2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship: TOC HKMTOYO Racing Team Leads

TOC HKMTOYO Racing Team leads the Superbike standings.

The team is formed through the TOC Technical College and HKMToyo Racing Team.

Round 1 of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship marked the first outing for the team.

The TOC HKMTOYO Racing Team was recently constituted, concurrently with the launch of TOC Automotive College’s (TOC) Motorcycle Technician Training course. (Please click here for our coverage.)

As TOC believes that technical training does not only involve repairing vehicles, as motorsports is seen as the ultimate way for the school to impart knowledge and training to their students in a fun way to face the challenges associated with racing. As such, they have also a racing division called School of Motorsports. This division has spawned four-wheeled racing champions in the past and it is only natural that they extend it to two-wheeled motorsports as well.

Headed by Team Principal Mohd. Najuib Alias, HKMTOYO Racing Team is the defending MSBK champion from 2017. The team had also worked with MARA for industrial training in the past thus the tie-up with TOC Automotive College for the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship makes sense, if not inevitable.

The newly formed team combines the technical skills, knowledge and experience of the HKMTOYO Racing Team and personnel from TOC. TOC had also secured the services of Malaysian GP legend and current MX trainer at Most Fun Gym “Foreman” Oh Kah Beng as the Motosports Director to supervise the team and provide MX training.

Four riders are contracted to the team for the Superbike and Superstock classes.
In the Superbike category, Ramdan Rosli raced in the FIM CEV Moto2 Championship in Spain. He was also a wildcard rider in the World Moto2 championship between 2014 to 2016. He rides the BMW S 1000 RR.

The second rider is Muhammad Jamalul Tarmizi, riding the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.

As for the Superstock category, Amirul Hafiq Azmi and Nasarudin Mat Yop are the riders.

In Race 1 of the Superbike class, Ramdan took it easy at start of the wet race, falling behind Rajini Krishnan of Team RACR and Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of Chia Motor PJ. Soon, he was able to find his rhythm and started stalking the second-place man, and eventually passing Azlan Shah with 4 laps remaining to finish 2nd.
Muhammad Jamalul rode a steady race to finish 5th, for a tally of two TOC HKMTOYO bikes in the Top 5.

As for Race 2, Ramdan had started strong and was in a three-way battle among Rajini and Azlan Shah. However, Rajini crashed at the start of Lap 3, leaving the two other riders to fight it out. Unfortunately, Ramdan had started to slow from that point with brake problems and allowing Azlan Shah to ride away 2 seconds faster per lap.

As for Muhammad Jamalul, he went one better this time and came home in fourth.
“There was no front brake. The lever came all the way back to the handle grip,” lamented Ramdan. “The only I could make it work was to hold the lever back slightly but I still didn’t have full braking power.”

That was amazing feat considering the monumental challenge.

In the Superstock category, Amirul Hafiz Azmi finished in 5th in Race 1 but forced to retire in Race 2, while his teammate Nasarudin May Yusop picked up 3rd in Race 2.

The TOC HKMTOYO Racing Team now leads the riders’ and teams’ championship in the Superbike Category of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) as the series heads into the Ramadhan and Hari Raya Puasa break.
PICTURE GALLERY

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2020 Yamaha XSR 155 launched in Indonesia – RM10,717

Yamaha Motor Indonesia has expanded its small-capacity motorcycle line-up with the launch of their latest naked modern-retro model, the 2020 Yamaha XSR 155. With its catchphrase “Born to be Free”, fans in the country can cop one of the bad boys at only IDR36,265,000 (around RM10,717 according to the current exchange rate).

The latest Yamaha offering in Indonesia comes fitted with a 155cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-valve, fuel-injection engine with VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) that produces a healthy 19hp (14.2kW) at 10,000rpm and 14.7Nm of maximum torque at 8,500rpm.

This modern-retro package also comes with a fully digital LCD round speedometer that further enhances the bike’s retro appeal together with the single-seat ‘heritage’ design. Its drip-shaped fuel tank not only looks super fly but also has an impressive fuel-carrying capacity of 10.4 litres.

The ‘Deltabox’ frame is matted to an all-aluminium rear swingarm and also inverted telescopic front forks. All-round LED lights are also included in the package. Moving down, you’ll also notice a set of 17-inch rims wrapped with tubeless dual-purpose tyres for some extra fun on the roads less travelled.

The 2020 Yamaha XSR 155 comes in two colour options for the Indonesian market, Silver and Black. It definitely looks like a winner in our books and will probably do well if or when Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) decides to make this particular model available here in Malaysia. The XSR 155 was initially launched in Thailand back in August 2019.

Yamaha MT-15 Spotted in Malaysia

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Can 58 Indian Army men ride a single motorcycle? YES, THEY CAN!

Image source: India Today
On 19 November 2017, 58 Indian Army Service Corps Display team broke the world record for most people on a single motorcycle.
The record was set at the Bangalore Yelahanka Air Base where they used a slightly modified 500cc Royal Enfield motorcycle.
Known as “The Tornadoes”, the men broke their old world record which was set at 56 men.

Most motorcycles are only built to accommodate to lovely bike enthusiasts. Sometimes it’s just one for those who enjoy the solo ride and some more with the assistance of a side car or even a wacky stretched out custom machine. So how is it possible that a large group of people are able to ride a single motorcycle without breaking it or themselves?
Image source: Indian Express
Just ask the Indian Army. Just last week, the Indian Army Service Corps Display team aka “The Tornadoes” and they tell you just how to pull such an amazing feat. Better yet, check out the video below where it pretty much sums up the amazing feat which has been set as the new world record (also previously set by them at 56 people).

On 19 November 2017, a group of colour-coordinated men resembling their proud Indian nation gathered at the Bangalore Yelahanka Air Base located in Bengaluru, India to break their previous record. Utilizing a slightly modified 500cc Royal Enfield bike, the video showed that they somehow managed to start the run with 40 men on board and one by the one, the others started to hop on.
Image source: Hindustan Times
Once all 58 men were on board, they successfully rode the bike for a distance of 1.2km! Not a bad topic to start off a conversation, right?
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Rare Brough Superior barn find worth RM2.2 million!

As far as classic bikes go, no other name carries its weight in gold as much as the famed Brough Superior marque. Famed for hand-building motorcycles, sidecars and motor cars for the wealthy elite from 1919 to 1940, the British marque’s motorcycles were dubbed by many as the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles in its heyday.

Founder George Brough, who was a famed British motorcycle racer, had a clientele list that many would envy as it included the likes of Lawrence of Arabia and George Bernard Shaw. In its 21-year history, Brough Superior successfully developed 19 bike models and produced 3,048 units before operations ceased, but reports suggest that only less than a third of those still exists in the hands of collectors today. However, a recent barn find in a village on Bodmin Moor, England, is about to increase that number, albeit slightly.

Dubbed the ‘Broughs of Bodmin Moor’ collection, a series vintage motorcycles were found partly buried under dust and machinery. At least three complete bikes were found including a rare four-cylinder version of the Brough Superior – one of only eight known to be built and the last to be accounted for. Also in the mix was an ultra-rare Brough Superior 750cc BS4 that features a peculiar twin rear wheel layout.
Experts have stated that this is perhaps the greatest motorcycle discoveries of recent times as their existence was thought to be mythical prior to being found. Adding to that is the fact that this could also be the last un-restored collection of Brough Superior motorcycles to be found.

With that in mind, it is easy to see how the ‘Broughs of Bodmin Moor’ collection was given an estimated value of £340,000 in its entirety – that’s roughly RM2.2 million. Leading this is the twin rear wheel model, which has been valued between £80,000 and £120,000 (approx. RM518,000 – RM777,000). Besides its rare layout, this particular bike’s value skyrocketed thanks to the fact that it once belonged to Hubert Chantrey, a friend of George Brough.
The collection is expected to meet its £340,000 estimated total value when each bike goes under the hammer with specialist auction house Bonhams April next year. Additionally, you can view the complete collection and details in this press release issued by the auction house online.
‘Broughs of Bodmin Moor’

Source: Bonhams via Visordown
Images: Bonhams via DailyMail
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Yamaha MT-07 New Colours for 2017

The mighty MT-07 now comes in “Night Fluo” and “Yamaha Blue”

Good news for Yamaha fans in Malaysia. The naked sports MT-07 is now available in two new colours. Hong Leong Yamaha Malaysia now offers the MT-07 in “Night Fluo” and “Yamaha Blue”.

To those who are not in the know about the Yamaha MT-07, the bike was actually launched a few years back in 2014. There have been no major updates on the bike yet apart from a few ergonomic aspects but the overall original essence of the MT-07 remains intact.

The main heart that drives the smallest naked sport siblings is a 689cc “crossplane philosophy” inline 2-cylinder 4 stroke engine that pumps out a healthy 73.7hp @ 9,000rpm and maximum torque of 68Nm @ 6,500rpm. The MT-07 is closely related to its bigger and more powerful brothers, the torque monsters Yamaha MT-09 and MT-10 which all falls under the MT range or “Masters of Torque”.

The main aspect that makes the MT-07 a fun bike to ride is the massive acceleration with linear torque. The bike is also very fun to ride due to the fact that the frame is a lightweight and compact tubular backbone frame. The total dry weight is only at 164kg and when paired with the great 689cc engine, it makes the bike super agile and easy to maneuver even for newer riders to the big bike scene.

The Night Fluo and Yamaha Blue for the Yamaha MT-07 will only be available in the middle of January 2017 and will be priced at RM36,795.78 (basic price with GST). To know more about the Yamaha MT-07 with the new colours, you may visit any of the Yamaha showrooms nationwide.

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Ian Hutchinson & Lee Johnston completes 2018 Honda Racing line-up

The 2018 Honda Racing line-up has been announced in the form of Ian Hutchinson and Lee Johnston.
16-time Isle of Man TT winner Hutchinson and former National Superstock 600 champion Johnston will be continuing Honda’s road racing efforts for 2018.
Both riders will have their hands full in order to tame the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 to race in the North West 200, Isle of Man TT and Ulster GP next year.

The road racing world has woke up to quite an announcement earlier today with Honda Racing confirming that 16-time Isle of Man TT winner Ian Hutchinson and former National Superstock 600 champion Lee Johnston will be joining their road racing efforts for 2018.

These two great road racers will be given a momentous task on handling and developing the manic Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 which has not seen a lot of success due to a few issues which can be seen in WorldSBK. It is without a doubt that Hutchinson aka “The Bingley Bullet” has what it takes to do the job considering his incomparable success in road racing.

Hutchinson is the only rider ever to have won all motorcycle races in a single season during the Isle of Man TT 2010. There were five categories at the time which included two middleweight races, two superstock races and the show-stopping senior TT.
Guy Martin on board the Honda Fireblade SP2 during last year’s Isle of Man TT (Image source: Grimsby) Telegraph
Lee Johnston has quite a run as well considering his success in the North West 200 as well as a few podiums in the Isle of Man TT ever since he started his efforts back in 2012. According to the 28 year old Brit rider, “I am genuinely excited about being with Honda Racing next year, I’m probably the most excited I’ve been in years if I’m honest! I have had two tough years and it’s nice to have everything organised and in place early so I have nothing to worry about apart from riding motorbikes.”
Image source: www.ndtvimg.com
When Hutchinson was asked to comment, he stated “I’m really looking forward to getting started with Honda Racing; it’s a new challenge and a fresh start for me. I suppose I have quite a bit of history with Honda, ten years ago I rode with this official team and in 2009/2010 I rode with Padgetts Honda, where I scored five-TT wins in a week, so I know the Fireblade pretty well. I haven’t ridden the Fireblade SP2 yet and will have to wait until we go testing early next year, but I can’t wait to start making some progress.”

The boys will be racing the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 in three different road races this year which are the North West 200 (13 – 19 May 2018), Isle of Man TT (26 May – 8 June 2018) and Ulster GP (5 – 11 August 2018).
Image source: Grimsby Telegraph
Source: Honda Racing
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Video: KTM Super Duke R tearing up Ascari

Not too long ago, ex MotoGP ace Jeremy McWilliams showed how to let the beastly KTM 1290 Super Duke R loose around the Sepang International Circuit during the bike’s Malaysian launch.
And, in celebration of all things great about the new 1290 Super Duke R’s hooliganism, KTM released this video of Jeremy tearing it up on the asphalt of the Ascari circuit. As you would expect, the Jeremy does what he does best with such a bike, popping wheelies at 200km/h plus, and simply making the journalists he was on track with look like green newbies.
Words do little, so enjoy the film released by KTM posted below.

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A Foggy-Petronas FP1 Sells for RM167,149

A Foggy-Petronas FP1 was auctioned at RM167,149 (£31,275) in a retro show in England.

The bodywork was fully restored, and the bike is in running condition.

The bike was a homologation model for World Superbike Racing.

A Foggy-Petronas FP1 was sold for RM167,149 (£31,275) in England.
MCN reported that the particular bike has only 7km on the odometer and was sold at a retro show in Warwickshire. This unit came from 2003 but the bodywork has been restored to the original Petronas livery by the manufacturer.
We reported months ago about a batch of Foggy-Petronas FP1 acquired by a British race car firm, Lanzante. But the company did not reveal the number of units they have. They also insisted that their batch is not among the 129 bikes seized by Malaysian Customs.
MCN discovered 60 FP1s in a warehouse in Essex in 2010. Those 60 units plus another 69 were sold to Momoto in Malaysia and rebadged as the Momoto MM1. But they were soon seized by the Customs for not paying the import and excise duties. Momoto sued Petronas but there was no other news thereafter.
The Foggy-Petronas FP1 road-legal bike was made to homologate it for World Superbike racing. the Sauber Racing 899cc three-cylinder engine produces 127 hp at 10,000 RPM and 92 Nm of torque at 9,700 RPM. The bike is also bedecked with high-end componentry such as Öhlins suspension, OZ Racing wheels and Brembo brakes.
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Malaysian Customs Dept May Confiscate Your Helmet

Photo credit Ministry of Superbike

The Malaysian Customs Dept may confiscate your helmet at points of entry.

It is to stop non-regulated helmets entering the country and made available for sale.

We called the Customs Dept for clarification; details below.

Our friends at Ministry of Superbike posted a picture at a Malaysian airport regarding motorcycle helmets. The Malaysian Customs Dept and JPJ (Road Transport Ministry of Malaysia) are working together on this new ruling.
The poster warned that helmets imported and brought into Malaysia without the UN R22 (ECE22.XX) or SIRIM MS1 standards will be confiscated.
This helmet has a SNELL print but is also a SIRIM MS1 sticker, so it’s okay
BikesRepublic.com made a few (urgent) calls to the Customs Dept. regarding this matter. That’s also because we bring our own helmets and riding gear for overseas test rides.
Firstly, the Customs Dept. recommends that Malaysians leaving the country with a helmet or two to declare the items. We may do so at the Customs office at points of disembarkation.
That’s because we may have a hard time convincing the officers that it was our personal helmet(s) that we brought overseas in the first place. We’ll have to pay a Customs Duty if we couldn’t convince them otherwise.
Secondly, for Malaysians, if we are question regarding a helmet in a box, it needs to comply with the said regulations, even if it’s for personal use. For example, it’s a DOT certified helmet with no other certifications. It will be confiscated if you did not seek prior permit from JPJ. (Due to suspicion of importing it for sale.)
Thirdly, if you are a foreigner travelling to Malaysia with a helmet that doesn’t meet those regulations, make sure it is for personal use. If you bring one together with a box, you may have it detained while seeking approval from JPJ or confiscated outright.
So please bear these points in mind lest you have your MotoGP star autographed helmet end up in the bin at the airport.
These steps by the ministries involved have been a long time coming, since many irresponsible parties have been illegally importing helmets that do not meet Malaysian safety regulations.
You may also reach the Malaysian Customs Department’s enquiry hotline at 1-300-888-500.
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13-year-old killed in motorcycle accident following failed overtaking attempt

Image source: Berita Harian.
13-year-old Penang youth loses life following motorcycle accident caused by a failed overtaking attempt.

13-year-old Form One student killed in motorcycle accident in Kepala Batas, Penang.

The accident involved another motorcycle ridden by another youth, aged 14.

Both youths collided their motorcycles, leading to the younger 13-year-old’s fatality.

Both youths were reportedly riding motorcycles that belonged to their respective fathers.

Local daily Berita Harian reports that a 13-year-old youth was killed in a motorcycle accident in Kepala Batas, Penang, earlier this week. The Form One student reportedly lost his life following the incident which occurred late Tuesday night.
According to the report, the 13-year-old youth was enroute towards Kepala Batas from Penaga. The incident occurred as said youth attempted to overtake a car. However, whilst on the oncoming lane, said youth came into the path of an oncoming motorcycle that was ridden by another 14-year-old.
The failed overtaking manoeuvre led to both teenagers colliding their motorcycles, which in turn led to the 13-year-old’s death at the accident scene. The other 14-year-old rider, on the other hand, reportedly suffered severe injuries to the legs and body.
According to Seberang Prai Utara District Police Chief ACP Mohd Radzi Ahmad, initial investigations revealed both youths were riding motorcycles belonging to their respective fathers. Reports did not indicate if either parents or the surviving youth will be subjected to charges as yet.
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Barry Sheene movie teased

Narrative feature film about legendary grand prix and road racer Barry Sheene teased online.
This is a special one for all classic MotoGP fans as a film about one of the sport’s most charismatic legends Barry Sheene is in the works.
The narrative feature film is the co-production of British and Australian filmmakers Will Stoppard and Rod Morris. The film will be based on the book “Barry: The Story of Motorcycling Legend Barry Sheene” written by the late rider’s teammate Steve Parrish and MotoGP commentator Nick Harris.
For those of you who don’t know, the legendary Barry Sheene was renowned in the 1970s era of Grand Prix motorcycle racing. Unlike the MotoGP superstars of today, the Cockney Englishman was considered a true rebel thanks to his lifestyle of endless parties, boozing and cigarette smoking – Barry’s lifestyle then was more akin to a 1970s rockstar than a top athlete.
Furthermore, Barry wasn’t the only British playboy ruling the racing world. He was often associated with his good friend and Formula 1 counterpart of the same era, the legendary James Hunt. You can understand more about both Barry and James in the special documentary posted below.

Despite the excessive lifestyle, Barry was known to be a top-notch race rider in his hey-day. His career pinnacle was none other than his back-to-back double world 500cc titles he scored in 1976 and 1977 whilst racing for Suzuki. Barry also stood as Britain’s last Grand Prix motorcycle racing champion in any category until Danny Kent’s title win in the World Moto3 class last year.
Other than what we’ve just reported, little else is known about the film, which goes by the title of ‘Sheene’. We’ll have more on this as it develops. You can also follow the development via the film’s official site, official social media pages ( Facebook / Twitter ) and its official YouTube channel.
Sources: Sheene.com via Asphaltandrubber
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Former MotoGP star Jorge Lorenzo enters Porsche Carrera Cup Italia

Retired MotoGP triple world champion Jorge Lorenzo switches to four-wheeled racing, enters Porsche Carrera Cup Italia series.

Retired MotoGP star Jorge Lorenzo is the latest to make switch to four-wheeled racing.

Lorenzo will race in the Porsche Carrera Cup Italia series with Team Ghinzani Arco.

He will also make a special appearance aboard a VIP car at Imola for the Porsche Supercup. Series.

Three-time MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo has been enjoying retirement well. After leaving the sport at the end of 2019, the Mallorcan has kept himself busy with plenty of things including being a self-styled MotoGP pundit in his #99seconds series published through his official YouTube Channel.
He’s also about to be inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame soon.
With his latest announcement though, Lorenzo can now add car racing into his ever growing schedule. The 34-year-old Mallorca native will reportedly compete in the Porsche Carrera Cup Italia this year after signing a deal with the Team Ghinzani Arco outfit.
On top of that, he will also make a special appearance at Imola aboard a VIP car in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup series as well.

Jorge Lorenzo is the latest retired motorcycle racing star to switch to four-wheeled racing. This includes  Valentino Rossi who enters the GT World Challenge series aboard an Audi R8 LMS GT3, as well as Dani Pedrosa who recently announced his entry into the Lamborghini Super Trofeo series.
“After the end of my MotoGP career, I missed the competition. So I was looking for a discipline that wasn’t quite as risky as motorcycle racing. Last year I did some virtual races in the esports version of the Porsche Carrera Cup Italia. Switching to the real Porsche 911 GT3 Cup was the next step,” Lorenzo was quoted by Speedweek about the switch to four-wheeled racing.

Regarded as one of the most competitive one-make racing series on the planet, the series mandates all competitors in using the Porsche 911 GT Cup Car machine. Based off the Porsche 911 GT3 (992 generation) road car, it packs the Stuttgart sportscar brand’s famed rear-mounted 4.0-litre flat-six powertrain with over 500HP on tap.

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Yamaha Motor To Donate RM2.9 Million In Humanitarian Aid To Ukraine

Yamaha Motor announced that the firm would donate USD700,000 (RM2.9 Million) towards humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
The donation will be made via Japan Platform – a non-profit organization – with the funds that will be used explicitly for helping those who are affected by the Russian invasion into the country.
According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, more than 902 civilians have perished in Ukraine and another 1,459 have been wounded so far in the ongoing war.
Unfortunately, the office is worried that the actual number will likely be considerably higher.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Yamaha Motor expressed its deepest condolences and sympathies to all victims affected by the war.
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FIRST LOOK: 2023 Triumph Street Triple R, RS And Moto2 Edition

Triumph Motorcycles has announced a more powerful Street Triple R and RS for 2023, with the introduction of a Moto 2 Edition limited to just 765 units.

The 2023 Street Triple is more powerful than ever.
The motorcycle features new engine internals, a higher combustion ratio and improved ergonomics.

Benefiting from the engine that powers the Moto2 World Championship, the Street Triple R and RS feature more power and improved rideability and ergonomics.
What’s new for 2023?
The R now makes 2hp more than the previous generation, with the power output rated at 118hp. However, the RS now boasts 128hp thanks to the higher compression ratio and new engine internals.

That said, the engine now houses new pistons, new connecting rods and redesigned combustion chamber, all contributing to the higher peak power.
In addition, the 2023 Triumph Street Triple range also features a new gearbox with a revised gear ratio.

Spec-wise, the 2023 Street Triple comes with lots of goodies, with the R variant boasting Brembo M4 brake callipers and a fully-adjustable suspension courtesy of Showa.
Meanwhile, the up-spec RS gets a Showa 41mm USD big piston forks and Ohlins piggyback rear shock. On the other hand, the Moto2 Edition gets Ohlins 43mm fully adjustable forks and rear shocks.

All three models also received a new electronic package, including refined cornering ABS, traction control and 4+1 riding modes; Road, Rain, Sport, Rider and Track (only available on the RS/Moto2 Edition).
Pricing and availability
According to Triumph, the Street Triple range starts from GBP9,59 for the R, GBP11,295 for the RS and GBP13,795 for the Moto2 Edition.

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MotoGP: Franco Morbidelli bags first premier class win in Misano

If you miss seeing Jorge Lorenzo performing his textbook win on the Yamaha M1 by taking the holeshot and leaving everyone in the dust, then yesterday’s race was one of those except that it was done by Petronas Yamaha SRT’s Franco Morbidelli.

After a thrilling weekend which was clearly dominated by the Yamahas, the race started with Franco Morbidelli in pole position and basically leaving everyone throughout the race, apart from being followed by his mentor, Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) for the most part.

The fourth new #MotoGP winner of 2020!!! ?
Congratulations @FrankyMorbido12! ?#FrankySaysRelax | #SanMarinoGP ?? pic.twitter.com/ySB7AjBGGM
— MotoGP™? (@MotoGP) September 13, 2020

With Rossi unable to keep up with Morbidelli due to degrading tyre grip, the last part of the race saw yet another VR46 Academy rider storming to the second position, which is Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing). He proved that even on a track that clearly benefited the Yamahas, his Ducati Desmosedici GP was a worthy force to be reckoned with.

Third place was set for Rossi’s 200th podium finish but having struggled with a massive drop in grip performance, the final podium spot was nicked from him by another young lad, Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar). Clearly having a better pace, the young Spaniard made his move on the Doctor at the very last lap.

According to Franco Morbidelli after the race, “I feel like this has been a magical week for me. Everything had been going well, so going into today I was thinking that maybe something good would be possible. Turns out, it was something great! I have never won a World Championship race at home before, so to do it in MotoGP is the greatest achievement in my life. I’m really proud to be able to say that.”

“I want to say thanks to all the people that work with me, it isn’t just me. This win is a result of teamwork. Right now, I’m just so proud of what we have achieved, not just today but in general. Seven years ago, I was racing here with a stock 600, now I’m winning a MotoGP race. It’s just amazing, especially as it’s the first race with a crowd this year. It felt great to be able to salute the crowd after the race. We do this for them, so to celebrate with them was such a great feeling,” added Morbidelli.
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TVS Reach New Milestone, Exported 100,000 Units Of Motorcycle In March 2021

While the world is slowly starting to show recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, TVS Motor Company has already hit the ground running as the India motorcycle company just reached a new milestone.
For March 2021 alone, TVS exported an impressive 100,000 units of their motorcycle.
Apart from the spectacular figure, it also proves a significant rise in personal mobility, with two-wheelers becoming the most affordable and practical choice for commuting.
Moreover, TVS has product offerings for all sorts of motorcyclists, and it all comes at a very affordable price. The quality of TVS is undeniably good as the famous BMW G 310 R, and G 310 GS are also co-developed by TVS Motor Company.
TVS exports its motorcycle to over 60 countries, including Malaysia, and in some part of the world, offering services for the BMW G 310 range.
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New Michelin Anakee Wild tyres for adventurers (with videos)

New Michelin Anakee Wild tyres made exclusively for big bore adventurers.

Famed French tyre makers Michelin have announced a new series of dual-sport tyres called the Anakee Wild. Notably, the Michelin Anakee Wild series was developed specifically for flagship adventure bike models.

The Michelin Anakee Wild series was developed with a mixed blend of radial and parallel belt plies that Michelin claims to have significant improvements over three areas – longevity, efficiency and comfort. The Anakee Wild series were designed with off-road riding in mind, with the adoption of a mixed blend is a complete departure from the previous Michelin Anakee series.

Despite looking rather generic and akin to regular flat track tyres, a closer study of the Michelin Anakee Wild tyre grooves reveals a slightly different spacing of the knobs that promises reduced mud and stone retention. Complementing that are the two steel rods reinforcing the shoulder and the tyre’s radial structure for the walls, both of which promising greater resilience with terrain change and greater comfort as well.

Another key area of strength for the Michelin Anakee Wild tyres lie in the belts that run parallel with the steel reinforcements. This offers structural strength to offset the forces that causes tyre deformation especially when it is subjected to the action of centrifugal force at speeds.

Naturally, with a tyre design capable of retaining its shape even when subjected to high stresses, Michelin states that the Anakee Wild promises increased safety and handling predictability, which correlates to better steering responses and higher confidence for riders too. The French brand even claims that the Anakee Wild is the first knobby tyre of its kind to offer such levels of on-road stability and comfort thanks to the adoption of the radial design.
But as mentioned at the start, the Michelin Anakee Wild series were designed specifically for flagship adventure bike models as it does not come in either 21-inch front or 18-inch rear wheel sizes. Instead, Michelin will offer the Anakee Wild only in 110/80 R19 and 120/70 R19 sizes for the front and 150/70 R17 and 170/60 R17 for the rear.

Source: Michelin via AutoEvolution
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MotoGP: Quartararo Admits No Changes Is Done To His M1, Plea For More Power

Fabio Quartararo began the defence of his 2021 MotoGP title with the Official MotoGP Sepang Test at Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
Despite ending Day 1 & 2 as the fastest Yamaha rider on the track, Quartararo was still behind two or more Ducati machinery on the grid.
Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro emerged as the fastest rider on Day 1, while Enea Bastianini clocked the quickest time on Day 2 onboard the one-year-old Ducati GP21.

The result could frustrate Quartararo, who was notably outperformed by Ducati bikes during the latter rounds of last year.
It also led to Quartararo asking Yamaha to extract more speed from the factory M1 in the hope to quell the threat of Ducati, especially on the straights.
However, while Quartararo’s top speed of 332.3km/h looked strong, he admitted to out-braked himself coming through the speed trap.

“I wanted more horsepower, but at the end we can’t just invent [more horsepower].
“If we have it, it’s better. But if we don’t, it’s not useful to say all the time that it’s missing power.
“If you have no power, you adapt yourself, like I did in the past. If we need to adapt, we’re going to adapt,” he said.
Yamaha is known for its agility; however its unwavering approach to ensuring the M1 remains the sweetest handling on the grid at the expense of power has come in for criticism in recent years, from the likes of Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales.
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2020 Yamaha Bolt bobber unveiled for US & Japan market

There’s a new Japanese bobber in the market and it’s called the 2020 Yamaha Bolt. It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything from this particular Yamaha Sport Heritage model (2015 was its Malaysian debut with the XV950R) but now, a new generation has been announced to make its debut for the US and Japanese market very soon.

Marketed as the ‘perfect union of old‑school soul and modern form featuring a torquey V‑Twin, and classic bobber design’, the 2020 Yamaha Bolt is offered in two different variants, the standard Bolt and the range-topping Bolt R. The ‘Urban Performance Bobber’ offers a minimalist styling paired with a compact chassis as well as a high-tech 942cc V-Twin engine.

Housed within its double-cradle frame is an air-cooled V-twin SOHC engine that produces 53hp at 5,500rpm and 80Nm of maximum torque as low as 3,000rpm. Paired with a five-speed gearbox and belt final drive, the new Yamaha Bolt offers a punchy and exhilarating low to mid-range riding experience.

Other highlighted features include:

Low seat height (690mm)
Beefy 41mm front forks + twin rear shocks
Custom spoke wheels (19-inch front, 16-inch rear)
298mm front disc brakes (wave rotors for both front & back)
13-litre teardrop-shaped fuel tank
LCD meter instrument
Rear LED taillamp

2020 Yamaha Bolt R
As for the range-topping 2020 Yamaha Bolt R, that comes with all the fixings of the standard Bolt, apart from a unique Matte Silver paint job, rear dual piggyback shocks, and a set of 12-spoke cast alloy wheels. The Japanese can get one in a few months’ time with prices from 979,000 yen to 1,025,200 yen (around RM40,000-RM42,000).
10 Greatest Yamaha Motorcycles (Part 2)

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Close win for the world’s fastest Ducati Multistrada at Pikes Peak!

The world’s fastest Ducati Multistrada 1260 gave Ducati back their crown at the 2018 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

Ducati’s Carlin Dunne took his fourth win after a close battle with KTM’s Rennie Scaysbrook.

KTM also won and broke the record for the middleweight division thanks to Chris Fillmore and the new KTM 790 Duke.

The 96th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb saw a lot of brave souls battling it out at the ‘Race to the Clouds’ near Colorado Springs, USA. For the motorcycle heavyweight division, it was expected that Ducati and KTM will go head to head but no one expected it would be such a close race.

With Ducati bringing in their biggest off-road guns to the scene, their specially-made 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak regained their crown after Carlin Dunne crossed the finish line at 9:59.102. The South African rider managed to fend off KTM’s Rennie Scaysbrook and his 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R by only a nail-biting 0.7 seconds.

“We did it. The Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak proved as amazing as we all hoped. It performed flawlessly, giving me everything I needed to get up the mountain. Pikes Peak is never an easy race, but the weather cooperated and we clinched the victory for Ducati.”

Although the top two finishers gave fans one hell of a race, it was the third fastest time of the day that shocked everyone. Chris Fillmore (the person who obliterated the Pikes Peak record last year with a 9:49.625) gave KTM the middleweight crown after he piloted the new KTM 790 Duke to victory.

What’s more amazing is the fact that he did so with a time of 10:04.038, just three seconds behind the race winner. This is considered a ground-breaking achievement considering how big the performance differences between the two machines.

While Ducati has successfully regained their crown at Pikes Peak, KTM came out not far behind with smiles on their faces. Thanks to Chris Fillmore, KTM now hold both the records for the heavyweight and middleweight categories with their 1290 Super Duke R and 790 Duke.

Pos.
Rider
Class
Bike
Time

1
Carlin Dunne
Heavyweight
2018 Ducati MTS1260 Pikes Peak
09:59.1

2
Rennie Scaysbrook
Heavyweight
2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
09:59.8

3
Chris Fillmore
Middleweight
2018 KTM 790 Duke
10:04.0

4
Codie Vahsholtz
Heavyweight
2018 Ducati MTS1260 Pikes Peak
10:12.7

5
Thilo Gunther
Heavyweight
2015 BMW S 1000 R
10:16.6

6
Lucy Glöckner (R)
Heavyweight
2015 BMW S 1000 R
10:21.9

7
Davey Durelle
Middleweight
2007 Aprilia SXV
10:36.0

8
Rafael Paschoalin
Middleweight
2017 Yamaha MT-09
10:38.4

9
Tyler O’Hara (R)
Lightweight
2016 Yamaha YZ450F
11:04.3

10
Travis Newbold
Lightweight
2005 Honda CRF
11:13.9

11
Joseph Toner
Exhibition
2007 Aprilia SXV Custom
11:29.1

12
Akinori Inoue (R)
Heavyweight
2018 Kawasaki Z900RS
11:34.0

13
Darryl Lujan
Lightweight
2013 Honda CRF450R
11:39.6

14
Michael Woolaway (R)
Exhibition
2014 Ducati Hypermotard
11:40.7

15
Theo Bernhard
Quad
2007 Yamaha YZ500
12:03.7

16
Mark Bartle
Lightweight
2018 Honda CRF450F
12:13.7

17
Doug Chestnutt
Lightweight
2012 Yamaha WR-450
12:33.6

18
Jeremiah Johnson
Electric
2018 University of Nottingham UoN-PP-02
–.—

19
Robert Barber
Electric
2018 Buckeye Current RW-3x
–.—

20
Leandro Rad (R)
Lightweight
2015 Yamaha YZ
–.—

New Colour for Ducati Supersport

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Royal Enfield Himalayan debuts in web video series

New and hyped up Royal Enfield Himalayan adventure bike debuts in series of videos ahead of debut date.

There seems to be a lot of hype online surrounding the upcoming and new Royal Enfield Himalayan. The Indian motorcycle brand has positioned its new Himalayan model as its debut entry into the adventure bike segment, and it is scheduled to debut in early February.
Despite its debut slated just a week away from now, it hasn’t stopped the firm from showing off the new model in a series of videos posted on the official Royal Enfield YouTube channel.

Based on numerous spyshots and reports online, the Royal Enfield Himalayan is expected to debut with a 410cc single-cylinder engine that develops around 28hp. Versions bound for the European market will also reportedly receive higher specifications that ones bound for the brand’s Indian home market, with the former benefitting with Euro 4 emissions compliance and ABS brakes.
Other than that, and the clear indications of the bike donning the brand’s signature retro styling, little else is known about the upcoming new Royal Enfield Himalayan. We will have more as soon as the bike debuts officially in early February.

In the meantime, you can find out more about the Royal Enfield Himalayan through its special series of web video teasers we’ve collected and posted below.

Sources: YouTube / Asphaltandrubber / AutoEvolution / Visordown
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Honda ready to fight in 2018 Suzuka 8 Hours with HRC factory squad

Honda has announced that there will be a new entry in the 2018 Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race with their HRC factory squad.
This announcement came to be after the Yamaha Factory Racing Team has won the iconic race for the past three years.
The giant red Japanese manufacturer might even bring their top riders from WorldSBK and MotoGP to improve their chances in 2018.

One of the world’s greatest motorcycle endurance races that is the Suzuka 8 Hours will see a major shift in major league players for the year 2018. After three years of dominance from the Yamaha Factory Racing Team in July earlier this year (which also marked the race’s 40th anniversary), Honda has decided that it’s time to bring out their big guns.
Image source: FIM EWC
Honda takes their racing quite seriously and their results have certainly proved that point. After 40 years of racing in the iconic Japanese endurance race, they’ve won a total of 27 times but the past three years saw Yamaha completely dominating the race with their full factory setup and world class riders from WorldSBK and MotoGP.
Alex Lowes winning the 2017Suzuka 8 Hours on board the factory Yamaha YZF-R1
With that, Honda has retaliated with the announcement of an entry in the form of a full factory HRC team that’ll compete in the race. This is indeed a huge move considering that they’ve only provided assistance to teams like the F.C.C. TSR Honda and MuSASHi RT HARC-PRO which did quite well this year finishing in third and fourth respectively.

We’re guessing that Honda took that as an insult considering that Yamaha finished first followed by Kawasaki Team Green in which our very own rider Azlan Shah Kamaruzzaman assisted in the result.
Azlan Shah on board the Kawasaki Team Green ZX-10R
To know more about Azlan Shah and Kawasaki’s achievement in the 2017 Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race, CLICK HERE.

With the likes of Pol Espargaro, Bradley Smith, Michael van der Mark, and Aleix Lowes assisting Yamaha in the recent years, it might not be a surprise if Honda decides to bring in Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa into the mix just to add fire into the flame. That might be very unlikely considering that it’s smacked dab in the middle of the MotoGP season.
Will we finally see Marc Marquez racing in the 2018 Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race?
Takaaki Nakagami, Jack Miller and Cal Crutchlow have a better chance than the Repsol Honda boys. Whatever the case may be, the 2018 Suzuka 8 Hours FIM World Endurance Championship is set to be more epic than ever before. Who’s your money on? Factory Yamaha or Factory HRC? We can’t decide.
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Indonesia vies to host MotoGP in 2017

MotoGP is set to welcome another South East Asian venue as Indonesia vies to host the event in 2017.

Dorna Sport CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta made a pit stop in Jakarta, Indonesia recently whilst in transit between the Australian and Malaysian MotoGP rounds.

There, Ezpeleta held a meeting with Indonesia’s Minister of Youth & Sports Imam Nahrawi alongside CEO of the Sentul International Circuit Tinton Soeprapto where the trio discussed the possibility of MotoGP being hosted in Indonesia.
Based on an official release from Dorna and reliable sources in Indonesia, it is understood that Dorna has tentatively included Indonesia in the 2017 MotoGP calendar. Dorna further states that the presentation of the project master plan in late November and signature of the contract between Dorna Sports and the circuit is the next immediate goal before setting in motion the project.
The Indonesian MotoGP round will be held in the Sentul International Circuit, and the next step after the plans are finalised is to see renovation works towards homologating the circuit towards current FIM standard. Only after then will the circuit be officially included in the 2017 MotoGP calendar.
If confirmed, Indonesia will become only the second South East Asian nation to host MotoGP in recent times after Malaysia.
Source: Dorna and TMC Blog
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Ex-Norton Motorcycles CEO Stuart Garner Facing 2-Years Jail Time

Former Norton Motorcycles CEO, Stuart Garner, was found guilty of illegally investing pension funds into the business and is facing a two-year jail time.
Garner was responsible for reviving the brand after purchasing the company in 2008.
He then introduced the revamped Commando range and the ambitious V4 superbike project before Norton went into administration in January 2020.

However, he was in the spotlight for injecting the pension funds into the 2012 Dominator, 2012 Commando and the Donington MC schemes to prop the business up.
The act is a clear breach of the law that only allows a maximum of 5 per cent of occupational pension to be invested into the employer’s company.
After an investigation by the Pensions Ombudsman, which found that Garner had acted dishonestly, the court ordered Garner to pay off the money (estimated GBP11mil) in June 2020.
At that time, most of Norton’s assets were already sold to current ownership, TVS Motor Company, for GBP16mil.
Nevertheless, TVS opted to take over the firm; instead, the current Norton brand is a new company with rights to the bikes’ brand name and intellectual property.
Garner pleaded guilty at Derby Magistrates’ Court to three charges of breaching employer-related investment rules, investing money from the three pension schemes into Norton in return for preference shares between 2012 and 2013.
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2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: More Power!

Kawasaki has updated the 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R to produce more horsepower.

Updates are centred on the valvetrain and reducing moving mass.

The updates show that Kawasaki intends to retain the World Superbike crown.

Horsepower. You can never have enough. Kawasaki has announced that the 2019 Ninja ZX-10R will receive a list of changes that will take its power output even higher.
Kawasaki may have won four World Superbike championships in 2013 with Tom Sykes, and 2015, 2016, 2017 with Jonathan Rea, while currently leading the series with the latter rider, they know that they will be under stiff competition from Ducati with the new Panigale V4 and possibly a new Honda CBR1000RR next year.
The new Ninja ZX-10R’s cylinder head has been redesigned to be more compact to aid quicker combustion. The valvetrain will now have the cams acting directly on finger followers, rather than on tappets, resulting in a 20 percent reduction in mass. It also makes it easier to install more aggressive cam profiles. Consequently, the engine can sustain high RPMs more reliably.

Finally, to mark the updated engine, the cylinder head cover will be painted in red.

There are three variants of the 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: Base, SE and RR.
Ninja ZX-10R

The base 2019 Ninja ZX-10R will have its power increased to 203 PS (200 bhp), without ram air. Expect to see around 210 bhp with ram air. It will receive the updated valvetrain and cylinder head cover. It will also feature the bi-directional Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) that was previously available on the SE and RR only.
 Ninja ZX-10R SE

The 2019 Ninja ZX-10R SE is considered the flagship model as the RR is a race homologation model. Apart from the valvetrain updates, it will feature Kawasaki’s advanced electronic suspension (KECS) and forged Marchesini rims. Areas prone to scratches are covered with Kawasaki’s proprietary “self-healing” paint, as with the 2019 Ninja H2. Power is the same as the based Ninja ZX-10R.
Ninja ZX-10RR

The 2019 Ninja ZX-10RR will receive Pankl titanium connecting rods that save 400g over the standard bike’s, reducing the crankshaft’s inertia by 5% and yield a 600 RPM increase. Kawasaki quoted 201 bhp peak power without ram air. It will be available only in Lime Green and production is limited to 500 units.
A “Performance” variant for all three types are also available.

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PETRONAS Sprinta Bonanza 2019 heats up with first motorcycle giveaway!

It was only two months back when PETRONAS Lubricants Marketing Malaysia (PLMM) launched the PETRONAS Sprinta Bonanza 2019 contest in conjunction with the PETRONAS Sprinta Mobile Workshop introduction.

They promised that contestants will stand a chance to win exciting prizes including a Yamaha Y15ZR, Yamaha YZF-R25, and the ultimate giveaway, the Yamaha YZF-R6. All bikes have been dressed in the PETRONAS Yamaha SRT MotoGP livery and today, the first Yamaha Y15ZR was presented to the first winner.

Mr. Sahrulnaim bin Sahrahan from Gombak emerged victorious and collected his very beautiful Yamaha Y15ZR at NKS Sport Bikers located in Sentul earlier today. He stated, “I’m very grateful and thankful that PETRONAS Sprinta organised this very exciting contest.”

“It was a blessing that I bought the F500 engine oil when I needed to change my motorcycle’s engine oil. I’ve always used PETRONAS Sprinta as my go-to brand as it has proven to make my motorcycle feel lighter and smoother,” added Mr. Sahrulnaim who also got to go home with MotoGP Sepang Grandstand tickets.

The PETRONAS Sprinta Bonanza 2019 contest is still ongoing until 30 September 2019. The Yamaha Y15ZR is still up for grabs as it is the monthly bike giveaway but if you’re super lucky, you might just get to bring home one of the two grand prizes. Who knows? You’ll be the next owner of these two lovely Yamahas this year!

To know more about the PETRONAS Sprinta Bonanza 2019 contest, check out their Facebook or Instagram. They will also organize the PETRONAS Sprinta 2019 festival tomorrow (27 April 2019) at Jalan Sentul where you stand to win instant prizes upon purchasing their products organised by one of their official lubricant dealers.

PETRONAS Sprinta Mobile Workshop launched

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MotoGP: Yamaha factory team signs with Monster Energy

The Yamaha MotoGP team has signed a new agreement with Monster Energy as their new title sponsor starting 2019.

Starting next season, the Yamaha factory squad will be known as the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP squad.

Both Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales are already Monster Energy athletes.

The Yamaha MotoGP team will see a big change for the 2019 season as they’ve signed a new agreement with Monster Energy drink as their new main sponsor. Starting next season, the team comprising of Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales will be known as the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team.

The current title sponsor which is major telecommunications brand, Movistar will make way for Monster Energy starting next season. The announcement was made earlier today by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. as the factory team’s new title sponsor. This is seen as a very good move considering that both Rossi and Vinales are accomplished Monster Energy sponsored riders.

According to Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing, “We are delighted to have reached an agreement with Monster Energy Company as the new Title Sponsor of our Factory MotoGP Team. The new partnership will provide Monster Energy with an even stronger presence in the MotoGP class – the pinnacle activity of the motorcycle racing world.”

“With Monster Energy being a very dynamic brand that‘s extremely active all around the world, we expect that this collaboration will further enhance the exposure of both brands and also give us a great platform for marketing activities. The new Agreement also signifies the intention of Yamaha and Monster Energy to further strengthen our collaboration for our global on-road and off-road motorsports programmes,” added Jarvis.

Rodney Sacks, Chairman and CEO of Monster Energy also stated “It‘s with great pride that we announce the next chapter of Monster Energy‘s decade-long association with and participation in MotoGP, which will be anchored by our alliance with the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team. Having shared our passion for this sport with Valentino Rossi, Maverick Vinales, Jorge Lorenzo, Cal Crutchlow and Johann Zarco (among others) as well as the wider Yamaha family for multiple years; the prospect of developing our relationship with the team is something we are hugely excited by.”

“We remain fully committed to providing the most exciting Monster fan experience to the many millions of MotoGP enthusiasts worldwide, both at race tracks and beyond. Through our title sponsorship of the fantastic Yamaha Factory Racing Team and iconic races such as the Czech and Catalunya Grands Prix, we have the opportunity to continue our partnership in what is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic sports on the planet.”

The question now is, will we see Rossi and Vinales wearing the Monster Energy black and green colourway or will they maintain with the iconic Yamaha blue scheme? Perhaps a combination of both? We love how the colour looks on the Yamaha YZR-M1 together with Johann Zarco and Hafizh Syahrin and we’re pretty confident that they’ll look just as great on the two factory riders.

Image source: MotoGP
MotoGP: Dani Pedrosa announces retirement

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Ducati preparing nine new models for EICMA 2015

Famed Italian brand Ducati is set for a major model expansion with nine new models reported for debut at EICMA 2015.

Although its parent company, Volkswagen AG, is undergoing perhaps one of its worst scandals ever (read #DieselGate), it is of no deterrence to the Ducati brand. Credible sources are indicating that the brand are preparing for a major onslaught of new bikes, with up to nine new models reportedly being prepared for debut at this year’s edition of EICMA.

First of all, some good news. Ducati’s CEO Cladio Domenicali has quashed the rumours of a new four-cylinder powerplant. Previous rumours suggested that the purported four-pot would be a replacement to the brand’s 1299 Panigale superbike revealed last year. However, this has turned out to be false, meaning the Bologna-based brand’s new flagship superbike will not come anytime soon.
Now for even better news. Credible sources are reporting that Ducati could reveal up to nine new models meant for 2016 come November this year during EICMA 2015. We have already seen two of which, these being the new Ducati Monster 1200 R – the brand’s most powerful naked bike, ever – and the recently revealed Ducati Diavel Carbon.

Next up are two very exciting model ranges indeed. Firstly, leaked US emissions applications paperwork have revealed that a Ducati 899 Panigale replacement is indeed on its way, with the documents revealing its name – the Ducati 959 Panigale. Ducati’s new ‘Baby Panigale’ will receive a new powerplant, with an enlarged 955cc displacement. Other than that, details are sketchy, so we will have to wait until EICMA comes around to know whether if this upcoming new middleweight supersport is indeed an “all-new” bike.

So, with a new super-naked, a refreshed and darker supercruiser, and perhaps a brand new middleweight, you’d think Ducati would end there right? Well, think again. Also in the pipeline according to credible sources is a revamped Ducati Hypermotard range. Again, leaked US emissions documents are indicating that Ducati will update the supermoto model range extensively.
The new Hypermotard range is set to receive an enlarged new 937cc mill complete with a new six-speed transmission, promising Euro 4 compliance as well. The range will consist of three variants starting with a standard Hypermotard, followed by a racier Hypermotard SP, as well as a more touring-oriented Hyperstrada. Again, details remain scarce beyond what we just mentioned, and only when EICMA comes about will we know if there are indeed “new” bikes from the ground up.

Interestingly, prototypes of what appears to be a belt-driven Diavel-based cruiser has been spotted testing out in the wild as well in recent months. Ducati remains tight-lipped about this particular model, but we are very certain all will be revealed at EICMA in November. Spyshots indicate this mystery new cruiser to be a more comfort-oriented machine as it has its footrests swept forward much like a typical cruiser. This is an interesting development given the fact that Ducati is not known for making bikes of this genre in recent times.

Suffice to say, Ducati is gearing itself up for 2016 rather well. Fuelling this is the fact that the brand is enjoying a healthy growth of 22% in the first half of this year. The firm has delivered a total of 32,600 bikes in this period, and is well on its way at breaking the 50,000 units delivery mark for this year – a remarkable achievement for the celebrated Italian brand indeed.
The only other question remaining is whether Ducati will pursue the idea of entering the small-displacement segment. Now, THAT would be interesting to see to say the least.
Sources: Asphaltandrubber ( Link 1 / Link 2 / Link 3 / Link 4 ) and Visordown
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2024 BMW R 1300 GS Price Leaked In The US Ahead Of Global Launch

BMW enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the official unveiling of the upcoming R 1300 GS model, set to take place on September 28.

the next-generation BMW R 1300 GS is scheduled for global unveiling in September.
the R 1300 GS is equipped with a bigger boxer engine than its predecessor.

While the launch date is still over a month away, an inadvertent reveal on BMW’s official website has given us an early insight into the expected cost of this highly anticipated motorcycle.
This leak was initially spotted by Germany’s MotorradOnline and subsequently shared by the motorcycling community, particularly highlighted by ADVRider. The focal point of this leak was an online financing calculator on BMW Motorrad USA’s website. The calculator briefly displayed the 2024 R 1300 GS with an eye-catching price tag of USD19,590 – that’s around RM90.1k for our Malaysian readers.

What sets the new R 1300 GS apart from its predecessor? In a remarkable twist, Swiss certification documents that surfaced earlier unveiled that the R 1300 GS will be powered by an impressive 1300cc engine.
This powerhouse is projected to generate an astonishing 143.5hp @ 7,750 rpm and a peak torque 147Nm @ 6,500 rpm. This represents a notable improvement over the R 1250 GS, which has a certified output of 134.1 hp at 7,750 rpm.
The substantial performance gains can be attributed to the enlarged engine displacement and the incorporation of a comprehensive liquid-cooling system.
Intriguingly, the R 1300 GS is not the sole novelty from BMW on the horizon for 2024. The company has also officially confirmed the imminent arrival of the R12 NineT and the M 1000 XR. While information about the 2024 iteration of the S 1000 XR is yet to be revealed, it’s expected that an updated version will accompany the enhanced M variant, amplifying the excitement for BMW aficionados worldwide.
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Why X-1R Engine and Fuel Treatments are worth your money

X-1R engine and fuel treatments were formulated to boost your vehicle’s engine performance and reduce fuel consumption.
Developed for gigantic NASA aerospace machines, the same high-performance engine treatments and fuel boosters are now available for your cars and bikes.
X-1R products are proven to reduce fuel consumption by 10% or more whilst significantly reducing wear and tear in your engine.

What happens when one of the world’s most successful aerospace and aeronautics agency is faced with a problem? No mere solutions can cope for an agency that focuses on not just what lies beyond our planet but also all the engineering marvels (and interstellar headaches) in building a handful of vehicles that can blast off into space and beyond.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) like most of us have to deal with daily problems. While we Malaysians have to worry about how much petrol will cost come every Wednesday, NASA has to think about this aspect all the time considering that they use them at a much, MUCH bigger scale.

While the space shuttles and rocket boosters use a mixture of liquid oxygen and hydrogen which cost millions of Ringgit, the specially-made transport built to carry these leviathans around also consumes a lot of fuel. We’re talking about over 500,000kg worth of super flammable propellant that can help blast off a vehicle that weighs more than 700,000kg. To put that into a biker’s perspective, that’s a total weight of over 4,200 units of the 2017 KTM 390 Duke!
2017 KTM 390 Duke
That’s a lot of weight and fuel. With those figures, we’re not surprised that NASA is constantly thinking about how to save money when it comes to fuel consumption. Their solution? NASA worked with X-1R Corporation to create an engine treatment formula that can help in reducing the engine’s fuel consumption but at the same time, improve the overall performance.

To know more on how X-1R Corporation came to be with NASA, CLICK HERE.
With the help from X-1R, the development of space-grade engine treatment formulation has helped to reduce NASA’s fuel consumption by over 10%! Because of this, X-1R is one of only a few companies in the world which has received a space technology award certification PLUS and induction in the Space Technology Hall of Fame!

With a successful experience and business in aerospace, X-1R decided that it would be super beneficial for a lot of folks if they bring their technologies and creations to a much wider audience. Now, you can have the same benefits for any of your internal-combustion engine-powered vehicles from cars, trucks and yes, even motorcycles.

From a variety of engine treatments to fuel boosters, common folks like you and me can also enjoy top engine performance whilst reducing overall fuel consumption. When you don’t have to pay as much for petrol, that means more money can be allocated for savings or if you’re like us, more money to buy motorcycle stuff!

How can you do this? Well, just get your hands on any of the X-1R Complete Fuel System Treatments for the recommended form of transportation and add the suggested amount into your vehicle! For motorcycles, a small bottle of X-1R Small Engine Formula can be added together with the engine oil for a more efficient and cooler-running engine.

Each bottle of X-1R Small Engine Formula should be added to every litre of engine oil your motorcycle uses. So if you ride an awesome 1,000cc 2017 BMW S 1000 RR superbike which uses 3.5 litres of engine oil, you can add the required amount of X-1R Small Engine Formula (one bottle/litre) to reap the same benefits of better performance and lower fuel consumption.
2017 BMW S 1000 RR
For those adventure riders who like to travel far and wide around the world, it’s always a good idea to carry a few bottles of X-1R Octane Booster. While most cars and bikes in Malaysia have recommended fuel ratings of RON95 and above, some countries only offer lower quality fuels which are not suitable for your ride.

By using the X-1R Octane Booster, it’ll help to increase the RON rating of any petrol by three numbers. This means that if you filled up your bike with RON92 fuel, using the X-1R Octane Booster can bump it up to RON95. This will help provide the right fuel for your vehicles that can help avoid any unwanted engine knocking, pinging and run-on.

The best part? Each 60ml bottle can treat up to 75 litres of fuel! Motorcycles like the versatile 2017 Kawasaki Z650 ABS which comes with a 15-litre fuel tank can optimise a single bottle of X-1R Octane Booster up to five times! Just 12ml is all you need to treat the fuel for every full tank of petrol for the Z650 ABS. Talk about big savings in little packages.

To know more about the X-1R Octane Booster, CLICK HERE to read our review written by one of our motoring journalists, Wahid Ooi Abdullah during his trip to the Golden Triangle with GIVI Malaysia.

With constant use, you can save roughly around RM200* every month when you opt for X-1R’s range of fuel and engine treatment together with their Octane Booster formulation. At the end of the day, more money saved in your pocket means more savings, and more savings mean a life with better quality. Whether you choose to save those extra Ringgits for a rainy day or buy some premium riding gears like the HJC RPHA 70 sport touring helmet, you’ll end up a winner.
*Results may vary based on type of fuel, amount, engine & performance
Save money on fuel, buy new helmet. Happy days.
X-1R products are available at selected dealers and workshops but you can also purchase them directly online at: http://www.x1rasia.com/.

Interested to see how X-1R works up close and personal? From 1 to 3 December 2017, Motonation will be organizing Malaysia’s first largest automotive and lifestyle carnival happening at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC). Don’t miss this chance to witness and get your very own X-1R products available here in Malaysia!

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Triumph Motorcycles sees sales growth in 2017 – Over 63,000 sold!

For 2017, Triumph Motorcycles sold over 63,000 motorcycles from their dealerships around the globe.
63,404 units were sold which translates to £498.5 million (RM2.7 billion) in sales revenue.
Triumph made £24.7 million (RM134 million) in profits which is a 48% increase thanks to a 22% rise in sales worldwide.

With the current standpoint of the world’s ever fluctuating market for motorcycles, Triumph Motorcycles was proud to announce that they have seen a growth in sales for 2017 despite the economic conditions in which some other manufacturers experienced a significant drop.

Based on their calculations of the number of units sold worldwide from July 2016 up to July 2017, over 63,000 units of Triumph bikes have been purchased from their dealerships around the globe (63,404 to be exact). This adds up to £498.5 million in revenue which is around RM2.7 billion big ones!

Out of that amount, Triumph saw a profit of £24.7 million (before taxes) which is very close to RM134 million in returns. This adds up to a total of 12.7% sales increase compared to the previous financial year. This is considered to be quite a good figure which is actually an increase of 48% thanks to a rise by 22% in sales revenue.

Although some might say that £24.7 million (RM134 million) is a relatively small margin in the motorcycle manufacturing industry, the fact that Triumph even saw a rise in its figures goes to show that they are indeed doing well in an economy where others are experiencing significant drops.

With their current modern classic line-up gaining more momentum with some very, VERY beautiful models like the Triumph Bonneville Bobber and Street Triple 765 street bikes, we’re guessing that the numbers is going see a much higher elevations especially in the next two years when they start supplying their 765cc inline-three engines (also used in their current Street Triple 765 series) in the Moto2 series.

To know more about Triumph’s 765cc Moto2 prototype machine, CLICK HERE.
All we have to do now is wait patiently for the rise of the Triumph Daytona 765. That’ll definitely blow the fishes right out of the water (in a good and non-illegal ways unlike how some fishermen are doing but that’s a whole different story which in not related to the world of motorcycling…unless they’re bikers, too…).

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MSC: Azlan Shah storms to pole position in Round 1

Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman will start the first round of the Malaysia Superbike Championship 2018 (MSC) tomorrow from pole position.
Riding for the Chia PJ Kawasaki racing team, Azlan stormed through the qualifying session.
The 33-year-old set the fastest time of the day on board Chia PJ’s Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.

Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman together with the Chia PJ Kawasaki racing team has stormed through the first qualifying session in the first round of the Malaysia Superbike Championship 2018 (MSC) earlier today. He has obtained the first pole position of the season after just one week of riding the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.

After a blistering pace set by the 33-year-old rider during the practice session, Azlan Shah continued his form into the qualifying session by setting an impressive 2:09.493 which was the only rider to set below the 2:10 mark.

Second in the timesheets is also one of Malaysia’s highly-regarded racing figures, Mohd Ramdan Rosli. Riding for the newly-formed TOC HKMTOYO Racing Team, he will start tomorrow’s race from the middle of the front row on board his highly-competitive BMW S 1000 RR.

The 22-year-old has quite a work cut out for him to battle against the pole sitter as well as India’s fastest motorcycle racer, Rajini Krishnan K. This time around, Rajini and his very own Rajini’s Academy of Competitive Racing team (RACR) will be piloting a Yamaha YZF-R1 from the third position of the grid.

Will Chia PJ Kawasaki maintain their dominance this year? Can Azlan Shah fend off some of the league’s most competitive racers? There will be two races for each category tomorrow and they’ll start from 9.15am until 4.50pm. Entrance to the Main Grandstand is FREE!

Malaysia Superbike Championship 2018 Round 1 happening this weekend!

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Hafizh Syahrin pays tribute to late grandmother with special French GP helmet

This weekend marks the penultimate triple-header for this year’s MotoGP championship in Le Mans, France, and Malaysian Moto2 rider, Hafizh Syahrin (Oceanica Aspar Team Moto2), will be donning a special helmet to pay tribute to his late grandmother, Allahyarham Arbaieah bt Muhammad, who sadly passed away in early September.

 View this post on Instagram

 FAMILY FIRST ??❤ #TeamHS #HS55 #RezekiDariAllah #Bismillahfirst  .. Thank you @shoeieurope and @ocdesign4victory ???
A post shared by  Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah (@hafizh_syahrin) on Oct 8, 2020 at 7:07am PDT

A photo of his late grandmother and himself can be seen on the back of his Shoei X-Spirit III helmet throughout this weekend. The young Malaysian rider was able to see his beloved ‘nenek‘ when he came back to rest and recover after his horrific incident during the Austrian GP. Shoutout to OCD Design4Victory for one very beautiful lid.

Unfortunately, his grandmother passed away after Hafizh left the country to continue his 2020 racing season in Rimini, Italy for the San Marino GP. It’s understood that Hafizh’s grandmother had been quite an important support system for Hafizh and his racing career, to the point where they would converse before and after each race.

Our condolences to Hafizh Syahrin and his entire family for the loss. The French GP starts this weekend and for those who wish to catch all the racing action live, the Moto3 race will start at 5.20 pm followed by MotoGP at 7.00 pm and Moto2 at 8.30 pm. All the best, El Pescao!
Written by: Sep Irran
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Norton to develop 200hp superbike

Rumour has it that Norton plans to bring to market a 200hp V4-powered sport bike, similar to the SG models that have been raced at the Isle of Man TT.

Adding to the good news is that the sketches of the bike are finally out, a few sources have managed to talk to Norton’s Head of Design, Simon Skinner, about the new model and Norton’s future.

According to Skinner, the new superbike will have a 1,200cc V4 engine that makes over 200hp. The machine is supposed to go head-to-head with the 1,285cc v-twin of the Ducati 1299 Panigale – though obviously won’t be sanctioned in any superbike racing class.

It is said that Norton’s engine will be developed by Ricardo Motorcycles, and will take cues from British car marques like Aston Martin and other designs in the British F1 corridor that Norton is situated in.

Besides this beast, other models in the pipeline according to Norton are a 650cc parallel-twin sport bike, which is said to re-think the segment, as well as a rumored electric model.

That said, we expect Norton to shed more light on the upcoming models in the near future. Meanwhile, let us feast our eyes on the sketch of the upcoming machine.
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2021 Suzuki GSX-R1000R Available At Local Dealers, No News On GSX-R150, Belang 150

Suzuki Malaysia has announced that 2021 GSX-R1000R and GSX-R1000 are now available in Malaysia and open for viewing at every local dealership.
While Suzuki Malaysia is yet to unveil the official selling price, other dealers have made an extra effort to release what could be the official price for the two motorcycles.

According to Wilhin Motor (M) Sdn Bhd, the GSX-R1000 and the GSX-R1000R is available for RM99,289 and RM110,289, respectively.
If the price is accurate, this puts the two GSX-R1000 as the cheapest brand new litre bike available in the market right now.
The 2021 GSX-R1000R makes 199hp @ 13,200rpm and 118Nm @ 10,800rpm from its 999.8cc inline-four, liquid-cooled engine mated to a 6-speed transmission.

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen when will Suzuki Malaysia intends to introduce the sub-150cc motorcycle (GSX-R150 and Belang 150), however considering that teaser photos are still available on their Facebook page, we can assume that the two models will make their way anytime soon.
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CONFIRMED: Zero Motorcycles To Electrify EICMA 2021

Electric motorcycle manufacturer, Zero Motorcycles has confirmed its plan to attend the EICMA 2021.
The American motorcycle company will bring the entire 2022 range, including the recently unveiled FXE.

However, the California firm also revealed that it has a few surprises ready for the event.
Zero Motorcycles will join Royal Enfield, Fantic, Motori Minarelli, Kymco, Yamaha, MV Agusta, Suzuki, Honda, SYM, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Vespa, and Piaggio, who has confirmed their participation for this year event.

EICMA will kick-off from November 25 to 28 at the Fiera Milano in Rho, Italy.
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How Often Should I Replace my Brake Fluid?

Bikers usually talk about performance and aesthetic upgrades.

But how many actually talk about brakes and brake maintenance?

Today, we look at how often should replace the brake fluid.

It surprises me that in my 33 years of riding, no one had ever asked, “How often should I replace my brake fluid?”
I’ve always been asked what’s the best performance parts such as exhausts and tyres, instead. It’s not wrong to ask about those parts, of course, but brakes are the most critical next to the almost everything else on the bike.

However, I do understand why almost nobody talks about brakes. Modern brake systems are very reliable. Apart from replacing the brake pads whenever they’re worn, the system keeps working: The rider presses the lever and the bike slows down. When the pads are worn again, he replaces them.
In a brake system that performs normally, performance deteriorates slowly and surreptitiously. Consequently, you won’t feel much difference since the last time you rode it. This will continue until we encounter serious problems.

But what about the fluid? Sadly, no one seems to bother. Brakes are working after all. News is, deposits will start to build up in old brake fluid. If you’re unlucky, these deposits may someday flow into the nooks and crannies and block the flow of fluid in the system. In the worst-case scenario, deposits build up or get into the ABS pump and render it useless. When this happens, the part must be replaced, which costs thousands. Believe me, I’ve seen this happen in both bikes and cars.
Old vs new brake fluid
Besides that, brake fluid is hydroscopic i.e. attracts moisture. The system may be sealed but wear and tear can eat away at a gasket or two. The presence of moisture in will lower the brake fluid’s boiling point. When this happens, the brake takes more effort to work. In a bad scenario, the brake lever will feel spongy. In the worst case, the lever has been pulled all the way back and sticking to the handlebar, yet the bike doesn’t slow down at all.

So, how often do you need to change your brake fluid? Every two years, regardless if the fluid “still looks good.” The job is easy enough that you could DIY (do-it-yourself), but you can also visit a workshop if you aren’t confident or need more tools.
What DOT should I use? Just follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. For example, use DOT 4 if that’s recommended. Try not to be seduced by the mechanic’s “Ini barang baik punya (This stuff is good)” sales pitch, especially if the fluid is of different DOT rating or for racing. Racing brake fluids are usually even more hydroscopic!

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MotoGP: Cal Crutchlow wins in Argentina; Marquez clashes with Rossi

Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) won his third ever MotoGP race yesterday in Argentina.
Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) came in second followed by Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) in third.
The drama-filled race saw many events especially the clash between Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi.

LCR Honda Castrol rider Cal Crutchlow took home his third ever MotoGP victory yesterday in the Argentina GP. The battle for first came to an incredible conclusion as Crutchlow crossed the chequered flag ahead of Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) and more impressively, Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar).

The victory in Argentina for the LCR Honda rider, however, was quickly left in the shadows thanks to the antics of one Repsol Honda rider, Marc Marquez. What seems to be sheer bad luck even before the race began, the frantic race filled with penalties resulted in a clash between Marquez and Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP).

The race started with Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing) sitting alone at pole position as most of the riders went back into the pit to change tyres. In order to avoid all the chaos of starting the race from the pitlane, the riders lined up a few rows behind Miller giving him a big advantage over the rest of the field.

Drama ensued even before the lights went out as Marquez’s bike stalled and was instructed to start the race from pitlane once he gets his bike restarted. That did not happen and after the race has started, he was awarded a Ride Through Penalty.

Marquez then headed back up with a pace to catch the front runners but being too hot in his run caused an incident with Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) and the Doctor himself, Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP).

A very hot attempt to overtake Rossi’s position led to a clash where Rossi lost control of his Yamaha M1 after running onto the wet grass. The nine-time MotoGP world champion managed to get his bike restarted and ended the race in third last position (P19).

Despite Miller’s brilliant race tactics, he managed to take home fourth place but was way ahead of Maverick Vinales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) in P5, Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) in P6, Tito Rabat (Reale Avintia Racing) in P7, and Andrea Iannone (Team Suzuki Ecstar) in P8.

Our hometown hero Hafizh Syahrin saw a huge improvement by finishing the Argentina GP in an impressive ninth place. The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider was struggling all weekend thanks to the mixed conditions but brought home an impressive finish giving him the same championship points with Dani Pedrosa and also the top rookie.

The drama will continue in two weeks’ time as the MotoGP fiasco heads to the US for the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas. Things are definitely heating up, ladies and gents.
Image source: MotoGP
Why Did I Pick Hafizh Syahrin for MotoGP? – Herve Poncharal

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GIVI launches new square 32-litre GIVI B32 Bold Topcase – RM222

GIVI Asia has launched their latest GIVI B32 Bold Topcase with a square boxy design and 32 litres of capacity.
The new design was chosen specifically to provide a different option for those who are not into the oval-shaped topcases in the current market.
The new B32 Bold Topcase is priced at RM222 (basic price with GST) and comes together with a base plate. Motorcycle rack is sold separately.

GIVI, the very well known Italian motorcycle accessory manufacturer has unveiled their latest addition to the medium size topcase motorcycle storage or “topbox” known as the Monolock B32 Bold. Developed with the patented Monolock System, the new B32 Bold has been specifically designed for maximum storage capacity for smaller displacement motorcycles, mopeds and scooters.

The latest design has been selected according to today’s trend have been used to develop the latest B32 Bold Topcase. Using Polypropylene (PP), the new B32 Bold is made to withstand the harshest weather conditions in Malaysia. It’s also very durable and durable.

“We intentionally chose the square boxy design after some in depth study into current topcase user’s trend. We realise now the square box is more popular in comparison to usual oval shapes. This does not mean that the oval shape is totally being ignored entirely as they have their own region of fans. B32 Bold will be available in the market starting early August” said Mr On Hai Swee, Managing Director of GIVI Asia Sdn Bhd.

Members of the press were invited earlier today are the first people in the world to receive the topcases in conjunction with the topcase soft launch together with the “Media Appreciation Ride” to Port Dickson earlier today. To date, GIVI has sold over 1 million topcases, which is roughly around 15% of Malaysia’s entire motorcycle population.

The ‘Clack’ key system was chosen to go with the B32 Bold due to its ease of use. Users can just close the topbox without working the key. Together with a handy handle, opening and closing have been made easier for users as well. The 32-litre box-shaped box design was chosen to cater to the market’s demand for more edges and modern lines as compared to the other similar capacity boxes with a more rounded design.

The new B32 Bold is priced at RM222 (basic price with GST). The topcase will come together with a base plate and the rack is sold separately ranging from RM45 to RM138 (for smaller capacity motorcycles). The new B32 Bold will be available for public purchase in August 2017. The new GIVI topcase also comes with a two-year warranty.

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FOR SALE: 2019 KTM RC16 MotoGP bike! RM1.4 million

If you have a lot of money and don’t know what to spend it all on, we want to be your friends and advise you on buying one of two units of the 2019 KTM RC16 MotoGP bikes currently being offered by KTM Motorsports. That’s right, MotoGP prototype machine for sale, folks!

It’s safe to say that the KTM RC16 has gone through countless evolutions and updates ever since its inception in the highest level of motorsports racing where it was even featured on the podium and several front-running battles thanks to KTM’s lead MotoGP rider, Pol Espargaro.

Priced at 288,000 euros each (around RM1.43 million after direct conversion), you can experience the same feeling as Pol Espargaro on a bike that has gone head to head with the best bikes and MotoGP riders last season. That’s a lot of dough, which is why KTM Motorsports is also offering some ‘extras’ together with the bike.

These extras include:

A full set of Pol Espargaro’s race leathers
A signed Espargaro race helmet (we’re assuming it’s one of his AGV Pista signature helmets)
A VIP MotoGP Event Pack for any 2021 event (which includes a behind-the-scenes tour, a meet-and-greet with the MotoGP riders and a full set of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team wear)
Weekend access to the Red Bull Energy Station unit with full catering and refreshment options

If you’re interested in getting one (or if you anyone who has that much money and is willing to spend for you), send your inquiries over to rc16@ktm.com. After that, pray that KTM chooses you as one of the two buyers as the final decision will be made by them. Good luck!
MotoGP: KTM confirms all 2021 riders – Danilo Petrucci to Tech3

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Bajaj Now Owns The Right To Vincent Motorcycles

HRD Vincent Black Lightning - Courtesy of singout.org
In a surprise development, Indian automaker, Bajaj Auto now owns the right to Vincent Motorcycles.

Vincent Motorcycles could make a comeback under new ownership.
Bajaj acquire the British firm since 2017.

Vincent Motorcycles is British motorcycle manufacturer from 1928 to 1955.  The business went down the drain due to severe financial losses which resulted the company to stop making motorcycles.
Vincent Black Lightning
However, it turns out that Bajaj Auto is in charge of the now-defunct brand since 2017 but since there were no official announcement made, none of us were made known of the acquisition.
Vincent Motorcycles might not ring a bell as much as Triumph or Norton Motorcycle but the brand made two significant models back in the day with the Black Shadow and Black Lightning.
Based on the new development, could Vincent Motorcycle make a surprise comeback in the world of two wheels?

In recent years, there are many old, defunct and financially struggling motorcycle company making a comeback under new management.
TVS Motor revitalized Norton Motorcycles while Mahinda-owned Classic Legends brought back Jawa Motorcycles. Also, Qianjiang helped to inject new life into the Benelli brand.
So it’s possible that Bajaj intends to do the same thing with Vincent Motorcycles.
Moreover, Bajaj already forged a partnership with another British firm, Triumph Motorcycles and has a 49.9 percent stake in KTM AG.
So with the amount of resources at their disposal, Bajaj could revitalise the old brand anytime soon.
Nonetheless, Bajaj has up to August 2026 until the trademark is due for a renewal.
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Check out this custom Honda CT 125 Hunter Cub by Kijima

Japanese moto accessories brand Kijima kits out the Honda CT125 Hunter Cub perfectly for camping adventures off the trail.

Japanese aftermarket label Kijima unveils a raft of accessories for the Honda CT125 Hunter Cub.

These include racks, luggage and lighting all aimed towards enhancing the Hunter Cub’s adventure abilities.

This custom adventure-styled moped will now take on camping and touring rides easily.

In more ways than one, the Honda CT125 Hunter Cub stands as a rather cool and rugged offshoot of the loveable Honda C125 Super Cub. However, the folks over at Japanese moto accessories brand Kijima thinks they could better it and, judging by these images, they’ve proven themselves well.
What you see here is a Hunter Cub that’s been fully kitted out with a host of adventure-centric accessories made by the firm, which in turn transforms the humble adventure-styled moped into a full-fledged adventure machine.

The most striking feature present is the Kijima brand’s popular 17-Type Special Packing Box. This is mounted on a rack designed especially for the Hunter Cub, as are the front and centre carriers, all of which aimed towards increasing its load capacity and allow it to handle camping and touring duties.
Supported by that rear rack too is a Kijima side bag. Whilst still on the subject of cargo and luggage, Kijima also added a new carrier on the headlights and a central carrier, both of which being ideal for transporting small items.

Another key modification can be seen in external lighting suite fitted. Kijima designed an LED fog lamp kit for improved visibility, and it comes with a specially built bracket and an easy-to-use switch.
Altogether, this custom Honda CT125 Hunter Cub is brimmed with roughly ¥200,000 (approx. RM6,879.61) worth of accessories made by the Japanese aftermarket specialist label.
Are you digging this pint-sized adventure machine as much as we are?

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Angry food delivery rider berates driver for honking at and filming him

Viral video shows angry food delivery rider berating driver for honking at and filming him after allegedly running a red light.

We’ve seen it time and time again: food delivery riders deliberately running red lights, thus needlessly (and recklessly) endangering their lives and that of others.
Even in this day and age where there are more cameras in the hands of users to catch them in the act, many such delivery riders – as well as other motorcyclists! – still brazenly run red lights.
Well, given this recent viral video, it seems many such motorcyclist – not just food delivery riders, by the way – now think it’s okay to run the red light, and are willing to defend their act, no matter the cost.

“ABG GRABFOODKU SAMSENG”
Pada pukul sekitar 430pm di hadapan traffic light impiana hotel klcc, saya menunggu lampu merah dan sebelah kiri saya ada bas rapid kl.
Rider motor ini telah datAng di tengah celah kereta saya dan bas , dan melanggar lampu merah. pic.twitter.com/2NWEUA662z
— Jabatan Netizen Malaysia (@jnmalaysia) July 25, 2021

In this minute-long viral video from Twitter, we can clearly see a food delivery rider and a car driver getting into a heated argument. Based on the Twitter thread accompanying the video, the car driver had honked at the rider who he alleged had weaved past him whilst stopped at an intersection and ran the red light.
In response, the food delivery rider slowed down, pull alongside the driver and berated him at the top of his lungs, even launching a few kicks towards the driver’s car too. The delivery rider later pulled ahead and stopped to block the driver before dismounting off his ride to continue berating and threaten the driver further to delete the video.
The driver who recorded all this has already reportedly filed a police report against said food delivery rider, though we reckon the traction this video is garnering online will likely serve a different kind of justice.
At the time of writing, this video posted on Twitter has garnered over 135,900 views plus over 2,700 retweets by netizens who’ve also flooded the post’s thread with their replies.
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Custom BMW R 1100 S wins ‘Best of Show’ at Moto Bike Expo 2020

The world of custom motorcycles is arguably on a whole new level thanks to the emergence of highly-skills customizers from around the world. One prime example in the form of this custom BMW R 1100 S won the coveted title of ‘Best of Show’ at the recent Moto Bike Expo 2020.

Built by Officine Mermaid and Radikal Chopper Building from Milan, Italy, the custom BMW R 1100 S is simply jaw-dropping to look at, no matter the angle. There are so many custom parts made just for this bike that there’s hardly any original BMW part left untouched.

We especially like how its two-piece chassis brings everything together from its trellis front end to that simplistically beautiful single-side swingarm. Menacing to look at from the front and even more so aggressive at the back, it’s hard to disagree with the judges who gave it the ‘Best of Show’ title at Moto Bike Expo 2020.

That sleek aluminium look might throw off a few folks, but it showcases the true craftsmanship in working with metal, a skill that’s not easy to obtain. Our favourite parts are arguably the MotoGP-styled air intake and exhaust which oozes sexiness in the world of custom motorcycles. Titanium is our jam.

Those classic cast ‘spoke’ wheels add a little bit of nostalgic feel while the brake system with Discacciati callipers further elevates its premium-ness as well as riding performance (if anyone is brave enough to ride this art on wheels). Enough words! Enjoy the photos.

Source: Officine Mermaid
BMW Motorrad BoxerCup – BMW R nineT Racer series!

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New Colours for 2018 Yamaha X-Max 250

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor announced the new colours for the 2018 Yamaha X-Max 250.

The basic selling price remains at RM 21,222 (not on the road).

Delivery begins from this month (Decembr 2018).

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor has announced new colours for the 2018 Yamaha X-Max 250.
The two new colours are simply called Matt Blue and Matt Red. The basic selling price remains at RM 21,225.00 (not on the road). They are on sale from this month (December 2018).
The X-Max maxi scooter is Yamaha’s entry in the luxury scooter segment. It features Yamaha Blue Core technology, ABS, TCS (traction control system), LED position lamps and taillamp. (Please read our full review here.)

There’s also a copious storage space under the seat which could accommodate a backpack with 15-inch laptop and full-face helmet. Two cubby holes in the front of the rider add more space.
The engine is rated at 22.8 bhp (16.8 kW) and is punchy enough from the low end to its top speed of a little more than 140 km/h. But it is also very economical. We managed to clock 324 km from 11 litres. Mind you, we tested the X-Max at high pace almost all the time.
However, what we loved most was the suspension. Unlike other scooters, the front wheel didn’t flick back and forth or wobble when we slammed the bike into corners. The front end remained stable even when we charged through corners at more than 130 km/h.
The seats were definitely on the comfortable side without any sharp points. Only negative point was it pushing the rider’s legs wide, making the bike seem taller than it really was.

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Benelli Tornado 402 Breaks Cover In China

Italian motorcycle brand Benelli has unveiled its latest offering, the Tornado 402, which is set to be manufactured in China by its parent company, Qianjiang. While some development and design work is still done in Italy, the majority of the bikes are now produced in China.

The Tornado 402 features an all-new 400cc twin-cylinder engine.
The sports bike is equipped with front camera and single-sided swingarm.

The Tornado moniker has traditionally been linked with sporty models at Benelli, and the new Tornado 402 is no exception. This fully faired sportbike boasts a 400cc engine that is likely to appeal to riders in countries where 400cc motorbikes are considered premium options or where licensing restrictions limit larger engines.
Although it would have made sense for Benelli to adopt an existing 400cc twin engine from Qianjiang or QJ Motor, the Tornado 402 instead comes with a freshly built engine that produces 48 horsepower at 10,000 rpm, making it the most powerful 400 series QJ twin engine currently available.

The bike’s chassis features an aluminum single-sided swingarm and a tubular steel frame with a non-adjustable upside-down telescopic fork at the front and an adjustable shock absorber at the back, both supplied by Marzocchi. Nissin provides the braking system, which includes two 300-millimeter discs at the front and a 250-millimeter disc at the rear, along with ABS as standard.

One notable technological feature of the Tornado 402 is a built-in dash cam, which records traffic conditions and is built into the windshield assembly. The footage can be recorded to a smartphone using an app and is saved automatically. This function is not only useful for documenting enjoyable rides but also for safety and security while riding on the road.
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Honda To Rival The Trident 660 And MT-07 With The CB 750 S

Honda caused a stir last year EICMA after dropping a teaser of a brand-new mid-size motorcycle in Milan.
Although Honda stopped short of giving much away other than a CGI silhouette, Japanese publication Autoby has published what it believes is the finished look of the upcoming Honda CB 750 S (Hornet).

While it might be just another render, considering that Autoby has a reputation of ‘predicting’ the right design, the CB 750 S might turn out exactly as the rendered image.
The mid-size motorcycle will debut as CB 750 S and will continue Honda’s CB600F Hornet but will showcase the exact design blueprint as the Hornet 250cc currently sold in India.
The CB 750 S is expected to feature Honda’s typical naked bike design similar to the Neo Sports Cafe CB650 R but will adopt a sharper front headlight compared to the 650 circular headlamps.
However, the CB 750 S is expected to feature a new build-up engine as previously reported and not taken straight from the NC750 series.

The engine is rumoured to be the same platform set to be used on Honda’s upcoming Transalp, a potential challenger to Aprilia’s Tuareg 660 and Yamaha’s Tenere 700.
On that note, there is also a high possibility that the new engine could also translate into the development of a fully-faired CBR750 in the future to rival the Yamaha YZF-R7.
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MotoGP: Aprilia Confirms Savadori As Iannone Permanent Replacement

Lorenzo Savadori will race in the upcoming MotoGP season, replacing Andrea Iannone, Aprilia has confirmed.
Savadori joins Aleix Espargaro as Aprilia Racing Team Gresini’s riders on for 2021.

The announcement came as a surprise, with Aprilia opted for Savadori instead of the experienced Bradley Smith.

The RS-GP 20 seat was handed to the Briton last season in place of Iannone before Aprilia decided to give the spot to Savadori for the three remaining races.

“Well, it was a company decision.
“We decided to move a bit earlier than expecting all the tests to be done because it had a chain effect also on other people and the choice of other people in the team to develop the team was also very important.
“It’s true that Bradley has an experience and a characteristic that fits much more to being a test rider compared to Lorenzo, because Lorenzo has no experience.
“So, that was part of the choice,” explained Aprilia Racing CEO, Massimo Rivola.
The 2021 MotoGP official first test begins today in Qatar.
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2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 launched in India – From RM9,800

After a long delay, the 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 has finally been launched in India yesterday and it is said to be one of the most highly-anticipated models in the region. The bike which was supposed to be introduced back in April has extensively delayed thanks to COVID-19, but better late than never, eh?

The all-new 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 was designed to offer a more premium and complete package in terms of looks, performance, and riding experience compared to the previous-gen. A brand-new 350cc single-cylinder unit with air/oil cooking capabilities is said to produce 20hp at 6,100rpm and 27Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.

Oddly enough, this 350cc modern classic is paired with a five-speed manual transmission system, which puts it in direct competition with the all-new 2021 Honda CB 350 aka “H’ness”. Power figures between the two machines are relatively the same and it’ll be interesting to see these bikes go head to head.

This new 350cc engine by Royal Enfield is housed within a new double-cradle frame that makes the bike look more complete without any gaping holes or openings. It is also fitted with a 41mm telescopic front fork, rear dual shocks, dual disc brakes, and a 19-inch front wheel (17-inch rear).

Dual-channel ABS also comes as standard. More importantly, all variants of the new Meteor 350 will come with the brand’s first Bluetooth navigation system powered by Google Maps. Sweet. Talking about variants, customers can choose between the base Meteor 350, Fireball, Stellar, and Supernova. Even the names are cool!

The price range for the all-new 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 starts from Rs 1.76 lakh (RM9,821) and goes up to Rs 1.90 lakh (RM10,602). This is indeed an exciting model and we sure hope that Royal Enfield Malaysia will bring it onto our shores soon.
Honda goes retro with its latest H’ness CB 350

Written by: Sep Irran
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