BMW Motorrad Nightfuel Event celebrated “Making Life a Ride” with over 400 motorcycle enthusiasts

More than 400 motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country gathered during the BMW Motorrad Nightfuel event on 15 April 2017 over at Jalan Riong, Bangsar

“Make Life a Ride represents all the values of the BMW Motorrad brand, which strives to illustrate a more lifestyle and active attitude towards motorcycle riding. It is an attitude characterized by self-confidence, friendship, responsibility and riding the open roads.”

The BMW Motorrad Nightfuel event also unveiled three new models from their 2017 Heritage line; the BMW R nineT, BMW R nineT Pure and BMW R nineT Racer

(From left to right) Mr. Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications of BMW Group Malaysia; Mr. Ooi Choong Beng, Senior Sales Manager of BMW Motorrad and Mr. Owen Riley, Head of BMW Motorrad with the BMW Motorrad R nineT, BMW Motorrad R nineT Racer and BMW Motorrad R nineT Pure.

Over 400 BMW Motorrad motorcycle enthusiasts and fans gathered at the open car park over at Jalan Riong, Bangsar for the BMW Motorrad Nightfuel event. The gathering was held on Saturday 15 April 2017 where BMW Motorrad Malaysia also unveiled three of their latest Heritage models for 2017; the BMW R nineT, BMW R nineT Pure and BMW R nineT Racer.
The event also celebrated friendship, food, music and premium motorcycles among enthusiasts and fans across the country. Unveiling the all new Heritage line-up also elevated the bikes’ ‘pure riding’ experience towards those who attended the event.
(From left to right) Mr. Sashi Ambi and Mr. Owen Riley with the BMW Motorrad R nineT, BMW Motorrad R nineT Racer and BMW Motorrad R nineT Pure.
According to the Head of BMW Motorrad Malaysia, Mr Owen Riley, said “Make Life a Ride represents all the values of the BMW Motorrad brand, which strives to illustrate a more lifestyle and active attitude towards motorcycle riding,”

“It is an attitude characterized by self-confidence, friendship, responsibility and riding the open roads. The new BMW Motorrad Heritage lines of motorcycles will enable us to share this passion with a new segment of customers here as we are doing tonight with all our customers and fans.”
Live performance by local band NRG better known as “Name, Reputation & Glamour”.
The event kicked things off with dinner and a live performance by local band NRG or “Name, Reputation & Glamour”, before the BMW Motorrad Heritage lines of motorcycles were unveiled by Mr. Owen Riley, Head of BMW Motorrad and Mr. Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications, BMW Group Malaysia.

The new models were initially introduced by the Managing Director & CEO of BMW Group Malaysia, Mr. Han Sang Yun who stated that “The new BMW Motorrad Heritage lines of motorcycles have enabled us to share our passion for our premium two wheel vehicles with a new segment of customers here and help them make their lives a ride.”

All three models share the same but powerful 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer engine that is able to churn out 110hp and 116Nm of torque that’s driven to the rear wheel via a 6-speed transmission. To make sure the power plant meets the Euro4 requirements, the engine has gone through an evolution for its engine mapping, fuel delivery system, carbon fuel canister and a larger catalytic converter for the exhaust system.

The new BMW R nineT, R nineT Pure and R nineT Racer are priced at RM101,900, RM82,900 and RM88,900 (basic prices with GST).
CLICK HERE to know more about all the BMW Motorrad bikes available in Malaysia in our exclusive Bike Buyer’s Guide.
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WorldSBK 2017: Chaz Davies Finally Breaks Rea’s Winning Streak

Chaz Davies took his first WorldSBK victory of 2017 in Race 2 at Aragon yesterday on board his Ducati 1199 Panigale R

Both Aruba it.Racing Ducati riders (Davies and Melandri) scored double podiums in both races

Jonathan Rea finished a close second ahead of Marco Melandri in Race 2

It was a glorious day yesterday for the Aruba.it Racing team where both of their riders, Chaz Davies and Marco Melandri scored double podiums in both WorldSBK races over at Aragon this past weekend. It was an even bigger achievement for Davies who managed to break Jonathan Rea’s winning streak after his Race 1 victory on Saturday.

In the 18-lap race around Motorland Aragon circuit, Davies and Rea fought brilliantly up until the end of the race where Rea was only 0.483 seconds behind Davies. The Kawasaki Racing Team rider battled it out up until the final lap where Davies made what’s probably the most impressive overtake of the season yet. This was indeed a positive outcome for the 30 year old Brit after crashing out in Race 1.

Overtakes
We think #OvertakesOverload is going to become a popular hashtag between Chaz Davies and Jonathan Rea… guys what a last lap ‼?
Posted by WorldSBK on 2hb April 2017

When Davies was asked about the race, he stated that “Yesterday (Saturday) was a disaster, the whole weekend was a disaster until the last lap of the second race. The only moment of joy is bringing home the win, and it’s good to bring it home like that,”
“We know the bike is good here, although we still need to work in a lot of different areas but for now we are really going to enjoy this. It was a great battle but the wind was crazy out there, we getting blown left right and centre, it was like someone pushing you out the corner it was that strong.”

Jonathan Rea did have an impressive performance on Saturday with the Race 1 victory, coming in at 4.068 seconds ahead of Davies. Thanks to the new race format for Race 2, it was more exciting but more challenging as well for the Brit rider. Rea is still way in the lead of the championship with 145 points, a massive 50 points ahead of Davies in the rankings.

Marco Melandri completed the final podium spot with just 2.479 seconds behind his team mate. The podium finishers seemed to be at a different level altogether when compared to the rest of the grid. Even fourth place finished Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) was over 10 seconds behind the race winner due to some sort of sickness that put him out of the podium battle. Sykes did however finished in P3 on Saturday at the end of Race 1.

The next round will see action in the Netherlands for the Acerbis Dutch Round from 28 April 2017 to 30 April 2017 where the boys will duke it out again at the legendary TT Assen circuit. Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more WorldSBK updates.
Photo source: WorldSBK
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MotoGP: Danilo Petrucci gets Ducati factory seat for 2019

Danilo Petrucci has been named Jorge Lorenzo’s replacement in the MotoGP Ducati squad for 2019.

He has signed a one-year contract extension which will see him riding the latest Ducati Desmosedici GP19 with full factory support.

Moto2’s Francesco Bagnaia will be replacing him in the Alma Pramac Racing team with the very likely Jack Miller.

It was only yesterday that current Ducati rider Jorge Lorenzo made one of the biggest moves in the history of MotoGP. After conquering Mugello and becoming the first ever rider to win a race on a premier class using Yamaha and Ducati machinery, Lorenzo has announced that he’ll be joining HRC’s Repsol Honda squad in 2019 and 2020.
Officially official: Lorenzo joins Honda for 2019 and 2020 MotoGP seasons

After struggling for 18 months in getting the Ducati Desmosedici GP18 just right for him, the five-time world champion stated that it was “too late” to continue his career with Ducati even after pulling off his special signature win in front of the Italian fans last Sunday.

In conjunction with his departure to Honda, Danilo Petrucci who is currently the rider for Alma Pramac Racing will be getting the upgrade onto the factory squad. The one-year contract will see him not only piloting the latest Ducati Desmosedici GP19 but also full support and access from the factory.

According to Petrucci, “It goes without saying that for me, being part of the factory team is a dream come true. It’s a great honour to become an official rider for the Ducati Team, especially for someone like me who started in Ducati as a production motorcycle test rider.”

As for Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Motor Holding CEO, he stated “First of all I’d like to thank Jorge Lorenzo for all the efforts and commitment that he has made during his time as a Ducati rider and in particular for his outstanding victory last Sunday at Mugello, which will go down in history as one of our company’s legendary racing achievements.”

“Jorge is a great champion, capable of incredible feats, and even though it is sad that he took such a long time to find the right feeling with our bike, we will continue to do everything possible to put him in a position to achieve further victories in the remaining rounds of the season and fight for the world title together with his team-mate Andrea Dovizioso. I wish to give a warm welcome to Danilo, whom we look forward to seeing in Ducati Team colours next year, together with Andrea, and who we feel sure will continue his rapid rise to success,” added Domenicali.

With the factory squad finally complete for 2019, Petrucci’s seat in the Alma Pramac Racing team will be given to Moto2’s Francesco Bagnaia whereas Jack Miller is looking good at remaining with his current team. Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more MotoGP updates.
Image source: MotoGP
MotoGP: Hafizh Syahrin will ride a factory KTM RC16 in 2019!

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We ride the new Ducati Monster 821 – and love it

The world’s motorcycling press went bonkers when Ducati introduced the new Monster 821 late last year. Everyone was curious as to what Ducati would do with the Monster considering that Triumph’s Street Triple and Yamaha’s MT-09 were so good at what they do, that Ducati’s Monster was and would have continued to be relegated to just a bike with a grand brand, rather than a bike with tricks.

But Ducati delivered exactly what was expected of a brand with arguably the most fans in the world.

The new 821 is much more than just an update to the old 796, or a 1200 with a smaller 821cc engine, it holds its own in the entire Ducati range. And judging by the way it rides, looks and with all of its other smart features, the new 821 is going to open doors to a new generation of Ducatisti as the entry level Ducati.

Ducati says that the new Monster will also tempt many existing ‘Monsteristi’ to trade in their old machines for the new. We believe them, because the 821 really is, simply said, the most revolutionary Monster ever. That much credit is due because the new Monster features an entirely new frame, water-cooled engine from the Hypermotard, a new (much much better) seat, and a new overall design that looks the part.

We breakdown exactly what makes the new Ducati Monster 821 so awesome:
SITTING POSITION:
Almost perfect. While previously the sitting position of the Monster was sporty with a slight forward lean, this time it is comfortable with a near upright sitting position, and little pressure on your wrists. The handlebar is set 40mm closer to the rider than the 796, and it is also 40mm higher. This does mean that you have to bear the brunt of the wind at speeds of over 120km/h. You could crunch down over the tank, which is fine when in attack mode, but not so comfortable when cruising long distances. But it was fine throughout a long day of riding through tiny Thai roads, mountain squeezes and town traffic.

But there is the slight issue of the rear foot pegs getting in your way when you want to ride on the balls of your feet. This forces your legs out into an awkward position, which is again not very comfortable, so if you are not planning to carry any pillions, perhaps some aftermarket foot pegs would work better. The rubber foot pegs are also slippery when wet.

Great news for newbie and shorter riders though, for the first time on the Monster, the seat is adjustable. On the previous Monster, we had the 795 for shorter riders, while the 796 was considered to be the “normal” bike with seat positioned at 800mm from the ground.

Now however, the standard seat can be adjusted to be set as low as 745mm, or as high as 810mm from the ground. There is also an accessory seat that is able to take it down to 745mm or up to 835mm, but there is an extra charge of course.

Throughout the ride, I had the seat set at 810mm, but my 5’10” frame still found it a little too cramped for comfort. So the accessory seat is a must if you are tall, or short.
Ouh, and the seat is also bigger and wider with grab rails for the passenger. The seat features 80mm foam thickness for the rider, and 70mm for the passenger. The rider’s seat is also 27mm longer and 34mm wider than before, while the passenger gets 29mm more bum space.

CHASSIS:
The chassis is an all new steel trellis frame that is attached to the cylinder heads, which gives it 99% torsional stiffness, 67% flex-torsional stiffness, and all the while weighing in at 1.23 kilograms lighter. The subframe too is attached to the cylinder heads and is 1.1 kilograms lighter.

The new Ducati Monster 821 however loses out on the sexy single-sided swing-arm, and instead gets the cast aluminium double-sided swing arm in the name of saving cost. We do suspect that the mid-life refresher to the 821 will feature a single-sider, avid Ducatisti might remember that the 795 too was introduced with a double-sider, while the 796 featured the single-sider.

SUSPENSION:
The suspension consists of 43mm Kayaba forks up front with cast top and bottom triple clamps. Sadly, and again in the name of budget, the forks are not adjustable. The rear consists of a single, adjustable Sachs shock attached to the cylinder head. It comes with variable stiffness spring and a cantilever design.

Overall the suspension felt good around town with the suspension soaking up bumps and such quite elegantly. But it felt a little too soft when trying to take a corner at speed, which made it frustratingly difficult to hold a line. But to be fair, this is an entry level Ducati, or as Ducati calls it “Premium entry” Monster and it is all quite nicely set up for entry level riders.

FUEL TANK & CONSUMPTION:
Beautifully crafted steel tank which takes after the Monster 1200. At 17.5 litres, it has increased in size and volume and now stores 4 litres more fuel, which gives it better range. There is no official figure on fuel consumption, but our test ride showed an average fuel consumption of 4.5-litres for every 100km at an average speed of 80km/h.

BRAKES:
Felt soggy initially but as with every other Ducati, were up for the bite when a bite was required. The front brake lever prefers a two-finger operation but the twin 320mm front discs with mono bloc front brake calliper never once felt inadequate. If anything, the rear felt like it could do with a bit more initial bite. There were moments when the rear could not cope and the fronts had to be summoned to help out.

WHEELS & TYRES:
The design of the 10-spoke alloys is the same as the Panigale and the Multistrada, and are shod in sticky Pirelli Diablo Rosso 2 tyres which can trace their roots back to World Supersport racing. No complaints here.

ENGINE:
The new, second generation 821cc Testastretta 11 water-cooled engine marks the end of the old air-cooled, 803cc engine from the old 796. While that it is sad because the old really was a brute of an engine at high rpms, the new is the same engine that powers the Hypermotard with just 2 more horsepower. It features 112hp@9,250rpm and torque is rated at 89Nm@7,750rpm. That power can be limited to 75hp in Urban riding mode, but we will get to that later.

It achieves this increase in power with a new, bigger throttle body that is placed inside the airbox. This works to increase torque at low to mid range rpms, which is a major step up because the old engine was quite an effort to ride at low speeds.

It is also a fully-stressed chassis member with Panigale-style attachment points for the Trellis frame.
The engine is a good balance of power and the efficiency we mentioned earlier. While the Monster 1200 was a brutish machine that required muscle to handle, the smaller, lighter 821 engine means that you can actually use more of its available power. And combined with that new lightweight frame, you can stop later, accelerate earlier, and flick the bike around corners easier.

It is also more robust now as Ducati says that the engine will only need a valve clearance check at every 30,000km interval, while the oil change with Shell Advance lubricant takes place at 15,000km.
The sound out of the exhaust is also amazing, in fact I would go so far to say that the Monster finally sounds like a proper Ducati without having to change the entire system. Check out the video below:

ELECTRONICS:
Now this one depends on personal preference, if you are the old school type, perhaps you would like to manage your own power. But personally, I loved the three Riding Modes – Sport, Touring and Urban.

There is the addition of the new Ducati Safety Pack (DSP) with three-level ABS and eight-level Ducati Traction Control integrated to the system.

It is easy to change between the three modes too as the monochrome LCD screen (also lifted from the Hypermotard, not the Technicolour version sadly) clearly displays which mode you are in, a touch of a button located at the indicator selector lets you select between the mode with just a quick shut of the throttle to confirm your selection.
Each mode offers varying power delivery, ABS and traction control interference as the charts below show:

SO HOW IS IT LIKE:
The new Ducati Monster 821 has matured to be a friendlier, yet all the more fun machine.
And though Ducati says that its new 821 is positioned towards new riders, the combination of a lightweight frame and a very capable engine means that it can be a lot of fun for seasoned riders too. The suspension does need some sorting out before you can truly start attacking corners. It also comes with a new slipper clutch to stop the rear wheel from locking during hard downshifting. The supermoto like wide handle bars and short wheel base, also contribute to the fun handling, but there is a feeling that it still isn’t as agile or as precise as a Triumph Speed Triple. Best leave that to a wheel-to-wheel comparison.

The new engine is also torque rich, which means you don’t need to be constantly downshifting, especially in traffic. This was a major problem with the old engine where you could only split through traffic in first or second gear, which was really irritating. You also don’t get any of that rude judder from the engine, now you can simply rely on the abundance of torque to get you going without downshifting.

And then there is the new gearbox that uses a cable-actuated wet slipper clutch and offers quick, precise gear shifts. The kind you want when you need to quickly down shift to prepare for a hard corner.

And Ducati has also made good progress with the mirrors, which are now made of aluminium. The old plastic, bunny-eared ones were odd to look at, and absolutely rubbish when on the move. This time however, that blurry rear view is now a tad better, but still untrustworthy. Looking over your shoulder is the best practise here.

All in all, the new baby Ducati is better than it has ever been without comprising on performance. It is not entirely perfect, but that only leaves room for the mid-life model to be all the more better, and with the addition of a single-sided swing arm, just to complete the package. Yes, we are that confident that the update will have a single sider.
There is no news yet on when it will make it to the Malaysian market, but expect it to be here in the next 2-3 months.
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Best practical sports bikes to buy!

When talking about the best practical sports bikes to buy now, there are a few options available with different specs and price tags.
The latest addition to this growing category is the 2017 Ducati Supersport S with features and performance to match.
To those who feel that it carries a huge price tag, here are some other prime examples when it comes to a bike that has both performance and touring capabilities.

In this day and age, motorcycle enthusiasts are constantly looking for the best motorcycle that is able to tackle a number of riding and weather conditions. The constant search for the ultimate balance between sports performance and comfort touring rideability is inevitable and manufacturers are beginning to take notice.

Ducati Malaysia certainly has a number of options available but their recently-launched 2017 Ducati Supersport S has certainly tapped into a huge market where it offers sports performance and can be taken for long journeys as well.

To know more about the Ducati 900 Supersport, CLICK HERE.
For some, the price tag presented might be a bit too big. Fear not, fellow riders. If you’re still interested in getting one of your very own sport-touring bikes, here are some practical choices that won’t burn too big of a hole in your wallet.
2017 Kawasaki Z900 ABS – RM50,959 (basic price with GST)

The latest Kawasaki bike in the Z series presented some serious firepower with a huge dose of comfort and rideability. The last time we took the Z900 ABS out for a ride, we were blown away by how well it performed especially in the power and torque delivery department.

The 948cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline-four engine produces a whopping 123.6hp at 9,500rpm and 98.6Nm at 7,700rpm. Everything about the Z900 ABS has been taken a step higher by taking the best of both the Z800 and Z1000 from chassis design to overall balance.

Even more so, the comfort levels available on the Z900 are unlike any other naked performance bikes in the market. From the outside, the muscular appeal plus the embodiment of the “Sugomi” design philosophy make the Z900 look like a panther getting ready to strike. But once you’re seated on this baby, there’s no denying how well it carves through winding roads or handle heavy traffic in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

To know more about the 2017 Kawasaki Z900 ABS, CLICK HERE.
2017 Triumph Speed Triple RS – RM66,900 (basic price with GST)

Officially launched just a couple of months ago, the latest 2017 Triumph Street Triple RS is indeed of the most perfect naked bikes ever created outside of Japan. How good is the bike? The folks over at MotoGP have decided to use its 765cc inline-three engine as the next official power plant in the Moto2 intermediate class beginning 2019. If it’s good enough for that, it must be really good!

To know more about Triumph’s 765cc Moto2 prototype machine, CLICK HERE.
Going back to the RS, Triumph Motorcycles has invested a lot in engineering the best middleweight naked performance sports bike that won’t just excite you in the tracks but also provide high levels of comfort when out on the streets.

We had the opportunity to test out all three variants of the new 2017 Street Triple. Even the entry-level Triumph Street Triple S which is priced at an even lower RM52,900 (basic price with GST) gave us quite a show amongst all the other track day riders Sepang International Circuit on that testing day.

The Street Triple RS is jam-packed with so many goodies that it’s hard to believe that the bike costs less than RM70,000. We’re talking about its full-colour TFT display, selectable riding modes, all-round LED lights, Showa big piston front forks (fully-adjustable), rear Ohlins monoshock (fully-adjustable),  Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres, Brembo calipers, and best of all, 121hp and 77Nm of maximum torque.

To know more about the 2017 Triumph Street Triple series, CLICK HERE.
2016 Honda NC750X – RM58,287.28 (basic price with GST)

The big boys over at Honda unleashed the dual-sport Honda NC750X a few years back and their latest 2016 face-lifted model makes it one of our favourite rugged and adventurous bikes around. Although the bike is more touring than sport, there’s no denying that its 745cc liquid-cooled engine packs quite a punch at 54hp and 68Nm of torque.

Features like its front Showa ‘dual-bending valve’ telescopic forks and ample underseat storage space makes the NC750X exceptionally unique amongst other bikes in the same segment. Furthermore, it also comes with Honda’s DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) which allows for further riding comfort that’s also unique to the Honda.

Priced at a cool RM58,287.28 (basic price with GST), it is considerably one of the most affordable sport-touring machines around with an aggressive styling, robust yet powerful engine and plush riding experience. To know more about the Honda NC750X, CLICK HERE.
2016 BMW F 800 R – RM43,500 (basic price without GST)

Looking for something with the best German engineering at an affordable price? Look no further than the 2016 BMW F 800 R. The BMW Motorrad folks came up with this naked option that is perfectly suited for those high-level executives travelling in and out of the cities.

Powered by a 798cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine, the F 800 R churns out an exciting 90hp at 8,000rpm and 86Nm as low as 5,800rpm. Primed with high-tech specs such as BMW’s upside-down forks, central spring strut rear suspension, plus big front disc brakes with four-piston calipers make the F 800 R Sport worth every Ringgit.

The F 800 R also comes with multitude of safety features such as ABS, stability control, electronic-aid suspension, and tyre pressure monitoring system just to name a few. That’s a lot to have for a BMW Motorrad bike that is priced at only RM43,500 (basic price without GST).

To check out the complete specifications of the 2017 BMW F 800 R, CLICK HERE.
2017 Yamaha MT-09 Tracer – RM52,000 (basic price with GST)

Another popular Japanese sport-tourer that’s hard to miss is the 2017 Yamaha MT-09 Tracer. The latest Yamaha Big Bike addition to go into Malaysia’s CKD (completely knocked down) category made the MT-09 Tracer even more attractive with a price tag of just RM52,000 (basic price with GST).

Its 847cc, inline-three engine with liquid-cooling and fuel injection technology has been proven to offer a very exhilarating riding experience especially when you unleash all of its 113.4hp and 87.5Nm of torque. Being a lightweight at 210kg (including 18 litres of fuel), it’s a machine made for long journeys that can also ride through corners with no problem whatsoever.

Yamaha has also turned up the dial all the way to 11 with the MT-09 Tracer as it comes with other modern riding features such as Yamaha’s Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Tracer-specific D-Mode Selectable Running Modes, multi-function DOT Matrix instrument Panel, aerodynamic cowling with twin LED headlights, and a height adjustable windscreen.

To know more about latest 2017 Yamaha MT-09 Tracer, CLICK HERE.
2016 Suzuki GSX-S1000F ABS – RM78,864 (basic price with GST)

Probably one of the most compared bikes to the latest Ducati Supersport S has to be the 2017 Suzuki GSX-S1000F ABS. Judging from its facade, it’s hard to deny how muscular it looks plus matching internals make it a very unique and fun riding package.

Powered by the same engine that is found in the ultimate Suzuki GSX-R1000, the GSX-S1000F ABS has been refined for a much more controlled power delivery; but that doesn’t mean that its 999cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline-four engine with 145hp and 106Nm torque won’t send electrifying chills down your spine.

Priced at RM78,864 (basic price with GST), that’s still quite a sum to pay but fear not as Suzuki has made sure that you’ll get the most “bang for your buck” especially for this touring crotch rocket. These features include a 43mm KYB inverted front fork with link-type rear suspension, twin 310mm front disc brake with Brembo monobloc calipers, ABS, Traction Control and many more.

All in all, there are many practical sports bikes currently available in the market that are just as good at blasting down highways as they are at carving through mountain roads on the weekends. You can be sure with any of the mentioned bikes above, you’ll have all sorts of fun regardless of the riding conditions or scenarios.
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TESTED: 2017 Benelli 302R – “Little sports bike with a big heart”

The 2017 Benelli 302R is one of the latest entries into the Malaysian entry-level sports bike segment.
Created with a beautiful design and decent performance from its 300cc twin-cylinder engine, the 302R is an overall fun package especially for beginners.
Reasonably priced at RM21,888 (basic price without GST), we try to answer the question on whether it is worth the money when it comes to an entry-level sports bike.

Looking at all the sports bike offering available here in good ol’ Malaysia, a lot of people go through a lot of trouble and effort in finding out what would be the best choice for them. While there are a lot of options in the entry level sports bike segment, one of the most recent additions to that menu is the 2017 Benelli 302R.

We were given the opportunity to really test out what the Benelli 302R feels like when it comes to different riding scenarios. At the same time, we would to address on the big question of whether it is worth it for you to get one of your very own.

When we picked up the bike at the Mforce Bike Holdings headquarters located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, we’ve been told that the bike has picked up quite some miles as it had recently participated in the BERNAMA 50th Golden Jubilee Anniversary “Jelajah 1 Malaysia” Nationwide Tour. That was the perfect indication of testing the bike that has been put through its paces in a variety of real world riding scenarios but also how it compared to our first impressions when the bike was initially launched.

To know more about our first impressions of the 2017 Benelli 302R, CLICK HERE.
Looking at design, we can honestly say that the 302R has a combination of old school sports bike appeal at the front and as it flows to the rear, you will notice a lot of modern edges and sharp lines. In fact, we noticed a lot of big bike qualities when photographing this beauty from the rear which carries a lot resemblance to middleweight sport bikes. The Benelli 302R is indeed a beautifully-made machine.

Several big bike parts are also found on the 302R. For example, the suspension package consists of a huge front upside-down telescopic fork with 120mm of travel plus a rear telescopic coil spring oil damped suspension with 45mm of travel. The ride was exceptionally smooth and not at all tiring unlike some entry-level sport bikes which sacrifice some comfort in order to keep the prices down.

The brake package is also quite impressive for a low budget sports bike. The entire system consists of a pair of front 260mm disc brakes coupled with dual-cylinder callipers (plus a single rear 240mm disc brake) so stopping the 302R has been made easier without having to stomp on the brake lever. They also provide ample controlled stopping power whenever you need it which makes the 302R really good even for beginners.

Moving on the main heart of the 302R; its 300cc twin-cylinder engine. Constructed with eight valves, double overhead cams and Benelli’s latest fuel injection technology, the 302R produces a respectable 37hp at 10,000rpm and 27.4Nm of torque at 9,000rpm.

The 300cc engine has been tuned for a smooth and linear power delivery throughout the low and mid rpm range but it becomes a screamer once you rev it beyond 9,000rpm. It’s not the fastest bike but it’s indeed fast enough to put a small grin on your face. Paired with a seductive intake noise which is usually present in high performance bikes like the Kawasaki Z900 ABS, the Benelli 302R is certainly a fun machine to ride.

The acceleration was decent and it was quick to hit highway speeds. Due to limited time and space, we weren’t able to test out the top speed of the 302R. We did however talked to one of its owners and he claimed that he has maxed out the bike around 193km/h before the RPM cuts off.

While working through its six-speed transmission, we noticed that it had the tendency to jump out of the fourth gear so you really have pull the clutch lever all the way in and shift gears efficiently in order to avoid any false neutrals from happening. Other than that, the gearbox is fairly easy to operate with no issues.

On a side note, we noticed that the handlebar especially on the right hand side vibrates ever so slightly but any tiny vibration being transferred to the arm for a significant amount of time will cause fatigue and discomfort to the rider. The same goes to the foot pegs but the vibrations are quite hard to notice if you’re wearing any recommended riding boots or shoes.

A pair of Metzeler rubbers was indeed a good choice made by Benelli as these tyres provide ample grip and smooth cornering capabilities around the bends. One would expect the 302R to be a fun machine to start off with when it comes to track day sessions even at big circuits such as the Sepang International Circuit. Just give it a couple of laps to warm up properly and you can have fun with it in smaller tracks like the ELITE Speedway in Subang or the Sepang International Kart Circuit.

One significant aspect that we noticed after a week’s worth of riding is that the 14-litre fuel tank is slim and long in design. Although it looks great and allows for great space to put your head down when blasting down the front straights, it did give an impression that it’s a much smaller bike compared to the rest of the machine. Holding on to the tank with your legs requires a bit of practice due to its unique shape but after some time, you’ll be hanging off of it like Maverick Vinales when getting your knee down around the track.

All in all, we think the Benelli 302R is a fun package when it comes to entry-level sport bikes. Priced at a very affordable RM21,888 (basic price without GST), purchasing your very own 302R won’t burn a big hole in your wallet either.

While we think it’s a decent entry-level sports bike to own, those who have their eyes on this particular model will also have to invest some time and money in obtaining a B Full license as it is after all a 300cc motorcycle. Good bike, great design, respectable performance and reasonably priced. All the good things Malaysians are always looking out for, right?
To check out the complete specification of the 2017 Benelli 302R, CLICK HERE.

				2017 Benelli 302S

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Ducati World theme park coming in 2019!

Ducati has announced that they will be opening the Ducati World theme park in 2019.
Based in Emilia-Romagna, the 35,000 square-metres of prime land will be turned into the world’s first motorcycle-themed amusement park.
From Ducati-themed roller coaster, virtual reality experiences, museum and many more, Ducati World promises to be one of the best theme parks in the world.

Attention ladies, gentlemen and children of all ages! Fulfil your wildest dreams with one of the world’s most premium motorcycle brands as they set out to open up a theme park dedicated to your inner motorcyclist. We are of course referring to Italian’s very own Ducati and their motorcycle-themed park called “Ducati World.”

Ducati World will set out to become the first ever motorcycle-themed amusement park in the world that’ll rival all amusement parks around the globe. Powered by Ducati, everything from their dedicated showroom, roller coaster, VR experiences and other theme park goodies will revolve around the iconic Bologna brand.

According to Alessandro Cicognani, Ducati Licensing, and Corporate Partnership Director, “Ducati World will give visitors a chance to live an exciting journey inside the Ducati brand.” We’re already conjuring up images in our excited little heads of a bunch of Ducati Panigales combined to become the best roller coaster ever!

In an area covering over 35,000 square-metres, this next-level roller coaster (which is the main attraction) is said to be able to offer an experience for all visitors of how it feels like to be the ultimate Ducati rider. There will also be life-sized simulators which will offer state-of-the-art virtual-assisted experiences from their wide range of premium motorcycles.

To further highlight the brand’s rich history, there will also be a museum showcasing how Ducati came to be from the very humble beginnings to becoming one of the best in the industry. From famous Ducati models to technological marvels, there’s something for every single motorcycle enthusiast at Ducati World.

The only problem is that we will have to wait until 2019 where Ducati plans to launch the theme park. Based in Emilia-Romagna, the world’s first ever motorcycle-themed amusement park will open its doors in the same place where Ducati started it all. Step aside, Disney World.
Source: Ducati
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Husqvarna Norden 901 will go into production

Following a hugely successful unveiling of the Husqvarna Norden 901 Concept at EICMA 2019, Husqvarna Motorcycles has announced that this pretty lil’ lady will be going into production. And quite a time to do so as more and more folks are taking up touring riding nowadays.

In the past few years, we can see the Swedish manufacturer’s shift into developing their street segment with introductions of the Svartpilen and Vitpilen models. The Norden 901 Concept received high levels of interests and it’s only fitting for them to move towards a bike that can travel the distance in style and comfort.

In other words, the Husqvarna Norden 901 will be an ADV touring machine that’ll feature advanced riding ergonomics as well as high performance (thanks to many years of experience in rallies) all bundled up in one very stylish-looking package. The Norden 901 is meant to cruise comfortably on the streets and perform effortlessly on off-road conditions.

Here are some of the specs of the Husqvarna Norden 901 that we can expect to be the same once we see the final version that’s ready for the production line:

890cc parallel-twin engine, tuned for adventure riding
Slim & light adventure touring bike design
21-inch front wheel & 18-inch rear
WP Suspension package (presumably fully adjustable for full off-road prowess)

Like many ADV or dual-purpose machines, the Norden 901 will be a street-legal version that riders can actually ride on a daily basis to also conquer the urban jungles and their many traffic congestions. It’s going to be rather interesting to see the final version but only time will tell if it’ll succeed or not.

This is all depending on how the brand plans to market the Norden 901 as compared to their strong counterpart brand, KTM. With many offerings in the segment (as well as quite a good sales track & marketing campaigns), Husqvarna really needs to step it up with the 901 (unless they want another kerfuffle of underwhelming sales with their 701 models).

Max Biaggi Moto3 Team to Campaign 2020 Moto3 Season with Husqvarna FR 250 GP

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Should We Ride Like How MotoGP Riders Ride?

We see MotoGP riders ride the way they do on TV.

They are the best riders in the world.

Should we copy how they ride?

Week in week out (apart from 2020), we see pro riders in Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP battle it out: Leaning their bikes so far over that they drag their knee and elbow sliders on the track.
Then we head out to Karak Highway and see riders who clamber all over their bikes like MotoGP riders but are way slower than riders who ride so relaxed and upright. Or like that food delivery fellow who stuck his leg out while braking for corner, only to have the road grab his sneaker and fling that leg up and back so violently that I thought it was going to be ripped off (quite comical).
Should we ride like MotoGP riders? They’re the best riders in the world thus they must be doing something right, correct?
Not necessarily.
Why do Pros Ride the Way They Do?

First and foremost, equipment.
Their bikes are fitted with so much high-end gear that you and I could never imagine having on our standard roadbikes. But more specifically, tyres and chassis.
Here’s a fact. Marc Marquez was the one who brought the elbow down technique to MotoGP. Why did he drag elbow? He first tried and then honed the technique when he was in Moto2, which he found was difficult to ride. Remember that the Moto2 “manufacturers” consist of frame makers, not the main manufacturers themselves.
Also, all MotoGP riders who raced against him have said that he doesn’t use as much lean angle in the class. It’s because the Honda RC213V isn’t a bike for the traditional long arc, high midcorner speed cornering style. Instead, Marquez unlocked it’s secrets by braking hard, dumping it in very near the apex, stand it up early and blast it out of corners.
Dovizioso, Braking, Tyres, Aragon MotoGP 2012
Contrarily, the Yamaha YZR-M1 is low and long, built for the traditional long arc cornering style, which pays off in high midcorner speeds. This is why Jorge Lorenzo leans the bike to 62 degrees off vertical. The higher your midcorner speed, the further you have to lean for a given corner.
But it’s tyres and the bike’s chassis which allowed the riders to ride as such.
One great example was when Michelin took over from Bridgestone as the spec tyre supplier.
The Bridgestone has a very grippy front tyre. As such, riders could carry lots more speed into corners. Besides that, they could brake very late and hold lots more trail braking into corners.

It’s the opposite when Michelin first arrived: The rear tyre had so much more grip. Yamaha’s factory team test rider found out the hard way and crashed heavily in Turn 3 at the Sepang International Circuit (the fastest turn). Another test rider crashed at Turn 5 (downhill, sweeping left). The regular riders started complaining that the front tyre lacks grip.
Because of that, riders began braking harder when they were upright and used less trail braking.
Another example?
Brembo thumb brake on Lorenzo’s Ducati – Credit Brembo
Jorge Lorenzo remarked that he never used the rear brake on the Yamaha but he had to do so on the Ducati to make the bike turn into corners and when in corners to make it hold the line.
But what can we learn?
Countersteering – Courtesy of sPEEDY pADDY
The best things we can learn are the fundamentals of riding.
Watch closely how they squeeze the brakes instead of slamming down on it. How they trail brake into corners: The let the brake lever go progressively until full lean, followed immediately by rolling into the throttle (best guy to watch is Andrea Dovizioso). Study how the countersteer into corners: Watch closely as the push on the inside bar, while pulling on the one outside. Look at how they turn their heads to look through corners instead of keeping them in a straight line with the bike.
So, stop trying to lean way off the bike to pull the bike down into corners like Marquez. Note here that lean angle follows corner speed, not how much you pull.
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ARRC 2022: Pre-season test gets underway

FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) resumes after two-year hiatus with first pre-season test days.

Series returns this year for the first time after two-year pause.

Six rounds scheduled throughout the year until November.

Two-day pre-season tests takes place in Buriram, Thailand.

Test stands as lead up to this weekend’s season-opener.

Following a two-year pause, the  FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) series makes its glorious return this week with its first two-day pre-season test sessions at the Chang International Circuit, Buriram Thailand this week.
Scheduled from 22 to 23 March, this is proving to be a critical test – for most of the series’ competitors, it also marks their first full-blown return to competitive track action here too. The test also acts as a precursor to the series’ season-opening round that’s taking place this weekend from 25 to 27 March.
As before, ARRC features four competition categories – UB150 (Under Bone 150), AP250 (Asia Production 250), SS600 (Supersport 600), and the premier ASB1000 (Asia Superbike 1000). Besides this week’s test, six rounds are scheduled to take place across the region this year until November:

RD
VENUE
DATES*

1
Thailand – Chang International Circuit
25 – 27 March

2
Malaysia – Sepang International Circuit
27 – 29 May

3
TBC
1 – 3 July

4
Japan – Sportsland Sugo
12 – 14 August

5
China – Zhuhai International Circuit
9 – 11 September

6
Thailand – Chang International Circuit
18 – 20 November

(*Provisional dates)

As the first test day concludes, it saw Indonesian rider Mohd Adenanta Putra clocking in the fastest time in the AP250 category. Riding the ASTRA HONDA Racing Team CBR250RR machine, Adenanta lapped the 4.554km-long circuit with his quickest time of 1:53.71.
The UB150 class, on the other hand, saw local Thai rider Peerapong Luiboonpeng top the time sheet on Day 1 after clocking in his best time of 2:01:843s riding the Team One For All machine.

Moving up to the SS600 class, Day 1 would see former Moto3 rider Nakarin ‘Chip’ Athiratpuvapat classify as the fastest overall in class. The Thai national was able to log in his personal best time of 1:39.823 whilst riding the HONDA Racing Thailand CBR600RR machine.
In the premier ASB1000 category, it saw yet another Thai rider sitting at the top of the time sheet. The day’s fastest time of 1:36.241 in the class was set by YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team rider Apiwath Wongthananon astride said team’s Yamaha YZF-R1M.
As testing continues today, riders and teams continue to fine-tune their setups and strategies leading up to the weekend’s season-opener. You can catch all the weekend’s action live through the official ARRC YouTube channel, as well as the following networks:
SpoTV2 (HyppTV)
Race 1 – March 26 (Sat) – 1400 MYT
Race 2 – March 27 (Sun) – 1400 MYT
Astro Arena (Astro)
Race 1 – March 26 (Sat) – 1400 MYT
Race 2 – March 27 (Sun) – 1400 MYT
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New Benelli Tornado 402 To Enter Global Market Soon

China-based motorcycle manufacturer, Benelli, has recently revealed its latest sportbike, the Tornado 402.

Following the success of the Benelli 302R sportbike launched last year, the company has increased the displacement and introduced the Tornado 402.
Powering the Tornado 402 is a 399cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine.

The Benelli Tornado 402 boasts a fully-faired body with an aggressive stance, featuring eye-catching elements such as a single-sided swingarm and full-LED lights. Its striking appearance is complemented by premium components, including an inverted Marzocchi front fork and a centrally mounted rear monoshock.
The bike is equipped with dual Nissin radial calipers for the front brakes and a single rear disc, ensuring reliable stopping power. Additionally, the Tornado 402 comes standard with dual-channel ABS and a full-color TFT display. Impressively, the motorcycle weighs a mere 172 kilograms, contributing to its agility and maneuverability.

Underneath its stylish exterior, the Benelli Tornado 402 is powered by a 399cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine. With an eight-valve cylinder head, the engine delivers an output of 47.5 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and 26 pound-feet of torque at 8,000 rpm. These performance figures align closely with the Kawasaki Ninja 400 and the recently introduced CFMoto 450 SS, also known as the 450 SR in certain markets across Europe and Asia.

Meanwhile, Benelli plans to launch the Tornado 402 in the global market thus will go head-to-head with popular machines like the KTM RC 390, Kawasaki Ninja 400, and Honda CBR500R. While pricing details have yet to be disclosed, the Tornado 402 is expected to offer a competitive price point.
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Best of MotoGP – Some highlights from the Grand Prix of Qatar

The MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar was the first overseas MotoGP we attended, and the first one under the cover of darkness. This presented a whole list of challenges with photography, but it would turn out well in the end. In this picture, all Italian riders (from right) Andrea Dovizioso of Ducati, Danilo Petrucci of Ioda Racing Project , Valentino Rossi of Yamaha and Andrea Iannone of Pramac Racing all pose for a picture right after taking the obligatory season opener picture.

It seemed to be quite difficult to get everyone together with all of them having hundreds of hands to shake, and beam a smile at all the cameras as well. But mostly, the MotoGP riders seemed more interested in catching up with each other after the long break.

Even after all had taken their seat, it still took a good 10 minutes for everyone to settle down and look in the same direction.

Rossi meets Petrucci for the first time since the world champion returned to Yamaha for 2014.

Malaysian Moto2 rider Hafizh Syahrin kneels while his bike gets inspected by the marshalls.

Moto2 riders, (from right) Franco Morbidelli of Italtrans Racing Team, Mattia Pasini of NGM Forward Racing, Lorenzo Baldassarri of Gresini Moto2, Simone Corsi of NGM Forward Racing, and Alex de Angelis of Tasca Racing.

Rossi’s race horse on the way to inspection.

Ducati has had to play catch up for the past few years, the team seems to be on an uptrend and the rider pairing of Andrea Dovizioso and British rider Cal Crutchlow seems to be working great as well.

A mechanic works on the race bike of Moto3 team Sky Racing Team VR46 which is owned by Valentino Rossi.

A look at the internals of a Moto3 race bike. Seems so simple but it is brutally complicated and expensive to set up your bike to win races.

Points to note from the two pictures above, rain tyres vs full slick race tyres.

There is nothing greater than a classic round analogue rpm dial. No nonsense information, no drama, just pure engine speed and a tiny screen presumably telling the temperature.

SAATC riders take on one another at the start/stop straight during practise on Friday. The SAATC is a programme put together by Shell Advance and DORNA in an effort to give young Asian riders a chance to shine on the world stage.

I completely messed up this shot with the wrong camera settings, a side effect of shooting in full manual mode, the camera may not be ready for “that shot”. Here is Sepang International Circuit Datuk Razlan Razali and Shell Advance Global Brand Manager Mr Kar Tai Koh.

A father’s prayer: SAATC rider Adam Norrodin shares a word with his father who was clearly nervous since he had two sons on the grid – Adam and Ibrahim Norrodin.

Datuk Razlan offers a word of advise to a Malaysian SAATC rider at the start grid.

Andrea Dovizioso’s birthday cake, yes we had some and yes it was delicious. His team made it themselves at their roving kitchen.

Ibrahim Norrodin was a wildcard last minute entry, but despite that he was amongst the fastest riders and made it up to third place. However, an error into turn one of the final lap resulted in him crashing out of the race. He suffered minor injuries with no broken or fractured bones. He will be fit to race again.

While walking around I noticed a large group of people waiting outside the Yamaha camp about 30 minutes before the start of the race. 10 minutes of waiting later out comes Rossi.

It was Marc’s race, but Rossi put up a great dogfight. This is Rossi at turn one right before overtaking Marquez.

Rossi lays it down to Marquez at turn one.

Only for Marquez to take back P1 and hold on to the lead till the end of the race. Another thing you will notice in this picture is regular (non-media) people standing track side. This is common at the Grand Prix of Qatar; there are more people standing track side than there are people at the grandstand. It does seem a little too much, but it sure felt like it from where I was standing.

Someone blew an engine during practise.

While Marquez leads two other riders during practise session. Pay close attention to their riding style, see how Marquez is much lower than the others.

Dovizioso during qualifying. He qualified in fourth place and finished the race in fifth place after taming an understeering Ducati.

Mr Elbow Down during qualifying.

Nicky Hayden during qualifying.

Cal Crutchlow during qualifying. He qualified eight and finished the race in sixth place.

Formation attack. Marquez leads Pedrosa during practise.

Stefan Bradl during qualifying. He did not finish the race after crashing out embarrassingly. He later said in an interview, “Actually it’s difficult for me to express my feelings,” he said afterwards. “In some way I did a very good job because I got a good start from the third row and had a perfect first lap.”
“I was not expecting such a strong performance considering the issues we had in the build up but for the race I felt strong and determined. Basically I can’t say why I crashed because I made the same move on the lap before but I lost the front in turn six. Luckily I am OK and the positive thing is that I took a big step in the race.”
He concluded, “Several riders crashed on left corners so probably the humidity was too high and affected the grip level. Anyway let’s look ahead to Austin which is another track that I like very much.”

NGM Forward Racing’s Aleix Espargaro under the Qatari lights. He will go on to finish the race in fourth place.

You know the bike is crap when the rider refuses to ride it back to the pits after crossing the chequered flag. Crutchlow can be seen walking away in the distance after he abandoned his bike at the pit exit lane. He was seen throwing his arms up in frustration after getting off his bike.

And finally, Ducati mechanics scramble to the bike and try to figure out what went wrong.
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2021 Kawasaki Z650 Updated With New Colours

The Kawasaki Z650 was one of the most popular mid-segment naked motorcycle available in the market long before the arrival of Aprilia RS660, Tuono 660 and the Triumph Trident 660.
Despite the aggressive looks, the Z650 comes with a very manageable power and performance with 67hp and 64Nm thanks to its parallel-twin 649cc engine.

Hence, it comes as no surprise that the Z650 (along with the Ninja 650) was loved by beginners and experienced riders.

To keep up with the rest of its competitors, Kawasaki decided to update the Z650 with two striking and aggressive colours for 2021 consisting of Metallic Spark Black and Pearl Robotic White.

While the Metallic Spark Black is akin to the bigger Z H2, the Pearl Robotic White features a younger aesthetics, which we think will win new riders’ hearts.

Nevertheless, the Z650 maintains the same features, including a 41mm telescopic fork with a preload-adjustable monoshock, a sleek TFT cluster, and dual-channel ABS.
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‘Ambu-cyles’ presented at TED

Veteran Israeli paramedic Eli Beer recently took centre stage at the TED Medical global conference, presenting the idea of his motorcycle-borne paramedic movement organisation called United Hatzalah.
Paramedics adopting motorcycles isn’t something new as many are already in service around European metropolitan. But the idea as presented passionately by Beer in the video posted below is worth its weight in gold. After all, it saves lives.
During his presentation, Eli Beer tells how United Hatzalah was founded, as well as the operation’s growth in the past two decades. Beer also goes on to explain how GPS navigation and traffic monitoring technologies, combined with a highly mobile bike are utilised to scramble medical aid. The ‘Ambu-cycles’ presented may lack a bed, but they are fully loaded with tools and equipments most ambulances carry in order to stabilise patients until an ambulance arrives.
The idea and movement has since been adopted in several other countries worldwide with more nations such as India preparing to utilise the system.
Source: asphaltandrubber.com via TED

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Op Selamat 15 Records Another 13 Fatalities Yesterday, Totals 189

Op Selamat 15 recorded another 13 fatalities after a total of 176 on 7th June, bringing the new total to an alarming 189, in just 24 hours.

Op Selamat 15 began on 29th May and ends on 12th June.

A total of 241,144 summonses were issued between 29th May to 8th June.

Op Selamat 15 recorded another 13 fatalities after a total of 176 on 7th June, bringing the new total to an alarming 189, in just 24 hours.
Royal Malaysia Police said that 177 fatal accidents were recorded between May 29 and June 8th. They resulted in 189 deaths.
The 15th Op Selamat was launched on May 29 in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season. The season is when scores of Malaysians return home to celebrate the festivities with their loves ones and travel around to meet other relatives and friends.
Selangor recorded the highest number of fatalities at 33, followed by Johor at 28 and Perak with 18, thus far.
A total of 241,144 summonses were issued during the period through 3,226 traffic operations by the police. Accordingly, the largest number of summonses were issued in Selangor (33,310), Johor (19,278) and Perak (18,072).
Bear (nothing to do with the sun bear) in mind that the number of accidents and fatalities here could be higher as most went by unreported. Also the number of summonses does not include those from JPJ (Road Transport Ministry) operations and from the Automated Awareness System (AWAS) speed cameras.
The operations centres on six major traffic offences. They are driving in the emergency lane, overtaking over double lines, using mobile phone without handsfree while driving, queue-jumping, speeding and running traffic lights.
Op Selamat 15 is set to end on 12th June.
To us, the number of accidents and fatalities are beyond alarming. Motorcyclists still constitute the largest number involved. The authorities had better overhaul the entire driver licensing syllabus – NOW!
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New BMW S 1000 RR being developed with ‘active aero’?

It’s no secret that everyone here at Bikes Republic simply adore the BMW S 1000 RR. It was indeed a fairy-tale moment when we got to test the M Package variant in Jerez, Spain during out Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 but now, we might just see an even newer model, one specifically designed to dominate the racing world, particularly WorldSBK.

Some very interesting patents have been filed in Germany for the latest evolution for the BMW S 1000 RR and it consists of the addition of the manufacturer’s very own active aerodynamic system. This ‘active aero’ feature means just like it sounds – a system of movable aero parts that will hopefully bring significant advantage against other manufacturers in WorldSBK.

Now, active aero parts have only been seen on ultra-luxury hypercars like the Pagani Huayra, Zenvo TSR-S, and a few more fine examples, but their usage in motorsports in strictly prohibited. That’s why you don’t see them in Formula 1, touring car championships, and even more so, two-wheeled racing.
Zenvo TSR-S
This is all about to change as the new regulations in WorldSBK have allowed the use of ‘movable bodywork’ for race use, and you can bet that every manufacturer will try to take this to their advantage.

With that being said, some of us in the real world with serious cash can possibly own these new-generation superbikes with ‘active aero’ because, in order for the bikes to compete in WorldSBK, they have to go through the homologation procedures and have a minimum amount of production numbers.

We know that Honda already has something in the works for quite a while but that did not manifest in their latest Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. Instead, the front winglets are fixed, but these new WorldSBK regulations will definitely birth the future of superbikes.

As for BMW Motorrad, their patents indicated the use of multiple movable parts at the front and rear of the new S 1000 RR. This will offer better downforce, handling, riding dynamics, and outright brake performance when paired with the bike’s electronic system.

As for the production date itself, it might take months or even years to see any of this come into fruition but all of us will be eagerly waiting for that moment. Why? It will mark the new evolution of superbikes for the entire world.
This BMW S 1000 RR is actually a 450cc sports bike!

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2020 Ducati Superleggera V4 officially launched in Malaysia – RM888,000

Ducati Malaysia has officially unveiled the 2020 Ducati Superleggera V4 here in Malaysia and it is the only one here in the country. Only 500 units are built and this unit number 210 is already spoken for by none other than Datuk Nazir Husin, one of Malaysia’s esteemed Ducati collectors.
This is by far Ducati’s most powerful and advanced road-legal superbike ever built with technologies taken directly from the world of MotoGP and WorldSBK. The Ducati Superleggera V4 is also the first-ever road-legal motorcycle that comes with carbon fibre chassis, swingarm, and wheels as standard equipment.
All this lightweight materials and parts (including its full-system Akrapovic titanium exhaust) resulted in a bike that weighs only 159kg (dry) which is a whopping 16kg less that the standard Panigale V4. That’s not a lot of weight to push considering the amount of power it has in its 998cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 R engine.
In standard settings, this beast produces a whopping 224hp and 116Nm torque, but those figures are bumped up to an amazing 234hp and 119Nm torque when fitted with the Racing Kit consisting of a full race exhaust and ECU. And those biplane wings upfront? They’re taken straight from the Ducati Desmosedici GP race machines.

As stated earlier, the price tag for this beast is set at RM888,000 (excluding road tax, insurance & registration). On-the-road price tag exceeds RM900,000 and each owner will get the chance to experience the WorldSBK-spec Ducati Panigale V4 R and Ducati Desmosedici GP20 sometime next year.

				*Dennis Michael, Head of Ducati Malaysia (far right)

Written by: Sep Irran
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MotoGP: Repsol renews partnership with Honda

In the world of MotoGP, performance is key but a good partnership will enhance a lot of aspects. Together with trust to produce results, these things come together along with a high dose of faith, which is why Repsol has renewed its partnership with Honda for the next two years.

While this year might be a downside due to Marc Marquez’s absence in the premier class, the past two races finally saw the Repsol Honda name back on the podium thanks to the champion’s little brother and teammate, Alex Marquez.

The rookie took a while to get himself acquainted with the Honda RC213V and while most folks thought that the wet Le Mans P2 finish was a fluke, last week’s round in Aragon cemented Alex’s dominance with the fight for the top podium spot against Suzuki Ecstar’s Alex Rins.

Going back to the Repsol Honda partnership, this bond was created 25 years ago it has been a staple of podium finishes and champions through the years (180 wins and 447 podiums to be exact). In 2021, the colours will be carried by Marc Marquez and current KTM factory rider, Pol Espargaro.

Repsol together with HRC has developed the championship-winning formula when it comes to the best rider, bike, fuel, and lubricant. With this renewed partnership, rumours of Repsol stopping their partnership with Honda is most definitely out of the window.
2020 GPX Demon GR200R to be launched next month

Written by: Sep Irran
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Casey Stoner returns to Ducati

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Retired MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner has left the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) to re-join the Ducati team as a test-rider and brand ambassador.

The move was officially announced recently and sees the Australian reconnecting with the team that granted him his first MotoGP world champion’s title back in 2007.
Stoner’s move away from HRC test-riding duties was long rumoured in the past few months, but both the Australian and HRC opted to officially announce his departure sometime just last week. In the process, the folks at HRC also stated their thanks and gratitude towards Stoner and his contributions over the last few years as a HRC test-rider.

After retiring from MotoGP in 2012, Stoner continued as a test-rider for HRC, but only rode sporadically since then, spending no more than a couple of days annually astride a Honda GP bike. Sources report that the move was made for two reasons, the first of which being the fact that the Australian kept good ties with the Italian team even after leaving it for HRC and secondly was the timely arrival of Gigi Dall’Igna as the head of Ducati Corse that made a return to Ducati even more attractive.
Presently, Ducati confirmed that Stoner will mainly focus on private tests and not riding in any of the official 2016 pre-season test sessions in Sepang, Phillip Island or Qatar. Whilst the prospect of Stoner returning on-track astride a Ducati GP bike for a wildcard outing appears to be slim, Ducati fans can instead rejoice at the fact he will be reappearing at next year’s World Ducati Week 2016 festivities in Bologna, Italy.
Sources: Asphaltandrubber and Visordown
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TESTED: 2017 Honda Wave Dash Fi (R Edition) – Honda’s ‘Wonder Boy’

Boon Siew Honda launched the updated 2017 Honda Wave Dash Fi back in March to cater to the younger generation with its updated style and frugal performance.
The new Wave Dash Fi has an updated graphics together with a new meter panel as well as a new sporty muffler cover to give it a sportier look.
The engine has also been updated and tuned to have better performance, fuel consumption and efficiency that has been certified with the Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) as well as Euro3 compliance.

Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd (BSH) has been leading the motorcycling industry with many different ranges of motorcycles from small capacity kapchais, premium scooters, sporty street bikes and many more. As part of Malaysia’s unique preferences to two-wheelers especially the small capacity mopeds, it’s no surprise that BSH has a whole line up of mopeds to cater to many different folks in the country.

One of their best selling variants is the Honda Wave Dash Fi which has been in the scene for a few years now. When the latest generation was launched earlier this year in March during a stunning fashion show held at the e@Curve Damansara, BSH successfully labelled the Wave Dash Fi as a stylish mode of transportation that offers great styling as well as superb frugality.

We were given the opportunity to test out the latest generation that is the 2017 Honda Wave Dash Fi R edition to really find out how and BSH has done to further improve the moped to make it a relevant choice for Malaysians as an affordable and trendy two-wheeler especially to the younger generation. The question is, did they succeed?

Looking at the overall design, the new Wave Dash Fi has a few updates when compared to the previous generation. The biggest change is the updated graphics which brings new life to the otherwise slightly dated motorcycle. Apart from the new facade, the new Wave Dash Fi is also garnished with an updated meter panel and also a new muffler cover that gives the cub a sportier look.

The exterior changes are subtle but we as the saying goes, “A little goes a long way”. Moving to the yet another major update is the 109cc, SOHC, air-cooled engine with Honda’s ‘Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-Fi). Compared to the older model, the 2017 Wave Dash Fi now has 8.6hp which is a 2% increase and roughly the same amount of torque at 8.4Nm. The now Euro3-compliant power plant has been tuned to achieve those figures at lower rpm which means that the engine is now more efficient than ever.

Moving over to fuel efficiency, the new 2017 model is claimed to have a range of 61.1km/L or 1.6L/100km. That’s quite an impressive figure from an already frugal previous 2016 model which has a fuel consumption of 1.8L/100km. Combined with its four-litre fuel capacity, the new Wave Dash Fi can travel up to 244.4km for every tank of fuel but after testing it in the real world scenario, we managed to clock it at slightly above 200km which is still an impressive performance coming from RM8 worth of petrol. No wonder BSH has been graced with the Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) status for a few of their small capacity kapchais and scooters.

There is however a slight setback which the small Honda still inherits from the previous generations which is the vibrations. The jitters can be felt as early as 80km/h and as it progressively hit 110km/h and beyond, the vibrations are hard to ignore. We figured that a simple swap to a more quality foot pegs can help ease some of the uncomfortable vibrations.

Looking at the R edition which has been graced with all-round disc brakes offer much better braking performance. The combination of both brakes give quick response, ample grip and ease of operation which is a much better aspect when compared with the S variant or the Wave Alpha where both have rear drum brake setups.

While the dimensions and weight means that the Wave Dash Fi can go through traffic with ease, the front end does tend to be more on the sensitive side when swerving in and out of traffic jams. It does require extra care and concentration but with a bit of practice, you’ll forget that it’s even an issue.

And the end of the day, people will always ask if the bike is a smart buy that will worth their money. To us, the price tag for the R edition at RM6,178.74 (basic price with GST) which is a slight RM243.80 increase from the previous model. That minor price increase justifies all the changes and upgrades to the new Wave Dash Fi and it’s no surprise that the kapchai is selling like hotcakes. Don’t just take our word for it, just take a look around the road and you’ll most likely see a Wave Dash Fi roaming the road every few kilometres or so especially the Repsol Honda edition. It is truly a good looking cub priced just right for all of its style and performance.

The test bike we got to try out is in the Pearl Magellanic Black colourway but it is also available in Vivacity Red Pearl Nightfall Blue which are just as enticing to the eyes. The 2017 Wave Dash Fi comes with comes with a two year or 20,000km manufacturing warranty (whichever comes first). It’s true when Honda said that the 2017 Wave Dash Fi will “Make an Impression, Everywhere You Go.”

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2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Launched at AIMExpo

The 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R has been unveiled.

It features a new look with revised components.

The engine is still the 636cc unit but tuned for Euro4.

The new 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R has been launched at the AIMExpo in Las Vegas after rumours had been circulating for a couple of years.
The new model features a changed styling to look sharper and aggressive (in Kawasaki’s words), besides new additions to its spec sheet such as LED lighting and more.

The highlights are:

Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) as standard although only for upshifts.
New styling with twin LED headlights and taillight.
“High-grade” instrumentation although the design is similar to all new Kawasaki motorcycles, including the Versys-X.
Euro4 emissions-compliant engine tuning.
Optimized gear ratios to improve low-end power.

Engine
The 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R’s engine still looks the same: 636cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline-Four. However, it is now tuned to comply with Euro4 emissions standards “without compromising the engine’s performance.” No power and torque numbers were released, though.

The fuel injectors have been revised for low to midrange performance. The number one and four intake funnels are shorter while two and three are longer.
Piston skirts are molybdenum-coated to reduce friction. There are connecting passages between cylinders to reduce pumping losses.
Lastly, spent gasses exit through a redesigned exhaust system, which is again tuned for low and mid-range torque.
Transmission
Features a cassette-style gearbox for easy gearing changes. The KQS is standard although available for upshifts only.

Assist and Slipper Clutch
The assist function compresses the clutch plates together on acceleration, producing a lighter pull at the lever. The slipper function reduces back-torque and prevents rear wheel hop during deceleration.
Chassis
The 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R uses a pressed-aluminium perimeter frame. The manufacturer claims that it is narrow and compact.

The bike will now utilize the Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Forks – Big Piston) forks that combine the features of the SFF and BPF forks.
The Showa rear shock is fully adjustable.
Traction Control and Power Modes
KTRC traction control has 2 modes, ABS is standard and the power modes are “FULL” or “LOW”.

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MotoGP: 2021 updated calendar revealed – US & Argentina rounds ‘postponed’

The 2021 MotoGP world championship calendar has been updated where we see quite a few changes, most importantly the US and Argentina rounds being postponed to at the end of the season (but will most likely get cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns).

The season opener remains in Qatar at the end of March, but it’ll be quickly followed by the Grand Prix of Doha at the same Losail International Circuit on the following week (2-4 April 2021). After a busy one and half months in Qatar, the MotoGP paddock will move to Portugal before heading to Jerez at the start of May.

European rounds in France, Italy, Catalunya, Germany, Netherlands, Finland, Austria, UK, Aragon, and San Marino will go as planned (Finland is still subjected to homologation and waiting approvals). The grid will then head to Asia for the flyaway races in Japan, Australia, and Malaysia in October, before the season finale in Valencia come November.

The updated calendar also includes Indonesia as one of the reserved GP venues should anything turn south at one of the flyaway races but the Mandalika International Street Circuit is still being subjected to homologation. This will be later updated somewhere in the middle of the season. Stay tuned for more updates.
Shark Race-R Pro Jorge Lorenzo 2021 GP is here! RM2,999 (promo price)

Written by: Sep Irran
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The BMW R18 Getaway Diary: Final Day and One Fun Ride From Penang to KL

The final day of the three day two night ride, we head back to KL from Penang.
But because it is a relatively straightforward ride, the participants suggest to check out the new highest highway in Malaysia (at 61.5 meters above ground, the Paya Terubong to Ayer Hitam road takes over from the Rawang bypass as the highest highway) – this though turned out to be a disaster of traffic proportions.

Disaster is probably an overstatement, because we ended up in an absolute hellish traffic crawl through the market in Ayer Hitam, Penang.
Everything and everyone was stuck in that traffic, from the guy on a bicycle, to a cute Vespa and even a bus amongst the many cars.

And in the midst of it all were us! On gleaming BMWs with mega engines protruding out the sides, slowly inching along traffic, trying not to scratch the engine or get a dent on that beautiful body work.
If there is one thing that this epic traffic jam revealed was just how good the R18s were in slow traffic.

The low speed balance of the bike was fantastic, and only at extremely low speeds did we need to tripod it around traffic.
I know this is not a big deal, but keep in mind that the massive twin 1,802cc boxer engine keeps pushing the bike from side to side, so keeping this thing steady at low speed can be a workout. The fact that the R18 does it so effortlessly is genius.

We didn’t actually reach our destination, because we were stuck in traffic for quite a while and then lost our way, so we decided to get on to the second bridge and head south.
And this time I was on the R18 Classic, and boy am I glad for that.
Riding at about 160km/h on a shieldless cruiser is like holding onto a pole at hurricane level winds.

According to the Beaufort Wind Force Scale (a scale used to describe nautical wind speed), any wind that is stronger than 118km/h is enough to devastate a coastline.
So the next time you see anyone riding a cruiser faster than 110km/h, give his arms the due credit.
On the highway, the cruise control function available solely on the R18 Classic is a welcomed feature. Especially on long distance rides where the constant throttle input can become tiring.

The abundance of torque though lets you glide effortlessly. Even when you need to overtake.
Having said that, I did find myself downshifting a gear or two when I needed to get out of the way of an idiot in a fast moving murder machine aka Myvi.
Later I hopped on to the R18 Pure because a media colleague wanted to try out the Classic, because he saw that I was a lot more comfortable than anyone else was.

The R18 Pure can be brutally uncomfortable at anything above 120km/h. But that’s also the case with any shieldless cruiser such as a Harley-Davidson Fatboy or anything of that sort.
But on the long sweeping corners after Kuala Kangsar towards Ipoh was when the R18 Pure came together nicely.
BMW R18 Malaysia
From the vantage point of the rider, the engine looks like it’s just a few centimetres off the road. And this creates a psychological barrier when cornering for fear of scrapping the engine covers.
But get over that and you will notice that the R18 Pure really does like to corner. The R18 Pure at least.
It doesn’t take much to scrape the foot pegs, but it is only the brave that can keep scraping without fear. A quick check between my legs tells me that the size of my nuts doesn’t allow for that.

We reached Ipoh a little after noon, for lunch at The Andersonian Club.
Being an Ipoh boy myself, I have to say that this is not the finest that Ipoh has to offer, but there’s no arguing against a good banana leaf lunch.
But that made the ride back to KL a little more arduous because we all know what happens after a banana leaf lunch at noon.

But I was back on the R18 Classic for that part of the journey. The screen shielding me from the wind, the cruise control taking on the throttling duties, and that fat front wheel soaking up bumps better than the 70 profile Michelin on the R18 Pure.
I have said this before in the previous diary entries over the past two days – the R18 Classic is the better highway cruiser. While the R18 Pure is better and more stylish around town.
But the other thing that I truly enjoyed was the ride itself.
BMW R18 Malaysia
Riding in the cool Cameronian breeze. Carving the many corners of Sungai Koyan. The yummy food in Penang and the stay in G Hotel in Gourney drive. And especially the company.
I enjoyed it all. Everything was beautifully put together and the people and the R18’s made it better.
BMW R18 Malaysia
But this is not a journey that only a select few can enjoy. You too can sign up for this at a little over RM3,000.
I received a message from a friend saying that it didn’t sound like a good deal – I didn’t understand that.
BMW R18 Malaysia
The bike rental alone costs RM1,000 a day (if you can find one) while a stay at the G Hotel in Gourney comes in at over RM500 per night.
You can’t really put a value to not having to line up at Nasi Kandar Deen Maju. And that sunset cruise was a classy touch – typically BMW. But just so you know, the cruise alone costs RM4,500 for three hours.
BMW R18 Malaysia
For RM3,350, you get an all expenses paid trip. Even the petrol is covered and you don’t even have to worry about carrying your own bags because there will be a support car to manage all of that.
All you have to do is ride. And perhaps just like it did for me – your soul too can be fuelled.

Visit www.fsadventures.com.my for more information!

				BMW R18 Malaysia

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10th anniversary 2019 Aprilia RSV4 in the works?

Talks about a possible 10th anniversary 2019 Aprilia RSV4 are currently ongoing in the world of motorcycling.

The 2019 model is set for the latest updates in order to stay ahead of the game, especially in WorldSBK.

We’re talking about a massive power increase, new chassis, the latest electronics, aero-fairings, and many more.

The Aprilia RSV4 superbike has been around for quite some time now and for 2018, it will be celebrating its 10th anniversary as one of the most unbelievable sports machines of all time. With that being said, is Aprilia planning anything special to celebrate this decade-long success?

There are not that many full-production superbikes running a race-proven V4 engine setup. Through factory teams in championship series across the globe including WorldSBK, Aprilia prides in itself on coming up with the latest technology for RSV4 for every generation.

In fact, the Aprilia RSV4 series is the very first superbike which was implemented with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) together with a sophisticated traction control system and also ride-by-wire throttle. More and more updates were piled on every few years and this made the RSV4 a very formidable machine that anyone with enough cash can own.

Right now, rumours are going around that Aprilia does have something special planned to celebrate a decade-long success which also means one thing; the next-generation Aprilia RSV4 is going to blow our minds right out of the water! (We hope. Oh boy, do we hope…)

To ensure that the RSV4 stays ahead of the game, some say that the 2019 model will probably come with a power increase, updated chassis, new aero-fairings, state-of-the-art electronics, and many more. A 220hp power bump is a possibility considering that they have to fight the likes of Ducati and their upcoming Panigale V4 R.

The upcoming 2019 Aprilia RSV4 is currently still being discussed and we’re pretty confident that the Italian manufacturer has something up their sleeves for the upcoming EICMA 2018 show in Milan, Italy come November. Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more updates.

So what is next for Aprilia in Malaysia?

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The Puig Diablo is a futuristic and extreme custom Yamaha MT-09 SP

The Puig Diablo is in in fact a custom Yamaha MT-09 SP hypernaked that’s both futuristic and extreme enough to be in Cyberpunk 2077.

The Puig Diablo sees the Spanish moto accessories brand unleashes its unrestricted creativity.

This build underpins an equally wild and manic hypernaked – the Yamaha MT-09 SP.

The build shows the brand’s vision of bikes and accessories in a not so distant future.

Renowned Spanish moto accessories brand Puig recently unveiled this extreme and futuristic looking custom build. Christened as the Puig Diablo, the effort sees the Barcelona-based marque turn the already manic Yamaha MT-09 SP hypernaked into something truly extraordinary.
The Puig Diablo features a totally redesigned bodywork that’s dressed in red, and it even incorporates half-covers on the front wheel that’s akin to what we see on several MotoGP bikes in recent years.

In describing the Diablo project, Puig says it’s a “an exercise in creativity without limits,” and, aptly, the images plus the accompanying videos, speak for themselves. Puig further adds that they have modified the riding position after an ergonomic study to improve aerodynamics and rider protection.
Furthermore, the aerodynamic package the Puig Diablo has also incorporates “innovative mobile wings,” to which Puig claims to “shape a dream naked motorcycle that offers an improved riding experience and performance.”

Miquel Vallribera, lead designer of the Puig Diablo, further notes that the project was driven by the debate of what motorcycle and accessories of the future can be like. “This shows how we imagine it at Puig, and I think is the perfect exponent, with active aerodynamics, protection, functionality, and aesthetics as designing principles,” he continued.
What do you folks think of the Puig Diablo and its straight-outta-Cyberpunk 2077 look?

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Suzuki Recursion Concept rumoured to hit production

Rumours and re-registered “Gamma” and “Katana” naming rights indicate strong possibility of Suzuki Recursion Concept’s production prospects.

The last 12 months or so has proved to be quite exciting for the future of bikes. Kawasaki led the way when it re-introduced forced-induction after revealing its supercharged Ninja H2 street and Ninja H2R track bikes in last year.

Suzuki, on the other hand, was also reportedly interested in trying out the forced-induction method. The proof came when it revealed the turbocharged Recusrion Concept middleweight during the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. Since then, the firm remained quiet throughout 2014 about the Recursion, but 2015 looks to be bright for the concept.
Citing a render published by a Japanese motorcycle magazine, sources believe that the Japanese S-brand is set to put the Recursion Concept into production very soon. Fuelling this rumour further is the discovery of Suzuki’s efforts in re-registering the “Katana” name and logo rights for the European and American market, followed by the re-registered “Gamma” name and logo for Europe.

However, it remains unclear for now whether either nameplates would be adopted for the rumoured-for-production Recursion. As a refresher, Suzuki first used the “Gamma” name for its short-lived RG500 Gamma superbike that it produced from 1985 to 1987. Back then, the Gamma featured a 500cc two-stroke engine that came out too late in a time when four-stroke engines were gaining a foothold in the market.
The “Katana” name, on the other hand, was used to christen Suzuki’s epoch-defining GSX600F and GSX750F machines from the 1980s. Though the name was later reassigned to brand its AY50 scooter, many purists and fans still relate the “Katana” name to the aforementioned 1980s brutes. This, in turn has led many to believe that the nameplate will lend itself to the production-bound Recursion.
Interestingly, American two-wheeled site Asphaltandrubber also reports that the Katana name was re-registered in the US as early as October 2010, but only allowed said information to be published in September 2014. While the site denotes that Suzuki’s motives remains unclear, the idea has indeed been brewing for some time already.

The Recusrion concept’s arrival in the market is an interesting proposition indeed. As previously reported, the Recursion concept was built around the idea of harnessing the power of a turbocharged liquid-cooled 588cc twin-cylinder engine that is packaged in a light and agile middleweight architecture.
Suzuki states that with the turbocharged twin-cylinder engine, the Recursion would pack big-capacity power and performance from a middleweight bulk, further stating that the force-induction allows for better fuel efficiency as well. The mill, which reportedly generates 100hp @ 8,000rpm and 100Nm of peak torque, will propel the concept’s claimed dry weight of just under 174kg – backing up Suzuki’s approach.

Presently, it is believed that the Suzuki brand is in dire need of a new model to regenerate interests in its range. The Recursion could very well do just that should it hit production.
And again, we re-iterate the fact that interesting times are ahead of us. The question still remains the same: Will bikers prefer the sweet whine of a supercharger’s turbine, or the blow-off sounds of a turbocharger’s wastegate? Hmmm…..
More on this as it develops. In the meantime, you can check out more of the Suzuki Recursion Concept in the gallery below.
Sources: Visordown ( Link 1 / Link 2) and Asphaltandrubber ( Link 1 / Link 2 )
Suzuki Recursion Concept
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2021 Honda Monkey Gundam limited edition launched in Thailand – RM17,500

A.P. Honda aka Honda Motor Thailand unveiled the 2021 Honda Monkey Gundam limited edition models, which come in two different forms – the Monkey RX-78-2 and MS-06S CHAR’s ZAKU II. For all you Gundam fans, this is as legit as you can get when it comes to official Gundam motorcycles.

Folks who attended the launch at the Thailand Motor Expo 2020 got to witness these two very unique models based on the 125cc Honda Monkey (which ironically is no longer listed on the Boon Siew Honda website).

Anyway, both of these limited-edition Honda Monkey Gundam models come with carbon fibre-wrapped fuel tanks together with a specially-made CNC-machined aluminium logo, air filter cover with dedicated Gundam model graphics, and special colours to resemble each giant fighting robot.

Only 125 units of each version will be produced and each bike comes with a special key case and key ring. If you’re wondering about the price tag, A.P. Honda is planning to sell each unit at 129,900 baht, which is around RM17,520.

Owners will also get a special premium box containing Gundam multipurpose storage box, RX-78-2 Gundam pattern, sweater, Bluetooth speaker, acrylic stand, and model according to the bike of your choice. If you’re a true Gundam collector, it is definitely worth spending the money on one or both of these.
1,949 motorcycle-related deaths during MCO – MIROS

Written by: Sep Irran
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This is the new 2021 Honda X-ADV

If you thought that the current Honda X-ADV is already impressive, wait until you feast your eyes on the 2021 Honda X-ADV. Out of all the newly-launched models, the 2021 X-ADV receives the most updates from redesigned looks, increased firepower, and upgraded riding technologies.

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 underseat storage and 1.2-litre glovebox compartment (with USB charging port).

Its 745cc parallel-twin DOHC engine now produces around 58hp at 6,750rpm and 69Nm torque at 4,750rpm (4hp & 1Nm more compared to the previous-gen). This was done thanks to a new throttle-by-wire system and engine tuning.

This resulted in a smoother and more powerful power delivery, which is also optimized further 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.

Like the 2021 CB1000R, the 2021 X-ADV also features a new 5-inch TFT screen that is enhanced with 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 CB1000R Neo Sports Café introduced

Written by: Sep Irran
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FIRST LOOK: 2020 Aprilia RS-GP MotoGP bike

The first sessions of the MotoGP Sepang shakedown test have begun, and the internet is already buzzing with photos of the 2020 Aprilia RS-GP MotoGP bike debuting here in Malaysia. The Italian manufacturer is looking to stir things up with a host of upgrades and changes which will hopefully see them higher up the grid in the upcoming season.

One of the biggest changes that Aprilia will be bringing in is a brand new 90° V4 engine, which has been proven to be most beneficial for Honda and Ducati. For most fans, the photos suggest that the 2020 Aprilia RS-GP has undergone a lot of cosmetic change to improve their game in the aerodynamics department.

It seems that Aprilia is serious in getting some good results with reports of the Italian manufacturer hiring engineers from the likes of Suzuki, Ducati and even car manufacturers like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and BMW.

With the doping issues currently side-lining one of their star riders, Andrea Iannone, the Sepang shakedown test and Winter Test will be spearheaded by Aleix Espargaro together with Bradley Smith and WorldSBK’s Lorenzo Savadori.

Hopefully, Aprilia will be able to achieve some positive results consistently with all of these big (and most probably expensive) changes in their MotoGP efforts.
‘Production-Ready’ Aprilia RS 660 set for global debut in Mugello

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New mini adventure bike launched – KTNS RS3

A few weeks ago we published a spyshot of what looks like an adventure class bike going through some testing thanks to a sharp eye BR follower.
From our speculation it was a Zongshen RX3 and finally the question is answered when KTNS (the same people whobrings in the SYM brand) launched the bike at the IMF event.
Rebadged to the KTNS RS3, the bike is powered by a single piston four-stroke engine. It makes 18.5hp and 23Nm of torque. The transmission is a six-speeder with wet-multiplate clutch.
Tyres are 100/90 on 18” wheel up front and the rear is a 130/90 on a 15” wheel with disc brakes front and back while the fuel tank is said to hold 15L of petrol.
The bike is priced at RM12,800.00 but add another RM500 and KTNS will throw in the panniers, rear box and engine guards.
For more information go to their website at www.ktn.com.my or you wait till we get our hands on the machines for testing.
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This gorgeous custom Moto Guzzi Griso 1100 café racer was built by Katsu Motorworks

Renowned Japanese custom builder Katsu Motorworks has built this stunningly gorgeous Moto Guzzi Griso 1100 café racer.

Katsu Motorworks is at it again, this time with a specially-commissioned custom café racer.

The build is based off the Moto Guzzi Griso 1100 roadster, with both form and speed in mind.

This build was commissioned by a friend of Katsumoto-san with both a café racer and streetfighter obsession plus a penchant for speed.

Kenji “Katsu” Katsumoto already established a reputation for himself and his Katsu Motorworks label in recent years. Besides Harley-Davidsons, he’s also renowned for his non-HD builds, including a custom Moto Guzzi V11 Sport Scura build that earned him a ‘Best Café Racer Award’ from the Mooneyes show/
Obviously, Katsumoto-san is one who’s always one to better himself with every creation, and his latest work is a testament to that. What you see here is a custom café racer based off the Moto Guzzi Griso 1100 that was commissioned by a personal friend of Katsumoto-san.

Unlike his past creations, this latest effort sees Katsumoto-san, a native of Fukuoka, take on a very different approach. The commission decreed for a customer who an avid café racer and streetfighter afficionado with a penchant for speed.
Katsu kept the silhouette slim and sleek, opting for origami-style aluminium bodywork and minimal embellishments. The client had also directed Katsu not to paint the body panels, which emphasises the builder’s beautiful hand-shaped metalwork better.
With the paint, Katsumoto-san instructed The House of Kolor to paint the frame and wheels in a rich candy burgundy hue. Notably, there’s a fully-adjustable Griso 1200 inverted front end, Brembo calipers with Pro Brake rotors, clip-ons, and Michelin Power GP tires present.

Elsewhere, there also a Motogadget dash and stacked dual headlights, the latter adding both function and design flavour.
Initially, Katsumoto-san had no intention to fiddle with the engine internals. Instead, the best way to gain speed was to reduce the Griso’s 505-pound (229kg) claimed dry weight. Besides that, there’s a custom stainless-steel exhaust system that snakes around the left side, leaving the longitudinal V-twin and shaft drive fully exposed on right.
Are you folks digging this exquisite build by Katsu Motorworks yet?

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Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia Unveils New Flagship Store In Petaling Jaya

Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia, in collaboration with DIDI Group, has unveiled its new flagship store in Petaling Jaya as part of its ongoing brand expansion strategy.

the Triumph Motorcycles Petaling Jaya is the second showroom launched after Triumph Motorcycles Batu Caves.
the flagship showroom offers a wide range of models including the iconic Bonneville to the modern Street Triple 765.

The renowned motorcycle brand has appointed Goh Brothers Motorcycles Sdn. Bhd as its official dealer in Malaysia, signifying a significant milestone in the local motorcycling industry.
The eagerly awaited network showrooms are now open to cater to the entire Malaysian market, boasting a comprehensive range of Triumph models to provide motorcycle enthusiasts with an unparalleled experience.

The company’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, paired with Goh Brothers Motorcycles’ dedication and expertise, ensures that Triumph’s valued customers’ demands and expectations will be surpassed.
Paul Stroud, Chief Commercial Officer of Triumph Motorcycles Ltd in the United Kingdom, expressed his delight at the launch of three new state-of-the-art Triumph Motorcycle stores in the Malaysian market. He extended his gratitude to Didi Automotive for their substantial investment in the Triumph brand and expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Didi within Malaysia. Stroud believes that the new stores will offer motorcycle fans the opportunity to experience Triumph and join the global family of loyal fans.

Mr. Rewi Hamid Bugo, Chairman of Didi Group, shared his excitement for the inauguration of the flagship store, Triumph Motorcycles Petaling Jaya. He described it as a hub of excitement and adventure, further cementing Triumph’s presence and expanding its reach in Malaysia. The upcoming opening of the Triumph Motorcycles Penang showroom tomorrow adds to the anticipation and momentum generated by this remarkable partnership.

With the launch of these new showrooms, Triumph Motorcycles is poised to captivate Malaysian riders with its iconic brand and provide an immersive motorcycling experience that reflects the brand’s heritage and innovation.
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MotoGP: Marc Marquez Aims To Race Again This Year

Marc Marquez hoped that he could return to racing this year after having surgery on his right arm in June.

Marc Marquez could make a surprise appearance on the grid this season.
The Repsol Honda rider is still the highest-placed Honda rider on the grid.

The six-time MotoGP world champion returns to the paddock for the first time since May and told reporters at the Austrian GP that he is optimistic despite yet to returned to full fitness.
The Spaniard is currently en route to recovery and is increasing his workload.
“My intention is to make some races this year.
“Next week I will have the answer if it will be possible or not.
“When I feel ready I will come back because it will be important to prepare for 2023,” he said.
Honda surely wants their star rider back on the grid as Marquez remains the highest-placed Honda rider in the championship – at 14th – despite missing six races so far.
“Then the next two weeks I started to move my arm, with the physio. The last four weeks I started to work a little bit with elastics. Now I start to increase a little bit the weight.
“If I need to wait one more week, I will wait. When I will feel 70 or 80%, when I feel I can ride a MotoGP bike in a more or less good way, I will come back.
“The last part of the rehabilitation, the best way, is to be on the bike. You cannot wait to be 100% before riding the bike,” he added.
MotoGP returns to action this weekend at the Red Bull Ring.

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