Art of Speed (AOS) Malaysia 2017 Lucky Draw Prize Presentation

Art of Speed (AOS) Malaysia traditionally holds lucky draws during their annual main event

The winner will walk away with a motorcycle, customized or stock

This year’s winner walked away with The Twinboss, a dual Yamaha RXZ-engined creation

Beautiful Machines, Sunway, Petaling Jaya, 20th September 2017 – Art of Speed (AOS) Malaysia presented lucky draw prize to the winner today.
Art of Speed (AOS) Malaysia have been organizing lucky draws on the final day of their amazing annual show.
Two years ago, the lucky walked away with a customized Triumph Bonneville, and last year’s winner went home with a new Triumph Street Twin.
Art of Speed celebrated its 6th annual show on the 29th and 30th July this year at MAEPS Serdang.
The bike on display during the Art of Speed Malaysia 2017
The process of determining the final starts with picking out three candidates via a lucky draw of ticket stubs during the weekend. A question is then directed at all three, and the candidate whose answer illicit the loudest cheer from the crowd is the winnder.
WIldman of MOONEYES applying pinstriping the tank
En. Mohd. Fadly bin Mohd. Zerain, 42, from Puncak Alam, Selangor won the prize this year.
Asep Ahmad (left) with the winner, Mohd. Fadly bin Mohd. Zerain
The prize is called “The Twinboss.” The bike is specially built around a pair of Yamaha RXZ 135cc, two-stroke engines, by FNG works. Fabrication of the frame, metal works and the rest of the tank and bodywork was performed by Beautiful Machines.

Twinboss’ builder, Irwann Cheng from FNG Works and Beautiful Machines’ owner, Rajay Singh were also present during the prize handover.
Twinboss’ builder, Irwann Cheng does a final shakedown run
The Twinboss specifications are:

Frame: Custom Special Construction (FEA tested)
Engine: Two Yamaha RXZ135
Exhaust: Made by Legend Racing Garage
Final Drivetrain: Chain
Front Wheel: 18″ alloy with Bridgestone safety tyre
Rear Wheel: 17″ alloy with Pirelli Slicks
Brakes: Dual piston disc brake (rear only)
Wiring: Custom
Primary Drive: Custom
Bodywork: Digger style. Tank and seat custom made by Beautiful Machines
Foot Control: Custom
Hand Control: Clip on handlebar with custom hidden throttle cable
Paintwork: By Slingshot
Pinstripe: Wildman, MOONEYES Japan

The Twinboss’ twin Yamaha RXZ engines
Also during the prize presentation, Asep Ahmad announced that Art of Speed will be touring under the name of “Gasolina Tour 2017”. Gasolina Tour 2017 will be held both as standalone and in support of local organizers to create quality content for their own community events.

Gasolina Tour 2017’s first stop was at the Port Dickson Bike Fest on 9 September and then Kelantan for the collaborative event called Speed Demon in conjunction with the Rugged Rachun Ride event organized by Rachun MC at Irama Beach, Bachok on 16 & 17 Sept 2017. Art of Speed Racing Division had also competed in the race. AOS also pick their AOS2018 VIP GUEST (AOS PICK) award at both events. AOS will then be heading to Johor to assist Leftee Works to co-host the annual global charity ride; the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride on the 24th September.

November will AOS invading Puteri Harbour in Johor as we participate in the yearly Iskarnival IP Kool Festival. The 5th Annual Art of Speed Johor will be bigger, better show with amazing content for bikers and car enthusiast at the three-day festival on the 24th, 25th and 26th November.

AOS will be heading to Japan to fulfill an invitation to attend the 26th Annual Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show 2017 on 3rd December. This year’s edition will see 20 participants from Malaysia & Indonesia taking part in the trip organized by AOS. More information about Gasolina Tour 2017 and our activities can be found on Art of Speed Malaysia’s social media pages on Facebook & Instagram.
PICTURE GALLERY

				Twinboss’ builder, Irwann Cheng does a final shakedown run

				WIldman of MOONEYES applying pinstriping the tank

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Kawasaki-Yamaha Begins A Joint Research To Develop Hydrogen Engine

Kawasaki and Yamaha have joined forces together with Mazda, Subaru and Toyota to discover the use of hydrogen fuel in internal combustion engines.
According to reports, Yamaha is in charge of internal components and parts, combustion studies and output performance, while Japanese ignition company Denso focused on developing direct injection injectors and spark plugs.
However, Kawasaki is miles ahead of the rest, considering the Japanese marquee already had an eye on hydrogen fuels since 2010 and is set to finalise the product by the end of the year.
Kawasaki already has a static engine that can run on hydrogen gas.
Interestingly, Honda and Suzuki will also join the project later.
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Is this the MV Agusta F4 Zagato?

Image surfaces online alleging to be the upcoming new MV Agusta F4 Zagato.

This grainy image that just surfaced online could very well be our first look at the much-hyped new MV Agusta F4 Zagato. Much to our surprise, this image has surfaced ahead of the bike’s scheduled debut on Sept 4.
This image was just published by US-based Asphaltandrubber – a trusted source that usually gets its stuff right.
To refresh your memory, Varese-based motorcycle artisans MV Agusta had announced and teased its upcoming collaboration with Milan-based design house Zagato.
The initial teaser indicated a bike with a radical canopy design, but the recent teaser videos both firms released suggested even more. Either way, we’re pretty excited about this image.

The bike is based on the existing MV Agusta F4 superbike, so we reckon very little has changed with its 998cc in-line four-cylinder screamer. The radical design of the front fascia does take a while to settle, but it eventually does.
If this is indeed the real McCoy, we can expect future MV Agusta sport models to adopt elements from this stunning creation. What are your thoughts of this radical look? Let us know through our Facebook page.
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Ducati sold over 55,800 bikes worldwide in 2017!

Ducati sold over 55,800 bikes worldwide in 2017 (55,871 in total) which is a slight increase from 55,451 back in 2016.
The Italian manufacturer continues with its upward positive sales trend for the past eight years.
Ducati plans to continue to increase their sales margin this year with their 2018 models which include the highly-awaited Ducati Panigale V4.
Image source: MotoGP

Ducati is proud to deliver the positive news that they have successfully delivered a total of 55,871 motorcycles to their customers around the globe. While most manufacturers are reporting a slight decrease in sales margin, Ducati saw a slight increase in sales figures compared to 2016 where they sold 55,461 units.

Although it is only a slight increase of 410 units but looking at the current economy status that is constantly fluctuating, an increase in sales margin is always welcomed by any manufacturer at this day and age. This is also shows that the brand has been seeing positive numbers for the past eight years now thanks to some amazing models like the Ducati 959 Panigale.

To know more about our personal experience with the Ducati 959 Panigale, check out the link below during our time at the Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) held at the Sepang International Circuit last year.
Ducati 959 Panigale Tested During The Ducati Riding Experience At Sepang Circuit!

The CEO of Ducati Motor Holding Claudio Domenicali expressed his delight when asked about how well Ducati has improved both in the commercial and racing aspects. He stated “We battled it out for the MotoGP title all the way to the last race, won six GPs and brought home the best results since 2009. Continuous renewal of the product range and a strong focus on creating motorcycles of the utmost quality has allowed us to keep on growing despite the problems affecting the world market.”
Image source: MotoGP
Each 2017 Ducati model played their roles in delivering the numbers of sales particularly the Multistrada 950. The sales figures were closely followed by their Monster naked bike series followed by their SuperSport category consisting the 959 Panigale and even the 1299 Superleggera where all 500 units were sold out way before the production stage started.

The most impressive number came from the Scrambler series and their 2017 editions, the Desert Sled and Cafe Racer. A total of 14,061 Scramblers were sold last year which is accountable for 25% of the overall sales figure of 2017. Not bad Scrambler, not bad at all.

The Italian manufacturer has high expectations for 2018 where a few highly-anticipated models are targeted to storm into the market scene. Together with a brand new confidence embedded in their racing division thanks to the Ducati MotoGP squad consisting of Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo, they’ve set their eyes to stand on the very top.
Image source: MotoGP
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Modenas Dominar vs truck: Who do you think will win this showdown?

Priced at just RM13,788, the Modenas Dominar has proven to be a success story in Malaysia.
It is also hugely popular all around the world as it offers incredible value for money.
Comfortable and powerful, the Modenas Dominar is also incredibly well built as the photos below have proven.

When buying a bike, build quality is probably not up there on the priority list. Power, comfort, design, price and reliability will probably be the focus, and then build quality. But admittedly not always in that order.

Well, every once in a while though comes a bike that seemingly does it all and does it well. Enter the Bajaj Dominar 400, known locally in Malaysia as the Modenas Dominar.
It is a bike we rode in India last year and grew to be particularly fond of. It has a lively 373cc engine that gives you better power output than most bikes in its class. It also comes with Brembo brakes and an adjustable rear monoshock suspension. It features an LED headlight and a smooth-shifting 6-speed gearbox, in short, there is nothing much to complain about when it comes to the Dominar.

And then there is the build quality. Now quality is usually subjective as it is usually difficult to assess how well-built a bike is. Touch and feel is usually the only way to tell. But not anymore.

These photos have been circulating around the internet showing a Dominar that was rear ended by a truck. And as you can see, the bike won. If this is not a testament to the brilliant build quality of the Dominar, then we’re not sure what would be a good testament.
This accident supposedly took place in Kerala, India, and though we’re not sure who the photos belong to, we’re glad he or she posted them online. As is clearly visible here, the bike is stuck in the front grille and the front bumper of the truck, and that’s what is holding the bike upright.

Perhaps the owner got really lucky, but credit is due where it is deserved and we tip our hat to Bajaj for their solid build quality. Well done.
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New 2021 BMW R 1250 RT unveiled

BMW Motorrad has launched the new 2021 BMW R 1250 RT with a host of different upgrades and enhancements in terms of safety, comfort, and rideability. It’s a long list of new additions to ensure that you’ll get your money’s worth when you opt for this new grand-tourer.

According to Harald Spagl, Project Manager, “We have given the R 1250 RT a new look, a comprehensive increase in standard equipment and numerous technical upgrades to achieve a whole new riding experience. As a dynamic tourer with the incomparable BMW ShiftCam engine, it also has the perfect power unit with impressive power across the entire speed range.”

Starting with firepower, the 2021 BMW R 1250 RT carries the 1,254cc boxer-twin engine with BMW’s ShiftCam technology that produces 136hp. Now Euro5-compliant, the RT is smoother and refined than ever before which is perfect for long-distance riding no matter what speed you’re travelling at. That is also paired with an improved fuel economy, which is also great for your wallet in the long run.

The list of new updates are as follows:

Newly developed front fairing with optimised aerodynamics
New LED headlamp as standard (adaptive turning light available as an option)
New 10.25-inch multifunctional TFT instrument cluster
New BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS Pro as standard
Three selectable riding mode (including new “Eco” mode)
Riding Modes Pro + new engine drag torque control (MSR) options
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as standard
Dynamic ESA “Next Generation” electronic suspension + fully automatic load compensation (optional)
Hill Start Control Pro (HSC Pro) with extended function (optional)
New Audio System 2.0 (optional)
New double tone fanfare as standard (three special designs optional)
Intelligent Emergency Call (optional) + more

Written by: Sep Irran
2020 BMW R 18 First Edition officially launched – RM149,500

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JPJ: More Enforcement Needed Regarding Retreaded Tyres

More than 10,000 road accidents resulted from the use of retreaded tyres.

The JPJ will work closely with JKR and SIRIM for enforcement.

We motorcyclists must watch out for pieces of tyre retread at all times.

One of the biggest dangers for us motorcyclists is hitting a piece of separated truck tyre tread. They are usually the carcasses of retreaded tyres.
There’s not much to cause a motorcycle to lose control and hitting a large piece of tough rubber invariably sends us off the road. We can look forward to extensive bodywork or motorcycle component damage even if we don’t crash.
Apart from that, The Mythbusters conclusively tested that a piece of retread flying off a tyre at speed can decapitate a person standing directly behind.
Last Friday, the Minister of Malaysian Public Road Works, Baru Bian said that more than 10,000 road accidents resulted from retreaded tyres.
JPJ officers checking tyres – The Sun Daily
When contacted by MyMetro, the Chief Director of the Road Transport Department (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan – JPJ) Datuk Seri Shahruddin Khalid said that the department will work closely with the Malaysian Public Works Department (Jabatan Kerja Raya – JKR) and Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM).
The cooperation will look into the issue of enforcement and revision of the quality of retreaded tyres being sold in Malaysia, especially among heavy trucks.
He added that currently available retreaded tyres adhere to the standards set by SIRIM. Only SIRIM can determine if the tyres conform to their standards.
Datuk Seri Shahruddin claims that the problem arises when operators use tyres retreaded by non-licensed retreaders. As such, SIRIM officers ought to perform the checks and enforcements as they are familiar with the standards set by their organisation.

Truth is, Malaysia isn’t the only country with large numbers of retreaded tyre failure, instead it occurs worldwide.
In the meantime, you and I as motorcyclists need to stay vigilant at all times when riding. Besides that, keep your distance from trucks that are travelling at speed on the highways.
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Brake Systems (Part 3): Padding Your Brakes

There are different brake pad compounds available in the market.

Each provides a different braking feel.

Find a type that suits your riding style and use of the motorcycle.

Brake pads are often overlooked for the majority of riders, “Hey as long as it stops, no problem.” Or we just ride replace the pads when the mechanic tells us that it’s time do so. It’s almost like we have no choice in it, except when it comes to paying, “Brape? (How much?)”
Perhaps, it doesn’t have to be so with a little more understanding, then we could dictate on what we actually need, instead of being led by the nose.
Brake Pad Friction Rating
Before we go further, be aware that there are two current friction ratings for brake pads, GH and HH.
Both those letters signify the brake pad’s coefficient of friction (CoF); the first being the CoF at normal working temperature, and the second at an extreme temperature of 650 oF (343 oC). Therefore, the ratings indicate how much friction is there at certain operating temperatures. The G-rating offers between 0.45 and 0.55, while the H-rating’s CoF is from 0.55 and up. These ratings are usually stamped on the outside of the pad’s back plate, although there are manufacturers who don’t do so but specify it on the brake pads’ packing, instead.

Brake Pad Material
Having the right type of pad material determines how it feels when the brakes are applied and how it stops a bike.
Organic
Organic pads may sound like they’re something grown without chemicals, it just means they don’t contain metal. Instead, they’re a blend of rubber, glass, carbon, aramid, Kevlar (the real contents differ among manufacturers), bonded by a resin.

Organic pads are popular among riders due to their progressive braking feel, which doesn’t “bite” aggressively. Additionally, it’s softer and doesn’t score brake discs. However, they typically wear out faster due to being soft.
Sintered
The pad material, usually copper particles, is fused to the backing plate under extreme pressure and temperature (the process is called “sintering”) to form a friction material that’s wear resistant. They can handle a wide range of conditions, hence well-suited for any type of riding including trackdays.

Sintered pads offer a stable CoF whether cold or hot, and they bite instantly. Apart from that, they are resistant to fade, perform well in the rain or mud, and usually last longer.
However, the do wear brake discs quickly. Most, if not all, motorcycles use the harder stainless steel brake discs these days. However, if you encounter deep grooves or “blueing” on your discs, you may have to consider replacing your brake pads for those of less aggressive material.
Semi-Metallic/Semi-Sintered
Manufacturers infuse organic pads with some metal material to increase the bite, durability and fade-resistance, while still maintaining the progressive feel and low disc-wear of the organic brake pads. This may be a good compromise for most riders.

Ceramic Composite
They are made by fusing high-strength ceramic fibres and ductile non-ferrous (non-iron) metal filaments at extreme pressures and heat. The metal filaments provide the initial bite while the ceramic compound provides high temperature resistance to avoid brake fade.
Besides that, the metal filaments carry away heat quickly to reduce rotor wear and deformation (disc warp).

Notes

First and foremost, you should not use any brake pad which or brake lining that contains asbestos. It has been established decades ago that asbestos is carcinogenic and could cause lung cancer should you inhale the asbestos dust. Although the use of asbestos has been banned you may still encounter it in some ultra-cheap drum brake linings.
If you’re replacing your brake pads for daily use, please select “STREET” or “ROAD” varieties. Racing brake pads do bite but they may have to reach a certain operating temperature to provide optimum braking.
Take some time to “bed in” the new pads (usually 300 to 500 km). They need time to conform to the irregularities of your brake discs, and will not grip at their maximum when new. So keep that in mind when riding away with a new set.

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Why it is Important to Have a Certified Technician Working on Your Bike

• Trusting your bike to a certified technician is a no-brainer.
• There are great “traditional” mechanics out there but motorcycles are getting more complex.
• A certified technician invariably means official training, discipline and knowledge.
Before we go on, surely you have experienced a horrific visit or two to a motorcycle workshop. You have ridden motorcycles for decades, but there always seem to be something to surprise you.
We had written about this earlier, please click on the link below to read about the horror stories of giving your bike to the wrong mechanic.
Bad Mechanics: Horror Stories for Your Bike

As we mentioned before, there are a few great mechanics around. These ‘otais’ cut their teeth in motorcycle maintenance and repairs usually from when they were very young. However, the key to their businesses surviving for so long is not due to offering cheap parts and accessories; instead, it is due their passion in applying proper workshop practice and techniques. Visit one and you may see a good workshop manual or two in the office.
But how about the younger generation coming into the job market? It was something of an eye-opener for us when the TOC Automotive College launched their Superbike Technician Course a few weeks ago.

To recap, the TOC Automotive College (TOC) launched their Superbike Technician Course. Also during the launch, TOC signed an agreement with the Malaysian Motorcycle and Scooter Dealers Association (MMSDA). To summarize, the agreement will see students of TOC’s Superbike Technician Course be sent to MMSDA affiliated workshops to undergo industrial training as part of their curriculum and find job placements there when they have completed the course.
Mr. Wee Hong, Chairman of MMSDA iterated that there is a pressing need for qualified technicians at member workshops. (Please click on the link below for more details.)
TOC Automotive College Launches Superbike Technician Course

So why the need for qualified technicians over those who were self-taught? (Again, we stress that not all self-taught technicians are bad.)
Therefore, the benefits of having your pride and joy looked after by a certified technician are:
• Proper workshop practices such as using the right tool for the right job. For example, using a torque wrench rather than whacking away with the pneumatic impact driver.
• TOC, for example, requires a passing mark of 80% for each subject. That means their graduates have already been ingrained with most, if not all, knowledge about motorcycles.
• Again, TOC does not compromise with students who missed any class twice in a semester. This sort of training inculcates not only skill and knowledge, but also discipline.
• Discipline translates to ownership and responsibility. We’ve had some great experience visiting a few workshops whose technicians performed superbly, despite their young age.
• Being certified means the technician is able to understand English. Now, it is not that we are ostracizing non-English speakers, but the cold, hard fact is that workshop manuals, owners’ manuals for imported motorcycles, guidebooks, most technical publications and videos are in English.

Motorcycles are getting ever more complex, especially in terms of electronics. The new crop of technicians is trained to diagnose these problems with the help of electronic testers.
While the above may not be 100% representative of the real world, at least it is better than having your bike’s CAN-bus worked on by a pokok ceri mechanic. Think of it this way: Would you visit a doctor or your neighbor (because he has a hot daughter) to diagnose your illness?
Interested to sign up for the TOC Superbike Technician Course? Want to build a career out of your passion? Click here to get more details about this course! And don’t worry about financing, TOC has you covered. Read about TOC’s financing program here.
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BlackBerry going into electric superbike production?

Damon Motorcycles has partnered up with BlackBerry Limited to build their latest electric superbike, the Damon Hypersport Pro. The bike which will be launched this week at CES 2020 will host some pretty impressive upgrades, thanks to the software specialists over at BlackBerry. Weird? Maybe. Interesting? Definitely.

BlackBerry’s main contribution to the latest Damon electric superbike is its QNX operating system for the bike’s CoPilot warning system. By incorporating several technologies like radar, cameras, and sensors, the Hypersport Pro is able to track speed and direction of nearby objects and warn the rider if it senses any danger heading their way.

This advanced motorcycle collision warning system from BlackBerry with 4G/5G connectivity offers what Damon is calling the bike’s ‘sixth sense’ or ‘enhanced situational awareness’ that helps to provide an elevated peace of mind when riding down roads with other motorists. Watch the video below and tell us what you think.

We also noticed that the Damon Hypersport Pro has other unique features like:

Huge LCD screen with 360-degree monitoring
Blindspot monitors
Selectable riding positions (changes to handlebars, seat, screen and footpegs positions)

There’s still no news on what the powertrain for this revolutionary electric superbike will be like but once we have all the details, we will let you know ASAP. Is this the future of motorcycling? There are still some doubts, but it does look promising. Plus, the bike looks wicked. Thumbs up on design.
Damon Motorcycles Takes Aim at Zero Fatalities

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China is building a 150cc Aprilia flat-tracker?

The Chinese market will most likely see the birth of Aprilia’s first 150cc flat-tracker after a patent application was filed by Zongshen-Piaggio at the China National Intellectual Property Administration. Vaguely labelled as “Flat”, the patents do showcase a promising-looking machine.

This joint venture between Piaggio and China’s Zongshen has already seen the arrival of other small-capacity Aprilia models in its local market, particularly the Terra 150 and GPR150 (which has the same design DNA as the RSV4).

It also said that this new Aprilia 150cc flat-tracker will run the same engine and chassis as the Zongshen-Aprilia Cafe 150, a 150cc single-cylinder DOHC liquid-cooled unit that produces around 18hp and 14Nm of torque.

To put things into perspective, the Honda RS150R produces around 15.4hp and 13.6Nm of torque. Nevertheless, we love a good flat-tracker no matter the capacity and this Zongshen-Aprilia will most likely be a hit in a few Asian countries, if they’re able to export it out.

We’re still not too sure if this is just a concept or if it’s already in the latter stages of design before going into production. Judging by the details seen in the patents, we can safely say that they’ve put a good amount of effort into this project before filing the patents.

What we also know is that this year has been chaotic for most markets around the globe, and bike manufacturers are looking at all possibilities to get back up to speed in 2021. A fun and affordable bike with this kind of wild nature might just do the trick for the Zongshen-Aprilia collaboration.
New Ducati Monster to be launched next week + WorldSBK rider announcement

Written by: Sep Irran
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Middleweight Yamaha Niken coming soon?

Yamaha has announced that there might be a middleweight Yamaha Niken coming soon.
The 2019 Yamaha Niken is powered by the same 847cc inline-three engine found in the MT-09.
We’re guessing that the mid-sized version will come ready with the 689cc twin-cylinder engine from the MT-07.

After the recent launch of the production-ready Yamaha Niken three-wheeler together late last year, Yamaha Japan has more plans to further expand their Leaning Multi-Wheeler (LMW) machines across the entire bike range.

Together with the Yamaha Tricity scooter, Yamaha is looking primed and ready for another three-wheeled motorcycle variant that will be positioned right in the middle between the 847cc Niken and the 125cc Tricity. We have very high hopes on a mid-sized Niken that’s powered by the Yamaha YZF-R6 599cc inline-four engine (but that’ll be highly unlikely).

According to Yamaha CEO/President Yoshihiro Hidaka, “Since the launch of Tricity commuter in 2014 we continued R&D activities and in the last year’s Tokyo Motor Show we have presented large size sports model Niken, which will be launched in the market this year. Not just limited to these two models we will be expanding customer base with new values of LMW.”

We also know for a fact that Yamaha has invested heavily on their leaning three-wheel technology and this was further cemented when they purchased a few more patents from renowned three-wheeler manufacturer from Norway, Brudeli.

Brudeli are known for their mid-range Leanster bikes such as the very capable Brudeli 654L. The entire chassis, suspension and other parts of the Leanster were built specifically to cope with its 654cc single-cylinder engine which was taken from the KTM 690 range. With 63hp and 65Nm of torque, the 654L is able to top out at an impressive 170km/h.

As for the mid-sized Yamaha Niken, it would be interesting if they pair it with an inline-four engine from the sexy YZF-R6. Since the powerful Niken is powered by the same engine in the MT-09, our best bet is that the new mid-sized three-wheeler will get its power from 689cc twin-cylinder from the MT-07 to keep the price down once it’s available for purchase.
Yamaha invests more on three-wheeled tech; purchases Brudeli Leanster patents

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ARRC 2016 Round 1 highlights

A round up of the season-opening races of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2016 (ARRC 2016) in Pasir Gudang, Johore.

The FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2016 (ARRC 2016) kick-started its season with plenty of thrills and spills last weekend in the Pasir Gudang Circuit, Johore. The weekend began on Thursday, March 31 and culminated on Saturday, April 2 in accordance with the Southern state’s practice of the traditional Muslim working week.
As always, ARRC 2016 featured three categories being contested starting with the Underbone 130 (UB130) and the Asia Production 250 (AP250) classes that support the main SuperSports 600 (SS600) category. Here’s a complete round up of the weekend’s results in Johore.
SS600

Returning champion Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, now astride the BikeART Racing Kawasaki Team machine reigned victorious in both Race 1 and Race 2. The former national Moto2 rider was a top favourite for the weekend and his double victory is nothing short of a really sweet comeback for the former ARRC champion as he ends Kawasaki’s drought of race wins in the ARRC series.
SS600 Race 1 Podium
Joining him on the podium in Race 1 was T Pro Yuzy Honda NTS rider Tomoyoshi Koyama in second place whilst pole-sitter Zaqhwan Zaidi of the Musashi Boon Siew Honda outfit took third place and the final podium spot. In Race 2, Azlan remained at the top step of the podium whilst Zaqhwan again finished third behind his Musashi Boon Siew Honda teammate Yuki Takahashi in second.
SS600 Race 2 Podium
With his double race win, Azlan Shah now leads the ARRC’s SS600 standings. The returning champion looks set and ready to claim yet another ARRC title trophy for his collection this year indeed.
AP250
In the Asia Production 250cc class, Race 1 began with chaos and commotion when 21 riders out of the 28-bike grid were penalised for dangerous riding behaviour during the qualifying session.
These riders, including provisional leader Apiwat Wongthananon, were caught riding too slowly during the qualifying session and were subsequently penalised with 15 seconds added to their fastest time. This then led to the reshuffle of the starting grid for Race 1 grid with the top runners pushed to the middle of the grid.
AP250 Race 1 podium
However, it didn’t take long for Apiwat and a few of his compatriots to claw their way up the field during the race. The Thai riders’ excellent racing came into play at the end of the race, reminiscent of the exact same tactic used in 2015.
AP250 Race 2 podium
Apiwat would lead his Yamaha Thailand Racing teammates Peerapong Loiboonpeng and Anupab Sarmoon to dominate the podium in Race 1. The trio would again stand in the same order on the podium for Race 2 the next day, this time with little difficulty from their front row start.
Like Azlan Shah in the SS600 class, Apiwat Wongthananon leads the championship standings having scored maximum points from his double win. He now edges over teammate Peerapong Loiboonpeng with a 10-point advantage.
UB130

Last but not least came the highly competitive Underbone 130 (UB130) category races. Race 1 saw Malaysian rider Mohd Amirul Ariff Musa taking victory ahead of Md Izzat Zaidi in second and Md Haziq Fairues who finished third.
UB130 Race 1 podium
Race 2 however saw rookie Md Izzat Zaidi taking the win instead as he edged past second place finisher Norizman Ismail. Rider Iqbal Amri Malek claimed the third and final podium spot for Race 2. With his Race 2 win and previous day’s podium combined, Izzat Zaidi now leads the class’ championship standings with a total of 45 points.
UB130 Race 2 podium
Round 2 of the ARRC 2016 season will take place next month on May 7 and May 8 in the Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand. More information is available online via the official ARRC website and the official ARRC Facebook page as well.
Race 1

				AP250 Race 1 podium

				SS600 Race 1 Podium

				UB130 Race 1 podium

Race 2

				AP250 Race 2 podium

				UB130 Race 2 podium

				SS600 Race 2 Podium

(Image credits: ARRC / TWMR)
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Triumph Rocket 3 GT Prototype Spotted!

Photo credit Igor Skunca and MCN UK

A seemingly production-ready Triumph Rocket 3 GT was spotted in Croatia.

Many asked if there will be a regular version of the Triumph Rocket 3 following the launch of the Rocket 3 TFC.

The regular model looks pretty good, too!

An MCN UK reader spotted a seemingly production ready new Rocket 3 in Croatia and sent this picture in. And oh my, does it look good!
The Triumph Rocket 3 launched last week was the limited-edition Rocket 3 TFC (Triumph Factory Custom). But many wondered if there will be a new “regular” Rocket 3.

“Regular” doesn’t necessarily mean bland. Not in this case anyway.
Apart from the Rocket 3 TFC, we also wondered if the styling will be updated for the new bike or if Triumph wanted to remain with the old, if not archaic, styling. Well, looks like the new design is really good!
The rear wheel looks awesome with the single-sided swingarm; those exhaust pipe tips alludes to a big bore engine that they serve; the seat unit has been redone along with the addition of a chrome strip underneath; the side covers are thoroughly modern. Even the fuel tank looks good with the knee recesses and beautiful paint treatment. The three exhaust headers coming out the side gives the illusion of the ribs on a beast. But look at that front fork and its massive stanchion! The monobloc brake caliper looks like a Brembo Stylema, used on the TFC variant and first on the Ducati Panigale V4.
The Rocket 3 TFC’s 2458cc engine is rated at 167 hp and 221 Nm of torque. Will the Rocket 3 GT’s engine produce the same? Most probably.
Source and picture: Igor Skunca for MCN UK
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Triumph Motorcycles will open Visitor Experience Centre and factory tour

Triumph Motorcycles will launch their very own special Visitor Experience centre this coming 1 November 2017.
Located within Triumph’s Hinckley factory in Leicestershire, England, visitors will also be able to experience the factory itself through an organised walkthrough.
The Visitor Experience is free to enter but if you’re interest to join the 90-minute factory tour, just book your slot for only £15 (around RM83.80).

Triumph Motorcycles has announced that they will open a very special Visitor Experience hub this 1 November 2017 which will allow all Triumph and other motoring enthusiasts to get into the action of their beloved motorcycle manufacturer.

Located within Triumph’s Hinckley factory in Leicestershire, England, visitors will also be able to experience the factory itself through a walkthrough organised by Triumph. This will give fans the opportunity to see the production and manufacturing processes firsthand.

The folks over at Triumph have thought of every single aspect on how to make this Visitor Experience as meaningful as possible as you enter its dedicated parking spot. The Avenue of Legends awaits you before entering the site where all of Triumph’s greatest moments and legends can be seen.

As you enter, your senses will experience Triumph’s entire 115-year heritage where you’ll find Triumph’s early bikes from their very first 1902 model all the way to race machines, record-holding streamliners and even bikes used by legends like the infamous Steve McQueen in the Great Escape movie.

There’s also the actual Speed Triple used by Tom Cruise himself from the movie Mission Impossible 2 located in the Iconic area of the Triumph Visitor Experience centre. If that’s not enough to send shivers up your spine, there’s also the 765cc Moto2 prototype engine on display which has been confirmed to be used in the 2019 Moto2 world championship.

To know more on the Triumph’s entry in the 2019 Moto2 world championship, CLICK HERE.

According to Paul Stroud, Chief Commercial Officer, Triumph Motorcycles, “With so many important and rare bikes on display, the Visitor Experience will be a must for motorcycle and movie fans alike, but also an opportunity to help us celebrate our proud heritage and our passion for building great motorcycles. We hope this rewards and inspires every fan of the brand, and ignites a love for Triumph in a whole new generation.”

In total, there are eight different sections of the Visitor Experience centre from Bloodline where you’ll find all the featured bikes, legends and pioneers throughout the grand history of Triumph Motorcycles.

If you’re a racing fanatic, head on over to Performance where anything and everything about Triumph’s need for speed is on display including a 1956 land speed record holder which gave Triumph the iconic Bonneville name.

Other areas include Individuality (where all of the greatest and most unique customised Triumph motorcycles can be seen), Belonging (specially-reserved area from Triumph bike owners) and Design (a showcase on how new Triumphs are designed from ideas all the way towards production).

The Visitor Experience is free to enter but if you’re interest to join the 90-minute factory tour, just book your slot for only £15 (around RM83.80) per pax. There’s also an special store which sells exclusive Triumph items and if you’re feeling a bit tired, just kick back and relax at their premium cafe.

If you consider yourself the ultimate Triumph Motorcycles enthusiast, complete yourself by immersing in the Visitor Experience centre. To know more, CLICK HERE.
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TESTED: 2018 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS test & review

The 2018 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS was officially launched with two other variants last August.
While we know that the Street Triple 765 RS is a perfect track day weapon, how it performs with everyday riding is also being considered.
The 2018 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS is priced at RM66,900 (basic price with GST).

It was late last August when Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia officially launched the latest generation naked bike series, the 2018 Triumph Street Triple 765. The media test ride was conducted at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) to allow some media members to have a go on what the bikes are all about.

The Malaysian market has been blessed with three different variants of the new Street Triple which are the base Triumph Street Triple 765 S, mid-range Triumph Street Triple 765 R LRH (Low Ride Height), and the top-of-the-line Triumph Street Triple 765 RS.
Image credit: Razif Sangit
This particular writer got to experience the Street Triple 765 RS first before any other model and was only able to clock in about three laps before the track day session was red-flagged. As we waited for things to return to normal, the timing moved us onto the base-level Street Triple 765 S shortly after.

Although the Triumph Street Triple 765 S was exciting enough to go for some decent laps around SIC, it was meant for everyday riding for daily commuters who are looking for that something spectacularly extra to and from the workplace. At the back of my mind, the RS gave quite an astounding impression as the perfect track day weapon even with that limited amount of time on the saddle.

Last month, Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia granted us a second chance to truly experience what the Street Triple 765 RS is all about. A big thanks to Dato’ Razak al-Malique, Chief Operating Officer of Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd (Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia) for making it happen.

Remembering my brief outing with the Street Triple 765 RS last year, the bike was etched in my mind as the ultimate middleweight track day machine capable of doing things normal riders wouldn’t do out on the streets. It took most of us under two laps to familiarise with the bike’s ergonomics, control, and power delivery before gaining some confidence to push a little bit more.

Given enough time that day, we’re sure that many riders would be scrapping their knee sliders on the asphalt faster than you can say “Wow, can knee down ah this bike!” In the present, the thought of the Street Triple 765 RS being able to perform well as a daily machine was a bit sceptical since most track day beasts are not exactly bred for normal everyday riding scenarios.

After a number of days riding as much as possible, we can honestly say that the RS is more than capable of handling the normal duties of a daily form of transportation but the probability of squeezing that throttle equipped with Ride-by-Wire is very, very high. Opening up the gas and flying down the open road was like the first time we saw the Hulkbuster Iron Man armour; Powerful, electrifying, and endless exhilarating shivers throughout the body.

When you have a sexy 765cc, inline-three, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine producing 121hp at 11,700rpm and 77Nm of torque at 10,800 at your disposal, keeping things away from the “drop a gear and disappear” side is very hard to resist. In the track, getting it above 220km/h on the straights was a blissful experience and on the roads, cruising on highway speeds was enchanting.
(QUICK NOTE: This will be the same engine that Moto2 will be using starting next season in 2019.)

As for fuel consumption, we clocked it doing somewhere around the 5-litre/100km mark with all that hard riding thrown into the mix. In theory, it can go up to 348km for every full tank of fuel (17.4 litres) but us being able to reach 300km before we had to stop to refuel is already very commendable for a performance-oriented bike.

To make things even more delicious, a quickshifter comes as standard for this variant and accelerating from traffic lights is a thing of beauty without any of that overwhelming sensation you would normally get from this kind of bike and power output.

All that power is driven down to its rear wheel via a slip-assisted six-speed transmission. Gear transitions are smooth, quick, and gentle even with all that torque. Another great thing about the RS is that it comes ready with some serious rubber attached to its 17-inch wheels which are the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP.

This was one of the major factors as of why we had so much fun on the tracks last year and also some good weekend rides up and down mountain roads. There’s not a lot of weaknesses that can be said about the Street Triple 765 RS except for the tyres which won’t last very long for daily commutes. This might lead to a much worn middle section while the sides remain crisp and still very grippy state.

With that being said, the base Street Triple 765 S offers a much friendlier option for those wanting the same package at a more affordable price. At RM52,900 (basic price with GST), it’s a tad lower than the RS which comes at RM66,900.

The extra 14K does make a lot of difference especially with some lovely extra like a fully-adjustable 41mm upside-down Showa Big Piston Forks, fully adjustable Ohlins STX40 shock with piggyback reservoir, twin 310mm front Brembo M50 four-piston radial monobloc calipers, and a single 220mm rear Brembo single-piston caliper just to name a few.

The result? A suspension package that is so versatile that it caters to any sort of rider, riding style, and road conditions. The brakes are super responsive and allow great lengths of modulation according to how to the rider likes it. This makes the RS particularly enjoyable in the braking department as much as how fun it is blasting off from traffic lights. If agility is the name of the game, the RS wins it by a mile.

Again, great performance requires some sacrifice in the durability department. In short, the brake pads won’t last as long as the ones designed for everyday use like the package available on the Street Triple 765 S. That’s the price of performance and you’ll have that in abundance with the RS.

As one of the top performance naked bikes in the world right now, riding ergonomics can be said to be quite comfortable apart from a slightly higher seat height. While this allows for a slightly more aggressive riding stance compared to the S, the RS is still very much a good machine to ride even when going through endless traffic jams in congested cities.

We would say that weight distribution is evenly displaced across the machine even if your arms are slightly stretched out to reach the handlebars. The fuel tank’s design allows for optimum grip using your lower half of the body and with a decent core strength, it’s actually quite hard to exhaust your arms when riding the RS.

Working the clutch is never tiring and modulating the throttle can be as forgiving as you need it to be (provided that you leave it in the normal Road mode). There are five different riding modes in total; Rain, Road, Sport, Track, and Rider Programmable. Like we said earlier, the RS is perfect for any riding condition (apart from off-road, of course. To have some fun in the dirt, get the new 2018 Triumph Tiger 800 XCx. You can thank us later.)

Keeping it in Road or Rain modes will have higher levels of electronic intervention from its traction control, throttle sensitivity, and power delivery which are noticeable in the first two gears. The RS is very forgiving especially for newer riders when engaged in these two modes but once you’re used to how it handles, kick it up a notch by engaging Sport mode to make things a bit firmer which is particularly useful when you head out of the city and onto winding roads.

Track day enthusiasts would appreciate this Sport mode but those who are regulars at the circuit can opt for the one mode that is not available on the R and S models; Track mode. We did have a short taste of how it felt last year in Sepang as it allows better performance under heavy braking and sudden acceleration. It allows the rear tyre to slip upon exiting corners and less rear wheel lift mitigation once you bite down hard on the front brake. So much fun, this bike.
(QUICK NOTE: For professional riders, there’s also the ‘Rider’ mode which allows complete customisation of all the electronic riding aids.)
Switching from one mode to other along with other settings like ABS and traction control can be done with five-way joystick control connected to its eye-catching five-inch full-colour TFT display. There’s no better way of saying how it looks apart from comparing it to an Apple iPad. Yes, ladies and gentlemen. It’s truly that beautiful to look at.

A good mixture of aggressive and smooth lines makes the RS one beautiful bike to drool over even at a standstill. Paired with that Matte Silver Ice colour option, you know you have the right bike when you stop to admire it once you’re done riding (which we did, more frequent than you think).

All in all, the price of RM66,900 (basic price with GST) is actually a bargain considering all of the pieces of equipment that are usually found on high-end superbikes ranging over RM100,000. The 2018 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS is a master of track days but also a tamed machine for the everyday man. In other words, this baby is both the Beauty AND the Beast.

First Ride: Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black, Tiger 800 XCX, Tiger 800 XRX

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Group of Motorcyclists Hog Road and Refuse to Give Way

A group of motorcyclists were caught on video slipstreaming in a pack.

They also refused to give way to other traffic.

Needless to say, such acts are foolish.

We received some kurang ajar (read: barbaric) responses when we wrote an article about how us motorcyclists can irritate the public and other road users. But look at these guys. They hog the entire road and refuse to give way to other traffic.

A car driver caught the footage of a large group of motorcyclists on the East Coast Highway (LPT) pulling off this stupid stunt. The riders in the group seemed to relish in riding prone in each other’s slipstream to gain higher top speeds.
The poster also said that they refused to heed his warning after he sounded his horn. The video was posted to Info Roadblock and shared by another popular gossip portal. Consequently, it has since gone viral. This is not the way to achieve 15 seconds of fame. Predictably, Malaysians are well-known for their caustic comments including a few which threatened to “run over” such groups with their vehicles.

It’s a dangerous act to carry out even without blocking the traffic. A slip by one rider or a couple of guys hitting each other will send the whole group down. Needless to say, everyone will get hurt or worse, getting hit by other traffic. Say, a truck.
Not only that, it sullies the name of all motorcyclists. Drivers of other vehicles wouldn’t give a second wink to differentiate between the good guys and the bad guys: Everyone is the same! That’s the human nature to generalize everything he sees or hears about.
So, stop it, you fools!
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New MV Agusta Brutale with four-cylinder engine coming soon

New version of MV Agusta Brutale streetfighter will debut at EICMA with new four-cylinder engine.

Credible sources online are reporting that that a new version of the MV Agusta Brutale naked bike model with a new four-cylinder powerplant will debut at EICMA later this year.
Firstly, this comes to no surprise based on the statement given by CEO Giovanni Castiglioni recently. The exec stated that things are “back on track” and the brand will focus strongly on its core models, the Brutale being one of it.

Experts predict that the new 2017 MV Agusta Brutale will use a new four-cylinder heart derived from its F4 superbike sibling (pictured). This will align the model correctly in terms of displacement and power figures against its rivals.
We can also expect it to adopt MV Agusta’s advanced MVICS electronic suite into its package whilst are semi-active suspension also seems likely. Notably, the new four-cylinder Brutale will be one of two new models MV Agusta will reportedly debut at EICMA this November.

The second model will reportedly be a three-cylinder special edition machine, but it remains uncertain of what it could be. We’re inclined to believe it could either be based off the F3, Brutale, Dragster, or Turismo Veloce models.
As for the flagship MV Agusta F4 superbike range, sources report that the brand is still a few years away from revamping it. Nevertheless, two new models is still something to look forward to come November this year at EICMA 2016.
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MotoGP: De Angelis to replace Spies at Laugna Seca

SONY DSC

With American rider Ben Spies still plagued by injury, the Ignite Pramac Ducati team have asked rider Alex De Angelis to take his seat in the upcoming MotoGP round at Laguna Seca.

Reports indicate that Spies (above) is currently undergoing rehabilitation for his injured right shoulder sustained from a crash in Sepang, Malaysia last year. The Texan native is expected to recover fully and return to racing in MotoGP again at the Indianapolis Speedway by the end of August.
Already an experienced MotoGP rider, De Angelis previously raced for the Gresini Honda outfit in 2008 and 2009. De Angelis also  replaced Satoshi Aoyama for three rounds back in the 2010 season.
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WorldSBK: Tom Sykes is leaving Kawasaki

Tom Sykes and the Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) WorldSBK have announced their split at the end of 2018.

Months of speculation and drama between Sykes and teammate Jonathan Rea have led to the decision.

Sykes has gathered 34 wins, 106 podiums, and one championship crown during his nine seasons with KRT.

After nine great seasons together in WorldSBK, Tom Sykes and the Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) will be parting ways at the end of the 2018 season. After months of speculations and slightly hostile environment between Sykes and his teammate Jonathan Rea, the decision to leave wasn’t really a surprising one.

KRT made it clear that they were one Rea’s side when they extended his contract well into 2020. Sykes gathered quite a statistic figure in the past nine years racing with Kawasaki. To date, he has gathered 34 wins, 106 podiums, a record-topping 46 pole-positions, and most importantly, one championship win back in 2013.

According to the man himself, “I feel the time has arrived; the moment to make a change in my career and seek new challenges. Having the motivation to push to your limits and that of your machine is all the more important when you look for the victory at every race and I feel I have given all I can within KRT. I am now the best rider I have ever been, and I have the experience and performance to keep winning.”

“So now I have decided to make a step away from the KRT project for 2019 and look for new goals and challenges. I will now concentrate to finish on the podium for the last four rounds of 2018. I am determined to enjoy my racing and making this announcement effectively ends all speculation.”

“The timing of this big career decision is never easy but it is especially difficult as my personal life also faces big changes. Regarding this, I feel the weight of pressure has been slightly lifted from my shoulders and I am sure 2019 will allow me to operate at full capacity”.

The big question now is, will Sykes stick to WorldSBK or is there an offer for him waiting in MotoGP amongst the private teams? Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more updates.
Image source: WorldSBK
WorldSBK: Jonathan Rea to stay with Kawasaki until 2020

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2021 Honda CBR150R launched in Thailand – 17.1hp, RM12,480

Thailand's 2021 Honda CBR150R

The 2021 Honda CBR150R has been launched in Thailand where the updates come in the form of four fresh new colours for its local market. As sporty as this ‘babiest’ CBR may look, we’re sorry to disappoint folks that this updated model does not come with USD front forks (but it is preload-adjustable).

What it does get is an exterior design inspired by the previous generation CBR models, the CBR650R. Oddly enough, the front setup looks a lot like the CBR250R and also, the older Kawasaki Ninja 250. You can see this via its front twin headlight setup, which is not exactly the latest look.

Honda decided to retain its 149cc single-cylinder DOHC engine which produces 17.1hp and 14.4Nm of maximum torque. To put things into comparison, the current Honda RS150R V2 produces 15.4hp and 13.6Nm torque, which is not that far off from this full-fairing sports model.

Folks in Thailand can get the updated Honda CBR150R in three different colourways – matt black with red graphics, red with black graphics, and matt black with orange graphics. Well, at least the colours make the bike look pretty great.

The ABS model is priced at 99,700 baht, which is around the RM13,400 mark while the standard model which only comes in black comes in at 92,570 baht, which is around RM12,480. The lower-priced model does not come with ABS.

Will it make its way into the Malaysian market? It’s hard to say considering that Boon Siew Honda is preparing to launch the CBR250RR and ADV 150 in the coming weeks. For now, the only sports model in the 150cc that you can get with decent specs is the Yamaha YZR-R15. Check out our official review in the link, below.
Yamaha YZF-R15: Test & Review – “Great stuff in a small package”

Written by: Sep Irran
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Honda Issue Recall For The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP Due To Overheat Exhaust

Honda issued an official recall concerning its flagship sportbike, the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP in America.
It turns out, the exhaust pipe on the Fireblade SP could overheat, which could lead to the oil cooler pipe melting and rupturing.

Worst case scenario, the overheated exhaust could increase the chance of a crash, injury and even fire.
As a precaution, Honda America is issuing a recall notice to 311 owners of the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP in the USA.

According to the recall documents by NHTSA, the overheat may occur when the pipe does not receive sufficient airflow, especially when the bike is following behind a vehicle or when riding in first gear and above 5,000rpm for an extended period.
The recall will allow Honda dealers to replace the oil cooler pipe and install a heat guard between the exhaust pipe and oil cooler pipe, free of charge.
The heat guard will be pre-installed on every Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, beginning March 2022.
Meanwhile, owners who want to ride their bike to the nearest Honda dealership is advised not to ride above 5,000rpm in 1st gear.
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Honda working on new CBR125R?

The ‘Big-H’ is reportedly working on a new version of its CBR125R small-capacity supersports.

Reports indicate that the next generation CBR125R will be developed to be much more in line with its larger-sized siblings the 250R, 300R, and 500R. Also, unlike its current form, the new version is expected to adopt a twin-headlight design, with its overall design inspired from the 300R (pictured below), as well as the adoption of a tubular frame derived from its CB150R Streetfire naked.

Sources also report that the new CBR125R will retain the current version’s powerplant, and production is expected to start in Honda’s facilities located in Indonesia. A naked version of the new CBR125R is also expected, but it will likely remain unchanged from the Streetfire.
It is also believed that a naked version of the CBR300R is already a certainty, having been discovered through patent applications reported earlier this year.
Source: Visordown
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2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 Concept Debuts at EICMA 2019 Too!

The 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 concept was also unveiled at EICMA 2019.

It’s based on the RS 660 platform.

It ought to have the APRC package as well.

Just after the Aprilia RS 660 launch at EICMA 2019 got us wiping our lips, the 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 concept had us foaming from our mouths.
The Tuono naked sportbike range has always been based on the RSV superbike’s platform. As what the manufacturer had said before, the RS 660 will be the platform for other models.

However, the Tuono V4’s engine has always been tuned for torque (make that insane torque) compared to the RSV4’s. In this case, the Tuono 660’s powerplant is expected to produce 95 bhp, 5 bhp down from the RS 660. 95 bhp doesn’t exactly make a slow bike, but its torque should make it even thrilling to ride.
The Tuono 660 will feature the APRC electronics package, as well. Just like its fully-faired brother, there’s a six-axis IMU-based traction control, ABS, engine brake control. Wheelie control? Should we want that on a Tuono?
Given that the production RS 660 looks almost identical to its concept, the Tuono 660 should look very close to the concept, too. We’re hoping that the cluster of LED-lights are carried into production.

You can also see the aerobody on the fairing’s side panel, which provides downforce, pushes wind around the rider as well as channel engine heat away from the rider’s legs.
Only problem is we have to wait until 2021.
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Second Generation Suzuki GSX-S1000 Breaks Cover With Latest Upgrade

Six years after the first generations, the Suzuki GSX-S1000 returns in 2021, with all the latest upgrade.
For 2021, the GSX-S1000 received major styling, electronic and engine upgrade.

Styling
The overall look of the new all-new GSX-S1000 now stands out with the futuristic overlapping hexagonal LED headlight at the front.
According to Suzuki, a part of creating a futuristic look, these new hexagonal lights display a wider and brighter light.

The motorcycle also displays a sleeker and slim silhouette that continues from the 19L tank to the tail.

Electronic
The 2021 GSX-S1000 boast a host of riding aids which includes:

new ride-by-wire throttle
Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS)
Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS)
Suzuki Clutch Assist
Traction Control with five modes
Digital LCD dash

Suzuki also threw in a quickshifter system as standard.

Engine
Despite the apparent styling updates, the most extensive upgrades focused on the 999cc engine.
Now Euro 5 compliant, the 2nd-gen GSX-S1000 offers 150hp @ 11,000rpm compared to the 143hp found on the 2015 model.

The new motorcycle also received a new intake, new exhaust camshaft, new valve springs, clutch and airbox.
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Honda Neo Sports Café 650 Concept Breaks Cover

The Honda Neo Sports Café 650 concept was unveiled at the Paris Motorshow.

The model follows in the footsteps of the CB1000R and CB250R.

No word yet on if it will make production but watch out for EICMA 2018.

The Honda Neo Sports Café 650 concept was unveiled at the Paris Motorshow after the introduction of the CB1000R and CB250R as part of the Neo Sports Café line-up.
The Neo Sports Café family made its debut at EICMA 2017 and was introduced in Malaysia in June this year.
Boon Siew Honda Launches CB1000R and CB250R

In naming the range Neo Sports Café, the bikes feature post-modern twists on the café racer theme. Replacing the previous CB1000R, the styling was a bigger departure. The pointy headlamp made way to a massive round headlight with a distinctive circle LED. There is also a wide radiator in front of the engine. The new bike’s silhouette are rounder and softer for a retro feel.

Now here comes the 650. From the looks of the four swooping exhaust downpipes and the cylinder block that’s tilted 60o forward, the engine has to be from the CB650F we tested not long ago. The twin silencers look aggressive, too.

The headlamp has been replaced with a round unit and the cowls flanking the fuel tank have been removed. The result is a dramatic-looking bike – even better-looking than the 1000cc model, in our books.

Is Honda hinting on replacing the CB650F? The introduction of the production model should debut at EICMA in November.

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Singapore’s First Electric Motorcycle The Scorpio X1 Now Available For Pre-Order

Scorpio Electric has officially launched the X1 and is now available for pre-orders via its official website.
According to Joshua Goh, Deputy CEO of Scorpio Electric, the X1 marks the country bold step to the world of electric mobility.

“We are thrilled to be unveiling our first X1, from Singapore to the world Just like the most powerful star in the Scorpio constellation, the X1 will be a leader in her category.
“As the first Singapore electric vehicle brand, we continuously push boundaries to perfect design, performance and technology.

“We are one step closer to sharing our vision with our riders – a future electric mobility that was unperceivable,” he said.
According to the Singaporean firm, the X1 can hit a top speed of 105kp/h and able to reach a range of 200km with every full charge.

Other exciting features include:

keyless entry
remote bike lock
real-time bike information
smart navigation
vehicle locator
anti-theft alert

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SIC-MAM Awards 2016: Khairul Idham Pawi Wins ‘Rider of the Year’

First ever motorsports awards in Malaysia.

One of eight awards given out last evening & motorsports hall of fame inductees.

Joint partnership between Sepang International Circuit (SIC), Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) and Sportswriter Association of Malaysia (SAM).

Khairul Idham Pawi

Khairul Idham Pawi celebrated his latest achievement last evening when he received the SIC-MAM Award for ‘Best Rider of the Year’ for 2016. He was awarded with the honour for his amazing achievements as the first Malaysian to win not one but two races in MotoGP™ in the Moto3™ category back in 2016. The award for ‘Best Driver of the Year’ for four wheels went to Jazeman Jaafar.
Second from left: Jazeman Jaafar
There were a total of eight awards given out yesterday to recognise the people in motorsports including the drivers, riders, teams and even journalists who form the backbone of the motorsports industry not just in the local scene but on the international level as well. These recognitions and awards were given out for efforts made by individuals and teams for both two and four wheels.
Saiful Affendy Sapran, Harian Metro
The first award given out was the SIC-MAM-SAM Media Award for Best Journalist went to Saiful Affendy Sapran from Harian Metro for his article “Tindakan Wajar”. The second SIC-MAM-SAM Media Award for Best Photographer went to Abdul Razak Latif from Kosmo for his amazing Formula 1 photo.
Abdul Razak Latif, Kosmo
The awards for ‘Best Team of the Year’ went to Project X Racing (two wheels) and Sakura Tedco Racing (four wheels). The Project X Racing has gained a lot of attention through their massive achievements especially at the Malaysia Superbike Championship. They have worked with the likes of Hafizh Syahrin in the national races and have been a dominant force ever since its inception.
Project X Racing
The SIC National Championship Award was given out to Malaysia’s “Prince of Drift”, Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel. Tengku Djan has been a very important figure in all sorts of motoring events including Formula Drift, D1 Championship, Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race and the Saga Cup not just as the driver but also as the team developer.
Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel
SIC also made an award where the public get to vote for their favourite motorsports hero in the Malaysia Motorsports People’s Choice Award. The receiver of this award with the highest number of votes was none other than our very own national Moto2™ rider, Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah. He has been very competitive last season including a few fights for podium finishes. For 2017, he will ride faster than ever to achieve motoring glory together with Khairul Idham Pawi who has graduated from Moto3 and move up to Moto2.
Hafizh Syahrin
Last night was also where the first group of individuals were inducted into the Malaysian Motorsports Hall of Fame for their outstanding achievements in the national and international motoring industry. The first nine people to be inducted are:

Datuk Abdul Razak Dawood
Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir
Allahyarham Tan Sri Basir Ismail
Karamjit Singh
Alex Yoong
Ron Hogg
Shahrol Yuzy Ahmad Zaini
Khairul Idham Pawi
Muhammad Zulfahmi Khairuddin

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Want to ride a Red Bull KTM Moto2 race bike? You can!

Have you ever wondered what it’ll feel like if you can get the chance to ride any of the race bikes competing in MotoGP, Moto2 or Moto3? When it comes to the intermediate class, there’s a new project between Red Bull KTM and Projekt Spielberg where you can do so with a proper Red Bull KTM Moto2 race bike!

Called the Moto2 Experience, five Red Bull KTM Moto2 bikes are expertly prepared for two different packages for those who want to experience what it feels like to pilot these Moto2 machines at the venue where the Austrian MotoGP round is held – Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Styria, Austria.

Booking slots are now opened for June and July if you have the ability to reach the circuit without experiencing any travel restrictions placed by authorities around the globe to the COVID-19 pandemic. Packages are priced from €190 (around RM912) for those who are looking to just experience the bike for 15-30 minutes following an instructor.

If you want to fully immerse yourself in a full training session, that will set you back around €600 to €890 (RM2,881-RM4,274). With this price tag, participants can expect a full day of training from Red Bull KTM experts on how to make full use of the 130hp race bike with the capability to reach 290km/h when ridden at its limit.

There are some spots left available for the ‘Lead & Follow’ packages for June and July but if you have your eyes on the full training session, you might have to place your bookings as early as August. It might be the more expensive package, but it’s certainly the one to experience as all slots for June and July have been fully booked. To know more, CLICK HERE.
2020 KTM 890 Duke R launched online – “Super Scalpel”

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HJC i70 Helmet Test & Review

The new HJC i70 is a mid-range fullface helmet.

It’s ideal for daily commuting and sport-touring.

We tested it on different bikes and a variety of riding needs.

Reviewing helmets is sometimes a tricky affair. Everyone has a different head shape, although classifiable to general types. The new HJC i70, on the other hand, seems to fit most.
The HJC i70 has just made it to our shores after being released late last year. Although most foreign reviewers call it an “entry-level fullface helmet,” it’s actually slotted midway in the 2019 HJC catalogue. In fact, it’s a midrange helmet judging by its features and price point.

You could classify it as a sport-touring fullfaced helmet since there’s a sun visor, although the shape looks very sporty. But since it uses the micrometric chinstrap, it shouldn’t be used on the track and it isn’t rated as such anyway. Personally, I call it an everyday helmet.
Features:

Advanced Polycarbonate Composite (APC) for a stronger and lighter shell.
Vision Plus faceshield that has 10mm more view.
Faceshield is anti-UV coated to cut UV by 99%.
Sun Visor with Wider-Vision: Better peripheral and vertical coverage.
New vents for airflow and exhaust.
Micro adjustment buckle.
Pinlock-ready faceshield.
Pinlock anti-fog insert included.
Supercool comfort padding.
Eyeglass pockets.

Testing the HJC i70
We managed to log many useful kilometres with the helmets since picking it up about a month ago. As such, we’re able to test it while riding on different bikes and in various riding conditions.
First was the final Modenas Dominar 400 “Explore the Unexplored” convoy. The ride took us from Juru Auto City to Cameron Highlands and finally Janda Baik which lasted 12 hours in total.
Soon after that, we picked up the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R for test and review. It’s one fast bike! We tested it up and down Karak Highway and Genting Highlands, besides commuting on it over the weekend and to the Sepang International Circuit.

We continued with our daily commuting on this writer’s personal Kawasaki ER-6f since returning the test bike and continues to wear it today.
Experiencing the HJC i70
First off, the helmet’s shell design is quite a departure from HJC’s norms. They South Korean usually produces helmets that are of the “traditional” shape i.e. flatter sides and larger opening. The i70, on the other hand, features a shell that’s like if you took an egg and cut off a side. Consequently, the entire helmet shell is rounder.
That in turn brings up the point about fit.

I’d like to state that I’ve a round-oval head, biased towards round. Therefore, I need helmets that are more Asian in fit. Caucasians i.e. Mat Sallehs generally have long-oval head shapes.
The helmet is snugger or (tighter for those with bigger faces) compared to other HJC models such as the RPHA series of the same size. As for me, I personally like my helmet fitting slightly tighter due to necessity, in the case of testing bikes at high speeds (sportbikes!). In this case, the large size I chose felt slightly looser than a medium size fitting. This means you may have to go one size larger for a more comfortable fit. But bear in mind that the paddings will compress and conform to your facial features over time.

Being snug means the helmet feels natural on the head rather than an extension which bobs around. This is turn made the helmet feel lighter than its rated weight of 1620 grams. It also made turning the head sideways much easier, especially at high speeds.
Still, as with all HJC helmets, the comfort padding is very comfortable without noticeable pressure points. Additionally, the crown (top of the head) doesn’t smash into the EPS unlike in some helmets I’ve worn. Apart from that, they wick up sweat very well too and never left my face feeling sticky.

The shell has plenty of “panels” that work to smooth airflow. We’ve tested the helmet to 180 km/h on the ZX-6R without much turbulence. There’s some movement above that speed but it becomes stable supremely stable once I dropped my chin onto the fuel tank.
Peripheral vision has been improved by a lot. You can test this when turning your head sideways to check what’s beside you. This is very important since a rider cannot spend too much time looking over his shoulders, especially in traffic. You need as much information as possible in that one quick glance.

Vertical vision is also very good, even on a sportbike. The top part of the eyeport is only slightly visible while the head is pointing downwards in corners (see picture).

The drop-down sun visor does an awesome job of filtering out bright lights, so much so it seems to be polarized. But since the main faceshield is 99% anti-UV, the sun visor isn’t even needed at times. The sun visor has a large coverage area and drops down to just above the top of the chinbar to shield against outside light escaping through.

The “switches” on the helmet are all within easy reach, so I didn’t have to “hunt” for them. The faceshield lock is the same central type on the RPHA series. The sun visor’s switch toggle is on the left side of the bottom gasket.
Ventilation is fair, I would say. There’s a large amount of airflow on top of the head which could be felt discernibly. The front vent needs a little more ventilation but it’s fair and you could feel outside air coming up behind the faceshield. The top exhaust vents that look like shark gills work as stabilizers, too.

Sound levels are similar to those in modular helmets. But the shallow ear pockets kept most of it away. It goes all quiet with a set of Alpine MotoSafe active earplugs (they allow speech and Bluetooth media to get through while filtering out wind noise).
There is one thing to watch out, though. The shallow ear pockets may interfere with your ear lobes when you install Bluetooth speakers, although it depends on what brand and type. The Cardo Packtalk Bold uses thick JBL speakers, so they are not truly compatible. The “normal” speakers are alright, conversely, but make sure you position them properly.

Verdict
All in all, the HJC i70 is a nice helmet to wear. I personally like the snugness, stability and peripheral vision. It’s a good-looking helmet and I’ve received many positive comments when I posted the pictures on my personal Facebook.

It’s ideal for your daily commute as well as sport-touring duties.
It’s priced between RM 1,029 and RM 1,419 depending on graphics, and good value for money.
For more updates on HJC helmets, please follow https://www.facebook.com/hjchelmetmalaysia/
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Ewan McGregor Stars In New Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello Campaign

Moto Guzzi, the historic Italian motorcycle brand, has launched a new campaign for their latest model, the V100 Mandello, featuring Hollywood actor and avid motorcyclist, Ewan McGregor.

The 60-second video explores the relationship between man and machine, with McGregor lending his voiceover to enhance the storytelling and using historic.
he video has a nostalgic feel, evoking the golden years of Hollywood, while still feeling contemporary and artistic.

The 60-second video, directed by Duncan Winecoff, tcdakes viewers on a journey through California, exploring the relationship between man and machine and the emotional history that shapes identity.
McGregor, who is known for his love of motorcycles and has an impressive collection himself, lends his voiceover to the campaign and even suggested using historic motorcycles from his personal collection to enhance the storytelling.

The video showcases the V100 Mandello’s unique blend of modern technology and classic design, with McGregor describing it as “totally Moto Guzzi at heart.”
Shot entirely on 35mm film, the video has a nostalgic feel, evoking the golden years of Hollywood, while still feeling contemporary and artistic. The locations chosen, such as Eric Lloyd Wright’s brutalist house in Malibu, the Pacific Coast Highway, and the L.A. River, add to the sense of adventure and freedom that comes with riding a motorcycle.
The V100 Mandello represents the culmination of a century-long history of innovation and craftsmanship for Moto Guzzi, and the video highlights the deep connection between rider and machine.
“Human beings build their identity in relation to objects and memories, which – in turn – make up their emotional baggage. Their emotional history is with them through their lives, and it helps them project themselves into the unknown, in constant balance between past and present,” says the campaign’s description.
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Bell shows off helmet with integrated 360-degree video camera

Bell displays new helmet concept with an integrated 360Fly 360-degree video camera.

American helmet manufacturer Bell Helmets showed off its latest concept product at the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2016 in Las Vegas. Headlining its display was a full-face motorcycle helmet that featured an integrated 360-degree video camera.
Based on the brand’s Star series full-face model, it features a detachable 360-degree video camera mounted at the top part of the shell. The camera system employed is sourced from renowned American brand 360Fly. The camera boasts 4k quality high definition video recording abilities plus a claimed maximum battery operation period of two hours.

Other highlights include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, along with a GPS sensor for location geotags, as well as a barometer/altimeter and an accelerometer that provides additional data with the video.
Interestingly, Bell Helmet’s parent company BRG Sports states that the new helmet will also have collision avoidance alerts for the rider, alerting the rider of dangers outside his/her field of vision via the camera’s wide angle vision. Bell hasn’t shed more details on this collision warning system, but did state that it will be testing it out over the coming months prior to the helmet’s arrival in the market.
Also undisclosed was the 360Fly-equipped Star helmet’s retail price. Given that the 360Fly camera retails for approximately £400, you can expect this camera-integrated version of the Star full face helmet to cost significantly more than the reported £499.99 asking price the basic Star helmet model commands.

Sources: Visordown / Xbhp / MotorcycleDaily
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2021 Yamaha MT-09 to get engine upgrade – 890cc, 120hp

If you’re a fan of the Yamaha ‘Master of Torque’ family, you’ll definitely be interested in the 2021 Yamaha MT-09. With plans to comply with the Euro5 emission regulations, Team Blue is most likely to bump up the MT-09’s engine capacity from the current 847cc to 890cc.

This slight 5% capacity increase also means that the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 would also get a rise in horsepower figures from 114hp to 120hp. This wouldn’t probably affect its top-end performance very much, but being a ‘Master of Torque’, seasoned riders will definitely that slight ‘oomph’ in the low and mid ranges.

Documents from the Federal Motor Transport Authority of Germany were found stating a difference in the name for the MT-09 from the usual ‘MTN850’ which refers to 847cc to ‘MTN890D’. This bid was most likely done to comply with the strict Euro5 regulations, and other models like the Tracer 900 will most likely follow suit.

The 2021 Yamaha MT-09 will make its way in stages around the globe and we’re pretty sure that once it arrives here in Malaysia, you’ll see a lot more of them on the roads. Apart from this new 890cc engine, we also have high hopes that Team Blue will introduce significant improvements to the bike like electronics, suspension, and brakes for a more exciting yet ‘wholesome’ package.
Written by: Sep Irran
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Yamaha trademarks ‘R1M’ and ‘R1S’

Sources have verified that Yamaha have trademarked the ‘R1M’ in the ‘R1S’ nameplates in the US, as well as the ‘YZF-R1M’ globally, hinting the possibility of new, higher-spec versions of its R1 supersports.
Many believe it could be Yamaha replicating a similar move by Honda. The big-H recently introduced a more focused version of its Fireblade called the ‘SP’. Adding an ‘M’ into the R1’s nameplate could suggest Yamaha’s intent at a new edition closely linked to its MotoGP race bike.
Nothing is solid presently, but we do know the European-spec machine will carry the ‘R1M’ and ‘YZF-R1M’ nameplates while the US-spec version will be christened as the ‘R1S’ and the ‘R1M’.
Source: Visordown and Asphaltandrubber via USPTO and OHIM
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OFFICIAL: PETRONAS SRT To Bow Out Of MotoGP At The End Of 2021

After the previous announcement by Sepang International Circuit (SIC), Petronas Sepang Racing Team (SRT) has officially announced that they are pulling out from every class of racing at the end of 2021 MotoGP World Championship season.
SRT has confirmed that it will conclude all activities both racing and non-racing at the end of the 2021 World Championship season together with Petronas Sprinta Racing in Moto2 and Moto3.

However, SRT Team Principal Razlan Razali and Team Director Johan Stigefelt, will continue to march forward into the 2022 season with a new entity set to be unveiled on September 16 at Misano.
“The team will race its final race in Valencia and we thank all our crew, riders, fans and partners for their support.
“In particular, we thank PETRONAS, with whom none of this would have been possible. Together we pushed the PETRONAS brand and Malaysian expertise to the forefront of the grid and captured unprecedented brand exposure and coverage, exponentially surpassing all expectations.
“We also thank Sepang International Circuit for their vision and support of upcoming Malaysian talent over a long period.
“Our collective dream was to have a Malaysian rider competing for podiums in the MotoGP World Championship.
“Sadly, we were not able to achieve this in the short life of our squad, but we can reflect upon tremendous success by every other measure.
“Our final season has not reached its conclusion yet and we continue to strive for the very best results possible across all three classes. Thank you all,” said Razlan in a statement.

Meanwhile, SRT will continue to compete in the remaining seven rounds of MotoGP starting with this weekend at Silverstone.
Malaysian rider, Adam Norrodin is given the chance to represent Petronas Sprinta Racing in the Moto2 category, replacing Jake Dixon, who will be making his debut in the premier class alongside Valentino Rossi.

Dixon will feature in front of his home crowd as he seeks the opportunity to be Razlan’s new team rider for the upcoming 2022 season.
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Andi Izdihar wins Race 1 in Sepang Asia Talent Cup 2016

Izdihar took his third victory of the season in the 2016 Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup

Starting from pole, Andi Izdihar succeeded in claiming his third victory of the 2016 Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup Race 1 earlier today. Izdihar stands on the top spot of the podium with Kazuki Masaki taking second and Yuki Kunii third.
Despite the heavy downpour during mid-day, the Asia Talent Cup lads saw the track drying up quickly and optimized the slick tyres in Race 1.

Ai Ogura who is currently leading the Cup started poorly from his 2nd qualifying spot while he watched Izdihar lead the way. The Turkish brothers, Can Oncu and Deniz Oncu flew at the start of the race and gained several positions respectively.  Gerry Salim crashed out of the race and ended his title shot for 2016.
At the beginning, the race was led by Can Oncu, followed by Somkiat Chantra and Izdihar as they broke away from the group. Ogura was reappearing as he sped through overtaking several riders when a scene broke out as Izdihar nearly fell out of the race, and fell behind Oncu and Chantra.
Just three laps before the finish, the excitement increased as Oncu and Chantra both fell out of the race as they were competing for the number one spot. This was an advantage for Izdihar to grab his third victory for 2016, in front of Masaki and Kunii. After passing Deniz Oncu on the final lap, Ogura managed to finish fourth, and the sixth spot went to Ryusei Yamanaka.
As of now, right before the deciding race on Sunday, Ogura is in the lead for the Cup with 173 points, and Izdihar is in second place with 167 points. Yamanaka is in third place with 154 points, and Chantra in fourth with a mere 1 point behind him.
Alberto Puig, Director of the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup, gave us his feedback on the race, stating, “It was a very interesting race and it’s a pity for Can Oncu and Chantra. Both crashed when they were leading the race. At the beginning it was very tricky because of the conditions of the track but we decided to go with slick tyres and that was a good choice. For tomorrow Ogura has an advantage on points but you never know, this is racing and anything could happen.”
The 2016 Advance Asia Talent Cup’s final race of 13 laps will be on Sunday, 4.30pm local time.
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Limited Edition Track-Only Honda CBR1000RR-R Spa 100 Breaks Cover

Europe’s most iconic circuit, Spa-Francorchamps just turned 100 years old this week and as a commemoration, a specially built Honda CBR1000RR-R is chosen to honour the racetrack.
Introducing the Honda CBR1000RR-R Spa 100, a track-only machine built by DG Sport to pay homage to the Belgian circuit.

While it may look identical to the stock CBR1000RR-R, DG Sport has done massive changes in order to turn it into a track weapon.
As usual, the first to go is the side mirrors, lights and number plate holder.

Next, the Showa Big Piston Fork (BPF) is slotted with Öhlins cartridges into the 43mm front fork along with an Öhlins TTX rear shock and steering damper.
DG Sport proceed to remove the ABS system entirely and replaced all the hoses with braided parts while adding a Corsacorta master cylinder.

Meanwhile, the engine also received huge upgrades, thanks to a new HRC engine management sytem and a full exhaust system from Arrow.
While further details are still unknown, we can be sure the special edition Honda CBR1000RR-R Spa 100 is considerably lighter and more powerful than the stock machine.

By the way, with just 10 units built, we are pretty sure the bike is sold out the moment you finished reading this.

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MotoGP: Dovizioso Points Finger at Petrucci for Crash, not Espargaro

The second MotoGP round saw yet another unfortunate crash from Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso which was caused by someone else

Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) took Dovi out while attempting to overtake but lost the front while doing so

Although clearly Espargaro was in the wrong, Dovi blasted Danilo Petrucci for riding recklessly that led to the incident between him and Espargaro

In the last MotoGP round that happened a couple of days ago at the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit held in Argentina, there were a few unfortunate incidents that led to some of the high profile riders to exit the race prematurely. One of the more unlucky folks was none other than Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso.
Aleix Espargaro
Due to poor tire performance which affected most of the riders, Dovizioso was taken out when Aleix Espargaro tried to overtake in the latter half of the race. During the manoeuvre, Espargaro lost control of his Aprilia RS-GP and hit Dovizioso that ended both races earlier than expected.
The situation was somewhat familiar as the same thing happened at the very same circuit last year when his former team mate, Andrea Iannone, did the same thing to him at the very final lap which caused both riders to lose podium finishes.
MotoGP Argentina 2016 (Image source: Crash.net)
According to Motorsports.com, it was stated that Dovi believes that the events leading to the crash was the main cause as he pointed out to a particular OCTO Pramac Ducati rider, Danilo Petrucci. Dovi strongly believed that Petrucci was riding irresponsibly and recklessly due to performance issues related to the rear tyre.
Danilo Petrucci
“When I was behind Danilo and he had finished completely the rear tyre, he was riding in a bad way,” said Dovizioso. “He stopped a lot of riders, braking in a strange way, I think too much. Everybody tries to use his style, but in the way he uses it, it was very bad. I tried to overtake him inside and he braked later and closed the door,”

“Like this it’s very bad because you don’t give the possibility to do something. You can’t brake like him, he’s heavier and he’s able to brake harder, this not fair. It wasn’t over the limit, but this is not fair. That created the crash.
“I almost hit him, and Aleix made a mistake for that manoeuvre. For sure the mistake was from Aleix, but everything leading up to that was Danilo.”

Danilo Petrucci finishes the race in seventh, more than 20 seconds behind race winner, Maverick Vinales of the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP outfit. CLICK HERE to read the main highlights of the race.
Photo source: MotoGP
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2022 Benelli Leoncino 250 Launched – Features New LED Headlamp

Benelli has updated the Leoncino 250 for 2022 with a few cosmetic updates.
The quarter-litre retro cafe-racer now features a new LED headlmap and updated graphics, giving it a fresh look for 2022.

The engine makes 25.4hp and 21Nm however, it is updated to meet Euro 5 regulations.
The Leoncino 250 also retained its 41mm USD front forks and rear monoshocks, a 280mm front disc, and a 240mm rear disc.

The refresh graphics and the addition of LED headlights presents an elegant and modern design heading into 2022.

Like the rest of the Leoncino range including the 500 and 800, it is characteriezed by the stylized Lion that stands proudly on the front fender.
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This Rider Accidentally Found Herself In A Desert Rally

Like you, we also like to do a quick stroll on YouTube to check on interesting bike-related content. One of our favourites is to catch on Noraly – aka Itchy Boots – on her riding adventure.

Noraly is a rider/moto vlogger that shares her adventure riding aboard the Honda CRF300 Rally.

Itchy Boots currently has more than 1 million subscribers on YouTube.

Amassing more than 1 million subscribers, Noraly is currently in Season 6 of Itchy Boots Adventures, where she is trying to make her way to Alaska from Ecuador aboard her trusty Honda CRF300 Rally.
During a recent episode (episode 98), Noraly was trying to make it across Mexico by going through Baja, but to her surprise, she accidentally found herself in a desert Rally.
Not only that, but Noraly also found herself riding the wrong way down while the rally was ongoing.
During the 24-minute and 17-second video, you could see several riders going past in other directions, which you can check out below:

Thankfully, Noraly did her best to keep off the main line while the riders pushed forward.
For anyone just catching up, Noraly is an experienced rider, and she rode a proper rally before when she took on the Kalahari in 2021 as a first-timer.
However, in a latest update, Noraly unfortunately got into an accident and injured herself.
Despite countless bike drops and ridden more than 130,000 kilometers across the world, this is the first time that Noraly couldn’t continue riding.
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PREVIEW: SYM JetX Scooter and WMoto Xtreme shown in Malaysia!

MForce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor for SYM and WMOTO brand in Malaysia, has just revealed two new exciting scooters for the local market.

Introducing the SYM Jet X 150 and WMOTO Xtreme 150i, a 150cc scooter that offers two completely different experience.
SYM Jet X

The SYM Jet X is an urban city scooter that offers the latest features with a full LED lights setup, 7.5L fuel tank, digital LCD instrument and smart-key system (keyless).
The scooter is powered by a single-cylinder 149.6cc SOHC 2-valve engine capable of producing 12.3hp and 12Nm and matted to a CVT transmission.

You also get a huge 18L under-seat storage, USB port with 2.0 QC and adjustable (preload) twin mono-shock at the rear.
WMOTO Xtreme 150i

Since the introduction of the Honda ADV 150, the 150cc scooter segment has seen a considerable design change.

Following the footstep of the ADV 150, WMOTO introduces their own version of a 150cc adventure theme scooter, the Xtreme 150i.

This is not your regular Chinese made scooter; instead, the Xtreme 150i offers the latest features, including a dual-channel ABS, a key aspect usually found on a 250cc and above motorcycle.
The motorcycle is powered by the latest Euro 4 149.6cc engine offering 9.0kW @ 8,500rpm and 11.8Nm @ 5,000rpm.

Despite the lack of power, the Xtreme 150i comes with an 11L fuel tank with a (claimed) range of 400km.

The Xtreme 150i also comes with a complete LED light with Daytime Running Light (DRL), Smart/Stop function, full digital LCD instruments, 13L storage space, and two power outlets consisting of a USB port a 12V outlet.
During the official preview, MForce announced that the two motorcycles would be available around May and June with a price tag between RM8,000 to RM10,000.
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MotoGP: No Italian round this year, folks

One more MotoGP race cancellation has been added to the growing list, ladies and gentlemen. FIM, IRTA, and Dorna Sports have officially announced the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley round at the legendary Mugello circuit has been pulled out from the 2020 race calendar due to the rising concerns of COVID-19 in the country.

It’s quite a blow, especially for MotoGP fans in the area as it has been hosting MotoGP races without any issues for the past 30 years. It’s also where you’ll see thousands of adoring fans flying yellow flags to show their love and support for the hometown hero, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Valentino Rossi.

According to Paolo Poli, CEO of Mugello Circuit, “Despite the communal effort made to find a practical solution, the impossibility of staging an event that is open to spectators, as well as the difficulties that have arisen from this exceptional situation, have not allowed us to find a new date for the Italian Grand Prix.”

As for Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, he stated “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of Mugello. Sadly, we were not able to find a solution to the logistical and operational issues resulting from the pandemic and rearranged calendar to enable us to visit the venue this season. It is a great loss as Mugello is one of the most beautiful circuits in the world and one we are very proud to call the home of the Italian Grand Prix.”
MotoGP: Ducati wants Jorge Lorenzo back in 2021?

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Bad Winners Introduce A DIY Custom Kit For Royal Enfield 650s

If you are looking for a new hobby at home and coincidentally owned a Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor of the Continental GT, you might want to check out Bad Winners DIY custom kit.
The project actually started back in 2019 when Royal Enfield commissioned Bad Winners to build a one-off custom motorcycle.

The result was well-received by RE; hence, Bad Winners decided to continue with the project and create a kit that owners could easily install at home.
The DIY kit consists of:

custom-style leather seat
custom mudguard
custom plate holder
custom rear light
shorter 5cm subframe
custom handlebars with simplified controls
Motogadget speedometer
Oberon mirrors
Koso headlight

However, owners who want that extra power boost can also opt for new pipes and air filters by S&S Cycles, including a Power Commander pre-made mapping.
Bad Winners also offers a YSS fork kit and three different options for the rear twin shocks.
Four DIY kits are available for the Royal Enfield 650s with the price starts from GBP430 (RM2.4k) to GBP2,900 (RM16k) which you can access HERE.
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MotoGP: Johann Zarco joins Tech3 Yamaha

Reigning Moto2 world champion Johann Zarco signs with Monster Tech3 Yamaha MotoGP team for 2017.

Zarco having alight moment during the pre-event press conference for this weekend’s German MotoGP round.
The MotoGP ‘silly season’ is slowly drawing to close as more teams and riders have confirmed their line ups for next year onwards ahead of this weekend’s German Grand Prix. The very latest of which sees reigning Moto2 world champion Johann Zarco moving to the premier MotoGP class in 2017 after signing with the Monster Tech 3 Yamaha team.
Image credit: Tech3
Rumours have been around for quite sometime linking the Frenchman with the Tech3 team plus the factory-backed Suzuki outfit. With the latter, reports indicate that there was a preliminary deal in place resulting in Zarco’s stint with the Japanese manufacturer’s Suzuki 8 Hours race.
However, the factory-backed Team Ecstar Suzuki opted to sign outgoing Ducati rider Andrea Iannone and current Moto2 rider Alex Rins instead. Sources online report that the process of untangling the initial Zarco-Suzuki deal took some time whilst the absence of other offers besides Tech3’s has lead to this result.

Zarco inked a one-year contract with the satellite Yamaha outfit and joins its roster for the 2017 season. He will race alongside fellow Moto2 graduate Jonas Folger who also just signed up for the factory-backed satellite French team for 2017 with an option for 2018 included.
Tech3’s team manager Herve Poncharal has made very clear with his desire to sign Zarco into the team for quite some time. This new deal sees Poncharal getting what he had long desired for despite Zarco’s deal with Suzuki being in their preliminary stages already prior to this.

				Image credit: Tech3

				Johann Zarco

Image credit: MotoGP unless stated otherwise.
Source: Asphaltandrubber
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