Adam Norrodin joins Drive M7 SIC Moto3 team

Asia Talent Cup rider Adam Norrodin announced as Zulfahmi Khairuddin’s replacement in Drive M7 SIC Moto3 team for 2016.

Shortly after the conclusion of the 2015 Shell Malaysian MotoGP, reports have confirmed that Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup rider Adam Norrodin will replace Zulfahmi Khairuddin in the Drive M7 SIC Moto3 team roster next year.
This is the Malaysian team’s second announcement of the weekend following a previous one where it announced the switch from KTM to Honda machines next year.

Sepang International Circuit (SIC) CEO, Datuk Razlan Razali, confirmed Adam’s appointment with local newswire Bernama. He added, “Adam will race in the World Moto3 Championship next year. We will also retain Czech rider Jakub Kornfeil as a result of his outstanding performance with us this year.”
Both Adam and Jakub have charted impressive performance this year, with Jakub landing the Drive M7 SIC team’s first podium finish during the British MotoGP whilst Adam have scored podium finishes in Sepang whilst competing in the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup Moto3 series.

The news has undoubtedly ended the speculation surrounding who will replace Zulfahmi as the new national Moto3 rider for the Malaysian team. It has been a known fact that Zulfahmi’s stint in the World Moto3 Championship with the Drive M7 SIC team was agreed for one season only when the team was formed last year.
Nevertheless, Datuk Razlan insists that he and SIC will continue assisting Zulfahmi with his racing career. He added, “As a highly experienced racer, Zulfahmi will assist in nuturing other young racers competing Moto3, Asia Talent Cup, FIM CEV Repsol International Championship.”

Fresh from his podium finish in the season finale of the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup 2015 series, Adam was clearly elated with the news. “I am very thankful of SIC for giving me this opportunity. My dream has always been to race in MotoGP. Although I am taking over Zulfahmi’s place, he will still help me when I finally enter the World Moto3 Championship next year.”
This is no doubt a huge step forward for Adam. Besides the two full seasons of the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup under his belt, Adam has also garnered experiences with several stints in the FIM CEV Repsol International Championship earlier this year whilst competing for the Asia Talent Team.
Source Bernama and Dunia Sukan
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Danilo Petrucci’s 2022 Dakar Plans In Jeopardy After Positive Covid-19 Test

Things are not going so well for ex-MotoGP rider, Danilo Petrucci at the moment.
The former Ducati and KTM MotoGP racer suffered a bone rupture during his Rally Dakar training in mid-December 2021 which stop him from doing any heavy training.
Nevertheless, the Italian rider carries on with other forms of fitness training at home.
While Petrucci remains hopeful to heal in time, the 31-year-old Italian is hit with another drawback. This time, his PCR test result came back as positive on December 30, 2021.
The test is part of 2022 Dakar strict Covid-19 protocols within the nation of Saudi Arabia.

The Italian is currently in isolation but will undergo another PCR test later to check whether the first result was a false positive.
However, if the second PCR test result remains unchanged, Petrucci will be unable to take part in the 2022 Dakar Rally.
According to the 2022 Dakar Covid-19 protocols, every participant must test negative before boarding planes to Saudi Arabia and then test negative again before they are allowed to join the event bubble.
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Hear, hear! The 2021 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing launched

Honda’s ultimate touring flagship model has just been upgraded into the 2021 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing. It took a while for Boon Siew Honda to bring the previous-gen into the Malaysian market (launched back in January 2020), but this updated model is just so much better.

There are a lot of things, but we’ll just summarise all of its updates in a few paragraphs. First and foremost, this new Gold Wing went to the gym and cut down some weight. A total of 14kg was reduced thanks to a new and compact engine, starter motor and generation, plus many more.

Its new 1,833cc flat-six SOHC 24-valve engine itself helped to cut 6.2kg from the overall kerb weight which now produces 124.7hp at 5,500rpm and 170Nm of torque at 4,500rpm (which is the same as the previous-gen model in terms of power output).

This is further enhanced with a throttle-by-wire system, selectable riding modes that control power output, suspension damping, and brake force, as well as a six-speed manual transmission. You can also opt for the seven-speed DCT transmission for a much better riding experience, especially with a bike of this nature and size.

Other updates include an upgraded audio system, seven-inch TFT screen, gyrocompass navigation, Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™, electric screen, Smart Key operation, four riding modes (Tour, Sport, ECON & Rain), and Hill Start Assist.

The rest of the specs for the 2021 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has been retained from the previous-gen model, which includes:

Dual Combined Brake System (D-CBS)
Double wishbone front suspension
Dual 320mm front discs + 6-piston calipers
Single 316mm rear disc + 3-piston caliper
Pro-Arm swingarm
Electric reverse system with ‘creep’ forward and back function
Full LED lighting and auto-cancelling indicators
Honda Smart Key
Two USB Type-C sockets
21-litre fuel tank
60-litre panniers
new Pearl Deep Mud Grey colour scheme + more

If this does come to Malaysia, you can be sure that it’s going to cost more than RM208,800, which is the current selling price for the Gold Wing model on offer here in the country.

Written by: Sep Irran
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2020 Aprilia RSV4 X previewed in Malaysia

There are not a lot of extremely rare superbikes here in Malaysia but the folks from Aprilia Malaysia (Didi Resources) managed to get their hands on one very exotic 2020 Aprilia RSV4 X to preview here in the country. How rare? There are only 10 of them and one of them was already handed over to its first owner, Max Biaggi. And guess what? Max Biaggi was here to unveil the bike!

The second unit was rumoured to be given to one of their MotoGP factory riders, Andrea Iannone. So, that’s eight units left in the world BUT they’re all sold out within hours at €39,900 each (around RM182,590). The limited-edition Aprilia RSV4 X is not only making its very first preview here in Malaysia but for the whole of Asia.  How awesome is the RSV4 X?

To commemorate the bike’s 10th anniversary, only 10 units of the bad boys will be made. Injected with so many technologies birthed from the brand’s vast experience in MotoGP and WorldSBK, this particular RSV4 (based on the already powerful RSV4 1100 Factory) produces 225hp.

That’s already a lot of power to handle on any bike but the RSV4 X weighs only 165kg. That’s 1.36hp to every kg of the bike. That is further enhanced with race-spec goodies like APRC electronics suite, Akrapovic full system exhaust, Sprintfilter high-performance filter used in MotoGP, and most importantly, the Aprilia No Neutral (ANN) transmission.

Aprilia Malaysia will be hosting their first track day for 2020 this weekend where Max Biaggi will also be riding the 2020 Aprilia RSV4 X for the first time here in Asia. The track test will see the superior capabilities of the limited-edition model at the Sepang International Circuit at the hands of a MotoGP champion.

Aprilia RSV4 X, “X” Shows the Spot

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Harley-Davidson Pan America 975 Could Arrive Early 2023

Reports of a middleweight version of the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 first emerged earlier this year, with the American firm mistakenly mentioning the model name in its list of accessories.

Harley-Davidson to add a new Pan America 975 to its Revolution Max portfolio.
The middleweight Pan America will powered by the same engine found in the Nightster.

According to reports, the site listed the fuel cap as being compatible with the RA1250/RA1250S (Pan America 1250/1250S) as well as RA975 and RA975S, with the latter assuming to be the Pan America models powered by the Revolution Max 975cc engine like the one found on the Nightster.
In addition, the NHTSA, who is responsible for overseeing vehicle recalls, already established a dedicated web pages for the RA975 and RA975S.
MY21 Pan America Photography
That said, Harley is likely to informed NHTSA that a smaller version of the existing Pan America 1250 is on its way.
According to latest report, the Pan America 975 could arrived as early as in the first half of 2023.
While there is no official announcement yet coming from the American firm but it is likely that the middleweight version of the Pan America to make an appearance soon.
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MotoGP: Bastianini wins in Texas, reclaims championship lead

Gresini Racing’s Enea Bastianini claims second win of the season in Texas and reclaims the lead in MotoGP title race.

Enea Bastianaini and Gresini Racing triumphs in Austin, Texas.

Joining him on the podium were factory Suzuki rider Alex Rins in second and factory Ducati rider Jack Miller in third.

Feat sees Bastianini reclaim lead in rider’s championship standings.

Marc Marquez also in the spotlight following heroic comeback from a botched start to claim sixth.

Round 4 of the 2022 MotoGP season concluded on high last weekend for satellite Ducati outfit Gresini Racing. The team’s lead rider, Enea Bastianini claimed a sensational victory aboard his Ducati Desmosedici GP21 satellite machinery at the Circuit of The Americas, Austin Texas.
Through his prowess in strategy and tyre preservation, 24-year-old Bastianini stood atop of the podium after winning the 20-lap battle. Bastianini took the chequered flag with a comfortable gap of 2.058 seconds ahead of Team Suzuki Ecstar rider Alex Rin in second, and 2.312 seconds ahead of factory Ducati rider Jack Miller in third.

The win didn’t come easily for Bastianini who started from the second row on the grid in fifth position. He only began pushing for the win on Lap 12 after blasting past Pramac Racing’s Jorge Martin who was aboard a newer 2022-spec satellite Ducati to move up into second position.
After which, Bastianini proceed chase down factory Ducati rider Jack Miller for the lead, which he did shortly after with a swift overtake on the Australian at Turn 12 on Lap 16. Having preserved his tyres, Bastianini had enough to push further and claimed a sensational win.

This is the Italian’s second premier class victory this season – and his career too – which sees him score enough points to reclaim the lead in the rider’s championship standings. He now leads this year’s title race with his tally of 61 points after four races.

For Team Suzuki Ecstar rider Rins, the second place finish also sees him climb up the standings to second now with 56 points – just five points shy of new leader Bastianini. Previous leader, Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro, has dropped to third in standings after scoring just five points in Texas, bringing his tally up to 50 points.

Besides the fierce competition action up front, all eyes were also trained on the reputed ‘King of COTA’, Marc Marquez. Having returned from injury, the Spaniard wasn’t able to defend his near-perfect record at said venue following a botched start from ninth on the grid.
Nevertheless, despite dropping down the order right into last position, the Repsol Honda rider still proved he was still a formidable competitor as he heroically climbed up the order lap after lap. By race’s end, Marquez’s salvage attempt proved fruitful as he finished a respectable sixth.
As for his title hopes, things remain slim for now. He currently ranks 13th in the standings with just 21 points collected after four races, of which he was forced to miss two following his recent bout of double-vision.
With its season-opening series of four flyaway races now concluded, MotoGP will now shift towards European venues for the next 12 rounds before the next set of flyaway races that starts with Twin Ring Motegi, Japan in late September.

				Enea Bastianini

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Honda NT1100 Is Coming, Confirmed As 2022 Model

Honda is set to launch the NT1100 as confirmed by type-approval documents filed in Europe for two NT1100 models.
The type-approval documents reveal the NT1100 carries an internal code name of SC84. According to Honda, the “S” refers to the engine above 900cc and “C” means a street bike; in contrast, the CRF1100L Africa Twin is code name SD08, with the “D” refers to an off-road capable motorcycle.

This puts the NT1100 in the same class as the BMW S 1000 XR.
The documents unveil that Honda will introduce a manual transmission with lower specification and a DCT transmission with more touring features.
The NT1100 is packed with the same 1,084cc parallel-twin engine used in the Africa Twin, capable of producing an identical 101hp @ 7,500rpm and 104Nm @ 6,250rpm.
Since the NT1100 shares similarities with the Africa Twin, we can safely assume the new motorcycle will also equip with the same electronics, such as a 6.5″ TFT screen, cruise control, traction control and 6-axis IMU.

Interestingly, in terms of dimension, the NT1100D (DCT) is in the same category as the old VFR800X Crossrunner.
The Honda NT1100 is expected to break cover as a 2022 model later this year.
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Mercedes-AMG acquires 25% of MV Agusta

German auto giant Daimler AG purchases minority stake in MV Agusta via Mercedes-AMG at an undisclosed price.

Interesting news bit over the weekend is that AMG, the performance side of Mercedes, had just acquired 25% share of Italian bike manufacturer MV Agusta following months of rumoured interests. (Read our previous reports here, here, here, and here)

AMG chief Tobias Moers said “In MV Agusta, we have found the perfect two-wheel partner for Mercedes-AMG.
This manufacturer with a long tradition and Mercedes-AMG are connected not only by a long and successful racing history, but also by shared values and goals for the future – allowing the experience of utmost perfection, optimal performance and motorsport technology for the road.

The cooperation with MV Agusta also underscores the importance of AMG as the sports-car and high-performance brand of Mercedes-Benz Cars. The partnership provides us with an entry into a world of additional high-performance enthusiasts.”
Its not clear yet how this partnership will benefit AMG apart from getting access to some high-performance small engines but it will definitely benefit MV Agusta buy opening up new doors or markets it could tap into.

Partnership with a bike manufacturer is not something new with AMG though as they had worked with Ducati for a short while before it (Ducati) was snatched away by Audi in 2012.
And if you could remember Proton used to own half of MV Agusta when they purchased a 57.57% stake in the bike company for 70 million Euro only to sell it one year later for one Euro.
The whole deal between AMG and MV Agusta will only be completed by end of November and it will be a while before something fruitful comes out of it so until then, we just have to wait and see.
Sources: Autoblog, Reuters, and Asphaltandrubber
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Belt drive conversion kit for Triumph Street Twin

Italian firm reveals belt drive conversion kit of the latest generation 2016 Triumph Street Twin model.

Although the new generation 2016 Triumph Street Twin model is still a very new bike in the market, it hasn’t hampered specialist Italian accessories brand Free Spirits from preparing a belt drive conversion kit for the modern classic bike.

The kit consists of a 65-teeth alloy steel pulley that is complemented by a 27-teeth nickel-plated front sprocket and both are bound together using a 126-teeth belt. However, unlike other kits, the Free Spirits belt conversion kit for the 2016 Triumph Street Twin will require some skills and technical know-how to install.

The Italian accessories manufacturer warned customers about the conversion kit not being a bolt-on operation. Instead, installation will require an irreversible modification to combat clearance-related issues when fitting the kit. Specifically, users are required to shave off a protrusion on the gearbox in order to complete the conversion.

Also redundant here is the original chain guard component, but Free Spirits have designed and manufactured a replacement part that is available through their online shop and is sold separately from this conversion kit.

Nevertheless, the Free Spirits belt drive conversion looks set to offer owners of the 2016 Triumph Street Twin with the drive-type’s typical perks. Belt drives on motorcycles are much easier and cost less to maintain. Free Spirits also assured that the conversion kit’s ratio is identical to the original chain setup, meaning that riding a Street Twin with this conversion fitted would not feel different than the original bike’s chain drive setup.

The Free Spirits belt drive conversion kit for the Triumph Street Twin is priced at €718 and is available for purchase online via this link: Free Spirits E-Shop.

Sources: Free Spirits via AutoEvolution
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MotoGP: Jorge Martin signs with Shark Helmets

MotoGP 2021 will see three rookie riders, including Jorge Martin who will be racing with the Pramac Racing team alongside Johann Zarco. To mark his momentous occasion into the premier class, the 22-year-old Spanish rider has signed with one of the best helmet manufacturers in the business, Shark Helmets.

Jorge Martin will be racing with the latest Shark Race-R Pro GP FIM model, a helmet that has seen the top of the podium spot twice last year thanks to Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider, Miguel Oliveira. As for Martin, he’ll definitely make a strong start thanks to the combination with his Ducati Desmosedici GP machinery.

His new design has not been revealed just yet, but the Pramac Racing team will definitely stand out as Martin’s teammate, Johann Zarco, is also a fellow Shark Helmets rider in MotoGP. That’ll be a nice combination once they reveal the official livery for the 2021 season.

Jorge Martin was the 2014 Red Bull Rookies Cup champion, 2018 Moto3 world champion, and finished the 2020 Moto2 season with two wins and six other podium finishes in his second year of racing in the intermediate class. With this amount of talent, it shouldn’t take long for this Shark rider to fight against the front runners.
2021 Triumph Trident 660 price expected around RM40,000?

Written by: Sep Irran
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All-New 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade to Debut in October?

A German magazine reported that the all-new 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade will debut in October 2019.

The date puts it at the Tokyo Motor Show, instead of EICMA.

The new bike may prove to be the world-beater in WorldSBK.

A German magazine reported that the all-new 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade will debut in October 2019.
If what Speedweek magazinesaid was true, the bike will be introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show instead of at EICMA in November.
Lending credibility to the rumour is rider Alvaro Bautista purportedly signing a two-year deal to ride for the HRC factory team in WorldSBK from 2020. There was “news” that the bike he will ride is the all-new CBR1000RR.
The Honda CBR1000RR is the best-handling and easiest to ride superbike we’ve tested thus far but the current model is lacking in top-end horsepower, at least on paper, anyway. However, superbike buyers are always looking at the specs sheets and the CBR’s 189 hp “isn’t enough” when compared to its peers.
As such, the new ‘Blade may have the most powerful naturally-aspirated roadgoing inline-Four.
It may also feature the “active aerodynamics” shown in a patent filing. The system features ECU-controlled winglets in addition to “aerobodies” seen in MotoGP.
The news should bode well for the WorldSBK team, as well. The riders are at the deep end of the field, finding themselves outgunned and unable to mount any serious challenge to the top runners.
Honda and CBR1000RR Fireblade fans will likely rejoice at the news too.
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Yamaha @ EICMA 2016: Radical T7 concept unveiled

Yamaha @ EICMA 2016: Radical T7 concept shown off alongside XSR900 Abarth special.

Mighty Japanese powerhouse brand Yamaha showed off a bevy of its 2017 models here in Milan, but it was its MT-07-based concept and new café racer that stole the show. Here’s what went down for Yamaha @ EICMA 2016.

T7 Concept
Yamaha previewed what the next generation XT660 Ténéré model through the radical Yamaha T7 concept. The design mixes both futuristic and rugged styling elements, combined with the familiar silhouette of the XT660 Ténéré. Even in this early concept form, it already looks ready to take on the Dakar easily.

Underneath, the T7 Concept uses the same CP2 270-degree parallel-twin powertrain from the MT-07 model, now wrapped up in an all-new chassis design. Everything check out right including the Kayaba high-spec and high-travel suzzies plus the 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels.

Other notable highlights include the aluminium fuel tank assembly, carbon fibre fairings and skid plate, a custom Akrapovič exhaust kit, and the quad-projector LED headlight unit. All there are signs of serious intent despite Yamaha’s modest but quick claims of this being a mere concept.

Expected to arrive sometime in 2018, the eventual production version of the Yamaha T7 concept will continue the brand’s 33-year line of producing Dakar-inspired middleweight desert conquerors.

XSR900 Abarth
Next up to debut was the special XSR900 Abarth. Yamaha has had a long-standing relationship with Italian performance brand Abarth, and the fruit of this joint effort bowing in the latter’s home ground is more or less fitting.

Based off the MT-09-based XSR900 retro roadster, the Abarth edition takes on a proper café racer approach and stance. Notable traits of this can be seen in the front cowling, clip-on handlebars, pillion seat cover and front fender – much of which made using carbon fibre too.

The XSR900 base bike’s 847cc triple-cylinder heart gets sweetened with an Akrapovič exhaust system as well. Capping things off here is a special grey and red livery scheme that’s signature to Abarth.

Just 695 units will be made, and all sold exclusively to Yamaha’s European customers. The first 95 buyers who register online, on the other hand, will benefit with a VIP Abarth experience added in their purchase as well.

Gallery: New MT-09 and YZF-R6
Beyond those two came a sleuth of other new-for-2017 models on display. We’ll start with one model that we know will hit our shores soon enough, and that is the face-lifted MT-09 triple-cylinder streetfighter.

Suffice to say, the new MT-10 inspired looks does look exquisite in the flesh, especially when paired with the new grey colour scheme as seen here. Click here to find out what’s changed in the updated 2017 Yamaha MT-09 naked from our INTERMOT 2016 launch report.

Next up came one of the most highly anticipated models of the year, the new Yamaha YZF-R6 supersport. Yes, this is merely the old YZF-R6 that heavily updated and dressed in new clothes, and we can’t help from crying foul with its new exhaust silencer design either.

Nevertheless, its debut is a significant move as it marks Yamaha’s serious intent at continuing its pursuits in the 600cc supersport segment. In other words, this should be a wake up call for rivals Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki to respond in the years to come. (Click here to read our launch report of the new R6)

Also on display was the new R6’s race-ready World Supersport (WSSP) race machine that backs up Yamaha’s serious intent in this segment. It was shown alongside a race-prepped version of its smaller YZF-R3 (YZF-R25) sibling that will compete in the new Supersport 300 class next year.
Yamaha @ EICMA 2016

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2017 Triumph Bonneville Bobber unveiled

Newly unveiled 2017 Triumph Bonneville Bobber expands modern classic range further.

Fresh from the new releases at Intermot 2016 earlier this month, House Hinckley has kept its ball rolling at expanding the new generation Bonneville range even further. This week, the firm unveiled its latest addition, the 2017 Triumph Bonneville Bobber.

This is definitely a giant step taken by the British marque who are on top of the modern classics motorcycle industry and with this American inspired bobbers of the good old days, the Bobber is definitely a thing of beauty.

Underneath sits a 1,200cc high-torque parallel-twin as found in the Bonneville T120 and T120 Black. It has been few tweaked slightly to suit the Bobber’s characteristics, featuing an updated electronics and a new dual airbox/filter that offers more torque and power at the lower end according to Triumph.

The 8-valve SOHC liquid-cooled parallel-twin is coupled with a six-speed gearbox is labelled by Triumph as a “pure Bonneville hot rod” that roars and rolls magnificently. The soundtrack of the Bobber will definitely make heads turn with its twin slashed peashooter silencers.

With an all new frame, chassis and suspension, It looks like a classic whilst the new generation Bonneville’s signature ride-by-wire suite adds a modernt ouch to things and offers two riding modes. The 2017 Triumph Bonneville Bobber also gets primed with swithcable traction control, ABS and a torque-assist clutch as the rest of its siblings do too.

Triumph opted for a stripped approach with the Bobber, and this is exuded perfectly by its mean and low stance, single adjustable seat, wide flat bar, reshaped tank and minimal body panels. Triumph is definitely paying homage to the true, old school look of bobbers.

This also means that the bike is smaller, lighter and more compact when compared to the Bonneville T120. All this plus the authentic battery box with stainless steel strap, classic rear drum brake and a rear mudguard loop maked this one very tasty-looking bobber in the eyes of many.

Of course, this wouldn’t be a proper new generation Bonneville without optional accessories, and Triumph has already prepared a catalogue of over 150 additional items to suit any and all personal tastes. The Bobber comes in a few colorways that include Ironstone (matte finish), Morello Red, Stunning Competition Green and Frozen Silver and also Jet Black.
Check out more images of the new 2017 Triumph Bonneville Bobber in the gallery we’ve prepared below.

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GENE Advance Announced As Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia New Central Region Dealer

Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia welcomes GENE Advance Sdn Bhd as the new central region dealer.
According to Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia, GENE Advance is a sister company of Welly Advance Bikers Sdn Bhd that has been the cornerstone of the Malaysia motorcycle industry over the last 25 years.

Scheduled to open at the end of March, the new outlet – located at an exisitng Welly Advance Bikers facility in Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur – will house a showroom, a service centre, spare parts and merchandise.
Chief Executive Officer of Fast Bikes Sdn. Bhd Dato’ Razak Al Malique Hussain is adamant that the appointment of GENE Advance and Welly Advance Bikers will expand the brand exposure in the country.

“The people behind GENE Advance and Welly Advance Bikers are strong and a very much respected and authoritative motorcycle dealer.
“Only the best will do for Triumph Motorcycles owners, and we have every confidence that GENE Advance will contribute significantly towards supporting the brand and our customers,” he said.
Meanwhile, Eugene Ngo Ting Jun, General Manager of GENE Advance Sdn Bhd, is looking forward to the new adventure with Triumph.

“Triumph Motorcycles have a very diverse collection of bikes, and we expect the adventure and touring models to do exceptionally well, as will the sophisticated and desirable range of modern classics that are simply timeless motorcycles.”
Gene Advance is the sixth appointed Triumph Motorcycles flagship store in Malaysia, joining the leading showroom in Petaling Jaya and supporting outlets in Penang, Auto City Juru, Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu.
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Yamaha XSR 155 Launched in Thailand

The Yamaha XSR 155 was launched in Thailand recently.

It’s the neo classic model in Yamaha’s “155 family.”

It’s equipped with the 155cc VVA unit shared from the YZF-R15.

The Yamaha XSR 155 was just launched in Thailand to a rousing welcome.
It completes the “Yamaha 155” family which already includes the NVX (automatic scooter), Y15ZR, MT-15 naked bike and YZF-R15 sportbike.
As with its bigger brother the XSR 700 and XSR 900, the XSR 155 takes on the “neo classic” styling which combines modern and classic elements. Think round headlight and taillight, teardrop shaped fuel tank, ribbed bench seat (some call it the “bread loaf” seat”), megaphone exhaust. The seat features a tan-colour cover to lend an even more classic look. The exhaust heat shield is in perforated tommy gun style. The instrument cluster is round in shape. Finally, a tall handlebar completes the package.

Powering the XSR 155 is the 155cc liquid-cooled Single with VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) from the YZF-R15. Yamaha didn’t fettle with it in any way thus the performance figures are 19 hp and 14.7 Nm of torque.
The engine is suspended in Yamaha’s signature Deltabox, while the front forks are upside-down. A monoshock takes care of rear end suspension duties.
The bike is priced at THB 91,500 (RM 12,363 as of 17thAugust). Plan on seeing the bike in Malaysia at the end of 2020, should Hong Leong Yamaha Motor chooses to assembled it locally.

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New Colours Available for the 2017 Honda MSX 125 – RM11,128

The 2017 Honda MSX 125 is now available in four new exciting colours; Candy Caribbean Blue Sea, Candy Ultimate Pink, Pearl Valentine Red, Lemon Ice Yellow.
The mini bike is powered by a 125cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel injected engine that produces 9.7hp @ 7,000rpm and 11Nm of torque @ 5,250rpm.
Interested in getting one? The asking price for each of these babies is RM11,128.94 (basic price with GST).

Boon Siew Honda (BSH) has announced that their pint-sized mini bike will now be available in four new attractive colours. Ever since the Honda MSX 125 was introduced into the Malaysian market at the end of last year, the mini bike or pit bike has been gathering quite a fan base in the country.

CLICK HERE to know more detailed specifications on the 2017 Honda MSX 125.

Back when it was launched here, there were only two colours available for purchase; Burning Red and Hyper Yellow. To add more diversity and freedom of choice into the exciting MSX 125, the boys at Boon Siew Honda have decided to make the MSX 125 available in four new awesome colours; Candy Caribbean Blue Sea, Candy Ultimate Pink, Pearl Valentine Red, Lemon Ice Yellow.

Those who are unfamiliar with the latest MSX 125 should know that it’s a small bike with big bike attitude. Powered by a single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel injected engine, the 125cc power plant produces a nice 9.7hp at 7,000rpm and 11Nm of torque upon hitting 5,250rpm. All the power and torque are transferred down to the rear wheel via a four-speed manual transmission with final chain drive.

CLICK HERE to read more on our extensive review of the 2017 Honda MSX 125.

The entire construction of the MSX 125 is a gathering of parts inspired from its much bigger siblings. Take the front golden upside-down telescopic fork for example. While most bikes around the 250cc still use the normal non-inverted forks, the MSX 125 gets the goodies to make it stand out above the rest.

The braking package is not to be messed with either considering it has all-round disc brakes. Not many manufacturers can say that their 125cc pit back has that plus full LED headlights to give it a more futuristic look and appeal.

Boon Siew Honda is offering the 2017 Honda MSX 125 at RM11,128.94 (basic price with GST). For some, it might be more on the expensive side but what you’ll get from the MSX 125 is both style and substance.
Interested to check out the other models available from Boon Siew Honda? CLICK HERE to check out all the Honda bikes available in Malaysia via our exclusive Bike Buyer’s Guide!

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World’s First Titanium-Built, Hayabusa-Powered Motorcycle Nearing Completion

In a groundbreaking development, the world’s first titanium-built motorcycle is nearing completion, leaving motorcycle enthusiasts in awe.

 This remarkable project features a Suzuki Hayabusa engine encased in a breathtaking titanium frame, swingarm, exhaust, subframe, and bodywork.
the project is spearheaded by New Jersey custom builder W. Robert Ransom,

Titanium, known for its lightweight and robust properties, makes it an ideal material for various applications. Its strength surpasses that of aluminum while weighing only 60% more. Additionally, when exposed to high temperatures, titanium oxidises into captivating, permanent colors, making it highly desirable for motorcycle exhausts.
However, the adoption of titanium in motorcycle construction has been limited due to its high cost and challenging workability. The metal’s reactivity at elevated temperatures poses difficulties during welding, as it readily forms brittle compounds when exposed to ambient air. Moreover, titanium’s natural springiness in sheet form requires extra effort to shape it into intricate designs necessary for motorcycle bodywork.

Despite these challenges, New Jersey custom builder W. Robert Ransom, commissioned by a customer named Mohammed, undertook the ambitious task of creating an all-titanium motorcycle. Ransom aimed to showcase unparalleled artistry and craftsmanship in the motorcycle industry.
The heart of this groundbreaking motorcycle is a modified second-generation Suzuki Hayabusa engine, boasting around 200 horsepower. Nearly all components, including the stunningly curved tubular frame and rigid swingarm inspired by MotoGP designs, are meticulously crafted from titanium. The swingarm, slightly extended and designed for optimum cornering performance, is also constructed with curvaceous titanium tubing.
Among the remarkable features of this motorcycle is the custom 4-into-2-into-1-into-2 titanium exhaust system. With over 130 sections on the header pipes alone, this exhaust setup, along with its ram’s horn headers and teardrop-shaped under-seat cans, is an undeniable standout element.
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Ducati up for sale again? Like again, again?

Another year, another rumour of Ducati going up for sale again. This time around, its future is being seriously reviewed by Volkswagen and its plans to dive deeper into the world of electric mobility. Unfortunately, Ducati falls on the list of being scrapped like Lamborghini and Bugatti.

With a target to double its values to over €200 billion, a few things will need to be done and they’re currently being discussed. This includes the possibility of either new technological partnerships, restructuring, or listing a few brands up for sale. Ducati has been on that ‘to-do list’ for a number of years now, but its position under the VW umbrella remains unchanged.

According to VW’s chairman of the board of management, Herbert Diess, “We are constantly looking at our brand portfolio, this is particularly true during the phase of fundamental change in our industry. In view of the market disruption, we must focus and ask ourselves what the transformation means for the individual parts of the group.”

Ducati sold just over 53,000 bikes worldwide last year but with more demands and laws favouring a more ‘eco-friendly’ option, selling Ducati off is a bigger possibility this time around as VW looks into freeing up some cash to fast forward its development of production electric cars.

A few billion euros might just be the turning point for Volkswagen and all of its brands under its wings. It’s hard to pass up one of the world’s most recognised motorcycle brands, but selling off Ducati might just be their ticket to a possibly bigger and more lucrative future.
Written by: Sep Irran
Ducati Multistrada V4 will come with radar tech

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Farid and Hazlanshah to make Suzuka 8-hour debut

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Mohd Farid Badrul Hisham and Hazlanshah Mohd Noor is set to make their debut in the Suzuka 8-Hour Endurance Road Race as part of Team Nozuka & Bike ART at the Suzuka Circuit this July, 23 to 26.

The BikeART Kawasaki Racing duo earned the right to compete in the prestigious event based on their strong performance in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (SuperSports 600cc).
Farid will compete in the 8-Hour category and ride alongside Taketo Harada who recently bagged a victory in the Suzuka Road Race Championship (JSB1000) while Naoyuki Yamaguchi fills in the third seat. Hazlanshah on the other hand will partner 19-year old Katsuya Matsuzaki and contest in the 4-Hour event.
Another Kawasaki rider who will make his debut in the world-class event would be Indonesian rider, Ahmad Yudhistira. Fresh from his victory at the Sentul Circuit, the Manual Tech KYT Kawasaki rider will ride for factory outfit, Team Green in the gruelling 8-Hour event and partner Kawasaki legends, Akira Yanagawa and Kazuki Watanebe onboard a Ninja ZX-10R machine.

“I’m looking forward to challenging myself at the iconic 8-Hour race and I would like to extend my thanks to Kawasaki and BikeART for providing this rare opportunity and believing in me. This will be an unforgettable chapter in my career and I think we can do a good job,” said Farid.

The 8-Hour is traditionally the biggest race on the international calendar for all of Japan’s big motorcycle companies. High-level international and Japanese riders return for the race annually as it is regarded as one of the biggest motorsport events on the calendar.
As the Suzuka 8 hours is part of the FIM World Endurance Racing Championship, its priority on the international calendar, along with the off-weeks in the FIM calendar, makes this race one of the most crucial on the schedule.
Other Malaysians who have competed in this event before includes Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, Mohd Zamri Baba, Zaqhwan Zaidi, Mohd Emir Firdaus Hasan, Sasitharen Sukumaran and Ahmad Afif Amran.
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CFMOTO Reveals More Photos Of The Upcoming 450SR

Upcoming CFMOTO 450SR looks enticing in the latest photos shared by the Chinese motorcycle manufacturer.

the 450SR is set to be available globally later this year.
powered by 450cc parallel-twin DOHC engine that makes 50hp and 39Nm.

CFMOTO gains worldwide attention especially in Asia and Europe with their impressive range of motorcycles including the CL700, NK650, and the 650GT.
The brand is known for bringing bike bike to the budget-conscious market including the quarter litre sportbike, the 250SR.
However, CFMOTO is about to expand the SR range with the all-new 450SR.
First caught our attention as a concept at EICMA 2021, the upcoming 400cc sportbike is inching closer to production based on a latest images shared by the company via its social media platform.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CFMOTO (@cfmotoofficial)

Needless to say, the production motorcycle seems to lost some of the premium features found in the concept bike. Gone are the dual Brembo brakes at the front, in place of a single radially mounted Brembo callipers while the SC Project exhaust is replaced by a stock in-house unit.

Nonetheless, the CFMOTO 450SR still looks sharp and beautifully built, with an aesthetics reminiscent of a race bikes. Despite losing out on some features, the motorcycle still complemented by an aggressive bodywork and sporty paint job.
Powering the 450SR is a 450cc parallel-twin DOHC engine with 270-degree crank capable of pumping 50hp @ 9,500rpm and 39Nm @ 7,600rpm with a compression ratio of 11.1:5.
Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a final chain drive mated to a six-speed transmission.
Other notable features include a 5-inch TFT curved instrument display with smartphone connectivity and USB charging port.
The CFMOTO 450SR is expected to be available worldwide later this year.
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2015 MV Agusta F4 RC fully revealed – Finally!

The new and limited 2015 MV Agusta F4 RC homologation special officially and fully revealed.

After its leak and a teaser during the season-opening WSBK weekend, MV Agusta has finally revealed its new homologation special, the F4 RC (Reparto Corsa), in full detail and rich technicolor.

Confirming previous reports, the 2015 MV Agusta F4 RC develops a total of 212hp as a result of a new Termignoni race exhaust system. A street variant is also available, but it makes just 202.5hp sans the aforementioned Termignoni pipeworks. Both trims however share the same peak torque output of 115Nm.

Notably, weight has been reduced in the RC version as well thanks to carbon fibre fairings, titanium connecting bolts and exhaust, a lithium-ion battery, forged aluminium wheels, as well as the adoption of magnesium casings. All this sees the RC tip the scales at just 175kg (dry) – nearly 15kg lighter than the brand’s F4 RR model.

Notably, MV Agusta have also fitted this F4 RC homologation special with its MVICS 2.0 electronics suite. This sees the 2015 MV Agusta F4 RC come loaded with ABS brakes, traction and rear-wheel-lift controls, plus a quick-shifter system as well.

Other notable changes over the RR include its mill’s new cylinder head, crankshaft, camshaft, bigger fuel injectors, lighter pistons, and titanium connecting rods. Stopping comes in the form of Brembo brakes front and aft that is paired with the Bosch 9+ ABS kit. Suzzies are sourced from Öhlins, with the front gaining a set of TIN coated NIX 30-type forks, and a TTX36 shock in the rear.

MV plans to make just 250 units of the F4 RC, each tagged at US$46,000. That alot of money for such a niche bike, but lets not forget that the 2015 MV Agusta F4 RC now stands as the most powerful superbike on the market.

In comparison, the rivalling Aprilia RSV4RR makes just 201hp in stock trim, whilst the BMW S1000RR and Ducati 1299 Panigale R makes do with ‘just’ 199hp and 205hp respectively.
Check out the extensive gallery below for more detailed images of the new 2015 MV Agusta F4 RC.
Source: Asphlantadrubber and Visordown
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MotoGP: Will Johann Zarco take his first win tonight?

Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) gifted his home fans with a pole position for tonight’s race.
Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) was not far behind and will start from P2.
Danilo Petrucci (Alma Pramac Racing) completes the front row for tonight’s HJC Helmets Grand Prix de France.

After a blistering MotoGP qualifying session yesterday at the HJC Helmets Grand Prix de France, there’s a huge possibility that Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) might take his first win in MotoGP. In front of his home crowd, the Frenchman will start tonight’s race in front of his home crowd.

It was a battle between Zarco and defending MotoGP world champion, Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda). These two battled it out yesterday in Q2 but Zarco prevailed on his home grounds where he received his first MotoGP podium last season finishing in second place.

Joining him at the front row together with Marquez is the fastest Ducati of the week so far, Danilo Petrucci (Alma Pramac Racing). In the second row, Andrea Iannone (Team Suzuki Ecstar) leads the way while wearing the brand new HJC RPHA 11 Deadpool. Joining him is Ducati factory duo, Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo in P5 and P6 respectively.

Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing) qualified in seventh ahead of Movistar Yamaha duo, Maverick Vinales and Valentino Rossi. Completing the top 10 qualifiers is Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda). Our Malaysian rider, Hafizh Syahrin (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) again showed everyone that he’s the fastest MotoGP by qualifying in P14 for tonight’s race.

The Moto3 race will start at 5.00pm (local time) followed by Moto2 at 6.20pm and MotoGP at 8.00pm. Will Zarco triumph in front of his home fans or will Marquez disappoint the Frenchman once again by taking yet another win for the season? Our advice? Don’t forget to watch the race!

Image source: MotoGP
MV Agusta returns to MotoGP

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MotoGP: The final battle between Dovizioso and Marquez

The final MotoGP race of 2017 will start later tonight at 9.00pm (local time) between Andrea Dovizioso and Marc Marquez.
Repsol Honda’s Marquez is currently leading the 2017 championship with 21 points ahead of Ducati’s Dovizioso.
The only way Dovizioso can be crowned MotoGP World Champion is if he wins today’s race and Marquez finishes in P12 or below.

The moment has arrived, fellow MotoGP fans. The final round of the 2017 season is here and what a season it has been. With so many actions, dramas and amazing battles, the finale arrives in Valencia where the 2017championship has boiled down to only two riders; Marc Marquez of Repsol Honda and Andrea Dovizioso of Ducati Team.

Recently, we’ve been witnessing the rise of Ducati back to its former glory where their only bragging rights was when Casey Stoner gave them the championship way back in 2008. These past few years, we have seen a lot of improvements and innovations coming from the Italian manufacturer and it comes as no surprise that their current rider Andrea Dovizioso is able to bring the fight to Honda’s ace rider, Marc Marquez.

With one race remaining, Marquez clearly has the advantage with a 21-point lead over Dovizioso. That’s a tall hill to climb especially for Dovi where the all Italian rider and team has one and only one strategy come race time later today; WIN. Only with a race win can Dovizioso snatch the 2017 MotoGP championship title IF AND ONLY IF Marquez finishes the race in 12th or below.

Finishing the race outside of the top ten is not an easy thing to do for a talented rider such as Marquez. With six race victories and five other podium finishes, Marquez has been a dominant force with only three DNF’s (Did Not Finish) this season.

Dovizioso has an equal number of race wins for 2017 but only two other podiums achieved. Compared to Marquez, Dovizioso has only obtained one DNF this season but his race finishes have been slightly inconsistent coming in as low as P13 in Australia.

At the end of the day, Dovizioso has a huge mountain to climb coming into this final battle. Marquez on the other hand only has to perform averagely to be able to secure the 2017 championship title. As history has taught us so many times before, it’s not over until it’s over.

Marc Marquez will start from pole where Andrea Dovizioso will start the final 2017 race from ninth. Who’s your money on? Check out all the action starting with Moto3 at 6.00pm followed by Moto2 at 7.20pm and the MotoGP finale at 9.00pm (Malaysian times).

Image source: MotoGP
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Gallery: Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team 2017 livery

See the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team 2017 livery in all its glory.

The Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team unveiled its 2017 livery this week at the Movistar headquarters in Madrid, Spain. Superstar rider Valentino Rossi and his new teammate Maverick Viñales unveiled the livery in the swanky soiree.

Both Rossi and Viñales also showed their new leathers supplied by Dainese and Alpinestars respectively. Both their 2017-spec Yamaha YZR-M1 race machines are now dressed in a new and darker shade of blue that’s identical to the Japanese brand’s production machines.

Rossi was undeniably the centre of attention, but this event also marked Viñales’ first official appearance in Yamaha colours. Having shown that he has the pace during the recent winter tests, Viñales’ entry into the Yamaha garage will likely shake things up.

With that, many are expecting the rising Spanish superstar to create some tension on Rossi’s side of the garage throughout 2017. In other words, we can expect the same, if not similar, levels of rivalry between Rossi and Viñanles as how it was previously with Jorge Lorenzo who’s now settling in at Ducati.

Rossi is still a force to b e reckoned with in 2017 as he appears to be in his best shape ever during the launch. The living legend is after his eighth premier class title and 10th world championship title this season, with the Yamaha likely to be the machine for the Italian to do so.

With all things considered, the factory Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team has quite the potent formula to compete with. You can check out the new livery in the extensive gallery we’ve prepared below.
2017 Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team

Valentino Rossi (#VR46)

Maverick Viñales

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This motocross #MannequinChallenge video is EPIC

This motocross #MannequinChallenge video will be the coolest thing you’ll seen all day!

We’re not ones to usually indulge in viral trends, but it seems that the #MannequinChallenge has hit a few folks on two-wheels. Suffice to say, this rendition of the viral video challenge by a bunch of motocross enthusiasts is nothing short of EPIC.
If you’ve been under a rock for sometime, the #MannequinChallenge is a viral Internet video trend where people remain frozen in action like mannequins while a video is recorded.
The folks behind this video however decided to get really creative with their poses and even included typical scenes of a motocross race including crashes, falls and wheelies – albeit frozen.
And apparently, these guys aren’t alone as a quick search on YouTube led us to discover a few more motorcycle-based #MannequinChallenge videos. Here’s another video of the challenge done by another group of motocross fans.

But if motocross isn’t really your thing, perhaps this next video featuring some of your favourite litre-class and supersport missiles plus a man in a T-Rex costume and a few other bike types should be up your alley then.

We’ve yet to see any Malaysian biking group take up this challenge as yet, but we wouldn’t disagree at how epic a Malaysian twist to this challenge could become.
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MotoGP: Danilo Petrucci to replace Pol Espargaro in KTM?

The first MotoGP private test is currently ongoing (following the major disruption caused by COVID-19) where Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pol Espargaro has set the fastest time of Day 1 in Misano. Riding the updated KTM RC16, it looks like it’s going to be a good 2020 season for the Spaniard as well as the Austrian manufacturer. But, will this continue on into 2021? Not if Danilo Petrucci has something to say (or do) about it.

It seems that the current Ducati Team factory rider recently made his way to KTM’s racing department in Austria (together with his manager) to discuss the possibilities of him spearheading the KTM MotoGP project starting 2021. Based on rumours from several reliable sources, it seems like the deal has already been made and we’ll probably hear the news in the near future.

Danilo Petrucci has been replaced by Pramac Ducati’s Jack Miller for 2021 in the Ducati factory team, who have shown that he has what it takes to bring victories for the Italian manufacturer. Ducati had plans for the Italian to continue riding with them in WorldSBK but Petrucci has stated his intentions to stick with MotoGP (hence the talks with KTM).

So, what will happen to Pol Espargaro? KTM has stated several times in the past that they love what Pol has been doing for them in the past few years. Despite his grand efforts, experts in the field have suggested that he might be jumping ship to a more experienced and highly prosperous manufacturer, Honda.

We’re not too entirely sure how everything will pan out, but his move to Repsol Honda will mean that Alex Marquez (the younger brother of Marc Marquez) will be demoted to the satellite team. It would be unfair to say anything now considering that Alex has not even raced on the factory Honda RC213V, but it’ll certainly kickstart a whole chain reaction resulting in major changes for the 2021 season.

Danilo Petrucci to KTM? Pol Espargaro to Honda? Alex Marquez demoted to LCR Honda? What will Marc Marquez say about all these possibilities? So many rumours, so little time. Stay tuned for more MotoGP updates.
MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo had ‘ulterior motive’ with Yamaha?

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Royal Enfield Takes Over UK Distribution

Royal Enfield will be taking over its UK distribution beginning 2023.

Royal Enfield UK takes over UK distribution from MotoGB.
The move is part of Royal Enfield’s initiative to increase the brad presence in the country.

The move is part of Royal Enfield’s plan to boost its presence in the UK after previously used third-party distributors, MotoGB to run its operation in the country including sales and marketing.
However, Royal Enfield UK will handle its UK distribution totally in-house on 1 May 2023, subsequently ending the 9-year relationship with MotoGB.
“The Royal Enfield senior leadership team extends sincere thanks and appreciation to MotoGB for their association with the brand over the last 9 years,” said Royal Enfield in a statement.
Meanwhile, Arun Gopal, Royal Enfield’s Head of International Business is adamant that the business will continue to grow despite ending long partnership with MotoGB.
“The United Kingdom is a key home market for Royal Enfield, having a long legacy of cooperation with India and a rich history.
“From the foundation of the brand in 1901 to the first UK import sale of India produced motorcycles in 1977 and the sales growth in recent years with the assistance of MotoGB, Royal Enfield has seen good sales momentum and acceptance in the UK market.
“We will continue to make investment in the UK localising our operations and giving our stakeholders the best possible brand experience,” he said.
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Yamaha hints at upcoming LMW

Japanese bikemakers Yamaha have released details of its upcoming Leaning Multi-Wheel (LMW) commuter bike.
These presentation graphs should clearly explain to what the firm has in mind.

Unfortunately, all these details do not point towards the impressively designed Tesseract concept machine we pictured at the top of the page. It is, however, literally leaning more towards a three-wheeled scooter that is set to rival against Piaggio’s MP3.
Yamaha’s production commuter LMW is expected to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show later this year. No details on its powerplant were confirmed, but many predict the leaning commuter trike will probably have a 300cc or 400cc displacement mill. Speculations also stipulate it be priced similarly to the rivalling Piaggio (below).
Source: AsphaltAndRubber
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Video: Surveying the Motorcycle Lane Along Federal Highway

Sections of the motorcycle lane along Federal Highway are open.

We decided to take a peek at the section from PPUM to Midvalley.

The motorcycle lane is still dangerous and poorly thought out.

Just uttering the words “motorcycle lane” is enough to set off fierce debates. We decided to share one of our videos when we rode along the Federal Highway’s motorcycle lane from PPUM to the Jalan Cheras intersection.
This writer usually takes the New Pantai Expressway from Section 13, Petaling Jaya to his home in Bukit Jalil. Although farther, there are a number of curves to play with on the expressway.

The section was closed for some time for remedial works but it has since reopened.
The entry to the bike lane was easy to find. From there, it’s straight towards Kuala Lumpur. The surface is now much smoother now relative to how it was. You can still feel the bumps, but it really isn’t like riding over a ribbon of tarred washboard as it used to be.
However, the lane is still narrow and “divided” in two by broken lines, meaning that one can overtake here. The curves remain. And so do the danger points.
1. KL – Pantai Baharu exit

The exit is directly beneath an overhead section of the NPE. As such, the expressway’s span throws an inky black shadow onto the section. Worse, the exit follows immediately after a right turn while the road to KL curves back to the left, like an S-corner. There’s a huge risk of bikes crashing together here.
2. Tunnel exit next to Plaza Pantai

As the rider’s eyes readjust to the brightness, the bike’s suspension suddenly unloads. That’ll surprise some riders or even cause them to lose control. There’s no space for mistake here because there are steel railings on both sides of the path.
3. KL – Cheras exit

This exit has existed for many decades. It’s super dangerous because the section inexplicably narrows and is at the bottom of a rise.

However, the authorities have closed this exit, but someone removed the concrete barricades. Since I’ve not ridden here for a very long time, I turned in only to find there’s no exit to Jalan Cheras. Now I understand why it’s closed because the exit is exactly where vehicles pick up speed from coming down the downhill corner.

A few blocks were moved to create holes. Smaller bikes can fit through. But I didn’t want to exit here because it’s just foolish and illegal.
3. Taman Desa

I made a U-turn and rode towards KL where there’s another exit to Jalan Kelang Lama, Cheras and Seremban. Emerging from the tunnels, the left lane of the road was closed, forcing us to share the incoming lane with other vehicles.

There was no exit to Jalan Cheras except by riding through parts of Taman Desa. That was when I came across a car driver who ran the red light in front of me.

I started to regret my decision by now. But there was still one last nuisance waiting. There was no way to head towards Cheras after getting off the bridge from Taman Desa. Instead, I had to join the KL-Seremban Highway in order to enter MEX Highway. That’s not an issue for me as I live in Bukit Jalil, but what about those who are residing in Cheras, Kajang, Semenyih and beyond?

CONCLUSION
We were really hopeful when the authorities announced the project to revamp Federal Highway’s motorcycle lane, but it causes more inconvenience to motorcyclists, never mind that many sections are still inexplicably closed. Let’s be clear here: We do not vouch for motorcyclists who flout the law, but what if they’re faced with inconveniences and dangers such as these?
We hope that they authorities will give more thought when rebuilding it as they were designed in the 50s for bicycles. The only way to assess is by riding a motorcycle themselves.
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Voxan reenergised with new Wattman

The Voxan brand is making a comeback on a high charge, unveiling the Wattman at the recent Paris Auto Show, the brand’s first new model to debut in a long while.

For some of you that do not know, Voxan is a French motorcycle manufacturer that was established in 1995. Things did not go according to plan, leading to the brand’s forced liquidation in 2009. Billionaire Gildo Pastor, the same person behind the Venturi automobile project, then purchased the brand back in 2010. Pastor promised to revive the French two-wheels marque, and bring with it a new electric bike into the market within three years.

Fulfilling that promise is the Wattman, billed as the planet’s most powerful electric bike of its kind. Sporting ‘muscle cruiser’ form, the Wattman is powered using a liquid-cooled permanent magnet type electric motor that generates 200hp and 199Nm of peak torque at 6,000rpm. The motor draws power from a 12.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and is further primed with ABS brakes, traction control, as well as four disc brakes all-round as standard.

The rather large-looking bike also boasts an incredible weight figure, tipping the scale at about 350kg. Despite its heavy weight, the Voxan is able to perform the century speed in just 3.4 seconds before reaching a claimed top speed of 170km/h.

The bike also features a “parallelogram-shaped four-link suspension” setup, comprised of two swingarms, each primed with its own shock absorber. According to Voxan, the swingarms were designed to accommodate the large battery pack that lies underneath the Wattman’s aluminum monocoque frame, to which Voxan calls an “exoskeleton” design. If you were wondering, designer Sacha Lakic, the same person that inked the Bimota Mantra, penned the Wattman’s design.

The newly revived Voxan brand is poised to bring the Wattman into the market. However, its commercialisation process remains to be seen. No word on availability just yet, but expect it to be priced very highly if released.

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BMW C 400 X Reimagine As An Adventure Scooter

The Honda X-ADV 750 has no other competitors, making it one of the unique adventure scooters ever built.
The Japanese marquee then went ahead and introduced the smaller ADV 150, which was then followed by Kymco’s DT X360 and Yamaha’s BWS 125.
While the market remains small but it is definitely growing.
However, just to spice things up, one of the renowned concept designers, Oberdan Bezzi, decided to create his interpretation of an adventure scooter by using the C 400 X as the platform to create what he referred to as the C 400 GS.

The C 400 X is a city scooter compared to the C 400 GT, which appears in a bigger body panel and a wider front end, making it not the right candidate to receive the GS treatment.
Based on the design concept by Oberdan, the C 400 GS received taller suspension travel combined with a long beak mudguard.

Meanwhile, the rear frame now features a slender and more rugged look paired to a single shock absorber replacing the dual-shock absorber on the C 400 X.

While this might be just another concept, the design looks promising and considering that BMW already offers the G 310 GS, who knows that there might be a GS version from the BMW scooter range.
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The All-New 2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Lands In Indonesia, Malaysia Next In Line?

After the global launch back in November 2020, Thailand was the first South-East Asia country to witness the arrival of the all-new 2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.
Fast forward six months into 2021, the litre bike now lands in Indonesia with a price tag of IDR520 million (RM150,200).

The new generation ZX-10R received significant updates for 2021, including new bodywork and engine revisions that are now Euro 5 compliant.
The 998cc inline-four powerplant produces 200hp (210hp with RAM Air) @ 13,200rpm and 114Nm @ 11,400rpm.

Despite the headlight design gained a lot of criticism when an image of the bike was leaked ahead of its global reveal, the overall design was applauded after the official launch.

The new Ninja ZX-10R offers a lot of electronic aids, which includes:

cruise control
traction control system
launch control
cornering management function
riding modes
engine brake control
intelligent ABS
Ohlins electronic steering damper
quickshifter

Will it arrive here in Malaysia? Only time will tell.

The folks from Kawasaki Motors Malaysia have been pretty quiet ever since they took over Suzuki here in Malaysia, and even that brand has been under the radar despite all the hype presented on its official Facebook page.
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Photos of 2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Leaked!

Picture of the 2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin have emerged.

They were part of submissions for certification in Australia.

The regular and Adventure versions have slightly different looks.

Here’s how the 2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin looks like.
The grayscale photos were part of the file submitted for vehicle certification documents in Australia and shared by Motorcyclist.com.
2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure
The details also confirmed the speculation that the engine will be enlarged to gain more power in face of stifling Euro 5 regulations. It’s learned that displacement goes up to 1084cc from 998cc, bringing power output to 101 hp at 7,500 RPM. Motorcyclist didn’t disclose the torque figure.
Honda is offering the bike with their proprietary dual clutch transmission (DCT) and manual gearbox.
2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure – rear view
Perhaps more importantly, the low-resolution photos show that the manufacturer has reworked the bike’s styling. The dual headlights and distinctive radiator flanks are retained but updated.
The Adventure version retains the “google headlamps” and has a taller windscreen and aluminium panels as on its fuel tanks’ flanks. The side panels are also different but there is a large passenger grab bar and luggage rack at the back.
2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin
The regular, non-Adventure model, on the other hand, looks to be more streamlined and the headlamps are made more angular than the current model. There’s noticeably fewer details than its Adventure counterpart.
2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin – rear view
The new Africa Twin may be launched at the Tokyo Motor Show in October or EICMA in November 2019.
Source: Motorcyclist.com
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Learning to ride at the California Superbike School Malaysia

The CSS is one of the oldest motorcycle riding schools in the world.
The coaches are certified and teach you everything they learn from the founder of the CSS – Keith Code.
Courses span two days and you learn 10 drills that improve your riding.
Our editor claims that his riding has improved by at least 50% after attending the CSS.
But ended up falling down at turn two and the end of the second day, read that story here.

Learning never stops and if you stop learning, it likely means you’re dead. I can’t remember who said that, but it is the cold hard fact about life and everything that goes with it, including riding a motorcycle.No matter what sport or activity it is, even the world’s best will end up getting schooled eventually. Remember Valentino Rossi at his peak? He was the greatest. Everyone thought he was the best of all time and no one would ever race a motorcycle better than him. Then came Lorenzo with his Spanish aggression and pulled the World Championship rug right under Rossi’s feet. Not too long after came Marc Marquez with his elbow scrapping style and showed the seasoned veterans how primitive they were.
But fact is, even though Marquez is one of the all time greats, in due time, another rider who is perhaps just a couple of years old now, will someday make his debut and show us the impossible. Rossi? A spent force some say.
Learning never stops, and if you think you know it all then chances are you know nothing. And for motorcycle riders, that’s why riding schools like the California Superbike School exist – to coach us and to teach us the collective knowledge of years and years worth of coaching tens of thousands of students all over the world. It is the go to source of knowledge for bikers. The al-Qarawiyyin for our kind.
The California Superbike School (CSS) was established by a guy named Keith Code who started training riders back in 1976. An accomplished racer and a self described researcher, writer and educator, Keith’s CSS runs all 12 months of a year all around the globe, including Malaysia just recently.
It wasn’t the first time the CSS has been in Malaysia. The school has been offered here since the early 2000s but the last time it was here was back in 2006. So back again after 11 years, Bikes Republic was invited to attend the school by BMW Motorrad Malaysia – the sponsor for the school.
From the moment you reach Sepang International Circuit, ground zero for the school, to the point you leave, everything flows smoothly and there is a proper system to disseminate all that information.
The day starts at 730am on both Saturday and Sunday with a collective brief for everyone before you are disbursed into your own group. There’s a group for level one and level two riders, and another group for the more advanced level three and four.
There is a total of four levels to go through to officially graduate the CSS. But no matter how experienced you are or how many championships you have won, if you want to be coached by the CSS, you always have to begin from level one. We were signed up for level one and two which took place over the course of two days.
Level one and two starts with a classroom session, and that’s where they teach you the drills for about 20 minutes before letting you out on the bike for another 20 minutes to practise what you just learnt.
For the track practise sessions, BMW Motorrad provided us the ballistic new S1000RR to test our new found knowledge on. But despite all that superb electronics designed to keep you safe, a manic engine and trick suspension, we were kept in check by the constant shadow of the on-track instructors who follow you from behind to watch your riding style. After watching you ride, they will then overtake you, tap the back of their bikes with their hands to indicate to you to follow them, and will then proceed to show you how to do it right. So to test the full potential of the S1000RR, one of the greatest superbikes ever, we could not.
The first drill of the day in level one was Throttle Control, and the golden rule from this drill is smooth throttle inputs, always. You cannot expect a bike to do two things at once, you can either make it turn a corner, or you can make it go faster by giving it more gas. But to ask it to do two things at once is trouble. Unless of course you are smooth and consistent with your throttle. Turn One of Sepang Circuit for example requires you to brake heavy after the long straight, then turn into the corner. And only once the bike is settled in do you gently get on the throttle, hold it in place, and give it the full squeeze treatment once the bike is upright. Gentle throttle control will get you through any corner just fine, as we found it.
Drill two is mastering the Turn Points and the correct lines around corners. This is important to understand the entry and exit points of a corner. It is generally understood that all riders have their own riding style and the turning points of a corner varies from rider to rider. But there are three attributes that describe the ‘good line’ of a corner – 1) Good Throttle Control. 2) One Steering Input because too many inputs upsets the balance of the bike. 3) Straighten the bike as quickly as you can to be able to get on the gas early and explode out of the corner with as much speed and traction available. These are the basics of every corner, no matter what your Turn Point is.
The third drill is Quick Steer, and this is where they explain how your bike has two basic functions – changing speed and changing direction. The trick is to get comfortable with your bike and minimise the amount of weight you have on the handle bars. This is of course done by pushing your butt right back against the seat, and pushing your calf up by the balls of your feet to clip your thighs to the tank. Your torso then takes on the task of resisting the braking and cornering forces. By keeping weight away from the handle bar and the front tyre you are allowing the front of the bike to be as natural as it was designed to be, and that means you can better steer with minimal counter steering. And if you are wondering why you would need to counter steer on a bike, simple, because that is how a bike turns – push on the left handle bar to turn right and push on the right handle bar to turn left. So if you need to perform a Quick Steer maneuver, then the trick is to simply push harder at either end of the bar and this forces the bike to change directions quicker. Handy in fast switchback corners or when avoiding something on the road.
Mind you we had 20 minutes to practice everything after each tutorial. And usage of the track was limited to only the north track of the Sepang Circuit.
The final two drills of level one are Rider Input which teaches you that the less busy you are on a bike, the better it performs. So minimise all your squirming around in the saddle and the bike will perform as it is supposed to, and the less tense you are on the bike the easier it is to steer it. The final drill is Two Step Turning. This is where your eyes play the most important role simply because you, whether you notice it or not, unknowingly steer where your eyes are looking. Ever heard of Target Fixation? It is the most dangerous thing a biker can do and you can read about it by clicking here.
So by training your eyes to look at the Turning Point of a corner, you subconsciously point the bike towards it and turn when you reach it. And as soon as you locate the Turning Point, you need to look out for the next point you want to be. The idea here is to keep your bike steering to the first Turning Point, while your eyes are already searching for the second point. This takes practise and is not that easy, but once you learn to detach your sight from where the bike points to, your riding somehow becomes smoother and predictable.
Level two of the CSS took place the next day with the same morning route – a collective brief for all groups, and then tutorials for those who had finished level one the day before and have returned to study level two.
At this level, the drills changes from understanding your bike to using the environment around you to your advantage.
Reference Points was the first drill and it basically means to use a visual cue to mark the beginning of an action, like using one of the many marshall posts which are located around the circuit to mark braking or accelerating points. It provides a smooth flow of information through your eyes and helps you overcome target fixation as you consciously look for reference points around the circuit.
For example, I personally found the end of the curb at turn five the ideal point to pick the bike back up and aim towards the inside of turn five so I clip the apex just right. That’s how reference points work, it has a value to it, you just need to decide what that value is. That value may be braking, accelerating or cornering. We were told that there are generally three or four reference points per corner, one point that tells you when to roll of the throttle, another point tells you to brake, another to corner and the last one tells you to go full squirt.
One drill that really opened my eyes and improved my track riding was Change Lines. This drill encourages you to try different lines around the circuit. After years of riding on the same track we usually get stuck to the same old points to brake, steer and accelerate, but this drill wants you to try different braking points, corner entry points and accelerate points. You will be surprised at how well some other lines work than what you are used to, but of course there are some that end up being really bad too.
The second drill of the second day was called Three Step, and it is an evolution of the Two Step drill we learned back in level one. In the two step drill we are thought to look for two points – a braking point and a entry point. In Three Step, the aim is to look for a point to brake, another point in the middle of the corner representing the ideal point to place the bike in for a neat exit, and the third is of course where you want to be when you exit the corner.
The third drill is the ultimate solution to target fixation, it is called Wide Screen View of Track. The objective of this drill is to look at everything ahead of you rather than at just a single point. By looking at what lies around you, you better understand threats and dangers, and with practice, you will be able to recognise and avoid situations before they even happen. This is a tricky skill to master as it involves training the eye to look past what it would normally look at, but with time and practise, the Wide Screen View will help your riding. There is just one golden rule here, speed narrows down your Wide View and that is no good on road and track. So practice practice practice.
The final drill of the day is called Pick Up. Ever noticed how MotoGP riders will sometimes pick up their bikes while they are still hanging off in a fast corner? There are a few reasons why they do that. One of it is speed, because the faster you get your bike upright the quicker you are able to get on the throttle. A bike that is upright creates more drive than a bike which is still in a corner. Then there is the need for traction, especially in the wet or slippery corners. The Pick Up also helps with correcting a slide. But in a competitive race, the Pick Up is important because it helps manage tyre wear. Obviously a tyre wears down more quickly when it is managing a corner and trying to create grip to lay down more power, so naturally a tyre will be less prone to wear when it is upright. So there you have it, try to Pick Up your bike as soon as you can, and you can do this by managing your upper body. Keep your upper body in the turn, and simply use your hands to counter steer the handle bars to pick the bike back up. That’s the best way to do it.
So that’s that then, a total of 10 drills to learn over two days and two levels. The next time we attend the CSS it will be on to level three and four. But in all honesty, I would personally prefer to attend level one and two all over again simply because there is so much knowledge passed down that I would like to spend more time learning it and perfecting it before attending the following two levels. The knowledge is precious to say the least and the coaches are so good at what they do that you can’t resist but give them a tight hug at the end of it all. I did have a minor fall at the end of day two, but that’s a different story which you can read about here.
Not all of these coaches are racers, but not all racers make good coaches, just a few of them, but all of them understand the techniques thought in the CSS and deliver it the way Keith Code wanted it to. The aim is to create better riders and Steve Braugey, one of the main coaches at the CSS said it best, “we improve human beings, we just happen to do it with motorcycles.”
A special thank you goes out to BMW Motorrad Malaysia for inviting us to attend the CSS, it was a dream come true. The BMW S1000RR was perfect throughout the practice sessions and never put a wheel wrong. The onboard electronics and rider aids truly make you feel like a hero. At RM104,900, it is arguably the best and most advanced sports bike you could buy, and financing it is easy with BMW Credit which lets you own the bike for as low as RM1,395 a month. Click here for more information on the BMW S1000RR.

				CSS coaches were always on hand to teach and would shadow you from behind when riding on track, so they can comment on your riding style.

				Just a few milliseconds away from meeting the tarmac, you can see the front wheel beginning to slip away in this photo.

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Kiwi bloke hits 364km/h with modified Kawasaki Ninja H2R

New Zealander Scott Wilkins hits 364km/h on his modified Kawasaki Ninja H2R, averages 358.4km/h across two runs.

300HP. That was the mind-boggling output figure touted by the seemingly senseless bike that is the Kawasaki Ninja H2R – the supposed de-restricted track-only offshoot of the Kawasaki Ninja H2 – when it first broke cover some years back.
Yet, somehow, a particular New Zealander thought this simply wasn’t enough…
Said bloke happens to be Scott Wilkins and, judging by his recent efforts, he has perhaps sated his need for more power – and speed! –  after setting an impressive average of 358.4km/h over two runs aboard his own modified Kawasaki Ninja H2R.
Wilkins reportedly performed a few modifications to his Ninja H2R for a speed record run held at Goudies Road near Reporo earlier this week. This brought out at least another 50HP on top of the 300HP or so it already had brand new.
Not only did Wilkins peaked at a mind-boggling speed of 364km/h during one of his two runs, the fact that the attempt was made successfully on a piece of closed public road –  not a drag strip, test track or salt flats – simply adds to the audacity of it all.
You can check out the  videos below from Wilkin’s record-setting run with his modified Kawasaki Ninja H2R.
(Images: Steve Knowles)

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A post shared by Scott Wilkins (@scottnz411)

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A post shared by Scott Wilkins (@scottnz411)

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MotoGP: Valentino Rossi will race until 2020!

Valentino Rossi just signed a two-year contract with the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP squad.
This means that the nine-time world champion will race until the end of 2020.
In 2020, Rossi would’ve raced for 25 seasons where 15 of those are with Yamaha.

Good news to all Rossi fans out there. Valentino Rossi has signed a brand new two-year deal with his current Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team which will see the Italian racing until the end of 2020! This also means that by the end of this contract, Rossi would have raced with Yamaha for 15 years out of an astonishing 25 seasons he has been on the grid.

Yamaha and Rossi Confirm Two-Year Contract Extension!
Read: https://t.co/pleMECgM2v#MovistarYamaha | #MotoGP | #QatarGP | @ValeYellow46 pic.twitter.com/zUfHUX6WIU
— Yamaha MotoGP (@YamahaMotoGP) March 15, 2018

What started out as one of the most controversial moves in MotoGP history when Rossi moved to Yamaha from Honda turned out to be one for the history books. After winning the 2003 championship with Honda, the man surprised everyone when he won his debut race on the unproven Yamaha and ultimately the 2004 championship as well.

This time around, both the nine-time world champion and Japanese manufacturer are confident that they have what it takes to not only be competitive but fight for the title against the front-runners. With a revived contract and spirit, Rossi is even going ‘old school’ with a classic Sun and Moon design for his 2018 AGV Pista GP R.

According to the 39-year-old Italian, “When I signed my last contract with Yamaha, in March 2016, I wondered if that would have been the last contract as a MotoGP rider. At that time, I decided that I’d take that decision during the following two years. During the last two years, I came to the conclusion that I want to continue because racing, being a MotoGP rider, but especially riding my M1, is the thing that makes me feel good.”
Image source: Michelin
“Having the opportunity to work with my team, with Silvano, Matteo and all my mechanics, and working with all Japanese engineers, Tsuji-san, and above all Tsuya-san, is a pleasure – I’m happy. I want to thank Yamaha – Lin Jarvis and Maio Meregalli in particular – for their trust in me, because the challenge is difficult: being competitive until I’m 40 years old!”

“I know it’s going to be difficult and it requires a lot of effort from my side and a lot of training but I’m ready, I am not lacking in motivation, that’s why I’m signing for two more years,” added the nine-time world champion.

The battle will commence this Sunday (18 March 2018) where this will be the first season ever that there are Malaysians racing in each category. The lights will go out for Moto3 at 9 pm (local time) followed by Moto2 at 10.20pm and MotoGP at midnight.

Let’s show our support for Adam Norrodin, Khairul Idham Pawi, Zulfahmi Khairuddin, and the very first Malaysian MotoGP rider racing for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 squad, Hafizh Syahrin!
Source: MotoGP
Hafizh Syahrin in MotoGP Without a Doubt

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Honda Vario 160 Officially Available In Malaysia – From RM9,998

If you’re in the market for a new scooter then you’re in luck as Honda Motorcycles Malaysia (Boon Siew Honda) has officially launched the all-new Vario 160.

The Honda Vario 160 features bigger and more powerful engine than the previous generation.
The 160cc scooter now fitted with ABS as standard.

First introduced in Indonesia earlier this year, the Honda Vario 160 make its way to Malaysia in three exciting colours; Vivacity Red, Pearl Nightfaall Blue, Sword Silver Metallic – available for RM9,998.

However, the fourth colour scheme; Mat Charcoal Grey Metallic is priced at RM10,298 and will be available from February 2023.

Coming in new for 2022 is a bigger 157cc 4-valve, liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that now makes 15.3hp @ 8,500rpm and 13.8Nm @ 7,000rpm replacing the previous 150cc engine.
The Vario 160 also shod with a chunkier tires with 100/80-14 at the front and 120/70-14 at the rear.

In addition, the Vario 160 gets single-channel ABS as standard replacing the CBS system on the previous model and hydraulic disc brake at the front and rear.

Other notable features include:

Smart Key system
UBS-A charging port
18L storage
5.5L fuel tank

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Ten Most Unusual Production Bikes (Part 1)

Among the cookie-cutter bikes, there are a few that were meant to break the mold.

These unusual designs sometimes worked, while some failed.

Here’s the first instalment of this series.

Is it surprising that a non-biker says, “That’s a what? And that one? All motorcycles look the same to me.” In this age where bike designs are governed by the wind tunnel or heritage, his observation is correct. So, please don’t get upset if he didn’t recognize your XZRT3000SR.
Motorcycles have evolved over the years and we are at an age where designers are churning out designs that have either proven to work or stood the sales floor test.
That meant they must’ve experimented with other concepts at some point, right? Correct. The successful ones evolved into the bikes today but whose concepts were too outlandish died unceremonious deaths.
Here’s Part 1 of the Ten Most Unusual Production Bikes.
1974 SUZUKI RE5

The rotary engine enjoys a cult status, especially in the automotive segment, powering the equally cult Mazda RX-7 family.
However, how many motorcycles have actually utilised that kind of powerplant? It’s rumoured that all the four Japanese manufacturers have rotary engine prototypes at some point, however it was Suzuki – typical in pushing the boundaries of motorcycle engineering – who had the jujubes to put it into production, in the form of the RE5, sold from 1974.

The rotary engine, also known as the Wenkel, offers a number of advantages when compared to the ever-popular piston engine. Rotary engines are more compact and lighter as they have fewer parts, and produce higher specific power outputs from smaller displacements.

via GIPHY
So, that begs the quiestion: Why aren’t there more motorcycles powered by rotary engines?
While simple in concept, rotary engines require numerous complex subsystems to perform, and these add up to a weight penalty that outweighs its gains.
For example, although the RE5’s rotary engine consists of only a single rotor, exhaust temperatures could reach 930o Celcius – more than hot enough to melt aluminium, copper and zinc. Because of this, Suzuki engineers had to design a crazily complex double-skinned exhaust system. Besides that, the engine had to be lubricated from three oil reservoirs each with its own pump. The throttle controlled both primary carburetor butterfly and inlet manifold of the port valve, besides governing oil supply into the combustion chamber. A total of five cables were connected via the throttle grip.

The RE5’s 497cc engine produced 62 bhp and 74.4 Nm of torque, achieving the high specific power output objective of the rotary engine. However, the motorcycle weighed 260 kg, wet. On the other hand, the Honda CBX1000 “Super 6” with an inline-Six cylinder engine produced 105 bhp while weighing only 12 kg heavier.

Maybe its styling could save it? Err… but what about those “tin cans?”

Suzuki roped in the famed automotive designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro (yes, he whose company designed Alfa Romeos, Bugattis, Maseratis among many others), to style the RE5. He designed the “tin can” instrument cluster and taillight to reflect upon the “rotary” theme.

Not surprisingly, the RE5 bombed on the sales floor. Cycle World called it “expensive, over-complicated, underpowered and hideous,” and was subsequently declared as one of their “Ten Worst Motorcycles.” Ouch.
The RE5 was canned (pun intended) in 1976.

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Thailand borders closed for tourists until 2021

If you’re planning to ride into Thailand (and you’re not Thai) planned for this year, we have some bad news. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), their international borders will most likely continue to close for tourists until the end of the year due to concerns related to COVID-19.

This issue was brought up by TAT’s deputy governor for international marketing, Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya. As of now, there have been no talks on when the country will decide to re-open the country for ‘inbound or outbound leisure travels.’

“I see no signal from the government that the country will open this year. That’s putting a lot of pressure on the tourism industry. The Christmas period, usually the high season, is in jeopardy and I’m looking horribly even to Chinese New Year in February, which is an iffy proposition at best now. Unfortunately, this is not a rosy picture,” stated Ayudhya.

With tourism being a huge part of the country’s income, they are looking at other options like travel bubbles, locations where tourists who are confirmed to be free from COVID-19 can spend their time within the designated areas, like Koh Samui or Phuket.

This is yet to be confirmed, but the only people that are allowed to travel in and out of Thailand are diplomats, UN officials, folks with businesses or investments with the government, film crews, migrant workers, exhibition staff, and Thailand Elite visa holders. Other than that, we just have to wait for 2021.
MotoGP: Malaysian GP officially CANCELLED

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Boon Siew Honda Announced New Colour Updates For 2022 X-ADV – RM67,799

The Honda X-ADV is still the most unique adventure motorcycle to date thanks to its combination of a typical scooter with ADV elements.
After the comprehensive update in 2021, Boon Siew Honda has announced a new colour option for the 2022 Honda X-ADV.

The Honda X-ADV now comes in Mat Ballistic Black Metallic and joins the already available Grand Prix Red and Pearl Deep Mud Grey colour scheme.
Nevertheless, the mechanics remain the same as the 2022 X-ADV continue to make 57hp @ 6,750rpm and 69Nm @ 4,750rpm.

The power delivery is further optimized with reworked gear ratios via its Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and retuned Honda Selectable Torque Control settings. A 3kg weight reduction also helps greatly in this department.
In terms of design, the new X-ADV presents a more rugged appearance with modern up-to-date features like its dual LED daytime-running lights leading the way. A new front windscreen was also added for better weather protection as well as better storage capacity thanks to a bigger 22-litre under-seat storage and a 1.2-litre glovebox compartment (with a USB charging port).

Like the 2021 CB1000R, the 2021 X-ADV also features a new 5-inch TFT screen that is enhanced with a Honda Smartphone Voice Control system. This allows the rider to control calls, navigation, and music via the handlebar controls and voice command (if you’re able to connect a Bluetooth helmet headset).

				2021 HONDA X-ADV

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BMW issues recall for helmet

BMW Motorrad announced that it has launched a recall for its ‘BMW Sport’ helmet in the UK as it did not meet European standards.

According to BMW, the helmets that are affected by the recall have the reference ‘059241/P’ printed the chin-strap label.
It is said that the involved helmets will be exchanged irrespective of age. The German manufacturer said that owners can return their helmets to the nearest authorised BMW dealers, who will exchange them for a product of equal value.
The firm said that there was no safety risk to users’ but the helmets ‘do not fully meet the approval test requirements according to the European standard UNECE [Regulation] 22.05’.
According to the Department for Transport, UK law requires motorcycle helmets to either meet UNECE Regulation 22.05 or British Standard BS 6658:1985 or ‘a European Economic Area member standard offering at least the same safety and protection’.
BMW said no other helmet models were affected.

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Shark Spartan Carbon Helmet Now Comes in 14 Different Colours!

The Spartan Carbon line up has added 10 new designs from Shark Helmets

Better shape design thanks to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technology

Only 1,290grams & fully ECE compliant

SHARK SPARTAN CARBON SILICIUM DRA

Shark Helmets has introduced 10 new additional colours for one of their high end helmets, the Shark Spartan Carbon. Launched late October 2016 in conjunction with the Shell Malaysia MotoGP round here in Malaysia, the Spartan Carbon was the ultimate helmet which replaced the outgoing Speed R helmet.
SHARK SPARTAN CARBON SILICIUM DOA
As of now, the Spartan Carbon is only available in four different designs; Carbon Black, Carbon Red, Carbon White and Carbon Sylvain Guintoli replica that comes in stunning metallic blue. The latest additions are currently available in the UK market starting at £350 (around RM1,902 after direct conversion). That’s a reasonable price considering that other brands with similar specification helmets cost a lot more. This is thanks to the multi-axial composite fibre used by Shark for ultimate strength at affordable prices.
SHARK SPARTAN CARBON SILICIUM DBA
What makes the Spartan Carbon unique to any other helmets is that it was developed inside out using the state-of-the-art Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technology similar to the other top of the line Shark lids. Designed for the ultimate aerodynamic performance, the Spartan was also engineered for ultimate comfort making it one of the best all-rounder helmets available in the market for daily use or even when tearing it up in the track.
SHARK SPARTAN CARBON MEZMAIR DYG
Another feature that has been highlighted on the Spartan Carbon is great ability to suppress noise and gain better stability at higher speeds. This has been achieved thanks to the patented ‘Shark Skin’ cover on the visor mechanism that dramatically reduces the deafening wind noise. A revolutionary double spoiler at the back of the lid works in tandem with rear air extractors to pull out any hot air from within the helmet and at the same time improve aerodynamic performance.
SHARK SPARTAN CARBON MEZMAIR DSA
With a total weight of 1,290grams (for a medium sized helmet), the Spartan Carbon also comes with a retractable sun visor that’s super convenient on sunny days. For those who require prescribed spectacles, fret not as the helmet also comes with the Shark Easy Fit for those who wear glasses.
SHARK SPARTAN CARBON CLIFF DRW
Interested in purchasing one? Well head on over to the Spartan Concept Store located in Bandar Sunway of visit their Facebook page. Currently, they have four different colourways for the Spartan Carbon. Check out the Sylvain Guintoli replica for the best metallic blue you’ll ever see on a helmet!

Photo Source: Nevis UK

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MotoGP: New team coming in 2021?

The MotoGP paddock will most likely see the entrance of a brand-new team for the 2021 season. This speculation has surfaced somewhere in Italy after reports revealed that the Avintia Racing team will leave the premier class at the end of this season to put more focus on its other divisions.

With the current MotoGP getting more and more exciting each race (plus the level of competitiveness between multiple riders and manufacturers), there’s no denying that there are other outside forces who want to join in all this very exciting challenge, much like how Petronas Yamaha SRT took over Aspar’s spot last season.

If this happens to be true, the next logical question would be who will replace them? Two teams come to mind, and both these outfits are dominant forces in Moto3 and Moto2. They are none other than Leopard Racing and Sky Racing Team VR46.

Other questions that are going through the heads of Dorna top brasses are which team will provide some incredible racing action, but more importantly, which can bring in huge crowds as well as their hard-earned money? We’re thinking it might be the boys from VR46 because, well, it’s Rossi. And Rossi is big money.

As for the riders, there have been talks about bringing up Moto2’s Enea Bastianini to replace the outgoing Johann Zarco who we think might just take up the seat left vacant in Pramac Racing (rumours are going around that Francesco Bagnaia might move up to the factory squad in 2021). If VR46 takes over in MotoGP, there’s no doubt that the second rider will be the current Moto2 leader, Luca Marini. But it’s all speculations…for now…
Written by: Sep Irran
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New Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R racing parts catalogue released and ready to cater all trackday warriors and privateer racing teams.

As it is, the new 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R road-going superbike is one highly capable machine. This is being reflected perfectly by its WSBK race machines that has granted factory WSBK rider Jonathan Rea’s with his current streak of race wins and podiums finishes that are crucical towards his 2016 title defence.

In fact, this video published by the UK’s Fast Bikes magazine from the bike’s official global test-ride in the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) earlier this year should give you a clear indication of just how good the road-going version is. You can also read our initial global launch report here and the Malaysian preview here.

Now, you can have a taste of that same racing success and performance as Kawasaki announced the availability of the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R racing parts catalogue for this year. Kawasaki is renowned for making its special factory racing parts available from its network of local Kawasaki dealers worldwide, with this new 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R model being no exception to that either.

This catalogue is perfect for both weekend trackday warriors and full-fledged privateer racing outfits. Highlights in the list include things such as an adjustable ECU that allows you to optimise a wide spectrum of settings like the engine’s fuel, ignition, timing and over-rev as well as the sleuth of on-board electronics too like the traction control and launch control.

Besides that, there’s also an ABS dongle that allows riders and mechanics to disable the anti-lock feature in either one or both wheels. There are also a selection of specialised chassis adjustment tools and accessories available in this catalogue including things like the swingarm pivot and steering collars.

Of course, each and every part and accessory in the 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R racing parts catalogue rightfully commands top prices, so be sure to have a decent account balance before placing your orders with your nearest specialist Kawasaki dealer. You can view the full 8-page catalogue by clicking this link – 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Racing Parts.

Source: Kawasaki via Asphaltandrubber
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Paris To Restrict Speed To Just 30km/h, Motorcycles Have To Pay For Parking

Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, has announced a 30km/h speed limit in the French capital with motorcycles and scooters have to pay for parking starting next year.
The speed limit will take place on all of Paris city streets by August this year; however, the ring road will maintain its 50km/h rule.
According to Hidalgo, the new rule is part of the city initiative to transform Paris into an environmentally friendly city and turning it into a pedestrian haven.

Furthermore, the city will start charging parking fees for every motorcycle and scooter and cut the current 140,000 street parking to just 60,000 to make more space for pedestrians.
Based on reports, Paris wants its people to use bicycles or public transport including walking to get around the city centre.
(Source: Bangkok Post)
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