Taxi Slammed into Motorcycle, Killing 11-Year-Old

Taxi kills 11 year old girl - Photo credit: The Star

A taxi slammed into a motorcycle, killing an 11-year-old girl and injuring her older brother.

The accident happened in Bangsar early this morning (23rdJanuary).

We do not know what actually transpired, but we recommend that all motorcyclists ride with a sense of paranoia that other vehicle drivers do not see us.

A taxi slammed into a motorcycle, killing an 11-year-old girl.
According to The Star, 11-year-old Athierah Batricesya was riding pillion with her 18-year-old brother along Jalan Maarof, Bangsar at about 7am.
A taxi then rammed into them at a junction, throwing both occupants onto the road. Athierah suffered severe head injuries and passed away on the spot, while her brother received bruises to his left leg. The girl has been sent to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital for a post-mortem.
Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department head, Assistant Commissioner Zulkefly Yahya confirmed the accident when contacted by the newspaper. He also said that Athierah was a student at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Bandaraya.
“The taxi driver was unhurt. The case falls under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1087 for reckless driving,” he added.
We do not know what actually transpired this fateful morning, but we as motorcyclists must always have a 360-degree awareness around us at all times. Always ride with a sense of paranoia that no other vehicle drivers see us, much less stopping or giving us the right of way.

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Spyshot: BMW S1000 Sport Touring spotted

BMW Motorrad’s rumoured S1000RR-based sport touring bike has indeed become fact after one prototype was spotted recently undergoing road tests.
What many believe would be called the ‘S1000F’ was spotted, and is reportedly in near-production form. From the pictures, the ‘F’ version’s touring style high seating position and imposing looks clearly confirms the model’s true purpose as an adventure tourer, meaning no intentions for off-roading – a feat Motorrad has reserved for its ‘Swiss Army Knife on two-wheels’ the R1200GS.

The S1000F would evidently complete the S1000 range that is currently comprised of the full-faired S1000RR and HP4 supersports, followed by the naked S1000R. Sources speculate that the S1000F will be powered by a heavily detuned version of the S1000RR’s one-litre in-line four-cylinder, but is expected to output at least 150hp.

With the successful Ducati Multistrada set in its sights, BMW Motorrad will reportedly match the rivalling Italian in terms of its electronics kit. Expect the S1000F to be primed with ABS, stability control, and electronic dynamic damping as standard at the very least. The S1000F will reportedly go on sale next year, meaning we could see it debut later this year at EICMA.
Source: Visordown and Asphaltandrubber
Images: BMH Images via Asphaltandrubber
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Japan’s Exclusive Piaggio MyMover Three-Wheeld Moped Launched

If you’ve been to Japan, chances are you might have come across a unique-looking three-wheeler going down the road, especially around city centres.

Piaggio MyMoover is a Japan-only three-wheeled scooter.
They are designed as a delivery vehicles for day-to-day businesses.

These three-wheelers are small, affordable vehicles generally used by restaurants and cafes to deliver food and drinks to nearby customers.
There are many of these scooters in Japan; surprisingly, some are made by well-established motorcycle companies.
As such, the Italian scooter company, Piaggio, wants to be a part of the quirky three-wheelers market with the MyMoover.

The Piaggio MyMoover is a cute-looking delivery electric three-wheeled moped developed exclusively for the Japanese market.
According to Piaggio, the MyMoover features a two-wheel at the rear and one wheel at the front while equipped with a massive rear luggage compartment.
Interestingly, the Piaggio MyMoover is able to lean just like a standard Piaggio scooter.

Despite the vast payload (261 litres of cargo), Piaggio claimed the moped is as stable as a typical scooter.
Also, the overall structure is built to ensure that the weight distribution (between the rider and luggage) is loaded evenly across three wheels. This feature provides additional stability and a natural riding feel of a typical moped.
Powering the MyMoover is a standard 125cc liquid-cooled, a single-cylinder unit designed to provide workhorse-like performance.
Apart from the 261L of cargo space for the rear top box, the front luggage crack can carry additional 20kgs while the leg shield bag can store an additional 5kgs of luggage.
As for pricing, Piaggio is asking for JPY913,000, which translates to RM29.4k. Pricey? You got that right.
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Should I Replace My Rubber Brake Hoses to Braided Steel Lines?

The OEM rubber brakes hoses typically need to be replaced every four years.

You can choose to replace them with braided steel lines.

Steel lines are more durable.

As we mentioned previously in other articles about brakes, brake hoses are considered consumables, that is, they need to be replaced some time down the road. The question then is to whether replace them with OEM rubber hoses or braided steel lines?
Before we go further, let us explain that most top-of-the-line motorcycle models are already equipped with braided steel hoses, especially sportbikes. As for those in other segments, there are manufacturers who include them as OEM from the factory, while those of the lower categories may not.
So, let’s assume that your bike is fitted with rubber hoses. Rubber brake hoses need to be replaced every four to six years, depending on your manufacturer’s recommendations.
OEM rubber hoses deteriorate over time
Cutaway of a rubber hose (left) vs a braided steel line. See how much simpler is the steel line’s construction – Photo credit crowz.narmir.com
Over time, the rubber becomes soft and will expand when subjected to the high stresses of the brake system. Consequently, you lose braking power. In other words, some of the brake fluid’s pressure’s lost in pushing brake hose outwards, instead of being concentrated on the caliper(s) pistons.
The lever will feel spongy and you lose feel of how much you can taper off the pressure on the lever. This is especially irritating when you need to trail brake into corners – the brake seems to just let go. When that happens, the forks will rebound abruptly therefore shifting the bike’s weight to the back. This will cause the bike to run wide or even overshoot the corner.
What’s the difference between rubber hoses and steel braided lines?
Picture courtesy of Venhill
In a steel braided line, a steel casing surrounds the core hose inside, made of either nylon or Teflon. A PVC protective layer covers the steel line. It’s best to choose the PTFE Teflon core as it can resist much higher temperatures generated during braking.
The steel casing keeps the inner hose from expanding when the brake is applied. As a result, you have a better feel of how much braking you can apply, rather than relying on just the feel of the bike’s speed alone. This is especially helpful when you need to trail brake or letting off some pressure to enable you to steer the bike.
What you shouldn’t expect after switching to steel braided lines
Don’t expect your bike to brake like Marquez’s bike for Turn 9 at the Sepang International Circuit. Braided lines give you better feel and return some of your brake’s power, but you won’t get eye-popping braking all of a sudden.
What to look out for
If you end up getting a steel line with a smaller inner diameter compared to your OEM hoses, do expect that the brake lever will require slightly more travel. This is due to the increase of pressure in the line due to the smaller orifice, as stated in Bernoulli’s Principle. As such, the brake master pump’s cylinder needs to travel a little further.
But more critically, do look for quality steel lines rather than some el cheapo ones. Never compromise on quality when it comes to brakes. Besides, good braided steel lines could last for a long time.
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A Honda X-Adv Won in the 2019 Gibraltar Race Rally

A Honda X-Adv had won in the 2019 Gibraltar Race ahead of other dual-purpose bikes.

It took the middleweight category and placed seventh overall.

A competitor will ride an X-Adv in the upcoming GIVI Rimba Raid at Janda Baik 2019.

A Honda X-Adv had won in the 2019 Gibraltar Race ahead of other dual-purpose bikes.
Renato Zocchi steered the X-Adv to the Class 2 victory in the especially tough 7,000-km rally through Europe. His class win also puts him as seventh overall in the event, beating our scores of purpose-built dirtbikes and adventure-tourers.
Class 2 is designated to motorcycles between 601 to 950cc, hence includes some menacing middleweight adventure bikes such as the KTM 790 Adventure R, KTM 690 Enduro, KTM 950 Super Enduro, Husqvarna 701 Enduro, BMW F 800 GS Adventure and many more.
While the X-Adv was specially prepared for the race, the bike was reliable. Competitors faced various terrains including dirt roads, rocky mule tracks, river crossings, mud and grass. Zocchi kept the DCT (dual clutch transmission) and G (gravel) mode. The suspension was modified to provide extra wheel travel and ground clearance. The footboards remained in place.
The route covered several countries, taking the riders from the Baltic Sea to the Atlantic Ocean coast. It began in Gdansk, Poland, passed through the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, France and finally ending at the Cape Finiterre Lighthouse in Spain.
The results were surprising, of course but wait, you’ll get to witness a Honda X-Adv taking part in the GIVI Rimba Raid Janda Baik 2019 from 27th to 28th July!
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Ducati Club Malaysia celebrates 10 years of riding and the Desmodonna

In conjunction with the Asia Ducati Week, the Malaysian Ducati Club celebrated its tenth year since it was formed at the Beach Club on Saturday night.
But the limelight was stolen by the newly created Desmodonna, the female side of the club. Not the first for Ducati as they have similar setups in numerous locations across the globe.

The idea behind the Desmodonna is to honour and embrace female Ducati owners in Malaysia who are just as passionate and involved in the Ducati happenings as all males of the Ducati Club.
“The Desmodonna Club was established in Malaysia to honour the involvement of women in local Ducati activities, events and adventures.
Over the years, we have seen more females buying and riding Ducatis and increased participation in Ducati activities, proving that the Ducati way of living does not only develop brotherhood, it fosters the nature of family,” said Datuk Wira HJ SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Joint Group Executive Chairman.
“People are often under the impression that riding big bikes is a ‘male thing’ and they don’t realise there are thousands of women across the globe who are just as enthusiastic and passionate about these exquisite machines.

With the formation of this club, we are joining hands with our fellow Ducati damsels of the world and breaking the mould. As we remain supporters of the parent Ducati Club, we are also proud to be able to express our love of this brand and the unique Ducati lifestyle with our own stylish feminine flair,” shared NurulAlis, President of the Desmodonna Malaysiawho rides a Diavel.
Currently the Desmodonnas consists of 24 sportive women who are from a variety of professional backgrounds and aged between mid 20’s – early 40’s.
Membership is on an annual-renewal basis and any female Ducati owner can join the DesmodonnaMalaysia, whether they bought their bike directly from Ducati Malaysia or from an official dealer.
Like the Ducati Club, the Desmodonnas shall organise rides, charitable events, track days and more thrilling events for its members throughout the year.
“But of course we will have different plans from the boys, maybe a spa day where the girls would ride to a spa and get pampered,” said Alis smiling.
And that’s not all for the Desmodonnas, according to Alis they are getting quite popular with motorsport events as the Desmodonna seems to get invitations to make an appearance in such occasions.

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PDRM Traffic Offence Summons Rates

Image from thestar.my

How much do you have to pay if you get pulled over for a traffic offence?

The guide below is standardized among the PDRM, JPJ and DBKL.

Remember that “The more you delay, the more you pay.”

Ever wondered how much is the summons rates you need to pay if you get nicked by the traffic police for an offence? We’ve put together this PDRM Traffic Summons Rates as a general guide. You may always check to see if you’ve been summoned at the Polis DiRaja Malaysia’s (PDRM) official site or through portals such as MyEG.

First category offence
Vehicle type
Standardized summons rates (RM)
Examples of offences

1 – 15 days
16 – 30 days
31 – 60 days

Offences relating to primary cause of accident, safety or road users, traffic congestion and public safety.
All types of vehicles incl. motorcycles below 250cc
300
300
300
1. Driving above 40 km/h faster than speed limit.

2. Failure to stop at red light.

3. Using mobile phone

4. Not wearing a helmet.

5. Going against traffic.

6. Using the emergency lane except for emergency purposes.

Second category offence
Vehicle type
Standardized summons rates (RM)
Examples of offence

1 – 15 days
16 – 30 days
31 – 60 days

Offences relating to negativve behaviour of driver and vehicle technical problem that activelu contributed to the accident, traffic congestion and public safety.
All type of vehicles
150
200
300
1. Driving below 40 km/h faster than speed limit.

2. Perforing U-turn where it is prohibited.

Motorcycles below 250cc
100
150
300
3. No driving license.

4. Stopping inside the yellow box.

5. Not adhering to “No Entry” sign.

Third category offence
Vehicle type
Standardized summons rates (RM)
Examples of offence

1 – 15 days
16 – 30 days
31 – 60 days

Vehicle technical problem which passively increases the risk of an accident, traffic congestion and public safety.
All type of vehicles
100
150
250
1. Lights not working.

2. Brake light not working.

Motorcycles below 250cc
50
100
150
3. Light is not turned on.

4. Side view mirror not installed.

5. Transporting unsuitable object on vehicle.

Third category offence
Vehicle type
Standardized summons rates (RM)
Examples of offence

1 – 15 days
16 – 30 days
31 – 60 days

Other offences not contained above that did not contribute to accident, traffic congestion and public safety.
All type of vehicles
70
120
150
1. Expired driving license.

2. Did not change vehicle ownership.

Motorcycles below 250cc
50
100
150

3. Not displaying “P” sign.

As you can see, traffic offences are divided into four main categories. However, certain offences don’t appear as clear cut. Take for example if a motorcyclist is riding a 1000cc motorcycle without a B (full-B) bike license and a full-B “L” license either. His offence is categorised as “having no valid motorcycle license.” If he has an “L”-license but didn’t display the L-stickers, his offence should fall under Category Four.
Another offence motorcyclists should take not is about not riding on the motorcycle lane where available. The offence is considered not adhering to a no entry sign.
Image by thestar.my
There are non-compoundable offences, of course, such as riding with expired road tax. That would automatically mean that one is riding without insurance coverage. It’s an offence that sends one straight to the Majistrate’s Court and subject to the judge’s mercy.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could result being fined up to RM 5,000, a jail term and your license being revoked.
However, what kind of offence also depends on the issuing officer. So be nice if you get stopped.
Another thing to note is that the rates are standardised among PDRM, JPJ and DBKL. To encourage quick settlement of outstanding summons, the government has put the “The more you delay, the more you pay” initiative in place since 1st July 2013.

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Suzuki has the best MotoGP livery of 2020

When it comes to MotoGP factory team liveries, Team Suzuki Ecstar probably has the best looking one for the 2020 season as they’re the only one so far who introduced a brand-new fresh look as compared to Repsol Honda, Monster Energy Yamaha, and Ducati.

The covers were taken off the new 2020 Suzuki GSX-RR in Sepang yesterday presenting a sexy combination of iconic Suzuki blue and silver to commemorate the brand’s 60th year in motorsports racing. What began way back in 1960 with an entry in the Isle of Man TT (and winning it two years after + world championship title) is being honoured with the new Suzuki GSX-RR MotoGP machines.

Eager to bring the fight again with the front runners, both Alex Rins and Joan Mir will be more competitive this season thanks to the added experience and a new bike. Alex Rins who claimed two victories in 2019 is the one that hopes to bring the fight to the likes of Marc Marquez, Andrea Dovizioso, Fabio Quartararo, and the rest of the field.

According to Davide Brivio, Suzuki Ecstar’s Team Manager, “The 2019 season was important for us because we showed consistent progress throughout the whole year, and I believe this is the right path to success. Alex got two wins which was our target before the season and then another podium. We learnt a lot and it was another important step for Alex and for the Team. We are also very happy with Joan because he showed steady progress and overcame the significant injury he got in Brno to end the season with some very solid races.”

“Not only the results have been outstanding, but also the whole approach to the race weekend and the working methodology. On both sides, we can take good lessons from 2019 into 2020. Of course, this will be a special year for Suzuki as it’s the 60th year in racing, so we feel even more motivated to do well in front of all our Company and our fans.”

“Our Engineers in Japan have worked on several items and small details, other than the engine, during the winter trying to improve our good package. The riders are ready and excited, so I believe we have to set our target to improve again and again the performance of the team with both riders,” added Brivio.
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MV Agusta and Mercedes-AMG set to part ways

MV Agusta is looking to part ways with Mercedes-AMG as debt-ridden financial crisis worsens.

If you’ve been following the situation at MV Agusta as we have over the last few months, you’d be well aware of its financial difficulties at hand (read our initial report here). Now, the plot has taken a surprising twist following reports that MV Agusta and its key shareholder Mercedes-AMG are set to part ways from each other.
Giovanni Castiglioni (Right)
MV Agusta CEO Giovanni Castiglioni confirmed with Italian business news title Il Giorno in a recent interview where he states that negotiations to buy back Mercedes-AMG’s shares have begun. It is easy to see that this task is easier said than done.
As previously reported, MV Agusta currently has a €40 million debt in its name. Complicating things further is the fact that the bulk of these debts comes from some of the loans it secured thanks to the involvement of Mercedes-AMG.
One example is the loan granted by the Banca Popolare di Milano (BPM) amounting at €15 million back in January 2015 (read about it here). One of the loan’s conditions was that Mercedes-AMG had to remain as a shareholder in MV Agusta at no less than 20%. If that changed or lowered, then the loan repayment is due immediately.

In order for Giovanni Castiglioni to buy back Mercedes-AMG’s shares, there is no doubts on the fact that he will need to secure new investors willing to clear the €15 million debt from BPM before injecting the capital necessary to keep MV Agusta running.

It has been rumoured that Mercedes-AMG initially intended to fully own MV Agusta by buying out the Castiglioni family – its attempt at mirroring rivals Audi AG and its full ownership of Ducati. However, this wasn’t possible given the Castiglioni family’s firm refusal to relinquish its ownership of the brand.
Putting the telenovela-esque internal power struggle aside, MV Agusta has already revised its business plan in accordance with local Italian legal procedures. The plan sees a massive reduction in MV Agusta’s business operations in order to bring the brand back towards profitability.

As a result, MV Agusta has reduced its annual unit volume production target from 9,000 units down to a figure between 6,000 and 7,000 units instead. Its research and development funding has been dramatically slashed in half from €15 million to €7 million as well.

But it is the brand’s racing budget that takes the biggest cut so far as it is revised from €4 million down to €600,000 instead. Given the nature of racing, the difference in spending will reportedly footed by a third party, most likely in the form of the team’s sponsors.
Besides the budget cuts, the revised business plan also dictates the need for MV Agusta to downsize its workforce down to just 200 jobs. Even that figure is reportedly an undertaking under Italian labour laws.
CEO Giovanni Castiglioni ended his interview with Il Giorno by saying:
“We are interested in the quality of sales, immediately cash out the money to have liquidity. We want to go back to being the Ferrari of motorcycles.”

Only time will tell if Castiglioni will succeed, and we believe it boils down to whether if he can secure the right new investor to keep MV Agusta going.
Sources: Il Giorno via Asphaltandrubber
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What Happened to the BMW S 1000 RR Asymmetric Headlamps?

Why did the first BMW S 1000 RR feature asymmetrical headlamps?

Why does the 2019 S 1000 RR feature symmetrical headlamps?

It’s all about function.

The previous BMW S 1000 RR featured an asymmetric headlamp design was no less than controversial when it debuted in 2008. Many had complained about how it looked. There was a buddy of ours who fashioned an eyepatch over the left lamp.
However, more and more riders came to accept it over time and that design became the unmistakable signature of the S 1000 RR.
2018 BMW S 1000 RR test & review – “German Masterpiece”

But it’s now happening all over again with the new bike. Well, we’re all human and humans are resistive to massive changes.
Yet, have you ever wondered why BMW Motorrad always used two different headlamp designs on almost every bike? This was so the GS models, but they did not look as prominent as on the S 1000 RR.

According to the Munich-based manufacturer, the headlamps of the 2008 to 2018 S 1000 RR look the way they did due to engineering rather than stylistic reasons. The left headlamp served as the low beam, but it was not bright enough. So, BMW added a larger lamp on the right to throw more light down the road. The left lamp was kept smaller to reduce 500g of weight.

Edgar Heinrich, BMW Head of Design told MCN, “We wanted to make the best bike we could, which for a race bike is the lightest. Whenever we could find a weight saving we did it, which ended in asymmetric items as the reduction in the high beam reflector saving 150g.”
For the 2019 model however, there was no need for asymmetrical headlights as it features LED lighting. Heinrich added that the design department had always wanted to “get rid” of the lights because “race bikes don’t have lights.”
“We could have made the LED components asymmetric, but it would have been stupid. We don’t do design for the sake of it.”
In other words, it was a case of form follows function.
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MotoGP: Cal Crutchlow signs as new Yamaha test rider

Cal Crutchlow has inked a new deal with the Yamaha MotoGP squad as their new official test rider for the 2021 season. The current LCR Honda rider was looking at other options to stay in the premier class after Honda decided to replace him with their current factory rider, Alex Marquez.

Cal Crutchlow will be back on the Yamaha YZR-M1 starting February during the first MotoGP shakedown test in Sepang, Malaysia. He will also be heavily involved in other tests and further develop the Yamaha MotoGP machinery with the engineers. Why was Crutchlow chosen for this task?

First and foremost, he has 10 years of experience racing with multiple manufacturers and that experience alone should play a vital role in developing the Yamaha M1, which honestly has been suffering greatly this season. His experience with Yamaha in WorldSBK and MotoGP will be beneficial in taking the Japanese manufacturer to the next level.

According to Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing, “Well, first and foremost I would like to say ‘welcome back’ to Cal. I still remember Cal‘s first visit to YMR many years ago as fresh World Supersport Champion and recall he expressed his desire to move onwards and upwards to MotoGP in the future.”

“After the initial move to Superbikes, he then spent three seasons with us in the Monster Energy Yamaha Tech3 team before moving on to gain a further seven years of experience with two of our main competitors. This wealth of experience, coupled with Cal‘s honest no-nonsense approach, will surely benefit us greatly as we strive to improve our YZR-M1 bikes with a full testing programme next year,” added Jarvis.

As for Jorge Lorenzo, rumours about him and Aprilia are getting stronger by the day, but the role of its test rider has been filled by another Lorenzo, Lorenzo Savadori. We’ve also heard that the Italian manufacturer might coax him back into racing, but they’re also currently looking at the riders competing in WorldSBK.
Get 4X BonusLink Points at Shell stations

Written by: Sep Irran
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BMW SCRAMBLER TAKES THE FIGHT TO DUCATI

BMW Motorrad had one of the biggest stands at the world’s biggest motorcycle show, and for good reason too.

All eyes were on the German bike builder as it unveiled some of the most important bikes in its range but one stole the show, the R nineT Scrambler.
Another one for those who like a little ‘retroness’ to their bikes, the new R nineT Scrambler is based on, you guessed it, the R nineT.
Ducati may have been first to revive the Scrambler design and name, but BMW also has a strong history rooted in the Scrambler concept. It goes back as far as 1951 with the BMW R68 with the typical raised 2-in-1 exhaust. The R68 is a highly valuable post-war BMW Motored classic.
The new BMW Scrambler features a classic air-cooled, flat-twin boxer, 117cc engine which delivers an output of 110hp at 7750rpm and 116Nm of torque at 6000rpm.
The BMW Scrambler is a highly customisable bike and resourceful owners of the R nineT can also transform their bike into a scrambler. The most important part of the BMW Scrambler however are the raised exhausts with two vertically arranged rear silencers fitted closer to the body to reiterate the slim presence of the bike.
The frame plays a key role as far as customisation goes. The boxer engine of the BMW Scrambler works as a load-bearing element and consists of a front section with integrated steering head and a rear section with swinging arm mount. The rear passenger frame can of course be dismounted, thereby allowing the BMW Scrambler to be ridden one or two up.
As for the suspension, the front is in the form of a telescopic fork with rubber gaiters and a spring travel of 125 millimetres. Rear wheel suspension is taken care of by a Paralever single-sided swinging arm as used in other boxer models. Suspension and damping at the rear is carried out via a central spring strut with a spring travel of 140 millimetres.
Highlights of the new BMW R nineT Scrambler:

Purist design.
Classic colour concept.
Stitched seat in patinised leather look.
Workmanship with great attention to detail.
Air/oil-cooled 2-cylinder boxer engine with a capacity of 1 170 cc. Output
81 kW (110 hp) at 7 750 rpm, maximum torque of 116 Nm at 6 000 rpm.
Designed to be customised.
Modular frame concept with removable passenger frame offering a range
of variations.
Classic wheel suspension by means of telescopic fork at front and
Paralever at rear.
Large 19-inch front wheel as is typical of a Scrambler.
Upright seating position in classic Scrambler style.
Raised exhaust fitted close to the body with twin silencer.
Axially mounted 4-piston brake calipers, steel-wrapped brake lines,
320-millimetre brake discs and ABS.
Individually tailored special accessories in the familiar high quality typical
of BMW Motorrad.

				BMW R nine T Scrambler

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Ducati 899 Panigale CKD – RM89,888

The Ducati 899 Panigale is not a new bike to the market, it was first launched last year, but at that time it was imported and cost RM108,888 (US$34,000).

But even then Ducati had announced that it would start assembling the bike in ASEAN, and that time has now come. The 899 Panigale is now being assembled in Thailand alongside the Diavel and Monster. And at R93,888 (US$29,300) is a full RM15,000 (US$4,700) cheaper than before.

But if you book the bike now, Ducati Malaysia is giving a special promotion of just RM89,888 (US$28,100) to the first 50 buyers. The baby Panigale has appeared to be quite a surprise, we rode it Zhuhai just a few weeks ago and came away impressed.

It’s a thrilling combination of a high-revving engine, lightweight and full-on electronics that all combine to make you feel like a hero! On track, it is a true showcase of your riding skills. Keep the engine at high rpm, brake late, lean on the electronics and it will reward you with an adrenalin charged good time.

It is built around a monocoque chassis concept and is powered by a new 899 ‘Superquadro’ L-Twin engine that gives you 148hp @ 10,750rpm and 99Nm of torque @ 9,000rpm. Some of the on board technology includes MotoGP derived ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES), Ducati Quick-Shift (DQS) and Ducati’s new race-derived Engine Brake Control (EBC) and Ride-by-Wire (RbW).
** Click here to read about our test ride in Zhuhai.
** 16 things you should know about the Ducati 899 Panigale
The 899 Panigale is now available at:
PENINSULA MALAYSIA:
SHENG FAT SUPERBIKE SDN BHD
No. 26, Ground Floor,
Jalan Dato’ Keramat,
10150 Penang
Tel: 019 – 400 8932
NEW ASIA MOTOR SDN BHD
Lot 4082, 15B
Jalan Dato’ Abdullah Tahir,
80300 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 016 – 733 7512
WELLY WORLD CYCLE SDN BHD
No. 2137, Jalan 3/1,
Batu 13 1/2 , Bandar Baru Sungai Buloh,
47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor
Tel: 03 – 6156 1768
TERAJU OTTO SDN BHD
S/57, PT 28, Kampung Chicha,
Kubang Kerian, Jalan Pasar Puteh,
16100 Kota Bahru, Kelantan
Tel: 012 – 348 8161
SOON HIN COMPANY
A -139 & 141,
Jalan Beserah,
25300 Kuantan, Pahang
Tel: 016 – 935 0055
EAST MALAYSIA:
INTI DERAS MOTOR SDN BHD
Wisma Inti Deras,
Lot 253, Storey Light,
Industrial Golden Plaza Penampang,
88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tel: 08 – 870 1129
OTOVENDOR SDN BHD
No. 3 & 4, Hakka Avenue Est
Jalan D.A. Kalongnikan
93250 Kuching, Sarawak
Tel: 013 – 862 8872
More exciting information about Ducati Malaysia may be obtained at http://www.ducati.com.my
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Scrambler Ducati officially in Malaysia – Prices start from RM57,333

After initially teasing it at last year’s MotoGP round in Sepang, the Scrambler Ducati has officially been launched in Malaysia, and is already selling like hot cakes.

Just in case you are wondering, it is called Scrambler Ducati and not Ducati Scrambler because Scrambler is a stand alone brand for Ducati. So you can expect to see more models and customisation products coming up for the Scrambler.
Read our riding impressions of the all-new Scrambler Ducati here.

The introduction took place in Ducati Sungai Buloh, or better known amongst the biking fraternity as Welly Sungai Buloh. Coordinates are available on Waze.
Click here to read why the Scrambler Ducati is a good entry level bike.

A contemporary interpretation of the original 1970’s icon, the Scrambler Ducati 2015 is an easy to handle, entry level sport bike that is comfortable, accessible and every bit as fashionable as its predecessor. Whilst it certainly exhibits a retro flair, the Scrambler was not designed to indulge in the nostalgic but rather was ‘intended to be just how the legendary Bologna-built motorcycle would be today if Ducati had never stopped building it.’

With the aim of reviving a legend and enhancing it with the technical specifications of a present day bike, Ducati’s designers incorporated several defining characteristics such as the fuel tank that is shaped in a way that remains true to the original teardrop design of the 1970’s model, an inscription on the filler cap that says ‘born in 1962’ and the distinctive round head lamp.
Click here to read why the Scrambler should be your first Ducati.

Back in the day, the Scrambler was a 250cc single-cylinder bike and now it runs on a fuel-injected oil and air cooled 800cc L-Twin engine that produces up to 75 horsepower.
The new Scrambler includes various modern features and fittings such as the two-channel ABS braking, LED powered headlights, and a USB charging port under the seat.
Should you buy the Scrambler? Click here to find out.

The new Scrambler is highly customisable and is offered in four versions – red or yellow Icon, black-framed Classic, wild green Urban Endure and the black Full Throttle racer with yellow accents.
The Icon
Characterised by its comfortable riding position and steel teardrop tank with interchangeable aluminium side panels. Stand out features include the wide handlebar, the headlight with glass lens and LED guide-light, and the Dual Sports wheels. An aluminium finish for belt covers; the head guard and the interchangeable surround of the characteristic LCD instrument panel all enrich the style of the bike. Available in two colours: 62 Yellow and Ducati Red.
 Price: RM57,333

The Urban Enduro (Wild Green)
Comes with a brown seat with a ribber design, lined with technical fabrics, offers first-class ergonomic comfort. The fork protectors, engine sump guard and the headlight grille protect the key parts of the bike on off-road sections, while the cross bar stiffens the wide handlebar. Additional reference to the off-road world include the high mudguard in plastic finer and the spoke wheels.
 Price: RM64,888

The Full Throttle (Deep Black)
Inspired by the flat track world and makes clear references to the bikes that race around dirt ovals. It is equipped with a Termignoni racing exhaust homologated for road use, a seat designed for racing and black side panels with dedicated graphics. The low tapered handlebar and the short front mudguard add to the distinctive features of the Scrambler Full Throttle, destined for those who want a bike perfect for every-day use but without compromising on racing style.
 Price: RM64,888

The Classic Version (Orange Sunshine)
Aimed at those who appreciate attention to detail and the 1970s style, but do not want to compromise on riding pleasure and the functionality of a modern bike. It is characterised by unique, refined details such as the aluminium front and rear mudguards, the spoke wheels and the brown seat with diamond-shaped inserts.
 Price: RM64,888
We have ridden the new Scrambler in Thailand, read about it here.
More information at Facebook.com/DucatiMY or Facebook.com/ScramblerDucatiMalaysia. Or call Ducati Centre Malaysia at 03-79567799.

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Nine awesome used bikes you could consider buying

We scour through the classifieds at Bike Trader Malaysia to find nine awesome used bikes to consider buying.

Lets face it, the current economic conditions have made it slightly difficult for many of us to pursue our two-wheeled dreams. As new bike prices continue to rise, more and more riders (us included!) have turned to used bikes as an alternative avenue.
Truth be told, good deals are hard to find these days. However, if you invest some time and effort, awesome deals and bargains are indeed abundant in the second-hand bikes market.
We scoured through the vast classifieds database currently up online at Bike Trader Malaysia. After spending a couple of hours, we manage to handpick a selection of nine used bikes up for grabs with tremendous deals from the specialist online bike classifieds site. (Visit Bike Trader Malaysia here)
Here’s our pick of the nine awesome used bikes deals from Bike Trader Malaysia that we reckon are worthy of a look.
1994 Kawasaki EN500

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Lets say that you find it difficult to meet the RM30,000 sticker price of the new Kawasaki Vulcan S cruiser. Then this older Kawasaki EN500 we found should suffice if you’re looking for a good-sized and capable cruiser. It may be old, but this EN500 model’s 498cc parallel-twin still holds some decent grunt whilst its classic cruiser shape is both timeless and open to a wide variety of customisation. This particular bike is advertised at RM12,000, which is quite a steal for a 1990s bike that appears to be in pristine condition as pictured.
2010 Yamaha FJR1300A

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If you’re in the market for a sport-touring bike, you’d be glad to know that the market is flooded with second-hand popular models like the Yamaha FJR1300. This 2010 model we found isn’t too old and comes powered by a 1,298cc transverse in-line four-cylinder with roughly 140hp and 134.4Nm of peak torque. Couple that with a smooth six-speed transmission and shaft drive, large windscreen and practical panniers, this mile-munching Yammy fits the bill almost perfectly. And, at RM58,500, it is an excellent bargain considering the fact that prices for newer and more current models from a parallel importer start from upwards of RM78,000.
2011 Suzuki GSX-R750

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Lets say that you wanted a middleweight supersport bike that wasn’t as slow as a the popular 600cc models but at the same time had enough punch to keep with several litre-class superbikes. All you need is something like this Suzuki GSX-R750. This 2011 version of the Gixxer supersport packs a manic 750cc in-line four-cylinder screamer with a whopping 148hp available on tap. The RM65,000 price tag this tasty black-painted one commands may appear steep at first, but this is a bargain indeed when you consider that a brand new and larger Suzuki GSX-R1000 model will set you back at least RM100,000. This used 750 model is bound to give you nearly the same levels of fun, excitement and performance.
2012 Yamaha FZ1

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Also known as the Yamaha Fazer 1000, the FZ1 was Yamaha’s rendition of the growing streetfighter movement of its time. On paper, this second generation FZ1 wasn’t too far off the pace and abilities of contemporary rivals like the Triumph Speed Triple and Ducati Streetfighter. Furthermore, this second generation FZ1 model came powered by the same 998cc in-line four-cylinder found in the manic Yamaha YZF-R1 superbike of the same era – now who wouldn’t want that? We reckon that if you invested just a few thousand Ringgits more on top of this particular FZ1’sbargain asking price of RM67,000 in performance mods, you’d have yourself one potent streetfighter that’s just as good as any its current generation contemporaries.
2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL883N

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Since our editor is a Harley-Davidson owner himself, we had to slot one similar example here somewhere. Who says the famed bar-and-shield marque’s experience of a thumping V-twin and smooth belt-driven ride needs to be expensive? This Sportster XL883N we found is on sale for RM68,000, which makes it significantly cheaper than buying a comparable Sporster 883 brand new that costs upwards of RM80,000. Considering that this 2014 model isn’t that old, the price it commands is a bargain. For that you get the timeless American cruiser design and looks that is also highly customisable, plus the sweet soundtrack of the air-cooled and pushrod 883cc V-twin.
2011 Yamaha YZF-R1

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Want a proper Japanese litre-class superbike with a screaming in-line four-cylinder that sounds just like Valentino Rossi’s M1 GP bike? Then look no further past the acclaimed Yamaha YZF-R1. Since the new generation bike’s arrival, prices for older models have dropped quite a bit, and you can have a good condition last generation model for cheap now like this 2011 model that’s going for a reasonable RM68,000. It isn’t too old, nor is it out place against some of its newer contemporaries in both the streets and trackdays. A litre-class track weapon at less than RM70,000? Count us in!
2011 Honda CBR1000RR

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IF our recent report of the CBR-RR Mega Gathering 2016 could tell us anything, the key point there was that Malaysian bikers love the Honda CBR-RR series of superbikes. This third generation 2011 model is one exceptional example of the many widely available in the used bike market. RM70,000 does sound steep, but considering that it looks amazingly stock in the advertised pictures, and it is an updated model with roughly 170hp and a close-ratio transmission, it is pretty good deal. Furthermore, a brand new Honda CBR1000RR will cost another RM20,000 to RM30,000 more from this used model. And, like the rivalling Yamaha R1, this CBR1000RR is still as potent as some of its current contemporaries on the street and track.
2013 Aprilia RSV4 Factory Edition

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How about a proper race-bred European superbike? This 2013 Aprilia RSV4 Factory Edition we found on sale fits that bill perfectly. 2013 was a good year for Aprilia as it won one of four World Superbike Championship (WSBK) manufacturer’s title it earned since 2010 with the Aprilia RSV4 superbike. It may be an older model, but this 2013 RSV4 still packs a potent 999cc V4 screamer that makes a whopping 201hp and 115Nm of torque. And, thanks to its vast array of on board electronics, this is one litre-class superbike that can easily be adapted to both street and track use too. Considering that the brand new Aprilia RSV4 RF launched during WSBK Malaysia 2015 commands a starting price of RM138,800, this used 2013 model’s RM78,000 asking price is almost half that!
2009 Ducati 1198S

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If you’ve always fancied a Ducati 1199 or the newer 1299 Panigale superbike but its prices are simply a little too rich? Worry not as the Panigale’s predecessors have also richly flooded the second-hand and used bikes market. Our pick amongst the many is this pristine 2009 Ducati 1198S. The ‘S’ suffix at the end of its name carries a special meaning: it is much more potent over the standard 1198. So, a stylish Italian superbike with a 170hp 1,198cc Testastretta Evoluzione V-twin engine, a light dry weight of 171kg, as well as bragging rights from Troy Bayliss’ successes in WSBK, there’s little wrong with this 1198S. At RM80,000, this Ducati 1198S is giving you 1199 Panigale-like abilities at a price cheaper than the 899 Panigale supersport too!
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Jorge Lorenzo finished the 2016 MotoGP season with signature win

2016 MotoGP season ends on a high for Lorenzo and Yamaha in Valencia.

Like most of his wins, Jorge Lorenzo gave a stunning performance last weekend and delivered his classic lights-to-flag signature victory in his 250th Grand Prix start. This final race in 2016 also marked the final time the Spanish rider will ride for the Movistar Yamaha outfit before transferring his services to Ducati factory team next season.

Marc Marquez finished the Valencia GP in second position after having issues in the start of the race. The 2016 MotoGP World Champion from Repsol Honda gave a stunning performance to clinch the number 2 position. Andrea Iannone from Ducati secured the final podium position after a superb battle throughout the race up until the penultimate lap with The Doctor, Valentino Rossi from Movistar Yamaha who managed to secured 4th in yesterday’s race.

Yesterday’s race also marked the final time Iannone will race for Ducati before transferring his allegiance to the Suzuki Ecstar team, replacing the vacant spot that was left by Maverick Vinales who will race for the Yamaha factory team next season.

With perfect weather conditions, Lorenzo stormed for the win with textbook performance from his pole position that he obtained on Saturday by decimating the track record. The story was more intense behind the ‘Spartan’ as Iannone benefited the start and launched himself to the 2nd spot by Turn 1. The fight for second was fought with Rossi, Vinales and Dovizioso.

The fight behind Lorenzo gave the Spanish rider the perfect opportunity to walk away from the rest for the win. It was a great battle between Rossi and Iannone but it was Marquez who managed to regain control of his RC213V and slipped pass the two Italians to claim second. The late charge from Marquez also looked like he was able to chase Lorenzo but the race ended with Lorenzo crossing the finish line first.

Maverick Vinales finished his last race with Suzuki in fifth. Dovizioso on the other hand slipped back and fought for P6 with the two Espargaro brothers from Suzuki Ecstar and Monster Yamaha Tech 3. It was Pol who clinched P6 whereas Dovi claimed seventh and Aleix in eighth. This race also marked the final time Pol will race with Tech 3 before moving to KTM and Aleix to Aprilia for the 2017 season.

Bradley Smith from Monster Yamaha Tech 3 delivered brilliantly in the race and secured P9 after a couple of knee surgeries for his injuries acquired in the British GP. This too marks his last race before switching to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team along with his current team mate, Pol Espargaro.

Alvaro Bautista (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) with his “Red” Aprilia completed the top ten results in Valencia. It was an amazing season for the Aprilia rider who made significant progress with the Aprilia MotoGP machine. Bautista will race for Aspar Ducati for the 2017 season.
It was not a perfect weekend for Cal Cructhclow (LCR Honda) and Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) as both of the Honda riders crashed out of the race.
The news for the hyped and highly-anticipated KTM RC16 MotoGP machine piloted by Mika Kallio did not end with a race finish as the machine suffered from technical issues. With vital information collected throughout the weekend, the Austrian-born outfit will need to work harder than ever if they wish to fight for top spot in 2017.

The start of the 2017 season will commence tomorrow with the shuffling and newly added riders and teams in the first pre-season testing. The most anticipated is of course seeing Jorge Lorenzo in red on top of the Ducati Desmosedici.
Moto2

It was a hard fought battle between the 2016 Moto2 World Champion, Johann Zarco (Ajo Motorsport) and Franco Morbidelli (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS) together with Alex Rins (Paginas Amarillas HP40) and Tom Lüthi (Garage Plus Interwetten) who gave fans quite a show. In similar style, Zarco won the race by edging away from the other riders towards the end of the race in classic Zarco fashion. Lüthi fought and took P2 where as Morbidelli completed the podium with P3.
Johann Zarco will move up to MotoGP and will be racing for the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team for the 2017 season. Alex Rins will also move up to MotoGP and will ride for the Suzuki Ecstar outfit.
Moto3

Brad Binder once again proved to the world why he is the undisputed Moto3 World Champion by winning the race and making it look easy despite suffering technical issues that saw him dropped as far back as P22.

Pole setter Aron Canet (Estrella Galicia 0,0) stalled his bike at the starting grid and had to start the race from pit lane. There was a violent crash between Francesco Bagnaia (Pull&Bear Aspar Mahindra) and Gabriel Rodrigo (RBA Racing) that gave way for Joan Mir (Leopard Racing) to clinch second and also the Rookie of the Year for Moto3. Andrea Migno (Sky Racing Team VR46) also ran a brilliant race and completed the podium in third.

The day continued onto the night with a prize-giving gala to mark the end of the 2016 season. There were many awards presented that night. The winner recipients of the night were:

2016 MotoGP World Champion – Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda)
2016 Moto2 World Champion – Johann Zarco (Ajo Motorsport)
2016 Moto3 World Champion – Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo)
Top MotoGP Independent Rider – Cal Crutchclow (LCR Honda)
MotoGP Rookie of the Year – Tito Rabat (Marc VDS)
Moto2 Rookie of the Year – Xavi Vierge (Tech 3 Racing)
Moto3 Rookie of the Year – Joan Mir (Leopard Racing)
BMW M Award for best qualifier for all 3 classes – Marc Marquez, Johann Zarco & Brad Binder
MotoGP Team World Title – Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team
MotoGP Constructor Title – Honda
Moto2 Constructor Title – Kalex
Moto3 Constructor Title – KTM

The night also paid tribute to the fallen rider, Luis Salom, who tragically passed away at the Catalan GP. The tribute included a letter from his family that was read by his manager in honour of the Moto2 star. His number 39 will be retired from the Moto2 category to honour the late magnificent rider.
Photo Gallery from MotoGP

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Royal Enfield to introduce its own Scrambler model?

The Royal Enfield brand enjoys cult like status around the world, such is its appeal that even the Indonesian President has one.

But it is only in the past few years that the brand is being introduced to people outside of the ‘enthusiast and classic fans circle’ in Malaysia. This thanks to efforts by an enthusiastic local distributor and availability of models like the Himalayan (below), the Interceptor and the Continental.

Things could turn up a notch if reports of upcoming models that include a roadster and a cruiser turn out to be true.
According to the motorcycle grapevine, Royal Enfield has filed trademark application for the name “Royal Enfield Scram”, as seen in what appears to be a screenshot of the trademark filing below.

Curiously though, there has not been a single spy shot of the Chennai-based bike maker’s latest model.
But according to Rushlane, the entire inspiration for the Scrambler model stemmed from modification projects of the past such as the modifications carried out on the company’s Interceptor 650, which should give a good indication of what the Scrambler could look like.
That or the renderings (below) of what the Scrambler could look as posted on MotoSketches.

As for the powertrain, it only makes sense for Royal Enfield to use what is already in its parts bin and since the 500cc engine has been dropped from all new models, it only makes sense for Royal Enfield to turn to its 650cc engine that is already powering models like the, you guessed it, Interceptor (below, orange) and Continental (below,white).

The parallel twin engine is bolted to a tubular steel frame, and puts out 47hp of power and 52Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed constant mesh gearbox.
Suspension duties is carried out by standard forks up front and twin shocks at the rear, while stopping power is provided by a 320mm disc up front and a 240mm disc at the rear, backed up by a dual-channel ABS system.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Some time ago, Royal Enfield announced that it is going to be introducing 28 all-new or updated models up until the year 2027.
Hence the introduction of the new Royal Enfield Scrambler is almost certainly part of this multi-year model roll out.
It is then just a matter of time (two years perhaps) for the ‘Royal Enfiel Scram’ to make its way to Malaysia.
Then comes the big question then, with the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT priced at the RM46,000 region, would you pay about that much for what is looking to be a very handsome Scrambler?
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MotoGP: British & Australian GPs CANCELLED

More sad news has landed upon the world of MotoGP as FIM, IRTA, and Dorna Sports confirmed that two more rounds in the 2020 calendar have been officially cancelled. The iconic British and Australian Grand Prix took this route in the wakes of the COVID-19 pandemic that has been wreaking havoc around the world.

British fans who were expecting to see some MotoGP action at the end of August at the Silverstone Circuit now have to wait for another year to watch their favourite GP riders duke it out on their turf. It’s indeed sad news as this is the second time that they had to cancel the round in the past three years, previously due to bad weather.

As for Australia, Phillip Island is without a doubt one of the most exciting rounds in the calendar due to layout of the circuit, extreme weather conditions, entertaining additions of wildlife and of course, wheel-to-wheel racing. Some of the greatest modern-day MotoGP battles were witnessed at the Australian GP, but we won’t get any of that in 2020 thanks to COVID-19.

According to Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, “We’re saddened to have to announce the cancellation of these iconic events after finding no way through the logistical and operational issues resulting from the pandemic and rearranged calendar. Silverstone and Phillip Island are always two of the most thrilling race weekends of the season, with both tracks never failing in their promise to deliver some of the closest racing in our Championship.”

“On behalf of Dorna, I would like to once again extend my thanks to the fans for their understanding and patience as we wait for the situation to improve. We look forward to returning to Silverstone and Phillip Island next year for more incredible battles.”
Image credit: MotoGP
MOTOGP: Jack Miller gets Ducati factory seat for 2021

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New More Stylish Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

A new cutdown version of the Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has been revealed.

It fits in the bagger sub-segment with no top case and has a lower windscreen.

All other functions and features are retained.

A new more stylish Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has been introduced, just a year after its launch.
There’s great demand for less “touring” and more stylish bagger style tourers and other manufacturers enjoy brisk sales for them. A “bagger” is a more stylized and cutdown touring motorcycle with panniers but without the top case.
This new Gold Wing hence harks back to the previous Gold Wing F6B. It features a low windscreen, no top case, and more blacked-out parts for a slimmer, custom look.
Deleting the top case also removes 50 litres of storage space, rear speakers and passenger backrest, but it saves 40 kg.
However, owners still get to enjoy the bike’s 1833cc flat-Six engine which produces 125 hp and 169.5 Nm of torque. Electronic niceties such as ride-by-wire throttle, riding modes, traction control, keyless ignition, electronic suspension, LED lighting and infotainment system which integrates Bluetooh connectivity, music, maps and Apple CarPlay are retained.
The new “standard” Gold Wing will on have a standard 6-speed transmission i.e. no Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).
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MV Agusta is financially unstable… again

MV Agusta announces corporate and debt-restructuring project as various reports indicate financial instability.

It appears that the storied Italian motorcycle marque known as MV Agusta is in financial trouble again, and things are much more complicated than it looks on the surface.
MV Agusta recently issued a press statement indicating its intentions for a corporate and debt restructuring in order to continue its business. Perhaps this has been the same repeating story of the Italian marque that has changed ownership four times over the last 12 years – twice at the token price of just €1.

How the marque intends to do so remains a mystery, as it hasn’t revealed its restructuring plans just yet. You can read the press release issued by the brand at the bottom of this post.
Despite recording a somewhat healthy sales growth of 30% with a claimed turnover of close to €100 million in its 2015 performance, all signs indicate that this simply isn’t enough. Sources report that MV Agusta has a €40 million debt with its suppliers, creditors and investors currently.

Before digressing further, we’ll remind you (and ourselves) about the position of Mercedes-AMG as the brand’s shareholder and the resulting bank loan it received after the German marque came on board. In 2014, Mercedes-AMG acquired a 25% stake in the brand at an undisclosed price – rumours indicate a figure of around €30 million. This in turn allowed MV Agusta owners, the Castiglioni family, to secure a €15 million loan from Banca Popolare di Milano (BPM) last year.
Said loan by BPM may have been a bullet that MV Agusta is now biting as reports reveal that it had one precarious catch – Mercedes-AMG had to remain as a stakeholder in MV Agusta with a minimum holding of 20%. If this changed below that stipulated 20%, MV Agusta would have to clear this loan immediately in full with BPM.

But even with the mighty German performance sub-brand as a co-owner, there simply isn’t enough money raised by MV Agusta to continue its operations. As for its current debt issue, perhaps the best way to describe the situation is by picturing that MV Agusta has maxed out all its credit cards with its banks and  maxed out its credit limits with suppliers simultaneously.
MV Agusta’s case was the result of its rapid sales growth really. At the pace it was going, the money it was channelling back to its lenders wasn’t enough to keep its credit lines free and clear. In fact, MV Agusta was reportedly spending at a higher rate than what it was earning in that window of time. It doesn’t take an MBA graduate to know that the standard business practice stipulates that profits are only realised after a 12- to 18-month delay.
Giovanni Castiglioni (Right)
Unfortunately, MV Agusta president Giovanni Castiglioni is now stuck between a rock and a hard place as his options are not only limited, each also carries different yet heavy consequences as well.
Image credit: biodieselmagazine.com
OPTION 1 – Gaining an equity partner
For its current situation, gaining an equity partner seems like a viable move. This means that MV Agusta will need to get another company to take part-ownership in exchange for cash infusion.
With a debt of €40 million to its name currently, any fair-minded potential equity investor will seek for a stake of at least 45% to clear off all debts. But in all likelihood, the equity partner will instead want to take full control of the MV Agusta brand by acquiring more than 51% of its shares. This would make the deal worthwhile and would protect said potential equity partner’s investment.
However, this poses several problems starting with the Castiglioni family losing its precious ownership of the marque – something it will work extremely hard to keep. Secondly, any figure of cash invested into MV Agusta as equity will likely lead to Mercedes-AMG’s shares being diluted below the 20% mark. This will no doubt lead to MV Agusta caving in on its debts.
Image credit: nisivoccia.com
OPTION 2 – Securing a bridge loan
This problem MV Agusta is facing is in fact a cash flow problem. The most typical solution for most businesses is to secure a bridge loan. This is where a lender offers an amount of cash that ‘bridges’ the gap between the money MV Agusta need right now and the figure it will be earning later on.
Typically, a bridge loan is a very straightforward affair, especially for companies that is experiencing a sales graph that’s going downwards. MV Agusta could secure this thanks to its aforementioned growth in 2015 – booming sales figures could convince a lender better.
However, this is like asking your bank for another credit card when you already have three or four maxed out cards currently in your name. What isn’t helping this is the fact that MV Agusta hasn’t showed its profit margins from 2015 yet.

Restructuring the only way?
Sources close to Mercedes-AMG indicate that the German automotive performance marque isn’t keen to go deeper with its Italian ‘misadventure’. Adding to that is the Castiglioni family’s staunch refusal to relinquish its ownership over the MV Agusta brand.
If Mercedes-AMG decides to sell its stake in MV Agusta, BPM’s €15 million loan repayment would still be invoked thus damaging the brand’s already fragile foundations even further. Worst still, this situation would force MV Agusta to repay Mercedes-AMG for its investment, even if the figure is less than the rumoured €30 million that the German firm initially injected.
With all this in mind, the only viable way for MV Agusta to remain afloat is for its owners to restructure the huge debt. Working with its employee union, suppliers, and financiers, the marque is hoping to structure a new debt repayment plan in a way that will allow it to meet its production deadlines, have the ability to develop and plan for long-term growth, as well as ensuring a secure financial foundation for itself and its creditors.

Your guess on how this will pan out is as good as ours. One thing we are certain is that one or all of parties involved in MV Agusta will see its position evolve from its current state.
MV Agusta Corporate Restructuring Press Release

Sources: Asphaltandrubber / Visordown / AutoEvolution
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Meet Nik Hadi: The Accidental Racer Who Became Champion

Some people are born to race and do it naturally. Others wait for the stars to come together to realise their calling. And that is what happened to race rider – Nik Hadi.
A stockbroker who heads a foreign investment bank in Malaysia, Nik is a man that has won the 2019 championship, multiple races, and yet says that he can never perfect the start of a race, Nik’s calling came when he visited the Ducati showroom in Petaling Jaya with a friend who wanted to buy a bike. He walked out of there with a Ducati of his own, though he had never ridden a bike.

“Now looking back, I can’t believe that I actually bought a Ducati 848 when I had no intentions to,” says Nik.
“Then actually learning how to ride it in the compounds of the showroom with the sales guy as my teacher. And when the bike was eventually ready for delivery, I could not ride it back home because I had no license, so the guy who sold the bike to me, who later became a good friend, had to ride it back for me.
“And every night after that I used to ride the 848 around my neighbourhood. And I learned everything by myself, with a couple of minor mishaps along the way of course.”

Nik is also quick to admit that his bike control wouldn’t be as good as others who started riding at a much earlier age.
“I started with a superbike right away where else others would have started with smaller bikes and learned the ins and outs of a bike before eventually moving up to bigger bikes, giving them an advantage over me.
“I used to then attend track days after that with some friends, and from there got quite competitive. And we were chasing the faster racers because why not, and learned from there.”

But before that, there were plenty of rides up Genting every weekend, and there were the usual long-distance rides to Penang and such on the 848. Not exactly the most comfortable bike to go touring with, but lots of fun anyway.
On the topic of competitive racing, Nik is quick to point out that he is a fan of the Ducati brand but acknowledges that it hasn’t always been easy racing the iconic Italian brand.

“There aren’t many privateers or teams that race Ducatis, I guess that comes from a cost and parts perspective. But’s also not very competitive right out of the box, so you need to spend a lot more money to make it competitive. It is simply much easier to race the Japanese bikes than say a Ducati or a BMW.
“That was a challenge, so I did not go into the race to win, it was more of passion and interest and to challenge myself. I knew it was going to be difficult but I am a fan of the brand and wanted to challenge myself to get the bike to be competitive.
“And from a fitness perspective, that too was a challenge because I joined in 2018, and I was already 42 then and racing against much younger competition. They are like half my age. I was in it for passion more than anything else.”
On how expensive it is to race and to acquire spare parts for an Italian bike that is racing competitively, Nik says, “Naza does carry quite a good parts inventory, in fact, I was surprised to learn that Naza has a lot of parts when I was trying to source some from overseas. So that was impressive. You do have to source some parts online if you need something quick though.”
But Nik did not always race a Ducati though.

“For my first race, I actually competed with my friend’s BMW S1000RR because my bike was not ready as yet. I ended up crashing that bike quite badly, it was nice but very different in character. But I also did not spend time to properly tune the bike to my liking, so it could have been different. But that was the only time I did not race a Ducati Panigale R.”
When asked how different it was racing a BMW as compared to racing a Panigale, Nik went into the finer details – “The engine configuration is the main difference between the two bikes – the BMW is an inline-4 where else the Ducati is an L2. This naturally makes the BMW wider around the tank and hence feels bigger underneath you and makes cornering different. It is a high-revving engine so that means more high-end power.

“The Ducati is slimmer and the two have completely different cornering characteristics. The Panigale R has more low-end torque and hence feels more powerful out of a corner. But I always lose out on top-end power. In corners, specifically, turn 5 and 6 and 7 and 8, I gain an advantage because of the torque and cornering character, so there are pros and cons, I like to have a balance of both. The Panigale feels small, so it makes turning easy.”

For his racing, Nik does not have any sponsors so he says he only spends on what is important. So we asked what is important to him, he explains, “So my bike is considered almost standard, I didn’t touch the engine, just full exhaust and mapping. I spent on the chassis, mainly the suspension set up. I got the K-TEC set for that which I really love.”
“So for the spending part I have limited resources so I prefer to spend on the handling part to make it really good, so whatever I can do to extract a bit more power, I worked on the radiator which I think is really important to cool the bike. So that and the full exhaust kit and the mapping. That is what I spent on which I think is necessary if you have limited funding.”
“The challenge with the Ducati is that it is tricky to do up even if you have the funds to do it. Simply because there is no one in Malaysia to do up the bike. You can rebuild the engine but who’s going to do that for you? That’s the challenge in Malaysia.”

In a set of questions sent to Nik via email, he mentioned that he was always a slow starter. We thought it odd that the 2019 MSBK Champion was a slow starter, so prodded him to explain how he makes up for the lost ground after a slow start.

“In all honesty, I stalled the bike at the race start a few times, and since then I have been careful. I will normally qualify in the middle somewhere, usually 7th or 8th place. But at the start of the race, I end up being last or second last. I then have to do a lot of hard work to get back up again. That is my main weakness, but I think it is all in my mind and I know I have to work on it.
“My bike doesn’t have launch control which other bikes have, and I have stalled a few times now. It makes me even nervous. But I then become more aggressive.”
But if there is not much in terms of funding, and a rider is still able to become a champion despite consistently qualifying mid-field, we think that if there is any indication of raw talent, Nik is one talented racer.
But racing is not the only two-wheeled fun he has.

“It’s my passion so I do a lot of things with two-wheels, enduro riding being one of them. So I go trail riding with friends, fast trails and technical trails though I prefer fast trails. I do mountain biking as well, and sometimes road cycling as well. I do it more for fitness and it helps me keep sharp in terms of bike control.”

The worst memory Nik has had is a crash at turn 3 at Sepang circuit, a high-speed high side.

“It was a very wet race and I was doing about 180km/h at Turn 3. It was my first ever race and I was on my friends BMW and I did not have any experience. The bike was not set up for rain though I had rain tyres on. We did not change the setting so the bike was at its most aggressive setup. We also did not have a pit board, which I regret because my team could have communicated with me to slow down because I was already leading my group by quite a gap with just 3 laps to go.
“In fact, I was already overtaking riders in the faster categories, so I was going really fast. I was doing timing that I was quite proud of especially for a first-timer. So with 3 laps to go, I overtook another rider but he was from the faster group. I guess he was shocked that someone overtook him so he rode more aggressively to overtake me. And I did not know that he was from a different group, so I rode faster than I should even though I did not need to. And that’s when the accident happened because I was more aggressive on the throttle and the bike was set up for a dry race with maximum power.
“I remember jumping off the seat and banging my head on the windscreen then nothing. I woke up at the medical centre then lost consciousness again, and woke up in the ambulance heading to the Putrajaya Medical Centre.”

So why is he not racing a BMW if the bike gave him that much confidence especially in the wet?
“It’s not so much of wanting to win per-say, it is more about passion for me. Passion for the brand. Maybe if I would have spent more time on the BMW, I would have continued with it, but it is more about passion for me.”

Nik’s wish list:
1. Our beloved country getting back on the right track.
2. Rossi winning another championship.
3. Riding with my son.
Any advice for upcoming racers?
Always practice and have lots of patience.
Any advice for competitors?
Be kind to your veteran competitor.
Nik would like to extend a special thanks to:

SBK Motorsports
Bike Art
Chia Motor PJ (Ktech)
Horizon Racing Team
PT Jatt

Know anyone who is an Interesting Biker? Email us at info@bikesrepublic.com and we will be happy to feature him or her.
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2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX unveiled – The mean, green, super-touring machine

Kawasaki has just launched their third ever supercharged machine in the form of the touring-friendly 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX.
Two different models are available; 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX and Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE.
Some highlighted features are cornering lights, traction control, launch control, electronic cruise control, Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF) and bi-directional quickshifter.

After two years since the introduction of the manic supercharged Kawasaki Ninja H2, Team Green decided that this ultimate track day machine has the potential to become the ultimate touring machine. That’s exactly what they did with the introduction of the new 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX.

Kawasaki’s third addition into their supercharged motorcycle line-up is the ultimate sport-touring machine and boy, does it put a huge emphasis on the sport part. With a vast experience in forced induction technology, the latest addition into the Ninja family comes in two different variants; the standard-but-not-so-standard Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX and the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE (Special Edition).

What so special about the Ninja H2 SX SE? Well, it’s the first Kawasaki model to come with a brand new TFT colour display. Other exceptional features include cornering lights, traction control, launch control (yup, definitely need one in a sport-touring bike), electronic cruise control, Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF) and the ever-helpful up and down quickshifter.

Referring to the KCMF, the system works together with the bike’s internal IMU unit to lend a helping hand by constantly monitoring the engine, chassis, brake and power delivery from the moment you’re getting ready to enter a corner up to blasting out of them.

The suspension package are all fully adjusted on both ends to ensure the most optimum riding feel and experience according to the load by modulating its remote rear preload adjuster. So whether it’s solo riding or with pillion plus all that baggage for a cross-country trip, you’ll always get the best ride to your favourite getaway across the border.

Power and torque come in abundance thanks to its supercharged 998cc, inline-four engine which punches out a total of 201hp and over 137Nm of maximum torque. You might think that the new H2 SX will burn a huge hole in your wallet from all the fuel it’ll gobble down but the folks over at Kawasaki has managed to keep the fuel consumption at the level as their Versys 1000 touring bike.

Combined with a 19-litre fuel tank, the 2018 H2 SX extends its riding range making it a truly worthy super tourer. The weight however is a bit on the hefty side which sits just over the 255kg fully-fuelled. The weight is easy to miss once you twist that throttle out on the open road, though.

Still no news on the price but judging by how deep your pockets need to be just to buy the previous Ninja H2, we’re guessing you might need those similar pockets to cop one of these bad boys for yourself.

				Kawasaki Ninja H2SX

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India To Host MotoGP In The Future

MotoGP is heading to India in the next couple of years after the country’s race promoter has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dorna Sports.

India begins their first step toward hosting the MotoGP after signing an MoU with Dorna Sports.
The Buddh International Circuit was identified as the ideal location to host MotoGP in the country.

Dorna visited India this week in an effort to promote MotoGP in the country.
Rumours regarding an Indian Grand Prix have been making their round for the past week that suggest the world’s biggest two-wheel event could be on its way to India.
Standing as the second biggest population in the world with 1.38 billion people, Dorna has agreed with Fairstreet Sport to host the MotoGP under the name Grand Prix of Bharat.
According to MotoGP, the race will be held at the Buddh International Circuit, located outside New Delhi, which hosted Formula 1 between 2011 and 2013.
While it may come as a surprise, but considering that India is one of the largest motorcycle markets in the world, it’s only relevant for the biggest sporting event to make its way there.
“India is a huge country and market and a significant one for the two-wheeled industry and MotoGP as a sport,” said Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.
Apparently, India is hoping to be named among the host for 2023, which is why Dorna is yet to announce the provisional calendar for next season.
Nevertheless, it is only likely that India will only make it into the 2024 calendar. After all, Dorna and Fairstreet Sports only just signed an MoU.
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Revised KTM Duke 390 coming in 2017

Revamped KTM Duke 390 reportedly confirmed for 2017.

Visordown is reporting that Austrian bikes maker KTM will soon roll out a new and revised version of its popular Duke 390 naked bike.
The site went further by stating that the firm has already got several prototypes ready, and have shipped them to its India-based production facility to fully prepare it for production. The site cited Indian import documents, which allegedly states the shipment as “motorcycle, KTM 390 Duke MY17”, and “for R&D Purpose” stated in it as well.

Although it is designed in Austria, the KTM Duke 390 is actually built in India and, in our instance, locally in Jitra, Kedah by KTM Malaysia CKD. Naturally, this allows KTM to price the Duke 390 competitively, and undeniably propelled its popularity as a result.
The site reported that the documents further indicate that the prototypes engine and serial numbers, with the engine capacity unchanged at 373.2cc. This likely indicates that the 2017 Duke 390 will sport a heavily redesigned aesthetics, and its mechanicals unchanged from its current form.

The Duke 390 has been with us since 2013 and is due for an update. If this report is true, we could very well see the 2017 Duke 390 debut towards the end of 2016. The move to ship prototypes this early indicates that KTM are planning to produce the model in huge numbers early in order to meet potentially high demands.
Source: Visordown
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Here it is! The 2020 Triumph Street Triple RS!

The 2020 Triumph Street Triple RS breaks cover.

Its engine receives a power boost.

It also receives updated looks and lost some weight.

The 2020 Triumph Street Triple RS breaks cover after Triumph’s teases over the last couple of months.

The new bike retains the Street Triple’s classic silhouette, but it’s apparent that Triumph pared it down to look even more purposeful than ever. The headlamps were updated to look fiercer. There are new radiator flanks, exposing more of the frame. Triumph’s scalpel pared away excess weight, ending up with a bike which weighs only 166 kg dry. The manufacturer claims that it’s the lightest bike in its category.

Over to the engine. While the 2020 bike was revealed in preparation for Euro 5 emission, the engine gained power, courtesy of the lessons learned in Moto2 racing. (Triumph is the exclusive engine supplier to the championship.)

The three-cylinder architecture remains the same and includes two catalytic convertors. Despite that, it receives a 9-percent power boost. It now produces 121 bhp and 77.3 Nm of torque, compared to the previous 116 bhp and 76 Nm of torque. That doesn’t appear to be a lot on paper, of course, but you can look forward to a punchier midrange combined with a more responsive throttle (the previous bike’s throttle was already super responsive and smooth!). The gains and smoother powerband are the courtesy of a new exhaust cam, besides the high precision machining of the crankshaft, clutch and balancer.

The previous RS’s chassis and suspension are already in the ballpark, hence carried over to the new bike. The front forks remain the 41mm upside-down Showa BFF, while the rear mono shock is the Ohlins STX40.

Braking duties are handled by a pair of Brembo M50 monobloc 4-piston callipers gripping a pair of 310mm discs up front and a Brembo single-piston calliper out back.

And as we speculated, there is a new TFT screen armed with Bluetooth connectivity. Through the MyTriumph app, the rider can receive navigation prompts, manage music and calls and control his GoPro action camera. The five riding modes i.e. Track, Sport, Road, Rain and rider customisable are also enhanced.

The previous Triumph Street Triple RS remains the most fun bike we’ve tested to this point, so we can’t wait to test this new one!

PHOTO GALLERY

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2019 Bajaj Dominar 400 Specs Leaked!

Official presentation slides for the 2019 Bajaj Dominar 400 were leaked online.

The new bike gets a maximum power upgrade to 39.9 PS from the present 35 PS.

Other changes include upside-down forks and new instrument panel.

Technical information from the 2019 Bajaj Dominar 400 company presentation was leaked online, reports maxabout.com.
The silhouette of the 2019 bike remains the same, as the upgrades focused on increased power output. There’s lots of potential from the 373cc, single-cylinder engine to be exploited. As such, the new exhaust the new Dominar 400 has dual exits and maximum power is attained at 650 RPM further up the rev range. The revisions bump maximum power to 39.9 PS at 8,650 RPM, up from 35 PS. Maximum torque remains at 35 Nm but is at 500 RPM higher in 7,000 RPM.
Bajaj also made changes to the transmission for better roll-on acceleration.
Besides gains in performance, the 2019 model features an updated instrument panel with dot matrix alerts and warning messages in the display.
One last new addition are the upside-down forks.
The bike pictured in green here is for the Indian market. Looks good, though!
Here’s the quick comparison of differences between the present model and the new model.

2019 Dominar 400

Present Dominar 400

Max. power

39.9 PS @ 8,650 RPM

35 PS @ 8,000 RPM

Max. torque

35 Nm @ 7,000 RPM

35 Nm @ 6,500 RPM

Engine oil capacity

1.7 liters

1.5 liters

Front suspension

Upside-down forks

Conventional forks

Fork oil spec

PRF001 (440 ml)

SAE 10W20 (420 ml)

Overall width

836 mm

813 mm

Wet weight

184.5 kg

182 kg

Price in India

INR 1.80 Lakh (expected)

INR 1.63 Lakh

Source: maxabout.com
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Kove Cobra 321 Breaks Cover In China – 40hp, 27.1Nm.

Kove is likely to become a household name in a few years particularly after the company successfully partake in the 2023 Dakar Rally by fielding three bikes.

Kove begins the 2023 calendar year with an all-new naked roadster.
The Cobra 321 makes 40hp and 27.1Nm from its 321cc parallel-twin mill.

Since the brand also sets out to compete in the 2023 SSP300, the Chinese motorcycle manufacturer is looking serious to make itself global despite only made its global debut at the 2022 EICMA show.
In another move, Kove recently expanded its range of motorcycles by introducing the Cobra 321. As the name suggest, the naked roadster features a 321cc parallel-twin engine which Kove claimed makes 40hp and 27.1Nm.

Interestingly, the 321cc mill resembles to that of the Yamaha MT-03 and R3. That said, it is likely that the Kove-build engine was develop with reference to the Japanese powertrain.
Power is then delivered to the rear wheel via a six-speed manual transmission.

Housing the engine is a steel tubular frame linked to a single-sided swingarm, a feature commonly found in bigger and high-performance road bike.
Other notable features include a full-LED lighting, 17-inch front and rear wheels, inverted front forks and a rear monoshock (preload adjustable).

Stopping power comes from a front and rear disc brakes equipped with ABS paired to an radially-mounted Nissin callipers.
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Airmen disciplined for misusing C-130 Hercules to pick up classic motorcycle

American airmen get disciplined after being caught misusing a C-130 Hercules airlifter to pick up classic motorcycle.

Airmen punished after misusing C-130 Hercules airlifter to pick up a classic motorcycle.

The aircrew made an unplanned stop at Martha’s Vineyard to pick up their precious ‘cargo’.

The crew involved saw their qualifications downgraded and hit with disciplinary actions.

The classic motorcycle in question? A 1970 BMW R75/5.

The WC-130J Super Hercules caught by an eyewitness to this incident.Image source: The Martha’s Vineyard Times
We’re no strangers to hearing men in uniform misbehaving. However, this recent report of airmen from the US Air Force Reserve being punished for misusing a Lockheed C-130 Hercules to pick up a classic motorcycle is one of the most bizarre we’ve come across in recent times.
In this report published by The Martha’s Vineyards Times, the incident took place on March 25 on said famed and picturesque vacation island in the state of Massachusetts. The aircrew involved were from the U.S. Air Force Reserve, specifically its 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, 403rd Wing that are based at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi.

As the story goes, the airmen in question, who were supposedly on a training mission, made an unplanned stop on the island’s airport with one of their squadron’s WC-130J Super Hercules – a hurricane-hunting variant of the current generation Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules, which in itself is a heavily upgraded version of the famed C-130 Hercules airlifter.
Eyewitnesses were stunned to see the large strategic military airlifter powered by quad-turboprops arriving at said airport, which is more used to receiving smaller-sized passenger jetliners and twin-turboprops.
Eyewitnesses went on to report seeing the crew open the airlifter’s rear cargo ramp and load in a classic motorcycle, reportedly belonging to one of the crew members involved, that was waiting on the tarmac.

After picking up their ‘cargo’, the crew then proceeded to take off and were never seen again. Eyewitness reports estimate that the whole ‘operation’ took no more than 15 minutes, with one being quotes saying “You don’t see that everyday!”
Well, the stunt has landed the offending aircrew in hot soup following reports filed by local residents and airport staff. According to Col. Stuart M. Rubio, Commander of the 403rd Wing, crew qualifications were downgraded for all members, and administrative steps were taken.
“This personal stop was an abuse of government assets. We hold our reservists to the highest standards of conduct, and these actions are not tolerated,” Col. Stuart M. Rubio concluded in his statement.
Example BMW R75/5, not the actual bike reported in this story.Image source: bmbikes.co.uk
So, what classic motorcycle was worth all that trouble? A 1970 BMW R75/5. We’ll admit, the effort of picking up this rather tasty vintage boxer-powered and shaft-driven German might have been worth the risk of getting grounded indeed…
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Drive M7 SIC Racing Team switches to Honda

The Drive M7 SIC Racing Team  confirmed yesterday that they will be switching to Honda machinery in 2016. The team will be using two NSF250RW bikes, replacing the KTM bikes that are being used currently.
The Malaysian team said that strongly believes that the new partnership with Honda will enhance the team’s performance and open the door for greater success in 2016.

Dato’ Razlan Razali, the CEO of Sepang International Circuit said,  “We are extremely thankful to Honda Racing Corporation for supplying us with the Honda machines for next season. Honda has proven last year and especially this year to be extremely competitive and we sincerely appreciate them delivering the bikes for our two riders in 2016.”
“Besides providing the bike for the team there is a lot more that we can do with the local Honda distributor here in Malaysia; it’s the last piece of the jigsaw puzzle for us with our involvement in the Asia Talent Cup, where all the riders are using Honda machines. With this partnership we can transfer knowledge and expertise from our Moto3 team to the Asia Talent Cup,” he added.

Johan Stigefelt,  the team manager for the Drive M7 SIC Racing Team on the other hand, said that they have gained a lot of experience from our first year in Moto3 as a team and I think the switch to Honda will be a step in the right direction for them.
“We have a good connection with HRC in terms of our relationship with Sepang International Circuit and the Asia Talent Cup. With regards to performance we know the Honda is very strong and can fit well into our structure and with our riders. I’m very pleased to have this opportunity and that Honda Racing Corporation have agreed on this partnership with us,” he said.

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6 awesome used bikes deals to consider

This month, we find six more awesome used bikes that we reckon are worthy of consideration.

The BikesRepublic team has once again taken the time to scour through the used bikes classifieds that are currently listed online at Mudah.my and Bike Trader Malaysia. This month, we’ve locked down six more awesome choices that stand as solid alternatives against buying a brand new bike that’s similar.

And you ought to be glad at the fact that the Malaysian used bikes market is a rich treasure trove of sorts. Whether you’re a newbie, a collector or perhaps a serious enthusiast, we guarantee that there’s a bike for you out there.
It is just a matter of spending the right amount of time to look for the bike of your desire. Here’s our list of six used bikes that we reckon are worthy of a serious look.
1. 2002 Gilera Runner VXR 200

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It’s been a while since we listed a scooter, so here’s a stylish and sporty Italian we found listed on Mudah.my – a rare and fully restored 2002 Gilera Runner VXR 200. The Piaggio-owned Gilera brand was once a highly coveted name amongst sports scooter enthusiasts, and much of this was fuelled by its Runner model series.

The bike featured in this ad is the range-topping VXR 200 variant from 2002, which meant it came with a thumpy liquid-cooled four-stroke 200cc single cylinder powerplant. It also came primed with sporty telescopic front forks and twin rear shocks. But, this is a scooter after all, so you’d still get a twist-and-go belt drive automatic transmission plus a decently-sized under-seat storage bin in the package.

We’ll agree that spare parts for this bike is a huge issue, but you can remedy this finding a proper specialist garage  – Moto Aladdin for example. At RM8,500, it is just slightly more than what the newly launched CMC Italjet 125 is asking for, but the Runner is a proper original, making this stylish and sporty Italian a collector’s favourite too.
2. 2013 Kawasaki ER-6f

Our second bike is a hugely popular and very versatile middleweight that’s perfect for any newbie rider and those upgrading – the Kawasaki ER-6f. Instead of spending over RM30,000 for a brand new one, you can opt for cheaper, second hand ones that have flooded the used bikes market in recent times. Most of which are in good nick with plenty of accessories equipped too as many ex-owners have quickly upgraded.

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This not so old 2013 model we found listed on Bike Trader is one such example with a claimed low mileage of 40,000km. It also features extra performance accessories like an Akrapovič exhaust kit plus a Dynojet Power Commander unit with an O2 sensor. The seller also listed a set of frame sliders, aftermarket levers and a rear wheel choke amongst other things.

And to have all that at just RM21,000 is a steal if you ask us. This is perhaps perfect for those upgrading from a 250cc or 300cc machine, making it the perfect base to hone your skills before heading further up to a litre-class superbike and higher.
3. 2013 Kawasaki Z1000

Want a sharp and aggressively-styled streetfighter that’s high on both performance an attitude? Then you need not look further past the Kawasaki Z1000. Like this ER-6f listed just above, plenty of these have flooded the local used bikes market in great running condition and loaded with tasty aftermarket accessories too.

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This blacked-out 2013 Kawasaki Z1000 listed on Bike Trader is a tasty option. Its rather stock appearance backs up the sellers claim of it being a low-miler. A used bike at such a condition priced at RM45,000 is a tempting offer indeed, with this seemingly stock unit being the perfect blank canvas of sorts for one to trick out.

Furthermore, you’re getting a lot of performance for relatively little money coming out of this bike’s manic 1,043cc in-line four-cylinder. Perhaps all it needs is a new slip-on exhaust kit at least, some sliders, and perhaps new wheels and tyres. In short, this is quite a bargain if you ask us.
4. 2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796

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Now here’s another stylish and sporty Italian, this time coming in the form of the much-loved hooligan that is the Ducati Hypermotard. This 2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 we found listed on Mudah.my has got our inner hooligan begging us to consider.

Though it isn’t the more powerful (and expensive) Hypermotard 1100 variant, this base 796 model is still no slouch compared to its peers. Much of its hooliganism comes from this first generation model’s air-cooled 803cc V-twin thumping out 81hp and 75.7Nm of torque, the light claimed dry weight of 167kg, as well as racy bits such as twin Brembo front discs grabbed by quad-piston calipers and 43mm inverted Marzocchi front forks.

This being the first and last air-cooled iteration of Ducati’s naughty supermoto, it is an instant classic, but not many are in running condition these days, making this dealer’s listed price of RM39,900 seem like a sound bargain. A high performance and stylish Italian that’s also regarded as a classic now? Count us in!
5. 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré

As you could probably tell, the BikesRepublic team has bit bitten hard by the adventure bug recently. In our list of top adventure bikes, the Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré sits in the top echelon alongside the likes of the BMW R1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1290 Super Adventure.

Packing Yamaha’s unique forward-inclined DOHC 1,199cc parallel-twin paired with a six-speed box and shaft final drive, the Super Ténéré is no slouch on the road. But should the going get tougher off of it, then you’d be glad to have the benefits of its high ground clearance, high-travel suspension, as well as a 19-inch front wheel wrapped in knobby dual-sport tyres – everything you’d possibly want in a proper go-anywhere adventure bike.

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We’ll agree that the age of this 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré listed by a dealer we found on Mudah.my is a tad bit discouraging.

However, the dealer’s claim of it having just under 30,000km and the listed price of RM65,888 begs anyone to seriously reconsider it over the recently launched Yamaha MT-09 Tracer. In short, you’re getting a lot more ‘bike’ and go-anywhere ability for slightly more.
6. 2013 Harley-Davidson FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide

Last, but definitely not the least, is our pick of what could be described as one of the best American cruisers of its kind ever – the Harley-Davidson FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide. This is our pick especially for cruiser and custom chopper fans alike.

This Wide Glide iteration of the bar-and-shield marque’s Dyna range of choppers packs a signature air-cooled 103ci (1,690cc) V-twin that generates that unmistakable thunderous soundtrack we all love plus a massive serving of torque too. Typical of any H-D, it’s paired with a belt drive setup. Other notable traits here include the 49mm front forks and twin rear shocks, as well as a massive yet stylish 21-inch front wheel.

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This not-so-old 2013 unit listed by a prominent dealer on Bike Trader has an attractive price of RM90,888. A brand new and more current version would’ve cost nearly twice that, making the temptation hard to resist. Adding to that is the savings from buying new, which gives lots more room for one’s own customisation dreams too!
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Updated 2016 Triumph Tiger Explorer

2016 is looking pretty good for British marque Triumph so far.

The famed Hinckley-based brand first got its ball rolling when it introduced the fully revamped Triumph Bonneville range towards the end of October, followed by the refreshed Speed Triple model just weeks before EICMA 2015 opened its doors.
Now, the firm is strengthening itself further for 2016 after it introduced the refreshed range-topping Triumph Explorer model for 2016. This mid-life refresher sees the flagship dual-sport gaining with a series of new kit and features, with much of the updates mirroring what Triumph did with the smaller Tiger 800 range last year indeed.

For 2016, the Triumph Tiger Explorer will be available in six variants altogether – XC, XCx, XCa, XR, XRx and XRt. The range is separated simply by the fact that the XR range is optimised more for road and street whilst the XC line-up boasts more off-road optimisation instead.

All six models share the same 1,215cc inline three-cylinder 12-valve powerplant; all of which standing rather unique in the class thanks largely to the cylinder configuration it boasts, along with the shaft-drive layout as well. The looming Euro4 legislation prompted Triumph to update the Explorer’s engine in order for it to be compliant in two fronts of said legislation: emissions and noise.
Triumph remains rather coy about the mechanical changes, but sources online report that the powertrain has received a completely new exhaust system accompanied by a larger new catalytic converter, ride-by-wire software, as well as a hike in both power and torque figures too.

Like the smaller Tiger 800 range that was updated for 2015, the 2016 Tiger Explorer gains with a host of tech upgrades aimed at improved stability and control. These include Triumph’s first ever semi-active suspension primed in all but the two base XR and XC variants, followed by other features such as cornering ABS and traction control, four selectable pre-set rider modes available plus an additional fifth riding mode which riders can tailor to their own settings.

Also updated is the ABS system with entry-level models offering switchable ABS and traction control whilst the remaining four models gaining further with the aforementioned advanced cornering ABS and traction control suites. These four models are also further primed with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which uses an array of sensors to measure five axes of movement: including lean angle, acceleration and deceleration ensuring the traction control and ABS suites are at their most optimal level of performance. There is also the option of a Hill Hold Control (HHC) feature that electronically holds the brakes on to stabilise the bike during hill start.

Other notable changes here include a mild exterior styling revamp, the presence of heated grips and seat, an adjustable windscreen, plus a rich choice of luggage as well. Overall, Triumph have indeed granted its flagship dual-sport adventure bike with a much more complete package for 2016, allowing it to stack up well against new and improved rivals such as the new Ducati Multistrada Enduro.
2016 Triumph Tiger Explorer

Sources: Asphaltandrubber / Visordown / MCN
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Hero-Powered Harley-Davidson Nightster 440 Is In The Works

Harley-Davidson’s foray into the 440cc platform has been a momentous event for motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.

The X440 roadster, with its impressive performance and sleek design, captured the hearts of riders seeking the perfect balance between power and agility.
Harley-Davidson is gearing up to introduce the Nightster 440.

The Nightster name is not unfamiliar to Harley-Davidson fans, as the company already offers a larger liquid-cooled Nightster, powered by a 975cc V-twin engine derived from the Pan America’s formidable 1,250cc mill.
This bike proudly sits in Harley’s revered ‘Sport’ lineup, alongside the legendary Sportster series. Now, with the filing of a trademark for the Nightster 440 in India by Hero MotoCorp, we can’t help but speculate what this new model might bring to the table.

The Nightster 440, being the sibling of the X440, is expected to embrace a sportier personality. One key area that is likely to set it apart is the seating position. A slightly more aggressive stance could be expected, inviting riders to embrace the spirit of speed and control.
Additionally, some chassis tweaks might be in store, as early experiences with the X440 have revealed that it lacks sufficient cornering clearance. Harley-Davidson and Hero may be keen to address this to make the Nightster 440 a corner-carving delight.

The air and oil-cooled 440cc engine is anticipated to remain largely unchanged. Nevertheless, Hero might take the liberty to play around with the state-of-tune and gearing to offer a slightly more engaging experience, catering to the sportier nature of the motorcycle. This could result in heightened performance and an adrenaline-pumping ride that enthusiasts crave.
While specifics about the Nightster 440 are yet to be unveiled, it’s not too far-fetched to imagine a bike that boasts the best of both worlds. The power and finesse of the X440 combined with the sporty charm of the Nightster could make for an exhilarating package that will be hard to resist.
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