plans to do all of the above with plans to take it even further by substituting the motorcycle’s side mirrors with a display feeding live images from a rear-mounted camera within the helmet itself. This means that if the system is successful, it’ll be one less thing for the rider to worry about when there’s a need to overtake or switch lanes.
Rear view camera from the Honda 150SS RACER
Now, we all know that there’s a possibility of the rear view video feed to be too overwhelming for the rider especially when they need to concentrate going at highway speeds. The jitters and shakes from the camera can be a major distraction which is why Suzuki came up with another ingenious yet simple solution; by putting the camera on a gimbal that stabilizes images and also extend the rider’s field of vision to greater lengths.
How a gimbal works
There is however a risk of the system not being widely accepted by the masses just yet and other affecting factors. A perfect example would be Skully Helmets who provided such helmets for purchase but later closed its doors due to internal problems and politics.

CLICK HERE to read Skully Helmet’s story.
There are a lot kinks and progress that need to be worked on. Even BMW Motorrad and KTM who have started much earlier are still in the midst of prototyping. From what we can see, the future of motorcycling requires high-tech progress in order for it to thrive which can only be done with futuristic high-tech wizardry such as the HUD display system.

CLICK HERE to know more on BMW’s HUD system.
KTM HUD helmet with Nuviz System
CLICK HERE to read up on KTM’s version of the heads-up display helmet.

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Scumbag thieves are now stealing ByBre brakes!

Recent news has shown that thieves are now beginning to steal ByBre brakes.
ByBre is short for ‘By Brembo’ is a brand developed by the major brake manufacturer specifically for small to medium displacement motorcycles.
Bikes like the Modenas Pulsar RS200, Modenas Pulsar NS200, KTM 250 Duke, KTM 390 Duke and many more all use ByBre brakes.

Being a motorcycle owner has its ups and downs. Apart from owning some very lovely machines that make heads turn in excitement, we also have to constantly worry about the physical wellbeing of our beloved motorcycles. This is especially true when it comes to bike thefts.
It’s hard not to think about your beloved bike’s safety & well-being (Image source: MotoGP)
We’ve seen countless cases where a number of motorcycle parts have been stolen but the most popular has to be the brake system. Consisting of calipers, discs, master cylinders and levers, these are probably the number one part scumbag thieves tend to target if they’re not eyeing on stealing the entire bike.

We know for a fact that major brands like Brembo are the most susceptible to thefts and it is both heartbreaking and annoying at the same time considering that insurance companies generally don’t tend to cover this particular aspect. Now, a few cases have come to light where criminals have begun stealing ByBre brakes.

ByBre is actually short for ‘By Brembo’ which is a brand developed by Brembo dedicated for small to medium displacement motorcycles and scooters. In Malaysia, the most popular bikes that use ByBre hardware are the Modenas Pulsar RS200 and NS200 and also some KTM models like the KTM 390 Duke.

Owners of small to medium sized bikes usually don’t have to worry about this since thefts usually occur for more premium brands which can fetch a higher price in the black market. With the fact that more and more people are beginning to understand that ByBre is a brand developed by Brembo, it is just a matter of time before they start gaining more attention (the unwanted kind).

As a side measure to avoid or at least delay any theft attempt, there are several ways on how motorcycle owners can do so such as using specialised caliper bolts or ‘thread lockers’. Stay tuned to Bikes Republic as we soon bring you some ways on how to protect your motorcycle parts from being stolen.

In the mean time, do take countermeasures by parking your bike at well-lit or crowded places. You don’t have to go all paranoid but keeping a close eye on your beloved bikes can probably help to deter some possible theft attempts.
Front ByBre caliper stolen from a Modenas Pulsar RS200. Such a heartbreaking sight…
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2020 BMW S 1000 XR now available in Malaysia – RM121,500

BMW Motorrad Malaysia has officially listed the 2020 BMW S 1000 XR sport-touring model (or Adventure Sports) for sale here in Malaysia. If you’re looking for a long-distance tourer that also carries some ‘sporty aggressiveness’, the BMW S 1000 XR should be on your watchlist.

In essence, it’s like taking the heart out of BMW S 1000 RR superbike and placing it into a frame that will let you travel further with high levels of comfort. With sharp and aggressive lines flowing from front to back, the new S 1000 XR comes with revised riding ergonomics for smooth riding experience for you and your pillion rider.

Powered by a 999cc inline-four engine, the new S 1000 XR produces 165hp at 11,000rpm and 114Nm of maximum torque at 9,250rpm. All that power is sent to the rear wheel via a six-speed synchromesh gearbox with spur gears plus final chain drive. Top speed? Over 200km/h, obviously. You can view those speeds and more on its beautiful 6.5-inch TFT screen.

The new BMW “Flexi Frame” was adopted from the brand’s superbike range, which helps to cut down some significant weight. New suspension and subframe also help to reduce the overall weight by 9%. In other words, the new 2020 BMW S 1000 XR is a whopping 10kg lighter than the previous model (223kg kerb weight).

Other standard features include:

Full LED lights
Riding Modes Pro (Rain, Road, Dynamic and Dynamic Pro)
Self-reinforcing anti-hopping clutch + electrically controlled engine drag torque control (MSR)
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) + DTC Wheelie
Integrated pannier holders
Toll card compartment
storage compartment underneath seat

There are several options for you to further elevate the new S 1000 XR such as:

Main centre stand
Hand protection guard
GPS preparation kit
Cruise Control
Heated grips
Daytime riding light
Dynamic ESA Pro
Gear Shift Assist Pro
Headlight Pro (iconic DRL/ position lights & Adaptive Cornering Lights)
Keyless Ride

BMW Motorrad Malaysia has priced it at RM121,500 (recommended retail price excluding insurance + 3 years warranty & roadside services). Customers can choose between two colour options: Ice Grey and Racing Red.
The BMW R 18 was also previewed for the Malaysian market. For more information, check out the link, below.
Online booking now available for 2020 BMW R 18 First Edition in Malaysia

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2024 BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy To Take Place In Namibia

The 2024 BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy is set to take place in Namibia.

Namibia chosen as the official venue of the 2024 BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy.
A total of 16 men’s teams and six women’s teams will compete for the ultimate prize.

Namibia also marks the event coming to a full circle, having been held on all continents around the globe after it first started in 2008 – Africa.
The off-road adventure will take GS owners through a remarkable landscape and unique flora and fauna in line with the Spirit of GS.
“After Tunisia, South Africa, Patagonia, Canada, Thailand, Mongolia, New Zealand and most recently Albania, BMW Motorrad was again on the lookout for perfect GS terrain – and found it in the beautiful country of Namibia.
“Countless off-road kilometres with challenging route profiles passing through marvellous landscapes with fascinating flora and fauna once again ensure an exciting GS Trophy,” said Dr Ralf Rodepeter, Head of Brand Management BMW Motorrad.

According to BMW Motorrad, there will be 15 national qualifying events and one international qualifying to take place worldwide.
Each participant is required to perform a series of tasks to secure a spot on one of the 22 national teams, including; a GPS navigation exercise, off-road rides and a technical test.
In addition, the women’s teams that succeed at the national level will win a trip to the international female qualifying round. Six women’s teams will be selected to fly to Namibia with the 16 men’s teams.
The qualifying rounds for the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy 2024 are as follows; Brazil, China, Germany, France, Italy, India, Japan, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Columboa, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Mexico, UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, UK and the US.
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MotoGP: Dovizioso extends championship battle to the final round with Sepang win

The penultimate MotoGP round of 2017 saw a battle in the wet where Ducati duo Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo celebrated a one-two finish.
Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) completed the podium with Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) settled for fourth.
Dovizioso and Marquez will battle it out in the final round in two weeks’ time upon arriving in Valencia.

The final flyaway race saw the things that made the Shell Malaysia MotoGP one of the most interesting rounds in the calendar each year. Just as the Moto2 race ended with a one-two finish from the Red Bull KTM Ajo duo and of course the 2017 Moto2 World Champion Franco Morbidelli, the skies opened up and unleashed a fury of rain. Although it was short, the rain was enough for Race Direction to declare it as a Wet Race.

With a few minutes to go, teams and mechanics scrambled to get the bikes set for the wet. Starting from pole, Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team) started from pole with Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) and Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) joining in the front row.

The rider who’s currently leading the 2017 MotoGP championship that is Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) started from seventh following a rough qualifying session. The race began with Marquez having to battle it out with Valentino Rossi, Maverick Vinales and Jorge Lorenzo who qualified in front of the 24 year old Spaniard.

From the get go, Marquez blasted through the pack and was first to reach Turn 1 before going wide which affected Andrea Dovizioso as well. Johann Zarco and Jorge Lorenzo took the opportunity to jog away from the rest of the pack. Zarco managed to lead the race for quite some time before Lorenzo overtook the Frenchman as his rear soft option tyre started to degrade.

Marquez and Dovizioso managed to claw back up the rankings but it was Dovizioso who managed to ride brilliantly in the wet and passed Zarco and Lorenzo in the final laps of the race.

At the chequered flag, Dovizioso took the victory closely followed by team mate Jorge Lorenzo and this season’s top Independent and Rookie of the Year, Johann Zarco in third. Marquez settled for fourth.

After Marc Marquez, there was a significant gap with the other finishers from Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team) who crossed the finish line in fifth all the way to Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) who completed the top 10 riders.

As of now, Marquez still leads the championship with 282 points which is 21 points more than Andrea Dovizioso. That’s a considerable gap so even if Dovizioso wins the final race in Valencia, all Marquez has to do is finish in eleventh or higher to seal the deal. Not a difficult thing to do but when it’s racing, anything can happen anywhere at any time.

The final round will head to Valencia in two weeks’ time on 12 November 2017. Will the Spaniard be triumphant in front of his home crowd or will the Italian finally give Ducati another champion after Casey Stoner? Stay tuned to Bikes Republic as we head to the final showdown.
And have you heard that Petronas wants to give some lucky people a year’s worth of engine lubricants? You can be one of those lucky people too by taking part in a simple contest. For more information on the contest, you can visit www.mymesra.com.my/pengejarimpian
Source: MotoGP
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Back from extinction: Erik Buell Racing

American exotic superbike maker Erik Buell Racing restarts production following hiatus after announcing bankruptcy.

Its been turbulent 12 months to say the least for the defunct Erik Buell Racing brand. Also known as EBR for short, the brand announced its bankruptcy and ceased its operations back in April last year where it was placed in the receivership process.
However, things are finally looking up for the American manufacturer as reports are trickling in of a revival under its new owners called Liquid Asset Partners (LAP). Under its renamed banner of EBR Motorcycles LLC, sources report that LAP recently restarted production in the brand’s facility located in East Troy, Wisconsin, with the first roll off slated for March 17.
However, the announcement appears to be rather symbolic if anything as it remains unclear as to where these newly produced EBR motorcycles is destined for. Fuelling this is the fact that EBR’s does not have a solid dealership network anymore whilst its former dealers are still plagued with having plenty of old EBR stocks sitting on its floors.

Sources report that the new EBR Motorcycles LLC team promises more news to come over the next few months surrounding pricing, warranties and racing. At the same time, owners LAP are also actively looking for parties interested in investing in the EBR Motorcycles brand. LAP is also reportedly gearing up to sell excess factory assets in an auction slated for March 18th.
Sources: Asphaltandrubber / AutoEvolution
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German GP: Quartararo Delivers Sachsenring Masterclass, Bagnaia Goes Down Again

Fabio Quartararo produced another masterclass display to win the German GP.

It was Quartararo’s third win of the season.
Francesco Bagnaia dramatically crashed out at the early stage of the race.

Bagnaia made a good start after securing the first pole at Sachsenring; however, it wasn’t enough to hold off current MotoGP champion Quartararo.
The Frenchman recorded his third win of the season to secure his championship lead with 172 points ahead of Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro (130 pts) and Johann Zarco (111 pts.)

Fellow Frenchman Zarco took his fourth podium at second-placed, followed by Ducati’s Jack Miller, who, despite being handed a long lap penalty, managed to come in third.

Nevertheless, it was a disastrous day for Ducati teammate, Bagnaia, who, despite starting the race at pole position, went down after just five laps.
It was the Italian fourth DNF this season, thus putting him further behind Quartararo in the championship standings with just 81 pts.

After the race, Bagnaia expressed his disbelief at what had happened.
“I’m trying to replay in my mind what happened, and I cannot explain my crash.
“For sure, if I crashed, it’s because I made a mistake. But in this situation, it’s very difficult to understand why.
“Looking at the data, it’s impossible to understand. I was angry like this because I can’t explain it. I’m very angry because when you crash and you know why it’s your mistake, normally I’m very self-critical.
“But today, the reason why I crashed is something I can’t explain. So it’s more difficult to understand, it’s more difficult to accept,” he said.

Mathematically, Bagnaia now needs to beat Quartararo by an average of over nine points per race to salvage his hopes of challenging the title, a daunting task over the remaining ten rounds.
MotoGP action will be back at the end of the week at the Dutch GP in Assen.
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2018 Honda CBR1000RRW ready for Suzuka

The 2018 Honda CBR1000RRW has been unveiled to compete in this year’s Suzuka 8-Hours endurance race.
The bike will be handled by the HRC full factory team to bring the fight to Yamaha who has been dominating the scene.
Takumi Takahashi together two other Honda riders from MotoGP or WorldSBK will race this baby at the end of July 2018.

As the competition heats up for this year’s Suzuka 8-Hours endurance race, giant Japanese manufacturer Honda has unveiled the 2018 Honda CBR1000RRW with high hopes to conquer the entire field. This bike will be operated by the HRC full factory squad for the very first time in this race series.

With the Yamaha factory team having dominated the race for the past three years now, Honda decided to bring out the big guns in terms of their own HRC factory team, high-level riders and this outstanding piece of machinery.

When it comes to specifications, the 2018 Honda CBR1000RRW is that different from the ones currently used by Leon Camier and Jake Gange in WorldSBK. Some factors have been added to help cope with the endurance racing style.

Things like custom wheel setup for ultrafast tyre swaps, functional lights, modified bodywork, and Magneti Marelli electronics are just some of the additions to ensure that the HRC squad can hopefully stay at the front of the pack.

Other specs include Ohlins suspension package, Nissin brakes, Bridgestone tyres and more complete this factory squad beast. There is still no news on who will race this baby in Suzuka except for Takumi Takahashi who is HRC’s test rider and experienced endurance racer.

The next obvious question is who are the other riders? We won’t be surprised if they’re able to get Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa thrown into the mix.
MotoGP: Johann Zarco to race with Repsol Honda?

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Shark Skwal I3: World’s First Motorcycle Helmet With Integrated Brake Lights

Shark, the renowned helmet manufacturer, has recently unveiled its latest product, the Shark Skwal i3, which is set to become the first-ever production motorcycle helmet with integrated brake lights. The helmet boasts two new patented technologies and is homologated to ECE 22.06 standards.

world’s first helmet with integrated brake lights.
features Shark’s latest ‘Best Fit’ system.

The Skwal i3 utilizes a three-axis accelerometer to detect when braking is occurring, and the helmet-integrated brake light operates accordingly. The brake light flashes three times per second during steady braking and five times per second in hard braking, which enhances visibility for riders and motorists alike.

In addition to the integrated brake lights, the Shark Skwal i3 has white LED lights on the front that improve visibility in traffic. Three modes determine the front lights’ operation, but they do not alter the brake lights’ patterns. The helmet’s battery can be charged via a USB-C cable in just three hours, providing 12 hours of usage. If the helmet is left switched on for 24 hours, it will turn itself off to conserve battery life.

The Shark Skwal i3 is constructed with a Nexan-injected polycarbonate shell, which allows for deformation in extreme heat conditions. It also features a Shark-patented toolless visor removal system, an Optical Class 1 anti-scratch visor with Pinlock 70, an integrated sun visor with anti-scratch and anti-fog properties, and space for 40mm speakers in the helmet’s EPS multi-density padding.
Moreover, the Skwal i3 is the first helmet from Shark to use the brand’s new ‘Best Fit’ system, which follows a campaign of 3D head shape scans. The helmet is available in two shell sizes, XS-XXL, and 13 graphic options. Unfortunately, pricing for the Malaysian market is yet to be available.

The Shark Skwal i3 is a revolutionary helmet that combines advanced technologies, comfort, and safety. Its integrated brake lights provide an additional layer of safety to riders, while the front LED lights enhance visibility, making it an excellent choice for all types of riders. The Skwal i3 is set to hit the market soon and is expected to be a game-changer in the motorcycle helmet industry.
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Upcoming Honda Africa Twin To Feature Front-Facing Camera

New patent drawings from Honda revealed that the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin would soon be equipped with a front-facing camera.

Honda to feature a front-facing camera on the Africa Twin.
The camera will feed the necessary information to the riders.

*image by Motorrad

The camera will monitor the traffic and feed the active rider aids with accurate data.
According to reports by Motorrad, the camera would operate similar to a smartphone camera, which uses sensors rather than a lens.
 In addition, Honda also patented a specially-design mount for the camera.
*image by Motorrad
The mount will protect the camera from debris and stones while on the road and also from light sources that could disrupt the camera’s operation.
Interestingly enough, the camera is not fixed in position in the mount but rather suspended to protect the camera from vibrations.
Nevertheless, while the patent showcased the camera being mounted on the Africa Twin, we expect Honda to apply the same features to future models.
(Source: Motorrad)

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Kawasaki Ninja H2 soundtrack – Sounded like a forced induction engine

For the past few days the internet have been abuzz with the rumours that the next Ninja will come with a forced induction engine.
That rumour is now confirmed with Kawasaki releasing a sound clip on youtube of a bike accelerating hard and a chirp similar to a forced induction vehicle would have in between upshifts.

All the rumours are based on Kawasaki’s showcase at the last Tokyo Motor Show where they revealed a concept supercharged inline-four engine.
Unfortunately except for the designation Ninja H2, just like a ninja, things are still clouded in mystery.
Click on the link below and go fuyo!
Ninja H2: Vol.2 Mysterious
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Brake Calipers Stolen Off Thai Bikes in Malaysia

A group of Thai riders visiting Malaysia had the brake calipers stolen off one of their bikes.

The bikes were in a 5-star hotels’ parking lot.

The theft of brake calipers is a scourge in our country now.

What is this country coming to? We hear about brake caliper thefts almost every single day now, but when it especially stinks when it involves motorcycles from other countries, like to these unfortunate Thai riders.
Information is scant but according to the original poster, the Thais had stopped at the Gurney Hotel in Penang for the night. The woke up to missing brake calipers on their bikes the next morning.
The first bike in the video is a Ducati Multistrada 1200. The Brembo calipers are missing, disconnected at the anchor points and hose’s banjo bolt. Brake fluids has leaked out everywhere.

The next bike is a BMW R 1200 GS Adventure. The calipers were thankfully in place, but the hose was already disconnected. The scum probably didn’t have time to finish his dastardly deed.
We couldn’t for the lives of us describe just how embarrassed we are about this. This wasn’t the first case. A Frenchman who was travelling around the world also lost the brake calipers on his motorcycle.
Are thieves in Malaysia so brazen now that they could steal from 5-star hotel parking lots? And do we have to remind the police that not one single thief has been caught since we posted the tips on securing brake calipers a year ago? Or should street justice prevail but sentencing the thieves to impalement with a KLX250 fork?
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FIRST LOOK: 2023 MV Agusta Dragster RR SCS America

MV Agusta, known for its love of special editions and nostalgia, has once again delighted motorcycle enthusiasts with its latest creation, the MV Agusta Dragster RR SCS America Special Edition.

Unveiled on July 11, 2023, this bike pays homage to the original 750S America introduced by MV Agusta in 1975.
the limited edition motorcycle was inspired by the 1975 MV Agusta 750S America.

While the model name draws inspiration from its predecessor, the MV Agusta Dragster RR SCS America Special Edition is a distinct machine that showcases the advancements in motorcycle technology over the past five decades.
Powered by a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 12-valve, 798cc triple engine, it boasts impressive performance figures. With a claimed output of 140hp @ 12,300rpm and 87Nm @ 12,800rpm, this bike offers exhilarating power. The engine is coupled with a six-speed transmission featuring MV’s Smart Clutch System (SCS) 3.0, an innovative hydraulically-actuated automatic clutch.

In terms of suspension, the MV Agusta Dragster RR SCS America Special Edition is equipped with an upside-down Marzocchi fully adjustable front fork with diamond-like coating (DLC) treatment and anodized fork legs.

At the rear, it features a fully adjustable progressive Sachs monoshock unit. Braking power is provided by Brembo components, including a pair of radial four-piston calipers and 320mm floating discs at the front, as well as a single two-piston caliper and 220mm disc at the rear. The bike is equipped with Continental ABS, offering rear wheel lift-up mitigation and cornering functionality.
Sporting 17-inch alloy wheels, the MV Agusta Dragster RR SCS America Special Edition catches the eye with its carbon fiber cover on the rear wheel, adding a touch of style and solidity. The bike’s striking appearance is further enhanced by its red, white, and blue livery, showcasing a patriotic tribute to America.

The dry weight of the MV Agusta Dragster RR SCS America Special Edition is listed at 175kg. For those seeking an even lighter machine, the optional Special Parts full exhaust, intended for track use only, can bring the weight down to 167kg.

With its combination of retro aesthetics and cutting-edge technology, the MV Agusta Dragster RR SCS America Special Edition is set to captivate motorcycle enthusiasts looking for a unique and powerful riding experience.
GALLERY: MV AGUSTA DRAGSTER RR SCS AMERICA

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2019 Triumph Thruxton TFC Launches Triumph Factory Custom Line-up

The 2019 Triumph Thruxton TFC breaks cover.

It also kickstarts the Triumph Factory Custom (TFC) range.

The Thruxton TFC is not just a repainted Thruxton R.

Triumph Motorcycles have launched the eye-popping and stunning 2019 Triumph Thruxton TFC. In doing so, Triumph formally launched their Triumph Factory Custom range at the same time.
The Thruxton TFC prototype was spotted undergoing road tests just earlier this month. But here it is, ready to turn heads and melt the toughest moto-hearts like diamonds to ladies.

At the same time, the Triumph Factory Custom creates custom bikes without the owners voiding warranties, having the bike butchered, spaghetti-bowl wiring, and ending up with impractical and unrideable Frankensteins. It means TFC bikes will hold their values, if not appreciate.

Styling highlights

Carbon fibre racing “bubble” cowl, front fender, seat cowl, heel guards and exhaust silencer.
Details included billet top triple clamp, tinted windscreen, leather seat with stitching, billet oil filler cap.
LED headlight and taillight.
Blacked out colour scheme with gold pinstriping. (Remember JPS, anyone?)

Triumph didn’t just take a standard Thruxton R and repaint it, instead, the Thruxton TFC features a whole list of upgrades.

Performance upgrades

Lighter engine components, high compression pistons, revised ports, higher profile cams, Vance & Hines silencer add 9.8 bhp to 105 bhp. Torque is up at 115 Nm.
Weight is dropped to 198 kg with the carbon fibre bodywork, besides the revised engine internals.
Additional weight loss came from the aluminium engine cradle rails, removal of the rear mudguard, and lighter battery.

Handling upgrades

Fully-adjustableÖhlins NIX30 forks, an upgrade from the Showa BFF.
Adjustable Öhlins piggyback rear shocks.
Brembo M4.34 Monobloc brake calipers.
Updated ride modes, traction control and ABS.
Metzeler Racetec RR tyres.

Special package

Only 750 will ever be built. Each bike is individually numbered.
TFC handover pack and certificate signed by CEO Nick Bloor.
Personalised custom build book.
TFC motorcycle cover.

We can’t wait to see the bike when it arrives at Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia! The “standard” Thruxton R is already the best cafe racer we’ve had the pleasure to test, so we can’t imagine how the Thruxton TFC is like!
PICTURE GALLERY

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