No BMW Motorrad at Intermot & EICMA this year

BMW Motorrad has announced that they won’t be participating in this year’s Intermot and EICMA shows at the end of the year. Due to the growing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no BMW Motorrad presence at these two gigantic motorcycle shows which are set to take place in October and November respectively.

Below is the official statement released by BMW Motorrad.
Due to the hardly foreseeable development of the corona pandemic and its effects, BMW Motorrad will not be participating in the two leading motorcycle shows Intermot in Cologne in October and EICMA in Milan in November in 2020.
This decision was made in order to counteract current planning uncertainty at an early stage, also for all our partners involved in BMW Motorrad motorshow appearances, in the interests of the greatest possible security, predictability and transparency.
BMW Motorrad will present the world premieres and product highlights planned for these motorcycle shows on alternative platforms in autumn 2020. In doing so, the company will increasingly rely on its own formats and digital communication channels.

This news is followed by the announcement of the cancellation of the BMW Motorrad Days 2020 which was set to take place in early July. Three days of absolutely everything BMW bikes will not take place this year at their birthplace of Germany.

Although these two shows are set to take place at the end of the year, the current growth of the COVID-19 pandemic shows no signs of slowing down. Even if does reach its peak soon, it’ll take a few months (maybe even the rest of the year) for the world to stabilize itself in all aspects, from new bike launches, sales, and right down to riding motorcycles as a whole.

SPIED: 2021 BMW R18 Cruiser?

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Asia Dream Cup (ADC) Champ to Compete in CEV & Cub Prix 2015

Reigning Asia Dream Cup Champion, Khairul Idham Pawi takes his racing career a step further as the young Malaysian confirmed he will compete in the FIM CEV Repsol Moto3 Junior World Championship and the PETRONAS AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship simultaneously for the 2015 season.

The 17-year old will race for Honda Team Asia in the Spanish Championship, following in the footsteps of Hiroki Ono, who also came through the developmental series.
The CEV Moto3 championship runs eight rounds, six of which will take place in Spain, with the championship kicking off in Portugal at Portimao, and the CEV Moto3 class appearing as a support class at the French Grand Prix round at Le Mans.
Meanwhile in the national championship, Khairul is set to move up to the intermediate CP115 and battle it out with his seniors having clinched the age-capped WIRA title with eight straight victories last year.

“When you think about the number of world champions Spain has produced, this move to the Moto3 Junior World Championship is a huge opportunity for my career. No doubt, I am really excited and looking forward to this new challenge,” said Khairul during the Asia Dream Cup Moto3 test at the Pasir Gudang Circuit in Johor today.
When asked about his thoughts about competing in two different championships at the same time, Khairul added, “For sure flying in and out of the country is going to be tough and tiring. In fact, it would be easier to just focus on one championship. However, the management believes Cub Prix is necessary because it helps keep my competitive edge. After all, the Moto3 championship has only eight rounds with a lot of spare time in between.”
Khairul will make his debut in the FIM CEV Repsol Moto3 Junior World Championship  when he attends the pre-season test at the Jerez Circuit in Spain on the 27th and 28th February.
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WHAT DRIVING SCHOOLS DON’T TEACH

AND WHAT WE SHOULD LEARN
I could clearly remember my first visit to a driving school to obtain my riding license. We had to sit through a class which started with videos of accidents, before the “lecturer” walked in to introduce us to the traffic codes (called undang-undang) of obeying traffic signs, some theories on safe riding. There were of course lectures on the basic skills of operating a motorcycle.

A computerized test of how much we could memorize the undang-undang followed in the next session. Passing the test mean that we could move on to “Practical” where we were taught how to ride a motorcycle. No, we weren’t taught the skills necessary to operate a motorcycle, instead we were made to rehearse procedures that we may pass and obtain our licenses.

By now, every student was so eager to get on with riding that we had forgotten every single point taught in that class.
The instructions were, “Go on top of this ‘bridge’ (a raised section about 30cm wide) and past those cones. Do the figure-eight, then head down there and turn back for the braking test. If the bike comes off the ‘bridge,’ you fail,” and so forth. And just before he ducked away for cigarettes and coffee, he said, “Come for four more sessions and you may attend your tests.”

The instructor came back (much) later, stood beside the track and barked orders like, “Use only first gear, don’t touch the front brake(!), don’t put your foot down,” etc., etc. But why?
Needless to say, I was overwhelmed when I finally obtained my license and hit the roads for the first time. I didn’t know what to do. Riding 5kms to Komtar was felt like riding 100kms through ISIL-held territory. Well, I guess you may feel the same thing too, so here are the Top 10 Things A Riding School Doesn’t Teach.

We’re not apportioning 100% blame on the driving schools. Had they been required to teach every single topic about riding to a neophyte, it’ll probably take at least 6 months. So the onus falls on us as motorcycle owners to learn more. Besides, part of the fun of riding is learning to ride better.
1. BASICS OF RIDING A MOTORCYCLE
The correct method of steering, called countersteering isn’t taught at all schools, except for the possibility of only Arinah in Kuala Terengganu. And there’s still throttle control, vision, body positioning and braking to learn.

As riders, we need to critique our own riding, dissect it, learn, understand and apply to become better riders. Repeat. Even MotoGP champs never stop practicing to improve, so should we?
However, while it’s good that we continue learning, there’s no better way than being completely honest with ourselves by enrolling in an advanced riding school, such as Progressive Track Day (PTD) and Most Fun Gym (operated by Malaysian GP legend Oh Kah Beng). Dirt biking is a great way to learn the intricacies on handling a motorcycle correctly.
2. SUSPENSION ADJUSTMENTS
Suspension technology has come a long way from when it was a black art. Even a midrange bike has been provided with reasonably good suspension and some ability to be tuned.

The answer usually lies in the Owner’s Manual. Or just search for the myriad of articles on suspension adjustment on the internet.
But first, do learn about what each parameter – such as preload, compression damping, rebound damping – does before going ahead with playing with the clickers on your bike’s suspension.
There are certain bikes with electronically-controlled suspension these days, and they’re pretty much idiot proof. Still, better to know the basics, because you’d then know what to look out for.
3. SETTING UP TRACTION CONTROL/ABS/RIDE MODES
I believe most of us already know which mode to select depending on riding preference, weather, and road conditions.

Yet, believe it or not, I’ve met owners who had set the wrong Ride Mode for the wrong situation. For example, I once met a guy who had set his S 1000 RR’s Ride Mode to SLICK, on which he commuted on a daily basis, without knowing what it actually meant on his half-worn SuperCorsas.
There are also those who pride themselves on a false sense of bravado by turning their ABS or Traction Control off on the streets. Yes, it ultimately boils down to rider’s preference, but these guys blindingly believe that their bikes go much faster by being set so for all traffic, weather and road conditions. And oh, they’ve never been to the track either.
Our recommendation is to keep TC and ABS on at all times on the streets. Don’t ask us how we found out.
4. RIDING IN TRICKY CONDITIONS
Riding in the rain and over slippery roads shouldn’t come as a fear to riders. Taken positively, the challenge of switching to a different riding style makes it fun.

Personally, I love riding in the rain as I could discover how my tires and bike feel when the tyres do break traction. Confidence should increase in actual fact, simply because you’ve discovered the limitations.
Learning to push the limit by yourself could become a dangerous proposition on the streets. Again, enroll in a riding school. Similarly, this is where motorcross and dirt-riding training becomes crucial.
5. MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE
The basics were demonstrated but never fully delved into.

Besides the customary oil change and tyre replacement, motorcycle owners should be inculcated with the desire to know more about their own machines.
Motorcyclists should be diligent in referring to their motorcycles’ service intervals in the Owner’s Manual. Too many times have we’ve seen totally black brake fluid, unchanged fork oil and chains encased in gunk.
6. BRINGING EXTRA TOOLS
So your bike broke down and you fished out the tool pouch. Has any motorcycle owner found a complete set of tools under his seat? In fact, there are manufacturers who don’t even provide a tool kit at all.

The tool kit included with your bike is woefully inadequate to say the least, so a rider should always include a few more important items (depending on the size of your under-seat space, such as:

Slotted and Phillips screwdrivers of two more sizes. Also, do get those that are magnetized; they’re super handy when extracting a dropped fastener.
A set of hex and Torx keys each.
A set of sockets, preferably including a ratchet handle.
Zip ties, for parts that’ve loose or fallen off.
Duct tape. The universal repairer/lifesaver.
A small can of penetrant spray to loosen up parts that are stubborn or stuck.
A small can of chain lube.
Tire puncture repair kit.
Tire pressure gauge.
A small flashlight.

7. ROADSIDE REPAIRS
This correlates with motorcycle maintenance and the tools you carry.
Modern motorcycles are generally reliable and there are very few cases of mechanical breakdowns. Tire punctures are common on the other hand; and so are crashes and low-speed tip-overs, causing snapped or bent levers.

Do NOT take this for granted. We’ve actually encountered flat tires on brand new test bikes on numerous occasions.
That is why one should always ride prepared. Repair techniques and tips are not usually covered in the Owner’s manual, so do check out the many articles and videos.
8. PUSH/BUMP STARTING YOUR BIKE
There are various reasons why your bike may not start. But before you decide to call the tow truck, you may attempt to push start it.

Put the bike into gear and hold the clutch, push it to a jog, then jump onto the seat and release the clutch simultaneously. You should immediately pull in the clutch lever as soon as the engine catches, to avoid the bike blasting off from underneath you. Give the throttle a few blips and ride off.
Or just get your buddies to push while you’re in the seat. Hehe.
9. Planning for a Tour
Servicing your motorcycle and checking the functions of the motorcycle is taught at driving schools, but we’re left to our own devices in preparing ourselves mentally and logistically for a long-distance tour.

If you’re riding in a group, chances are the leader will brief the group on the rendezvous points and other details. But you should always prepare yourself by looking up the route, preferably on the night prior to the ride. This way, you avoid being surprised by what you may find or get separated from the group.
If you’re riding alone, plan out your route and stops for fuel, rest and refreshment. Watch what you consume as certain drinks and foods may affect your stamina and concentration during your ride.

Apart from that, read up on articles on how to pack your luggage (whether it’s a backpack or motorcycle luggage system). This may sound silly, but having to dig out all your clothing to get to your wallet or passport under the hot sun or rain isn’t pleasant.
10. STUDYING YOUR OWNER’S MANUAL
Your motorcycle’s Owner’s Manual contains a treasure throve of information. Again, what we’re saying here may sound redundant, but hardly any motorcycle owner bothered to flip through their Owner’s Manual. Even if you’ve ridden every single motorcycle for the last 30 years.

You should take a peek at the contents page at the very least.
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Confirmed: BMW G310R will NOT be offered in Malaysia this year

BMW G 310 R

Sad but true.
With all the hype surrounding the highly anticipated BMW G310R, we can confirm that BMW Malaysia will NOT be offering the baby Motorrad for the Malaysian market this year.
BMW G 310 R (K03)
The baby beemer was supposed to make its debut in the third or fourth quarter of 2016 but our sources have confirmed that the 313cc entry-level BMW will only make it here next year for reasons unknown.

The G310R has been highly anticipated as it opens up the fantastic world of BMW Motorrad to an all new segment. There has been no confirmed indication on pricing but market speculation whispered prices of around RM30,000 – RM40,000 or lower. Dealers were also reportedly taking orders on the bike, you can read about that by clicking here.
The move comes as a surprise as the BMW G310R was officially on tour recently around Malaysia and was available for viewing at selected BMW Motorrad outlets. That move was seen a pre-launch move to get the market ready for launch. So the launch delay comes as a surprise for all of us.

The G310R was officially introduced to the world at the 2015 EICMA Motorcycle Show in Milan, Italy. You can read all about the motorcycle and view the full gallery by clicking here.
More updates coming your way as soon as we get them.
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Video: Ducati Panigale S vs McLaren 12C

If the previous post did not entice you enough, here’s a video where we get to see the Ducati Panigale S pit itself against the formidable supercar known as the McLaren 12C.

This unique head-to-head battle between Superbike and Supercar was conducted by renowned British motoring magazine Autocar on the Cadwell Park racing circuit. As you can see in the video, it comes to no surprise as to why enthusiasts in the UK have nicknamed the circuit as the “Mini Nurburgring”.
The head-to-head bore some surprising results, but in short, the Panigale S won with a significant advantage over the McLaren. Prior to this video, Autocar have also pitted the Ducati 1098 against the Nissan GT-R on the same circuit, as well as a B-road shootout between a Caterham R500 and a Ducati Hypermotard, all of which we have posted below for your viewing pleasure.
Ducati 1098 vs Nissan GT-R

Ducati Hypermotard vs Caterham R500

Source: Autocar UK official YouTube channel
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2024 Honda CBR600RR Breaks Cover At The Suzuka 8 Hours

Honda wowed motorcycle enthusiasts and racing fans alike as it unveiled its latest iteration of the CBR600RR at the prestigious 2023 Suzuka 8 Hours weekend.

The iconic Suzuka Circuitwitnessed the grand reveal during the 44th edition of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Endurance World Championship last wekend.
The event serves as a homecoming for Honda, allowing the brand to showcase its cutting-edge engineering on familiar turf.

Enthusiasts attending the Suzuka 8 Hours race had the exclusive opportunity to experience the new Honda CBR600RR up close and personal at the dedicated Honda booth.
While comprehensive details about the updates are still under wraps, insiders suggest that this unveiling primarily addresses evolving emissions regulations in Japan. As the CBR600RR’s previous iteration predates the implementation of these stringent environmental norms, this refresh aims to align the beloved sportbike with the latest emission compliance requirements.

Amid concerns over potential impacts on power output due to emissions adjustments, historical precedents indicate that the alterations are unlikely to significantly impede the bike’s formidable performance. Honda’s track record of seamlessly integrating similar tweaks in previous models suggests that any changes in power dynamics will likely be subtle and expertly balanced.

Apart from the mechanical enhancements, the visual appeal of the new CBR600RR is set to captivate riders and onlookers alike. Honda has provided a tantalizing glimpse of the new aesthetic direction through shared images and videos.
The motorcycle dons a fresh Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) tricolor livery, exuding an air of racing prowess. Adding an air of mystique is the striking matte black variant that conjures images of a stealthy test mule wrap, underscoring the bike’s performance-oriented nature.
The Japanese market can expect both the dynamic tricolor livery and the enigmatic matte black version to be offered upon the formal announcement of the model’s release. However, the global palette remains a subject of speculation.
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2022 Yamaha R-Series Range Gets World GP 60th Anniversary Livery

Yamaha celebrates the World GP 60th Anniversary by unveiling a special livery for its R-series range consisting of the 2022 YZF-R1, R7, R3 and R125.
The livery features a classic white paint job, Yamaha’s iconic red horizontal split block, gold rims, black levers and special badging on the airbox cover.
2022 R1 World GP 60th Anniversary
The new colourway celebrates Yamaha’s first world championship entry in 1961 French GP competing in the 250cc class with the RD48.
2022 R7 World GP 60th Anniversary
The World GP 60th Anniversary range will be available from November 2021 onwards and will be sold alongside the 2022 model range.
2022 R3 World GP 60th Anniversary
According to Yamaha, the special edition range will be on sale with limited availability.
2022 R3 World GP 60th Anniversary
However, there is no confirmation whether the World GP 60th Anniversary range will make its way here in Malaysia.

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Rumours of a new Honda Goldwing

Ageing Honda Goldwing rumoured to have a new replacement in development.

Its been with us for 42 years now with the current fifth-generation model pushing 15 years, but it seems it is only a matter of time before we see a brand new Honda Goldwing.
According to a reliable source, the mighty H-brand will likely introduce an all-new version of the Honda Goldwing heavyweight touring bike in 2017. Honda reportedly aims to have the new bike positioned and a technological standard bearer for the segment as how the current version did when it was launched back in 2001.

Although the fifth-generation Goldwing as we know it debuted as a technological tour-de-force, time is not on its side as much of its ‘high tech’ on board features now look dated against current contemporaries. In short, the Honda Goldwing is overdue for a full revamp and there can’t be a better time than now.
There’s plenty that we can expect to see in the upcoming sixth generation Goldwing starting with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Honda had previously patented a DCT transmission design made for the Goldwing, and having its core models equipped with the feature will give it a significant advantage. One clear example of this can be seen in the new Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin.

Besides that, we can also expect an electronically adjustable semi-active suspension system to be featured in the next generation Honda Goldwing. Previously, Honda had patented at least two different designs, the most recent of which featured a radical leading link design that promises better anti-dive performance and the ability to better cope with the Goldwing’s enormous mass.
Reports have also surfaced of other patents filed by Honda surrounding the instruments and controls. This likely suggests the possible addition of a sophisticated infotainment system with the high chance of including a large TFT display screen too.

Of course, some of the best traits of the current generation Honda Goldwing will be retained. Highlights here include the airbag system pioneered in the current bike, as well as the multiple riding modes, which should come as a standard features nonetheless.
Last but least, Honda could also be exploring and developing a hybrid petrol-electric powertrain as well. Honda has openly expressed its keenness to implement an electric motor system in its bikes, allowing the possibility to use a smaller-capacity engine as well – a huge advantage especially in this era of strict Euro 4 emission laws.
Source: Visordown
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Aveta SVR 180: The Chinese Super Moped Now Assembled in Malaysia – RM9,980!

If you are wondering what Aveta is, fret not because you are not alone. Up until the point when we received the invite from Aveta to test ride their latest product, we had never heard of the brand before either.

So what is Aveta? Simply put, it is a Malaysian brand that localises China made motorcycles, specifically, it rebadges Rato motorcycles that are made in China.

Rato is part of the CHONGQIN Rato Group and has been building motorcycles and engines since 2007.

But the Aveta brand was born in Malaysia in 2019 to reassemble the motorcycles in Malaysia.

We all know what happened after 2019, so it is no wonder that not many have heard of the Aveta brand.
But the company persevered and survived the pandemic. Not only did it survive but it has introduced new models, and is currently selling about 1,000 – 1,500 new motorcycles a month. Which is an astonishing figure.

And the latest model to be added to its formidable stable on the local front is the SVR 180.
It looks like a Honda RS or RSX that has undergone a slimming program and is now leaner, but that 175cc engine is zippy and has a rev happy character.

It produces about 17hp and 15.5Nm of torque and comes with a 6.6-litre fuel tank. We only got to ride it for about four kilometers, so there really is no telling whether it sips or chugs fuel. A longer test ride is needed to ascertain that.

That rev happy engine is connected to a six-speed multi-plate gearbox. And the powertrain only has to manage a 113kg package. Our 80kg rider came away singing praises about the engine so that says a lot about its capability.

Stopping power is provided by discs front and rear while suspension duties is managed by a telescopic fork up front and a monoshock at the rear.

In terms of features, the SVR 180 comes with a digital LED screen and a USB socket that is able to charge a phone on the move, which gives it a level or practicality that is well suited to the urban environment or for food delivery riders who are always on the go and need their gadgets constantly charged.

At RM9,980, the Aveta SVR 180 seems to check all the boxes. You may think that the price is quite expensive, and you would not be wrong either because at that price point, there’s quite a lot of options from the competition from Japan.

But if you have not already heard, there’s a long waiting period for most motorcycles due to the global semi-conductor shortage, the Aveta SVR 180 though, is available immediately.

Top 10: Bikes That Ruled Malaysian Roads

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2021 Ducati Diavel 1260 Lamborghini Edition in the works?

Ducati is currently on a role when it comes to releasing new colours and liveries for the current premium motorcycle line-up. It looks like that they’re going with that momentum in 2021 and according to some sources, Ducati is planning to reveal a Ducati Diavel 1260 Lamborghini Edition next year.

Apparently, someone had stumbled upon some documents submitted by Ducati to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Within the documents are details of three variants of the Diavel 1260, and one of them is the ‘Lamborghini Edition’.

Both Ducati and Lamborghini are companies under the subsidiary of Audi, which happens to be owned by the Volkswagen Group. It makes sense for the two premium Italian motoring giants to do some sort of collaboration considering their statuses in the industry as well their physical distance between the two birthplaces (plus their collaboration with Pramac Ducati in MotoGP 2019).

We’re not entirely sure how this will end up, but our best guess is that the 2021 Ducati Diavel 1260 Lamborghini Edition will carry some of the brand, premium paintwork exclusively reserved for Lamborghini supercars, and some good aftermarket parts courtesy of Rizoma and more.

There’s also a high chance of the Diavel 1260 getting some premium exhaust parts, possibly from Termignoni or Akrapovic. One thing is for sure, either one would offer an ‘explosive’ soundtrack which is always music to our ears.

On a different note, the document submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also indicated two other interesting Ducati models; Multistrada 1260 Enduro Grand Tour and Scrambler 1100 PRO Dark. 2020 might be a weird year for everyone, but Ducati is determined to redeem some of that lost time in 2021 with some great models planned.
Video Review of The New Ducati Diavel 1260S We Tested in Spain!

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An outing with the Malaysian V-Rod Owners Group

An epic Sunday ride out with the ever-growing Harley-Davidson V-Rod Owners Group of Malaysia.

As many of you would already know, the Harley-Davidson brand is a celebrated name amongst many bikers on our soil. Need proof? Take a look at the sheer size of the Malaysian Chapter of the Harley-Davidson Owners Group, or simply known as the HOGs.

But amongst the many models churned out by the American bar-and-shield brand, perhaps the one model that has been considered as one of its most ‘underrated’ has to be its V-Rod. First introduced in 2001, the V-Rod is perhaps Harley-Davidson’s first new-generation model that signalled the brand’s embracement of the future.

When it arrived at the start of the new millennium, the V-Rod was indeed a breakthrough for the brand, even when compared with the more recent all-electric Project Livewire demonstrator. It featured H-D’s first new generation liquid-cooled V-twin with overhead camshafts, having developed this 1,250cc mill together with German sportscar maker Porsche. As its name suggested, it was literally a ‘Revolution’ within the brand.

Whilst the V-Rod, and its subsequent variants did not sell in huge numbers as its more traditional stable mates did, the V-Rod did have its own desirable charm, drawing a different set of non-traditional owners. To gain an insight into this, we were given an exclusive opportunity in joining in on a Sunday ride-out to Temerloh and Jerantut in Pahang with the Malaysian V-Rod Owners Group last weekend, where we talked about the V-Rod itself with some of its members over a tasty feast of ‘ikan patin’.

First of all, the group, isn’t exactly official just yet. The movement, so to speak, started with two passionate owners, Simon Ng and Daniel Tham, who started a Whatsapp chat group uniting all the owners. “I and Daniel started the group after we did our adventure ride from KL to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam via Phuket, Thailand last year during Songkran. A lot of folks doubted the V-Rod’s long distance touring abilities, but I and Daniel proved otherwise with our ride. Then together, we sought to change the perception of the V-Rod amongst owners and non-owners,” explained Simon, who is a full-time corporate trainer and public speaker.

Simon added, “A lot of people did not believe the V-Rod could actually go the distance. Even the Vietnamese riders that followed us in our ride kept asking us on when are we turning back? They thought we were a little out of our minds!” Unlike the Vietnamese group, who had a full-blown support vehicle crammed with parts and crew, Simon and Daniel completed their journey on their own accord, and perhaps becoming the first V-Rod owners anywhere to complete such a distance across three nations. This subsequently led the duo in initiating this little yet exclusive group.

The group has kept its membership exclusive towards V-Rod owners. Affectionately called ‘Rambo’ amongst his peers for his love of sleeveless muscle tops, construction entrepreneur Daniel has been described by Simon as the group’s active recruiter, slowly consolidating V-Rod owners into the aforementioned chat group since their epic ride to Vietnam last year. “We did our first ‘official’ group ride earlier this year into the small settlement of Titi in Semenyih. Back then, we managed to gather about 17 V-Rod owners, and we rode through some twisty roads, which was a really fun experience for the group,” explained Daniel.

Whilst the earlier ride was an achievement in its own right, the group’s recent outing in search of some tasty ‘ikan patin’ delicacy up into Pahang has eclipsed that entirely. The duo outdid themselves, bringing together a total of 23 V-Rods and their owners, with 21 of them hailing from Kuala Lumpur and the remaining two owners hailing from Pahang state itself. This is perhaps the largest V-Rod gathering ever recorded in Malaysia.

Very few of the V-Rods have made its way onto our shores by both the brand’s official distributor Naza Prestige Bikes, as well as the various grey importers present. And, unlike any other models made by the H-D brand, the number of V-Rods in Malaysia is akin to the numbers of a rare sportscar. Our best estimation is that there are no more than 60 or 70 presently roaming our roads.

With that in mind, as well as the V-Rod’s classification as a ‘dragster’ or power cruiser, it is easy to see that the models’ owners in Malaysia are a slightly different bunch in character when compared to regular H-D owners we’ve seen. Amongst the variants present in the ride were its two most popular ones, namely the V-Rod Muscle and the Night-Rod. Each also boasted its own unique array of customisation, reflecting their eclectic owners in the process as well.

Our experience of the group in their ride through the Karak Highway and trunk roads towards Pahang state was indeed a memorable one. Embracing the V-Rod as a ‘dragster’ or power cruiser, the riders rode on a much faster pace compared to other regular H-D rides, but it remained in a somewhat relaxed tone. Accompanying this was the very bass-rich but distinct soundtrack of more than 20 grunty and torque-rich liquid-cooled V-twins riding as a pack.
Even meeting and chatting with the owners was somewhat a surprise as most are not your typical or average H-D owner type. The members were mostly in their early 40s, each with their own dynamic personalities to match their bikes, with a few exceptions here and there. Amongst them as well were two lady riders – a rare sighting in any bike group indeed, as well as renowned local actor and celebrity Jehan Miskin.
In fact, it was Jehan that brought our attention to this group of select bikers, with Jehan himself being a member as he owns one tastefully tricked out Night-Rod. As for the group’s moderators, Simon shares a similar taste with Jehan in owning a Night-Rod, whilst Daniel ‘Rambo’ reflected his personality through ownership of a V-Rod Muscle.

Besides the perception change, Simon reiterated that the group’s formation was intended first and foremost to celebrate the V-Rod itself. As the movement grows in terms of its size, Simon and Daniel also shared their future plans and ambitions with us.

The first of which is the road towards ‘legitimising’ the group. “When the number is right, say 40 owners, I forsee the need to register the movement and making things official and formal. Right now, we are on the road towards that,” explained Simon, who’s face quite literally lit up when this subject was asked. Furthermore, the duo stated that by doing more and more activities like their recent Pahang ride, they intended to welcome more V-Rod owners from all over the country in order to accomplish this mission.

The next agenda, according to both Simon and Daniel is indeed quite epic. The duo are in the midst of planning a group ride into Thailand to conquer the Kingdom’s infamous 1000 Corners route in the Mae Hong Son province. “There is a strong and large V-Rod movement in Thailand, and they are just as exclusive as we are. We intend on tying up with them to perform this ride, and this will happen as soon as we get enough participants,” said Simon.

In preparation to that, his counterpart Daniel further added, “We are also organising a group ride up to Sadao, Thailand sometime in June for Sadao Bike Week. Hopefully, we’ll get a high turn out for this as how we have achieved in this ride.”

Though not an official group just yet, the strong yet uniting passion displayed by the group’s members, as well as its two key moderators, is undeniable. In fact, we would not be surprised to see the group successfully registering itself sometime soon. Interested V-Rod owners who are not apart of the group yet can get in touch with its unofficial ‘recruiter’ Daniel Tham aka Rambo via his Facebook page.
Malaysian V-Rod Owners Group ride to Pahang 2015
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SIC wins legal battle with M7 Racing

Remember the time when M7 Racing sponsored the SIC Racing Moto3 squad back in 2015 and 2016? Drive M7 Energy Drink was the main sponsor and it turned out that they’ve not been paying their part under the sponsorship agreement and SIC has filed a lawsuit regarding the matter.

Years went on and finally, the High Court of Johor Bahru ruled in favour of Sepang International Circuit (SIC) against M7 Racing Sdn Bhd, a company related to Mutiara Motors Group of Companies. Now, they have to cough up a whopping RM3.32 million in unpaid fees during its Moto3 sponsorship back in 2015 and 2016.

The Drive M7 SIC Racing Team made its debut in the Moto3 world championship with Zulfahmi Khairuddin and Jakub Kornfeil in 2015. Adam Norrodin got the seat in 2016 when Zulfahmi Khairuddin took the offer to race in WorldSSP where he obtained his best podium result of 2nd in front of the Malaysian crowd.

The court ruling in favour of SIC was a sigh of relief as the case came to a close between the two parties involved. It was unfortunate to see that the case had to be settled in court with these two iconic brands in the country but SIC is positive that their motorsports initiative will remain positive and they’re looking forward to more partnerships (as long as both parties involved commit and honour the terms of the sponsorship agreement, of course).
What Roles do Satellite Teams Play in MotoGP

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MotoGP: Francesco Bagnaia Wins At Mugello, Marc Marquez Crashes Out Again

Francesco Bagnaia continued his dominance in the MotoGP circuit by securing his third consecutive win at Mugello in a thrilling race. The Italian rider displayed exceptional skill and determination, outshining his competitors, with Jorge Martin finishing closely behind in second place.

The race initially saw Bagnaia making a strong start, but his lead was short-lived as Jack Miller quickly overtook him, rapidly advancing from fourth to first position. However, Bagnaia swiftly responded, regaining his lead just one corner later at turn two.
As the race progressed, the pace of the KTM rider faltered, allowing for intense moments on the track. At one point, a near collision loomed as both Marquez brothers and Luca Marini found themselves in a precarious situation.

Alex Marquez pushed too hard, out-braking himself into turn one, narrowly squeezing between his brother and Marini before running wide. Miller capitalised on the opportunity, reclaiming his position, but Marquez remained on the inside, jostling for control.
Meanwhile, Marc Marquez, in fourth place, faced a devastating setback as he crashed out of the Grand Prix for the fourth consecutive time. The crash occurred at the final corner while he was attempting to overtake Marini, but Marquez misjudged his line, losing the front-end and ending his race prematurely.

While Bagnaia and Martin maintained a stable gap of half a second between them, yellow flags were deployed in sector three due to Miguel Oliveira’s crash.
As the race continued, Alex Marquez, who had been in fourth position, made a move to claim third place from Marini on lap 12. However, Marquez ran slightly wide, allowing Marini to regain his position momentarily. Determined, Marquez tried again on lap 13, utilising his better rear grip to close in along the start-finish straight, successfully securing third place.
The battle for victory intensified on lap 14 when Bagnaia, who had initially held a lead of four tenths of a second, unleashed an impressive surge, extending his advantage to over six tenths of a second and ultimately crossing the finish line with a comfortable one-second lead.

The Marquez family’s challenging race took a turn for the worse when Alex crashed out of third place at turn two during lap 15. Despite the setback, Marini, eager to secure a podium finish on home soil, fought hard, attempting an immediate response after making a mistake at the final corner. Although he briefly managed to move ahead of Johann Zarco, the Italian struggled to fend off the French rider for an extended period and losses out his podium spot.
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Caltex Launches New Line of Havoline Motorcycle Lubricants

The new Havoline motorcycle engine oils are especially formulated for urban riding.

At the heart of some oils is the CORE Technology.

Caltex is also offering “Ride Strong” promotional package.

Subjected to extreme pressure and heat in the engine, coupled to variable operating and ambient temperature, fighting off affluent of the combustion process, resisting being oxidized by moisture, engine oils lead a hard life in order to protect, lube, cool, and clean the parts of an engine.
Racing is of course and activity that’s harsh on oils, but lugging the bike at slow speeds in traffic is just, if not worse.

At extra slow speeds like those encountered in inner city commuting, depending on the state of tune (in terms of valve overlap) an internal combustion engine may not produce enough positive pressure from combustion or negative pressure from the exhaust tract to evacuate the burned gasses, leaving behind residues that end up as carbon and so forth.
In the meantime, temperatures increase due to lack of airflow and it’s the job of the coolant (if the bike is liquid-cooled) and oil (especially critical if the engine’s oil- or air-cooled) to keep temperatures manageable. Oils break down quickly in this environment.

Yet, the oil has to avoid causing the clutch plates to slip while being sheer resistant to provide optimum protection to the engine and transmission. (This is why we should never use car engine oils in a motorcycle engine. Click on the link below for our earlier article on this subject.)
I Lube You (Also known as Why You Shouldn’t Use Car Engine Oil in Your Bike)

That’s the main aim of Caltex’s new line of engine oils, lead by the flagship Havoline Super 4T Fully Synthetic SAE 5W-40 for motorcycles and scooters. The family includes semi-synthetics and mineral grades, as well.
Caltex’s latest proprietary C.O.R.E. Technology was developed to address the concerns of today’s urban riders. The semi-synthetic range is further fortified with ZOOMTECH additive, to minimize clutch slip hence maximizing power transfer.
Lennard Kwek, Regional Marketing Manager, Asia Pacific, Chevron Lubricants said it best, “Motorcycles make up almost 46% of the registered vehicles on Malaysian roads and in start-stop city traffic and congestion, the vehicles are constantly under stress. For our consumers, our latest range of Havoline motorcycle engine oils with C.O.R.E. Technology and ZOOMTECH booster aims to give riders a reliable product that is especially suited for urban commuting.”

C.O.R.E. Technology stands for:
Cleans and protects for a more efficient and cleaner engine to deliver superior performance.
Oxidation stability provides heat protection against oil degradation.
Reduces engine heat damage with superior oil stability for continuous protection.
Enhances acceleration through improved clutch grip even under high loads.
CORE Technology is available in all products except for Havoline Ezy 4T.
The addition of ZOOMTECH in Havoline Super 4T Semi-Synthetic delivers a 13% improvement static friction index (SFI) when measured the JASO T903:2016 standard for better clutch grip over the Havoline Super 4T Synthetic Blend SAE 10W-40. The term “JASO” may sound familiar to you – that’s the certification for the MA or MA2 clutch grip standards.

The flagship Havoline Super 4T Fully Synthetic SAE 5W-40 with C.O.R.E. Technology is suited for high performance, large capacity motorcycles. To cope with the high revving engines which generate additional heat, this oil has been formulated to be 50% superior compared to the industry’s standard in oxidation stability. It means the engine will be better protected against heat damage, and last longer.

We presented a question during the Q&A Session on whether there’s a need for higher viscosity such as 5W/40 or 10W/50 in view of our climate’s higher ambient temperature. Caltex is confidence that the C.O.R.E. Technology addresses the issue since it’s formulated against high heat oxidation.
As for the scooter segment, Havoline’s scooter range has been upgraded to meet the latest API SN service standard, for both semi-synthetic and mineral grades. All products are JASO MB certified, as scooters do not use wet clutch.

“RIDE STRONG” PROMOTIONAL PACK
Chevron Malaysia Limited is offering a special bundle pack promotion in conjunction with launch. Customers will receive a free limited-edition microfiber towel with “Ride Strong” branding.
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Video: Radio-based device that stops cars and bikes

A recent news report by the BBC has shown how a British firm have successfully developed a prototype device capable at disabling cars and bikes using electromagnetic waves or EMP.

Known simply as the RF Safe-Stop, the device uses radio frequency pulses engineered to confuse on-board vehicle electronics, which in turn disables the engine. The report states that several companies, namely EV2, are pushing the prototype towards military agencies primarily as a non-lethal defence system.
The video attached shows the special demonstration of the prototype held in a UK airbase, successfully stopping a car and a bike. Once the offending vehicle is within range of roughly 50 metres, the device focuses the waves on its target. At this point, the on-board warning lights and dials acted wildly before the engine subsequently stalls, forcing vehicles to roll to a halt.
The prototype presently weighs in at a hefty 350kg and would require a dedicated vehicle to transport it around. Despite its ability disrupt on-board vehicle electronics, engineers behind the RF Safe-Stop says that vehicles disrupted by the device can still be restarted once the device s aimed away from its target.
Also interested in the RF Safe-Stop are law enforcement agencies, indicating that it could be a good replacement to the current range of ‘non-lethal’ vehicular disabling devices such as tyre-deflating stingers. The growing number of run-flat tyres equipped on vehicles has put the stinger’s useful role under question, forcing law enforcement agencies to figure out alternatives.
Whilst revolutionary, one cannot help but wonder what if criminals decide to use older generation bikes that have zero electronics on board, the kind of target capable of evading the RF Safe-Stop’s EMP waves.

Source: BBC via Visordown
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The 3rd-Gen Hayabusa Officially Revealed – 187HP, 150Nm!

Finally, after 14 years since the second generation, Hayabusa was presented to the world, Suzuki Motorcycle introduces the all-new Hayabusa via Suzuki Motorcycle Global Salon.
The third generation Hayabusa has gone through a major makeover for 2021 with a sharper and sleek exterior including an all-new electronic package.

According to Suzuki, the new Hayabusa received more than 550 new parts with the goal was to make the ever-powerful motorcycle easier to handle with advanced electronic riding aid.

Apart from electronic gizmos, the 1,340cc inline-four engine (now Euro 5 compliant) produces 187hp @ 9,700rpm and 150Nm @ 7,000rpm and paired to a 6-speed transmission.
Although the numbers are lower than the previous generation Suzuki claimed the new engine delivers better power delivery at low and mid-rpm.

Major changes to the engine include revised cam profiles, redesigned combustion chamber and redesigned crankcase which helps to improved durability and improved oil lubrication.
Other major changes include a new exhaust system, ride-by-wire, and Suzuki Ram Air Direct.

The 2021 ‘Busa is packed with fully adjustable suspension units from KYB while the braking is done by the top-notch Brembo Stylema calipers with 320mm disc front and 310mm at the rear.

Did we mention that the ‘Busa comes with Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tires as standard? It does.

Suzuki also managed to inject lots of electrical aid mainly the Suzuki Intelligent Ride Suite (SIRS) managed by a 6-axis IMU which get you the following:

wheelie control
launch control
engine brake control
rear-wheel lift control
three power maps
hill hold control
speed limiter

To make things fun, Suzuki fitted the Hayabusa with an up/down quickshifter and cruise control which can be set as low as 30km/h up to 200km/h.
Clearly, there is a lot to be excited about with the new Hayabusa and we hope it will reach our shores soon!

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Video: Full charge on a deserted UK mansion rooftop

This is perhaps one of the best acts of debauchery performed with an electric bike ever caught on video.
Astride on an Oset electric trials bike, daredevil rider Chris Northover takes the seemingly tiny machine to perform a series of stunts in a deserted mansion located in west central London’s infamous Kensington Palace Gardens aka ‘Billionaires Row’. Not only was Chris tearing it up in and around what is described as the former Russian consulate building, the daredevil also took the Oset on a death-defying trials run on the mansion’s rooftops.
Words do little justice, but the video posted here is definitely worthy of a place in our list of insane two-wheeling.

Source: YouTube via Visordown
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Inoveli rethinks bike throttle

French-based research and development firm Inoveli has set itself out to rethink the way we throttle up on bikes…. or ATVs, jetskis, and snowmobiles.
With the Inoveli FV01 throttle concept, the firm states that the design allows riders to not compromise their wrist angles when applying more throttle input. Instead of twisting your entire wrist, Inoveli’s concept sees riders use their thumb instead, allowing one to keep a constant grip on the handlebar throughout the entire throttle range, and cover the front brake lever constantly as well.
Presently, the FV01 system is only available for cable throttles, priced approximately at €230. It is hoped that the French firm would develop another unit for digital ride-by-wire systems for more advanced bikes (or ATVs, snowmobiles, jetskis, etc) in the near future.
Check out the video below for a clearer idea of how the FV01 would actually work.

Source: Inoveli via Asphaltandrubber
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MotoGP: Suzuki bidding early comeback?

Scheduled to return to full time racing in MotoGP in 2015, it appears Suzuki might just make an earlier-than-scheduled appearance this year.
Word from within fraternity, which happens to be in our humble town presently for winter testing, is that Suzuki test rider Randy de Puniet is sourcing for wildcards this season. Suzuki team boss Davide Brivio that Frenchman de Puniet’s request could go ahead towards the tail end of the 2014 season.
Brivio went on further by saying, “In fact, entering in one or two races would be interesting for us too. He could race in one of the final races of the season, because that way we’d have a proper comparison on the level reached by our bike after this season of testing.”

The Japanese S-badge is already scouting out potential riders for its rejuvenated racing campaign it has planned for 2015. With that, Brivio also stated that the outfit recognises the need for a competitive package and have already indetified the areas it needs to work and improve on. As previously reported, Suzuki are taking on 2014 fully on testing with de Puniet before making its full time entry next year.
The team is currently partaking only in the on-going first winter testing session held at the Sepang International Circuit and is expected to continue testing throughout the year.
Source: Visordown
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Suzuki celebrates 100th anniversary

What started way back on 15 March 1920 with making looms, Suzuki now celebrates its 100th anniversary with great success in the world of automotive, motorcycles, and our favourite part, racing. Its 100 years of evolution began with the Suzuki Loom Manufacturing Company which was founded by Michio Suzuki.

Like most Japanese companies, things really took off right after World War II in their efforts to rebuild the country. Even with hardship, damages, and destruction the company faced throughout World War II, the company was determined to make a mark and by 1954, they were all in the automotive sector.

After 100 years in the business, the company’s Chairman and President, Osamu and Toshihiro Suzuki, released the official message to celebrate this momentous occasion. “This year we are celebrating our 100th anniversary. On 15th of March 1920, Michio Suzuki founded the Suzuki Loom Manufacturing Co. in Hamamatsu.”

“Since then, we have expanded our business from looms to motorcycles, automobiles, outboard motors, ATV’s and others, always adapting to the trend of the times as well as domestic and global markets. Your kind support at all times is truly the greatest factor that has enabled us to always be close to our customers’ daily lives and achieve the commemorative 100th anniversary.”

“All members of the company take this as an important milestone to reaffirm the founder’s philosophy of “focusing on customers” and strive to deliver products to customers across the globe. This year also marks the beginning of the next century, and we all are committed to achieve even greater business performance in such an important year. We sincerely appreciated your continuous support.”

With that being said, we’re pretty sure that they’ll be releasing some tasty special edition models once all the COVID-19 pandemic dies down. One thing is for sure, they have the best MotoGP bike livery thanks to their super sexy GSX-RR.

Patents for New Suzuki Hayabusa Appears Online

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WSBK: Spec-tyre tender offer opens

WSBK’s organisers and governing bodies are now in search of a new spec-tyre supplier for the 2016 season onwards.
Presently, Dorna and FIM have a standing deal with Italian tyremakers Pirelli until the end of the 2015 season. With the tender recently opening up, no known tyre brands have been linked just yet, so it is possible that Pirelli could retain its duty as the sole spec-tyre supplier for the sport. Dorna’s other main sport, MotoGP, however are expected to switch to Michelin spec-tyres starting 2016 after Bridgestone announced its exit.
Whoever is tasked at being WSBK’s new spec-tyre supplier will indeed have to consider developing its black rings based on the sport’s new EVO spec machinery and rules. The upcoming EVO spec bikes will have less power than the current crop of racebikes on the WSBK grid, which in turn means a whole different set demands on tyres.
Source: WSBK via Asphaltandrubber
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KTM To Expand The 390 Adventure Range – New Variant Spied

The KTM 390 Adventure was well-received ever since its global introduction at 2019 EICMA.
Despite the success two years later, the Austrian manufacturer actually ran multiple test mules of different designs, one of which includes a rally variant similar to KTM’s 450 Rally.

The test mule features a taller front section, with an instrument console and handlebar-mounted higher compared to the production 390 Adventure.
In the latest development, reports in India suggest that KTM is ready to roll out the production version of the 390 Rally.
The Rally edition is expected to offer better ergonomics, control and balance, especially in off-road conditions.
Spied photos show a taller clear windscreen to enhance riders’ protection against dirt and debris and improve riding ergonomics.
However, major parts appear largely the same as the stock 390 Adventure including the 373cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that makes 43hp and 37Nm.
It is worth noting that the upcoming Rally variants will feature a new off-road mode that was recently introduced on the 2022 KTM 390 Adventure.

Riding on a steel trellis frame, the 390 Adventure utilizes WP APEX 43mm USD front forks and WP APEX monoshock at the rear.
Despite the rugged looks, the Rally editions are expected to maintain the 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels with the option to upgrade to wire-spoke wheels from KTM Powerparts.
Meanwhile, the braking system comprises of ByBre 320mm disc at the front and 230mm at the rear. Bosch dual-channel ABS is offered as standard.
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Triumph Tiger 1200 Range Price Revealed – Starts From RM115,900

Fast Bike Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of the Triumph Motorcycles brand in Malaysia has also announced the official price for the 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200 range for the local market.
The introduction of the Triumph Tiger 1200 marks an exciting start to the calendar year for Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia.

“We are anticipating that it will become an exciting year ahead not only for the brand but all motorcycle enthusiasts with this new line-up of models which offers the best proposition in terms of performance, the level of equipment and value,” said Chief Executive Officer of Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd, Dato’ Razak Al-Malique Hussain.
According to an official statement by Fast Bike Sdn Bhd today, the Tiger 1200 range is available in two variants, the GT Pro and Rally Explorer and is priced at RM115,900 and RM130,900 respectively.

The construction of the new Tiger 1200 focused solely on creating lighter and much powerful ADV bikes with class-leading handling and specs on and off-road.

At the centre of the building is an all-new T-Plane crank engine that was previously introduced on the Tiger 900 range.

The all-new 1160cc powerplant now makes 147hp @ 9,000rpm (8.5hp increase than the previous generation) and 130Nm @ 7,000rpm (8Nm up).
For 2022, Triumph’s added the Rally Explorer as the newest member of the Tiger 1200 range which features a 30L fuel tank – 20L fuel tank on the GT Pro -, higher-spec kit and added electronics, inlcuding the innovative blind spot detection system.

The Tiger GT Pro features semi-active Showa suspension and gets a 19-inch front and 18-inch rear cast aluminium wheel while the Rally Explorer sports a 21″ front and 18″ rear tubeless spoke wheels.

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MotoGP: Marc Marquez Wants The Ride-Height Device Banned

Marc Marquez wants Safety Commission to ban the controversial ‘ride-height/holeshot device’ amid fears it could push GP bikes to unsafe levels.

The six-time MotoGP champion believed that the device is not just an added complication but could also affect riders’ safety at tracks that don’t offer long run-offs.

“For me it’s something that for the future they must remove. I already said last year when I arrived after my injury.
“I think all the riders need to go together (safety commission).
“Manufacturers will always go more, more and more, but now with more stroke on the rear, more speed, more stroke on the front, it’s difficult to engage on the start procedure.
“For the show we don’t gain anything. Okay it’s a prototype, but for street bikes, you don’t need the holeshot.
“The aerodynamics I agree with because it’s nice and new things, but the holeshot system; always the run-off areas are trying to be increased, you are arriving faster on the break points and braking later, so for the future there is no sense,” said the Spaniard.

Meanwhile, 2020 MotoGP world champion Joan Mir thinks the technology is just too much for the sport.
“For me, it’s starting to be too much.
“Every time we arrive faster into the straight; we will reach 370kmph soon. The layouts are the same and for sure it’s more performance.
“Also, on the acceleration side it’s more difficult to make a difference. If you use everything then it’s more performance but it’s not the best thing for safety,” said the Suzuki rider.

However, last season’s runner-up, Francesco Bagnaia, revealed that he has no problem using a device that Ducati pioneered in the first place.
The ride-height device allows riders to push the suspension down to improve stability, and while it was used at the start of a race, Ducati expanded it to be used in motion. This allows riders to exit corners at higher speeds and slingshot onto a straight.
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New Akrapovič kits for 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

Famed Slovenian exhaust specialist Akrapovič introduces new kits for 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.

Slovenian exhaust specialists Akrapovič have released its latest range of kits for the 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R superbike. Amongst the lot are several aftermarket exhaust silencers and full systems designed to enhance both power and torque figures for the litre-class superbike.

One of which comes in the form of Akrapovič’s range-topping Evolution Line Carbon kit. Akrapovič claims that the kit is able to raise power figures from the superbike’s stock output of 185.2hp @ 13,150rpm up to 195.1hp @ 13,200rpm – a 16.5hp hike. However, Akrapovič highlights that the maximum boost is already available at 6,700rpm.

Also increased is the superbike’s torque output. The stock bike’s figure of 108.8Nm @ 11,500rpm is raised up to 113.4Nm that’s generated at a slightly lower rev of 11,250rpm – a decent increase of 4.6Nm.

More importantly, the Akrapovič full system also grants a 5.4kg weight reduction in the superbike’s total weight as well. In comparison, the Akrapovič kit’s 3.9kg weight is 58.1% lighter than the stock unit’s 9.3kg weight figure.

As far as the decibel levels go, Akrapovič also states that the Evolution Line Carbon kit adds a further 6dB, bringing readings up to a peak of 102dB generated at 6,500rpm.

As with many of its kits, installation is easy and can be done in under 90 minutes. This likely includes an ECU reflash with a new and specially developed mapping for the system that is inspired from Kawasaki’s own WSBK race-winning bike piloted by Tom Sykes and Jonathan Rea.

Also available in the range for the 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R are slip-on silencers. These Euro 4-compliant slip-ons are available in both carbon and titanium forms as well. However, the Evolution and Racing systems available alongside it may not be street-legal in certain countries.

Nevertheless, the promise of increased power and torque with the reduced weight should see it complementing the Kawasaki race parts and tool catalogue released not too long ago. (Read about that here)

Source: Autoevolution
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Five Things About 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS That We Like

We can expect the Kawasaki Z900RS and Z900RS Café in 2018.

Both bikes are truly modern bikes.

They’re set to take the market by storm.

We mourned the loss of the Kawasaki W800 modern retro. Here was a bike that looked properly retro: The engine had the bevel drive cover on the outside of the engine block, and beautifully polished aluminium accented cooling fins; the “bread loaf” seat; peashooter exhausts; twin rear shocks; even the front brake disc looked retro.
Then Kawasaki launched the W800’s replacement during EICMA last month. Called the Z900RS and Z900RS Café, they rocked the motorcycle fraternity.

Here are some of the features we are looking forward to.
Heritage
Back in 1972 (for model year 2013), Kawasaki unveiled the monster bike which cemented the Japanese manufacturer’s name as a premiere brand. It was the Z1.

The 900cc, inline-Four was the first air-cooled engine which featured double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and produced 82 bhp to propel the bike to 210 km/h. It was the fastest production bike of its time. It also went to dominate sales and Motorcycle News name it as the Best Bike of the Year four years in a row.
The Z1 went on to spawn the Kz900 which in turn gave birth to the dominant Kz1000-S1 which gave rise to GP greats Freddie Spencer, Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, and Wayne Gardner.

It was also the bike in the popular TV series CHiPs.
Screen grab from CHiPs
(Click here for our article on the evolution of famous Kawasaki motorcycles.)
Best Iteration of the Z1 Yet?
Kawasaki had revived the inline-Four modern classic in the vein of the Z1 before. Remember the Zephyr 400/750/1100 in the 1990’s?

How about the later ZRX1100 (1997 to 2005) and ZRX1200 (2001 to 2008), modeled after the mighty Kz1000R-S1?

They were surely beautiful, showing just eternally beautiful was the Z1’s form. However, these were fairly heavy.
The Z900RS on the other hand, weighs only 214 kg, ready to ride. Additionally, it features fully adjustable forks and a rear shock that’s derived from the ZX-10R superbike. A new, lightweight trellis frame holds it all together. The Z900RS is given a sporty rake angle of 25.4 degrees and trail of 88.9, ensuring agile handling.

Z1 Styling Cues
Oh yes, they’re all there.
The ducktail back end, oval rear light, machined engine fins, textured metal tank, side panel badges, cam covers, bread loaf seat, the instrument panel, and gauges that use the same fonts. Even the needles rest at the same angle as the original.

The new upper frame accommodates the seat and tear-shaped fuel tank. The two-tone orange and metallic brown paint are faithful reproduction of the original.

If you want a more racer-esque feel, opt for the Z900RS Café, which has a bikini fairing, lower handlebars and humped seat.

Let’s not forget the new 4-into-1 double-wall steel exhaust system, which most owners of the K1 modified to and mimics the Kz1000’s. Anyone know if Kerker still makes exhausts?

Torque!
Horsepower is useful for the track. Out here on the mean streets, it’s torque that rules.
While the Z900RS’s engine shares the same architecture as the Z900 naked sportbike’s, it’s tuned for more low- and mid-range grunt for the real world.

It means that you don’t have to shift like you’re auditioning for Riverdance when you need to overtake other vehicles and while riding at low speeds.
Practicality
Judging from how the bike looks, its spec sheet and reviews from overseas media, the Z900RS and Z900RS Café are both practical for the daily commute and weekend mountain road riding. It also looks like it has a more pragmatic riding position for all day comfort.

The way we see it, we could attach soft luggage on both sides (since it’s a monoshock) and tankbag without ruining the looks of the bike.

So there you go. We’re sure to discover many other great (and not so great) features of the bike when it arrives in Malaysia. Oh, that may be in the second quarter of 2018.
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Asia Talent Cup: Ogura wins second Zhuhai race

Rookie rider Ai Ogura leads yet another all-Japan podium domination in Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup 2015 Round 4 Race 2 in Zhuhai.

Once again, riders of the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup 2015 series took the black top of the Zhuhai International Circuit (ZIC) here in China for the weekend’s second race astride the series’ Honda NSF250R bikes. Unlike yesterday, today’s race intensified with a bigger lead pack, with 8 riders battling for the podium.

Amongst the 8 riders were Malaysian pole-sitter Adam Norrodin, followed by the Japanese brigade led by Ayumu Sasaki, Ai Ogura, Takuma Kunimine, Yuta Date and Kazuki Masaki, as well as Indonesian rider Gerry Salim and Thailand’s Nakarin ‘Chip’ Athiratphuvapat.

As the lights turned green, the melee between the eight young riders lasted throughout most of the 17-lap race. A series of errors saw both Yuta Date and Chip Nakarin overshooting off the course. Whilst Date was able to resume his race and finished eleventh, Chip’s day came to an end in the unforgiving gravel trap with less than a lap to go.

Drama then ensued once again in the final stages of the race. Fighting strongly for the podium were Ogura, Masaki, Kunimine, Adam, Gerry and Sasaki. With a brilliant display of riding skills and race tactics, Japanese rookie Ai Ogura earned himself a well deserved race win by the time the chequered flag was waived. Ogura’s maiden win in the series was indeed a good follow up from his podium finish in Race 1 held yesterday.

Just 0.100 seconds behind winner Ogura was fellow countryman Kazuki Masaki who took 2nd. The battle for the final podium spot between Adam and Kunimine was a very heated one on the final lap, but luck favoured the Japanese as he crossed the line for 3rd place ahead of Adam in 4th with just less than a bike’s length separating them.

Beside’s Adam’s near-miss on landing a podium finish, the day’s other spoiling surprise was Sasaki’s sixth place finish. The winner of yesterday’s Race 1 appeared to be struggling in the melee, but all is not lost for his championship title defense. Sasaki still leads the standings with a total of 136 points, followed by Kunimine in second with 107 points, with Kazuki Masaki in third after amassing a total of 92 points.

Unlike yesterday, Team Malaysia’s outing was indeed much more promising today. Minus the absence of injured rider Shafiq Rasol, all four full-time riders and the two wildcards charted important race finishes today. Adam leads the pack with his 4th place followed by Helmi Azman in 8th, followed by rookie Azroy Anuar in 9th – one of his best results so far – whilst the towering Fakhrusy Rostam soldiering through his leg injury for 10th.

Malaysian wildcards Ahmad Idham Khairuddin and Luth Erwan ended their outing today with race finishes again. Idham was relieved and delighted with his race finish as it granted him with more experience and mileage. The same note was expressed by Luth who improved his race pace today by not getting lapped by the lead group.

As far as the standings go, the news is a little less stimulating. Only Adam Norrodin has managed to retain his spot in the top 10. He now ranks 8th overall with a total of 64 points and expressed confidence on improving this. Helmi, on the other hand, still sits outside the top ten, but is close in 11th overall with his 59 points haul so far.

Fakhrusy is next in 12th with a total of 52 points so far and has overtaken injured Shafiq who is ranked 13th with 46 points in total. Finally comes rookie Azroy who now sits in 16th with a total of 26 points collected so far.

Next up, the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup 2015 heads to Japan for Round 5 in the Twin Ring Motegi race course in Japan from Oct 9 to Oct 11. Two races will be held and it will run in support of the weekend’s scheduled Japanese MotoGP race weekend as well. The season will come to its finale soon where it will be held as a support event to the Malaysian MotoGP GP weekend from Oct 23 to Oct 25.
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Kawasaki W175 Caught Testing In India, Launching Soon?

Autodesk VRED Design 2018.5 Update
Date: 2018/09/28 18:55:47
Simulation time: 655.322
System time: 1156.4
Frame: 0

Kawasaki set to introduce a sub 200cc version of the iconic W800 in India.
This was confirmed by a set of leaked photos of a test mule claimed to be the retro-style classic W175 in a production-ready form.

The W175 carries the same classic motorcycle element with round headlamps, teardrop fuel tank, circular instrument, and wire-spoked wheels like its bigger siblings, the W800.
Reports in India suggest the W175 offers 13.05hp @ 7,500rpm and 13.2Nm @ 6,000rpm thanks to a 177cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine.

While the numbers might not seem attractive, the W175 is expected to offer comfortable riding suitable for daily commute.

However, Kawasaki is yet to release an official timeline for the launch of the W175 in India.
Currently, the W175 is already available in the Philippines and Indonesia.
(Source: RushLane)
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Hafizh Syahrin will STAY in Moto2 for 2021

It looks like Malaysia’s very own Hafizh Syahrin will be sticking around in the Moto2 category next season, folks. This news has been confirmed by his manager, Razmin Masli, and the official announcement will be made very soon.

To which team, you might ask? Well, there’s no indicator just yet, but we’ve heard that Hafizh Syahrin and his manager have been in talks with two teams based in Europe and it seems that one of those squads has come to an agreement to see the Malaysian racing for them in 2021.

According to Razmin, “InsyaAllah, the announcement would be made soon. I hope with discussion for 2021 concluded, Hafizh is more motivated to give his full attention for the best performance in the remaining three rounds of the race this season.”

The announcement has yet to be made as all involved parties want Hafizh Syahrin to focus on closing the 2020 Moto2 season on a positive note. Three rounds remain the championship and it’s going to be a back-to-back format in Valencia and straight to Portimao the weekend after.

Currently riding for the Aspar Team Moto2 squad, the Malaysian will be replaced by the upcoming Moto3 star, Albert Arenas. Arenas will be riding alongside Hafizh’s current teammate, Aron Canet. Stay tuned for more updates.
PROMO: Buy the Ducati Panigale V2, get this RM28,000 Akrapovic exhaust!

Written by: Sep Irran
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Zulfahmi Khairuddin embarks in new WSSP campaign

SIC announces new path for national rider Zulfahmi Khairuddin in the 2016 World Supersport Championship (WSSP) with Orelac Racing.

The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) announced last night that former national Moto3 rider Zulfahmi Khairuddin will begin racing in the World Superport Championship (WSSP) this year. The Banting native’s racing career is set to continue when he joins a Spanish team competing in the series called Orelac Racing.

The new was announced by Datuk Razlan Razali, SIC’s CEO, during its Appreciation Night where it also officially announced its 2016 racing calendar. SIC still remains involved in supporting Zulfahmi’s racing career, with the circuit entering as a sponsor with the rider’s new WSSP team in 2016 as well. Additionally, Zulfahmi also retains coach Johan ‘Stiggy’ Stigefelt, with the Swede also continuing his role as manager of the Drive M7 SIC Moto3 team this year.

Zulfahmi’s entry into the WSSP category, which is the support category of the Motul FIM World Superbikes Championship (WSBK), is expected to bolster attendance figures for the Malaysian round of both championships scheduled for May this year. For 2016, WSBK and WSSP marks its third appearance in Malaysia and will be the first major event hosted by the circuit following its planned mandatory resurfacing and upgrade works.

To further entice fans for this year’s WSBK race in Malaysia, SIC also announced special ‘Super Early-Bird’ ticket promotions for the event as well, offering significant discounts for fans.
From now until March 31st, WSBK Grandstand tickets are priced from RM47.70, whilst paddock access is priced at RM197.16. You an get both packaged together at RM228.96 as well.

Furthermore, Zulfahmi fans can also opt for a specially organised ‘Fahmi 63 Tribune’ tickets that are priced at RM79.50 during this promotion. Full ticketing details can be viewed online at the Sepang Circuit’s official website.
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Indonesian Harley-Davidson distributor closes business

Authorised Indonesian distributor of Harley Davidson motorcycles announces business closure.

We have been tracking reports from local and Indonesian-based business sources on the closure of authorised Indonesian Harley Davidson importer and distributor PT Mabua Motor Indonesia.
It seems all is not well for the famed American bar-and-shield motorcycle brand in one of South East Asia’s biggest motorcycling markets. According to Malaysian sources, PT Mabua Motor Indonesia announced its closure recently and added that it will wind down the business in stages. The report also indicated that the Indonesian firm had already halted importing new Harley Davidson bikes into the country as of 31 December 2015.

Soetikno Soedirjo, the CEO of Mugi Reksa Abadi (MRA) – PT Mabua’s biggest shareholder – stated to local Indonesian media that the move comes as a result of several factors that have affected PT Mabua’s sales of Harley Davidson motorcycles in Indonesia.
Soetikno Soedirjo was further quoted by local Indonesian media by saying: “We recorded peak sales in 2013 with 991 motorcycles sold, but sales gradually fell to 471 in 2014 and 483 in 2015.” Presently, PT Mabua will reportedly continue providing after-sales services and spare parts sales for its customers until the end of June this year.

Also quoted was PT Mabua president Djonnie Rahmat who highlighted the unsupportive tax regulations imposed by the Indonesian government over the last three years making things challenging for the firm. He also added that the weakening value of the Indonesian Rupiah currency also made it very difficult for PT Mabua to import the bar-and-shield brand’s range of high-capacity bikes.
PT Mabua’s network in Indonesia comprises of nine dealerships across five cities – all of which will be closed down in stages. Reports also indicated that the firm will lay-off up to 500 of its employees whilst several permanent staff members will be reassigned in its after-sales service operations at authorised workshop.

Following PT Mabua’s closure, Harley Davidson Asia Pacific have reportedly begun searching for a new Indonesian distributor. A report by Indonesian online media stated that the new dealer is expected to assist Harley Davidson in offering spare-parts, accessories and its lifestyle apparels line to new and existing customers.
Harley Davidson and PT Mabua Motor Indonesia isn’t the only foreign automotive brand to announce its closure in Indonesia. It comes second only after carmaker Ford – incidentally also an American firm – which announced the closure of its Indonesian subsidiary called PT Ford Motor Indonesia last month.
Sources: MalaysianInsider / Utusan Online / Jakarta Post / Jakarta Globe
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Why Do MotoGP Race Bikes Have Lever Protectors – And do you need one?

You’ve seen it on MotoGP bikes. Even your friends might have it. But what does it actually do? In this article, we’re going to talk about the very purpose of the brake lever protector and if you really need one for your bike.
From expensive performance parts down to the very details of the custom livery, it’s no secret that we fancy owning a bike that looks and performs like a MotoGP race bike. This includes the ever-so-popular brake lever protector you see many of your fellow riders have on their bikes.
But the lever protector is anything but an accessory in MotoGP racing. In 2011, the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) made it mandatory in all of the classes for the safety of the riders. Bikes aren’t allowed to race without the brake lever being completely protected. But what does it actually do?
As you can imagine, MotoGP racing is highly competitive. You often see the riders intensely racing side by side, especially when overtaking. The space between the riders when they get right up next to each other is so tight they could practically have a conversation. This is the reason why these bikes are equipped with the brake lever protector; it’s to prevent accidental braking in case the riders brush against one another.
What happens in the case of unintentional braking?
Two things normally happen when the front brake is unintentionally applied with enough force. The front brakes lock up, resulting in either the bike gets low-side and slides out of a corner, or flips front over at high speed. The latter is particularly dangerous and potentially fatal as the rider may be thrown off and land on their head or face first, causing serious injuries to the neck. Imagine if that were to happen at over 300km/h down the straight line. Either way, you can be assured it doesn’t end well.
With the brake lever protector, however, the lever is safe from accidentally being pulled and there is no risk of unintended braking which could cause serious crashes. It won’t stop crazy riders from advertently pulling your brake lever, though.
To let you better understand the importance of having the brake lever protected, let’s rewind to the 2006 Catalan Grand Prix. In the video below, you could see exactly how unintended braking activation resulted in a major incident involving six riders going into the first corner of the race.

Do I need a brake lever protector for my bike?
While it certainly gives your bike a great look, having a brake lever protector on a road bike seems downright unnecessary. Unless it’s a race bike or road bike that you regularly take to the track where in some cases mandatory.
Generally, we tend not to ride so fast and so close to each other on public roads. In fact, it’s a common practice to give other riders some space and stay away from reckless road users, be it a motorcycle or a car. However, let’s not rule out the possibility that it could happen on a public road considering the fact we do filter between traffics.
With that in mind, having a brake lever protector on a road bike does pose some other serious risks. For instance, it could get caught in somebody’s flailing jacket.
Similarly, the brake lever protector alone will not offer any sort of additional safety. Perhaps we should just focus on keeping a safe distance from other riders.
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PDRM suggests 70cc bikes for Malaysian youths by 2025

Image source: Fiveprime

It seems that the Royal Malaysian Police force (PDRM) has proposed to the Road Safety Council (MKJR) as well as the Ministry of Transport regarding a new license category for Malaysian youths, particularly in the age group between 16-20 years old.

Their suggestion is to limit these new and young riders to only ride bikes with a capacity of 70cc or below by the time we reach the year 2025. In other words, these youths can only ride super-small capacity motorcycles or electric bikes withing this new license category (B3, perhaps?).

Bukit Aman Traffic Investigations and Enforcement chief assistant director Supt Bakri Zainal Abidin stated that something like this should be taken into serious consideration considering the fact that a lot of motorcycle-related accidents and fatalities involve a huge number of folks in this particular age group.

In theory, we think that this could be a good idea. As of now, any 16-year-old can just get their B2 or B full licenses and jump straight to a high-powered machine legally, even if they don’t have enough riding experience.
A B3 license category that would limit these riders to small-capacity machines for a number of years could be beneficial in order to gain enough experience to ride safely once they’re over 20 years of age.

There will be a lot of back and forth in the matter, but if it does take place, it would also be a good thing for motorcycle manufacturers as they have yet another group of motorists to sell to, and hopefully, products that are cheap and reliable to use while these youths sharpen their riding skills.
Petronas Sprinta Racing eyes Malaysian talent for 2022

Written by: Sep Irran
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Kawasaki to put on a grand show at the 2017 Shell Malaysia MotoGP!

It’s that time of the year again when thousands of people descend upon the Sepang International Circuit for the only MotoGP race in this part of the world, for now – the Shell Malaysia MotoGP round.

And as we have witnessed for the last 10 years, Kawasaki will have a mighty presence once again in the form of a motorcycle convoy consisting of hundreds of motorcycles, and a massive exhibition booth.

The exhibition booth will have on display the full Kawasaki range of models including the Ninja ZX-10R WSBK Replica which won the World Superbike Championship in 2013, 2015 and in 2016. There will also be the Ninja ZX-10RR, the base model which recently won the 2017 World Superbike Championship and the Supercharged ‘Built Beyond Belief’ Kawasaki Ninja H2 and H2R.

And then on Sunday the 29th of October, Kawasaki’s iconic MotoGP Convoy featuring more than 300 Kawasaki bikers will head to the circuit to watch the MotoGP race. The convoy will first congregate at the Padang Merbok in Jalan Parlimen, Kuala Lumpur where Dato Jeffrey Lim, General Manager & Director of KMSB will officially flag off the convoy.

Kawasaki always puts on a grand show at the convoy and at their booth, and this year they will have Nestle Son Bhd serving coffee at the Kawasaki Coffee Break stand, and Tokio Marine Insurance will also be on hand to advise bikers on their products and services.

For more information on the Kawasaki convoy and the booth, visit the official website by clicking here, or visit Kawasaki’s Facebook page here. See you there!
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Honda Patents Variable Riding Position for a Two-in-One Motorcycle

Honda submitted a patent for a variable riding position system.

It turns a sportbike into a sport-tourer and vice-versa.

Such an innovation ought to a good welcome.

Honda has submitted a whole slew of patents recently, but this one is probably the best of the lot. These pictures show a bike with variable riding position – a two-in-one motorcycle in essence.
While riding a sport-tourer, we wished for a sportbike when the road turns into a beautiful ribbon of asphalt or the track beckons. Conversely, we wished for a sport-tourer when we ride a sportbike to a faraway destination or into the neighbouring countries. Sure, a sport-tourer caters to both extremely well but there are times when the knees develop an itch that can only be scratched through sliders on the track.
Among the diagrams is one for the height-adjustable clip-on handlebars. They ought to be raised via a button.

Apart from the handlebars, there are also diagrams for an electrically-adjustable windscreen. The technology is not new, of course, but it adjusts to provide wind protection in sportbike and sport-touring guise. The scissor-type pivots push the windscreen into more upright positions, rather than just up or down.
Cars drivers have the luxury of adjustable seats and steering wheel for decades. We will have such amenity too, if Honda puts this patent into production.
Honda variable riding position screen
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First Look Review: 2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough

The 2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough is the Italian manufacturer’s “scrambler” variant.

Built on the V7 III platform, the Rough has limited off-road capabilities.

Apart from the tyres and a few design cues, the Rough is fundamentally the same as other V7 III.

It seems that virtually every manufacturer which has a modern retro line-up features at least one “lightweight adventure” variant, usually called a “scrambler.” Moto Guzzi is not left out in this revolution either, with this 2018 V7 III Rough.

The Rough is part of Moto Guzzi’s popular V7 III line-up. Its styling outline is the same, with minor differences.

The fuel tank is painted in matt silver, while the front and rear fenders are polished aluminium. It also sports larger sized wire-spoke wheels shod with adventure tyres and minimal bodywork, signaling its intent. This means the bike could be ridden on the road and on light off-road situations.

The V7 III Rough is powered by the same 744cc transversely-mounted 90o V-Twin which serves the V7 III range. The fuel-injected, air-cooled, OHV engine produces 52 bhp @ 6200 RPM and 60 Nm of torque at 4900 RPM.

It has Moto Guzzi Traction Control (MGTC) but no power modes. ABS is standard on both ends. The front brake consists of a 320mm floating disc clamped by a Brembo caliper.

Unlike other “scramblers,” the Rough’s dual exhausts are mounted in the standard positions instead of being mounted high up. As such it should be able to tackle the lighter off-road stuff. On the plus side, the low exhausts allow for more luggage mounting options.

All in all, the V7 III Rough provides Moto Guzzi fans with another option. Priced at RM 69,900 (basic selling price excluding tax, road tax and insurance), it is now available at Moto Guzzi Malaysia’s showroom in Petaling Jaya.

Please follow Moto Guzzi Malaysia’s official Facebook page for more details or drop by at the location below.

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Liqui Moly Chain Lube Spray White – Keep your Chain Tip-Top

The drive chain must be lubricated to ensure optimum power transmission, smooth operation and prevention of rust.

We recommend the Liqui Moly Chain Lube Spray White.

It has all the excellent properties to maintain your chain.

Apart from keeping the drive chain clean, it needs to be kept lubricated to ensure optimum power transmission, smooth operation and prevention of rust. For this, we highly recommend the Liqui Moly Chain Lube Spray White.
Not all chain lubes are the same. There may be those that are light but wear off quickly especially after riding in a rainstorm. On the other hand, the are those that are too thick, which proves too sticky for chain movement and attracts grime like a magnet.
The Liqui Moly Chain Lube Spray White, however, is a fully-synthetic formulation that is cold, hot and water spray resistant. It has very good adhesion properties and does not get thrown away by the chain’s centrifugal forces. Additionally, the product also flows well into the nooks and crannies of the chain when sprayed on. It is also has good wear protection thereby reduces chain stretch and extends the service life of the chain.

You do not need to spray a lot of the product, hence economical.
For best results, clean the chain with the Liqui Moly Chain Cleaner before applying. Also, best to apply when the chain is still warm after riding. Leave about 20 minutes for the product to settle down before riding again.
Properties:

Excellent adhesion.
Excellent penetration action.
Cold, hot and water splash resistant.
Friction and wear reducing.
Highest load carrying capability reduces chain stretch.
Outstanding corrosion protection.
Resistant to acceleration forces and reduces being flung off.
For all high-stress and high-speed motorcycle chains.

Application:

Spray onto clean chain until white.
The product achieves its final consistency and adherence after the solvent evaporates.

Where to buy:
The Liqui Moly Chain Lube Spray White (50 ml) is available from our e-commerce online store.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO ORDER
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2017 Suzuki Burgman 400 ABS scooter launched – from RM45,000

Suzuki Assemblers Malaysia (SAM) has officially introduced the 2017 Suzuki Burgman 400 ABS scooter during last weekend’s test ride session at the Sepang International Kart Circuit.
The ultimate premium maxi scooter option from Suzuki is powered by a 399cc DOHC, fuel-injected, Euro4-compliant engine that churns out 31hp.
SAM has priced their latest Suzuki Burgman 400 at RM45,000 (basic price excluding GST).

Suzuki Assemblers Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. has launched the the new BURGMAN 400 ABS maxi scooter, over the weekend at their inaugural New Bikes Test Ride event, held at the Sepang International Go-Kart Circuit.
Suzuki Burgman
The Suzuki BURGMAN 400 has been a staple model of Suzuki’s scooter family since 1998. Featuring comfort, power, plenty of storage space and elegant styling, the model earned a formidable reputation as a commuter and a touring machine.

In line with current trends, Suzuki has updated this luxurious maxi scooter with a slimmer, sharper design; exceptional stability and handling; while maintaining the luxury, comfort, convenience the BURGMAN 400 is famous for.

These updates make the new Suzuki BURGMAN 400 ABS not only good against city traffic, but is spacious and comfortable enough for longer distances too.

Major features of the new Suzuki BURGMAN 400 ABS include the following:
Sporty Coupe-like Styling

The new Suzuki BURGMAN 400 ABS features a modern profile that looks stunning on the streets, with a slimmer, sharper and sexier design at both the front and rear ends, that makes it easier to maneuver around town and slip through narrow places.
Sharply styled dual LED headlights with integrated LED position lights and turn signals mounted beneath.
Sharply sculpted independent LED rear combination lamps with turn signal express elegance.

Comfort and Utility

The new Suzuki BURGMAN 400 ABS provides exceptional comfort over short and long distances.
The new stepped dual-seats combined cushion is 20mm thicker than the current model, bringing a new level of luxurious comfort for both the rider and passenger. High-end details include double stitching.
Also, the adjustable rider’s seat backrest provides optimal support and comfort for riding enjoyment on longer journeys.
The cut-away footboards and a slim seat design make it easy to reach the ground, contributing to greater confidence and creating a smart line to the design’s curvature.
Spacious 42-litre underseat storage can hold two helmets and provides ample room for stowing your gear.
Two front compartments provide space for stowing maps and other smaller items, and one compartment houses a 12V DC outlet for charging your mobile phone or other electronic devices when on the move.
A large and easy-to-read multi-function instrument panel keeps the rider fully informed on every journey.
With a comprehensive anti-theft system, a rear brake lock system and a chain lock gate for locking the scooter brings great assurance.

Dynamic Performance

The new Suzuki BURGMAN 400 ABS is built to deliver winning performance.
The 399cm³ DOHC, fuel-injected engine complies with stringent Euro 4 emissions regulations, yet delivers instant response and powerful acceleration.
A new air cleaner box helps produce greater low-to-midrange torque and a more pleasing intake sound.
The engine employs an iridium spark plug, contributing to greater combustion efficiency, resulting greater power output, more linear throttle response and easier engine starts.
It’s equipped with dual front disc brakes, a rear disc brake and Antilock Brake System (ABS) to assist you in tricky conditions.
Lighter bodywork built on a tougher frame, for extra stability and easier handling. In addition, the unique link-type monoshock rear suspension with 7-way adjustable spring perload maximizes the balance between comfort and sporty performance, and delivering exceptional handling and maneuverability. This is a stand-out feature, which is not available on other maxi-scooters in its class.
Larger 15-inch front wheel features a bold new image and conveys stability.

A selection of Suzuki Genuine Accessories is available for riders who want to customize their Suzuki BURGMAN 400 ABS and make it uniquely their own.  Colours available are Black and White. The new Suzuki BURGMAN 400 ABS is offered at a very tempting basic sales price of RM45,000.00 (GST excluded).

To cater to the expected demand, SUZUKI has 36 authorized dealers across the country to manage the sales and after-sales service, assuring ample supply of genuine spare parts and accessories for maintenance as well as customization.

To find a dealer closest to you or to inquire further details, kindly contact Suzuki Assemblers Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. at 04-3977 378 (Sales & Marketing Division) or 04-3977 091 (Spare Parts Division) or visit our webpage at www.suzukimoto.my.
Article credit: Wahid Ooi Abdullah

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Price for 2021 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Revealed in the US

The price of the 2021 Yamaha Ténéré 700 has been revealed in the US.

It’s the lowest priced middleweight dual-purpose bike of the lot.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor has not confirmed whether they’ll release the bike in Malaysia.

The price of the 2021 Yamaha Ténéré 700 has been revealed in the US and will turn the middleweight adventure motorcycle market on its head.
The concept bike was revealed back in EICMA 2018, but the production-ready model was later shown at EICMA 2019. But we Malaysians were luckier as the bike was actually shown at Yamaha’s booth at MotoGP.

Based on the MT-07 standard bike, the Ténéré 700 promises to be a lightweight truly off-road capable bike. That torque from the 270-degree crank parallel-twin engine will do nicely, too. It’ll be a great departure from the current XTZ1200 Super Ténéré which is on the heavy side.
But the production-ready model looked even better than the concept, especially with those 4 LED headlamps tucked behind the windscreen. That and the tall front end of the bike gives the bike a Dakar Rally presence, no doubt inspired by the original Super Ténéré 750.

What’s the price then? USD 9,999 – RM 41,785.82 at today’s rate.
While the bike was displayed in Malaysia, Hong Leong Yamaha (HLYM) remains tightlipped about whether it’ll be released in Malaysia. Before you criticize them, HLYM prefers to train their dealers, the dealers’ mechanics, shore up spare parts, amongst others before bringing in a model to the country. Don’t forget also that HLYM assembles the bikes and they need time to set up the production line in terms of logistics and worker knowledge.
Still, we are quite certain that there are many waiting for this bike.

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Suzuki GB to Restore Barry Sheene Race Bikes

Photo credit motorcyclenews.com

Suzuki GB is set to restore three iconic Barry Sheene race bikes to their former glory.

All three were brought back to the UK after Sheene emigrated to Australia.

The liveries were seen on almost every Suzuki for a long time.

Suzuki GB is set to restore three iconic Barry Sheene race bikes to their former glory.
The restored bikes will be displayed as well as started at the Motorcycle Live trade show in England.
The three bikes consist of the 1978 XR27 RG500; a specially-built XR23A RG500 bored to 652cc for the 1979 Trans-Atlantic and F1 Championships; and a 1984 DAF Trucks liveried and Harris-framed XR45 RG500. The DAF bike was Sheene’s final GP bike.
Photo credit motorcyclenews.com
MCN reports that all three bikes have been shipped from the racer’s family home in Australia. The XR23A and XR45 were refurbished through Suzuki’s Vintage Parts program.
The two will then be started up at the show while the X27 will be displayed together with Sheene’s 1976 and 1977 world GP winning XR14s. The latter bikes were also restored through the Vintage Parts program in 2017.
Photo credit motorcyclenews.com
Suzuki GB aftersales marketing coordinator Tim Davies says it’s a special moment for Suzuki as the three bikes return to the UK after Sheene and family emigrated to Australia.
The livery on Barry Sheene’s race bikes were the most iconic for Suzukis for a long while until the Kevin Schwantz and Lucky Strike involvement in the late-80s.
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Anita Yusof completes global ride

Renowned Malaysian female distance rider Anita Yusof completes her Global Dream Ride 2016.

Renowned Malaysian distance rider Anita Yusof made her return to the Malaysian border on Malaysia Day last weekend after completing her record-setting round the world solo ride.

Called the ‘Global Dream Ride 2016’, Anita successfully rode her Yamaha FZ150i around the globe and raked in a mileage of over 65,000km in the process as well. She has earned herself the recognition as the first Malaysian citizen and the first Asian women to ride solo on a motorcycle around the world.

When she arrived at the Bukit Kayu Hitam border last Friday, a welcoming party of 30 bikers led by leading accessories brand GIVI Asia Sdn Bhd (GIVI Malaysia) warmly received Anita. Also present here were Anita’s two sons – Rudy Iskandar Ramli 27, and Emiershah Iskandar Ramli, 22.

The Global Dream Ride 2016 began on September 13 last year in the American continent. Starting from Canada, Anita rode through the United States of America, Brazil, Columbia, Chile and Argentina before reaching the southern most part of the world known as Ushuaia.

After which, Anita and her bike were flown into London, UK where she continued on her journey through the European continent. Whilst here, Anita was also able to stop by GIVI’s main headquarters located in Bresica, Italy where she was received by GIVI president Giuseppi Visenzi.
“Let me take a rest for a while first. I have not seen my family for a year and I want to spend time with them and catch up on things,” said the lady adventure rider after thanking all her friends, family and sponsors that supported her. Anita further added that she will be sharing her experience in her upcoming book.
GIVI Asia’s managing director On Hai Swee further added, “We are glad that the journey has been completed and with our equipment which we hoped assisted along in her most challenging trip.”

Images courtesy of GIVI Malaysia/GIVI Asia Sdn Bhd
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KYMCO RevoNEX — the Next Revolution?

The KYMCO RevoNEX was revealed at EICMA 2019.

It’s a high-performance electric motorcycle.

Features include a six-speed gearbox and traction control.

The KYMCO RevoNEX revealed at EICMA 2019 shows that scooter maker is stepping to the plate to bat.
Primarily a scooter maker, the company surprised everyone with the RevoNEX, a high-powered electric bike with some pretty high specifications.

Mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the electric motor pushes the bike from 0 -100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. It then continues to accelerate from 100 km/h to 200 km/h in 8.7 seconds.
But get this, it’s also fitted with launch control plus traction control.
KYMCO did not share more technical details, specially about the bike’s battery pack and motor. However, look closer at the photos and you will spot Öhlins suspension from and rear, plus radially-mounted Brembo monobloc brake calipers up front.
If the RevoNEX has better performance, it will then be a real challenger to other electric motorcycle brands like Zero and Lightning.

The manufacturer says the RevoNEX should be available from 2021.
While many of us are used to knowing KYMCO as a scooter maker, they have been building BMW Motorrad engines for many years now. Engines for the F 800-series now F 850-series and next year’s F 900-series besides the C 400 and C 650 engines are produced by them.
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