MotoGP: Marc Marquez Fastest on Day 1 of #AusTest 2017

Marc Marquez set the fastest time of 1:29:497 on his 53rd lap of the day

Rossi second fastest behind Marquez by just 0.186 seconds

Iannone third fastest on board his new Suzuki GSX-RR

The weather was almost perfect apart from a few sudden gusts of wind when the 2016 MotoGP™ World Champion completed Day 1 of testing at Phillip Island with the fastest time of the day. Out of the 68 laps completed by the Spaniard, Marquez clocked in the best lap of the day on his 53rd lap at 1:29:497.

Valentino Rossi of the Movistar Yamaha squad finished at a close second with a time of 1:29:683, a mere 0.186 seconds behind Marquez. Although the Italian had a close call earlier in the session, the man from Tavullia managed to finish the day in P2 during his second last lap of the day.

The highly anticipated Iannone and his newly-acquired Suzuki GSX-RR finished the Aussie Test with a strong and morale-boosting P3 with a time of 1:29:926, just 0.063 seconds ahead of the new kid from the Movistar Yamaha outfit, Maverick Vinales. Vinales set the fastest time on his 26th lap earlier in the session but no improvements were made after having completed a total of 64 laps on Day 1.

British rider, Cal Crutchclow from LCR Honda finished in P5 with a best time of 1:30.065. Almost half a second behind the 2016 world champion, Crutchclow was one of two riders who set their fastest laps in their final outings of the day-long session. The other rider was Danilo Petrucci from the Octo Pramac Racing team. During his final 87th lap, Petrucci placed P6 after finishing the highest number of laps compared to any other rider today.

The other Repsol Honda rider, Dani Pedrosa, only managed a best of P7 earlier in the day with no major improvements after his 13th lap. Andrea Dovizioso had a similar experience where he only managed to place P8 on his 16th lap. His fastest lap of the day was 0.913 seconds behind Marquez.  The only Australian on the grid was Jack Miller from Team EG 0,0 Marc VDS took his Honda to P9, ahead of MotoGP™ rookie, Jonas Folger from the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 outfit who completed the first session at P10.

Jorge Lorenzo from Ducati spent most of his time familiarising with the Desmosedici machinery. He clocked at 1:30:426 putting him in P11, almost a full second behind the Repsol Honda rider, Marc Marquez. Alvaro Bautista from the Pull&Bear Aspar Team had a strong presence in Sepang but was clearly having issues at Phillip Island concluded the first day at P12 after having escaped a crash with no injuries.

Hector Barbera (Reale Esponsorama Racing), Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) and Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) completed the top 15 all within the 1:30s. With more testing happening for the next two days, the teams and riders will need all the experience and information they can get from arguably one the most challenging tracks in the MotoGP™ calendar.
Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more MotoGP™ updates.
PHOTO SOURCE: MotoGP™
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Could these patents hint at an upcoming Benelli 402R?

Patents surfacing online indicates a possible new twin-cylinder Benelli 402R sport model to battle against the Kawasaki Ninja 400.

Design drawing patents filed recently in China shows a possible new Benelli 402R in the works.

Crucially, it features a 400cc parallel-twin heart, sharp styling, and sporty hardware to match.

Other noteworthy traits include a single-sided swingarm setup plus upsidedown front fork.

Clearly, this will go up against the Kawasaki Ninja 400 should it make production.

It seems that QJMotor are poised to introduce a new Benelli 402R model based on these recently surfaced design patents the firm filed in China.
At the very least, these patents suggests that the firm is preparing a new 400cc sport for the Italian brand under its ownership. Indeed, this will mark a substantial upgrade for the existing Benelli 302R considering that the QJMotor brand already has the SRK 400 RR in its line up.
Surely, a Benelli-badged parallel-twin 400cc sport offering would leverage that existing platform, but these patent drawings also indicate key design differences.
Maintaining the Benelli sport styling here is the Suzuki GSX-R-inspired central headlight cluster whilst the side-mounted running lights mirror to what’s seen in Yamaha’s YZF-R designs. Though the 302R sports a dual-sided swingarm assembly, these patents show a single-sided unit, which likely adds a more ‘Italian’ flair.

What’s evidently clear though is this purported Benelli 402R having the Kawasaki Ninja 400 in its crosshair, especially with its proposed 400cc parallel-twin powertrain package. It even edges the Kawasaki through its adoption of inverted (upsidedown) forks as seen in the drawings. Other key traits include the four-pot brakes present up front.
QJMotor hasn’t acknowledged anything officially just yet, but the fact that these patents were filed indicates its serious intent. Perhaps we may not have long to wait and see this purported Benelli 402R model to materialise and slot above – or even replace – its existing 302R sport model.

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CONFIRMED: KTM Returns To EICMA

KTM has confirmed its participation in the upcoming 2023 EICMA. The company is all set to unveil a range of new and updated motorcycle at the world biggest two-wheel exhibition.

From November 7th to 12th, 2023, at the Rho-Pero Fair in Milan, the renowned Team Orange will showcase its latest models, including the Duke, Adventure, EXC, SX, Sports Tourer and SuperSport.
After a two year absence, KTM will once again take center stage, allowing all motorsport enthusiasts in general, to join in the celebration of the brand’s recent victories and successes in prestigious competitions like MotoGP™, the Dakar Rally, and the MXGP.
Tommaso Telaro, the Managing Director of KTM Sportmotorcycle Italia, expressed his delight, stating, “We are thrilled to announce our return to EICMA in this highly significant year for us. Being present at one of the most important international industry events is crucial. Although our strategies have differed in the recent past, we felt it was essential to make an additional effort to participate this year. Through our presence, we aim to send a strong message to the market, industry insiders, and the enthusiastic general public.”

Giacomo Casartelli, the Executive Director of EICMA, shared his enthusiasm for KTM’s participation, stating, “We have eagerly awaited the presence of KTM, and this announcement is indeed significant news. As organizers, we are delighted to welcome such a prominent group as one of our exhibitors for the 2023 edition.
“It demonstrates how EICMA continues to serve as an essential platform for communication and market expansion in the ever-evolving world of two-wheelers. We are confident that this news will be received with great enthusiasm by both the brand’s fans and the general public attending EICMA.” he said.
With KTM’s confirmed presence, visitors can look forward to a thrilling display of cutting-edge motorcycles and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere at EICMA.
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FIRST LOOK: 2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660

If you’re in the market for an all-capable motorcycle, you might find the answer in the all-new Triumph Tiger Sport 660.
Built on the same platform as the Trident 660, the Tiger Sport 660 features the same triple-cylinder engine as its naked sibling and is set to go up against the Kawasaki Versys 650, Suzuki V-Strom 650 and the Yamaha Tracer 7.

The triple powerplant delivers around 79hp @ 10,250rpm, and 64Nm @ 6,250rpm, with the British firm, claims 90 per cent of the torque is available from 3,600rpm.
Like the Trident, the Tiger Sport 660 features two riding modes, Road and Rain, ride-by-wire with 6-speed transmission, and a slipper/clutch.

Braking is done by twin 2-piston Nissin radial callipers paired to a 310mm disc at the front and a 255mm disc at the rear. It also features dual-channel ABS that’s, unfortunately, can’t be turn off.

Other exciting features include 41mm Showa USD front forks with 150mm travel ad Showa rear monoshock with hydraulic preload adjustable.

835mm seat height
17.2L fuel tank
LED lights with self-cancelling indicators
TFT display with My Triumph connectivity
Triumph Shift Assist up/down quickshifter (optional)
heated grips (optional)
under-seat USB charger (optional)
TPMS (optional)

Looking at the success of the Trident, the Tiger Sport 660 will follow the same formula and expand to a broader audience that seeks comfort and practicality.

It could potentially become the best seller from the Hinckley factory.

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2019 Honda CB250R Test & Review – “Simple Yet Fun”

The 2019 Honda CB250R is aimed at both beginners and experienced riders.

It is part of Honda’s Neo Sports Café line-up.

It brings back the fun of something simple, easy to understand and accessible.

We always crave for more power, of course. Power, power, power, but it never seems to be enough, does it? However, the 2019 Honda CB250R may just change your mind.
Honda aims the CB250R at both entry-level and more experienced riders alike, featuring all the basic needs of virtually any rider.
Introduction to the 2019 Honda CB250R
The CB250R is styled like its bigger brother, the CB1000R, as part of the Neo Sport Café lineup. The three words Neo, Sport, and Café points to the mix of classic and modern styling cues. In a nutshell, the line-up’s designs aren’t modern retros like the CB11000F, yet not wholly contemporary like say, the VFR800.

So, you have the round LED headlight and steel tube frame combined with multi-angled lines on the fuel tank and modern elements. Consequently, the bike looks unmistakably “Honda CB” but with a twist.
Hard Parts
The engine is a 250cc, DOHC, four-valve, single-cylinder unit. It produces 27 bhp at 9,000 RPM and 23.3 Nm of torque at 8,000 RPM.

Suspension duties are handled by a pair of upside-down forks up front and a monoshock at the back. ABS is standard.
The instrument cluster is fully LCD, while lighting is LED all-around.

Riding the Honda CB250R
The engine started quickly and was typically Honda quiet and so was the exhaust. The tapered handlebar is rubber-mounted, isolating the engine’s vibes from your hands.
But it was quick-revving. A blip of the throttle sent the bars leaping up the tachometer.

Thinking that since it’s a small capacity bike, I gave it lots of throttle and slipped the clutch to get going. It was totally unnecessary because the engine was surprisingly torque for a 250.
In the city, the CB250R’s acceleration was one of the most important points. However, it never seemed to run out of breath and we never hit the rev limiter, either. One usually needs to possess a left foot like the Riverdance dancers when riding small capacity bikes, but not so on this bike. All you need to do is choose a gear and give it throttle.

Speaking of the throttle, the PGM-FI controlled fuel-injection provided smooth and linear response. That’s a boon especially for newer riders and an advantage for veteran riders to apply gas much earlier while cornering.
The suspension action was pretty good, too. Of course, you’ll feel the deeper potholes and sharper bumps, but that’s because the bike is light at just 145kg (kerb weight).

A good suspension test is by charging into sharp corners at high speeds. The chassis never once protested. Full throttle blasts through sweepers? The suspension didn’t wallow.
This is when you discover the joys of riding a lightweight bike like the CB250R because you hardly need to concern yourself with neck artery popping hard braking. Just charge toward the corner, brake earlier, let go earlier and yell BANZAI!as you turn in. And don’t forget to slam on the throttle on your way out.

Being lightweight also means the bike reacts quickly to braking. The radially-mounted front brake caliper gave plenty of feel at the fingertips.
Out on the highway, we were also surprised at how easy it was to maintain a 120 km/h cruising speed without the engine threatening to grenade itself.

Last but not least, it’s one of the very few bikes that our rear seat reviewer (i.e. my wife) liked. She found the seat and suspension comfortable, besides being easy for her arms to reach the fuel tank.
Conclusion
“Aimed at entry-level and more experienced riders alike” may sound like a misnomer, but the 2019 Honda CB250R does exhibit that kind of attribute.
It’s very simple for beginners to understand and you won’t outgrow it quickly too soon because it can perform whatever you command it to. As for experienced riders, this is one bike which reminds you of the fun and convenience of riding a lightweight bike.
Priced from RM 22,999 (basic selling price and not on-the-road), it’s a worthy buy.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE

ENGINE TYPE
Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve, liquid-cooled

DISPLACEMENT
250 cc

BORE x STROKE
76.0 mm x 55.0 mm

POWER
27 bhp @ 9,000 RPM

TORQUE
23.3 Nm @ 8,000 RPM

COMPRESSION RATIO
10.7:1

TRANSMISSION
6-speed

FUEL SYSTEM
Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle

CLUTCH
Multiple-plate wet clutch, cable actuation

CHASSIS

FRAME
Steel tubes

FRONT SUSPENSION
Upside-down forks

REAR SUSPENSION
Monoshock

SUSPENSION TRAVEL FRONT/REAR
N/A

FRONT BRAKE
2x radially-mounted 2-piston calipers, single disc

REAR BRAKE
1X single-piston floating caliper, single disc

ABS
ABS standard

TIRES FRONT/REAR
110/70-R17; 150/60 R-17

STEERING HEAD ANGLE
24o

TRAIL
N/A

WHEEL BASE
1,355 mm

SEAT HEIGHT
800 mm

FUEL TANK CAPACITY
10.1 litres

KERB WEIGHT
145 kg

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CONFIRMED: Yamaha To Revive YZF-R7 With 689cc Parallel-Twin Engine

But it is not the YZF-R6 successor, nor will it continues the previous R7 status.
Instead, the new R7 will come with the same 689cc parallel-twin engine that powers the current MT-07 motorcycle, as proven by the latest CARB filings.
Hence, making the upcoming R7 a fully-faired MT-07.
Last year, Yamaha announced their decision to discontinue the YZF-R6 due to the stringent emission rules.
The motorcycle instead continued to be sold as a non-homologated, track-only machine.
Nonetheless, rumours start to rife that Yamaha may be working on an MT-07 based Supersports, possibly called the Yamaha YZF-R7.
Japanese publication, Young-Machine even predicted the R7 before Yamaha decided to pull the plug on the R6.
(source: Motorcycle.com)
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Marc Marquez is the new Tissot Ambassador!

Four-time MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez is the new Tissot Ambassador.
Marquez was chosen as the latest representative for the Swiss watchmaker for his determination, results and fighting spirit.
The latest official MotoGP watch to represent Marquez is the 2018 Tissot T-Race Marc Marquez.

Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez which so happens to be a four-time MotoGP world champion has just been selected as the latest Tissot ambassador for the renowned Swiss watchmaker. The 25-year-old Spaniard who has won multiple championships was inducted into the Tissot family for his superb riding skills, amazing agility and crazy determination for nothing but the best.

Tissot is actual the Official Timekeeper of MotoGP where they are able to determine the riders’ timesheets by up to a thousand of a second. They’ve been keeping track of the world’s best motorcycle riders ever since 2001. In 2004, they produced the very first MotoGP watch which is the Tissot T-Race series.

According to François Thiébaud, President of Tissot, “We are honoured to welcome Marc Marquez into the Tissot family. Again and again, he has demonstrated his passion for racing and keen determination to work hard, qualities we value above all else at Tissot. The Tissot family shares the same fighting spirit. We take our relationship with MotoGP™ and our role as Official Timekeeper extremely seriously, and we are fortified by our partnerships with such talented athletes as Marc Marquez.”

As for the MotoGP world champion himself, “I am really happy and it’s a pleasure to be part of Tissot’s family. I am proud to join this important brand with a large history in the MotoGP™ Championship. I have great memories thanks to the watches I received after achieving Pole Positions since 2008. I have a collection of them in my house. I hope to win more watches hereinafter. I am sure Tissot and I will continue improving and experience many successes together.”

To know more about the latest 2018 Tissot T-Race Marc Marquez, CLICK HERE.
Source: MotoGP
MotoGP: Marquez sets fastest lap yet in Buriram on Day 2

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2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough Officially Launched by DIDI Resources

Mr. Simone Niccolai, the Managing Director of Asia Pacific 2Wheeler, Piaggio Asia Pacific with the V7 III Rough

We had taken the first look at the 2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough earlier.

DIDI Resources has now officially launched it.

Priced from RM 69,900 for introductory units and RM 75,000 thereafter (prices are basic selling prices with SST, but no on-the-road).

DIDI Resources, the official custodians of the Moto Guzzi Malaysia, has officially launched 2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough. We had the first look of the bike earlier.
First Look Review: 2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough

The V7 III Rough is the latest addition to the V7 III’s extensive model line-up which includes the recently launched Carbon, Anniversario, Racer, Stone, Special, besides the Limited and Milano that are not available in Malaysia, as yet.
Moto Guzzi Malaysia introduces limited edition V7 III Carbon – Priced at RM74,900

The V7 III line-up not only represents the Moto Guzzi’s entry-level motorcycles, but also the most customizable, which is why there are so many interpretations within the manufacturer itself.

Coming back to the Rough iteration, the bike rolls on knobby tyres mounted on spoked rims, for a version that screams “urban jungle basher.” That should mean the bike is made for conquering rough city roads, as well as shooting through an unpaved shortcut. It also should be fine for light off-road paths, say to camping sites like those at Janda Baik or Mat Daling, to name a few.

In the V7 III signature minimalistic style, the front and rear fenders are polished aluminium while the fuel tank is finished in matt silver. The headlamp nacelle, handlebars, engine and single-sided swingarm are powercoated in black. The fork stanchions are enclosed in classic dust gaiters. A black leather seat with classy red stitching adds the finishing touch.

Moto Guzzi also offers an extensive array of accessories for the rider to turn his V7 III Rough into a bike which better reflects his personality.
Powering the V7 III Rough is the same 750cc, air-cooled, pushrod-activated 2-valve-per-cylinder, transversely-mounted, 90o V-Twin lump which made its debut in 1967. It produces 52bhp at 6,200 RPM and 60 Nm of torque at 4,900 RPM. The engine is tuned to provide linear torque throughout its rev range.

The engine and longitudinal gearbox are then mounted to a dismountable double-cradle frame with the same weight distribution as the legendary V7 of 46% rear and 54% front. Dual Kayaba shocks suspend the swingarm (which contains the driveshaft on one side) from the frame. This configuration provides the bike with a low and accessible seat height of just 770 mm.

While Moto Guzzi is considered the “heritage” brand under the Piaggio Group, the motorcycles are anything but, as despite being the entry-level range, the V7 III line-up features a two-level Moto Guzzi Traction Control (MGCT) and a two-channel ABS system made by Continental.
Further on electronics, the single speedometer gauge may look basic, but it displays all pertinent data such as gear position, odometer and daily trip odometer, trip time, average speed, real-time and average fuel consumption, average speed and MGCT level. The minimum and maximum engine revs can also be preset.

The instrument display may also be updated with the optional Moto Guzzi Multimedia Platform which connects a smartphone via an app to present even more data to the rider.
In launching the Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough, it also pays tribute to the upcoming Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) 2018 (happening on 30th September 2018), Mr. Simone Niccolai, the Managing Director of Asia Pacific 2Wheeler, Piaggio Asia Pacific, dressed the part for the occasion with attired supplied by Tiga Supply Co. together with the management personnel of DIDI Resources and Stronghold Cycles.

The 2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough is priced at RM 69,900 for introductory units and RM 75,000 thereafter (prices are basic selling prices with SST, but no on-the-road).
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2018 MOTO GUZZI V7III ROUGH

ENGINE

ENGINE TYPE
4-stroke, pushrod-activated 4-valve, air-cooled, transversely-mounter, 90o V-Twin

DISPLACEMENT
744 cc

BORE x STROKE
80 mm x 74 mm

POWER
52 bhp (38 kW) @ 6,200 RPM

TORQUE
60 Nm @ 4,900 RPM

TRANSMISSION
6-speed

FUEL SYSTEM
Fuel injection with single throttle body

CHASSIS

FRAME
Double cradle tubular frame in ALS steel with detachable elements

FRONT SUSPENSION
ø Ø 40 mm hydraulic telescopic forks, 130 mm travel

REAR SUSPENSION
Twin Kayaba shocks with adjustable spring preload, 93 mm travel

FRONT BRAKE
1 X Two-piston Brembo caliper, ø 320 mm floating disc

REAR BRAKE
1 X Two-piston floating caliper, ø 260 mm brake disc

FRONT TYRE
100/90-R18 (110/90-R18 optional),

REAR TYRE
130/80-R17

STEERING HEAD ANGLE
26.4o

TRAIL
106 mm

WHEEL BASE
1,445 mm

SEAT HEIGHT
770 mm

FUEL TANK CAPACITY
21 litres (with 4 litres as reserve)

KERB WEIGHT
209 kg (with 90% fuel and all fluids, ready to ride)

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2020 Bajaj Pulsar RS400 – Fake news?

Recently, reports of the possible launch of the all-new Bajaj Pulsar RS400 coming this August have been floating around online. Media outlets from around the globe (including us) have been keeping an eye on this new 400cc sports bike, even the possibility of it being unveiled for the Indonesian market in a couple of months. But, is that really the case? Is it really happening? Is it all true?

We conducted our very own investigation and some friends actually reached out to us regarding the matter and based on several trusted sources, it seems that the emergence of the Bajaj Pulsar RS400 is never going to happen. There is some truth about the bike back when it was first unveiled in 2014 at the Delhi Auto Expo, but it never made it into production.

The concept at the time was called the Pulsar SS400 but that evolved into the Dominar 400, a super-capable and affordable sport-tourer. In Malaysia, the Modenas Dominar D400 is considered a huge success thanks to its capabilities as well as affordability compared to other bikes in the segment thanks to its powerful engine, relax riding ergonomics, and a relatively low price tag.

As for the sports version of the Dominar D400, it will not go into production anytime soon, in fact perhaps never. If you happen to be in Malaysia, you can still get a similar-looking bike, which is the Modenas Pulsar RS200 or even its naked sibling, the Pulsar NS200 ABS, at a very affordable price. Just add a little more and you opt for the Dominar D400. Either way, it’s a win-win situation for owners overall.
RM1,000 rebate for Modenas Dominar D400 – now only RM12,788!

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Next-Gen KTM 990 Engine Emerged In New Design Registrations

Detailed images of KTM’s next-generation parallel-twin engine have emerged via the latest design registrations.

KTM latest generation LC8c engine appears in design registrations.
The new 990cc parallel-twin engine likely to make more than 130hp.

While the overall design looks similar to the current LC8c twin, there is a new casting for the block, cylinders and head.
It’s essential to take note that the LC8c mill is unique, mainly because it started out as a 799cc (790) and had a bump to 889cc (890) thanks to a bigger bore – increased from 88mm to 90.7mm.
Nevertheless, it’s given an extensive rework to achieve the bigger 990cc while retaining the LC8c (liquid-cooled 8-valve compact) nomenclature.
To allow for easier comparison, refer to the side-by-side images below.

Why the similarities? It would allow the new mill to slot into existing models if needed.
Also, the images prove that despite some similarities, every major part, including the crankcases, cylinder head, and transmission, has received extensive revisions.
The cylinders also appear taller, indicating an increase in the engine’s stroke.
According to reports, the engine is likely to be manufactured in China by the CFMOTO-KTM partnership and could appear in CFMOTO-branded bikes soon after.
The current 890 engine makes a good 119hp – although KTM managed to squeeze 133hp from the RC 8C – therefore, in 990 forms, it could pass the 130hp mark, particularly the RC 990.
That said, we expect the new mill to find its way first into the 990 Duke later this year, followed by the RC 990.
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Harley-Davidson Partners with Qianjiang to Build Smaller Capacity Models

Harley-Davidson confirmed that they have partnered with Qianjiang Motorcycle Company to produce smaller displacement models for Asia.

The new model will a 338cc engine.

Qianjiang is the brand custodian of Benelli motorcycles.

Harley-Davidson confirmed that they have partnered with Qianjiang Motorcycle Company to produce smaller displacement models.
It was speculated earlier that Harley-Davidson will partner an Indian manufacturer for the purpose, but it had turned out to be a Chinese maker, after all. The bikes be distributed in China and throughout the Asian region.
The two partners also revealed that the first model will have a 338cc. It will first be released in China, followed by the rest of Asia.
The bike will be labelled as “Designed by Harley-Davidson” and built by Qianjiang in China. They will also build the engine.

But who the heck is Qianjiang Motorcycle Company, you ask? They are the custodians of the Benelli brand which has quite a following here in Malaysia and Europe.
The move is due to the Motor Company’s belief that China will spearhead the brand’s growth in the Asian region. Harley’s CEO Matt Levatich hopes to see 50% growth in the overseas market by 2027.
Harley also showed off the rendered image of the bike which closely resembles the XR1200.
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CONFIRMED: Next-Gen Yamaha Tracer 9 GT To Feature Radar Technology

Spy shots from the next generation Yamaha Tracer 9 GT was circulated online in July and showcased the sports tourer getting a major upgrade.

2023 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT to feature radar-assisted cruise control.
Patents confirmed the radar unit to sit between the front headlight.

Reports from reputable media at the time, including CycleWorld indicates that the Tracer 9 GT will feature radar sensor technology.
However, latest development has confirmed that the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT is getting the  radar technology according to a new patent.
That said, this suggest that the Tracer would become the most affordable (or least expensive) motorcycle to feature the fancy radar-assisted adaptive cruise control and emergency braking systems.
More importantly, Yamaha did a great job to hide the ugly electronic unit as opposed to the Ducati’s Multistrada V4, KTM’s 1290 Super Adventure S and BMW’s R 1250 RT.

Based on the patent, the radar unit can be seen nestled between the Tracer 9 GT’s lower headlights.
Also, Yamaha fitted a thin cover in front of the hardware to ensure better protection from mud, gravel, water or insects from hitting the sensor directly.
In addition, if the thin cover is scratched or chipped, it can be cheaply replaced.
Yamaha is likely to introduced the new technology to the 2023 Tracer 9 GT.
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BMW Motorrad launches 2021 BMW G 310 R

The 2021 BMW G 310 R has finally dropped and for the second-generation model, this sub-500cc roadster from BMW Motorrad comes with a host of upgrades and updates from its performance all the way down to its looks.

This ‘Dynamic Roadster’ is arguably one of the best starter bikes for those who are fans of the brand without breaking the bank. Starting with the engine, the 2021 BMW G 310 R comes equipped with a 313cc single-cylinder DOHC liquid-cooled engine (now Euro5-compliant) that produces 34hp at 9,500rpm and 28Nm torque at 7,500rpm.

That’s the same as the first-generation model launched back in 2017 but to further enhance its power and torque delivery, the 2021 BMW G 310 R now comes with an automatic idle boost, electromotive throttle controller, and most importantly, a self-boosting anti-hopping clutch.

The new G 310 R also comes with a new LED headlight together with LED turn indicators, which now makes it a bike with an all-LED lighting system. Look a bit closer and you’ll see that its brake and clutch levers are now adjustable in four different settings to suit your preferred riding style.

Those who are interested should know that this beauty comes in three different colour options, which are Cosmic Black, Polar White, and the ‘Sport Style’ Limestone Metallic plus red graphics. All colours also come with a new engine alternator cover, clutch and coolant pump, footrest plate and rear grab handle finished in Titanium Grey Metallic.

				*BMW G 310 R 2021

2020 Yamaha MT-15 price revealed – RM11,998

Written by: Sep Irran
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This 425hp electric bike wants to go over 330km/h

Electric bikes are not known for their ridiculous top speeds as compared to some of the latest superbikes like the BMW S 1000 RR, Ducati Panigale V4, or Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. This bike on the other hand called the Voxan Wattman wants to break that stereotype by breaking the land speed record for the fastest electric motorcycle in the world.

Their goal? 330km/h. Their rider? None other than the Roman Emperor, Max Biaggi. Where? The Salar de Uyuni salt flat in Bolivia. When? Summer of 2021, baby. The current record is being held by Rjuji Tsuruta and the Mobitec EV-02A with a top speed of 329.085 km/h set last year in 2019 at the Bonneville salt flats.

For the Voxan Wattman, their main goal is to get the aerodynamics right. Judging by the shape, we can probably guess that they’ll be hitting some incredible speeds sooner than we think. Hidden beneath all that smooth fairing is a 317kW electric motor (425hp) paired to a 1,470-cell battery that will hopefully push the electric bike beyond 330km/h.

As part of the efforts of Voxan Motors under the Venturi Group, they will be partnering up with global telecommunications innovators ROKiT Group. They are no strangers to electrifying high speeds as they are also involved in the world of Formula E with their team, ROKiT Venturi Racing.

According to ROKiT Group Founder, Jonathan Kendrick, “When Venturi President Gildo Pastor showed us the Voxan Wattman and talked me through the world speed record attempt we were very impressed by his vision, ambition and the commitment of his team in creating the technology involved. To have our ROKiT red livery on such a unique piece of electric engineering reflects our ethos as a group of companies and is a real honour. Gildo is a true pioneer and we are delighted to partner with him and Voxan Motors on what we hope will be a highly successful and ground-breaking record attempt.”
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B-Rocket by Bell & Ross in Malaysia

Inspired by the romantic era of American aviation of the 60s, the B-Rocket was commissioned by French watchmaker Bell & Ross to coincide with their new line of timepieces.
Based on the Harley-Davidson FXS Softail Blackline, the B-Rocket concept was built by British motorcycle customiser Shaw Speed & Custom.

This is the second time both companies worked together to produce such two-wheeled machines. Back in 2009, they had collaborated to roll out the Nescafe Racer.
Apart from aviation, the B-Rocket also features cues from the Bonneville Salt Flats speed machines. The rider sits inclined forward while being fully supported from shin to chin by the bike on padded surfaces.

Controls are just nicely set to the rider’s sitting position so he can stay tucked in behind the cockpit canopy derived cowling which comes complete with the target marker.
Other aviation inspirations includes aerodynamic vertical control surfaces on the front forks and a horizontal piece at the back or tail of the B-Rocker that acts at the stabiliser.

The two ” jet engine intake” side-pods may look redundant at first but both are actual working parts of the bike. Apart from holding the rider’s legs, the pod’s opening houses air filters that cleans the air before being ducted into the carburettor.

Even the exhaust pipe exits looks like the ones on planes of that 60s era, at the side of the right side pod, angled ever so slightly to the rear as to not disrupt the airflow around it.
The B-Rocket will be on display until the 17th of September at the Bell & Ross outlet in Pavilion.

B-Rocket Full Concept:

Bell & Ross B-Rocket Gallery
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Kawan Awan “Sayap Impian” – taking charity to greater heights!

The Kawan Awan “Sayap Impian” charity event ran its course yesterday where 135 foster home kids and 4 terminally-ill children took their maiden flight for a tour of Kuala Lumpur.

Organised by Nik Huzlan aka “Captain Nik”, this unique charity event is all about giving a whole new experience to the children.

The event was supported by Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia, Triumph RatPack members, Kenanga Investors, Rimba Raid Team, and many more.

Boarding an airplane might be a normal occurrence for some of us who are frequent travellers. The entire experience of taking off in a flying machine is always magical, especially when it’s your first time. That’s what one particular person did yesterday for a group of children from foster homes and terminally-ill children.

Nik Huzlan or more popularly known as Captain Nik (also the guy who brought to you the infamous super tough yet fun Rimba Raid off-road event) gathered around 135 children from four different foster homes located outside of Kuala Lumpur for a very special trip around Malaysia’s capital city.

Two flights chartered from Malindo Air took these kids for a ride of their lives which was a very special view of Kuala Lumpur from 2,500 feet up in the air! For most of these foster home children, the Kawan Awan “Sayap Impian” charity event opened up this grand opportunity to experience something wonderful and amazing.

In addition to all of the foster home kids, four very special kids who are terminally-ill were also given the opportunity to experience the skies where the friendly pilot took everyone for a tour which included the Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Batu Caves, and many more.

The day started off with everyone congregating at Triumph Motorcycles Petaling Jaya where the Triumph RatPack members and the children had breakfast and took a few opportunities for a fun photo shoot with some Triumph’s amazing bike models in the showroom.

It was a fun and exciting atmosphere at the showroom and right after breakfast, the kids got ready to head over to the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, Selangor. Escorted by the good members of the Royal Malaysia Police force, we made it there in good time and it wasn’t long before the kids were in line ready and eager to board the ATR 72 twin-engine turboprop planes courtesy of Malindo Air.

To plan this event obviously took a lot of work and planning. A lot of support and contributions were received to ensure that this event was a grand success. This included Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd (Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia), Triumph RatPack members (who donated, supported, and escorted these kids all the way to the airport), Kenanga Investors, Rimba Raid Team, and everyone else who chipped in.

The Kawan Awan “Sayap Impian” event is indeed one unique project dedicated to bringing a different level of joy to these special kids and we here at Bikes Republic would like to congratulate Captain Nik for his dedication and effort in making this happen. Hoorah, Captain Nik and everyone!

Triumph to Celebrate Moto2 Engine with Parade Lap at British GP

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AGV Introduces New Pista GP RR Futuro Forged Carbon MotoGP Helmet

AGV helmets are arguably among the masters at consistent improvements in every aspect of aerodynamics without compromising comfort and safety to graphics.
The brand has a well deserved reputation for its innovative designs and materials, tested on the racetrack and developed with big names such as Giacomo Agostini and MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi.

Continuing its legacy, AGV has introduced the Pista GP RR Special Edition Futuro evolving from its predecessor, the Pista GP RR which is the closest that anyone can get to a MotoGP level helmet.
Made by forged carbon fiber with a weave pattern, the Futuro features a new shell for advanced protection and a sharp edged spoiler that contributes to the helmet’s aerodynamics.
AGV states that the overlapped, choppy “carbonio forgiato” matte finish design offers more than racing looks.

In fact, the extreme 100 % carbon fiber shell guarantees extraordinary lightness and ensures a greater energy absorption at impact. Speaking of its safety level, the Futuro has earned FIM homologation for world championship competition.
AGV also included improvements that are at the cutting edge of race technology. As a result, the Futuro has a futuristic shell with its Integrated Ventilation System (IVS) including five large front metal vents matched in cyan blue colour and two rear air extractors.
A properly fitting helmet is a must and considered essential for every rider. AGV’s 360° Adaptive Fit system allows the wearer to control and customize the interior at ideal thickness for the rider’s upper head and cheeks support.
From the front, the faceshield is equipped with a top-rated optical class 1 rating, offering a horizontal view of 190 degrees and a vertical view of 85 degrees. Besides, the faceshield is a solid 5mm thick and a structural component of the helmet.
Tested with high-speed wind-tunnel, the shell’s aerodynamics is proven as air flows directly through the metal air vents. The helmet is also compatible with hydration systems equivalent to the race helmets of a MotoGP riders.
The claimed weight of the AGV Pista GP RR Futuro helmet is 1450 grams (1.4kg).
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These winners got RM20,000 each from Shell Malaysia!

The ‘Nak Ekstra RM20,000’ campaign is currently underway where Shell Malaysia is looking to reward a weekly winner with RM20,000 cash and the contest is still going strong until 9 February 2020. If you have not participated, then what the heck are you doing?? Go to the nearest Shell station now!

For these three very lucky winners, starting off the new year with an extra RM20,000 in their pockets is certainly a grand way to kick things off on a high note. It’s already the sixth week and each week, the grand prize winner will take home RM20,000 while 20 other lucky individuals will get the consolation prize in the form of RM1,000. This is happening every week, people!

So far, 84 people have received their prizes and Shell Malaysia decided to award some of these folks at a prize-giving ceremony earlier today. Four grand winners from different parts of the country showed up to claim their prizes and it was like a gift from God when they found out about the good news.

One of the winners, Muhd Shukri Muhd Deris, said, “My 6-year-old daughter is in pre-school. While I am excited to see her start her schooling years, I was worried about the costs; from her books to school uniform and even school fees. Imagine my relief when I was told I won the RM20,000 grand prize from Shell Malaysia. This unexpected extra cash is a blessing for my wife and I, as it will contribute to our savings for our children’s education. Thank you, Shell, and I hope you will continue to reward Malaysian families in 2020!”

Mr Shairan Huzani Husain, Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd expressed, “This is not a Shell story, this is a Malaysian story of lived experiences. We understand that many are faced with life’s hurdles and challenges and my goal is for us to help as many Malaysians as we can and we are doing this through the ‘Nak Ekstra RM20,000?’ campaign by giving Malaysians a platform to go further and do more”.

There are still five grand prizes and 100 consolation prizes to be given away in the last five weeks of the ‘Nak Ekstra RM20,000’ campaign. To join all you have to are:
Step 1: Spend minimum RM40 in one receipt at any Shell stations nationwide
Step 2: Submit your details, with a receipt attached, via a physical contest form OR scan a QR code for online submissions
For more information about ‘Nak Ekstra RM20,000?’ campaign, the list of winners and locations of roadshows, please visit www.shell.com.my. All the best, people!

Win RM20,000 every week with Shell Malaysia!

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2018 MotoGP Calendar

The provisional 2018 MotoGP Championship calendar has been published.

Thailand will host MotoGP for the first time.

The 2018 season will start one week earlier and end an extra week later than usual.

Dorna has released the provisional 2018 MotoGP calendar. The dates and rounds are as follows:

Round 1: 18 March Qatar* Doha/Losail
Round 2: 8 April Argentina Termas de Rio Hondo
Round 3: 22 April Americas COTA
Round 4: 6 May Spain Jerez de la Frontera
Round 5: 20 May France Le Mans
Round 6: 3 June Italy Mugello
Round 7: 17 June Catalunya Catalunya
Round 8: 01 July Netherlands TT Assen
Round 9: 15 July Germany Sachsenring
Round 10: 5 August Czech Republic Brno
Round 11: 12 August Austria Red Bull Ring
Round 12: 26 August Great Britain TBA
Round 13: 9 September San Marino & Riviera di Rimini Misano
Round 14: 23 September Aragon MotorLand Aragon
Round 15: 7 October Thailand Buriram
Round 16: 21 October Japan Motegi
Round 17: 28 October Australia Phillip Island
Round 18: 4 November Malaysia Sepang
Round 19: 18 November Valencia Ricardo Tormo-Valencia

As expected, Buriram, Thailand’s addition brings the total number of rounds to 19. Malaysia still hosts the penultimate round but the date has been bumped to 4th November, instead of the customary late-October slot.

The Thai round will be held on 7th October, with the next weekend off, before resuming the usual three rounds in a row – Japan, Australia, Malaysia – beginning 21st October.
It’s a wise move by Dorna to give space between Thailand and Malaysia, lest the crowd be split between two neighbouring countries.

The extra round means shuffling the customary dates. Qatar will begin a week earlier than usual, and hopefully miss the unexpected rainstorm which wreaked havoc on this year’s race schedule. The 4-week summer break between July and August will be cut to just two. The 2018 MotoGP Championship ends one week later at Aragon on 18th November.

The venue of the British round has yet to be confirmed, following the Circuit of Wales fallout.
A few riders had raised concerns about the championship featuring too many rounds, citing the possibility of not receiving enough rest between races. Finland is set to join the MotoGP calendar in 2019, bringing the total to a manic 20 rounds.
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2019 Suzuki Hayabusa will come with a semi-automatic transmission?

The 2019 Suzuki Hayabusa is rumoured to be equipped with a new semi-automatic transmission system.
New patents were recently filed by the Japanese manufacturer in Japan, USA and Germany.
The new system uses actuators to control the clutch and gear shifts whilst combining it with the traditional foot-controlled shifter.

The latest rumour surrounding the all-new 2019 Suzuki Hayabusa has made the pocket rocket even more enticing. Based on the latest report made by Motorcycle.com, Suzuki has filed patents for a semi-automatic transmission system which may be used to handle all that power on the new ‘Bird of Prey’.

Multiple patents were filed in Japan, USA and Germany recently by Suzuki and they look quite incredible. The person responsible for these patents is Hideaki Takakashi who has worked extensively on several other transmission systems for the Japanese manufacturer.

The designs revolve around the use of state-of-the-art actuators to control the clutch and gear shifts with the combination of a more traditional foot-controlled shifter. In other words, it’s an automated manual transmission (AMT) that’s more compact, efficient and has more surface area exposed for air cooling.

The system works by sending an electrical signal to the ECU to shift gears when the gear shift pedal is initiated. A clicking mechanism is embedded in the entire system to make sure the rider feels like riding a traditional motorcycle without any of the awkward technologically-advanced feel. Think of it as an advanced version of a bilateral quickshifter.

While the filed patents do not indicate that they might end up in the actual production motorcycle, we believe that Suzuki might pull all the stops for their latest Hayabusa as the model will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year. Apart from this new transmission system, other rumours pointed towards a bigger 1,440cc engine and even an addition of forced induction.

Whatever the case may be, the 20th anniversary 2019 Suzuki Hayabusa is going to be legend…wait for it…dary. Legendary! Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more updates.
2019 Suzuki Hayabusa will run a 1440cc engine?

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2020 Honda RS150R V2 – already at dealers?

Fans and enthusiasts of Boon Siew Honda can expect the official launch of the 2020 Honda RS150R V2 in the very near future as more and more shots are posted up on social media. If you’re wondering what the RS150R V2 looks like, some dealers already have them in stock and ready for purchase (no bookings or orders needed, apparently).

You can find a lot of photos of the V2 submitted on multiple Facebook pages, including the Honda RS150R Malaysia group. From what we can see, the V2 isn’t really a completely new model but more of a facelift version based on details we’ve seen so far. Sorry guys, the new V2 is not like the Honda Winner X from Vietnam, but a lot closer to the Honda Supra GTR of Indonesia.
Sorry, not this one…
With that being said, the biggest change that we can see is its new full digital display which replaces the outgoing digital-analogue unit found on the RS150R V1. There’s also the new rear taillight design which has been simplified to give a cleaner look. Some folks are on different sides of the fence regarding this new look, but we’ll just have to see it for ourselves during the official launch.

We’ve also noticed that the RS150R V2 does not come with front ABS like Indonesia’s Supra GTR. We’re probably guessing that Boon Siew Honda has done so to keep the prices down to a more affordable package.
Based on our research, dealers are pushing it at around RM9,500 mark. We’re still not sure if the front forks are bigger compared to the V1 but we’ll get back to you once we have the detail.

If the 2020 Honda RS150R V2 is anything like the new Honda Supra GTR, it’ll probably come with a new-generation 150cc single-cylinder DOHC engine which produces 12kW (around 16hp) and 14.2Nm of maximum torque. This is a slight increase compared to the V1 which produces 11.5kW (around 15.4hp) and 13.5Nm of torque.
New year, new bike?
Image source: Honda RS150R Malaysia Facebook group
Honda has built 400 million bikes!

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Furion Working On A Hybrid Yamaha Niken – 160HP, 140Nm

While some think that the Yamaha Niken is already considered a crazy build by the Japanese firm, France-based company, Furion decided to take it up a notch by adding a new hybrid system.
The electric motor is powered by a 2.2kilowatt hour battery which will be supplemented by a regenerative braking system.

The current Niken runs on Yamaha’s CP3 engine and makes 115hp @ 10,120rpm and 87.5Nm @ 8,500rpm, but according to Furion, the addition of a wheel hub motor fitted to the two front wheels will add another 47hp on top, which brings the total power figure to 160hp.
The hybrid system will also increase its torque to 140Nm, turning the Niken into a monstrous all-wheel-drive trike and moving it closer to superbike territory.

While we are still unsure of the purpose of the build apart from Furion having a little bit of fun with the Niken, the concept could also mark a new future for three-wheeled mobility.
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Triumph @ EICMA 2016: New Street Scrambler unwrapped

Triumph @ EICMA 2016: New generation Bonneville range grows further with arrival of new Street Scrambler.

The mighty British marque that is Triumph made its cool presence felt here in Milan. While most of its new 2017 models were unveiled prior, it still had one more to show off. Here what went down for Triumph @ EICMA 2016.

Street Scrambler
Meet the very latest addition into the hip and cool new generation Bonneville line up, the Street Twin-based Street Scrambler. The arrival of the new Bonneville’s retro scrambler offshoot sees it replacing the last Triumph Scrambler model.

Based off the Street Twin, the Street Scrambler also utilises the same new 900cc ‘High Torque’ parallel-twin mill as found in the base bike primed with ride-by-wire throttle. Also primed on board are switchable ABS and traction control suites.

The powertrain is encased in a new and dedicated chassis, allowing it gain with new high-travel suspension front and aft plus the larger 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel wrapped in Metzeller dual-purpose tyres.

Typical of any retro scrambler, the handlebars have been raised higher but we particularly love the new high-mounted stainless steel twin exhaust pipes running down the right side that looks simply exquisite.
Other changes can be seen in the adoption of more rugged bear claw-styled footpegs, the addition of a bash plate on the underside of the powertrain, as well as a detachable pillion perch. You can replace it with small aluminium rack for a more rugged stance.

The remaining on board features mirror what we’ve already seen in the existing Triumph Street Twin such as the under-seat USB charging port, retro-styled single instrument display dial, not forgetting the LED taillight.
Of course, if this isn’t enough for you, then worry not because Triumph will prepare yet another rich catalogue of accessories for you to customise with – just like its other siblings.

Gallery: Street Cup, Bonneville T100 and Bonneville Bobber
Also on display alongside the new Street Scrambler were the other new additions in the Bonneville line up, namely the Street Cup café racer, Bonneville T100 classic twins and the cool new Bonneville Bobber.

Unveiled during INTERMOT 2016 last month were both the Bonneville T100 and Street Cup. While the Street Cup’s position as the ‘baby’ Thruxton R, the Bonneville T100 and T100 Black shares a more direct link to the previous generation Bonneville T100 model.

For us though, the Bonneville Bobber is truly something special. What Triumph has done is essentially take the Bonneville T120 platform made it over into a proper feet-forward, low-seat cruiser. Check out our previous launch report by clicking here, but don’t forget to check out more images in the gallery below.
Triumph @ EICMA 2016

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Target Fixation and Improper Braking Hurts

As we’ve posted before, accident videos can help us learn.

In this video, two bikes crashed together through improper braking and target fixation.

We’re not criticizing anyone, but here are tips on how to avoid such tragedy.

A Singaporean Facebook page shared a video of an accident involving two motorcycles this morning. But rather than just condemning the parties involved we could perhaps learn that target fixation and improper braking is dangerous for us motorcyclists.
We are not trying to be experts here either. But after years of practice and riding in the same situation at least three times per trip per day, one tends to learn.
Watch the video below:

Part 1 – First rider
First rider panicked as he was trying to slip between the bus and car. He grabbed his front brake with full power, resulting in the front tyre washing out.
First lesson: Overtaking

If you need to overtake, do it quickly to get out of the “sandwich zone.”
But don’t ride more than 40 km/h faster than the vehicles around you.
Too fast and you won’t have time to react.
We humans normally take 0.5 second to react.
A vehicle covers 13.8 metres in 0.5 second at 50 km/h, and 27.7 metres in 1 second at 100 km/h. You decide.

First rider applied brakes too hard
What if he didn’t overtake?

Better to just follow the car if you’re not confident enough of overtaking.
The best place to follow is NOT directly behind, but to the side where there’s a good chance of the driver picking you up in the rearview mirror.
Additionally, it gives you room to avoid the car should he brake suddenly.

How should we brake?

Never, ever grab your front brake lever full-on.
Always increase the braking pressure progressively even when under threat.
Applying the front brake progressively allows the front suspension and tyre to soak up the weight transfer progressively, as well.
Jamming on the brake, on the other hand, transfers weight abruptly, causing the weight transfer to overwhelm the suspension and tyre.

Solution:
We know it’s easier than it sounds, but every motorcyclist should practice emergency braking. And we’re not talking about dragging the locked rear wheel like in JPJ tests!

Find yourself a large and empty parking lot.
Ride to 30 km/h and pull in the front brake lever progressively harder and harder until the bike stops.
Increase the speed you being to brake from gradually if you feel confident enough.
If you always ride at 150 km/h, we suggest you practice stopping from that speed – a lot.

Would ABS have helped?
It may but the first bike looked like a kapchai/scooter, hence it probably isn’t equipped with ABS. Even then, the best way is to ease up on the pressure at the lever to let the bike’s momentum stabilize itself. This can be helped through practice.
But what if there’s ABS?

It doesn’t mean one can get away with crashing even if there’s ABS.
We must first learn how it feels like when ABS activates.
The lever will pulsate when ABS activates, surprising some riders to let go of the lever too abruptly and the system stops functioning.
Secondly, ABS keeps the previously locked wheel rolling in order to provide the chance of swerving away from danger. However, this is always defeated by target fixation (refer part 2 below).
Thirdly, ABS can cause some riders to keep holding on to the brake lever will full power until the bike stops dead. The rider will then lose balance and topple over (jatuh bodoh).
So, if the ABS activates, keep braking until you scrub off enough speed for you to still retain control of the bike and maneuver. But let go of the brakes progressively.

Part 2 – The following rider
The following rider saw the crashed bike ahead and applied his brakes a fraction later. Remember? A human’s nominal reaction time is 0.5 second. He kept braking but still ran into the poor man on the road.
What went wrong?

First and foremost (remember these words): Target fixation.
Keep in mind that the motorcycle goes where you look.
In this case, he was looking directly at the first rider (he didn’t turn his head at all).

Target fixation sent second rider directly toward the fallen rider
What is target fixation?

Target fixation is a subconscious human instinct which instructs us to keep our eyes on a dangerous situation.
Yes, it helped us to survive through almost a million years, but it doesn’t agree when you’re riding or handling any vehicle at speed.
Being fixated on the first rider, he jumped on the brakes in panic, his body tenses up, his arms went straight.
Now he has no way of steering the bike even with the ABS on (see the front pogos up and down).

What should have been his response?

He should’ve looked to either side of the crashed rider ahead.
Both vehicles on either side have slowed down, leaving both lanes empty.
So, he could’ve swerved to avoid the fallen rider and apply some gas to get away, even without needing to slow down.
Situational awareness helps here, consequently he would know if either side were clear without needing too look.
Not tense up and lock his arms. Having relaxed arms allows the rider to steer even during hard braking. See how the MotoGP riders do it even when they’re braking from 330 km/h to 80 km/h to make a corner?

Second bike ran into first rider
What are the solutions to target fixation?

Overcoming target fixation needs practice.
Next time you come across a pothole, look to either sides and steer.
You’ll be surprised at how easy that was.
Keep practicing when traffic is clear.
You can even ride up to an imaginary hazard on the road, look to the sides and steer.
This practice will suppress your instinct to target fixate.

What are the solutions to braking hard and still being able to steer?

On braking and body position, do recall that fuel tanks have knee cutouts for a reason.
Hence, clamp your knees on the tank to support yourself and take the pressure off your arms and torso.
This way, you can brake much harder and have a better feel of the suspension and tyres’ limits.
Please refer above about brake practice.

Conclusion
Every rider needs to be critical about his/her own riding skills and learn. It’s far better than relying on others to give way.
Oh, and look up videos or articles on riding tips. It’s time and energy well spent rather than be like keyboard warriors who only know how to criticize.
Video source: Xianghui Chaw on ROADS.sg

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SPY SHOT: Triumph-Bajaj Baby Scrambler Caught Testing For The First Time

The collaboration between Triumph and Bajaj Auto is finally upon us as the test mule motorcycle was caught doing rounds for the first time.
From its looks, the upcoming Baby Triumph will not be based on the Trident 660 or any of the Hinckley’s naked range, but instead, the test mule looks similar to the firm Scrambler 1200 lineup.

We can see that the test mule features some similar components and parts to those found on the Bajaj-built KTM 390 Duke.
According to YouTuber MOTOBOB, who came across the test bike, the dash is lifted straight from the 390 Duke, and while it could change later during the production stage, it shows how closely Triumph and Bajaj are working.

Other similar components taken from the 390 includes ByBre radially-mounted two-piston brake callipers.
While we know the bike runs on a single-cylinder Euro5 certified engine, the finer details, including the engine capacity (rumoured to be between 350cc to 500cc), is still unknown.

Although Bajaj is responsible for the engine development and manufacturing, the motorcycle will carry Triumph’s badge.
Looking at how aggressively Triumph’s is developing the new bike, we assume that the finished product will debut later this year.
The baby Triumph could find its way to rival other small capacity single-cylinder machines like the 390 Duke, BMW G 310, Honda CB300R, Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and Bajaj’s very own Dominar 400 UG.
(Source: MCN)
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Kingz Motorcycle Group 3rd Anniversary Celebrations

The Kingz Motorcycle Group celebrated their 3rd Anniversary recently.

About 100 riders flagged off the MG’s clubhouse in Sentul.

The group rode through KL to Putrajaya and back to Jalan Tun Razak to complete the proceedings.

The Kingz Motorcycle Group celebrated their 3rd Anniversary recently.
The MG started their ride from their club house in Sentul in the afternoon. Nearly 100 riders took part. A great number of Kingz MG members are well-known throughout the motorcycling fraternity.

But what better way to celebrate a motorcycle group’s anniversary other than creating some heavy metal thunder. It must’ve been a proud day for the members as they rode as one, the wind blowing through their “colours” (the official group vests).

The group first rode from HDPJ through Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya. The riders stopped for some beautiful photographs while taking a short breather and jesting with each other. The majestic buildings of Malaysia’s administrative centre provided a wonderful background to the chrome, shiny paint jobs and rumble of a hundred Harley-Davidsons.

They adjourned from Putraja and rode to G-Tower, situated along Jalan Tun Razak for the remainder of the evening.

There, the riders were visibly elated and on a high from being in a brotherhood. They even poured water on each other after a group photoshoot.

A buffet dinner was served as they were serenaded by a live band who belted out classic “road trip” hits.

With support from Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya, the official distributor of Harley-Davidson in Malaysia, Kingz MG celebrated their 3rdAnniversary by cutting a cake decorated with the group’s name.

We congratulate and salute Kingz Motorcycle Group for bringing the thunder among the riders. May your club flourish and continue to ride for many years to come.

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RON95 Petrol Subsidy for Motorcycles Below 125cc

Image source: springadvertise.co.za

The Finance Ministry has proposed a RON95 petrol subsidy plan.

It covers motorcycles below 125cc and cars below 1500cc.

Eligible motorcycle owners get 40 litres and car owners 100 litres of subsidized fuel, respectively.

The government through the Finance Ministry has proposed a new petrol subsidy system. The plan applies to RON95 petrol only for motorcycles below 125cc and cars below 1500cc.
The Finance Minister, YB Lim Guan Eng made the announcement when he tabled the 2019 Budget in Parliament earlier today.
He also revealed that the move will cost RM 2 billion, covering some 4 million car owners and 2.6 million motorcycle owners. The subsidy will allow for a maximum of 40 litres for eligible motorcycle owners, and 100 litres for car owners.
No mechanism has yet been revealed on how the plan will be implemented. However, we expect the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to contact those eligible. They will then be provided with a subsidy card.
We will leave it to your opinion whether the announcement is good news or otherwise. In our opinion, the proposed plan should benefit motorcycle owners who are not well-to-do. It means those who have the means will support the less fortunate. The current blanket subsidy system benefits everyone, by contrast. That explains why the government suggested motorcycles below 125cc, instead of for example, below 250cc.
The announcement is currently a proposal, as the budget needs to be approved by the majority in Parliament. Let us see how it turns out should the proposal make it through.
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MotoGP: Luis Salom crash explained by SAG Team

SAG Team issues statement backed by telemetry data explaining the cause of Luis Salom’s deadly crash during Catalan MotoGP weekend.

Whilst many fans and the people within the paddock are still coming to terms with the recent death of Luis Salom, MotoGP has finally gotten its first answer as to how the young Spaniard was killed during Friday morning’s Moto2 practice run.
The late rider’s team, the SAG Team (Stop and Go Team), has recently released a statement based on telemetry data from his bike from the day of the crash. If you remembered, Salom crashed out of Circuit de Catalunya’s high-speed section of Turn 12.

Though there were no TV footages of the incident, security camera in that section of the circuit showed that both Salom and his Kalex machine already sliding at high speeds into the gravel trap and air-fence. Speculations ran high as to what caused the crash, but this telemetry data released by the team has perhaps put an end to them.
To put it as simple as we could, the data indicated no hints of a mechanical or technical fault in the SAG Team Kalex bike. Instead, it was the combination of Salom’s slower exit out of Catalunya’s Turn 11 and the course’s well-known surface irregularity at Turn 12 that caused his deadly crash.
The slower exit out of Turn 11 meant that Salom had to brake a little later at the entry of Turn 12 to maintain the right cornering speed. But the entry of Turn 12 featured a ‘bump’, which is common knowledge amongst all riders in MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 – a bump that requires you to be off the brakes.
Telemetry showed that Salom was on the brakes when he reached this bump at Turn 12 as a result of the slower exit out of Turn 11, which led to extra stresses on the front tyre and forcing its loss of grip and his subsequent tragic crash.
Here’s how the SAG Team’s official statement read:
The delay of the braking made Luis maintain the brakes running over that asphalt irregularity, as opposed the previous laps where he already had released the brakes on that spot.
All of that, added to an even speed [compared to] his best lap of FP2, produced a stress on the front tyre and grip lost on the irregularity of the asphalt.
That grip lost produced the crash with the tragic outcome that we all know.
We’re not technical experts, but the statement issued by the Barcelona-based SAG Team that’s backed up by telemetry data holds up. The team is even openly offering any qualified technician to view and analyse the data if they so desired.

Perhaps the underlying message here is that in racing, it doesn’t take a lot for things to go wrong. It just goes to show you the level of precision demanded in the sport of grand prix motorcycle racing, or in any other form of motorcycle racing for that matter.

Sources: MCN / Autosport
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Ducati unveils name for new V4 engine – “Desmosedici Stradale”

Ducati has unveiled the name for their latest V4 engine which is the “Desmosedici Stradale” or “Desmosedici Road”.
The new engine for the upcoming Ducati V4-powered production superbike will be unveiled this weekend during the San Marino MotoGP round.
The new Desmosedici Stradale is said to be a hybrid between Ducati’s V4 Desmosedici GP engine and their current V2 Superquadro power plant from the Panigale series.

It’s only a few days away before the next 2017 MotoGP round in San Marino and the boys over at Ducati has been working on something very, VERY special for the motorcycle industry. We all know that they will be introducing something about the new Ducati V4-powered production superbike this weekend and by the looks of it, Ducati has dubbed the new engine as the “Desmosedici Stradale”.

The new engine literally means “Desmosedici Road” implies that this will be the road-going version of their infamous Ducati Desmosedici MotoGP bike which is also powered by a monstrous 1,000cc 90° V4 engine with desmodromic valves.
Andrea Dovizioso on board the Ducati Desmosedici GP17 (Image source: MotoGP)
Apart from the name, motoring medias around the world have been busy in gathering data about the new Ducati V4 production superbike. So far, we’ve seen a few spy shots and even a video of the new bike being tested in the track.
Ducati V4 superbike spy shot (Image source: MCN)
To know how the new Ducati V4 superbike sounds like, CLICK HERE.
Ducati Superquadro engine used in the Panigale series
Based on what information we have so far, we can assume that the Desmosedici Stradale will be a combination of the race-bred V4 power plant used in the manufacturer’s MotoGP effort together with their current Superquadro L-Twin engine used to power the Panigale series.

This unique hybrid engine between their V2 and V4 engines is also said to have a unique firing order which will carry the best of both engine types according to Ducati CEO, Claudio Domenicali.
Ducati 1299 Panigale R Final Edition
Domenicali also added that the Desmosedici Stradale engine will most likely be used in other future high-powered Ducati bikes. This also means that the engine is versatile enough to be tuned for different performance outputs and characteristics to cater to different types of bikes.
A V4-powered Ducati Multistrada, perhaps?
Is the Desmosedici Stradale engine the future of Ducati? We think so and we can’t wait to see it in action this weekend in San Marino. The question is whether they’ll introduce just the engine or the new superbike itself. CAN’T.WAIT.ANY.LONGER.

Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more Ducati updates.
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What Can We Look Forward to in Future Motorcycling?

Motorcycles are improving almost by the day.

The march of technology impacts motorcycles directly.

Future motorcycles will be better, faster and safer.

It goes without saying that motorcycles and anything motorcycle-related will keep improving. The relentless march of technology is brought on by the relentless need to outdo the competition and sell more bikes, driven by the relentless appetite of riders.
Many years ago, no one could even fathom the thought of ABS or traction control. Now we have lean-angle sensitive ABS and traction control.
Let’s take a look at what we can expect in the near future and leave the concepts out.
1. More power, better control
Bikes will become more and more powerful. It’s demanded by customers everywhere, no matter how you cut it. But gone are the days when power outstripped the bike’s ability to control it. Bikes will have better chassis, brakes, tyres. Carbon brakes on the road? Bring it on!
MotoGP Brembo carbon brakes – Photo credit reportmotori.it
2. Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and/or Variable Valve Lift (VVL)
While only Honda equipped certain models in the past, almost all manufacturers are equipping their bikes with this tech. The application of VVT/VVL applies to sportbikes, sport tourers, dual-sport bikes, tourer and even scooters these days. The tech hasn’t found industry-wide application for more bikes yet but ever-toughening emissions regulations will push VVT/VVL to the fore.
BMW Shift Cam engine
3. Supercharger/turbo
Only Kawasaki is utilising the supercharger at the moment but it might just become widespread. Again, to overcome emission requirements, forced induction is one sure way to overcome loss of power. Forcing in more air results in cleaner emissions. Cars and trucks are already doing this. The biggest factor is cost, of course. Supercharging and turbocharging requires complex support systems and materials.
H2R’s supercharger
4. All-wheel drive
Driving both wheels for optimum traction isn’t a new concept. What has kept manufacturers away is cost and the weight penalty. But as materials can be made lighter and stronger (enter 3D printing), it could be applied sooner than one would think.
Homemade all-wheel drive system – Photo credit newatlas.com
5. Self-riding motorcycles
As traffic picks up the world over and increases traffic jams and the chances of accidents, future motorcycles will form a part of a network of vehicles. This idea is being pursued seriously by many manufacturers and technology firms as we speak. The vehicles will communicate with each other and a network. The network will determine the best course of action and regulates traffic flow. Look out for the introduction when 5G networks are up and fully operational.

6. Smart helmets
Some of these are already here. They integrate data such as speed, RPM, heading, among others. It’s hoped that they avoid needing the rider to look down at the instrument panel and keep their eyes on the road at all times.

7. Electric/hybrid motorcycles
This is inevitable. Even Ducati’s CEO said that the future is electric. There are already a (small) number of electric bikes but they are expensive at the moment. There’s also the concern about charging infrastructure, charging times and battery longevity and safety, not the least. But battery technology as well as the electronics governing them are progressing quickly.
Anyway, some current electric bikes are already as fast if not faster than petro-powered bikes.

8. Better electronics
It would seem that current electronics have reach their zenith. Think about it: The aforementioned ABS and traction control, in addition to ride modes, wheelie control, engine braking control, quickshifter, rear wheel lift mitigation, slide control, electronically-controlled suspension, etc. etc. But don’t be surprised that there will be more. At the moment, the systems will react faster given the increasing computing power.

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Tour Melaka 2018 Ride

The Tour Melaka 2018 Ride was held to promote Melaka as a fun destination for bikes as part of the Visit Melaka 2019 campaign.

As such, the organizers invited riders from Thailand and Singapore.

The ride took the participants to the most famous places and activities around Melaka over two days.

The Tour Melaka 2018 Ride was held in December last year as part of the state of Melaka’s promotion.
The ride was organized by Fast Bikes Club (FBC) with the Chairperson of the state of Tourism, Heritage and Culture Board of Melaka’s.

It was organized to promote the Visit Melaka 2019 promotion. As such, the Melaka Tourism, Heritage and Culture Board hopes that the state will become a destination for bikes from around the region.

As such, bikers from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand joined the ride. The event was sponsored by KTM Malaysia and Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya (HDPJ), among others.
Day 1
A number of participants began the ride from HDPJ. The sky opened up as the convoy got going but everyone reached the Ayer Keroh R&R safely. Another group was waiting at that location to join up.

The group then rode to the Mudzaffar Hotel near the Melaka Planetarium and just off the busy Ayer Keroh main road.
Participants regrouped later that evening for dinner. They were escorted by the Traffic Police to the Halia Inc. restaurant just opposite The Stadthuys at Bandar Hilir (city centre), and not far from Jonker Walk.

The chief organizer, Cik Nini, welcomed the riders and briefed everyone on the mission of the ride. They were given the opportunity to experience what Melaka has to offer to visitors, namely the heritage, culture and fun activities.

Afterwards, dancers came on stage to present traditional Malay dances.

After the dinner, participants were taken to the Melaka River Cruise jetty to board the ferries. A guide skillfully presented the history and culture of Melaka as they cruised on the river, enjoying the cool air and awed by the sights.

Day 2
Another day of fun awaited the riders the next day. It kicked off with the Mudzaffar Hotel launching their own brand of ikan asam pedas(sour and spicy sauce fish). Next, the CEO of the Taming Sari promoted the tower, when he also chastised the media for not promoting his facility.

The ride was flagged off from the hotel afterwards and headed to Masjid Lama Rumbia. There, the riders worked hand-in-hand (gotong-royong) to clean the mosque’s grounds.

From there it was off to lunch (asam pedas again) before heading to the Taming Sari for a ride. The viewing lifted off ground level to about 100 metres to offer the occupants a bird’s eyeview Melaka city.

The riders were then escorted to Klebang for a taste of the original coconut shake. The location was busy as heck, as usual but they received their drinks in the end to cool off.
After that, the convoy was escorted to Kampung Sungai Petai for another community service and games with the vilagers.

The ride committee and villagers held traditional games such as tarik upih, tiup tepung, bowling using coconuts, “football” with a coconut replacing the ball while the participants wore sarung, and musical chairs.

Lastly, prizes were handed out to the villagers and a lucky draw was held which included the villagers and ride participants.

PICTURE GALLERY

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2019 Ducati Diavel 1260 Production Begins

Ducati has started production on the 2019 Ducati Diavel 1260.

The Diavel 1260 shares the 159 bhp 1,262cc DVT engine of the Multistrada 1260.

It also features lean sensitive traction control and Cornering ABS.

The first 2019 Ducati Diavel 1260 has rolled off the production line in Bologna, Italy. It was greeted at the entire factory with a toast and official speech by CEO Claudio Domenicali.
The Diavel 1260 was just unveiled last year and it will be delivered to the first customers by February.
It is the second generation Diavel. Ducati claims it is now more comfortable for the rider and passenger alike, besides being designed for “mixed roads.” The main highlight is the 1262cc Testastretta DVT 90oV-twin engine which it shares with the Multistrada 1260. It produces 159 bhp at 9,500 RPM and 129 Nm of torque at 7,500 RPM. The DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) gives the engine smooth and predictable power throughout its rev range.

Apart from DVT, Ducati has also equipped the bike with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). The component enables the addition of lean sensitive traction control and cornering ABS.
As per Ducati’s tradition, the 2019 Diavel 1260 is offered in both standard and “S” model trims. The higher-spec’ed Diavel 1260S model features Öhlins suspension and Quick Shift Evo for up- and downshifts.
Both models still feature the Diavel’s signature 240mm-wide rear tyre.

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Cornering 101: The basics

Master the art of perfect cornering with your bike through these simple steps.

Think of cornering on a race bike and usually it is extreme lean angles and grinding knee sliders that spring to mind.

In reality though, even on the track, those tense and joyful moments at max lean don’t really last very long, and in terms of rapid, high quality riding, they aren’t very important at all. Far more significant than the brief heroics mid-bend is the ENTRY to and EXIT from the corner.
Enter a corner at the right speed and things may get much easier.
Entry Speed
 Exit speed is probably more critical to lap times, but there’s little that’s more important to quality cornering than entry speed. Too fast and the rest of the corner is spent in a high-stress situation trying to lose the excess speed and recover road position.
Too slow is preferable, but can bring its own perils in the quest to regain lost speed. If you lose too much speed you end up throttling hard out of the turn to regain position and risk a highside. The idea is to keep it FLOWING.
Putting weight at the front is essential for front-end grip.
Pushing the front
Most corners involve slowing down beforehand. Even if the approach to a bend in the road involves no more than rolling off the throttle instead of heavy braking, meaning the bike still enters the bend with more weight on the front tyre than the rear.
This is a GOOD THING because it gives the front tyre extra grip as it grapples with the task of turning the bike. As speed increases, cornering becomes more forceful, it also brings the risk the front will be overloaded and slide. Racers are looking for this movement from the front, always trying to find the limit each lap.
For road riders, though, the priorities on corner entry are the opposite of this because the last thing you want is finding the limit of the front tyre going into a corner surrounded by all sorts of hazards, like trees and cars.
When on track, you’d find yourself applying more legwork compared to riding on the road.
Using your body
Relax, let it flow, allow the bike to do the work. These are all common and worthwhile advice, but they ignore the fact that changing direction of a high-velocity motorcycle takes a good deal of energy from rider and machine. No need to hold on for dear life, just need a firm grip with hands and legs, allowing positive control of the machine through a bend.
Getting the bike to turn quickly is essential. You can do this by pushing the right bar forward to turn right and the left bar forward to turn left – counter-steering. Then, once you have the correct angle of lean, it’s time to relax, with your arms at least. The best thing is to relax as you get more feel of what the bike is doing.
Racers use more leg work than their arms as they’re never really sitting in the seat plus they’re always pushing the pegs to steer and control. Road riders can afford to do less work with their legs but keeping pressure on the pegs lets you shift weight around the bike more smoothly too.
National rider Azlan Shah shows how to get it right.
Let it settle
As a bike enters a turn, the load on the tyres and attitude of the bike is changing significantly. On the approach to a corner, majority of the weight is on the front, meaning the front suspension is compressed. As the brakes are released and the bike leans into the turn, weight is progressively transferred towards the rear.
When the throttle is opened even more weight will head backwards. This shift in weight will bring suspension movement with the front suspension extending as weight moves rearward with the rear shock compressing, while all the times absorbing bumps. As the forces on the tyre change, the bike needs time to settle into its new attitude of leaning into the corner.
In races, it’s often possible to see a subtle change in body language as the rider realises the bike has settled into the corner and they can begin the next phase – preparing for the exit. The same goes for road riders too – full lean is only achieved once the bike has had a chance to settle.
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MotoGP: Fabio Quartararo continues to improve in Qatar

The Qatar MotoGP Test is currently underway and after two days of testing, Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) remains at the top of the timesheets despite saying that he is still not ‘ready to race’. Still getting with grips with the 2020 Yamaha YZR-M1 ‘factory-spec’ machine, the young Frenchman continues to impress and improve his riding skills against the rest of the field.

His teammate, Franco Morbidelli, also experienced significant improvements with his ‘A-spec’ Yamaha M1 with the fourth-fastest time of the day. Both Quartararo and Morbidelli took the opportunity to clock in as many laps as possible to get used to riding in significantly riding conditions at the Losail International Circuit.

According to Fabio Quartararo, “Today has been a really positive test. We worked on the pace and, like yesterday, we just tested some different electronic settings, engine braking and of course we tried some settings on the bike – on the front and rear. I’m really happy because at the end of the day it was a better day than yesterday.”

“I felt better on the bike and we still have one more day, so I hope to improve but overall today was a really positive day. We still need to understand some more things on the bike because at the moment we have only done three days in Sepang, two days here so far. Tomorrow I can still learn many things from the bike, and we will be ready to race,” added the Frenchman.

As for Franco Morbidelli, “Today we’ve been quite fast and we were able to have a good pace with the medium tyre, but we also tested both the hard and soft tyres. The medium and soft are very similar in performance so it’s going to be important to make the right choice on race day. Later in the night, it was quite humid and more difficult to make a decent lap but overall today I felt a bit better, a bit more comfortable with the bike, a bit more consistent. We’ve been working this afternoon on my speed and it looked good but, in the race, we will have to see. I’m looking forward to tomorrow and I feel ready to go racing in two weeks.”

The final day of the Qatar MotoGP Test will commence soon where teams will need to get everything ready in time for the first opening MotoGP round of the 2020 season at the same venue in two weeks’ time. Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more updates.
MotoGP: Is Fabio Quartararo the man to beat in 2020?

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MOTOGP: Hafizh Syahrin to ride for Monster Yamaha Tech 3?

The latest MotoGP rumour has pointed out to the possibility of Hafizh Syahrin moving up into the premier class to race for Monster Yamaha Tech 3.
As Jonas Folger sits out for the 2018 season, team boss Herve Poncharal has been scrambling to find his replacement.
Nothing has been confirmed just yet but Hafizh Syahrin is definitely in the possible candidate’s list to ride the Yamaha M1 this season.

The latest and probably most interesting MotoGP gossip has to be the one involving our very own national Moto2 rider, Hafizh Syahrin. Ever since MotoGP rider Jonas Folger of Monster Yamaha Tech 3 made the announcement of not racing in 2018 to recover from a rare genetic disease, a lot of rumours have pointed out to several possible candidates to fill in his seat.

Based on the a recent report published on MCN, the 23 year old definitely has his sights locked on becoming the first MotoGP rider from South East Asia. They managed to talk to the Tech 3 team manager, Herve Poncharal regarding the matter. According to Poncharal, “Syahrin is one of the new names that wasn’t on the list until now but that is now definitely on the list – but believe me, it is very far from being done.”

“Right now, I’m really tired of the situation. We have to take care of our motorcycle manufacturer and of our sponsors, and right now the contract that I sold to all those people was with Johann Zarco and Jonas Folger. Anything different needs to be discussed and everyone has their own ideas with me in the middle,” added Poncharal.

During the recent MotoGP winter test in Sepang, it was Yonny Hernandez who took the responsibility of filling in Folger’s place for the three-day testing. He was considered to be one of the riders shortlisted to replace Folger for 2018 but looking at how he finished in P25, we highly doubt that it’ll happen for the 29 year old Colombian.

Nothing has been decided so far and choosing the 2018 replacement to ride the Yamaha M1 for the team is far from being finalised. As for Syahrin, it’ll be quite a challenge considering he just made a giant move in the Moto2 category from Petronas Raceline Malaysia to a newly-formed Moto2 squad by the folks at SIC.

Hafizh Syahrin scored two podiums last year in Misano and Motegi and his consistent results ended the 2017 season in P10 overall with 106 points. Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more updates.
Image source: MotoGP
2018 MotoGP Sepang Winter Test photo gallery

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Honda Asian Journey 2016 Travel Log – Day 2

Riding from Southern Thailand to Penang and fully enjoying the Honda DCT suite in Day 2 of the Honda Asian Journey 2016.

Day 2 of the Honda Asian Journey 2016 ride commenced today where participants got to clock in some proper touring miles crossing borders into Malaysia and practising all the learning from yesterday’s safety riding course.

Our ride began just outside the Sadao border station where we all geared up to ride the 50 bikes prepared by AP Honda Thailand. Today’s destination was Penang Island – approximately 170km of riding in total.

Much to our surprise and excitement, we found ourselves experiencing the Honda DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) system in its full prime whilst riding towards Penang. The machine we were assigned with was the seemingly controversial Honda NM4.

Honda DCT – True riding freedom?
The Honda DCT suite is a huge deal for the marque. It plans to implement the tech across a wide variety of bikes in the near future including its MotoGP racer. Honda believes that attaining “true riding freedom” comes from liberating the rider’s left hand and leg of the clutch lever and gear selector.
FACT: Honda is the first to implement DCT in production motorcycles, and it began with the VFR1200F sport tourer back in 2009. Since then, the Honda DCT has been primed in notable models such as the NM4, both the NC700 and CTX series models, and more recently the new CRF1000L Africa Twin adventure bike.

Benefits of DCT
The Honda DCT works just like any other rivalling twin-clutch automatic transmission systems. Having two separate clutches – one for odd and the other for even gear sets – grants quicker and smoother gear changes. This then improves both performance to a certain degree and fuel efficiency.
For the rider, it also means one less (critical) thing to worry about, which results in improved riding comfort and more time to enjoy what’s important – the ride of course! That’s exactly what we felt whilst riding the NM4 to from Thailand to Penang today – it really felt like a cinch.

And the Honda DCT suite’s benefits aren’t just limited to touring. For commuters and adventure riders, the added versatility from having no clutch lever to feather or gear selector to manage is a huge plus. Though it isn’t perfect, we reckon it is a matter of time before Honda refines it.
For now though, the existing system has made a number of Honda’s big bikes a whole lot easier to ride and much more appealing to the masses. Perhaps spreading the knowledge of this engineering marvel is one of the core parts of the Honda Asian Journey 2016 and its mission for the region.

Buzzing in Penang
Back to the ride and hosts Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd went the extra mile at hosting the Malaysian leg of the ride. The assembler and distributor organised a special evening soiree in the swanky Gurney Paragon Mall complete with a roadshow for the mass public.

While the core mission of the Honda Asian Journey 2016 lies its big bikes, it didn’t stop Boon Siew Honda from teasing a small yet hugely fun addition into its line up, the Honda MSX 125 (aka Grom).

The firm’s top-level executives have confirmed that the MSX 125 will be introduced ‘very soon’, with the display this evening suggesting its arrival before the year ends. You can check it out in the flesh and catch live telecasts of the MotoGP race at the roadshow as it lasts throughout the entire weekend in Gurney Paragon Mall.

Other highlights of the roadshow include games and a special display of Honda race bikes from a variety of series like the Malaysian Cub Prix and Moto3. Certainly, this display has fuelled further excitement for participants to reach the ride’s main destination – the 2016 Shell Malaysian MotoGP weekend.

Day 3 – KL bound
Stay tuned for more updates as we ride down towards Kuala Lumpur to join in on the pre-race festivities planned exclusively for the Honda Asian Journey 2016.
In the mean time, check out more pictures from today’s leg of the ride in the gallery we’ve prepared below.

Additional images credit: Gregsvideo.com / Boon Siew Honda
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Win a free roadtrip for you and a friend with Shell Advance

Shell Advance has initiated a new and exciting social media-based photo contest tailored specifically for Malaysian bikers called the Shell Advance #Advance2Langkawi contest. In this contest, entrants will stand a chance to win an all-expenses paid biking road trip of a lifetime for both themselves and one lucky friend.
The winner and the friend will get to ride their own bike with a free service including the change of lubricants to Shell Advance products and the change of the oil filter.
The destination is the exotic island of Langkawi with some stops along the way.
Accommodation is of course provided and fuel throughout the entire journey will be juiced by Shell.

To participate in the Shell Advance #Advance2Langkawi contest, all you need to do is submit the most creative photo of your most memorable biking moment onto your social media handles during the contest period – 23 October 2015 to 31 December 2015. Here are the steps:

Step 1:
 Snap of photo of your most memorable road trip moment.

Step 2:
Post your photo on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with a creative caption and tag it using the #Advance2Langkawi hashtag.

Step 3:
Remember to set your photo post privacy to “public” so contest judges can view it easily.

(Terms and Conditions applicable)

With these simple and easy steps, you might just win yourself the grand prize of an all-expenses paid biking roadtrip to Langkawi for you and a friend. The contest will reward just five winners for the grand prize so hurry and get your postings up.
Contest terms and regulations can be viewed via this link. Further information about the Shell Advance #Advance2Langkawi campaign and its other products and services are available via Shell’s official Malaysian website.
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Ducati Celebrates Double World Titles With Special Edition Panigale V4

Ducati ended the 2022 season of two-wheel racing on a high, taking home the MotoGP world title with Francesco Bagnaia and WorldSBK championship with Alvaro Bautista.

Ducati introduced two special series of the Ducati Panigale V4 to celebrate Bagnaia and Bautista world championship title at MotoGP and WorldSBK.
Only 260 unit (each bikes) will be available.

To celebrate the double victory, the Borgo Panigale outfit has created two special series of Panigale V4 bikes that was inspired by the Desmosedici GP and Panigale V4 R.
The special built motorcycle was showcased at the ‘Campioni in Piazaa’, an event that celebrates Ducati historic double win.
*Panigale V4 2022 Bagnaia World Champion Replica
According to Ducati, the two special series is made based on the Panigale V4 S and features the liveries of Bagnaia’s MotoGP bike and Bautista’s WorldSBK machine.  The two bikes will also features Bagnaia and Bautista signatures.
Also, each of the motorcycle is only available for a limited run of 260 units, in honour of 1926, the year Ducati was founded.
*Panigale V4 2022 Bautista World Champion Replica
Similar to the race bike, the Panigale V4 2022 World Champion Replica comes in an only single-seat configuration and is equipped with a billet aluminium upper clamp with laser engraving that showcased the model name and progressive number.
In addition, both motorcycle is fitted with a range of goodies including nine-disc STM-EVO SBK dry clutch, Akrapovic silencer, Brembo Stylema brake callipers with Brembo MCS, Rizome billet aluminium adjustable footpegs and racing plexiglass.
Other notable features available on both of these bikes include:

carbon fiber exhaust manifold heat sheild
carbon fiber alternator cover
carbon fiber front and rear fenders
carbon fiber front brake ducts

According to Ducati, each bike will be handed to its respective customers in a packing case with dedicated graphics and a certificate of authenticity.
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2023 KTM 200 DUKE Spotted Testing In India

KTM could introduce the next generation KTM 200 Duke as the motorcycle was recently spotted testing in India.

The next-gen KTM 200 Duke to feature revised bodywork.
Features a more prominent LCD display.

The next-gen 200 Duke should retain the same 199.5cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that makes 25.4hp and 19.5Nm.
However, KTM could likely implement minor tweaks to the engine without necessarily changing the power output.
Looking at the spy shot, it is clear that the new 200 Duke features a more aggressive silhouette with the addition of a full-LED split headlight and a new bodywork. We also noticed slight changes done to the subframe.
While the front USD forks appear similar to the current model, the monoshock is now offset. Also, the brake disc appears bigger, with the rims sharing similarities with the new RC 390.
In addition, the test mule is also fitted with a larger fully-digital LCD instrument cluster.
No words on when we could expect the new KTM 200 Duke to make its global introduction, but the announcement will likely be made soon.
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KMSB successfully organised Kawasaki Track Day 2018

Kawasaki Motors Malaysia (KMSB) organised the year’s first Kawasaki Track Day 2018 yesterday.
Around 100 Kawasaki owners joined in the track day fun around the world-class Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
2017 ARRC champion Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman also joined the event to test out Chia Motor PJ Racing Team’s Ninja ZX-10R for MSC this season.

Ahead of the country’s 14th general election, some tensions are running high and the good folks over at Kawasaki Motors Malaysia (KMSB) organised the Kawasaki Track Day 2018 yesterday to help quite a few Kawasaki owners blow off some steam. We’re talking about the highly-recommended Vitamin TD (Track Day)!

Around 100 Kawasaki owners from across the country gathered at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) ranging from the Kawasaki Ninja 250 all the way up to the manic Kawasaki Ninja H2R from some good fun around the track.

The morning session last Sunday was also joined by one of Malaysia’s great motorcycle racers, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman. The 33-year-old rider who is also last year’s Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) champion has signed a deal with the Chia Motor PJ Kawasaki Racing team and will be competing in this year’s Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSC).

Azlan will be racing in the MSC Superbike category and considers this as a great way to prepare himself for 2019 where he will be competing in the first ever 1,000cc Superbike class set up for the Asia Road Racing (ARRC) series.

It was a sight to behold as normal everyday riders took their machines on the world-class track together with racers and champions of the motorsports industry. It was also refreshing to see a number of Kawasaki H2 and H2R owners blasting their supercharged machines down the straightaways as if they were released back into their natural habitat; wild and free.

Members of TOC Automotive College (TOC) also joined in the festivities with their own Ninja ZX-10R. The racing team was developed as part of and way to promote their latest Superbike Technician Course which is set to start this July. They too will compete in the MSC series which is set to begin next week at SIC.

It was indeed a great event organised by KMSB and for Kawasaki fans/enthusiasts here in Malaysia (and neighbouring countries), be prepared as there will be more to come. Now we just have to wait for the launch of the very exciting and brand new 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 250 and 400!

Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more.

TESTED: 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS test & review

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Moto3: Sofuoglu Take Swipe At FIM For ‘Unfair’ Deniz Oncu Two Race Ban

Five-time WorldSSP champion, Kenan Sofuogly, claims that Deniz Oncu two Moto3 race bans by FIM an unfair treatment for the young Turkish rider.
Sofuogly is currently focusing his career on developing young Turkish talent after ending his successful career in 2018.
Among those talents is current WorldSBK title contender Toprak Razgatlioglu and the Oncu brothers Deniz and Can.
However, Deniz Oncu was all over the news during the Moto3 race at Circuit of the Americas.

Oncu swept across to tuck into a slipstream, which contacted Jeremy Alcoba, who fell off his bike. Alcoba’s bike was later struck by Andrea Migno, who caught some air before crashing.
Pedro Acosta was also involved in the pile-up and crash before he flew against the barricade.
While the race was red-flagged with all three riders allowed to restart, the talk of the town was on Oncu as several MotoGP riders reportedly wanted stern action taken against him.
Nonetheless, Sofuoglu says the two penalties were unfair treatment towards Oncu and compared the Moto3 incident to Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in F1.
“We also see in Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, that people like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen drive very aggressively.
“To be successful, you have to be aggressive. It’s part of this sport. Today drivers complain too much.
“For me, the decision against Deniz is not fair. You have to watch the videos, and I see much more dangerous manoeuvres than Deniz’s.
“For me, the main reason riders complain about my boys is because they are so strong. Because you can’t beat him. So they look for reasons to complain,” he said.
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