New Honda Wave Alpha Gets Fuel-Injection, Euro4 Engine – RM5,179

New for the Malaysian motorcycle market is the 2023 Honda Wave Alpha, priced at RM5,179.

The popular ‘kapcai’ has been upgraded for 2023, including a new fuel injection 110cc engine that meets the Euro4 emission standard.
According to Boon Siew Honda, the reworked engine offers smooth power delivery and better fuel efficiency. The new Wave Alpha can now go up to 70.9km/l according to the fuel consumption measurement mode (WMTC), making it the best in its class.

In addition, the new Wave Alpha makes 8.7hp @ 7,500rpm and 8.67Nm @ 5,500rpm.
Other improvements include a new taillight design for a fresher look.

Other notable improvements include a bigger fuel tank, 4.1L from the previous 3.7L and a bigger under-seat storage, rated at 7.3L, which is twice larger than the previous generation.
The new Honda Wave Alpha is available in three exciting colours: Vivacity Red, Pearl Nightfall Blue and Clipper Yellow.
--Ads--


MotoGP 2017: Marquez Starts from Pole Position in Argentina GP

2016 MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez was the only rider to go below the 1 minute 48 second mark

Karel Abraham shocked everyone after battling for pole position with the MotoGP champion

Brit rider Cal Crutchlow was only 0.003 seconds behind Abraham, putting him in P3 for the Argentina GP race later today

It was a wet and very interesting MotoGP qualifying session with a surprising grid line up to match. After a series of unpredictable results, the reigning MotoGP champion, Marc Marquez from the Repsol Honda squad came up on top after clocking in a blistering 1:47.512. Marquez was the only rider yesterday who ran a sub 1 minute 48 seconds. The track was so wet that this happened when Marquez tried to practice his start.

HOW NOT to practice start 101 – ArgentinaGP
CAUTION: Slippery when wet.⚠HOW did Marquez save this?!
Posted by MotoGP on 8hb April 2017

Another shocking yet welcomed surprise was the rider who will start today’s race in P2, Karel Abraham from the Pull&Bear Aspar Team. The 27 year old rider from Czech Republic surprised everyone on board his outdated Ducati Desmosedici GP15 with a time of 1:48.275, a good 0.763 seconds behind pole sitter, Marquez.
Image source: www.crash.net
Cal Crutchlow from LCR Honda was not that far behind from Abraham who set a 1:48.278. The micro gap of only 0.003 seconds puts in P3 for today’s race on board his Honda RC213V. Over half a second behind the Brit rider was Italian Danilo Petrucci from the OCTO Pramac Racing outfit. Petrucci also clocked the fastest speed yesterday at 314.4km/h on board his Desmosedici GP16.
Image source: www.motorsport.com
Dani Pedrosa set an impressive time of 1:49.008 despite the earlier crash and Q1 session with another high-profile rider, Valentino Rossi from the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP squad. While Pedrosa will start today’s race in P5, Rossi on the other hand is lined up at P7 behind his team mate and Qatar GP winner, Maverick Vinales. Not a very good starting positions for both especially Rossi considering that this is his 350th GP race.

After concluding the Qatar GP with an amazing result, Aleix Espargaro from the Aprilia Racing Team Gresini again put in a good run to land in P8 on board his Aprilia RS-GP. The underdog rider with an underdog bike was only 0.051 seconds behind the nine-time world champion. Loris Baz from the Reale Avintia Racing team is at P9 and Alvaro Bautista from the Pull&Bear Aspar team is at P10.

What happened to all the other high profile riders from the factory teams? It seems like the wet weather struck them hard with Andrea Iannone will start from P12 behind Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider, Jonas Folger. Iannone’s team mate will start the Argentinean GP dead last after a difficult session following a recovery from a significant injury.

How about the two Ducati factory riders and their GP17s? Andrea Dovizioso only managed to set a time to put him in P13 and Jorge Lorenzo at P16 for today’s race. Don’t forget to watch this very interesting race with its wacky and colourful line up when they battle it out at the Termas de Río Hondo circuit. The Moto3 race will start at midnight tonight (local time), followed by Moto2 at 1.20am and MotoGP will run its course at 3.00am.
Image source: MotoGP
--Ads--


2019 Yamaha YZF-R25 Launched by Hong Leong Yamaha Motor

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor launched the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R25 lightweight sportbike today.

It features a new styling and bodywork, inspired by the MotoGP YZR-M1.

The 2019 bike is mechanically unchanged, apart from upside-down forks.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) launched another eagerly-awaited model, the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R25.

The first-generation YZF-R25 (R25) found popular standing among many Malaysian motorcyclists. Sales was kept going despite being in the market since 2015. HLYM sold thousands of R25s since its introduction.

That is why there are many R25 owner clubs in Malaysia. In fact, thousands will show up for official convoys, including the annual ride to the Malaysian MotoGP.

The 2019 R25 features a new bodywork and styling, mimicking its larger YZF-R6 brother. Indeed, it’s easy to mistake the new R25 for the new R6 due to the multifaceted fairing, new aggressive headlights and taillight, and tail-section. The headlights and taillight are LED.

However, the engine and frame remain unchanged, although the 2019 model features upside-down forks.
Yamaha claims the new R25 gets an 8 km/h increase in top speed.

Highlights

Aggressive, MotoGP YZR-M1 inspired styling.
249cc, liquid-cooled, 8-valve, parallel-twin engine.
The engine produces 35.5 bhp at 12,000 RPM, 22.6 Nm at 10,000 RPM.
Updated LCD instrument display.
New upside-down fork front suspension for chassis rigidity and feedback.
Rear shock absorber with preload adjuster.
New LED headlights and taillight.
New 3-in-1 main switch inspired by Yamaha big bikes.
14.3-liter fuel tank.
166 kg wet weight.

HLYM will announce the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R25’s price at a later date. It is offered in two colours: Metallic Blue and a new Matt Red.
The bike was launched at HLYM’s annual Dealer Conference in Genting Highlands.

--Ads--


Motorcycles on the Federal Highway – “What choice do we have?”

A recent article posted by the Malay Mail has the author complaining about motorcyclists riding their bikes on the Federal Highway.
More bikes are taking the main carriageway as some parts of the dedicated bike lanes are closed for renovations.
While some do ride carelessly, it is not fair to label all bikers as ‘nuisances’ or ‘mat rempits‘.
Image source: The Star

In reference to a recent article published by the Malay Mail earlier today, the author clearly stated that more motorcyclists are taking their bikes onto the main carriageway and went on to blatantly label them as ‘nuisances’ and even ‘mat rempits’ (street hooligans). The biased article, which may be confusing for some especially other motorists, was written without considering the true story behind the event.
It is true that we are witnessing more motorcycles taking to main carriageway but what choice do we have? All of us are just trying to get to our destinations and with the majority of the bike lanes closed for renovations (and sometimes flooded from all the rain), we are then forced to put our lives at further risk by riding on the highway.
Image source: The Star
It was around August last year when the Works Ministry decided to allocate a budget of RM3.13 million to finally fix the dedicated motorcycle lanes to ensure the safety of everyone using the Federal Highway. This was only done AFTER Works Minister Dato’ Seri Fadillah Yusof took a ride as pillion on the motorcycle lane to witness for himself the conditions of the roads.
RM3.13 million to fix Federal Highway bike lane… Finally!

The article also stated that motorcyclists are weaving in and out of traffic, lane splitting and not keeping to the emergency lane. As a motorcyclist and daily user of the Federal Highway, there are instances where we do so but one should also realise that lane splitting is a much safer option for road users compared to waiting in traffic jams wedged between cars, lorries and other bigger vehicles on the road (provided that we are going at reasonable speeds of course).
Image source: NST
As for riding in the emergency lane, well it is reserved only for emergencies (duh!). It looks safer yes but what about drivers who drive their cars into said emergency lanes and end up causing congestion and other problems especially during emergencies? We seriously need to start being mindful to others on the roads, people.
This is NOT all of us…
There are instances where some (not all) motorcyclists ride their bikes carelessly in between traffic like mad men but that’s no reason to blame every biker on the road. Most of us are just trying to get to our destinations safe and sound like everybody else. In reference to honking, it is just a signal for motorists to be made aware that we are on the road as well. Many accidents have happened when drivers changed lanes abruptly without noticing motorcyclist on the road. Honking is a method of keeping safe, not to annoy you.
What we’re trying to say is that motorcyclists are trying their level best to be responsible riders while the government is taking care of all the renovations currently going on for the dedicated motorcycle lanes. No normal motorcyclists would want to intentionally hurt himself or others. If the argument is that motorcyclists should ride safely, then drivers too can help by actually indicating when changing lanes.
Tips To Spread The Word On Motorcycle Awareness

To the drivers on the federal highway, we ask you to bear with us during this time as we don’t have any other choice but to get onto the main carriageway as the dedicated motorcycle lanes are closed. At the end of the day, we can’t just simply not use the road because we too have to make our ends meet for the sake of our families.
Let’s all be responsible road users and take care of everyone’s safety. #MalaysiaBoleh
To read the original article by the Malay Mail, CLICK HERE.
Watch our Managing Editor Keshy Dhillon and the Managing Editor of Malaysia’s newest motoring website Piston.my discuss the motorcycle lanes in the video hosted by Autobuzz below.

Note from the Managing Editor:
I write this while seated in Mid Valley. I have had a bunch of appointments this Monday morning to which I travel as I usually do, by bike. There is no denying that some motorcyclists are dangerous and pose a danger to other motorcyclists. But for such an established news portal as The Malay Mail to publish such a blanket article to accuse all motorcyclists as being dangerous does not help the already tarnished image of motorcyclists. I just used the federal highway about an hour ago and yes I was on the main carriage way. What would you have me do when the bike lane is closed? I did not want to spend too much time next to a car or truck because there is no telling when they will suddenly change lane, so the quicker I could get away from such danger, the safer for me. But! I used the bike lane when returning to Mid Valley because that lane was open. And I was not the only biker on that lane! – Keshy Dhillon
--Ads--


KTM CEO Stefan Pierer Still Wants to Buy Ducati and Now Triumph

Photo credit Cycle World

KTM CEO Stefan Pierer is still adamant about buying the Ducati brand off the Volkswagen Group and has added Triumph Motorcycles to his list.

He wants to create a “unified European motorcycle brand.”

KTM is currently No. 4 and aims for No. 3.

KTM CEO Stefan Pierer is still adamant about buying the Ducati brand off Volkswagen AG and has added Triumph Motorcycles to his list.
That’s his ultimate view, but there’s a premise to the entire story.
KTM has just surpassed Harley-Davidson as the biggest motorcycle manufacturer outside Asia. The former sold 261,000 motorcycles in 2018, some 35,000 more than the Motor Company did. However, KTM only raked in USD 1.75 billion compared to Harley’s nearly USD 5 billion as the latter’s bikes were much more expensive.
Yet, KTM is still the fourth largest manufacturer in the world behind Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki. Honda sold a whopping 20 million motorcycles last year, making even Yamaha’s 5.4 million look paltry.
KTM CEO Stefan Pierer – PHOTOGRAPHER: MICHAELA HANDREK-REHLE/BLOOMBERG
Pierer knows that the Japanese’s volume is due to the number of different types and models available in different countries. This was the reason why KTM linked up with Bajaj to produce smaller capacity motorcycles.
But the man doesn’t want to stop there and set a target of reaching 400,000 units by 2022 globally. That target ought to demote Kawasaki as the world’s third largest motorcycle manufacturer.
In that sense, he felt that he should buy Ducati and Triumph and uniting the three brands as a triumvirate to form “a united European motorcycle company.” In saying so, he mentioned Ducati and Triumph’s 2018 sales of 53,000 and 61,500, respectively. “We’re saving ourselves in Europe,” he added. He didn’t mention that BMW Motorrad sold 165,566 units, though. Triumph’s not for sale, definitely.
Will the orange brand get there?
Source: Bloomberg Businessweek
--Ads--


MotoGP: Dovizioso takes pole in Sepang

Andrea Dovizioso steals pole in Sepang

Andrea Dovizioso of the Ducati Team ran a strong qualifying session with a gap of more than half a second to secure the pole position for tomorrow’s race at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) Valentino Rossi of the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP took the second spot on the starting grid where as his team mate, Jorge Lorenzo, completed the front row securing the third position.

Apart from the front row, Cal Crutchclow of the LCR Honda team ran a quick pace in the Q1 session together win Loriz Baz of the Avintia Racing team, which led them to join the Q2 session right after. Even in the wet conditions, Crutchclow made it to fifth position, right in the middle of Marc Marquez of the Repsol Honda who secured the fourth spot and Andrea Iannone of Ducati in sixth.

Lorenzo on the other hand proved to everyone that he too can be competitive in the wet with the Michelin tyres. Feeling comfortable with the grip and the track, Lorenzo fought for the the front row position with the other riders and comfortably qualified third.

The 2016 MotoGP World Champion, Marc Marquez impressively secured 4th position even when struggling with poor health that has been affecting his performance throughout the free practice and qualifying sessions.
The Suzuki duo, Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales managed to secure seventh and eighth positions together with Alvaro Bautista of the Aprilia Racing Team Gresini to complete the third row of the grid.
Loris Baz of the Avintia Racing Team ran a good qualifying pace to secure the tenth position of the grid in the difficult conditions. Pol Espargaro of the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 only managed to secure the eleventh position after a decision to switch tires. Hector Barbera of Avintia Racing completes the fourth row by securing the final spot in Q2.

MotoGP™ Qualifying Results
1 – Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) DUCATI 2’11.485
2 – Valentino Rossi (ITA) YAMAHA +0.246
3 – Jorge Lorenzo (SPA) YAMAHA +0.302

Zarco looking strong for the title run, secured pole position in Moto2

Johann Zarco of Ajo Motorsport ran an unbelievable pace with a gap of more than 2 seconds ahead of the second fastest Moto2 rider of the day, Franco Morbidelli of Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS. Axel Pons of AGR Team completes the front row at the very last minute but at the pace of almost 3 seconds behind the pace of the top qualifier, Zarco.
Morbidelli ran a strong pace thoughout the Qualifying session but Zarco increased his pace rapidly as the track started to dry. Axel Pons gambled with a rear slick and paid off as he secured the third position ahead of the master of wet conditions, Jonas Folger of the Dynavolt Intact GP team, who secured 4th spot.

The closest contender for the 2016 Moto2 championship, Tom Lüthi of the Garage Plus Interwetten only managed to secure 5th in the middle of the second row as he was struggling with the difficult conditions of the Sepang International Circuit. Lorenzo Baldassarri of the Forward Team completes the second row in sixth position.
Our hometown hero and wildcard rider, Ramdan Rosli of the Petronas AHM Malaysia team, ran a solid run. He managed to get a good feel of the track in the changing conditions to secure the 12th position, completing the fourth row of the race.
Hafizh Syahrin of the Petronas Raceline Malaysia also did quite well in qualifying who is only two positions away from Ramdan Rosli. With the weather being uncertain for tomorrow’s race, our lads will give it their all and by the end of the race, we might just find out who will be crowned as the Moto2 World Champion.
Moto2™ Qualifying Results
1 – Johann Zarco (FRA) KALEX 2’18.621
2 – Franco Morbidelli (ITA) KALEX +2.134
3 – Axel Pons (SPA) KALEX + 0.628

Brad Binder stole the top spot out of nowhere in the wet

Brad Binder of the Red Bull KTM Ajo grabbed the top qualifying spot at the very last minute of the session, surprising everyone including the two riders who were constantly in battle throughout the qualifying session, Jorge Navarro of Estrella Galicia 0,0 and Francesco Bagnaia of Pull&Bear Aspar Mahindra.
The qualifying session was red flagged due to heavy rain and the riders quickly came back into the pits to make the necessary changes to run in the wet. With only 19 minutes on the clock, all of the riders quickly got out once the track reopened to set their lap times.

With the wet conditions, the fans had high hope for our Moto3 hero, Khairul Idham Pawi of Honda Team Asia to be battling for the top spot in qualifying. With poor setup of the bike giving Khairul Idham less than desirable feeling of the bike, he only managed to secure 20th spot on the grid.
Adam Norrodin of the Drive M7 SIC Racing Team did slightly better the Super KIB, where he placed 18th for tomorrow’s race. Adam was quite strong during the practice sessions but the ever changing conditions affected his performance at the end of the qualifying.
Our final Malaysian hero and wild card rider, Hafiq Azmi claimed the 22nd position of the grid after more than a year of the Moto3 bike. He will be racing for the Peugeot MC Saxoprint, replacing the injured John Mcphee. Considering the fact that he only had limited time to get familiar with the bike and team, 22nd position is considered as an impressive feat.
The condition of the race tomorrow is still uncertain but what we know is that it will be very interesting indeed.
Moto3™ Qualifying Results
1 – Brad Binder (RSA) KTM 2’26.268
2 – Jorge Navarro (SPA) HONDA + 0.093
3 – Francesco Bagnaia MAHINDRA + 0.034
*Photo credits to MotoGP
--Ads--


Review: 2022 Harley-Davidson Sportster S – A Harley powercruiser unlike any other!

The 2022 Harley-Davidson Sportster S takes the bar-and-shield brand to new heights, but it’s not the Harley powercruiser for everyone…

Liquid-cooled 1,252cc V-Twin.

121HP and 127NM, 228kg (claimed).

Lots of power with the muscular styling to match.

Not the easiest thing to handle or hustle with.

RM92,900 (base price)

Not for everyone? Explain…
Utter the famed Harley-Davidson name, even non motorcycling enthusiasts, and the immediate picture almost everyone paints is a low, slow, chrome-rich piece of Americana on two-wheels. Yup, this has been the staple image of the bar-and-shield marque for eons now.
Well, that’s certainly not the case with the new 2022 Harley-Davidson Sportster S as featured here which we spanked for a few days some time back. This isn’t your typical Harley cruiser, and it’s one that will split opinions everywhere it goes.
What’s certain though is that this powercruiser of sorts has taken the famed Milwaukee-based V-twin vanguards to new heights. The last time we saw this much forward thinking was in the V-Rod – the brand’s first ever liquid-cooled production model that arrived in 2001.
Like the V-Rod, we reckon the Sportster S will appeal to a different sort of Harley-Davidson fan instead of traditionalists, and not just from the way it looks either – there’s much to say about its performance, as well as the way it rides.

It does look really good though…
We won’t disagree. As far as styling goes, this Harley’s stance as both very modern and very muscular. It will grab lots of attention wherever it goes, even with its pitiful Euro 5-compliant (read: dampened) soundtrack – something very un-Harley like indeed.
There’s much to bask in here, like the way its 12-litre tank is shaped, the massive 17-inch front and 16-inch wheels and tyres, not forgetting the way the centrepiece of an engine is presented through its pretty scaffolding, as well as the high-mounted dual pipes running down the left-side.

These are matched with a host of tasty ancillaries as well, key highlights here being the all-LED lighting suite brimmed, 4-inch digital TFT dash display, as well as the host of top-shelf chassis hardware present like the Brembo brakes and adjustable Showa suzzies – more on these in a bit.

What’s it like in the hot seat?
Whilst legging over into the low 765mm saddle isn’t a big deal, the ergonomics is where the opinions start to divide. Depending on your height, reaching forward to grab the bars, as well as grasping the forward foot controls, will be a stretch – literally.

This is where the need for customisation really kicks in and, thankfully, Harley-Davidson have a plethora of kit to customise the Sportster S with, and the only limitation to which lies in one’s imagination… and bank account limit.
Though a stretch, it’s not difficult to get to grips with the ergonomics of the Harley Davidson Sportster S and get going, but it’s not a pleasant affair if we were honest, and things doesn’t really get better as we got it going.

How does it ride then?
Harley-Davidson deserves some credit for the effort undertaken at brimming the Sportster S with some of the best chassis hardware available, namely those Brembo anchors and adjustable Showa suzzies mentioned earlier.
Unfortunately, getting the latter Japanese-made suzzies dialled in to the right setting takes time – a luxury not afforded to us during our test. Nevertheless, both the front and rear can be tweaked, and it’s something any prospecting owner will need to figure out over time.

In general though, these suzzies do their job well, soaking up bumps and imperfections without protest. The same can be said with the front brakes, which felt highly responsive whilst also offering a strong bite without needing too long of a lever tug.
The same can’t be said about the rear which, though comes from the same Italian specialist supplier, does not offer the same responsive feel as the front. Perhaps the saving grace here is the fact that both are tied to a trick ABS module – one of many trick electronic wizardries this Harley packs.

The biggest challenge of course stems from managing the Sportster S through traffic. As you’d expect of something weighing 228kg (claimed) that’s also 2,270mm long, it’s yet another chore we’d rather forego…

So what is good about it then?
Thankfully, the Sportster S does hold enough charm to let almost anyone forgive the many quirks we just highlighted. Fuelling this is the rev-happy V-Twin it packs. Yup, this is a Harley V-Twin that loves to rev, and much of its peak power and torque is present high up in the range too.
Don’t let the cruiser looks and belt-drive setup fool you as this cruiser is able to do straight line sprints much like a modern sport bike. Yes, the Sportster S will easily shame the next annoying millennial flexing in a Mustang you meet at the traffic lights, especially when the ride mode is set to ‘Sport’.
In regards to that, the Sportster S has five selectable modes in total, and it includes Road, Rain, as well as two user-customisable profiles. Obviously, things felt lively in Sport, whereas Road mode dials the excitement down just a little to make daily rides a lot more manageable.

Beyond the host of trick electronic rider aids which includes Cornering ABS, there’s also a host of other nifty features present such as a cruise control, as well as a tire pressure monitor readout in the dash.
Our favourite bit though is the integrated connectivity function which, besides a smartphone app, includes the ability to pair and control your Bluetooth helmet comms.

Should I really consider one?
As mentioned, this is perhaps one of the most unorthodox creations to ever wear the famed bar-and-shield badge. It won’t carve corners as well as a similar rivalling Italian superbike-engined powercruiser it fights directly, but there’s enough charm here to woe the most unorthodox of Harley fans.
At RM92,900 sans on-road costs, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S is also no bargain indeed, but the style, thrills, and the tech-laden features it packs ought to justify things. Just have an additional RM5,000 to RM10,000 at least ready to customise one to your liking – which you definitely want to.
VERDICT

FOR (+)
AGAINST (–)

·        Modern and very muscular styling for a Harley!

·        Very peppy V-Twin that’s also sensational to look at.

·        A rich and extensive list of features and advanced rider aids.
·        Not the most comfortable thing to ride.

·        Not the most agile thing about.

·        Relatively tiny 12-litre tank.

·        Not a bargain, and requires more spending to customise.

SPECIFICATIONS – Harley-Davidson Sportster S

ENGINE
Liquid-cooled DOHC
1,252cc V-Twin with
Variable Valve Timing (VVT)

TRANSMISSION
6-speed, belt-drive

POWER
121HP @ 7,500RPM

TORQUE
127NM @ 6,000RPM

CHASSIS
High-strength low alloy steel trellis frame

SUSPENSION
Front: Showa 41mm adjustable inverted fork
Rear: Showa link-type adjustable monoshock

BRAKES
Front: 2x Brembo 320mm disc, quad-piston radial calipers, ABS
Rear: Brembo 260mm disc, single-piston caliper, ABS

FUEL TANK
12 litres

DIMENSIONS
LxWxH: 2,265mm x 843mm x 1,089mm

WHEEL/TYRES
Front: 160/70TR17
Rear: 180/70R16

SEAT HEIGHT
765mm

WEIGHT
228kg (kerb)

PRICE
RM92,900
(base price, excluding on-road costs and options)

Gallery: 2022 Harley-Davidson Sportster S

--Ads--


HJC Star Wars replica helmets announced

Merge your Star Wars fandom and your love for biking with the new HJC Star Wars replica helmets series.

Having struck the right accords with the Marvel Comics fans prior, Korean helmet manufacturer HJC has now set its sights on Star Wars fans after announcing its new HJC Star Wars replica helmets series.
The first two offering in the HJC Star Wars replica helmets line up are inspired by the two of the sci-fi franchise’s largest villains, that being bounty hunter Boba Fett and dual lightsaber-wielding First Order dark jedi Kylo Ren.
The liveries inspired by both characters, especially their larger than life on screen headgear schemes, are faithfully reproduced on the flagship HJC RPHA 11 fullface helmet – the treatment mirroring HJC’s previous crack at Marvel heroes.

Yes, Kylo Ren may not be one of the franchise’s best ever villains, but we can all collective agree that his mask’s graphics replicated on this HJC lid in black and chrome colours looks brilliant.

However, HJC’s take on Boba Fett – one of the franchise’s biggest cult anti-heroes – trumps Ren’s colours easily. The Madalorian gun-for-hire’s signature battle-scared green and red armour scheme is faithfully reproduced on this HJC lid, similar to the Hasbro collectible toy helmet in fact.

And the news gets even better. HJC will also add its FG-17 mid-range fullface helmet into this series that’s dressed in a ‘Death Trooper’ livery just before the new Star Wars Rogue One film debuts in theatres later this year. (PS, we’ve attache the trailer above).
Fans would be disappointed that rumours of a Princess Leia-inspired edition, complete with side-mounted hair buns, are untrue. Nevertheless, we can a greater expansion of the new HJC Star Wars replica helmet series with more of the franchise’s iconic characters inspiring more cool liveries.
--Ads--


Free Petrol for Motorcyclists Today

Motorcyclists riding motorcycles below 150cc are entitled to free petrol today.

The program will be held today from 12pm to 4pm today.

The venue is at the Caltex station at Batu 8, Jalan Kepong, Kuala Lumpur.

Motorcyclists in Klang Valley can fill up their tanks with free petrol today. Activities will take place from 12pm at the Caltex petrol station along the 8th Mile (Batu 8), Jalan Kepong, Kuala Lumpur.
Kepong Member of Parliament, Lim Lip Eng said in a press release, “The Fill up With Free Petrol for Aidilfitri Program (Program Isi Petrol Percuma Sempena Aidilfitri) is held with the co-operation of Parti Amanah Negara (AMANAH) Kepong. It is to show our appreciation to the area’s constituents in celebrating the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri.”
AMANAH Head of Vendors in Kepong, Datuk Mohd. Noor Ali Bakar said that only motorcycles below 150cc are entitled to the program. It is an assistance to the B40 group to lighten their load as they prepare to head home for Hari Raya.
This program is a continuation to the free petrol for 300 food couriers the previous month.
The program ends at 4pm so make your way to the station, pronto!
Source: Harian Metro

--Ads--


Andrea Iannone meets and greets DCM @ Shell Yazn Enterprise

Ducati Corse MotoGP rider Andrea Iannone meets and greets several lucky members of DCM in Shell Yazn Enterprise Retail Station @ KLIA.

As part of a pre-event promotional exercise, Ducati Corse MotoGP rider Andrea Iannone made a special appearance in the Shell petrol station operated by Shell Yazn Enterprise just outside KLIA near the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

Competing in this weekend’s 2015 Shell Malaysian MotoGP, the Italian rider was accompanied by Ducati Corse’s sporting director Paolo Ciabatti, as well as several other members of the Ducati Corse MotoGP race team. As part of his appearance, Andrea undertook a dialogue with members of the Ducati Club of Malaysia (DCM) with his technical crew also giving an in-depth explanation of the technical partnership forged between Shell and the Ducati Corse team.

In his dialogue, Andrea also expressed his confidence ahead of this weekend’s race, promising the die-hard fans within DCM with a display of excellent racing as the weekend swings into action. Although his teammate, Andrea Dovizioso, couldn’t make it in time for the appearance due to a delayed flight, Andrea Iannone’s presence was enough of a treat for those present that included several top-tier executives from Shell Malaysia.

Shortly thereafter, Andrea also took part in a special photo-op with guests present in the station, and even took the chance at topping up the fuel tank of one lucky DCM member’s prized Ducati 899 Panigale superbike before signing his autograph on the tank as well.
--Ads--


World’s First Motorcycle Helmet Head-Up Display is ready for Sale

NUVIZ is finally ready to introduce the world’s first motorcycle helmet head-up display system is in its final phase before hitting the shelves ready for sale.
The HUD system uses an 8mp camera to fit 800 x 480 resolution images to the rider via its The LCOS microdisplay (Liquid Crystal on Silicon Microdisplay-based Projection Engine).
The asking price is at $699 (around RM2,997) which includes GPS, communication system together with video and image capturing capabilities.

After many attempts by various companies across the globe, the world’s first head-up display motorcycle helmet is finally ready to hit the shelves for sale. NUVIZ together with its giant financial support from Pierer Industrie AG who happens to be the parent company of KTM and Husqvarna are finally ready to put this revolutionary product into production.
CLICK HERE to read on other in-helmet HUD units currently being developed.

The HUD system for motorcycle helmets created by NUVIZ is no normal system with basic functions. According to a report made by Men’s Journal who had the opportunity to test out the actual hardware, the NUVIZ unit is also a fully functional GPS plus communications system that can be linked to your smart phone using Bluetooth connectivity.

What’s even more exciting about the NUVIZ system allows users to capture photos and record videos as well. The unit is mounted on the lower right hand side of the helmet and the display is set up on the lower right corner of the rider’s overall vision. It is said that the installing the NUVIZ unit which includes earpieces and microphone is no different than other in-helmet communication systems available in the market today.
Image source: iphone.informer.com
With a touch of a button, the system boots up as fast as your phone and will be activated once the app is launched using your phone making it very user-friendly. The LCOS microdisplay (Liquid Crystal on Silicon Microdisplay-based Projection Engine) feeds full-colour images to the rider at an 800 x 480 resolution that’s able to adjust its brightness automatically depending on the weather conditions.

The NUVIZ unit also comes with a thumb controller that can be mounted on the left side of the bike’s handlebar which can assist in toggling between the GPS, Dashboard, Music, Calls and Rides. It is safe to say that the system has been tested and a lot of positive feedback has been gathered by NUVIZ. The best part is that the system can last between four to seven hours depending on what you use it for. Similar to your smart phone, bigger and heavier functions like video recording will seep out the battery life but four hours minimum sounds like a good deal to us.

Now, there’ still no news on when the NUVIZ HUD helmet system will hit the shelves but they’ve targeted for that to happen somewhere between June and September of this year. The introductory price is said to be at $699 (around RM2,997 after direct conversion) which makes it a bit pricy at first but a small price to pay for such great technology.

When you think about it, the system (if it works that well) can ultimately replace a number of riding gadgets like the sports camera, communications system, navigation and also the audio system which in total will cost more than what the NUVIZ unit has to offer. The future of motorcycling is not close, ladies and gentlemen. It’s already here.
Image source: Men’s Journal
--Ads--


Spanish CEV Moto3 gains ‘World’ status

FIM elevates Spanish CEV Moto3 category into World Junior Championship status.

Tito Rabat, Marc Marques, Dani Pedrosa, and Jorge Lorenzo. What do all these world class riders have in common? HINT: ALL of them hail from Spain.

With so many Spanish riders dominating top tier motorcycle racing, it is easy to deduce that the Spaniards have an excellent domestic feeder series to groom its future riding talents. Need more proof? The head coach of the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup, the first ever feeder series of Asian riders, is none other than Alberto Puig, one of the key architects behind the Spanish success.

With that, it comes to no surprise for many after the world motorcycle racing governing body, the FIM, has decided the elevate the Spanish CEV series’ Moto3 class into a ‘World’ level. From 2015 onwards, the category will be renamed as the “FIM CEV Repsol Moto3 Junior World Championship.”

The newly upgraded Moto3 series will hold eight rounds next year, six of which in circuits based in Spain. The other two venues listed in its 2015 calendar are the Le Mans, France, and Portimao, Portugal. Additionally, the series leg in France will be held as the support event to the French MotoGP event.
And the status elevation does not stop with the CEV series’ Moto3 class only. The two other classes that makes up the Spanish championship, namely Moto2 and Superbike, will also be elevated, but only up as far as being apart of FIM’s European Championship series.
The FIM States that the intention behind these status change was aimed to help prepare young riders of all nationalities to make their mark and enter Grand Prix racing. A quick observation will also tell you this has been the role of the CEV Moto3 championship increasingly in the last few years, not to mention the fact that most of the champions in the Spanish series have moved up into the Moto3 World Championship paddock.
Source: Asphaltandrubber
--Ads--


10 Countries with the Highest Proportion Motorcycle-Related Deaths

Here are 10 countries ranked by the highest proportion of motorcycle-related deaths.

The number of fatalities is staggering, running into the millions in total.

Most countries here don’t regulate helmet standards and don’t require motorcyclists to wear helmets.

Here’s something sobering. Motorcycle-related deaths in traffic accidents still account for the highest proportion in most – if not all – countries around the world.
But there are a number of countries in which the proportion of motorcycle-related deaths are higher. Included in this list are a number of countries we often ride to and in.
10. Paraguay – 52.2%

This landlocked South American country has 1.8 million registered vehicles, of nearly 560,000 are motorcycles. Although the proportion of motorcycles are only 30 percent, they contribute to 52.2% of total road fatalities. Ironically, the country practices strict enforcement of their highway code and motorcyclists are required to wear helmets.
9. Colombia – 52.5%

There are more motorcycles than cars in Colombia, to the tune of 55%. While helmet law isn’t enforced, 96% of riders and 80% of their passengers wear helmets. Still, the death rate is a high 52.5% percent.
8. Republic of Benin 56.5%

Benin is located in west Africa. Here, there are no regulations for helmet standards, nor are motorcyclists required to wear helmets. There are 195,000 motorcycles compared to 470,000 cars (41%).
7. Malaysia – 60%

According to the 2016 WHO report, Malaysia has 27,613,120 registered vehicles. 46% of those are motorcycle, totaling 12,677,041. There are helmet laws and the highway code is rather extensive. Helmet quality regulations are also tight. Yet we rank high as one among the countries with the highest number of motorcycle-related deaths in the world. We’ll leave out the why. For now.
6. Myanmar – 64.8%

There are 5.4 million motorcycles among 6.4 million registered vehicles in this country. Like some of the countries in this list, there is no regulation on helmet quality despite the law requiring motorcycles to wear helmets.
5. Dominican Republic – 67%

Motorcycles account for nearly 54% (2.1 million) of the total vehicles in this country. Helmet use isn’t mandatory, hence only some 27% of riders and 2% of passengers wear helmets. The Dominican Republic was ranked with the highest road accident fatality rate in the world in 2013.
4. Republic of Togo – 71.6%

The Republic of Togo is the neighbor to the Republic of Benin. It has only 45,341 registered vehicles. The country doesn’t make helmet use mandatory and it reflects on the large number of fatalities.
3. Cambodia – 73.5%

We’re into the top three. Cambodia has a total of 2,714,913 registered motorcycles. Helmet usage isn’t mandatory here. A survey held that 70% of riders wear helmets during the day but that percentage drops to only 43% at night. Additionally, 30% of the passengers put on helmets during the day but it drops to only 13% at night.
2. Indonesia – 73.6%

Indonesia is currently the biggest motorcycle market in the world. More than half of the country’s 250 million population own a vehicle, and more than half of that are motorcycles. Only 71% of riders wear helmets.
1. Thailand – 74.4%

Thailand holds the unfortunate record as having the most dangerous roads in South East Asia, Asia and additionally the most dangerous for motorcyclists. The government has encouraged motorcyclists to wear helmets, besides the passenger. There seems to be no regulations on helmet quality and standards. The percentage is staggering – almost 3 out of every four deaths were motorcycle-related.
India – 98,700 motorcycle-related fatalities

The country with the highest number of motorcycle-related deaths is India. The WHO estimates that there were 299,091 total traffic-related deaths in subcontinent, 33% of those attributed to motorcycles. While the percentage is low, it is the highest in terms of pure numbers, totaling 98,700 fatalities. The total death rate is so high that it tops the African, Americas, Eastern Mediterranean and European regions. China was second with 256,180 total deaths.
--Ads--


2017 Suzuki GSX-S1000 now with More Power and Slipper Clutch

New engine part and slipper clutch for both GSX-1000 and GSX-S1000F

Now with 150hp and 108Nm of torque

The new Suzuki GSX-S1000 will be getting a power upgrade this year making a total of 150hp @ 10,000rpm. The manufacturer’s flagship super-naked sports bike gets the extra power courtesy of new crankcase ventilation holes. This also in turn increases the torque up to 108Nm @ 9,500rpm. Apart from the new engine enhancement, the GSX-S1000 will be able to control the output thanks to a new slipper clutch for better downshift performance.

The same improvements will be applied to the full-fairing counterpart, the Suzuki GSX-S1000F, as it uses the same engine and chassis as the its naked sibling. However, the GSX-S1000F is getting some extra treatment via suspension setting updates and a wind tunnel-tested fairing for increased versatility.

The two big boys from Suzuki feature a three-mode traction control system (which can be turned off for the brave at heart), Brembo monobloc calipers together with ABS, fully-adjustable KYB suspension and a lightweight frame with swingarm from the previous generation of the race ready GSX-R1000.

When it comes to looks, the bikes now come with black lever and foot controls plus a new tinted screen for the fairing model. Both bikes will be available in the classic black and blue livery as well as the red and black colourway. Looking for something a bit more ‘pure’? The F model also comes in all-white.

If those new updates are not enough to rock your boat, there will also be a special edition GSX-S1000 Phantom that comes in stealth matte black paint with red highlights, black silencers and forks. These models have not been confirmed on when they will arrive on our shores but they will be available in the UK market in March starting from £9,699 up to £10,299 (around RM53,657 to RM56,977).

Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more updates. To get an in-depth look at the bikes, you can visit www.suzuki-gb.co.uk.

--Ads--


2024 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide Unveiled Via New Certification Filings

Harley-Davidson fans have something new to get excited about as the company’s upcoming CVO Street Glide 121 has been unveiled in new certification filings in Australia.

The 2024 CVO Street Glide to feature extensive styling.
The new generation motorcycle is powered by a new 121 cubic inches powertrain.

The bike features a substantially reworked batwing fairing with a squared-off LED headlight and a more modern, aerodynamic look.
Other changes include a new front-fender design with innovative wheels, floating brake discs, and larger side cases topped with speakers.
The CVO Street Glide’s main draw is likely to be its engine, with “121” badges denoting its capacity in cubic inches, and the anticipated employment of the variable valve timing system for better emissions.
While still largely air-cooled, the bike has a big cooler sitting in a blacked-out piece of bodywork just ahead of the motor.
Meanwhile, Harley-Davidson is also expected to launch a similarly updated CVO Road Glide later this year.
(source: Cycle World)
--Ads--


40 Years of the BMW GS (Part 1) – The R80G/S, A New Era

1980 BMW R 80 G/S

2020 marks 40 years of the BMW GS.

It began with the R80G/S in 1980.

The bike started the adventure-touring/dual-sport segment.

2020 marks 40 years of the BMW GS, which began with the R80G/S in 1980.
Love it or loathe it, the G/S began a new segment altogether and became not only BMW’s best-selling model, but the most popular worldwide.
Looking back over the 40 years, the GS has been at the forefront of BMW Motorrad’s study in engineering and innovations (apart for the S 1000 RR in 1999 for the superbike category). As such, the GS viewed by other manufacturers as the high watermark to beat.
BMW R100GS
Since each generation of G/S and later GS featured a huge host of innovations, we decided to split this article into parts. Squeezing all 40 year into one concise article does no justice for the bike’s heritage, besides glossing over too many important details.
Development
The Japanese had pretty much killed the European motorcycle manufacturers by the end of the 70s and capitalizing on the booming motorcycle market. BMW was in danger being viewed as a nostalgia brand (like how Harley-Davidson had become).
But there was no way BMW could let go of the Boxer modular concept. Hence the only way was to convince new buyers that the Boxer could perform despite being available since the R32 in 1923.
BMW R32
The factory’s testing engineer Lazlo Peres had been custom-building 800cc Boxer powered off-road machines for buyers. Being an experienced off-road rider himself, Peres knows that the engine could perform better than other large capacity rivals.
The break in fortune came in in 1978. It was the year when the German motorsport authorities created new class for above-750cc machines.
Thus, Peres got together with another two employees and built an 800cc race bike that weighed on 124 kg. Peres took the bike to second overall in the championship that year, thereby cementing notion that the Boxer can indeed perform.
Lazlo Peres in 1980 – Credit thereandbackagain.co.za
The bike was entered again in the 1979 Six Days Trials in West Germany (Germany was divided into East and West back then, remember?). The competition was regarded as the Olympics of enduro. Fritz Witzel Junior and Rolf Witthoft came away with a bunch of gold medals, when one was an outstanding achievement on its own.
This experience was brought into the development of a new model.
Back then, if you needed to buy an enduro bike to ride off-road. But enduro bikes were more or less motocross bikes with headlights. It meant that they had small fuel loads, were tall and uncomfortable for long-distance trekking.
Conversely, you needed to buy a standard or touring bike and fit it with luggage for long-distance riding. It had fuel and comfort for long distances, but it was heavy and riding off-road was akin to riding a café racer in the jungle.
The new BMW bike was to encompass both these attributes in one motorcycle in what was called the Reisseenduro (touring enduro).
Introducing the R80G/S
The R80G/S was introduced to the world press on 1st September 1980 in Avignon, France.

The letter “G” in its name stood for Gelände which the dictionary translates to open country, or terrain, thus adopted to mean “off-road.” The letter “S” was the acronym for Straße or Strasse meaning “road.”
Thus, began the adventure-touring segment. To highlight its versatility, the manufacturer used this tagline: “Sports machine, touring machine, enduro… Welcome to a motorcycle concept with more than one string to its bow.” It should be said that the bike spawned a whole new segment of riders along with it. It became the choice for adventure and long-distance touring.

Surely enough, the assembled press wondered how could an 800cc machine weighing some 200 kg could be ridden off-road. Some even had doubts if the machine could sell to save BMW Motorrad. But they came away proclaiming that a new age has dawned. German magazine Motorrad, perhaps including some patriotic vigour, called the R80G/S, “The best road motorcycle BMW has ever built.”
However, the bike wasn’t just about a concept. It showed off some innovations as well besides revisions of the present. For example, weight saving measures made the bike 30 kg lighter than the R80/7.
Innovations included:

Single-sided swingarm incorporating the driveshaft without a parallelogram, called the “Monolever.”
Maintenance-free, contact-free ignition system from Bosch.
Disc brakes – first time on an enduro bike – sourced from the R100/7.
Headlamp with H4 bulb – another first for an enduro.
New road/off-road tyres to withstand 180 km/h.

The world biking community went bananas over the bike. BMW sold 6,631 bikes by the end of 1981, which was more than double that of what the company had planned. One of every five was a G/S.
Sporting success
BMW Motorrad was ratcheting up their involvement in motorsports at the same time, in view of reviving the brand as a performance manufacturer.
Where else do you send an off-road bike to compete back then? The Paris-Dakar Rally, of course!
It’s always been known as the world’s toughest rally. Covering 9,500 km from France to Senegal, only 30% of it was paved roads. The event was highly publicized at the time which attracted the best riders and big manufacturers.
BMW had competed in the rally since 1980 with Jean-Claude Morellet (better known as Fenouil). He finished fifth that year.
Auriol in 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally
The manufacturer ramped up their effort in 1981 and contracted the specialists HPN to create a world-beating bike. Hubert Auriol stomped the competition by winning three hours ahead of the next rider, while Fenouil came home in fourth. A privateer BMW ridden by a French policeman named Bernard Neimer crossed finished in seventh.
Auriol would repeat the feat in 1983.
1984’s victory was perhaps the one of the most romantic and awe-inspiring in the rally’s history. The Belgian rider Gaston Rahier was a diminutive man and one picture showed him climbing onto the bike as if it was a camel. Despite this, he would beat the two-time Dakar winner Auriol.
Gaston Rahier climbing on the R80G/S
The one-two finish inspired BMW to issue the special-edition R80G/S-PD, better known as the “Dakar.” A bit more on the Dakar-edition later.
Rahier won again in 1985. It was BMW’s fourth victory in five years.
No less important were Rahier and Eddy Hau’s 1984 and 1985 victories in the 1,200-km Baja Rally in California, USA. The wins demonstrated the bike’s capabilities to the crucial American market.
R80G/S “Paris-Dakar”
This version featured a 32-litre fuel tank (sign of what was to come for the Adventure variant), single seat, luggage rack, crash bars, Michelin off-road tyres. The components were also available as kits or individually.

BMW sold some 3,000 of this version is one of the most sought-after motorcycles today.
End of Production
Production of the R80G/S, the granddaddy of the GS range came to a close in 1987. By July that year, BMW delivered 21,864 bikes which was a seven-fold increase over the figure in 1980.
The model was succeeded by the R 80 GS and R 100 GS.
--Ads--


Good-bye Panigale: Say hello to the next generation Ducati superbike, the V4!

Ducati V4 superbike spy shot (Image source: MCN)

Ducati has been making waves recently after it announced that it will be making a huge announcement coming July 7th at the Laguna Seca round of MotoGP (read what the big news is here).

There is no doubt that the time is up for the Ducati Panigale, and a replacement is right around the corner. UK based motorcycling media and all-round cool guys MCN (Motorcycle News) got their hands on these set of photos showing what could be the replacement to the Panigale.
There have been rumours flying around for awhile now that the next Ducati superbike will be powered by a V4 engine, just as the Ducati MotoGP race bike. It is no secret that the Ducati Superquaddro L-Twin has shown its limitations over the years in terms of power, efficiency and emissions. And Ducati needs to introduce something faster, gnarlier and all out better than the Panigale. A bike that does a better job at bridging the gap between race and road.

The report by MCN quoted Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali as saying, “I confirm Ducati is working on a four-cylinder engine project for a road bike,” a few months ago.
This is also huge news for the Ducati WSB team, who will also get the new V4 but not until 2019. Paulo Ciabati confirmed this, “We will race the Panigale for 2017 and 2018, so obviously we will keep developing the engine to be competitive.”

The next generation Ducati road bike will undoubtedly receive even more motorsport know how than the Panigale. Speaking about the new bike, Domenicali continued to say, “the engine development that we have made in MotoGP is exceptional – we have an engine that is very light, very reliable, and with a lot of very interesting technology. We are seriously thinking about making that available to regular customers because it is really a masterpiece of engineering – of course translated into something that can be sold at a reasonable, but premium, price – so it will not be exotic like the Desmosedici, but a more regular high-end sports bike. We would absolutely race this in WSB.”
So with that said, it is clear that the new V4 engine will be below the 1000cc mark due to WSB engine regulations, but bike makers usually create a special homologation edition. Just like the current Panigale, there could be a 1000cc V4 model carrying an R somewhere in its name. And just like the current Panigale, there will likely be two more models – a standard and probably an S model – which could be powered by a 1200cc V4 engine.

And the bike in these pictures is quite clearly a well developed test mule, and is most definitely the upcoming V4. Featuring styling that can be used both on road and on track, and quite obviously an evolution to the styling of the Panigale, and with news that the final edition Panigale is just a few days away from its global introduction, this is surely the next generation Ducati superbike.
So what is known about this bike? Well firstly it ditches the Panigale’s monocoque ‘frameless’ design for a conventional twin-spar cast frame. It is around half the size of a normal frame. Also the design of the new bike is obviously different but similar, stalkier than the Panigale but different to the Ducati race bikes, the new Ducati sports bike is a lot beefier than ever, and similar to the width of four-cylindered Japanese bikes.
The lights too are completely different and the headlamps together with the sidelights have been repositioned inside the air intake ports, apparently given away by one of the LED headlamps seen in the photo below and above. The photos also show that the rear shock has been repositioned and is now placed behind the rider’s left ankle.

We will bring you the latest on this bike as news hits the internet.
UPDATE:
Sister site to MCN, Australian based AMCN (Australian Motorcycle News) has released the rendering below of the upcoming Ducati V4 Superbike. It is not known how close it is to the real bike, but it looks pretty damn good!

Story and photo credits: MCN
--Ads--


MotoGP: No one wants to ride the Aprilia RS-GP in 2021?

It has become known that Aprilia is looking hard for a replacement to ride their 2021 Aprilia RS-GP in the MotoGP 2021 season. After waiting for months for Andrea Iannone (who just got his ban extended to four years), it seems that every rider that they’ve approached so far has turned them down.

Starting off with the riders who are currently on the grid (and with no ride for 2021), both Andrea Dovizioso and supposedly Cal Crutchlow turned down the offer from the Italian manufacturer. Dovizioso decided to take a sabbatical to focus on motocross before planning to return to MotoGP IF there’s a good package waiting for him. Crutchlow accepted Yamaha’s offer to become its official test rider.

Moving on to Moto2, we’ve also heard that Aprilia approached a few riders like Jake Dixon and Marco Bezzecchi (and God knows who else) but both politely turned down the offer to focus on developing more in Moto2 (and also getting their tickets into MotoGP earned via VR46 and Petronas SRT).

Then there’s Jorge Lorenzo and WorldSBK’s Chaz Davies. We’ve heard that Aprilia initially wanted Lorenzo to be their test rider, but that seat was later confirmed by Lorenzo Savadori. There were also talks on enticing the five-time world champion into racing again, but we feel that he’s currently enjoying his lavish life at the moment.

Chaz Davies is still in talks as the International Road Racing Teams Association (IRTA) wants more British riders to race in the premier class, but that has yet to be confirmed. The Italian manufacturer is also looking into Bradley Smith, a rider who has a lot of experience on the RS-GP, but no significant results yet.

As of now, all the seats in the 2021 MotoGP grid have been confirmed except for this last one in Aprilia (to accompany Aleix Espargaro). They’re also dead last in the team and manufacturer standings with almost half the points from the second last team and manufacturer (Avintia Racing and Honda).

We’re guessing that the announcement will come soon as the teams gear up for the final race of the season today before getting things ready for the first 2021 MotoGP shakedown test in Sepang come February.
Who will be the 2020 Moto2 & Moto3 world champions?

Written by: Sep Irran
--Ads--


TTS Performance Supercharged Triumph Rocket 3 Breaks Cover – 340hp, 366Nm

The Triumph Rocket 3 is already a beast, not because it packs a 2,458cc three-cylinder engine, but because the behemoth cruiser also churns out 164.7hp and 220Nm.

TTS Performance developed a supercharger kit for Triumph’s Rocket 3.
The supercharged Rocket 3 TFT pumps out more than 300hp.

If that wasn’t enough, the good lad at Hinckley rolled out the TFC trim that produces 179hp and 224Nm.
However, Britain’s TTS Performance might disagree with you if you think that’s already a considerable power for the beastly cruiser. That’s because the power-hungry firm decided to inject the Rocket 3 TFC with a Rotrex C30-94 Supercharger.

Dubbed as the Rocket 300, the supercharged version now pumps out a whopping 340hp and 366Nm.
As usual, the crazy idea came from TTS frontman Richard Albans after he previously made headlines with a supercharged Suzuki Hayabusa that produces 372hp.

Fortunately, TTS has detuned the Rocket 300 to 300hp for the street, allowing for better control for anyone who might not share the same level of craziness as Albans.
Nevertheless, TTS has already sold ten supercharger kits for the Rocket 3, with five more currently developing.

That said, the supercharger kit retails for GBP 8,000 (RM43.2k). If you think your current Rocket 3 needs to be more powerful, go ahead and give the supercharger kit a go.
Because why not?
--Ads--


2022 Honda ADV 160 Breaks Cover In Indonesia – Features Traction Control, 16HP

*Honda ADV 160
PT Astra Honda Motor has officially unveiled the 2022 Honda ADV 160.

gained bigger 160cc displacement that puts out 16hp and 14.7Nm.
features ABS and Honda Selectable Torque Control (traction control) as standard.

The most significant upgrade done to the 2022 compact ‘adventure’ scooter is a bigger 156.9cc 4-valve with eSP engine that now makes 16hp and 14.7Nm replacing the outgoing 149.3cc single-cylinder platform.
Other significant changes include the addition of Honda Selectable Torque Control (traction control), which helps to improve rider’s handling while ABS remains standard. However, these two features are only available for the ABS variant, while the base model gets CBS (combine braking system).

According to reports in Indonesia, the ABS variant is priced at INR39.25mil (RM11.5k), while the standard unit is available for INR36mil (RM10.6k).
Although Honda claimed the 2022 ADV 160 gets a bolder look, the overall bodywork remains the same but with slight changes made to the dashboard.

The signal and high beam indicator, which previously appeared on a separate display, are now integrated with the digital instrument cluster.

The 2022 ADV 160 are available in both Dynamic Red and Dynamic Black for the CBS variant, while the top of the range ABS variant gets Tough Matte Red, Tough Matte Black and Tough Matte White colourway.
--Ads--


2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR – “The High-end Hooligan”

The 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR has gone unnoticed during the recent EICMA 2017 held in Milan, Italy just last week.
The RR badge has been embedded with the new Dragster thanks to a number of upgrades including its now Euro4-compliant 798cc, inline-three cylinder engine.
The new Brutale 800 RR produces 140hp and 86Nm of maximum torque together will a tonne of electronic updates.

During the hustle and bustle of the 2017 International Milan Motorcycle Show that is EICMA in Italy last week, we we’re so overwhelmed with all the new bikes that it was nearly impossible to take notice of all the things that were either presented or displayed. One prime example was the 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR, a completely new bike for 2018.

The display area of MV Agusta was filled with many special and limited editions bikes that it was easy to miss the new Dragster 800 RR. Just standing there in the presence of the super-customised MV Agusta RVS #1 and the Lewis Hamilton F4 LH44 got us drooling like mad.

It was easy to understand why most of us missed the new Dragster thanks to the lovely beauties. The fact that MV Agusta themselves did not announce the new bike also equated into the calculations as well.

Those who are in the know will notice that the 2018 Dragster 800 RR has borrowed a lot of design elements from the Brutale 800 from its distinctively different fairings, headlight all the way to the back end of the tail.

After much research, we noticed that it also comes with a brand new Euro4-compliant 798cc, inline-three cylinder engine which now produces a cool 140hp at a screaming 13,100rpm and 86Nm of maximum torque at 10,100rpm.

This has been made achievable thanks to a lot of new parts such as harmonic damper, a new mechanical cam-chain tensioner, new camshafts, new valve guides, and many more. This has resulted in a much more balanced power output while maintaining a smooth and optimal performance within the Euro 4 regulations.

The electronics package has been upgraded significantly as well to make sure that the RR badge stands for something powerful and breathtaking. The new Dragster 800 RR comes ready with selectable torque control, traction control, MV EAS 2.0 (Electronically Assisted Shift up & down), and many more. The result? A streetfighter that can hit 245km/h without breaking a sweat.

The suspension and brake packages also received the RR treatment. On the front end, a set of 43mm fully-adjustable Marzocchi USD telescopic forks has been fitted together with a double 320mm disc brake plus four-piston Brembo calipers.

Moving towards the rear, a progressive Sachs, single shock absorber with rebound and compression, damping and spring preload adjustment is paired with a single 220mm disc plus a two-piston Brembo caliper. Working together with the bike’s Bosch 9 Plus with RLM (Rear wheel Lift-up Mitigation) system, it is as stable as it is brutal.

MV Agusta is all about the finer things in life and like all fine things, the new 2018 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR won’t come cheap. We will keep you posted if or when the bike is made available for purchase.
MV Agusta @ EICMA 2017 mega gallery

--Ads--


Types of Streetbike Motorcycle Tyres

There are many different types of streetbike motorcycle tyres that are available in the market today from cruiser tyres all the way to racing slicks

We’ll be going through a few types to help you understand what the different types are and how to choose the best one for you

Choosing the right set of rubber for your bike depends on a few things; type of bike, riding style, weather conditions and of course, where and when you ride

Looking at the industry today, you’ll be more than spoilt for choice when it comes to purchasing a set motorcycle tyres for your beloved bike. With so many brands producing endless types and varieties of tyres, the question that usually comes in everyone’s minds is which is the best one for you?
Different race compound tyres providing different levels of grip and durability
To start things off, the tyre range reflects on the balance and compromise of two different criteria; grip and durability. The choice can be made easier if you can determine your bike type, where and when you ride it, riding style and of course, weather conditions.
In our previous article related to tyres, we looked at the basic things you need to know about motorcycle tyres such as tyre pressure, sizing, load and speed index and also date of manufacture. CLICK HERE to know more.
In this article, we’re going to look at a few types of tyres that used for different purposes ranging from hard compound tyres for touring or long distance riding all the way to super soft race slicks that offer great grip for racing.
Cruiser Tyres

If you own a big and heavy bike like Harleys, Indians or Victories, you’ll most likely need cruiser tyres. This specific type of tyres is designed to be sturdy and durable to handle the load of big heavy bikes. As touring riders tend to cover long distances, they are meant to handle a lot of kilometres and also work well in all weather conditions.

Looking at the exterior, cruiser tyres tend to have a lot of grooves to displace any water on the road away from the rubber effectively to ensure maximum grip. On the downside, they don’t really work well in corners so don’t expect to get your knee down while rolling on cruiser tyres.

If you’re looking for exceptional straight line stability (which is the main purpose of cruiser tyres), the popular options out there are Bridgestone Exedra Max, Pirelli Night Dragon and Michelin Commander range.
Road Race Slicks
Image source: Michelin
When looking at road race slicks, they are the exact opposite of cruiser tyres. Slicks are meant to provide unbelievable grip and performance whether it’s going down the straights at 300km/h or ripping through corners as fast as you can while dragging your knee (or elbow) down on the asphalt.
Dani Pedrosa at the recent #AmericasGP (Image source: MotoGP)
NOTE: ROAD RACE SLICKS ARE ONLY FOR TRACK USE AND NOT FOR PUBLIC ROADS. Although they provide the best level of performance and grip money can buy, one can’t just simply put them on the bike and start ripping up the twisting mountain roads. For one thing, they cost a lot of money and require very specific conditions in order to perform at optimally.
Ducati Desmosedici GP17
Race slicks are super sensitive to heat and tyre pressure. This means that tyre warmers are a must and you probably need a reliable crew to ensure that they’re up to temperature and pressure or else, they won’t perform as good.
Race tyres wrapped with tyre warmers (image source: www.carpimoto.it)
Slicks like the Bridgestone V02 and Pirelli Diablo give superior grip BUT they’re not meant to be used over a long period of time or mileage. When used at the track, a good rider would probably go through a set of slicks less than 30 laps depending on the conditions. That’s a few thousand ringgit spent on only a few laps for the return of top level grip.

There are slightly cheaper options like DOT race tyres but only just. These tyres might look like slicks with grooves but they are also meant for race use only. Prime examples can be found in the form of Bridgestone Battlax Racing R10, Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP and many more.
Sport Touring Tyres
Michelin Pilot Road 3
If you looking for the best balance between superior grip and maximum lifespan, sport touring tyres are the most suitable. Suitable for daily use and the occasional weekend rides in the twisting mountain roads, sport touring rubbers can do it all.
2017 Kawasaki Z900
Simply put, these tyres have a lot of grooves to ensure maximum performance in all weather conditions and are usually constructed with dual compounds. Harder rubber is used in the middle to ensure longer lifespan for touring use and softer compound on the sides (which are usually slick or semi slick) to rip through corners.

These tyres are meant to work in all weather conditions and in Malaysia, that’s what you need especially now with many unpredictable weather conditions. They are also relatively easy to get up to temperature which means you don’t have to get up extra early to put on the tyre warmers. Just get the bike up to speed steadily and it’ll warm up in no time.

Once you get the tyre at optimum temperature, it’s not impossible to drag your knee down on the ground if you know how. In short, sport touring tyres have enough performance on the road AND it will last much longer.
Pirelli Angel GT
If you know anyone who is constantly complaining that they need slicks to get more grip on the road, you can call confidently inform them that sport touring tyres are more than good enough. Just tell them to get some Bridgestone Battlax T30, Michelin Pilot Road 3 or Pirelli Angel GT.
Hypersport Tyres
Hypersport rear tyre on the 2017 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2
Hypersport tyres are a step down from race slicks and DOT race tyres. They’re all about performance which are available o top of the line bikes like the Yamaha YZF-R1, Suzuki GSX-R 1000 and Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP.

Hypersport tyres are all about top of the range performance right under the DOT race tyre range. In fact, the technology of hypersport’s rubber have been taken directly from the racing world and applied for more daily suited riding conditions with a few track day sessions thrown into the mix.
BMW S1000RR
Even though they are street legal tyres, they don’t perform that well in wet conditions. To get the best out of hypersport tyres, riding out on a bright and sunny day would the most preferred condition. Using them on a daily basis is not advisable either as they do cost an arm and a leg to replace.
2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 having some fun in the track
Some of the prime examples for hypersport tyres are the Bridgestone Battlax RS10, Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC and Michelin Pilot Power tyre range. They’re good for hitting up the twisties or part of your track day weapon but stick to the sport touring rubbers for normal daily riding and you’ll get the most out of them.
Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC tyres
To sum everything up, there are many tyres that are available in the market and the best ones for you depends on the type of bike you ride, riding style, weather conditions and of course, when and where you ride. By going through this guide of ours, we’re confident that you’ll gain some useful information the next time you head on over to the tyre shop to get a fresh pair of rubbers for your beloved motorcycles.
--Ads--


Ducati And Cardo Systems Team Up For A New Communication Device

Ducati and Cardo Systems have teamed up once again to release their latest communication device for motorcycle riders, the Ducati Communication System V3 (DCS3).

Ducati Communication System V3 is based on Cardo’s latest Packtalk Neo.
The Packtalk Neo now painted with iconic Ducati red and has a range of 1.6km.

Building on their previous collaborations, the DCS3 is essentially a red-painted version of the Cardo Packtalk Neo, which sits between the Slim and Edge models of the Packtalk range. With a range of 1.6km, the DCS3 can connect up to 15 riders, allowing for seamless communication while on the road.
In addition to connecting with other riders, the DCS3 can also connect to the user’s phone, GPS, or motorcycle dashboard via Bluetooth. With Mesh connectivity technology, the DCS3 can leave and rejoin groups automatically, without the need for user intervention.
The DCS3 has a battery life of 13 hours and takes just two hours to fully charge. For those in a rush, 20 minutes of charging can provide up to two hours of talk time. Software updates for the DCS3 can be easily downloaded and installed via USB or the Cardo Connect app.
While Ducati has not yet confirmed the price of the DCS3, the Cardo Packtalk Neo retails at €369.95 in Europe, which may provide some indication of the device’s cost. The DCS3 is already available at Ducati dealerships, although it is not yet available for purchase online.
For the record, Cardo Systems has been producing communication systems for motorcycle riders since 2004, and the Ducati Communication System V3 by Cardo is the third product to emerge from their successful partnership. With its range of features and easy-to-use design, the DCS3 is sure to be a hit among motorcycle enthusiasts looking to stay connected while on the road.
--Ads--


Free box inspections in GIVI Raya In Fiesta campaign

GIVI Raya In Fiesta offers free GIVI box and case inspections ahead of Hari Raya holidays.

Leading motorcycle accessories brand GIVI has initiated its road safety campaign ahead of the upcoming Hari Raya holidays. Called the GIVI Raya In Fiesta campaign, it sees the firm offering free inspections for all its boxes and cases ahead of the upcoming Hari Raya festive holidays.
Partnering up with leading fuel retailers Shell Malaysia, the GIVI Raya In Fiesta campaign will be held in the Northbound Shell Jalan Duta Station across two days starting this weekend.
The first session will be held on Friday, July 1 from 3pm to 6pm whilst the second session takes place on Saturday, July 2 from 9am to 6pm.

All riders that visit the campaign can get their GIVI boxes and cases inspected for free by GIVI’s own professionally trained technicians whilst receiving free consultations as well. On top of that, participating riders will also ride away with free gifts from GIVI.
If you’re performing your balik kampung trip on two wheels and you have GIVI boxes or cases primed on your bike, we highly recommend you get them checked in this campaign before beginning your journey.
Source: GIVI Asia Facebook
--Ads--


Ducati Welcomes Two New Scramblers From The Land Of Joy

Ducati added two new models to its Scrambler range during the second episode of Ducati World Premier 2022.
Continuing from the Ducati Multistrada V2, the Italian firm unveiled the Scrambler 1100 Tribute PRO and the Scrambler Urban Motard.

The two models represent a different approach, with the Tribute PRO pays homage to Ducati’s first twin-cylinder engine while the Urban Motard offers a younger expression.
The Scrambler 1100 Tribute Pro took us back to the first twin-cylinder Ducati to go on sale in 1971.

Clad in a unique ‘Giallo Ocra’ yellow, the Tribute PRO also features the Giugiaro-penned Ducati logo that elevates the classic element of Ducati’s historical era.
Meanwhile, underneath the black trellis frame sits a 1,079cc L-Twin with Desmodromic Distribution, air-cooled engine capable of pumping 86hp @ 7,500rpm and 88Nm @ 4,750rpm.

It also features the PRO riding modes and Ducati Traction Control.
On the other hand, the Ducati Scrambler Urban Motard offers refreshing and more rebellious features.

Dressed in a red and white livery, the Urban Motard is a mixture of the Nightshift and the Desert Sled models with a side-mounted number plate, flat seat and a front beak.

The Urban Motard is powered by an 803cc L-Twin capable of producing 73hp @ 8,250rm and 66.2Nm @ 5,750rpm.

Other features include:

tubular steel trellis frame
41mm Kayaba USD fork
Kayaba rear shock (pre-load adjustable)
spoke aluminium wheels
330mm front disc with radial 4-piston callipers and 245mm rear disc with 1-piston callipers
BOSCH Cornering ABS
LCD display

--Ads--


2018 Sym Cruisym 250i & Sym Jet 14 scooters unveiled – From RM6,688

Sym Malaysia also introduced the 2018 Sym Cruisym 250i and Sym Jet 14 scooters.
The two new scooters come with the latest aggressive and sporty designs paired with Euro4-compliant 250cc and 125cc engines.
The new Cruisym 250i is priced from RM18,888 and the Jet 14 is at RM6,688 (basic prices without GST).

Together with the grand launch of the 2018 Sym VF3i, Sym Malaysia has introduced two new scooter options into their current line-up in the form of the 2018 Sym Cruisym 250i and Sym Jet 14. The latest generation scooters come with the latest designs as well as updated Euro4-compliant engines.
2018 Sym Cruisym 250i – RM18,888 (basic price without GST)

With a rise in demand for maxi-scooters, Sym Malaysia launched their latest addition into the category in the form of their new 2018 Sym Cruisym 250i. This revolutionary model is about ‘aggressiveness and sportiness’. This is replicated thanks to its modern and edgy design together with its Euro4-compliant 250cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine.

Sym Malaysia announced that their new 250cc scooter is able to produce 21.2hp at 7,500rpm and 23.5Nm of torque at 5,500rpm. They also stated that the scooter is able to hit a maximum speed of 150km/h.

Other features include a 12-litre fuel tank, all-round disc brakes with ABS (260mm front, 240mm rear), large underseat storage that can fit two full-face helmets, 12V charger, USB socket, and many more.

Sym Malaysia has priced their latest 2018 Sym Cruisym 250i at RM18,888 (basic price without GST). You can also opt for the Special Edition model which is priced at RM19,188.
2018 Sym Jet 14 – RM6,688 (basic price without GST)

Those who are looking for the perfect first scooter can look forward to the new 2018 Sym Jet 14. Carrying the same DNA in terms of design as the 2018 Cruisym 250i, it looks just as good as its bigger sibling.

This modern day scooter comes with the latest design which is brought to life with specs like its dual headlights, three-ringed dashboard, LED 3D tail lights, and many more.

Fitted with a Euro4-compliant 125cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, the new Jet 14 is able to produce around 10hp at 8,500rpm and 9.2Nm of torque at 7,000rpm. This translates to a reasonable top speed of 110km/h.

Other specs include a 7.5-litre fuel tank, 14-inch wheels (hence the name Jet 14), CVT automatic transmission, underseat storage that can fit one full-face helmet, and many more.

Interested in getting one of your very own? Sym Malaysia has priced it at RM6,688 (basic price without GST) and there will be three colour options; Red, Blue, and White.
--Ads--


Yamaha MT-07 Tracer Coming to Malaysia?

The Yamaha MT-07 Tracer is missing from Hong Leong Yamaha Motor’s lineup.

Could we see the model launched during the Yamaha Dealer Conference at the end of this month?

Or might we see the MT-09 Tracer GT, instead?

There is model which is currently missing from Hong Leong Yamaha Motor’s big bike repertoire – the MT-07 Tracer.
It’s near the end of January, which is time for another HLYM Annual Dealer Conference. The conference has always been held at Genting Highlands and welcomes Yamaha dealers from around Malaysia. Therefore, it’s the best opportunity to launch new models.
Yamaha MT-07 Tracer
However, the MT-07 Tracer (or Tracer 700 in other countries) is nowhere to be seen in Malaysia ever since its debut in 2016.
On the other hand, The MT-09 Tracer is the sport-touring version of the MT-09 naked sportbike. In order to fulfill that role, it is equipped with a top fairing with dual headlamps, tall windshield, handguards and a flatter passenger seat.
2019 Yamaha MT-07 Tracer
Therefore, Yamaha gives the MT-07 Tracer the same treatment as its bigger cousin. As in top fairing with dual headlights, tall windshield, handguards and a flatter passenger seat.
The MT-07 is renowned for its low-down and midrange torque, ease of handling and low seat height. As such, it provides a great base for the sport-touring version.
2019 Yamaha MT-07
However, there are other version to both Tracers called the MT-09 Tracer GT and MT-07 Tracer GT, respectively. These variants include colour-matched side bags (panniers), besides larger and adjustable windscreens.
2019 Yamaha MT-07 Tracer GT
Could we see the Mt-07 Tracer or both GTs at Genting? Watch this space!
2019 Yamaha MT-09 Tracer GT
--Ads--


Isle of Man TT: Michael Dunlop set for Supersport with Honda CBR600RR!

Image source: MCN
Michael Dunlop has confirmed his participation in the Isle of Man TT and other Supersport road races with the Honda CBR600RR.
The news was confirmed by PTR Honda on their Twitter page.
Michael Dunlop and PTR Honda won the Isle of Man TT Supersport category back in 2013.
Image source: Road Racing World

After his recent appearance in the 2018 MotoGP pre-season winter test in Sepang just a few weeks ago, coveted road racing racer Michael Dunlop has confirmed his entry in the 2018 Isle of Man TT Supersport category and other road races with the PTR Honda squad.
Image source: MCN
The 15-time Isle of Man TT winner hailing from Northern Ireland who has finalised the deal with PTR Honda will pilot their full race-spec Honda CBR6000R for the entire season. It was a no-brainer for the 28 year old racer as he set the Isle of Man TT Supersport record (and won the race) back in 2013.

Finished Michael Dunlop’s  CBR600RR for the roads. Really pleased to be working with Micky D & Hunts Motorcycles again ?? pic.twitter.com/JGO6KAYDUO
— PTR Honda (@ptrhonda) February 11, 2018

This latest news which was posted on PTR Honda’s Twitter page has confirmed his entry in all of road races in the intermediate category. As for the premier class, there is still no news on whether Michael Dunlop will continue his reign together with Suzuki after winning last year’s Senior TT category in style.

While nothing is set in stone just yet, we’re guessing that Michael Dunlop will most likely stay with Suzuki and their full-factory support (plus their amazing Suzuki GSX-R1000R). Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more updates.
MotoGP: Michael Dunlop will test Suzuki factory bike for Sepang winter test

--Ads--


Naza N5 review – The Kool Korean

New Naza N5 250cc single-cylinder naked stands at becoming the best value-for-money starter bike you can buy.

A quick glance back at the year that was 2014 will tell you one thing, and that is the fact that it was the year of the sub-250cc single cylinder entry-level bikes in our growing market. Two of the market’s biggest players set the pace here, and they were non other than Japanese powerhouse Kawasaki, and local conglomerate Naza Group with its Naza Bikes brand.

It first started off with the launch of the Naza N5 naked and the Kawasaki Ninja 250SL sport in May, followed by the Kawasaki Z250SL naked just two months later.
Whilst a fully faired sport version of the Naza N5 has yet to arrive, the new Naza N5 naked does have a stiff competition to face from the green-liveried Japanese powerhouse. However, after spending a week test riding one recently, things don’t look too bad for the rebadged Korean naked.

If you don’t already know, Naza Bikes are essentially rebadged iterations of models made by venerable Korean bikes brand Hyosung. In fact, the Naza N5 can find its origins in the Korean brand’s GD250N Exiv model that made its global debut not too long ago.

In the flesh, the Naza N5 actually looks pretty good. It boast a sharp and sporty design language, with its wider set handle bars, and bikini fairings lining its radiator giving it a much more muscular stance and appearance as well.
You could be forgiven for mistaking this with the Keeway RKV 200G since they both share a similar triangular headlamp design, but everything else around the Naza N5 looks decent and well built.

What is also a bonus is the way the Naza N5 does not look like a small bike. Like the rivalling Kawasaki Z250SL, it looks like a full-fledged motorcycle instead thanks to that seemingly large-sized 11-litre fuel tank’s design, the equally massive-looking 17-inch wheels, and the naked’s overall chassis design.

Propulsion comes courtesy of a thumpy 249cc DOHC single-cylinder liquid-cooled four-stroke engine primed with four valves, fuel injection, and an electric starter.
The mill healthily generates 28.4hp @ 8,500rpm and peak torque of 26.1Nm @ 7,000rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a six-speed constant mesh manual transmission primed with a wet multi-plate clutch unit.

The powertrain is then encased in an innovative steel tubular trellis perimeter mainframe design, which has a steel tubular assembly sub-frame attached as its rear section. Also worth noting is the fact that the rear double swingarms are made of lightweight aluminium.

Up front, the chassis is primed with a pair of 37mm inverted or upside-down telescopic front forks and a single 300mm wavy disc brake with a quad-piston caliper.
The rear, on the other hand, gets a single gas-charged hydraulic shock with preload adjustability, and a single 230mm wavy disc brake that employs a dual-piston caliper instead.

On the move, this package feels quite similar to the rivalling Z250SL we tested not too long ago. The light 145kg kerb weight means that the Naza N5 is relatively easy to chuck about in the bends and corners, and equally just as easy to lean about in them as well.
Matching that well are the excellent grip provided by the standard-equipped MRF tyres found on our test unit.

Overall though, the Naza N5 does handle pretty well. It felt taut and compliant, easy to chuck about, and is indeed forgiving as well thanks to the adequately strong stopping power from its brakes, which are also easy to modulate despite the lack of ABS.
You can call it a forgiving bike, but we see it rather as a good starter platform for novices and newbies alike.

We also noted that the Naza N5 felt noticeably larger too than the rivalling Japanese naked with the wider-set handle bars, but it isn’t too much of a chore to manage its 1,937mm length, 1,055mm height, and 800mm width.

Though it shares the same 780mm seat height at the Z250SL, the Naza N5 feels much more like a motard or supermoto with a more up-right sitting position.
In a sense, the Z250SL’s rider ergonomics feels much more streetifghter than that of the Naza N5’s standard naked ergonomics.

As expected, the lack of fairings means that wind protection is almost non-existent once you hit higher than average speeds. But overall, the Naza N5 is not uncomfortable to say the least after deducing it to have a fairly balanced its springs and dampers settings.

Our only other gripe whilst riding it is that seemingly large silencer exhaust mounted in the belly’s tendency to scrape and clunk itself against the tall speedbumps one may find whilst charting through certain neighbourhoods or streets.
The problem is amplified if you carry a pillion along, but this is easily combated with a slight adjustment to the rear shock, or by going around these bumps.

As you would normally expect of any 250cc single, the Naza N5 is actually quite a fun and easy bike to ride once you get used to its riding position. Adding further to that is the beefier sound of this Korean-made single cylinder as oppose to the more linear soundtrack of the rivalling Z250SL’s single.

We agree it feels a tad bit rougher with noticeably more vibrations, but that beefier note it makes, especially when nearing its 10,000rpm red-line is sweet.
Don’t expect much out of this thumpy single when it comes to top-end power – it typically runs out of breath quickly. But you can expect it to putter the bike around easily during an urban commute. You could just leave it in sixth and cruise steadily at roughly 80km/h or 90km/h too.

Providing a much easier ride on the rider’s mind is the cool and high-tech digital instrument screen mounted up-front. The data and readouts are easy to see and catch for most, having its rev-counter bar running across the top, large numbering for the speedo, as well as the neat digital fuel and temperature levels next to it.
For some odd reason, our test unit’s instrumentation gave us imperial readings (miles per hour or MPH) instead of the usual metric units (kilometres per hour or KM/H).

But what is truly neat here is the fact that the screen provides a gear indicator – the one item the rivalling Z250SL lacks. Though it does not sound like a critical item, it actually makes riding all the more easier for most novices and newbies.
Knowing what gear you’re in is pretty essential, and the Naza N5 is perhaps the only one in its category to offer this small yet key feature.

At the end of the day, the Naza N5 is hard for us to fault in many ways that one. Not only is it well-built, it is easy to ride and push, and works well as both a commuter or a weekend fun-toy if needed be.
Like the Z250SL, we truly appreciate its ability at providing a pure sense of riding fun that is still uncorrupted by power and electronics. As far as first impressions go, this is on ‘Kool Korean’ many would want to consider.
If the Naza N5 tickles your fancy, then you need only to meet its on-the-road asking price of RM13,988*. Now that’s an enticing offer, especially when you note that it is more affordable than the rivalling Kawasaki Z250SL’s RM15,739 sticker price as well.
*price stated is offered to the first 500 customers since launch.

Test-rider’s gear provided by Winmaster Sdn Bhd

 Shark S700 full-face Guintoli replica
Furygan Skull Vented riding jacket
Furygan AFS-110 racing gloves
Ryo riding sneakers
Sol riding backpack

2014 Naza N5 gallery (Action shots done by Raja Mokhzairi)
--Ads--


MotoGP: Miguel Oliveira Dominates Wet Race At Mandalika

KTM’s Miguel Oliveira produced a sensational display on a soaking wet surface to win the 2022 Indonesia GP at Mandalika.
Despite starting at seventh place, the Portuguese rider wasted no time to overtake early leaders Fabio Quartararo and Ducati’s Jack Miller.

Quartararo then dropped to 5th place behind Suzuki’s Alex Rins before climbing up the pack to second and threatening to catch Oliveira.
However, Oliveria managed to keep his calm and claimed his first victory of the season with a comfortable margin of 2.2s.

The win at Mandalika was Oliveira’s fourth MotoGP win and his first podium since Assen 2021.
Meanwhile, Pramac’s Johann Zarco completed the podium at third place. The Frenchman had a late scare when trying to keep his lane during Quartararo’s pursuit for third place, as his GP22 had a bit of a slip before gaining control.

On another note, rookie Darryn Binder claimed a Top 10 finished at 10th place despite starting the race in 23rd place on the grid.
The 24-year-old South African gave his all in the wet and even managed to pass his brother Brad (Binder) before the two swapped places in the final lap, which saw Brad go up to 8th and Darryn dropping down to 10th and securing his first points of the season nonetheless.
--Ads--