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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/are-we-getting-a-smaller-bmw-r-18/

Are We Getting A Smaller BMW R 18?

BMW Motorrad received huge applause when they launch the retro-styled muscle cruiser R 18 last year. The R 18 is powered by the biggest boxer engine ever built and offers a wide range of features and accessories. BMW Motorrad did not stop there, instead, they introduced two more variants; the first debuted in October last year with tall windscreen and saddlebags, while the second variant was spied with a batwing fairing and expected to launch in a few months. However, French publication Le Repaire des Motards had a chat with BMW Motorrad’s head, Dr Markus Schramm, regarding its future plans. While Schramm evaded some of the more in-depth questions, he did disclose that it is logical to follow up the R 18 with a smaller size cruiser. We have yet to get our hands on the new R 18 due to the current pandemic. Nevertheless, we are excited at how BMW Motorrad is pushing for a classic-styled cruiser. The BMW R 18 Frist Edition is currently available in Malaysia for RM149,500. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/porsche-to-enter-e-bike-segment-soon/

Porsche To Enter E-Bike Segment Soon?

German car manufacturer, Porsche, will soon enter the electric bike segment after acquiring a majority share in premium e-bike company, Greyp. Porsche has held a 10% share in the Croatian e-bike manufacturer since 2018; however, the big move will now see the German carmaker taking the rapidly growing market aggressively. However, according to reports, the transaction is still subject to the authorities’ approval. Nonetheless, it signals Porsche intention to begin their dive into the e-bike market, as stated by Lutz Meschke, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “Our activities in the e-bike sector underline our consistent approach. “Porsche has been a leading provider of plug-in hybrids for years; in 2019, we launched the first all-electric Porsche, the Taycan, and last year, one in three of the vehicles we delivered was fitted with an electric motor. “Our ambitious goal is to have a CO2-neutral balance sheet across the entire value chain by 2030,” he said. With the acquisition of Greyp, could we see Porsche-badge electric scooters or high-powered electric motorcycles from the company? --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/2020-suzuki-gsx-r150-motogp-edition-launched-in-indonesia-rm8669/

2020 Suzuki GSX-R150 MotoGP edition launched in Indonesia – RM8,669

We all know Indonesians are super hard-core fans when it comes to MotoGP and this 2020 Suzuki GSX-R150 MotoGP edition is just another fine example of their enthusiasm. This model was also launched to celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary as well as 50 years since it first landed in the country. Dressed in the latest Suzuki Ecstar team colours, the 2020 Suzuki GSX-R150 MotoGP edition carries that iconic blue and silver combo that has seen multiple podiums this year thanks to the powerful GSX-RR and its premier class riders, Alex Rins and Joan Mir. Mir is currently in the lead of the 2020 championship and is a strong candidate to become the world champion with three rounds remaining. The overall specs of the GSX-R150 remains relatively the same, especially its 150cc, single-cylinder DOHC engine that pushes out close to 19hp and 14Nm of maximum torque. It also comes with a keyless ignition system, all-LED lights, digital meter, 17-inch black alloy wheels, and many more. Other specs include dual disc brakes, dual-channel ABS, telescopic front forks, rear monoshock, and more. If you’re interested to get one in Indonesia, it is priced from IDR 30,600,000, which is around RM8,669 in today’s currency exchange rate. Will Suzuki Malaysia introduce this model here as well? We sure hope so. Moto Guzzi lifestyle store coming soon at IOI City Mall Putrajaya Written by: Sep Irran --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/motogp-ducati-conquers-final-race-rossi-says-goodbye-to-illustrious-career/

MotoGP: Ducati Conquers Final Race, Rossi Says Goodbye To Illustrious Career

The 2021 MotoGP season ends with tons of emotion as the season concludes at Valencia. Francesco Bagnaia puts in another sensational performance to lead a Ducati 1-2-3 while Valentino Rossi finishes tenth in his final MotoGP race. Despite making history with Jorge Martin and Jack Miller for the first-ever all-Ducati MotoGP podium, Bagnaia’s only focus was on his mentor and big brother, Rossi. “It was incredible! The only way possible to celebrate him was to win with this helmet, and to have Vale (Rossi) on the top of the podium with me made me so happy. “This year, we have grown a lot. Next year I think we are ready to start the season fighting for the world championship. “But now the only thing is to celebrate Vale, and I would like to be there with him in his garage already. “Vale for us (academy riders) is a friend, a big brother, and he helps us a lot every time,” said Bagnaia. Rossi concludes his 25 years career at the world championship with 372 races, 199 podiums, 89 wins and nine world titles. It was a beautiful sight at the end of the race as the 42-year old rider was given a standing ovation by the crowd and was also congratulated by the entire grid. While the attention was mainly on the Petronas Sepang Racing Team rider, KTM’s Danilo Petrucci also says his goodbye to MotoGP as he is confirmed to represent the Austrian team at next year Dakar Rally. Meanwhile, Remy Gardner was crowned as the Moto2 World Champion despite finishing the race at tenth place. Title contender and teammate, Raul Fernandez did his best to win the final race of the season however Gardner only needed a top 13 finish to secure the title.   --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/5000-units-of-the-ducati-multistrada-v4-sold-worldwide-in-just-6-months/

5,000 Units Of the Ducati Multistrada V4 Sold Worldwide In Just 6 Months

Just six months after officially unveiling the all-new Multistrada V4, Ducati has recorded a milestone of 5,000 unit sold. The Multistrada V4 number 5,000 was purchased by Karl-Heinz Lebenseig from German, who ordered a V4 S Sport version from a Ducati dealer in Ingolstadt. Lebenseig received a sculptural reproduction of the Multistrada V4 together with a personal letter certifying the motorcycle’s serial number to celebrate the occasion. The Multistrada V4 is an all-new Ducati adventure touring machine powered by the new Gransturismo V4 engine. The new engine now records service intervals at every 60,000km as Ducati opted for a conventional valve spring instead of the iconic desmodromic valve that previously sits at every 30,000km. Interestingly, the Multistrada V4 has Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot monitor thanks to the radar technology planted at the front and rear of the motorcycle. The Ducati Multistrada V4 is yet to be launch by Ducati Malaysia; however, we understand that the motorcycle is already here pending the official launch. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/ducati-adventure-tour-enjoy-a-6-day-thrilling-ride-with-the-all-new-desertx-in-thailand/

Ducati Adventure Tour: Enjoy A 6-Day Thrilling Ride With The All-New DesertX In Thailand

Attention all adventure-seeking Ducati enthusiasts! Get ready to rev your engines and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the stunning landscapes of Thailand with Ducati Adventure Tour.  Enjoy a 6-day expedition in Thailand riding on board the Ducati DesertX.  The Ducati Adventure Tour takes you across the rich culture and heritage of Thailand.  Ducati Asia Pacific has officially launched this exciting 6-day expedition, designed to immerse riders in the rich culture and heritage of Thailand, while tackling some of the finest stretches of tarmac the country has to offer on the powerful Ducati DesertX motorcycles. Led by expert Ducati professionals and supported by the highly trained DART ASIA event team, participants will experience the ultimate riding adventure with access to lead and sweep marshals, backup vehicles, luxurious accommodations, delicious meals, and their very own Ducati DesertX motorcycle. The DesertX is the ultimate machine for off-road enthusiasts, boasting a 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel, specifically designed to handle even the most challenging terrains. The bike has been developed with the perfect combination of off-road and road expertise, resulting in a bike that is highly responsive, maneuverable, and at ease on all types of trails and asphalt. The Ducati Adventure Tour is setting new benchmarks in the off-road and touring world, and you won’t want to miss out on this thrilling experience! According to Marco Biondi, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Ducati Asia Pacific, “With hugely successful Ducati Riding Experiences like Track Days last year, we are glad to kick start another chapter in the Ducati Experience by organizing Ducati Adventure Tours for Ducatisti to experience the true essence of Thailand on board the exceptional Ducati DesertX.” Partnering with Ducati Asia Pacific is Pirelli, who will provide high-performance tires capable of handling any terrain. Marco Soana, Marketing Manager at Pirelli, said, “We are extremely happy to be part of this fantastic tour by Ducati Asia Pacific and provided full support. The Pirelli and Ducati partnership is formidable, and the tour is another testament to our long-standing commitment to high-performance tires for the Ducati DesertX capable of any terrain.” DART ASIA’s Director, Sayomphu Thammarach, said, “We have specially designed this tour for the Ducati enthusiast to enjoy both the fantastic motorcycle as well as the spectacular riding routes, culture and heritage that the north of Thailand has to offer. Over the years, DART has established itself as the frontrunner in curating adventure travel here in Thailand, and with this partnership with Ducati Asia Pacific, we want to further solidify our position and give every Ducati owner a true-to-Ducati experience.” Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey, sign up now for the Ducati Adventure Tour in Thailand and experience the ultimate thrill of a lifetime! --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/let-travis-pastrana-jump-motorcycle-jay-leno/

Would you let Travis Pastrana jump a motorcycle over you? Jay Leno did!

Image source: Motor Trend) The latest Nitro Circus stunt team saw Travis Pastrana jump a motorcycle over motoring enthusiast and celebrity, Jay Leno. Pastrana and his motorcross stunt crew performed the flips and jumps over Jay Leno at one of their Nitro Circus events in the US. Travis Pastrana is known for winning 14 X-Games medals including 2006 where he performed the first ever double back flip using a motorcycle. Ever since I was a young lad, getting in front of the TV during weekends and finding myself watching the X-Games freestyle motorcross events was one of the fondest childhood memories I had. With the likes of Brian Deegan, Mike Metzger, Nate Adams and many more, the most prominent figure was (and still is) without a doubt Nitro Circus founder, Travis Pastrana. Travis Pastrana (Image source: Grind TV) Considered as one of the best freestyle motorcross competitors ever in the world, Pastrana has won many, MANY awards and competitions including the first three MotoX Freestyle events at the X-Games. His best trick in competition so far was the double back flip and that blew my mind to infinity and beyond. That was back in 2006 and it was EPIC! The transition to creating his own “action sport collective” has led to an event called Nitro Circus where Pastrana and his gang of extreme sport athletes travel around the world doing crazy stunts and performances from motorcross to skydiving into stadiums. The latest Nitro Circus video showed a very popular figure that is Jay Leno letting a bunch of motorcross riders jump and flip motorcycles over him at one of their shows. The start of the video wasn’t too fun to watch or hear where they discussed about the many injuries suffered by Pastrana over the years including breaking his back and get this, disconnecting his spine from his pelvis. Ouch. Through sheer perseverance (and many, many operations), Pastrana managed to survive and flipping over a motorcycle over Jay Leno was his latest achievement. Good on ya, Pastrana. Good on ya. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/2018-ktm-1290-super-duke-gt-spied/

2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT spied?

More spy shots of the 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has made their way online just recently. The 2018 model seems to carry a lot of updates to the front end especially new headlights, fairings and windscreen. Expect the 2018 Super Duke GT to be launched in late 2018 to bring it up to date with the rest of the KTM 1290 Super series. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has been in the market for a couple of years now and while the rest of the 1290 family has gone through some very much needed modern updates, the Super Duke GT remains uncertain as of bringing it over into 2018. Image source: MCN Rumours have been floating around for quite some time and recently, a report produced by MCN revealed a very interesting turn of event. It seems that they have obtained some very interesting spy shots of what we feel is the upcoming 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT. A great view should not go to waste Our very own editor Wahid Ooi took the current KTM 1290 Super Duke GT during the KMOG (KTM Malaysia Owners Group) Borneo Ride 2017 just last month and it is safe to say that the GT is very high on his list of most favourite motorcycles of all time. To know more about the KMOG Borneo Ride 2017, CLICK HERE. The reason why this is so is because KTM essentially took their manic 1290 Super Duke R and made it more touring-friendly without messing around with its superbly wonderful 1,301cc V-twin engine. In terms of power, the current Super Duke GT punches out 173hp and 144Nm of maximum torque while pushing a dry weight of only 205kg. Image source: MCN Going back to the spy shots, some updates can be seen on the possible 2018 model in which the front LED headlight unit is the most noticeable. Other changes to the front end we can see are redesigned front fairings which are lower but still pretty aggressive, and new front screen. We’re guessing that KTM is planning to make the new 1290 Super Duke GT even more comfortable for long distance travels. Other worthy resources had suggested that the new GT will come ready with KTM’s signature TFT screen for its meter panel similarly found on the rest of the 2017 KTM 1290 Super family members. Looking back at the current Super Duke GT which comes ready with a lot of electronic assistance such as stability control, traction control, and motor slip regulation, the 2018 model is expected to have some electronic upgrades as well. As the current KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is priced at RM125,080 (basic price with GST), we’re guessing that the new model will probably land in the same price range or maybe (just maybe) more affordable. Considering that the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R and Super Adventure S are priced at RM118,000 and RM115,000 (basic prices with GST), we’re hoping that the 2018 model will surprise everyone in terms of overall package, including the price. Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more updates. In the mean time, check out our very own review of the current 1290 Super Duke GT by clicking HERE! --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/motogp-fim-slaps-andrea-iannone-with-18-month-ban/

MotoGP: FIM slaps Andrea Iannone with 18-month ban

The verdict is out folks. Aprilia’s Andrea Iannone won’t be able to compete in MotoGP as FIM slaps him with an 18-month ban. Having failed a doping test last season during the Malaysian round, the suspension will see the Italian without a ride until 17 June 2021. This decision was handed down by the FIM International Disciplinary Court (CDI) after months of back and forth with different samples taken from the Aprilia RS-GP rider. Andrea Iannone was found guilty when he tested positive for Drostanolone, a prohibited substance under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). With this final verdict dropped by the FIM, Andrea Iannone is also disqualified from both the Malaysian round in Sepang and the final Spanish round in Valencia. Any result that he had obtained in the two rounds had to be forfeited, including medals, points, and prizes. Iannone together with Aprilia may appeal against the decision and we’re guessing they’ll probably lodge it at Swiss’s Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) before the month ends. They might be able to argue their way out considering that in the last two rounds of 2019, Iannone crashed out and didn’t really gain any advantage if he was guilty of taking any ‘performance-enhancing drugs’. 2020 Aprilia RS-GP breaking new grounds in MotoGP --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/yamaha-returns-to-wsbk/

Yamaha returns to WSBK

Yamaha making WSBK comeback in 2016 with riders Sylvain Guintoli and Alex Lowes. After a four-year long hiatus, Japanese bike maker Yamaha will re-enter the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) next year. The brand is re-entering WSBK from 2016 onwards after a partnership deal was signed between Yamaha Motor Europe and Crescent Racing. Besides that, the Yamaha-Crescent collaboration for the 2016 season has also garnered the support from title sponsors PATA. The outfit will be fielding race versions of the brand’s revered new YZF-R1 superbike where it will be in the capable hands of 2014 WSBK champion Sylvain Guintoli and 2013 British Superbike Champion Alex Lowes. Yamaha’s last appearance in WSBK was back in 2011, with the brand celebrating one title win with American rider Ben Spies in 2009. With the announcement, Yamaha Motor Europe’s COO Eric De Seynes said, “Having re-written the supersport rule book and changed the game with the new YZF-R1, directly developed from Yamaha MotoGP technology, it was clear we would need to return to the WSBK championship to show the full potential of our new superbike machine.” The new R1 has already cut its teeth in racing, having recently claimed victory in the Suzuka 8-Hours endurance race. Furthermore, Yamaha stated that the R1 has Has already shown high potential thanks to stimulating results in many other championships worldwide. Yamaha’s return into WSBK is indeed a huge deal, especially when taking into account of the difficult task commercial rights holder Dorna has in rescuing the sport from declining viewership. Additionally, it would also be a good proving ground for Yamaha as they face-off other manufacturers present in WSBK such as Kawasaki, Aprilia and Ducati – all of which have production products rivalling against the R1. And let us not forget that current WSBK regulations warrant the use of race bikes that mirror the ones you see on showroom floors, which means the R1’s performance in WSBK would be interesting to watch indeed. Sources: Asphaltandrubber and Visordown --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/sym-unveils-new-mmbcu-scooter-in-china-150cc-dual-channel-abs/

SYM Unveils New MMBCU Scooter In China – 150cc, Dual-Channel ABS

Taiwanese motorcycle manufacturer, SYM has launched the all-new MMBCU scooter in China. SYM MMBCU scooter runs on a 150.8cc engine. Features futuristic design and minimal body panels. At a glance, the new 150cc scooter looks amazing, certainly with the front fascia that looks inspired by Kawasaki H2 range.  The unconventional bodywork and a sharp side profile creates something that we have never seen before from a 150cc scooter. Also, the sporty single seat setup completes the look of the scooter. Powering the MMBCU scooter is a 150.8cc 4-valve, liquid-cooled engine. Unfortunately, SYM yet to revealed the power output but we expect the power to be around 15hp. The scooter is suspended by a telescopic for and monoshock suspension setup while the braking is regulated with dual-channel ABS mated to a single disc brake at the front and rear. That said, the new scooter runs on 13-inch alloy wheels (front and back) and tips the scale at 136kg. Other notable features include a fully digital LCD display, silent start, stop start function, USB charging port and 28L under-seat storage. In addition, you also get a small storage at the front that can fit a 700ml water bottle.  --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/indian-introduces-new-roadmaster-video/

Indian introduces new RoadMaster – Video

Indian Motorcycle has revealed a new Roadmaster model for 2015. It is essentially a classic looking cruiser with all the right touching like big fairings, bags and a lot of chrome, very much like a, you guessed it, Electra Glide. The bike is powered by the same 111 cubic inches ‘Thunder Stroke’ engine as the rest of the Indian range. It’s impressive bodywork includes an electrically-adjustable screen, huge panniers and hard top box, as well as storage spots inside the fairing. Other kit includes heated seats, lots of leather and heated grip. And just in case the heat gets too much, the heated grips have 10 settings and the rider and pillion can adjust the heat of the seats separately. Passenger floorboards are adjustable as well. Other features include remote central locking for the luggage, keyless ignition, and LED lights. It doesn’t end there though, there are plenty of other options to part you from your cash. These include pillion armrests, a heel shifter, more chrome racks for even more luggage bags, a ‘Big Sucker’ intake for improved throttle response and more power than the standard 91bhp developed by the 1811cc V-Twin engine. And if you feel that the Roadmaster is a bit too much for you, there is also word of another smaller, lighter and sportier machine under the ‘Scout’ name in the near future. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/new-colour-announced-for-2020-yamaha-tracer-900-gt-rm58888/

New colour announced for 2020 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT – RM58,888

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has announced that their latest offering for the 2020 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT will be available in the new Reddish Copper and Midnight Silver colour and graphics. Even with the new colour option, Yamaha’s top sport-touring machine is still priced at the same rate of RM58,888 (excluding road tax & insurance) as when it was launch in early 2019. Interested customers can start viewing and booking the 2020 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT at all HLYM authorised dealers nationwide as the bike is already available at the showrooms. Packed for the ultimate touring performance, the Tracer 900 GT comes with an 847cc inline-three-cylinder crossplane engine that produces a healthy 115hp and 87.5Nm torque. The price stated above also includes Yamaha’s quickshifter system, adjustable windscreen, cruise control capabilities, and TFT instrument display as standard. Judging by its capacity, equipment, and outright riding capabilities, it’s hard to deny that the Tracer 900 GT is indeed a worthy competitor against its rivals in the same category. Other notable specs include ride-by-wire throttle system, switchable traction control, LED lighting, comfort seat, revised riding ergonomics, and many more. For more juicy information on the Yamaha Tracer 900 GT, check out our exclusive review in the link below, written by our very own resident test rider, Wahid Ooi Abdullah. 2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT Test & Review, “Vastly Improved” --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/zontes-malaysia-are-launching-four-models-on-27-february/

Zontes Malaysia are Launching Four Models on 27 February

Zontes Malaysia confirmed launching four new models on 27thFebruary. They are the ZT310-T, ZT310-R, ZT310-X and ZT310-X GP. All four are lightweight but fully equipped with big bike features. We published an article earlier about the possibility of Zontes making its way to Malaysia. It’s now confirmed. The new distributor ZONTES MALAYSIA is set to launch four new models on 27thFebruary 2019. The media launch event will be held in Subang, Selangor. The four models are ZT310-T, ZT310-R, ZT310-X and ZT310-X GP. Details are unavailable at the moment, save for those on the Zontes website. But as almost all motorcycle manufacturers, all four models are built on a single platform. Basic technical specifications: 312cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine. The engine produces 35 bhp at 9,500 RPM and 30 Nm of torque at 7,500 RPM. Fuel injection management is handled by Delphi, the same folks who supply to Harley-Davidson, among others. The frame uses steel tubes. Front suspension consists of upside-down forks, while there is a monoshock at the back. The ABS system is supplied by Bosch. All-around LED lighting. Electrically-adjustable windscreen (for models with windscreen). Let’s take a look at the variants: Zontes ZT310-T The ZT310-T appears to be an adventure-tourer, equipped with a high handlebar and large windscreen. It also appears to be readily fitted with crash protection bars around the front portion. There is also a large luggage rack at the rear. Zontes ZT310-R The ZT310-R is a naked sportbike. Although it looks like a rip-off of the Kawasaki Z900 and Suzuki GSX-S750/GSX-S1000 at first glance, it should appear with its own distinctive features. The most notable feature is the “clean” tailsection. The taillight and turn signals are flush in the tail. Zontes ZT310-X The ZT310-X is unmistakably a fully-faired sport-tourer. The handlebar is placed high on top of risers and there is an electrically-adjustable windscreen. It appears sportier with the “stepped” seat which the rider sits low and the passenger higher up. Zontes ZT310-X GP This model isn’t listed in the Zontes website. We could only guess that it’s the sportier variant of the X. We’ll find out during the launch. Stay tuned as we bring you the launch of Zontes. The brand may well shake up the sub-350cc class. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/modenas-dominar-d400-on-offer-this-weekend-at-big-bike-warehouse/

Modenas Dominar D400 on offer this weekend at Big Bike Warehouse!

The Modenas Power Store Kota Damansara will be taking part in the upcoming Big Bike Warehouse event this weekend (6-8 March 2020) at Warehouse 15 (behind The Gasket Alley, Petaling Jaya). If you’re interested in the Modenas Dominar D400 sport tourer, there’s an awesome deal where you save a few thousand Ringgit this coming weekend. The Modenas Dominar D400 sport-tourer will be offered at a cool price of RM13,000 (excluding road tax, insurance, and registration). Paying cash will get your bike registered faster but there are also loans available on this 400cc machine thanks to AEON Credit. If you’re interested in the new 2020 Modenas Pulsar NS200 ABS like the one you see above, you can get one on offer for RM9,500 (excluding road tax, insurance, and registration). That’s one hell of a deal but stocks are limited and it’s only happenning this weekend at BBW. The Big Bike Warehouse event will be showcasing a number of different motorcycle brands looking to sell off their bikes at discounted offers from Harley-Davidson, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Vespa, Ducati, Kawasaki and more but it’s only happening this weekend at The Gasket Alley Petaling Jaya. Loads of other motoring-related brands will be taking part as well from GIVI, Hypergear, Alpinestars, Akrapovic, Petronas, Riders Garage, and more. Get that new bike, install some premium aftermarket parts, and dress to impress with your new two-wheeler at the Big Bike Warehouse. For more information, check out the link posted below or make your way to The Gasket Alley this weekend. 6 March 2020 (Friday) is from 3.00pm – 10.00pm while 7-8 March 2020 (Saturday & Sunday) will commence from 10.00am – 7.00pm. See you guys there & hurry while stocks last! Big Bike Warehouse sale happening this weekend @ The Gasket Alley! --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/wheel-to-wheel-supermoto-vs-superbike/

Wheel to wheel – Supermoto vs Superbike!

Brilliant video from Michelin, one of those that is made just because they can. Recommend that you watch it in HD, with the volume turned up. Source: Visor Down --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/new-shark-spartan-rs-helmet-gets-carbon-fiber-treatment/

New SHARK Spartan RS Helmet Gets Carbon Fiber Treatment

If you’re in the market for a new all-rounder motorcycle helmet, perhaps look no further than SHARK’s latest Spartan RS helmet, introduced in September last year. SHARK’s latest Spartan RS meets the new ECE22.05 homologation standard. Every SHARK helmet range comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty.  However, as we are two months away from 2023, SHARK has updated its Spartan RS with a new carbon fibre shell. Carbon fibre shell is popular among riders as it is strong as its fibreglass counterpart and much lighter.  More importantly, despite the lighter shell, the SHARK Spartan RS Carbon still meets the ECE22.06 homologation standard. That said, the new carbon fibre shell only weighs 1,480grams in size medium.  Also, the Spartan RS is designed to have minimal buffering at high speeds, which SHARK capitalize on its motorsport efforts in MotoGP. The helmet also features seven air vents, three at the front and four at the back. Interestingly, the visor is also thicker and straight from the SHARK Race-R Pro GP helmet. The visor is also rated optical Class 1, which means the rider is provided with an undistorted view. Pinlock 120 Max Vision is also included in the box as standard. Other notable features include: anti-microbial and anti-odour Alveotech fabric liner removable/washable cheek pads secured with a double D-ring retention system As usual, every SHARK helmet comes with a 5-year warranty. In Europe, the new Spartan RS Carbon is priced at EUR436.99.  --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/hjc-teams-marvel-special-helmets/

HJC teams up with Marvel with special helmets

HJC ties up with Marvel Comics and announces special helmet line with superhero-inspired graphics. Here’s something our sister site MotoMalaya.net recently scooped. Leading Korean helmet manufacturer HJC announced an agreement with the Disney-owned Marvel Comics franchise, allowing the Korean OEM to create a special line of helmets dressed in superhero-inspired graphics and liveries. Three designs were shown first, all of which donned on HJC’s leading range of fullface helmets. Marvel’s own superhero trio of Captain America, Iron Man and The Punisher inspires the designs of the first three helmets. We start with our favourite and darkest of the lot, which is the ‘The Punisher’ edition lid. It sports a dark outlook with its black paint scheme, and it comes complete with the hero’s signature skull decoration graphics. This particular fullface lid also boasts HJC’s Advanced Polycarbonate Composite Shell and Advanced Channelling Ventilation features to boot. Next comes the ‘Captain America Edition’ lid. It boasts the All-American hero’s signature helmet wings, a stylised ‘A’ logo front and centre, as well as his protective shield graphics placed prominently at the rear. Last but not least comes every five-year-old boy’s favourite, the ‘Iron Man Edition’ lid. As you would expect, the mechanised and tech-savvy superhero’s red and gold scheme is perfectly replicated in this lid. Also perfectly reflecting the hero’s tech-laden characteristics is this presence of the RapidFire shield replacement system and a Pinlock-ready visor, HJC’s One-Touch sun shield, as well as a three-stage adjustable smoke-tinted extra shield designed to block out excessive light. The Punisher and Captain America liveries, which are based off HJC’s CL-17 helmets, are available in sizes XS through 5XL. The Iron Man design, based on HJC’s IS-17 full-face model, is available in sizes XS through 2XL instead. You can read more about them on our sister site, MotoMalaya.net. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/hlym-previews-new-yamaha-nmax-scooter/

HLYM Previews new Yamaha NMax scooter

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn Bhd (HLYM) previews new Yamaha NMax Scooter model. Another bike company that made headlines last weekend was Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn Bhd (HLYM). The Malaysian assembler and distributor of Yamaha motorcycles held a special preview of its newest entry, the new Yamaha NMax scooter. First to view the NMax were a select group of journalist as well as the bulk of HLYM’s dealer network during a Chinese New Year celebration dinner in Genting Highlands. Here what we managed to garner about the new Yamaha scooter that will soon debut in our market. Firstly, the Yamaha NMax supposedly sit as a ‘baby’ version of the Yamaha TMax maxi-scooter. The NMax is powered by a liquid-cooled 155cc single-cylinder SOHC four-stroke engine primed with fuel injection that develops nearly 15hp @ 8,000rpm and peak torque of 14.4Nm @ 6,000rpm. The powerplant is also primed with the Yamaha brand’s latest Bluecore efficiency suite, with notable features such as a Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) system and a first-in-segment (150cc bikes) CVT-type automatic transmission that promises great fuel efficiency. Speaking of which, the scooter, although compact in size, features an adequately large 6.6-litre fuel tank, promising a decent maximum travel range as well. The scooter underpins an underbone chassis construction with a rear swingarm, but it is primed with a telescopic front forks set paired with twin-tower rear shocks that promises better comforts and handling abilities against its segment rival (read Honda PCX). The NMax also features a set of stylish 13-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 110/70-sized tyres up front and a 130/70-sized tyre at the rear. Besides that, it also features all-round disc-brakes, with both front and rear discs measuring 230mm. However, unlike the Thai-spec and Indonesian-spec model, the Malaysian-flavoured Yamaha NMax makes do without ABS brakes for now. Other highlights include a digital instrument display, a large under-seat storage bin, as well as a LED daytime running lights and taillights. The new scooter is set to arrive in the market starting April this year and is available in two colour schemes – red and grey – with an estimated starting price around the RM10,000 mark (sans GST, insurance,registration, etc.) Besides previewing the new Yamaha NMax, HLYM also displayed the updated Yamaha LC135 kapcai model range as well. The popular and sporty kapcai gains new colour schemes from 2016 onwards, and you can check them out in the gallery below or by visiting our sister site MotoMalaya.net to know more. New Yamaha NMax preview @ First World Hotel, Genting Highland Yamaha NMax --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/alpinestars-vs-dainese-alpinestar-responds-officially/

Alpinestars vs Dainese: Alpinestar responds officially

Loyal readers would remember our Alpinestars vs Dainese report we published some time last week. Just to recap, the two Italian riding apparels brands are embroiled in a legal battle of their respective airbag technologies, in which case being the Alpinestars Tech Air and Dainese D-Air Armour. In light of the battle being reported online by a trusted source, the famed A-star brand has issued an official response to the matter, revealing the true nature of the legal battle in the process as well. The first thing made clear in Alpinestars’ statement is the fact that the infringement suit it filed for its Tech Air airbag technology patent actual concerns the material of the airbag itself and not the computer algorithm deployment during crash detection as previously reported. To put it simply, Alpinestars is claiming that Dainese is using a similar physical material for the airbag in the latter’s D-Air suite as the ones used in the former’s rivalling Tech Air system. The consequence of this saw retailers pulling out Tech Air-equipped Alpinestars apparels and products in core markets around Europe such as Germany. Dainese has not responded to Alpinestars’ allegations, but it is worth noting again that the rivalling devil-horn brand were the most proactive amongst the two at introducing the airbag protection technology into the mass market. In fact, Dainese have even gone to the extent of licensing its D-Air Armor technology to other brands as well. We’ll have more as soon as the matter evolves over time, to which we expect to last quite some time indeed. In the meantime, you can read the official statement released by Alpinestars below. Alpinestars Tech-Air Street Airbag system – Statement regarding press coverage of Patent Challenge With reference to recent articles published about Alpinestars and Dainese being in dispute over airbag technology, Alpinestars is issuing the following statement to clarify the current situation: Alpinestars has been subjected to an allegation of patent infringement by Dainese on a specific part of its airbag construction used in the Tech-Air Street system. The Alpinestars’ Tech-Air Street system was launched in November 2014 as the world’s first self-contained street airbag system that independently functions without the need for sensors to be installed on the bike and the subsequent need to link a specific motorcycle to the airbag system used by the rider. The allegations made by Dainese S.p.A in proceedings launched in Italy against Alpinestars, refer to the assembly of the bag itself, the physical material piece that contains the gas in an inflation and not with any reference to any other parts or Alpinestars’ Tech-Air street system’s use of an algorithm for registering when the airbag deployment should occur. Dainese instead make claims that the physical construction of the bag in the Tech-Air system infringes upon Dainese’s patents. In Germany, Dainese did make a direct request to certain retailers, that they cease and desist from offering for sale the Alpinestars Tech-Air Street system, however, no legal action has been taken against Alpinestars and neither has Alpinestars withdrawn any of its products from the German market. All claims made by Dainese against Alpinestars and/or its retailers are disputed and Alpinestars is taking the appropriate legal measures to ensure that any such unfounded allegations will not prevent distribution and sales of the Tech-Air Street system. Given Alpinestars’ own research & development has been undertaken through Alpinestars’ in-house Advanced Technology Department since 2001, Alpinestars is contesting the allegations made. The Tech-Air Street system is based on Alpinestars’ technology creation and the physical bag used in the Tech-Air Street system is from known airbag technology, used within the Automotive industry and does not infringe upon third parties’ intellectual property rights. Alpinestars continues to distribute Tech-Air technology for the benefit of all motorcyclists throughout Europe and the rest of the world and trusts that the allegations made will be proven to have no basis through appropriate legal jurisdiction. Source: Alpinestars via Asphaltandrubber --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/obituary-nik-norul-hidayat/

Obituary: Nik Norul Hidayat

Malaysian motoring journalist Nik Norul Hidayat Nik Mustafa passes away after tragic highway accident. For the BikesRepublic.com and MotoMalaya.net team, it pains us to report news of a fellow colleague who passed away early this morning. Nik Norul Hidayat Nik Mustafa, aged 31 tragically passed away at 6:41am this morning in the Putrajaya Hospital. Amongst us journalists, Nik was indeed a very competent and capable rider in his own right. (Image sourced from Kawasaki Motors Malaysia Sdn Bhd) Nik is not an unfamiliar face in our field as he is one of the main motoring segment writers for local Malay daily Sinar Harian. Through credible sources, we understand that Nik was involved in an accident on kilometre 19.6 of the ELITE Highway bound towards KLIA from Shah Alam. Both Sinar Harian and local newswire Bernama report that Nik, who was astride a large capacity test bike, lost control of his machine and crashed after being squeezed off the road by another vehicle at about 3:30am. A few passer bys were at hand providing first aid to Nik before he was rushed to the Putrajaya Hospital’s ICU. Doctors did their utmost best to stabilise Nik to no avail before breaking the bad news to Nik’s widow, Anis Naziha Abdul Rauf, and several other industry colleagues who were also present and waiting. Nik was buried earlier today shortly after Zohor prayers in his hometown of Kampung Tali Air, Morib, Banting. Again, both Sinar Harian and Bernama further reported that the accident is currently being investigated by authorities under Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Act of 1987. In happier times: Nik (right) enjoying a meal at KTM Malaysia CKD buka puasa recently (Image lifted from KTM Malaysia CKD Facebook) For us, the soft-spoken Nik was not just an excellent colleague; he was also an equally pleasant person in general with a very enjoyable presence, especially in the many press events and press rides we’ve attended together. Nik’s passing has left a huge void in our small industry to say the least, and he is sorely missed. Our sincerest condolences and deepest prayers are with Nik, his widow, as well as his family. Al-Fatiha. In light of this recent tragedy, we feel it is our duty at BikesRepublic.com and MotoMalaya.net to continue reminding you, our loyal readers and followers, on the importance of safe riding. Always be alert, have the right riding attitude, and always practice ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time). Stay safe and keep on riding folks. Sources: Bernama and Sinar Harian Online Images sourced from Facebook unless stated otherwise. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/2014-intermot-preview/

2014 Intermot – Preview

We are just minutes away from the opening of doors to the 2014 Intermot (International Motorcycle, Scooter and E-Bike Fair) in Cologne, Germany. The event promises a few exciting reveals as of previous years. A few of the hottest topics by far is the new 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 and 650, not forgetting the teasing Kawasaki have been doing with the release of the H2 videos. At least that was more recent as Ducati have been teasing a lot longer for a few months now with the scrambler. We will be closely monitoring the launches and will bring you the most interesting or relevant news as it comes. For now here are some pictures that is said to be leaked prior of its launch, the Versys 1000 and 650 along with the H2. More information as it comes so stay tuned here or our FB page for the latest updates. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/no-plans-to-diversify-current-retro-range-ducati/

No Plans To Diversify Current Retro Range – Ducati

Ducati has confirmed that it has no plans to expand its retro motorcycle lineup. Instead, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer is focused on its six-strong Scrambler range.  Ducati latest Scrambler features revised frame, reworked electronics and a new swingarm.  The Icon 800 now available in nine new colours.  Accoding to the head of Ducati’s Scrambler program, Rocco Canosa,the company was concentrating on the Scrambler to provide a modern motorcycle with a classic flavour.  The Scrambler range, which was introduced in 2015, was updated in late 2022 with an 800 range that features an updated frame, lean-sensitive electronics, a new TFT dash, and a new swingarm.  The existing line-up consists of 18-inch front-wheeled uprights, with Ducati no longer selling the enduro-styled 800 Desert Sled, or clip-on clad Café Racer options. Canosa stated that the Scrambler range was much larger than it appears, with the Icon available in nine different colors.  “You can choose nine different bikes. It’s not just a matter of color. It’s a matter of personality and style,” he said.  Meanwhile, Ducati is set to travel across Europe specifically to showcase the new Scrambler range to the masses.  Nevertheless, Canosa also suggested that Ducati might introduce new models in the future based on customer demand, citing the Nightshift, which was created by looking at how customers customized their Scramblers.   Some retro and Scrambler fans may be disappointed by the lack of diversity in the range compared to other brands such as Triumph and BMW. However, Ducati’s focus on Scrambler seems to have been well-received by customers. The company sold over 60,000 Scrambler motorcycles globally since 2015, making it one of the most successful Ducati models in recent history. (source: MCN) --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/know-brands-vespa/

Know your brands – Vespa

Read how Vespa began and how it became one of the world’s most celebrated motorcycle marques ever. Vespa, the famous Italian scooter manufacturer and design icon celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. In light of this milestone, we take a look into its long history of success, early designs, first model, popularity and development. Early Beginnings Enrico Piaggio, the son of Piaggio’s founder, Rinaldo Piaggio, first established the Vespa brand in 1946. Based in Pontedera, Italy, the idea came when Enrico left Piaggio’s aeronautical field after World War II to address Italy’s dire need for a modern and affordable mode of transportation. The idea was to design a vehicle for the masses that everyone can afford to own. Early Designs Two Piaggio engineers, Renzo Spolti and Vittorio Casini, brought the very first concept to life way in 1944. Their initial motorcycle design had a fully enclosed drivetrain in the bodywork with a tall front splash guard. The 1944 Piaggio MP5 aka “Paperino”. This early design also included handlebar-mounted controls, forced air-cooling, small wheels, and a tall central section that had to be straddled. Officially known as the MP5 (Moto Piaggio no. 5), it was soon nicknamed “Paperino” which meant duckling, gosling or Donald Duck in Italian. Initially, the MP5 design was not well received by Piaggio, prompting Enrico to seek assistance from Corradino D’Ascanio, an aeronautical engineer, to restyle the MP5. Ironically, D’Ascanio HATED motorcycles. Nevertheless, D’Ascanio went on to make the major design changes that ultimately led to iconic shape we’ve associated Vespa-branded scooters with until this very day, the MP6. 1945 Piaggio MP6 prototype. With the engine mounted beside the rear wheel that was driven directly from the transmission, the MP6 also featured a spar frame unit with stress-bearing steel outer panels that allowed the prototype to incorporate a step-through design unlike its MP5 Paperino predecessor. Other new features included a single sided front suspension, interchangeable front and rear wheels mounted on stub axles plus a spare wheel. Image source: Pinterest Ever wondered how Vespa got its name? The very first time Enrico Piaggio laid his eyes on the MP6, he yelled “Sembra una vespa!” which meant “It resembles a wasp!” With a thicker rear part connected to the front part by a narrow waist and steering rod that resembled the antennae of a ‘wasp’, the Vespa image, name and design soon printed itself into history. The first Vespa production model In April 1946, Enrico Piaggio filed his patent for what he described as a “motorcycle of a rational complexity of organs and elements combined with a frame with mudguards and a casing covering the whole mechanical part”. The 1946 Vespa 98 – The first Vespa production model. Piaggio introduced the Vespa 98, the first Vespa production model, as this amazing new, functional, innovative and affordable mode of transportation to the public that went into production shortly after its debut. Highlights of this genesis model include its front protection ‘shield’ that was formed out of a flat piece of aero metal that we all know and love, small 8-inch wheels, compact design and of course the 98cc two-stroke engine that drives the rear wheel directly through a three-speed transmission. With its aeronautics-influenced design and monocoque construction, the scooter was an instant hit and gained popularity with the media and general public. Notably,much of that aviation-driven styling remains alive in the brand’s models today as well. Sales and popularity After making its official introduction at the 1946 Milan Fair, Piaggio began production and sales for the scooter brand almost immediately sold around 2,500 Vespas by 1947. This figure climbed up to over 10,000 in 1948, 20,000 units in 1949, and over 60,000 in 1950 with the numbers continuing to climb in the decades since. Gregory Peck & Audrey Hepburn riding Vespa in the 1952 romantic comedy “Roman Holiday”. Vespa’s biggest success however came in 1952 when renowned British actress and fashion icon Audrey Hepburn side-saddled herself with Gregory Peck on a Vespa in the feature film “Roman Holiday”. Sales quickly took off like wildfire, resulting in over 100,000 units. Fuelling this too were the likes of legendary Hollywood actors such as John Wayne, Marlon Brando and Dean Martin were seen riding their own Vespas. The Vespa World Club logo. The general public quickly accepted the culture and soon, dedicated clubs began popping throughout across Europe. By 1952, worldwide Vespa Club membership had surpassed 50,000 members. Official Vespa rides at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Just like that, The Vespa became a global phenomenon! It become a symbol of freedom and imagination and by the 1950s, Vespa was being manufactured all over the world. The brand took just 10 years to achieve its milestone 1 millionth scooter sold in 1956. It then sold its 2 millionth scooter just 4 years later and the rest as they say, is history. The right question to ask yourselves now is “Do you Vespa?” Stay tuned to BikesRepublic this week for more things Vespa! --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/jorge-lorenzo-rumoured-for-a-move-to-ducati/

MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo rumoured for a move to Ducati

Reigning MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo rumoured for a possible switch to Ducati. Reigning world champion and current Movistar Yamaha Factory Team rider Jorge Lorenzo has kick-started his 2016 on a high note. Having won the season-opening Qatar GP race just a fortnight ago, the Spaniard is on track with his title defence. However, his future with the factory Yamaha outfit remains uncertain. Rumours have surfaced from the paddock that Lorenzo could make the switch to join the factory-backed Ducati Corse MotoGP outfit. Fuelling this is the fact that Lorenzo himself, and his management, remains coy about his future plans at the moment despite the fact that his contract with the Yamaha team is currently up for renewal. Adding to this is the fact that the storied Italian outfit has reportedly set its sights in having Lorenzo on board. Fuelling this fire of speculation further was famed GP star and Yamaha brand ambassador Giacomo Agostini’s recent statement alleging that Ducati has already made a “super offer” for Lorenzo. There is no secret that Lorenzo and his teammate Valentino Rossi aren’t getting along too well in the factory Yamaha garage. Tensions have risen over the last 12 months, most notable being the way Lorenzo lashed out against Rossi during last year’s Malaysian MotoGP race weekend. What probably did not help Lorenzo was the fact that Rossi had already announced his two-year contract extension with the factory Yamaha team during the Qatar GP weekend – much to everyone’s surprise. Yamaha states that it sent the renewal offers for both riders at the same time, but Rossi was the first to respond back. Rossi even egged Lorenzo during an interview by stating “it took a lot of balls” for Lorenzo to make the switch and even called him a coward if he didn’t. Nevertheless, Yamaha has made it very clear that it is keen on retaining the three-time world champion in its roster. And it is also worth noting that Lorenzo’s riding style is a perfect match with the current version of the Yamaha YZR-M1 bike that has been updated with the new regulated electronics package and Michelin tyres – it would be a huge waste should he make the switch. We’ll have to patiently wait and see how this pans out. Round 2 of the 2016 MotoGP season kicks off this weekend in Argentina and it appears Jorge Lorenzo is poised to continue his top form and defend his title rightfully in this weekend’s leg in South America. Sources: Asphaltandrubber / MotoGP.com / Motorsport.com --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/ducati-malaysia-announces-new-prices-with-0-gst/

Ducati Malaysia announces NEW prices with 0% GST

Ducati Malaysia has officially announced their latest price list with 0% GST for all of their current models. The price drops from RM2,881 up to RM27,672 for different models. These new prices will come into effect starting 1 June 2018 until further notice. Next Bike Sdn Bhd (Ducati Malaysia) has unveiled their latest price list for all of their current models on offer with 0% GST. This move has been made in accordance with the Ministry of Finance’s announcement regarding the state of Goods and Services Tax (GST) here in Malaysia. These new and certainly enticing offers will come into effect starting 1 June 2018 until further notice. Future Ducati owners who are looking into owning your very own Ducati machinery should take this opportunity before the new (and previous) Sales and Services Tax (SST) comes into play which is said will take some time. The price differences start from RM2,881.08 for the Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 all the way up to RM27,672.91 for the Ducati 1199 Superleggera. As for the highly-awaited Ducati Panigale V4 series, the new prices with 0% GST has not been confirmed just yet but with a previous tentative price of between RM133,900 to RM359,900 with GST, we can expect the new prices will drop as much as RM8,304 to RM21,594. With that being said, we think that those who are interested in purchasing the new 2018 Ducati Panigale V4 might be able to get one at an even lower price from around RM125,600 to RM338,300. To know more, visit any of the authorised Ducati showrooms located across the country. New bike for Raya, anyone? Termignoni exhaust for 2018 Ducati Panigale V4 --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/yamaha-turbocharged-twin-on-the-way/

Yamaha Turbocharged Twin on the Way?

Patent filings show that Yamaha is working on producing a turbocharged twin. Yamaha seeks to lower exhaust emissions by utilizing a turbo. A turbo increases intake efficiency by forcing in more air. Patent filings show that Yamaha is working on producing a turbocharged twin. However, Yamaha’s turbocharging idea is to beat the Euro 5 emissions standard. To that end, the manufacturer seeks to use a smaller engine to reduce fuel consumption, while the turbo ups the power. Forced induction increases intake efficiency i.e. forces in more air. The patent also shows that Yamaha is concentrating their effort in the turbo’s wastegate. The wastegate is a device which vents access pressure in the turbo’s compressor. In the patent, Yamaha aims to optimize the wastegate’s actuator to increase the “degree of freedom in the layout of the catalyst.” In layman terms, it means they can fit a bigger catalytic converter. Turbocharging is not a new to the world of motorcycling. All Big Four manufacturers flirted with forced induction in the 80s. However, they were interested in coaxing more horsepower from smaller engines instead of being concerned with emissions. In the end, issues with turbo lag and cooling killed the turbo bikes. Yet, we have the supercharged Kawasaki H2 30 years later. Almost all diesel vehicles use turbocharging to force in more air and clean up exhaust emissions. The bonus is of course, more power and torque from the engine. The manufacturers overcome turbo lag by either utilizing dual turbochargers are turbochargers with variable geometry vanes (VGT). That is why Kawasaki opted for a supercharger instead. Let’s hope Yamaha can address the issue in their own way, too. Sources: Ride Apart, AMCN, Bennets, Free Patents Online --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/honda-cbr650f-and-cb650f-get-special-colours/

Honda CBR650F and CB650F get special colours

Boon Siew Honda launches special colours for Honda CBR650F and CB650F middleweights. Malaysian Honda bikes assemblers and distributors Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd introduced a special colour series for the Honda CBR650F and CB650F middleweight twins this week. One of the famed red wing marque’s most popular models globally, the sport-bodied CBR650F and naked CB650F are now available locally in two premium colour schemes – Matte Black with Red Chassis and Matte Black with White Chassis. According to Boon Siew Honda, the move to introduce these special and premium colourways for the popular middleweight were aimed specifically to entice fans of both models even further. Both the Honda CBR650F and CB650F share the same 649cc in-line-four-cylinder powerplants, six-speed transmission and identical chassis frames. Here’s the technical readout of both models provided by Boon Siew Honda: ENGINE Liquid-cooled inline 4-cyclinder DISPLACEMENT 649cc BORE x STROKE (mm) 67 x 46 COMPRESSION RATIO 11.4 TRANSMISSION 6-speed CLUTCH Wet, Multiplate with coil springs DIMENSIONS(LxWxH) (mm) CBR650F: 2,110 x 775 x 1,145 CB650F: 2,110 x 775 x 1,120 WHEELBASE (mm) 1,450 CASTER ANGLE/TRAIL (mm) 25.5⁰ / 101 KERB WEIGHT (kg) CBR650F: 206 CB650F: 209 FUEL TANK 17.3 litres SUSPENSION Front: Telescopic Rear: Pro-Link WHEELS & TYRES Front: 12/70ZR 17M/C (58W) Rear: 180/55ZR 17M/C (73W) BRAKES Front: Hydraulic Double Disk Rear: Hydraulic Single Disk Notable on board features primed in both models include a digital speedometer, dual trip meter, digital bar graph fuel gauge, digital clock, HISS security system and LED taillight. With this announcement, it seems we may need to wait just a little bit longer for the face-lifted 2017 Honda CBR650F and CB650F models that debuted during EICMA 2016 featuring full-LED headlights and lightly revised ergonomics. The Honda CBR650F and CB650F middleweights dressed in the aforementioned special new colours are now available for purchase through authorised dealers nationwide. Prices start from RM44,730.94 for the CB650F naked and from RM46,850.94 for the CBR650F sport standard (basic with GST). Said prices include Boon Siew Honda’s standard offer of a two-year or 20,000km warranty plan as well. Check out more images of the premium and special new colours on these middleweights in the gallery we’ve prepared below. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/oko-launches-on-road-motorcycle-tyre-sealant-in-malaysia/

OKO launches On-Road Motorcycle tyre sealant in Malaysia

If you’re constantly worried about punctures, OKO has just launched its latest On-Road Motorcycle tyre sealant here in Malaysia. This new product will help to seal any punctures up to 5mm on tubeless tyres using the latest technology that won’t compromise the tyre’s lifespan and integrity of the rims. Made in the UK, OKO tyre sealants have been in the Malaysian market since 2015, but the earlier stages we focused more on commercial vehicles like lorries, agricultural equipment, and huge construction machines. Now, they’re venturing into motorcycles with its latest products developed thanks to years of experience in Europe. What differentiates the OKO On-Road Motorcycle tyre sealant from the rest of tyre sealants in the market is that the product does not use latex and ammonia that may lose its performance over time as well as being toxic when coming into physical contact with the user. OKO’s tyre sealant is none of the above as it works effortlessly to plug in any holes or punctures up to 5mm. Anything beyond that won’t be a hassle as it can easily be washed away using water (other products tend to dry out and form nasty gunks within the tyre which needs to be scrapped away from the rims before installing a new tyre). So for any leaks up to 5mm, OKO On-Road Motorcycle sealant can assist in sealing it multiple times without sacrificing control while avoiding sudden loss of air pressure with the usual punctures. Years and countless miles of testing in Holland ensure that they walk the walk, and not just talk the talk. Modenas Pulsar NS200 ABS rear tyre size BMW S 1000 RR rear tyre size For individual use, the OKO On-Road Motorcycle tyre sealant is available in 800ml bottles at RM119 each (recommended retail price), which is adequate for most motorcycle tyres here in Malaysia. To be sure, they’ve also included a dosage calculator on their official website so you can check how much product you’ll need for your tyre sizes. OKO is also offering the product in 5-litre cans and 25-litre drums for huge volume usage like workshops. To know more, head over to www.okomalaysia.com/oko-Motorcycles/ for more details. Ride safe, everyone. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/2017-ktm-rc-250-ktm-rc-390-officially-available-malaysia-rm22790/

2017 KTM RC 250 & KTM RC 390 officially available in Malaysia – From RM22,790*

KTM Malaysia has officially unveiled the updated 2017 KTM RC 250 and KTM RC 390 for the Malaysian market. The all-new KTM RC series comes with updated chassis, brakes, suspensions and a retuned engine for optimum power delivery and agility. KTM Malaysia has priced the new 2017 KTM RC 250 and KTM RC 390 and RM 22,790 and RM29,800 respectively (basic prices with GST). KTM Malaysia is happy to announce that they have officially made the latest 2017 KTM RC 250 and KTM RC 390 available here at good ol’ Malaysia. The full-fairing siblings of the highly-regarded 2017 KTM 390 Duke as well as the KTM 250 Duke are now here to provide the ultimate fun on and off the track. Ever since the introduction of the first RC series back in 2014 and 2015, KTM has taken that already impressive race package and took it a much higher level with their “Ready to Race” DNA embedded within the latest RC offering. If you’re looking for one the best lightweight machine that is very close to the Moto3 machines used in the MotoGP series, look no further than the new 2017 KTM RC range. 2017 KTM RC 250 – RM22,790 (basic price with GST) The all-new 2017 KTM RC 250 comes in a very similar face-value package as compared to the previous generation but knowing how KTM works, it comes with a host of upgrades for an improved riding experience. Starting with the chassis, the latest 2017 RC 250 comes with a redesigned steel trellis frame that’s lightweight with improved riding ergonomics and performance dynamics. To make sure that the new RC 250 can handle all the corners and turns, the rake has been sharpened to 23.5 degrees. This means that the latest 2017 KTM RC 250 now comes with a shorter trail and overall wheelbase. Combined that with an increased ground clearance, the new RC 250 is more agile than ever before which means you can really hit the apexes with deadly accuracy. The front fork has also received a performance upgrade which comes in the form of a 43mm upside-down unit courtesy of WP Suspensions. That is same fork diameter used in KTM’s 173hp RC 8 R, one of the world’s most powerful V2-powered motorcycles. This provides pinpoint steering plus super stability even in hard braking. Moving towards the rear, the new 2017 KTM RC 250 is now equipped with a preload-adjustable WP Suspension single shock that is mounted directly to the cast aluminium swingarm to further enhance tracking stability. When it comes to power and torque, the 248.8cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve engine has been primed with electronic fuel injection and a new exhaust that pumps out a respectable 31hp at 9,000rpm and 24Nm max torque at 7,250rpm. It gets more interesting when paired with its all-new slip-and-assist clutch system with a six-speed transmission that helps out with dramatically reducing rear wheel hop or lock when going down the gears during hard braking. Additionally, the new mechanism also helps with supreme power delivery while providing a smooth and light touch when using the clutch lever. With extreme performance, there’s a need for a reliable braking package. To balance things out, the new RC 250 is packed with all-round Bybre brake system which is a brand co-produced by the brake masters over at Brembo. The front end is handled by a single 300mm disc with a single-piston radially-mounted caliper whereas a single 230mm disc with a single-piston floating caliper takes care of the rear. A dual-channel ABS unit comes as standard. KTM Malaysia has priced the latest 2017 KTM RC 250 at RM22,790 (basic price with GST). 2017 KTM RC 390 – RM29,800 (basic price with GST) Interested in the 2017 RC 250 but want more power and torque? Have no fear because the all-new 2017 KTM RC 390 is here. Primed with same revolutionary chassis with a shorter trail and wheelbase plus higher ground clearance, going through corners and winding roads has never been more fun. Primed with the same suspension package as the new RC 250, the 2017 KTM RC 390 comes with the similarly-impressive WP 43mm upside-down front forks and a single preload-adjustable rear shock to take care of road bumps and imperfections with ease. The biggest selling point of the new 2017 RC 390 has to be its state-of-the-art engine. The 375cc, single-cylinder, DOHC engine comes with a forged piston and Nikasil-coated cylinder plus a new side exhaust which pumps out a respectable 44hp and 33Nm of maximum torque. Paired with a new slip-and-assist clutch, all power and torque is controlled via Ride-by-Wire system to ensure smooth power delivery and control. More power equals to better brakes. With the new RC 390, a set of 320mm front disc with four-piston floating caliper together with a single rear 230mm similar to the one found on the RC 250. Did we mention that the brakes were co-produced by Brembo? The all-new 2017 KTM RC 390 has been priced at a cool RM29,800 (basic price with GST). To know more about the latest 2017 KTM RC series, head on over to any of the official KTM dealers located across the country. If you think you are “Ready to Race”, the new KTM RC series will indeed give you a high dose of excitement. 2017 KTM RC 250 gallery 2017 KTM RC 390 gallery Like naked bikes, instead? Check out the all-new 2017 KTM 390 Duke by clicking HERE! --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/suzuki-to-challenge-the-yzf-r7-with-a-full-fairing-sv650/

Suzuki To Challenge The YZF-R7 With A Full-Fairing SV650?

The motorcycle market was buzzing ever since Yamaha introduced the YZF-R7. The new R7 now joins Aprilia RS660 and Honda CBR650R as a middleweight sports bike powered by the same CP2 engine found on its naked siblings, the MT-07. *Yamaha YZF-R7 While it delivers the same 73hp and 67Nm, the R7 will entice young and new riders around the globe. Suzuki once held the title with the SV650. Affordable to own and maintain by the likes of every new and experienced rider on the planet. However, rumours have it that the guys at Hamamatsu are planning to get in on the action to go head to head against the all-new R7. *Suzuki SV650 According to reports, Suzuki plans to take the SV650 and put a full fairing around it and make it an affordable sport-focused machine. *2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000 While we are not sure how long it would take for Suzuki to introduce the new motorcycle but based on the company’s new effort to introduce a new range of 2022 models starting with the GSX-S1000, GSX-S950, upcoming GSX-R1000 and GSX-S1000T, we might catch a full-fairing SV650 soon. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/bmw-motorrad-malaysia-offers-warranty-extensions-campaigns/

BMW Motorrad Malaysia offers warranty extensions & campaigns

The Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) has just kicked in starting today and BMW Motorrad Malaysia wants owners to know that they’re introducing new extended warranty coverage programs for authorised bikes as well as an additional five-year warranty extension for BMW helmets (on top of its initial two-year period). For authorised BMW bikes with warranties that have expired between 18 March 2020 to 1 June 2020, BMW Motorrad Malaysia has extended the warranty coverage to 1 July 2020. This applies to parts as well, with terms and conditions apply. There’s also a special campaign for customers who have encountered battery-related issues during the past few months of non-riding in the form of a revised price package for selected BMW Motorcycle batteries and battery chargers. Interested customers can take this opportunity which will go on until 10 July 2020. According to Owen Riley, Head of BMW Motorrad Malaysia, “As we move into the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO), motorcycle fans and enthusiasts can get back to convoy riding to Make Life a Ride. In doing so, we at BMW Motorrad Malaysia are ensuring that riders received the complete premium ownership experience, tailoring our premium services to fit every situation and need, especially the times we are in. We are excited to welcome our motorcycle enthusiasts back on the road with a special range of programmes for warranty, batteries and helmets.” For the extended five-year BMW helmet warranty extension, this program starts on 1 January 2020 and does not cover things like BMW Motorrad communication systems, damage caused by an accident, improper treatment, and inappropriate installation of third-party equipment systems and accessories. Also not covered are the usual wear and tear, visor scratches, helmet shell, and plastic parts. To know more, head over to www.bmw-motorrad.com.my. 2020 BMW S 1000 RR now available in Malaysia – RM116,500 --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/2021-harley-davidson-sportster-s-breaks-cover-with-cornering-abs-cruise-control/

2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S Breaks Cover – With Cornering ABS, Cruise Control!

Harley-Davidson first unveiled the 1250 Custom in July 2018, a concept motorcycle dubbed to be the heir to the throne of the ageing Sporster range. Three years later, the Milwaukee-based company finally unveiled the finished product with the 2021 Sportster S. The new Sportster S set to take the world by storm thanks to the acclaimed 1250 Revolution Max, a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 1,252cc V-Twin powerplant capable of producing 121hp and 127Nm. In an effort to make the riding experience even better, the Sportster comes with variable valve timing (VVT) and self-adjusting lifters, the same function available on the Pan America. According to Harley-Davidson, the powertrain also function as a stressed member, thus eliminating the traditional frame, which significantly reduces motorcycle weight to just 227kg and results in a very stiff chassis that contributes to precise handling. The Sportster also comes equipped with a preload-adjustable Showa (piggyback) rear shock connected to the steel trellis swingarm and a fully adjustable 43mm Showa upside/down fork. A four-piston Brembo radial calliper handles the braking with a 320mm disc at the front and a two-piston Brembo calliper at the rear with a 260mm disc. Harley’s even generous enough to fit the motorcycle with a six-axis IMU that offers cornering enhance antilock brakes, enhanced traction control, Drag-Torque Slip Control System, and tire-pressure monitoring system. To complete the 21st-century features, the Sportster S sport a spherical 4″ TFT instrument, all-around LED-lighting, three riding modes with two custom setups and Bluetooth connectivity. Other notable functions include: two dedicated power points for pre-wired heated grips USB-C port cruise control temperature sensor 12L tank The all-new Sportster S is available in Vivid Black, Stone Washed White Pearl, and Midnight Crimson and is available at a starting price of USD14,999 (RM63k). --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/autologue-design-introduces-aero-kit-for-yamaha-yzf-r15-winglets-included/

Autologue Design Introduces Aero Kit For Yamaha YZF-R15 – Winglets Included!

India-based aftermarket manufacturer Autologue Design has launched a set of aero kit for the Yamaha YZF-R15. The aero kit includes a pair of MotoGP-styled winglets, fuel tank cover, bubble visor, tank grips and a seat cowl. While the company claimed the kit increased the aerodynamic aspect of the bike, we think that the package makes the R15 looks good. Based on the images shared, the winglets are positioned on the fairing and below the twin LED headlamps. At the same time, the fuel tank cover offers a beefier central ridge without affecting the actual 11L tank capacity. Interestingly, all parts are plug & play; thus, no modification is needed to the stock body panels. Nevertheless, the aero-kit is not endorsed by Yamaha, so please approach with caution. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/motogp-altair-is-the-ducati-teams-new-technical-partner/

MotoGP: Altair is the Ducati Team’s new technical partner

The world of MotoGP is all about the very best of performance and innovation. This is why Ducati Team has signed a new multi-year technical partnership with tech expert, Altair. The global tech firm specialises in product development, high-performance computing (HPC), and data analytics which will help greatly in Ducati’s racing division, Ducati Corse. With a race machine that can go over 350km/h, each and every competitive edge is vital for success in racing which is why Ducati will be utilising Altair and its performance-proven computer-aided engineering (CAE) software for product development. The corporation between Ducati and Altair has been going on for quite a while but this new technical partnership will further expand their efforts in developing the Ducati Desmosedici GP to even greater heights, especially in fluid dynamics, weight optimization, structural optimization, vehicle dynamics, and advanced powertrain technology. According to Luigi Dall’Igna, Ducati Corse general manager, “We are delighted to welcome Altair as a Ducati Corse technical partner for the start of the 2020 MotoGP season. Strengthening the team’s partnership with an industry leader in advanced CAE and simulation will help extend our technology leadership in the fastest, most demanding motorcycle racing environment on the planet.” James Scapa, Altair’s chief executive officer and founder, stated “Altair is all about empowering talented and visionary engineers to deliver innovation and excellence. In this respect, the synergy with Ducati Corse is perfect. This new agreement means we can forge an even closer relationship through our software and consultancy to support the Ducati Corse engineering team as it transforms bold concepts into race-winning performances.” 2021 Ducati Diavel 1260 Lamborghini Edition in the works? --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/kawasaki-vulcan-s-cafe-and-se-revealed/

Kawasaki Vulcan S Café and SE revealed

Kawasaki has discreetly taken the wraps off two new variants of the Vulcan S, called the Vulcan S Café and Vulcan S SE at the ongoing American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) in Orlando, Florida. The Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe adds a new tinted wind deflector, an exclusive color scheme, as well as deflector mounts over the headlight. Besides the wind deflector, the Café variant adds a Matte Carbon Gray color scheme with a Candy Lime Green stripe running down the middle of the bike. ABS comes standard on the Cafe. And then, there is the Vulcan S SE which features a two-tone Metallic Imperial Blue and Metallic Spark Black color with matching blue striping on the wheels. The SE model also comes standard with ABS. While additions on these special variants go only as far as the cosmetics are concerned, they are expected to further boost the model’s sales. Speaking of sales, there has not been any official announcement on whether the Kawasaki Vulcan S SE and Cafe will arrive on local shores, but looking at how successful it is here, the chances are quite high, we must say. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/lack-of-infrastructure-hinders-the-transition-ice-to-electric/

“Lack Of Infrastructure Hinders The Transition from ICE To Electric”

Electric motorcycle is on the rise particularly due to the world’s effort towards sustainability.  Kymco Chairman, Allen Ko also believed that the future of two wheels lies with electric vehicles (EV). The company introduction of the RevoNEX and SuperNEX concept back in 2018 and 2019 showcased the company’s desire to venture into electric mobility.  However, Allan noted that lack of infrastructure could hinder automaker plans to promote EV. “The kind of technology we are talking about these days is all about infrastructure. So, you want to have the hydrogen-powered engine, but where is the station? You need people to build it. “If you don’t have a very established and recognised trend, then people don’t want to invest. No one single company can do those things, it requires everybody’s effort to make it work,” Allan told MCN. He also added that the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) will take sometime.  “I think the transition from internal combustion engines to electric is going to take a while. Not because of the tech, not because of the cost, but mainly because of the infrastructure. “So, even people who want to buy an electric motorcycle, they don’t find the places to charge, or to swap. So, I think it really depends on that. But the key is that these days – especially in the younger generations – is they prefer EV,” he added. Nonetheless, Allan is adamant that EV is coming and will stay for good. “I think there’s a long-term change and there’s no turning back. EV is coming and at a certain point – especially when the government set a deadline for the internal combustion engine vehicles – that will be the end of them. It’s going to come.”  (source: MCN) --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/the-italjet-dragster-125-now-open-for-booking-for-as-low-as-rm50-estimated-price-rm32k/

The Italjet Dragster 125 Now Open For Booking For As Low As RM50 – Estimated price RM32k

You can now get in line to be among the first owner of the unique Italjet Dragster 125 in Malaysia. The Italian brand scooter is expected to launch in Malaysia soon, as previously reported by local media, Paultan.org. After some digging on Malaysia’s popular e-commerce site Mudah, we noticed that some dealers are already accepting bookings for the Italjet Dragster 125 for as low as RM50. However, it is also worth noting that the Dragster 125 is on sale for RM32,990. While it may not be an official price tag for the nifty scooter, it may well indicate that the Dragster 125 is up for sale at around RM32k. Italjet halted its plan to unveil the bike back in 2020 due to Covid-19 despite receiving worldwide attention in 2019.  Nevertheless, Italjet has confirmed that the Dragster 125 and Dragster 200 will begin shipping in December 2021, with Malaysia among the lucky recipient  The 125 variant makes 13hp from its single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, while the Dragster 200 offers 18hp. While the power figure is not too exciting, the Dragster comes equipped with premium components, such as an Akrapovic exhaust system, Brembo brakes and Ohlins suspension. Meanwhile, the company also confirmed its plans to unveil the company first electric motorcycle in 2022.  --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/geely-to-debut-new-motorcycle-brand-pfmoto-on-august-16/

Geely To Debut New Motorcycle Brand PFMoto On August 16

Chinese motorcycle brand is growing, and despite the negative stigma, companies like QJ Motor and CFMoto are doing pretty well in their native country and also in Europe. PFMoto set to become Geely’s third motorcycle company after QJMotor and Benelli. To be position as Geely’s most high-end motorcycle brand. A Chinese-owned company like Benelli is doing really well in Italy, with the TRK 502 emerging as the country’s best-selling bike. CFMoto is also a surprise package, with the 800MT receiving good reviews from industry players thanks to its partnership with KTM. The 700CL-X Heritage, Sport and the upcoming ADV also showcased top-quality components paired with a reliable – Kawasaki-sourced – 649cc parallel-twin engine. However, there is a new player in town set to emerge on August 16. Chinese automotive giant Geely Group is scheduled to introduce PFMoto. Presently, Geely already has Benelli and QJMotor under its wing, but PFMoto could position itself as a high-end motorcycle brand. While not much detail is revealed, the report suggests that PFMoto could introduce a high-capacity touring motorcycle soon after its official introduction. Based on a rendered photo, PFMoto is currently working on a grand-tourer motorcycle called the Starship 3. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/wottan-storm-v-adventure-scooter-rolls-out-in-europe-125cc-14hp/

Wottan Storm-V Adventure Scooter Rolls Out In Europe – 125cc, 14hp

Spanish company, Wottan has entered the adventure scooter segment with the all-new 125cc Storm-V scooter.  Wottan enters the adventure scooter segment with its all-new Storm-V.  The Storm-V features features a single-cylinder 125cc engine.  Priced at just under GBP3,500 (RM18.3k), the Storm-V features a similar design concept as Honda’s X-ADV 750, including a tall windshield and a long travel suspension.  Mechanically, the Wottan Storm-V is equipped with a 125cc, single-cylinder, DOHC and liquid-cooled engine that makes 14hp. Despite the small mill, the Storm-V is fitted with a 12.5L fuel tank. Wottan also claimed that the scooter is powerful, efficient and environmentally friendly.  Suspending the scooter is a 37mm telescopic fork at the front and double rear shock absorbers at the rear.  Meanwhile, braking is done via a 4-piston ABS/CBS calliper at the front with a 260mm disc and a single-piston ABS/CBS calliper at the rear with a 220mm disc.  As a practical scooter, the Storm-V also features two glove compartments at the front and an ample under-seat storage that can fit a full-face helmet.  --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/fast-and-fearless-we-talk-to-bee-one-of-malaysias-most-successful-female-superbike-racer/

Fast and Fearless: We talk to Bee, one of Malaysia’s most successful female superbike racer

Racing is serious business. It takes years of dedication and preparation to make it to the grid, but being a race winner takes some serious focus. So it is only natural to assume that a champion would have taken years and years of preparation to reach the top step of the podium, just as Marc Marquez started when he was 3 years old. But then every once in a while comes a person who does not seem to have to try very hard to win, like that one person back in school who skipped classes, slept during lessons, yet still brought back perfect scores. A phenomenon of sorts that wins races with seemingly little effort. Credit to photographer. And so, let me tell you about a pint sized race winning racer who looks like she obsessed over her nails, hair and skin too much to be hanging around a grimy race track. I want to tell you about Bee, arguably one of the most successful female motorcycle racer in Malaysia. It would take some serious silverware to get anywhere close to that title, but Bee obviously isn’t lacking on trophies. She racked up 10 race wins to her name in 2018, stepped on the podium 12 times, and also brought back two top five finishes. She races in the MSF Super 1000 Ladies category, the Ducati Desmo Cup, the Sportsrider SBK Series, and placed first in the MSF Superbikes Time Attack. Now that is quite a feat considering Bee has only been riding superbikes since 2017. Bee, who races a Ducati 959 Panigale, is the daughter of one of the most well known motorcycle dealers in the country, Ngo Yoke Kwang or more affectionately known as Ah Kwang, owner of Welly Sungai Buloh, a company that operates a Ducati, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Aprilia and Yamaha dealership. She works with her father as an Aftersales Administrator and is in charge of the service centre. Credit to photographer. So what made her hang the heels for riding leathers? “My customers are always inviting me to go riding, and after a while I simply got frustrated as I could not ride. So I went and got my riding license and started private coaching at the Malacca International Motorsport Complex (MIMC),” explains Bee. Credit to photographer. As sweet as it all sounds, it has not been an easy ride for Bee. Her parents were never supportive of her new found passion. “I really had to convince them that I am a safe rider, I had to show them that I am always using full riding gear when I ride. And I do not ride on the road, I think it is way too dangerous and prefer riding on track where there is always someone to help you in case you fall,” said Bee. Bee with her father and siblings. Bee says that her parents were so unsupportive that she was in total disbelieve when her father appeared at the Sepang Circuit during the final round of the Ducati Desmo Cup 2018. “He has never attended any of my races, so when he appeared there with food in his hand, I was in shock. Even at the starting grid, you could see he was nervous but he did give me a pat on the back for encouragement. But I would like to thank my dad for making this all happen, he may not support it but he did end up sponsoring me for all the races. He also gives me a lot of advise on race craft such as when to overtake, braking and helping me to prepare mentally and physically before every race” As we chatted, I asked her what was the most difficult part about being a female racer, her reply almost knocked me off the chair. “Menstruation of course!” “Do you know how difficult it is to focus on a race when you have menstruation cramps? It is really hard, but it makes the wins a lot sweeter.” “I also have very small hands and this makes reaching out to the clutch and brake more tiring during the race. I tried adjusting the levers but its not much help.” So what advise does this obviously talented racer have to share with people who wish to ride motorcycles? She says, “I haven’t been racing for long enough to give proper advise but for girls who want to start riding and racing bikes, I would say just follow your heart and go for it, just make sure to get the proper coaching, get the right lessons and then go out and enjoy yourself.” Credit to photographer. It seems like she has almost achieved everything there is to achieve for a female racer in Malaysia bar dirt biking, so what’s next for Bee? “I am not sure which races I want to compete in as yet, but I am thinking of going riding at foreign circuits like Philip Island or Zhuhai or even Buriram to get more experience.” Credit to photographer. The lady obviously has more raw talent than most guys but perhaps it is also because she is so fearless in what she does yet never forgets to have a good time. Her social media postings show her approach to life, she simply does not take it so seriously yet gives it everything she has at the same time. And her results on track speak for themselves. Credit to photographer. My colleague Wahid summed it up perfectly when I told him that I had just returned from interviewing Bee, “oh man, that girl, she is fast and so damn fearless!” Bikesrepublic.com wishes Bee the best for the upcoming Malaysian race season. Credit to photographer. Credit to photographer. Credit to photographer. Credit to photographer. Credit to photographer. Credit to photographer. Credit to photographer. Bee with her father and siblings. Credit to photographer. Credit to photographer. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/part-iii-the-great-ocean-road/

PART III: The Great Ocean Road

Hadi Hussein woke up early to ready himself for his next destination, Port Campbell. (Check out Part 1 and Part 2 here). His attempts to take as many pictures and videos of beautiful sceneries were let down as it was a cloudy day and temperature was around 10 Celsius, making it difficult to get clear shots. Hadi Hussein is a 44-year-old Johorian purist (JB), a former disaster-deployment expert and a well experienced humanitarian by profession. The Great Ocean Road is well renowned for its beautiful and breathtaking rocky beaches, great waves, heaven for surfers and is one of the must visit places in Melbourne. For motorcycle enthusiasts, you can come and rent a bike here. The road condition was very good and would definitely set your heart thumping especially when your eyes are feasted with the ever so beautiful sceneries along the way, with majestic rock formation, sandy beaches and clear blue ocean that merge with the same coloured sky. There are many stops along the roads and usually they have café that serve Australian coffee. I’m going to tell you straight that Australians have some of the best coffee in town and that is why a lot of other brands of coffee are not preferred or even drank by the locals. Owh yes before I forget, make sure your camera has a sufficient memory card for all those pictures and also a power bank or even better an extra battery! For those who really love the beach you can easily get lost in time, just enjoying the calm, enchanting waves. Well for you, you will need at least several days to fully enjoy your trip there. For me, the journey must continue and that night, I camped under the sky of the Great Ocean Road. My ride took me to Apollo Bay the very next day. I stayed for two days here to clean my clothes, write up my stories (I have several media to feed) and also do my video editing. My original plan in trying to find wild koala bear was being put on hold. The reason being that it was raining the whole day from dawn to dusk with temperature around 15 Celsius, winding sea coastal roads and strong wind, the risk is too much for my small yet fully loaded bike to take. 3rd October, it’s Tuesday morning when I started my journey to Otway National Park. Alhamdulillah, after a two hours hiking around the woods, I managed to find a wild koala bear up in a tree! They were quite difficult to be seen as they hardly move and their fur are almost identical with the colour of the tree bark. You will need lots of patience and sharp eyes for the job. One funny incident happened as I was trying to set up my camera for the shoot. A wild kangaroo suddenly jumped in front of me and as quickly as it came, jumped off away. Stunned, I just laugh it out. That was how close I was with nature. From there on, I rode to a ferry jetty to take a ferry across the bay. The jetty is called Jetty Queenscliff with ferries that provide hourly trips taking people and goods across the bay. The bay is shaped like a horseshoe which made me decide that rather than riding around it, I might as well take a ferry across. The journey has saved me at least 3 hour riding-time plus it’s only around 35 AUD for both me and my bike. Not to mention that it was one of a kind experience for me. My Australian friend, Mr John Dogget decided to come on-board with me to the town of Sorrento. After departing the ferry, I continued my ride to Phillip Island. At Phillip Island, I was fortunate to see a colony of dwarf penguins. Unfortunately, the local regulations prohibit anyone from taking any kind of pictures or still videos of the penguins as it is consider a restricted area. The dwarf penguins or better known as fairy penguins, are fairly small. For your information, penguins live only in cold places and return to their nest when it turns dark. It was cold, and other visitors came by car and wore proper winter gears, whereas I was just a biker on a small bike wearing a summer mesh riding jacket! Hahaha, you can call me Superman to be able to withstand the cold or call me stupid instead. I was prepared for riding, but not winter riding! With disappointments of not getting any shots of the place (and because it’s already 10 pm) I decided to find shelter nearby. Philip Island is a very small island and the shops close early around 8pm, including the cafes and restaurant. Hotels weren’t really within my budget and I wasn’t keen on camping in the cold and having to hassle in the dark trying to pitch up the tent for the night. Just then I stumbled onto a backpacker motel, but it was also already closed. I had to call the owner to come and open up the place for a wandering lost visitors like me. They said it was the low season and usually not many people came to town plus it was on a weekday. I had to wait awhile for them to open up but I was glad that I had a place to sleep for the night, where I can get hot shower and a decent bed to rest. The next day, being here of course I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the GP track! I wanted to try and enter the racetrack but when I think of all the things I have on my bike, the tent, woven mat, sleeping bag and whatnot, I had to skip this time. From the GP track I went to the Conservation Centre for the koala. This was the place where I could see eye to eye with the koala bear. The koala is an endangered species and their numbers are dwindling in the wild. If you happen to come to Australia, it is the best place to be able to get close with them. There are also kangaroos in this park but they were hopping super fast, that it was nearly impossible to get a good shot of them here. From there on, I continued my ride to the Heritage Island farm. It was developed and managed by the locals. Although the farms are small but they are well kept and very beautiful. It preserves the same tradition of a farm stay, making it an attraction for tourist like me especially people from the town areas with the same concept as “Homestay” back at our place in Malaysia. Among the activities I managed to experience were milking the cow, sheep shearing, and also a demonstration of sheep dog and how they would be herding the sheep. It was definitely another unique experience not to be missed and definitely another must visit place! The clock was showing 5pm when I reached the small town of Toora. A town situated just outskirt of Wilson Promontory Park which would be my next destination. It was a really small town with only two rows of shop-lots, and wind generators to power their electricity use. The only road leading to the town is a mountain road and after being on the road for two hours, I decided to check-in at Toora Lodge Motel after been riding all day. They don’t have lots of activities and most of the shop owners open around for only four hours a day. I bought some bread and cheese and return to my room to rest. As usual, it rained all night and I was grateful didn’t have to camp. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/mv-agusta-rvs-program-makes-worldwide-video-debut/

MV Agusta RVS Program makes Worldwide Video Debut

Another video of the MV Agusta RVS program has been revealed to the world yesterday showcasing a very dark looking and fully customised Brutale 800. The RVS stands for “Reparto Veicoli Speciali” or “Special Vehicles Department” or Special Vehicles Operations”. “MV Agusta motorcycles are the embodiment of technology and passion moulded into a physical object. So we take the design department, the engineers take that design and make it into a functional object.” About a month ago, MV Agusta released a very cryptic teaser showing a very dark and sinister motorcycle lurking in the dark together with a machinist milling the letters ‘RVS’ into a solid aluminium block. We confirmed that the RVS stands for “Reparto Veicoli Speciali” or “Special Vehicles Department” or Special Vehicles Operations” in English. Today, the special RVS program has revealed their first ever creation as part of MV Agusta’s initiative to produce and develop specially-made motorcycles with epic proportions. According to MV Agusta’s President and CEO Giovanni Castiglioni, “The RVS concept is fully developed in the factory so we put together the best guys we have there like Adrian (Morton), senior designers and all the best engineers to develop something completely unique. We do not just build motorcycles, we engineer motions.” It was also stated by their head of design Adrian Morton that they were given full creative freedom in envisioning outstanding MV Agusta creations specifically for the RVS program. From the creativity of the brilliant minds conjured up by the senior designers, it is then passed to the engineering department spearheaded by MV Agusta’s Technical Director, Brian Gillen. “MV Agusta motorcycles are the embodiment of technology and passion moulded into a physical object. So we take the design department, the engineers take that design and make it into a functional object. We bring together with passion and emotion and we turn it into a dynamic motorcycle,” said Gillen when referring to the RVS program. The result? A very sinister looking MV Agusta Brutale 800 which has been heavily customised from top to bottom with all the goodies. Our favourite part is definitely the specially made SC Project exhaust system embedded with the RVS letters. The end look for their first ever project bike / concept has that cafe racer plus scrambler appeals all packaged in a very dark persona. While we’re still not sure when the RVS program will be opened for the public, MV Agusta sure has succeeded in gaining the attention of motorcycle enthusiasts around the world. Considering that the manufacturer almost closed its doors just a few months back, the RVS program looks like it can redeem the Italian firm in the motorcycle industry once again. Source: MV Agusta --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/norizman-wants-to-rain-on-gupitas-title-parade/

NORIZMAN WANTS TO RAIN ON GUPITA’S TITLE PARADE

Norizman Ismail made clear he would not hesitate to go all out to halt Gupita Kresna from taking home the Underbone 130cc title in the penultimate round of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in Qatar this weekend.  The Harian Metro Y-TEQ SCK Honda Racing rider, currently ranked second in the overall standings with 117 points is 34 points adrift his Manual Tech KYT Rextor rival. The 29-year old will need to finish third or higher in both races at the Losail International Circuit or hope his title contender to end the weekend without any points to bring the title fight to the season finale in Thailand this December. “We lost precious points having retired from Race 1 in Thailand due to a malfunction with the gearbox. Fortunately we recovered by winning Race 2 and that made the point gap between us a bit more manageable,” said Norizman. He went on to talk about his expectations racing under the floodlights of the Losail International Circuit this weekend and said, “It will be tough trying to regain ground and cut the point deficit but I am confident we can delay Gupita’s celebration in Qatar and bring the title fight to the final round.” “The bike is competitive and mentally, I am strong. The team needs to focus on getting the bike to its maximum potential and on my end, I will do my best to win or finish on the podium ahead of him in both races. “It’s been a while since a Malaysian won the Underbone title. The last person to do so was Affendi Rosli back in 2009 and I’m hoping to be the next.” --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/fim-ewc-yart-yamaha-wins-12-hours-of-estoril/

FIM EWC: YART Yamaha wins 12 Hours of Estoril

The FIM Endurance World Championship 2020 finally concluded last weekend in Estoril, Portugal where team YART Yamaha emerged as the winner. The championship season finale was a sweet cap off for the Austrian-based Yamaha outfit after a 12-hour battle with its closest competitors from F.C.C. TSR Honda France. All three riders, Karel Hanika, Marvin Fritz, and Niccolò Canepa, raced tirelessly and got the win from F.C.C. TSR Honda France with less than 25 seconds gap before the chequered flag was waved. Bridgestone also celebrated this major milestone as the official tyre supplier for team YART Yamaha. Although YART emerged as the victors of the last FIM EWC race of the season, it was the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team who won the war as their 4th place finish in Estoril cemented their 2020 championship crown. Suzuki bags their 16th world title and that’s a very sweet addition to the MotoGP brothers, Joan Mir and Alex Rins, who both stood on the podium in yesterday’s Catalan GP. It wasn’t an easy race for Suzuki riders, Etienne Masson, Gregg Black, and Xavier Simeon, as they had to endure some mechanical issues with the bike’s gear selector. At the end of the day, taking home its 16th FIM EWC title was as sweet as it gets. Wójcik Racing Team finished third after Gino Rea, Broc Parkes and Sheridan Morais ran an incredible race. Written by: Sep Irran MotoGP: Fabio Quartararo back on top of the championship --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/aprilia-and-sc-project-extends-partnership/

Aprilia And SC-Project Extends Partnership

SC-Project will continue to supply exhaust for the Aprilia MotoGP team until 2024 after agreeing on a two-year extension. SC-Project supplied Aprilia’s RS-GP exhaust system since 2021. The Italian company becomes Aprilia’s Official Technical Partner.  Aprilia and SC-Project partnership began in 2021 with the Italian manufacturer developing the exhausts for Aprilia’s RS-GP machine. Since then, Aprilia took its first MotoGP podium in 2021 before claiming the maiden MotoGP race win in 2022 and is currently fighting for the World Championship with Aleix Espargaro. That said, SC-Project has become an integral part of Aprilia’s climb to world championship glory. “A solid and ambitious project like ours needs partners who share our same values. “The one with SC-Project is a natural bond: two great Italian companies, technological leaders in their segments, with a sporty and innovative DNA. “This is why we are proud to announce the continuation of our relationship, a path of common growth that, I have no doubt, will lead Made in Italy to excel on tracks all over the world,” said Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola. Also, the two-year extension will now see SC-Project become the Official Technical Partner of Aprilia MotoGP. The SC-Project exhaust will be found in Aprilia’s production race bike department, including the RS660 Trofeo and the RS250 SP. Meanwhile, Aprilia Racing Technical Director Romano Albesiano is relishing the extended partnership. “The exhaust system is a key element of our new V4 engine, which is proving to be one of the most competitive in MotoGP. This is also thanks to the technical synergy with SC-Project, a dynamic and competent company with whom we have established a profitable relationship. In a championship where it is the details that make the real difference, it is essential to be able to count on a supplier that has the technology and expertise to contribute to the development of our RS-GP project,” he said. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/rm10000-fine-and-jail-term-proposed-for-illegal-racing-motorcycle-modification/

RM10,000 Fine And Jail Term Proposed For Illegal Racing, Motorcycle Modification

The Ministry of Transportation is proposing an amendment to the Road Transport Act of 1987, which will increase punishment involving modifying motorcycle engines and exhaust pipes. MOT is proposing a heavier fines for individuals involved in illegal motorcycle modifications and illegal racing.  Parents will face stern action for allowing their kids to modified their motorcycles.  Under the new provision, those guilty of modifying the engines and exhaust will face a heavy fine of RM10,000 instead of the current RM300. Also, those participating in illegal motorcycle racing will face a jail term if found guilty by the court. According to Transport Ministry secretary-general Datuk Isham Ishak, the proposed amendments are still in the “good regulatory practice (GRP) stage. “It is necessary to raise the fines because many youngsters blatantly break the law and join motorcycle races nowadays. “They can afford to pay the RM300 fine, which is why we propose pushing the penalty to RM10,000 to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal racing. “Furthermore, parents who allow their children to use bikes for illegal racing and workshop owners who modify the bikes will also be slapped with compounds. “Besides giving bikers a sense of self-gratification, illegal racing could also lead them to indulge in unhealthy activities,” said Datuk Isham to Berita Harian. Isham added that the proposed amendments would be tabled in the Parliament in Q3 next year. (Source: Berita Harian) --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/honda-trademarks-motocompacto-logo-design/

Honda Trademarks Motocompacto Logo Design

Honda first revealed the Motocompacto nameplate in 2020 when the Japanese firm filed a trademark application with the US Patent and Trademark Office. The iconic Motocompo to make a comeback with an all-new name and look. Two separate trademark application indicates the Motocompacto to be available outside of Japan.  Although the moniker has more letters than the original Motocompo, it’s clearly a nod to the iconic pocket-size machine.  However, that was the last time the Motocompacto name came up. That is, until now, as Honda recently filed a new trademark application, this time with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office. The application encloses two different spellings of the same word; Motocompacto and Moto Compacto.   Interestingly, the application referred to the two nameplates as “Goods: Land vehicles, namely, self-balancing electric scooters; electrically-powered motor scooters.”  Also in the application is the logo design for the scooter, which showcased a compact, blocky and almost briefcase-like scooter.  While all other information regarding the scooter remains scarce at the moment, we know now that Honda intends to bring the miniature motorcycle back to the modern world.  That said, the Motocompacto or Moto Compacto is likely to be a small electric scooter intended for city riding that offers a short range with swappable battery capabilities.  --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/bicycle-lane-dividers-kuala-lumpur-disaster-motorists/

Bicycle lane dividers in Kuala Lumpur – A disaster for motorists?

Image source: Warga Prihatin Newly-installed bicycle lane dividers in the heart of Kuala Lumpur have been getting a lot of criticisms as of late. Many have complained that the dividers are dangerous while the blue paint used is too slippery especially when it rains. Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is currently removing the dividers as we speak while other responsible parties are meeting to resolve this issue. Viral images of the newly-installed road dividers for new bicycle lanes on some major roads Kuala Lumpur have been deemed dangerous by the majority of the public for the past couple of days. These dividers which are meant to separate the bicycle lane and ensure the safety of other motorists have been getting a lot of negative criticisms regarding the entire planning. Just yesterday, some photos of a motorcyclist being a victim of the bicycle lane have gone viral due to these road dividers. Other road users and even cyclists have gone to the World Wide Web to voice out their concerns and dissatisfaction on the dividers as well as the blue paint used to mark the entire bicycle lane. Apparently, they paint used has been claimed by many to be too slippery especially when it’s raining. The initiative was brought into light by Cycling Kuala Lumpur, Bicycle Map Project and of course, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). The planned was agreed upon to allow cyclists to safely use the bicycle lanes in the heart of the city in conjunction with the upcoming World Urban Forum happening next month. While the paint itself has been claimed to be made with anti-slip properties, experts on the project have stated that it has only been used to for marking purposes and never before for the entire lane. The black road dividers however are the ones getting the majority of the heat and as we speak, DBKL is in the process of removing them to avoid any other casualties or incidents. The firms related to this latest bicycle lane initiative are currently in a meeting to swiftly tackle the issues in a post-mortem. While the move towards a more environmental-friendly lifestyle and mode of travel is a good move towards the future, the safety of everyone using the roads should be at the highest priority. The people understand that cyclists need to be protected but at the same time, any initiative taken to do so should be safe and sound for each and every road user no matter how they travel. We also hope that the matter should be handled quickly, efficiently and professionally by all related experts in the field. Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more updates. Image source: Haresh Deol & Cycling Kuala Lumpur, Bicycle Map Project --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/2017-new-motorcycle-sales-500cc/

2017 New Motorcycle Sales Above 500cc

Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 2017 had been a tough year for many industries, including motorcycles. Not many brands posted growth for motorcycles above 500cc. Let us hope 2018 will see a resurgence for the industry. 2017 was a tough year for motorcycle sales, what more for those above 500cc capacity. Many motorcycle dealers cited the difficulty in obtaining financial loans for new motorcycles, although there was a steady stream of demand. Many speculations were rife about why financial institutions were reluctant to provide loans. In the meantime, we have been provided some data pertaining to the number of motorcycle sales in from January to December 2017 (please scroll down for the table). While it is easy to see which manufacturer sold more motorcycles, please bear a thought for which segment each brand occupy. For instance, although Kawasaki and Yamaha led the way, brands such as BMW, Triumph, Ducati, KTM, Harley-Davidson and Aprilia are considered the premium segment. That means their motorcycles occupy the higher end in terms of pricing, compared to the Japanese bikes. Indeed, only two brands showed growth: BMW and Triumph. BMW’s sales has without doubt being pushed by the R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure, and the S 1000 RR. The lightweight G 310 R and G 310 GS have reportedly sold well, too, but their numbers are not reflected in this report. The R 1200 GS TFT has just made it to our shores and you can bet that it will continue to be the bestseller. Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia have been performing well since their meteoric growth from 2015. With 17 models to offer, there’s one for a rider of any vocation. 2018 should see them grow even further with the introduction of the new Tiger 800 family, the Bobber Black and Bonneville Speedmaster. Where to from here? Whatever it was, 2017 is gone. We have a new government in place who promised that they will make it easier to apply for loans. 2018 has also been slow from the early parts of the year but the 0% GST ruling which took effect from 1st June 2018 ought to spark a renewed growth in the large capacity motorcycle segment. As bikers ourselves, it is always great to see the latest bikes on the road. BRAND 2018 ABOVE 500cc SALES (units) Kawasaki 2,112 Yamaha 1,183 BMW Motorrad 978 Honda 755 Triumph 272 Suzuki 265 Ducati 238 KTM 171 Harley-Davidson 107 Aprilia 97 --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/motogp-petronas-yamaha-srt-ready-to-conquer-czech-gp/

MotoGP: Petronas Yamaha SRT ready to conquer Czech GP

The upcoming MotoGP 2020 round takes place this weekend at Automotodrom Brno for the Czech GP and Petronas Yamaha SRT plans to not only conquer but also extend their lead in the championship as well as team standings thanks to their two riders, Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli. With a perfect start to the season so far for Fabio Quartararo, the young Frenchman heads to Czech Republic high in confidence with two victories under his belt (as well as two pole positions). His Yamaha YZR-M1 will definitely be the one to beat, but rest assured that Franco Morbidelli will be there to fight for the win after suffering an engine failure in the last race. The month of August will probably be the most crucial point of the 2020 MotoGP championship as riders and teams will compete in three back-to-back rounds at Automotodrom Brno and Red Bull Ring – Spielberg. Defending champion, Marc Marquez, will be sitting out this weekend and possibly two more races after going through a second operation on his broken arm. According to Fabio Quartararo, “Brno is a track that I really like. We know from last year that we can be fast there and that we have the performance, even if it is not the best place for our bike. There are a lot of great corners that make up the circuit but the last corner is one of the best. You have to go in with a lot of corner speed but also prepare to take the perfect line for the straight. It’s great to be going there after taking two wins and we’re looking at fighting for the podium this weekend.” As for Franco Morbidelli, “My expectations for Brno are high, especially as it’s a circuit that I really like. In fact, I think it’s one of the best on the calendar! It’s a very old-style track as it’s long, wide, technical and fast. Looking at the level that we had in Jerez, we are expecting good things this weekend. I’ve also had some good results there in the past. Of course, this year we’ve got to be better and improve our record there. I think we will have some good battles and I’m looking forward to going there, with the aim of finishing in the top-five.” MotoGP: Marc Marquez out, Stefan Bradl in --Ads--

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KBS Sets Up Pro-Tem Motorsports Committee After Ousting AAM

The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) will set up a Pro-Tem Motorsports Committee (PMC) in place of AAM. The temporary committee will oversee motorsports activities. The PMC will do so until the FIM and FIA nominates the official sanctioning body. The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS – Kementerian Belia dan Sukan) will set up a Pro-Tem Motorsports Committee (PMC), after the ousting of the Automotive Association of Malaysia (AAM) as the motorsports sanctioning body. The KBS press release stated that the Malaysian Sports Commission has discussed the matter with KBS. The outcome of the meeting is to set up a temporary committee consisting of all motorsport bodies in Malaysia until a new sanctioning body is named by the FIM and FIA. The PMC will oversee motorsport matters handled by AAM prior to their dissolution. As such, it will temporarily function as the National Sports Authority for the FIA (ASN-FIA) and National Motorsports Federation for the FIM (FMN-FIA). The press release also stated that current AAM racing license holders may continue with their sporting activities as usual. The statement regarding licensing will be a news much welcomed by the country’s professional racers. They had earlier voiced their concerns about the legitimacy of their racing licenses and insurance that were issued by AAM. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/shell-advance-asia-talent-cup-2016-wsbk-malaysia-2016/

Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup 2016 @ WSBK Malaysia 2016

Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup 2016 kicks off third round in support of WSBK Malaysia 2016. After a hiatus of nearly two months, the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup 2016 season resumes for its third round this weekend in Sepang, Malaysia. Asia’s finest and fastest youngsters will share the track once again with the professionals of the World Superbikes Championship for WSBK Malaysia 2016. Besides the notoriously temperamental Malaysian weather wreaking havoc, the series’ riders are also faced with a new challenge in the form of the Sepang International Circuit’s (SIC) newly resurfaced course. The series’ last outing here was in February earlier this year for pre-season tests just before the circuit closed for its upgrading works. But first, here’s a recap of how 2016 has been so far after just the first two rounds and four races – Qatar and Thailand. The season so far Having scored a sensational win and consistent podium finishes, Indonesia’s Gerry Salim leads the championship standings with 71 points. Just 17 points down in second with 68 points is returning Thai rider Somkiat Chantra whilst Japan’s Ai Ogura ranks third with 67 points. With a non-Japanese rider leading the standings, a very rare outcome in the series’ three-year history, all eyes are on the Japanese contingent still, this time with the question of whether if they can retain their dominance in the series yet again. One thing we are certain about is that series coach Alberto Puig has got himself a slightly different challenge this season with the leading ASEAN riders. Asia Talent Team The near two-month hiatus was not a period of silence for the Asia Talent Cup riders’ alumni, especially those who were drafted into the Asia Talent Team to compete in the 2016 CEV Junior Moto3 World Championship. Currently, the team fields current Asia Talent Cup rider Kazuki Masaki in its roster. Their most recent outing in Le Mans, France saw the team bagging a podium finish scored by 2014 Asia Talent Cup champion Kaito Toba whilst 2015 Asia Talent Cup champion Ayumu Sasaki, who also races in the Red Bull Rookies series this season, finished in the top ten to score some vital points. With the Asia Talent Team, Dorna has essentially paved the way for the current crop of youngsters vying for glory in the Asia Talent Cup series. Friday @ WSBK Malaysia 2016 Coming back this weekend and things have kicked into high gear. Friday saw the grid hit the track for two practice sessions held in between the WSBK and WSSP practice sessions. Like their counterparts in WSBK and WSSP, the biggest concern for most riders were their performance on the newly resurfaced track. Topping the timing board in FP1 was Somkiat Chantra. The Thai rider has proven himself to be a fast contender last season and recorded the fastest time during pre-season tests held in Sepang earlier this year, lapping it then at 2:17.901. However, with the newly resurfaced course, Chantra topped the time sheets inFP1 at 2:26.602 instead. Hot on his heels were Ai Ogura in second after lapping the course in 2:26.634 – a close 0.032 slower than Chantra – followed by Kazuki Masaki in third with his best time of 2:26.642. The lap times got even slower in FP2 held later in the afternoon after a brief rain storm rolled in. Here, it was Japanese rider Ryusei Yamanaka who shined after topping the timing board with his best time of 2:33.129. Ogura came in second again with his best time of 2:33.229 whilst Chantra settled for third with his best timing of 2:33.587. Suffice to say, the new surface is one huge challenge for the riders this weekend, and all attention in the garage now focuses on Saturday morning’s qualifying scheduled for 10am. Team Malaysia As a refresher, Malaysia is represented in the series by rookie Izam Ikmal and returning rider Ahmad Idham Khairuddin. For the latter, who was initially drafted last year as a wildcard before being a new late-addition, this weekend is special one as he shares the Sepang track with older brother Zulfahmi Khairuddin in WSSP. Ahmad Idham remains the only point-scorer of the two and currently ranks 15th in the standings. Rookie Izam Ikmal, on the other hand, is showing signs of struggle and has yet to score some points. This weekend in Sepang could be a turning point for him. Stay tuned to our site as we bring you updates from Round 3 of the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup series together with updates from WSBK Malaysia 2016 main event all weekend long. Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup Friday Practice results --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/a-riders-rant-whats-happening-to-us/

A rider’s rant: What’s happening to us?

The horrific crash that took place this past Saturday along the Federal Highway is still fresh in our minds. But it will not take more than a week or two for the news to wither away into the past to be forgotten. Which is exactly the problem, we forget! This is not the first example of us forgetting our tragedies, it has happened countless times. These tragedies, as sad and horrific as they may be, provide a unique opportunity to learn and educate ourselves. Why did it happen? What caused it? Is it human error or mechanical? Is there a fault with the road design? Do we lack signage? Is there adequate lighting? These are just some of the questions we need to be asking, but I’m not saying that we don’t. Perhaps we do, but like a three year old child, we often lose interest before we get the answers. Saturday’s incident once again put a spot light on a very old problem, motorcyclists riding among the cars on the Federal Highway and completely avoiding the bike lane. The powers that be have spoken up about the dangers of it, the Police have tried to nab the culprits, many have lost their lives, while the lucky ones have survived but will do it again if they have to. Which begs the question why? If the bike lane served its purpose, why are so many riders avoiding it? It is something that none riders will never understand. Flooded roads caused by unmaintained drainage not only causes unnecessary inconvenience, but it also deposits slippery sands and oils on the road. These things are a biker’s worst nightmare as it causes an immediate loss of grip, and we all know what happens next after you lose grip, you fall hard! Potholes and bad patching work are just among the few things that wreak havoc on the biking lane, but the other thing that bikers try to avoid is Police road blocks. We at Bikes Republic are all for ethical riding, and we cannot emphasize enough the need for proper lessons, licensing, and to adhere to the law and to live a crime free life. We are advocates of that. But we can also relate to the frustration of riders who have to endure standing in the tropical heat amongst the blistering heat and dust kicked up by other riders and their machines. It is inconvenient and time consuming. If you live in a city there is a very good chance you have to adhere to a tight time schedule, so waiting in line to be checked by a Policeman just after you have been checked the day before can be very frustrating to say the very least. We are not saying that you should completely avoid the Police, but we can relate to the frustrations involved in using the bike lane on the Federal Highway. Perhaps Police blocks should be conducted during times when criminals are more likely to be on two-wheels, perhaps 1am is a better time than 10am? The other thing that needs to be taken into consideration is the infrastructure. A quick check online reveals that the bike lane was originally intended for bicycles and for speeds below 60km/h. That may have been true in the 60’s, but today there is a completely different scenario. The number of motorcycles on our roads today has exceeded our best expectations and there has been no great upgrade to accommodate the growth. This has resulted in congestion and accidents. Couple that with mismanagement, neglect, and a lack of motivation from either side of the political divide to fix things up, and you get motorcyclists weaving in and out of cars on Federal Highway. But is that really the cause of the kind of accidents we saw on Saturday night? Not quite, there is another important element missing – education. Or the lack of it. With the right focus, leadership and funding, world class infrastructure is quite easily attainable. But without the right education and training, the best roads are only as good as the worst driver or rider. Take the North South Highway for example, take a drive up to Penang or anywhere for that matter and you are bound to come across bikers tailing trucks and buses so closely that there would be no time to react to an emergency. Heck, an unlucky biker might never know what hit him. But would they have done it had there been proper infrastructure to accommodate motorcycles? Like a proper lane for bikers to cruise at highway speeds? Again, the invincible finger points to a lack of knowledge, and infrastructure to accommodate the rising number of bikes. Our rider friends who were sadly involved in Saturday’s fatal accident also should have known that standing by a major highway is extremely dangerous. Imagine the difference it would have made had they stood in a safer area away from the drivers. We all know that the dudes on the highway tailgate for the aerodynamic comfort; we also know that it is extremely dangerous. And what about the 10 year olds who are riding in the villages on narrow dirt roads at circuit speeds? And those who are just about to take their licenses? You will not see any short term effect, but in the long term, proper education, training, and support will create better drivers and riders. No one is asking to reinvent the wheel and create biker-friendly trucks and buses (but we do need more biker friendly highways). No, all we need to do is to concentrate our resources away from the things we do not need (RM74 million on political advertising for example) and spend some of those resources to educate license holders on the perils of such behavior. You reevaluate your training methods, you go back down to the basics, the grassroots. There will be quite a bit of money involved, but the future gains are endless because you can’t put a price on an educated society. The finger pointing can go on forever and we will continue forgetting our fallen friends, but we all have a role to play and lives can only be saved once we start realizing that our methods are dangerous and not producing the results we so desperately need. As for today’s riders, people like you and I, we have a role to play too – look over your shoulder when you’re about to overtake, avoid weaving through traffic, use the correct lanes, do not speed in traffic, keep your tires in check, do not ride with your emotions, don’t charge into a corner you are unfamiliar with, and make sure you have the proper experience before taking on a much larger, more powerful bikes. This will bound to keep more riders safe and going home to their loved ones. That’s all we care about. --Ads--

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Honda Unveils EM1 e: Electric Scooter For The European Market

Honda was among the busiest at EICMA last month after introducing a series of new bikes for 2023, including the all-new XL750 Transalp. Honda EM1 e: is an electric scooter based on the exisitng U-Go scooter in China. Features Honda’s swappable battery unit.  However, the Japanese firm also unveils its first European-market electric scooter, in the form of the EM1 e:. (yes, the colon after the “e” is part of the name).  The EM1 e: is an interesting electric scooter mainly because it could be inexpensive as it is based on an existing U-Go scooter manufactured in China by Wuyang-Honda. While both of scooter is indistinguishable from the outside, there are a few technical differences. Firstly, the EM1 e: is equipped with Honda’s Mobile Power Pack e: swappable battery.  Although the EM1 e: and U-Go battery shares similar capacity, both features different battery design. Also, the EM1 e: has a range of just 40 kilometres as opposed to the U-Go’s 65 kilometres. Although their differences in range, the electric motor on the EM1 e: looks identical to the U-Go’s. That said, the hub-mounted unit on the U-Go is rated at 1.6hp. While the figure is not a lot, the scooter can still reach a max speed of 50km/h.  However, considering the U-Go is available for just CNY7,300 (RM4.5k) in China, the EM1 e: is expected to be priced at around the same, making it one of the most affordable electric scooters in Europe. The EM1 e: is due to roll out in mid-2023.  --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/azlan-shah-signs-chia-motor-pj-msc-2018/

Azlan Shah signs with Chia Motor PJ for MSC 2018

Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman has signed a deal with Chia Motor PJ Kawasaki Racing Team to compete in this year’s Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSC). The 33-year-old racer from Klang is ready to take on the challenge of racing onboard the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. MSC will serve as the perfect training platform before Azlan moves up into the first ever 1,000cc class for the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) beginning next year. One of Malaysian most renowned motorcycle racer that is Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman has inked a deal with the Chia Motor PJ Kawasaki Racing Team. The newly-formed partnership will see the star rider piloting the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R in the 2018 season of the Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSC). Chia Motor PJ Kawasaki is a force to be reckoned with in the Malaysia Superbike Championship for a number of years now. This time around, they will be focusing all their efforts on just one rider in MSC’s premier racing class; the Superbike category. The team’s main focus is to get Azlan Shah up to speed with their race-bred Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R against some of Asia’s most formidable riders. The Superbike line-up also includes a very famous racer from Australia known as Cameron Donald. The Isle of Man TT race winner competes in the MSC to ensure that he is always on top of his racing game. As for Azlan Shah, MSC will serve as the perfect platform to not only bring more victories for Chia Motor PJ Kawasaki but also serve as the ideal training grounds before heading into the first-ever 1,000cc class of the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) which will begin next year. The five rounds of MSC will help Azlan Shah hone his skills of riding from May until October and competing on a litre race machine whilst performing his racing duties in the Supersport 600 category of ARRC in between. With major support from the likes of K-Tech Suspension, Kratos Motorsports, Bel-Ray Malaysia, and many more, Azlan Shah will be a formidable rider in the national race series. The racing team hailing from Petaling Jaya, Selangor used to race in all four categories of MSC from the Super 250 all the way to Superbike classes. With riders like Rajini Krishnan (India), Karhu Jouni (Finland), Muhammad Jazil Juraimi (Singapore), and more, they’ve dominated the scene with Kawasaki machinery and they’re looking to continue that trend with their new star rider. The first round of the 2018 Malaysia Superbike Championship will begin next week from 11 to 13 May 2018. Entrance to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) Main Grandstand is free of charge. To know more about MSC 2018, CLICK HERE. MSC 2016 Rd 3 – A First Timer’s Perspective --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/which-is-your-favourite-custom-honda-cb1000r/

Which is your favourite custom Honda CB1000R?

During last year’s Wheels & Waves festival in Biarritz, France, Honda organised a very special setup where 12 of the best custom Honda CB1000R Neo Sports Café bikes were unveiled. Not one of them disappointed the crowd and some even got some very good recognition worldwide. Now, there’s a new ‘HondaCustoms’ page set up where you can rank these best 12 custom Honda C1000R in Europe and share your selection via social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp. Head over to www.hondacustoms.com and you can even download free wallpapers of your top choice for desktop and mobile. RankCB1000R custom builds on-line It’s a tough task to rank these 12 custom Honda beauties but there are some that are definitely on top of our list of favourites. There’s the Africa Twin-inspired ‘CRF1000 Africa Four’, CB1000R-Adical camo-café racer, ‘Monkey Kong’, Freddie Spencer’s tribute ‘Alfredo’, rallycross-like ‘Dirt Endurance’, and many more. It’s amazing to see the sheer amount of custom talents in Europe just by looking at these custom Honda bikes. You can spend hours just looking at the details of each bike, from the custom colours, choice of exhaust, wheels, and inspiration from icons of the motorcycling industry. It’s going to be hard to choose the best one but if there’s only one option to be labelled as the best, the Alfredo stood out the most. Nice balance of colours, short and clean exhaust setup and super slick tyres to rip around the circuit like the madmen who created this beauty in the first place. Head over to www.hondacustoms.com and rank them now! New Honda CBR600RR-R to be launched at MotoGP Thai round? --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/first-images-upcoming-lotus-motorcycle/

First images of upcoming Lotus motorcycle

Popular biking website MCN got the scoop on the first product form Lotus Motorcycles, a subsidiary of Lotus Cars which now belongs to DRB Hicom via Proton. These are computer generated renderings and come directly from the Lotus factory. There are no photos of running models but running prototypes are said to be already out testing. It will apparently be powered by a 200bhp V-twin, probably supplied by a Japanese or European bike builder. Source: MCN --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/motogp-lorenzo-dominates-final-day-of-qatar-tests/

MotoGP: Lorenzo dominates final day of Qatar tests

The final MotoGP pre-season tests in Qatar closes with reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo on top. The final three-day pre-season tests for the premier MotoGP class came to close recently in Qatar just before the weekend. Seasoned readers would havew already known by now that reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo ended the first day on top whilst the bulk of the Honda-powered machines continued to struggle against the Yamaha and Ducati machineries. Here’s what went down in the following two day. (Read our report of Day 1 here) DAY 2 Spurring a huge surprise on the second day of testing was the performance of youngster Maverick Viñales astride the Team Suzuki Ecstar GSX-RR. Whilst Movistar Yamaha Factory Racing’s Valentino Rossi held the top spot of the time sheet for most parts of the day, it did not take Viñales long as he thundered across the Losail International Circuit to set the day’s best time. Having set his best time of 1:55.436, Viñales once again proved that the Suzuki GSX-RR machine does have what it takes to go against the dominating factory Yamaha and Ducati machineries. Speaking of the latter, Andrea Iannone astride the factory Ducati bike ranked as the day’s second fastest with his best time of 1:55.508 astride the new Ducati Desmo 16 GP – merely 0.072 seconds off of Viñales’ blistering pace. Despite the surprising performances of the factory Suzuki and factory Ducati machines, reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo wasn’t far off. The Spaniard astride the factory Yamaha YZR-M1 ended Day 2 as the third fastest rider in the time sheet with his best time of 1:55.535 – just 0.099 seconds slower than Viñales’ best. Like Day 1, the top 10 times were mostly logged in by a large mix of factory and satellite Ducati machines with Iannone leading the pack on the factory bike, followed by Octo Pramac Yakhnich’s Scott Redding standing as the fastest satelliter Ducati after ranking fourth fastest. Again, the two factory-spec Repsol Honda RC213V machines show clear signs of struggle yet again against the factory Ducati, Yamaha and Suzuki machines. Dani Pedrosa stood as the fastest Honda-powered rider and machine on Day 2 after being ranked as seventh fastest whilst teammate and former world champion Marc Marquez ranked himself ninth fastest despite suffering a dramatic crash. The rest of the satellite Honda riders and machines had to settle with rankings outside the top 10, which likely shows that the Honda-powered field still have plenty of gremlins to fix up. The situation would eventually change on the final day of testing, but not by much. DAY 3 Having missed out his chance to dominate Day 2, reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo returned to top form on the third and final day of testing. Lorenzo once again asserted his authority by being the only rider to have lapped the Losail circuit under the 1:55.000 mark with his best time of 1:54.810. Once again, the Ducti-powered encampment continue showing signs of high potential, this time with satellite rider Scott Redding astride the Octo Pramac Yakhnich machine ranking second fastest with a best time of 1:55.326 – 0.516 seconds behind Lorenzo’s blistering pace. Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Maverick Viñales continued to show his top form on day 3 as well by ending the session as the third fastest rider. His best time of 1:55.333 sees him improving from the fastest time he set the previous day, making this young Spaniard undoubtedly one rider to look out for in the coming season. For the Honda encampment, things got slightly better on the final day. Fortunes were mixed for the factory-backed Repsol Honda team as rider Marc Marquez bounced back from the bleak outing of Day 2 to rank himself fourth fastest on the final day. His teammate Dani Pedrosa, on the other hand, would struggle throughout the day and eventually ranked 14th fastest. For the satellite Honda field, the day culminated on a good note when LCR Honda rider Cal Crutchlow manage to rank himself seventh fastest. Both Crutchlow and Marquez stood as only two Honda machines ranked in the top 10 though, suggesting perhaps that the new 2016 Honda-powered machines still need more fine-tuning for its other riders besides the Brit and Spaniard mentioned earlier. Obviously, the Honda-powered encampment have plenty to do still, and very little time left to do it as the season-opening race in Qatar is less than a fortnight away. MotoGP will return to Qatar in full swing for its season opener scheduled from March 18 to March 20. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/bmw-motorrad-launches-2018-bmw-c-400-x-scooter/

BMW Motorrad launches 2018 BMW C 400 X scooter!

BMW Motorrad has unveiled their latest scooter offering during EICMA 2017 which is the 2018 BMW C 400 X. Powered by a single-cylinder 350cc engine, the new C 400 X produces a punchy 34hp at 7,500rpm and 35Nm of maximum torque at 6,000rpm. The C 400 X comes with all-round LED lighting plus Daytime-Running Lights (DRL), full-colour 6.5-inch TFT screen and other premium features. The last time BMW Motorrad released a scooter was way back in 2011 with their powerful BMW C 600 range with a huge dose of premium-ness in the world of maxi scooters. This week at EICMA 2017 in Milan, the German manufacturer took it up a notch with the introduction of the new 2018 BMW C 400 X – a premium mid-sized scooter. With the world fast becoming a place where urban development is at its highest, the scooter has become one of the main modes of transportation. BMW took note of this and came up with a scooter that’s not only functional but also something that’ll change that everyday mundane journey into an adventure filled with fun and excitement. Powered by a single-cylinder 350cc engine, the new C 400 X produces a punchy 34hp at 7,500rpm and 35Nm of maximum torque at 6,000rpm. All the power is transferred down to the rear wheel via a CVT transmission which has been fitted with vibration decoupling and BMW’s Automatic Stability Control (ASC) for better traction even under hard acceleration. Housed within a strong and robust tubular steel frame, the chassis and handling are further enhanced with the C 400 X’s front telescopic fork and double spring struts taking care of the rear. BMW claims that their latest scooter offering offers sporty yet dynamic riding experience while providing superior levels of comfort. Braking package comes in the form of twin disc setup for the front and a single disc manning the back. ABS is offered as standard for the new BMW C 400 X. The electronics available on the new BMW scooter are things to take note of. From its premium all-round LED lighting plus Daytime-Running Lights (DRL) to a full-colour 6.5-inch TFT multifunctional instrument cluster, the C 400 X is about functionality and form. Bluetooth connectivity and GPS? Yup, it has those too. Another reason why people opt for scooters is because the amount of storage available. For the 2018 C 400 X, a couple of cleverly-designed inconspicuous integrated compartment plus Flexcase found under the seat offer high levels of practicality even when out and about touring the long highways. Our favourite part has to be overall design plus colour schemes offered for the new C 400 X. While the Zenith Blue metallic paint offers modern and electrifying properties suited for those who are looking for something with a sporty appeal, the Alpine White no-metallic finish showcases the scooter’s premium and sophisticated look. With the demand for scooters on the rise around the world including Malaysia, the 2018 BMW C 400 X is set to cater to those demands while at the same time offer a package that’s beautiful, functional and stylish that’ll excite both two-wheel and four-wheel enthusiasts alike. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/suzuki-katana-making-comeback/

Suzuki Katana is making a comeback?

The Suzuki Katana name has been filed for another application at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This shows that the Japanese manufacturer is seriously planning for the Katana comeback into the 21st century. We might have to be patient as more news have been circulating around the launch of the next-generation Suzuki Hayabusa. The good folks from Suzuki have apparently registered the Katana name at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This is actually the second time they’ve done so where the first application was filed back in 2015 alongside the Gamma name. What this means is that Suzuki is seriously putting in a lot of work and effort to revive the iconic Suzuki Katana into the 21st century and it won’t just be another concept machine. We believe that the modern day Katana will go into production and it’ll be one epic motorcycle. Team Classic Suzuki GSX1100SD To know more about Team Classic Suzuki GSX1100SD, CLICK HERE. What started out as a purebred sports bike capable of keeping up with the top-of-the-line Suzuki GSX-R way back in the 1980s has progressively evolved into a sport touring machine with legions of hardcore fans from around the world. In today’s world, both the sport and touring bike segments have been brought closer together and the new Katana might land right in the middle of the two categories. The possibility of a brand new sports bike primed for the streets still lurks in the shadows but we have a feeling that it might make its official debut sometime next year. Suzuki Katana Concept 3.0 Although the patent application has been filed, stronger indications have pointed towards the next-generation Suzuki Hayabusa instead. The new ‘hyperbike’ from Suzuki will probably make its appearance first before the new Katana comes and steals the show. Interesting times are coming up for Suzuki, ladies and gentlemen. 2019 Suzuki Hayabusa will run a 1440cc engine? --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/asia-talent-cup-2016-selection-underway/

Asia Talent Cup 2016 selection underway (UPDATED)

Youths from all over Asia, totalling 126 riders, undertake selection process to join the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup Moto3 series for 2016. UPDATE: 13 new riders selected. Barely two weeks after crowning its 2015 champion, the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup series has already kicked itself into high gear for next season with its 2016 selection process. Despite the worsening haze pandemic, the selection event got off to a roaring start today in the Sepang International Go-Kart Circuit, which is located within the grounds of the main Sepang International Circuit (SIC) venue itself. Amongst the hundreds that signed up during the registration process this year, organisers Dorna have pre-selected about 126 youths for the first phase today (see full list here). All riders present hail from across the region, some from as far as New Zealand and Australia as well. We spent a brief moment on the grounds earlier today whilst series coach Alberto Puig and team undertook their scouting process. As with the previous two selection processes, riders were required to show their skills whilst charting across the kart track astride Honda Future underbone race machines similar to the ones used in the Honda One Make series in the Malaysian Cub Prix. Malaysia was represented by a sizable contingent, but two riders stand out the most. They are none other than former Asia Talent Cup riders Nazirul Bahauddin from Malacca and Ibrahim Norrodin from Batu Pahat, Johore. Despite their exit, both Nazirul and Ibrahim have kept their racing game up in the local scene, with Nazirul moving up the ranks within the Malaysian Cub Prix series this year too. Former series reserve turned full-time rider Ibrahim, on the other hand, is vying to make a return to join his brother Adam once again. Other sizable contingents hailed from Japan, Thailand, as well as from both Australia and New Zealand. Amongst them were 12 pupils from the MotoDNA academy, and they are supported by the presence of their coach Mark McVeigh as well today. Giving the youths a huge treat today were the presence of present MotoGP rider Jack Miller, alongside none other than local Moto3 hero Zulfahmi Khairuddin and national Moto2 rider Hafizh Syahrin. Besides observing, the trio were more than keen in showing a few pointers to their respective countrymen undergoing the try-outs. Other notable presence today were current Asia Talent Cup riders Adam Norrodin, who was showing his support for his brother Ibrahim, as well as Shafiq Rasol. Following today’s selection event, the committee, which is comprised of organisers Dorna and sanctioning body FIM, will convene again to finalise the next 22 riders who will take part in the 2016 edition of the Shell Advance Talent Asia Cup. The current 2015 season will hit the track one last time this weekend for two races in support of the weekend’s 2015 Shell Malaysian MotoGP main event. UPDATE: As the day ended, the committee has announced that 13 new riders were chosen from today’s selection event. The list consists of riders hailing from Japan, Indonesia, Australia, and India. Here’s the full list: RIDER NATIONALITY Tom Stewart William Edwards Australia Ahamed Kadai Yaseen India Irfan Aradiansyah Indonesia Dwiki Hardhiana Suparta Indonesia Faldhan Novayaser Mardani Indonesia Alif Akbar Utama Indonesia Basyiruddin Samhan Mashuri Indonesia Riku Sugawara Japan Yuki Kunii Japan Shogo Kawasaki Japan Muhammad Izam Ikmal Malaysia Muhammad Khairul Ikhwan Bin Ajis Malaysia Amirul Hakim Bin Mohd Rizal Malaysia --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/bimota-announces-tesi-h2-carbon-edition-limited-to-250-units/

Bimota Announces Tesi H2 Carbon Edition – Limited To 250 Units

The Bimota Tesi H2 is already a stunning machine, but somehow the people in Rimini, Italy, decided to spice things up for 2021 by announcing a Carbon Edition. The question is, what is the difference between the standard Tesi H2 and the Carbon Edition? Like the name, it is the same mouth-watering motorcycle, but the Carbon Edition is limited to only 250 units, and it comes in a black colour scheme with carbon fibres features. The limited-edition Tesi H2 still packs with the same 230hp Kawasaki H2-derived engine but looks more menacing with the carbon fibre trims. If you have some money to burn and seeking excitement post-Covid-19, the Tesi H2 Carbon Edition is priced at GBP60,000 (RM339,675). --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/the-2022-ducati-streetfighter-v4-sp-is-your-secret-carbon-fiber-fixation/

The 2022 Ducati Streetfighter V4 SP Is Your Secret Carbon Fiber Fixation

Frankly, we thought that the Ducati Streetfighter V4 S was just too powerful for the road and too scary for inexperienced riders like us. The V4 engine is a screamer with 205hp, yet here we are with a lighter version of the Streetfighter range, the not so subtle 2022 Ducati Streetfighter V4 SP. Dressed in carbon fibre components, the V4 SP weighs at just 196kg, 3kg less than the Streetfighter V4 S. The BST carbon fibre wheels are 1.4kg lighter than the forged aluminium fitted o the Streetfighter V4 S, and it also features Brembo Style R front brake callipers. The Streetfighter V4 SP is also equipped with Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 that offers adjustable damping capabilities while on the move according to the rider’s riding style. Nonetheless, the lighter V4 SP makes 208hp and 123Nm @ 9,500rpm from its 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale engine. However, the SP gets slightly better treatment, thanks to the STM-EVO SBK dry clutch, which helps improve anti-hopping even in the most aggressive shift. Other exciting features include: aluminium CNC machined footpegs carbon front mudguard lithium-ion battery --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/bmw-motorrad-malaysia-ready-to-take-on-gs-trophy-2016/

BMW Motorrad Malaysia ready to take on GS Trophy 2016

BMW Motorrad Malaysia gears itself up to take on bi-annual GS Trophy 2016 rally in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Loyal readers would remember our coverage of the South East Asia Qualifying leg for the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy 2016 (GS Trophy 2016). The bi-annual adventure bike rally marks its fifth edition this year and its first appearance in Asia as it commences from Feb 28 to March 5 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. As previously reported, a team of six Malaysian competitors represented BMW Motorrad Malaysia during the qualifiers held last year in Thailand. The qualifiers featured 20 gruelling exercises across two stages, and it was rider Mohd Faizal Sukree astride a BMW F650GS who emerged victorious as the highest point scorer in the Malaysia contingent. Mohd Faizal will be representing BMW Motorrad Malaysia for the first time in the competition GS Trophy 2016 where he joins the Team South East Asia alongside riders Tommy Lee and Peerapat Woratham who represent Singapore and Thailand respectively. Unlike the qualifiers, the international stage of the GS Trophy 2016 sees each competitor astride a specially prepared 2016 BMW R1200GS that is fully equipped with enduro gear. These include an aluminium engine guard, steel crash bars, valve cover guards, headlight guard, wider endure footrests, adjustable footbrake lever and a safety screw for the oil filler neck. The competition bikes will also feature Metzeler Karoo 2 Tyres and a wide variety of original BMW Motorrad accessories too. Besides that, each competitor will receive a bag containing a selection of quality clothing plus an array of technical equipment required for the rally. You can stay up to date with the progress of the week-long GS Trophy 2016 rally via its dedicated website, www.gstrophy.com. You can also track updates on social media through the rally’s #gstrophy hashtag. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/pinlock-releases-new-range-of-kits-for-2016/

Pinlock releases new range of kits for 2016

Dutch OEM brand Pinlock releases a new range motorcycle gear and accessories for 2016. Dutch specialist original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Pinlock has released wide variety of new products and accessories this year. With much of which revealed during last year’s EICMA 2015 show, some of the brand’s new products see it expanding its forte beyond its core product – anti-fog helmet lens inserts. 2016 sees Pinlock not only expanding its range of anti-fog helmet lenses and pins, it also introduced several new items to enhance rider protection further. Highlights here include its new Adjustable Protection System (APS), followed by an earplugs set, as well as its new Pulse LED high-visibility vest system. Much of these items availability in Malaysia is largely dependent on partnering OEM brands, but Pinlock states some of these items are now available through popular online stores such as RevZilla and Race Visors UK. Here’s a detailed look at Pinlock’s new range of kit released for the new year. Lenses and Pins For the Pinlock brand, its biggest contribution through motorcycling safety comes from its range of anti-fogging helmet lenses and its accompanying pin-locking systems. A wide variety of leading helmet makers presently offer their products equipped with Pinlock’s anti-fog lenses and pins, adding great value to their products in the process. For 2016, Pinlock has released three new lenses comprised of the Pinlock 30, Pinlock 70 and Pinlock 120. Designed for ideal daily use, the entry-level Pinlock 30 is available in just one size that fits all Pinlock 30-prepared helmets available in the market. Though Pinlock states that it offers just medium-level fog-resistance, the firm states that this entry-level product’s performance exceeds ECE standards in mist-retardant tests. Next up comes the premium Pinlock 70 range of lens inserts. Not only does it offer strong level fog resistance thanks to its use of Pinlock’s 100% MaxVision technology, its fitment is customisable according to brands and can be had in a variety of colours. Sitting at the top of the range now is the new Pinlock 120, which stands as Pinlock’s extreme-level performances for professionals. Again, the Pinlock 100% MaxVision tech grants this kit its unrivalled extreme-level fog-resistance abilities, having proven itself well in top-level motorsports such as MotoGP and WSBK. Like the Pinlock 70, the Pinlock 120 also offers customisable fitment according to helmet brand plus a range of lens colour options as well. Lastly comes the range of pins offered by Pinlock, available in three forms – Push Pin, 3 Component Pin and the Tear Off Pin. The Push Pin system stands as the default kit for all Pinlock lenses, with the 3 Component Pin adding a degree of adjustability and the Tear Off Pin designed primarily for racing use. Protection – Earplugs, APS and Pulse 2016 also sees the Pinlock brand focusing some of its attention in the area of rider protection kits beyond its helmet lens inserts and pins. Perhaps the most ingenious system amongst this lot is the Pinlock Adjustable Protection System, or APS in short. Basically, APS allows riders to adjust the placement of built-in armour to their specific body measurements. Besides improving the protective capacity, it also offers a more comfortable and custom fit. For EICMA 2015, the Pinlock APS system was demonstrated using a range-topping riding pants from acclaimed riding apparels brand Macna. Also showcased during EICMA 2015 was the Pinlock Earplugs. Unlike regular earplugs, the Pinlock unit features advanced filters that reduce wind noise without causing a muffled or unnatural hearing experience. Riders would also have the ability to hear normal conversations without filtering important traffic sounds like sirens, horns or approaching vehicles. The Pinlock Earplug comes in a set of two sizes all-day comfortable to fit almost every rider, and was cleverly designed for riders by having the ability to stay fixed when putting on and taking off one’s helmet – a common issue with most regular earplugs. Next up comes the eye-catching Pinlock Pulse LED high-visibility vest system. The Pulse system uses a series of LED lighting units to increase a rider’s visibility during the event of an accident where the biker is separated from his/her bike. THe Pinlock Pulse system adds a high frequency pulsating emergency light system that uses multiple indicators to measure the position of the rider on the bike. It ensures that the rider is highly visible, and clearly marks which avoiding action that other road users should undertake. Besides integration in Pinlock’s on hi-vis vest, the brand also states that the Pulse system will also be available as integrated technology (LED casing and electronics), offering a wide array of integration possibilities in motorcycle clothing as a result. More information can be obtained online by visiting pinlock.nl. Pinlock @ EICMA 2015 Pinlock 2016 product range Image credit: Pinlock PR --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/yamaha-planning-new-range-of-yzf-motorcycle/

Yamaha Planning New Range Of YZF Motorcycle

Earlier in March 2021, it was revealed that Yamaha is planning to introduce an all-new YZF-R7, based on the MT-07 CP2 twin-cylinder 689cc engine. However, the news also triggered the possibility of an R9 using the MT-09 CP3 triple-cylinder 890cc powerplant. *Yamaha YZF-R7 Now, let us get to the best part. Recent reports (by the good people from Motorcycle.com) revealed that Yamaha had filed a new trademark application in Japan involving a full range of YZF models, ranging from the R15, R20, R25, R2, R4, R5, R8, and R9 with the R7 already on its way. source: Motorcycle.com Let us remind you that these trademark applications do not necessarily mean that the name will put into place; instead, it is sometimes a strategy to avoid other company from using them in the future. Nonetheless, there is still a high possibility that Yamaha is planning to introduce some of these models especially involving a small-displacements model. *Yamaha YZF-R15 Theoretically, the engine for the R9 is ready, and the R7 has been certified, which put these two as the most logical model to be introduced, but we think Yamaha might follow the footsteps of their Japanese rival, Honda, by introducing a 500cc version of the YZF to go against the CBR500R. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/ten-motorcycles-named-racetracks-part-2/

Ten Motorcycles Named After Racetracks (Part 2)

Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans Mk I - courtesy of www.motorcyclespecs.co.za There was a time when manufacturers named their motorcycles after racetracks. The names were as memorable as they were interesting. Here’s the final part of this series, closing with a bike that’s currently in production. We complained in Part 1 of this series about how boring new motorcycle names have become, but in Part 2 Ten Motorcycles Named after Racetracks, there is one current bike in production which is named so and thankfully, it goes as great as its name. Can you guess which one is it? 5. Moto Guzzi V50 Monza Moto Guzzi V50 Monza – courtesy of www.madeinitalymotorcycles Moto Guzzi was clearly in financial problems in 1973 when De Tomaso took over with the backing of the Italian government. The management decided that smaller, less expensive bikes was the solution, resulting in the 500cc V50 and 350cc V35 in 1976. They were less than popular, so Moto Guzzi created a more powerful version of the V50 called the Monza in 1980. V35 also went through a similar makeover and was named the Imola. 4. Yamaha RD400F Daytona Special Yamaha RD400F Daytona Special – Courtesy of www.motorcycleclassics.com Named after the infamous Daytona track, the 1979 RD400F Daytona Special commemorated Yamaha’s successes at the track and also the last of street-legal two-strokes in America. When the RD350LC introduced, it was only sold in Europe but imported in the States as a competition-only motorcycle. 3. Triumph Daytona 500 Triumph Daytona 500 – courtesy of www.bikesrestored.com When American racer Buddy Elmor won the 1966 Daytona 200 aboard a Triumph Tiger 100, it was the first victory at the track for Triumph. Triumph then launced a 500cc, twin-cylinder roadster called the Daytona to commemorate their feat (there was also a Tiger Daytona in 1967). Moving forward to the current Triumph Motorcycle Ltd era, the Daytona name was used specifically for the Hinckley-based manufacturer’s sportbikes. The Daytona lineup were universally praised for its performance and sublime handling until being phased out in 2017. 2. Moto Guzzi Le Mans Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans Mk I – courtesy of www.motorcyclespecs.co.za Moto Guzzi build the 850 Le Mans Mk I from the iconic 1971 750cc V7 Sport, which was the first production motorcycle to feature a five-speed gearbox and hit 200 km/h. Guzzi upped the displacement to 850cc, as well as adding new disc brakes. It was the world’s fastest and best handling motorcycle of its time. Guzzi called it the “Le Mans” after the infamous racetrack in France. The 1976 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans Mk I is most collectible Italian motorcycle today (sorry, Ducati). 1. Triumph Thruxton/Thruxton R In 1965, Triumph hand-built 52 bikes as homologation specials in order to contest in the Thruxton 500 mile (800 km) production endurance race. Many enthusiasts believe that it was this series of races that created the café racer era as standard production motorcycles were modified for extra performance. In 2004, John Bloor’s Triumph Motorcycles Ltd. produced the new Thruxton 900 as the café racer of the new modern classic Bonneville lineup. In 2016, the Thruxton was revised and featured the new 1200cc liquid-cooled engine. A “hotter” R version was also added which featured Brembo brakes, Ohlins shocks and Showa BFF forks. The result is the new Thruxton R is the best factory café racer in the market. Triumph Thruxton R Test & Review --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/would-you-ride-this-electric-suitcase-scooter/

Would you ride this electric suitcase scooter?

Japanese firm launches electric suitcase scooter thingy called the GeeRideCase made for travelling through airports and exhibition halls. Gloture introduces the GeeRideCase electric scooter that’s roughly the size of a suitcase. It’s an all-electric personal mobility solution intended for use through airports and such. It measures 535mm x 287mm x 605mm and weigh in at 7.5kg. It features a 250W electric motor and 74Wh lithium ion battery pack allowing speed of 10KM/H. Meet the GeeRideCase, an all-electric personal mobility solution that looks like a suitcase but is in fact an electric scooter. This suitcase scooter thingy is the brainchild of Japanese firm Gloture, and its reported intended use is rather surprising. According to Gloture, the GeeRideCase is designed to give its users a personal mobility solution, specifically through airports and exhibition halls. The former perhaps explains why this electric scooter looks like a suitcase. Power comes from a compact 250W electric motor and 74Wh lithium ion battery pack, which Gloture says can propel the 7.5kg GeeRideCase up to 10KM/H. It also reportedly promises higher performance and longer usage time through its use of a constant speed low energy consumption motor type. As for size, the GeeRideCase measures at 535mm x 287mm x 605mm. Regarding its usage through airports, it does hold some serious doubts. After all, this isn’t exactly a ‘lightweight’ luggage you can check in over the counter for a flight, and you’d still need to give it up at the gate before actually boarding the aircraft too. Perhaps the GeeRideCase will find better use for travellers commuting through train stations instead, especially if the stations are as large as they are in Japan. As there are no weight penalties for carrying such a ‘luggage’ on trains, it could potentially be an efficient ‘last-mile’ solution ala the Honda Motocompo, albeit a greener and quieter one at that. Despite its ingenious approach to personal mobility, and the fact that users don’t need a license to operate one, this adoption of this electric suitcase scooter en masse remains to be seen. Perhaps as electric propulsion and battery tech continue to both advance and shrink in size over time, it might make more sense for use in air travel… --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/check-japans-badass-motorcycle-cops/

Check Out Japan’s Badass Motorcycle Cops

Today, it was announced in the Japanese press that the country is getting a squad of off-roading police bikes. That’s good, because some of them have been practicing. Since 1969, police officers from across the country have competed in the “All Japan Police Motorcycle Safety Riding Competition.” The goal of the event is to promote riding safety as well as show off the officers’ skills. P Of course, there are police motorcycle events in other countries (and many of them are very impressive!). This event, however, is divided between male and female officers (further divided up by height), spans several days, and includes slalom, trail riding, and motocross. All of this should come in handy for the new off-road unit. That group will apparently be the first of its kind in Japan, to be deployed when roads are too treacherous for cars or standard police bikes to navigate—such as after an earthquake or other natural disaster. Below, you can see some of the male officers competing: And here are some female officers. Fine riding all around. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/fiat-mv-acquisition-rumour/

Rumour: Fiat interested in MV?

According to Italian bikes site Moto.it, rumour has it that the Fiat Group are looking to acquire the MV Agusta bikes brand. If the rumour is true, then the Fiat Group is undoubtedly seeking to emulate what rivalling German auto consortium Volkswagen Group AG have done with their purchase of Ducati S.p.A via proxies Audi AG and Lamborghini S.p.A. Netiher Fiat nor MV have commented on the rumour, but it is widely believed that MV are in need of a substantial financial boost in order to preserve its existence. MV recently rid itself of debt from Harley-Davidson after president Claudio Castiglioni repurchased the brand from fully from H-D. The best thing for the Varese-based bikes brand’s future is to either have a private equity firm invests in it, or allows itself for acquisition by a larger company such as Fiat. Since the famed Bologna-based Ducati is now in reality German-owned, the thought of the Turin-based automaker acquiring MV could spell out a good Italian romance. Plus, Google Maps will tell you that Turin and Varese are just 150km apart of each other. Given how EU carbon emission laws work, there is some value for car companies to have a two-wheeled subsidiary in its portfolio. Example, Volkswagen’s ownership of Ducati has offset the carbon emissions average across all its brand range significantly, allowing for its supercar sub-brands such as Bentley, Bugatti, and Lamborghini the freedom to continue their operations. However, some experts view that the non-monetary benefits of having MV Agusta are simply just not there for Fiat. Some are even still dissecting Volkswagen true overall gains from its proxy ownership of Ducati. Given the erratic conditions of the EU auto industry, we simply cannot predict how things would go. Fiat could acquire MV and start what we believe could be a long-standing marriage for all we know. Only time will tell. Source: Moto.it via Asphaltandrubber --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/honda-rs-x-repsol-edition-announced-just-5000-units-for-rm9948-each/

Honda RS-X Repsol edition announced, just 5,000 units for RM9,948 each

Honda RS-X Repsol edition with special MotoGP colourway option announced, but only 5,000 units planned, each retailing for RM9,948. Honda RS-X Repsol edition announced, with just 5,000 units planned. All come dressed in Repsol Honda livery as donned by the RC213V MotoGP bike. The Honda RS-X Repsol edition commands a base price of RM9,948. Looks like Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd (BSH) is responding to rivals Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn Bhd (HLYM) with a limited-run special-liveried iteration of the Honda RS-X supercub. The Penang-based institution announced the availability of the Honda RS-X Repsol edition earlier today. Just like the Yamaha Y16ZR World GP 60th Anniversary edition, the Honda RS-X Repsol will be limited to just 5,000 units. Aptly, as pictured here, this version of the RS-X comes dressed in the signature Repsol Honda donning the RC213V MotoGP bike. In other words, you can now rock this supercub on the streets in the same race colours as Marc Marquez and Pol Espargaro. As expected, there are no changes mechanically. You still get a liquid-cooled 150cc DOHC single-cylinder and six-speed manual powertrain setup, the former delivering a peppy 15.8HP and 13.6NM – slightly less than the Y16ZR’s 17.7HP and 14.4NM figures churned out from its 155cc SOHC single. BY the way, we’ve recently tested the Honda RS-X in an equally tasty HRC-inspired Trico colourway, which you can read up on by clicking here >>> Review: Honda RS-X. Of course, this special colourway does come at a price, and the Honda RS-X Repsol edition commands RM9,948 – RM1,260 more than the regular RS-X. Unfortunately, while the Y16ZR MotoGP special includes a few special gifts with each purchase, BSH did not mention any gifts included in this offering. Nevertheless, this may not be a deal-breaker considering this special edition of the RS-X still costs less than said Yamaha which commands a higher base price figure of RM11,688 instead. Yamaha Y16ZR World GP 60th Anniversary Edition Honda RS-X Repsol Edition So which MotoGP-inspired supercub will be your choice? This rather basic yet sporty and ABS-equipped Honda, or the peppier but pricier Yamaha? Gallery – Honda RS-X Repsol --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/bmw-motorrad-records-best-ever-quarterly-performance/

BMW Motorrad records best ever quarterly performance

BMW Motorrad deliveries up by 7.7% in first quarter of 2016. German marque BMW Motorrad is reeling in from a highly successful first quarter – the firm’s best quarterly performance ever in fact. The firm revealed that it has delivered a total of 33,788 bikes to customers in the first quarter of 2016, marking a healthy 7.7% hike from the 31,370 units it delivered in the same period last year. Much of this is fuelled by its sales in March this year where it recorded 16,465 units being delivered to customers. However, this is merely the growth of sales from BMW Motorrad’s large displacement model range, but that is expected to shift with the introduction of the BMW G310R small capacity model (pictured above). For now, it is the flagship BMW R 1200 GS adventure model that is leading the charge with 11,391 units sold, followed by the BMW S1000RR superbike in second with 2,385 units sold. Unsurprisingly, the S1000RR’s sport-adventure offshoot the BMW S1000XR ranks third with 2,206 units sold. Notably, BMW Motorrad is recording much of its healthy sales growth in the European and Asian regions. Highlights include growth of over 39% in Spain, 9.2% in the UK, 6.4% in Italy, 5.6% in its German home market and 2.4% in France. BMW also highlighted that sales of its long-running F-series models (F700GS and F800GS) have also exceeded last year’s overall sales performance figures whilst its refreshed C 650 maxi-scooter line in reportedly “on target”. At this rate, the firm looks set at eclipsing its 2015 sales performance where it generated nearly €2 billion (read about that here). Source: BMW Motorrad via Asphaltandrubber --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/the-new-gen-kawasaki-ninja-zx-6r-zx-4r-screamer-is-coming-to-malaysia-in-2024/

The New-Gen Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R & ZX-4R Screamer Is Coming To Malaysia In 2024

Two icons of two-wheeled exhilaration are poised to ignite the Malaysian motorcycle scene as Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd (EMOS), the official distributor of Kawasaki motorcycles in the country, unveils an electrifying announcement: the all-new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and the eagerly-awaited Ninja ZX-4R are set to make their thunderous debut on Malaysian roads in 2024. The Ninja ZX-6R and Ninja ZX-4R will arrive in Malaysia sometime in 2024.  The Ninja ZX-6R producing just shy of 130bhp despite meeting the latest emissions standard while the ZX-4R pumps out 79.1hp (with Ram-Air).  Roslan Roskan, Chief Executive Officer of Modenas, disclosed that the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is charging its way to Malaysian shores during the recently concluded Kawasaki X Modenas Green Mania held at Gamuda Cove, Dengkil.  The Ninja ZX-6R flaunts its remarkable prowess after a comprehensive update to meet the stringent Euro5 homologation standards. Riding in tandem with the ZX-6R is the enigmatic Ninja ZX-4R, an exciting newcomer poised to carve its own niche in the world of high-performance motorcycles. The spotlight shines brightest on the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, a testament to Kawasaki’s relentless pursuit of perfection. The centerpiece of this superbike is its reinvigorated 636cc liquid-cooled engine, meticulously tuned and tested to meet Euro5 standards—a remarkable achievement that sets it apart from its rivals, the Yamaha R6 and Honda CBR600RR. Not content with just compliance, Kawasaki engineers have pushed the boundaries, subjecting the engine to rigorous testing to ensure it surpasses expectations. The Ninja ZX-6R’s update isn’t just under the hood; it boasts an array of advanced features that elevate its performance and rider experience. Showa’s Separate Function Big Piston Forks enhance handling, while a quickshifter and three-mode traction control system provide riders with unparalleled control. Multiple power modes and riding modes allow for personalised experiences, and a 4.3″ TFT dash with smartphone connectivity keeps riders informed and engaged, even while on the move. Meanwhile, the spotlight also falls on the daring Ninja ZX-4R, a pocket rocket powered by an all-new 399cc inline-four, water-cooled 4-stroke DOHC engine. Capable of a heart-pounding 79.1hp with Ram-Air, this compact powerhouse delivers excitement in abundance. Boasting a rev limit exceeding 15,000rpm, the ZX-4R inherits the DNA of its sibling, the ZX-25R, and shares the same trellis frame, showcasing Kawasaki’s commitment to innovation. The suspension prowess of the Ninja ZX-4R is equally notable, thanks to Showa’s SFF-BP forks at the front and a horizontal back-link at the rear. Distinguishing the variants is the suspension package: the base model features SFF-BP forks, while the SE and RR boast front forks with preload adjustment. The RR, in particular, enjoys the Showa BFRC-lite rear shock, a nod to its high-performance lineage. Technological wizardry is in full force with the Ninja ZX-4R, featuring all-LED lighting, Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), and an array of four power modes catering to varying riding conditions. The SE and RR versions elevate the experience with a two-way quickshifter and a 4.3-inch LCD color display replete with an integrated ‘Track Mode.’ As the countdown begins for the arrival of the new-gen Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and the thrilling Ninja ZX-4R, the Malaysian motorcycle landscape is poised for an adrenaline-infused transformation. These two masterpieces, representing the epitome of engineering and innovation, are set to captivate riders and enthusiasts alike. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/video-stunting-new-honda-crf1000l-africa-twin/

Video: Stunting with the new Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin!

Epic video shows all-new Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin adventure bike doubling up as a stunt bike! We all know that the all-new 2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin is a very capable adventure bike. The high ground clearance, long-travel suspension, versatile 998cc powerplant and knobby off-road tyres are all good indications of this, but perhaps this stunt rider saw things differently. As you can see in the featured video that was (presumably) shot somewhere in Europe, the stunt rider takes the new flagship adventurer from Honda to hoon for the crowd. From wheelies and stoppies to burnouts and donuts, it appears as if the new Africa Twin could take it all. One thing for sure, this stunt rider has proven that the new Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin is more than just a highly capable adventure! Introduced into markets worldwide earlier this year, the new Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin is the spiritual successor to the legendary and iconic Honda XRV750 Africa Twin from 1989. The new Africa Twin sees it reliving its predecessor’s renowned off-road and enduro abilities. The original Africa Twin has four Paris-Dakar Rally wins to its credit and, based on some of the overseas reviews we’ve read, the new Africa Twin lives up to that creed rather well. 2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin However, we’d like to point out one important bit regarding this video. The stunt rider was certainly riding the manual transmission version and not the DCT-equipped version. We reckon that the Honda DCT suite is good for touring and off-road adventure rides, but definitely not for stunting. Source: YouTube via LaneSplitter@Jalopnik --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/chinese-made-harley-davidson-x350-and-x500-shown-in-new-type-approval-documents/

Chinese-Made Harley-Davidson X350 And X500 Shown In New Type-Approval Documents

Harley-Davidson first announced its partnership with China-based Qianjiang Group back in 2019 as part of a plan to expand its range to smaller-capacity motorcycles. Harley-Davidson to roll out the Chinese-made X350 and X500 in Asia soon.  The smaller capacity Harley-Davidson will be built by Zhejiang Jisheng Motor Vehicle Co. Ltd.  Back then, the small Harley was referred to as the 338R, further confirmed by a leaked photo that revealed the side profile of the motorcycle.  However, the latest type-approval filed in China has revealed that not just one but two bikes have been approved for sale in the country with the name X350 and X500.  Accompanying the type-approval document is two photos that showcase the X350 and X500.  Firstly the X350 looks identical to the early sketches Harley showed back in 2019, mainly the flat-track-inspired bodywork. According to reports, the upcoming X350 shared most of its components from QJMotor’s SRK350 and Benelli’s 302S, including the same 353cc parallel-twin engine.  That said, the document revealed that the X350 makes a good 36hp but tips the scale at 195kg, making it a pretty heavy bike. In addition, the X350 is also fitted with the same rubber as the 302S, 120/70-17 at the front and 160/60-17 at the rear.  Meanwhile, the X500 features the same frame and engine as Benelli’s Leoncino 500. The X500 makes 47hp and weighs in at 206kg. Despite being fitted with the same front and rear wheels as the X350, the larger bike features radial-mount callipers and a bigger brake disc similar to the Leoncino 500. For your information, both of these bikes will be made by Zhejiang Jisheng Motor Vehicle Co. Ltd, a joint venture company set up by Harley-Davidson and Qianjiang in China.  --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/ewan-mcgregor-and-charley-borman-to-ride-harley-davidson-livewire-in-long-way-up/

Ewan McGregor and Charley Borman to Ride Harley-Davidson LiveWire in Long Way Up?

Ewan McGregor and his ridding buddy Charley Borman may ride the Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle in the documentary Long Way Up. It seems like a compromise as the two are ambassadors to Moto Guzzi and Triumph, respectively. The program will cover their trip from South America to Los Angeles, USA. Ewan McGregor and his ridding buddy Charley Borman may just ride the Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle in the upcoming documentary Long Way Up. The trip will see the duo travel from South America to Los Angeles, California instead of all the way to Alaska as expected earlier. South American media spotted four of the electric bikes and support trucks being offloaded in Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina. While we’re not criticizing the LiveWire, it has a highway range of up to only 150 km and 235 km in the city. However, it’s charging times that may drag the trip into a longer period of time. On the other hand, Harley announced that they’ve fast chargers that juice up the bike to 80% capacity in 40 minutes and 100% in an hour. They may be supported by a pair of electric Rivian R1T trucks that have a range of up tp 650 km. These trucks will undoubted carry DC chargers for the bikes. Riding Harleys seemed to solve the problem of representation. McGregor is the ambassador for the Moto Guzzi V85TT while Borman is the ambassador for Triumph Motorcycles. Many had expected to see the guys on two different bikes in this sequel. They rode the BMW R 1200 GS in Long Way Round in 2004 and Long Way Down in 2007. The Long Way Down – Courtesy of BBC It’ll be a high-profile branding exercise for the Motor Company, that’s for sure. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/motogp-valentino-rossi-tests-positive-for-covid-19-again/

MotoGP: Valentino Rossi tests positive for COVID-19 again

Three rounds remaining in the 2020 MotoGP world championship, and it looks like Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi might just miss more of these races as he once again tested positive for COVID-19 on 3 November 2020. He now has one last chance to test negative twice if he wants to able to compete in Valencia this weekend. According to the nine-time world champion, “This virus is very complicated and serious. I felt bad for two days, then in a few days, I came back to being fully fit, at my 100%. I self-isolated at home all the time and I followed the medical advice closely. It‘s a very sad and difficult situation, but that‘s the way it is.” “Unfortunately, yesterday (3 November 2020, Tuesday), I had another test and it came back positive again, like all previous ones. Luckily, I still have two more chances to be back on track on Friday or Saturday,” added Rossi. Garrett Gerloff (left) The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP squad has brought an American replacement by the name of Garrett Gerloff. He was chosen to pilot the Yamaha YZR-M1 this weekend due to his racing creds in WorldSBK as well as MotoAmerica where he has collected many wins and podiums throughout his career. If Valentino Rossi tests positive again tomorrow, Gerloff will be taking over his role in the Yamaha factory team. This is also an indicator that Yamaha is not interested in bringing in their current test rider and multiple world champion, Jorge Lorenzo, into the mix. We’ve heard some trouble in paradise as the Spaniards are currently talking to Aprilia to become their test rider for 2021. 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 introduced – V4, V4 S & V4 S Sport Written by: Sep Irran --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/why-buy-a-honda-pcx-electric-when-you-can-rent-it/

Why Buy a Honda PCX Electric When You Can Rent it?

Honda Japan will lease-sell the Honda PCX Electric to corporations and sole proprietorships in Japan. They are targeting lease-selling the bike across Southeast Asia, as well. The PCX Electric uses two removable batteries. The Honda PCX Electric will soon be available for lease sale in Asia. The bike uses the popular PCX platform which has proven its worth in many countries across Asia. The scooter is well-known for its styling, comfort, reliability and fuel economy. The PCX Electric, on the other hand, uses a 4.2 kW motor. The motor is fed by two 48V high-energy density lithium-ion batteries called Honda Mobile Power Packs, in turn. The batteries are removable for charging outside the vehicle. The owner may also charge with the batteries inside the bike. Honda says the charging time takes approximately 4 hours using the optional charger (batteries out of the bike), and 6 hours with the batteries in the PCX. A full charge provides a range of up to 41 km. Honda targets corporations and sole proprietors for the lease sales project. Besides that, they are also looking forward to lease-selling the PCX Electric to other countries in Southeast Asia. The manufacturer will also embark on a project to collect feedback from customers regarding their experience in using an electric scooter. Additionally, a bike-sharing service in the Tokyo district, besides a tourist destination bike-rental service experiment will commence in spring 2019. Lease sales means one pays the monthly rental for a stipulated amount of time, and the manufacturer will provide a new bike upon the commencement of a new contract. Vehicle lease sales is currently practiced in many developed countries but has not taken a firm hold in Malaysia. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/ducati-streetfighter-v2-in-the-works/

Ducati Streetfighter V2 in the works

The 2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4 was just revealed earlier this year and no one in the industry doubts its power and beauty. However, 208hp from its 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine might just be too powerful for some. Ducati’s solution? A smaller-capacity and more manageable Ducati Streetfighter V2 for the everyday masses. Ducati has stated their plans to possibly put the Ducati Streetfighter V2 into production for those who are into aggressive Italian naked bikes. The Panigale family got theirs during the Ducati World Premiere 2019 in the form of the 2020 Ducati Panigale V2, which is essentially an upgraded version of the 959 Panigale. 2020 Ducati Panigale V2 The 2020 Ducati Panigale V2 is marketed as a superbike for ‘beginners’ (we know but compared to the Panigale V4, it makes sense to label it as a more manageable bike to ride even for newer riders) so it would make complete sense for Ducati to push sales up a bit with an ‘entry-level’ Streetfighter. If this goes into plan, the Streetfighter V2 will most likely carry the same 955cc twin-cylinder Superquadro engine from the Panigale V2 which produces 155hp at 10,750rpm and 104Nm of maximum torque at 9,000rpm (plus all the electronics & premium parts previously missed from the old 959). In the European market, the 2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4 is marketed at a price range of 20% cheaper than its full-fairing Panigale V4 brethren. If that formula applies here in good ol’ Malaysia, it might mean that if the Streetfighter V2 arrives, it’ll be competitively priced somewhere around the RM80,000 mark. It might seem like a lot, but this price assumption sits perfectly between the current Ducati Hypermotard 950 (RM75,900) and the Ducati 959 Panigale (RM100,900). All things aside, the Streetfighter V2 might actually do well considering its cult following from the likes of the Ducati Streetfighter Malaysia Owners Community aka “Streetfighterholic”. We don’t know about you, but a new mid-range Streetfighter is always welcomed in our open arms. Ducati Memorabilia MotoGP & WorldSBK bike parts for sale! --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/ducati-to-launch-entire-2019-line-up-at-ducati-world-premiere-2019/

Ducati to Launch Entire 2019 Line-up at Ducati World Première 2019

Ducati will launch their full 2019 line-up at the Ducati World Première 2019. The event is slated for 4th November in Milan (5th November in Malaysia). The launch is 2 days prior to the start of the EICMA motorshow. Ducati announced on their website that they will unveil the entire 2019 line-up on 4th November 2018, two days before EICMA. The event is called “Ducati World Première 2019,” and begins at 7pm, Milan time (1am, 5th November in Malaysia). This means the event is just after the Malaysian MotoGP. We thought we had seen all of Ducati’s 2019 models, but apparently not. The Italian manufacturer has since launched the 2019 Multistrada 1260 Enduro and the Scrambler family which consists of the Icon, Full Throttle, Café Racer, and Desert Sled. Besides them, the XDiavel will receive new colours and the Diavel 1260 will be updated. So, what else? The Panigale V4R. There could be more. Well, Ducati is tight-lipped about it at the moment, so we will have to wait until then. Anyway, Ducati is inviting everyone to the party. Virtually, that is. The Ducati World Première 2019 will be telecast “live” on Ducati’s official website and Facebook page. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/asia-talent-cup-kunimine-wins-race-1-in-sepang-finale/

Asia Talent Cup: Kunimine wins Race 1 in Sepang finale

Takuma Kunimine dominates Race 1 in Round 6 of the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup 2015 in Sepang, Malaysia. The Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup 2015 season finale kicked off in full-swing today with its first race of the weekend. Held in the hazy late afternoon as the support event to the weekend’s 2015 Shell Malaysian MotoGP, the region’s worsening haze proved little deterrence to the youngsters as they set off for their 13-lap race. Victory was claimed by Japanese rider Takuma Kunimine. Though the champion’s title slipped away from him in the last round held in Japan, Kunimine remained determined to solidify his position as the runner up in the series’ championship standings. Kunimine put on a masterclass in the race as he started from pole position after yesterday’s Qualifying. Though the race lead changed hands several times, Kunimine’s race tactics proved unbeatable as he took the chequered flag in first with a secure gap of 3.385 seconds separating him from second place rider Andi Izdihar of Indonesia. Completing the podium was Japanese rider Yuta Date after he crossed the line in third with a gap of 3.388 seconds behind Kunimine and a close 0.003 away from Izdihar in second. The home team, comprised of full-time riders Fakhrusy Rostam, Adam Norrodin, Azroy Anuar, Helmi Azman and Shafiq Rasol, plus two wildcards Ahmad Idham Khairuddin and Luth Hartih Erwan had their fair share of battles throughout the 13-lap melee. However, just Fakhrusy, Adam and Azroy managed to classify themselves in the top 10, scoring valuable points for themselves here too. The best performance from the home contingent today came from riders Fakhrusy Rostam and Adam Norrodin. Fakhrusy managed to end the day strongly in 5th place whilst Adam, who was in the lead group at one point, settled for 7th place ahead of Azroy in 8th. Further down the order saw Helmi Azman classifying 11th, followed by Shafiq Rasol in 12th, Ahmad Idham in 14th and Luth Harith in 20th ahead of Australian wildcard Matt Barton in 21st. Race 2 will commence tomorrow at 4:30pm just after the MotoGP main event, where it will last 13 laps once again. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/zaqhwan-banking-honda-advantage-qatar/

Zaqhwan banking on HONDA advantage in QATAR

Zaqhwan Zaidi has claimed that winning the 2014 PETRONAS Asia Road Racing Championship title this weekend is not impossible given Honda’s good track record at the Losail International Circuit in Doha, Qatar. Musashi Boon Siew Honda Racing has enjoyed a string of unbroken wins at the desert circuit with former riders, Ryuichi Kiyonari and Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman winning the races to secure the SuperSports 600cc overall title in 2012 and 2013 respectively. Zaqhwan is further boosted by a remarkable set of performance in 2014, improving on his 2013 form with a win and two podiums – in his third premiere class campaign. The 19-year old is currently ranked third overall in the standings with 125 points, 22 points adrift championship leader, Katsuaki Fujiwara (BEET Kawasaki Racing) while Yuki Ito (PETRONAS Hong Leong Yamaha) is sandwiched between them with 140 points. The newly crowned Cub Prix Champion gave an assessment of his chances and said, “It is not impossible that I can win the title because Honda performs exceptionally well at the Losail Circuit that demands for superior and smooth handling. I will be banking on that to fight for the podium and the championship.” However, Zaqhwan also acknowledged, “But at the same time I anticipate this weekend to be extremely tough because firstly I expect Yuki Ito to be strong. Since Autopolis he’s been exceptionally quick, so he is a real contender. Then with Fujiwara we cannot forget that he won the 2011 title and his experience is more than Yuki and mine combined and I am certain he still has a few tricks up his sleeve.” “So to try to fight for the championship with these two guys we have to push our limits.” --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/honda-dct-for-superbikes-hinted/

Honda DCT for superbikes hinted

Honda DCT for superbikes reportedly under development. Rumour has it that a new Honda DCT (dual-clutch transmission) gearbox specificially for superbikes is currently under development. Honda DCT engineer Kosaku Takahashi was quoted by British site Visordown recently as he states that the firm is presently working on adapting its DCT technology for superbikes. Honda is the first motorcycle manufacturer to have successfully applied the DCT gearbox into its production bikes starting with the Honda VFR1200F. The DCT transmission was first offered as an option in the sport-touring model. Honda VRF1200F Besides the VFR1200F, the Honda DCT gearbox is also primed in several other models including the NM4 Vultus, the NC700X dual-sport, as well as the new and flagship CRF1000L Africa Twin adventure bike. The main challenges in priming the Honda DCT into superbikes lie in the transmission type’s heavy weight and large size resulting from the presence of two clutches. Unlike a conventional motorcycle transmission, the Honda DCT is in fact wider and heavier with current version of the transmission adding a further 10kg in the total weight of the models offering it. Honda NM4 Vultus Honda NC700X DCT 2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Takahashi has however pointed out that Honda is working to combat these size and weight issues for use in superbikes and sports performance models. He further added that if Honda raced two bikes of identical weight against each other, with one using a traditional gearbox and the other using DCT, the DCT-equipped bike would be quicker thanks to the DCT’s benefits of seamless shifts and reduced loss of drive during shifts. Will the Honda RC213V MotoGP bike get a DCT in the future? Takahashi did not disclose exactly haw far in he and his team have progressed here with sources, but he did highlight that even if the Honda DCT is applied in the Honda RC213V MotoGP bike, it would be faster than one equipped with a regular transmission. Should Honda successfully develop its DCT for superbike, we could likely see it offered as an option in the next generation Honda CBR1000RR, which is due for replacement soon. Sources: Visordown / AutoEvolution --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/harley-davidson-owners-group-pj-and-desmo-owners-club-malaysia-camaraderie-ride/

Harley-Davidson Owners Group PJ and Desmo Owners Club Malaysia Camaraderie Ride

The Harley-Davidson Owners Group PJ (HOG PJ) and Desmo Owners Club Malaysia (DOCM) Camaraderie Ride rode out for brunch and durian on 30th July 2019. It showed that the bond among bikers transcends motorcycle brands and types. More than 100 bikers joined the ride. The Harley-Davidson Owners Group PJ (HOG PJ) and Desmo Owners Club Malaysia (DOCM) Camaraderie Ride showed that the spirit of comradeship among bikers transcends they makes and types of motorcycles. The two groups assembled at The Gasket Alley on 30th July 2019 for a light breakfast, before riding to Tanah Aina Fareena in Kampung Temiang, Karak. There, the now single group of riders were served brunch and durian from the nearby hills. It was a short ride and visit as it was a public holiday and the group headed back to Kuala Lumpur just after lunch. What’s more important is that there has always been a general (and wrong) perception that owners of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and likewise those on Ducati bikes do not ride with those of other brands. This ride puts those views to rest. Cillia Lob, Ladies of Harley Officer said, “There is perception that Harley-Davidson and Ducati bikers don’t ride together given the different riding styles. But this is one of the first and many more camaraderie rides to foster greater brotherhood and sisterhood among bikers, like our HOG PJ tagline, Lets Ride or Stay Home.” DOCM President AInul Hasri said, “It was a spectacular sight as almost 100 Harley-Davidson and Ducati bikes roared out of The Gasket Alley to Janda Baik for brunch.” “Bikers from DOCM and HOG PJ bonded and enjoyed each other’s warm presence while admiring each Italian and American beauty. Our ride proved the strong relationship that all riders have innately know, which is respect and care towards all riders, irrespective of their machines. I hope that we can foster this relationship between DOCM and HOG PJ further by having more joint community engagements. This is true to DOCM’s motto of Our Ride, Our Pride.” Do note that there were four riders on the new Moto Guzzi V85TT on this ride, too. We hope to see more such cross-brand rides in the future, to put brand-centric misconceptions to the rest. PICTURE GALLERY 1 of 16 --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/who-malaysia-is-third-in-road-deaths-in-asean-and-asia/

WHO: Malaysia is Third in Road Deaths in ASEAN and Asia

Courtesy of freemalaysiatoday.com According to the WHO, Malaysia has the third highest rate of road accident deaths in ASEAN and Asia. Malaysia recorded a 23.6/100,000 road accident fatality rate which equals 7,152 cases. More than 60% were motorcyclists and pillions. We published a report months ago about Thailand being the deadliest in terms of road accidents in ASEAN and Asia, but a new report shows that Malaysia is in third place. The report was based on the WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety (2018). But here’s another look, especially since Malaysia is the “third deadliest.” Rate vs. number There’s been concern about reports highlighting accidents as rates i.e. XX/100,000, compared to pure numbers. For example, India has the most deaths due to road accidents in the world. The rate was a relatively low 22.6/100,000 (lower than even Malaysia’s 23.6/100,000) due to the sub-continent’s massive population of more than 1.3 billion. In actual fact, 150,785 were killed in 2016. Another instance was Indonesia who recorded 31,282 road accident fatalities in 2016. However, it became one of the “safest” as the rate was an incredibly low 12.2/100,000 due to her 261 million population. However, rates serve as a method of looking at the number of people among the population who is likely to be involved in a fatal road accident. More Malaysian data A report in The Star Online today has shed some light with some raw data. Again, the WHO report in December 2018 includes data from 2016. In 2016, there are: A total of 27,613,120 vehicles in Malaysia. 13,123,638 were cars and four-wheeled light vehicles. 12,677,041 were motorized two- and three-wheelers. 1,191,310 heavy trucks. 59,977 buses. 561,154 other types of vehicles. The writer also highlighted that a total of 91% of motorcyclists wear helmets, while 87% of their passengers did. There was still no concrete number of deaths involving motorcyclists, but it is a well-known fact that it constitutes to approximately 60% or higher. But more alarmingly, the writer stated that only 75% of the motorcyclists killed wore helmets. We think that there may be some discrepancy in this number, but it could be that the victims involved must have lost their helmets due to improper fastening or wearing old and/or non-regulated helmets. Motorcyclists bear the brunt It’s no surprise that we motorcyclists bear the brunt of road accidents, regardless of the party at fault. But the motorcycle is the only form of transportation some of us could afford. The WHO acknowledges this by saying, “It is also a social equity issue with vulnerable road users bearing a disproportionate share of risk, injury and fatality.” What needs to be done The BikesRepublic.com team have been harping on the need to revamp our driver training methodology and syllabus for many years, even before the start of this magazine. This call has fallen on deaf ears. Road users be they car drivers, motorcyclists, truck/bus drivers are taught on the procedures needed to pass their licensing tests and little more else. Yes, there’s the addition of theory lessons to the traditional highway code but how many actually remember even 10% of that? Every student is only looking forward to obtaining his license. Thus, the best way to teach driving etiquette and skills is at the practical level. Which is unfortunately missing. This is what really should be done instead of setting everyone loose on the roads and them figure everything out by themselves. Worse, everyone blames everyone else. Isn’t it better than subjecting the people to punitive measures while saying that you wish for accident rates to come down? It won’t happen automatically. The authorities should look into this if they are really serious about lowering accident and fatality rates. Source: World Health Organization and The Star Online --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/motogp-marc-marquez-out-stefan-bradl-in/

MotoGP: Marc Marquez out, Stefan Bradl in

You know you have to stop riding when you break the titanium plate that was put in by the doctors to fix your broken arm. That’s exactly what happened to Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez, where news has finally confirmed that he won’t be taking part in this weekend’s MotoGP race in Brno, Czech Republic after his second operation in a span of less than two weeks. It was a heroic effort for the defending MotoGP world champion to even think of competing in the last Andalucia GP round in Jerez, Spain and with HRC not wanting to take any more chances with its number one rider, the decision to sit out from this weekend’s Czech GP was announced in order for Marquez to fully recover. This also means that their test rider, Stefan Bradl, will be taking over his racing duties on board the Honda RC213V. The former Moto2 world champion is also said that he might just sit in for Marquez for the entire month of August or three rounds in total (two back-to-back races in Austria). If that’s the case, that’s probably the end of Marc’s 2020 championship as he’s already 50 points behind the leader, Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT). According to Stefan Bradl, “First of all I want to wish Marc a speedy recovery, what he did in Jerez was incredible and he showed that he has the true spirit of a champion. I am looking forward to riding the Honda RC213V again, due to the global pandemic we have not been able to test as we would normally so it will take some time to adjust to the bike and MotoGP again but I have ridden the superbike a few times so I know my fitness is good. It’s a challenge I’m looking forward to, competing with the Repsol Honda Team is always a great honour and I am pleased to help Honda. Let’s see how the weekend goes.” MotoGP: Malaysian GP officially CANCELLED --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/enjoy-extra-rewards-this-week-at-shell-fuel-stations/

Enjoy extra rewards this week at Shell fuel stations!

Shell Malaysia welcomes back all of their customers to their petrol stations nationwide with some extra rewards via their latest #AkuRindu campaign. Four special offer awaits customers who are getting back on track after the long MCO period to curb the spread of COVID-19 here in Malaysia. According to Shairan Huzani Husain, Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd, “COVID-19 has been a challenging time for everyone, impacting all aspects of our lives including our health, travel, lifestyles, and most importantly our livelihoods. Now as the nation inches closer towards recovery, we see signs of Malaysia coming back to its feet as people become acclimatised to the new normal.” “At Shell, we would like to say, ‘Welcome Back!’ to all Malaysians, and we are offering a few special rewards at all of our stations nationwide to thank customers for their support. We hope our #AkuRindu campaign helps customers recharge, renew, and reap extra value so they can go well on all their journeys, wherever they may go,” added Mr Shairan. From 1-4 June 2020, Shell customers can take advantage of different special offers conducted daily, which are: 1 June 2020 – Enjoy 5X BonusLink Points for every (1) litre of fuel purchased 2 June 2020 – 50% discount on any Advance AX7 Motorcycle Oil (limited to first 10 customers) 3 & 4 June 2020 – Purchase a Cornetto Ice Cream (Vanilla or Chocolate) or Goodday Milk (Full Cream or Chocolate, 250mL) for only RM1.00 each + “Buy-1-Get-One-Free” offer at Deli2go For more information, head over to www.shell.com.my/AkuRindu. Terms and conditions, apply. Work as a rider for a year with AEON & get a FREE bike! --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/made-kalex-moto2-race-chassis/

How it’s made: Kalex Moto2 race chassis

The Moto2 race category is clearly dominated by one bike manufacturer which is Kalex. With a technologically-advanced chassis, almost 70% of the entire intermediate race class used Kalex in the 2017 season. Riders like Johann Zarco, Franco Morbidelli and even Hafizh Syahrin all used Kalex bikes for a very good reason. Image source: MotoGP We Malaysians are all too familiar with the world of Motorcycle Grand Prix. With the country’s main goal in getting a national rider into the top of the league, there are a few worthy candidates who have been racing brilliantly in the intermediate and novice classes which are Moto2 and Moto3. The most well-known racing athlete currently showing consistent and strong performance these past few years is none other than Hafizh Syahrin. The 23 year old from Selangor has been competing remarkably especially the last two years and part of his achievement goes out to his Kalex race machine. Image source: MotoGP For your information, the Moto2 category is run with the same Honda CBR600RR inline-four engine for all race bikes. The major difference out of all of them would be the chassis each team uses. The most popular is without a doubt Kalex who dominated the top 10 with seven different riders including the 2017 Moto2 world champion, Franco Morbidelli. Image source: MotoGP In fact, out of the 45 riders who have competed in the 2017 Moto2 season, 30 of them used Kalex chassis. The others consisted of six Suter, three KTM, three Speed Up, two Tech 3 and one NTS race bike. Image source: Kalex Even the great Johann Zarco who has is the only person to have won two back-to-back Moto2 world titles used Kalex machinery back in 2015 and 2016. So what makes Kalex so darn popular in the intermediate race category? To know more about Johann Zarco as our very own ‘Rider of the Year 2017’, check out the link below. BR’s Rider of the Year 2017: Johann Zarco The Moto2 series is certainly one of the most conservative race categories in which the teams will opt for anything that has a slight advantage over the next. In a race where much of the specs are controlled, teams will do whatever it takes to get that extra edge. In the recent years, we saw quite a substantial shift from the majority using Suter chassis to Kalex. With a chassis that has been proven to have a better success rate than others (coupled with a major R&D package and construction processes), Kalex is widely considered as one of the best in the business. So, it’s very interesting to witness how the race chassis is made and Kalex has provided us so with this very nice video, below. The question is, will 2018 be another great year for Kalex or will KTM take away the crown as ‘the best in its class’? Only time will tell and we simply can’t wait for the season to start. Image source: MotoGP --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/2021-suzuki-katana-arrived-at-local-dealership-rm77989/

2021 Suzuki Katana Arrived At Local Dealership – RM77,989

Suzuki Malaysia officially announced the availability of the 2021 Katana at the local dealership. The hyper-naked motorcycle now joins the arrival of the 2021 GSX-R1000 and GSX-R1000R in Malaysia. Suzuki Malaysia has yet to release the pricing, but our initial survey at Suzuki’s dealership reveals a price tag of RM77,989. The 999cc Katana produced 147hp @ 10,000rpm and 108Nm @ 9,500rpm mated to a 6-speed transmission. While the original Katana was based on the GS1100E, the new generation Katana is built upon the proven of the GSX-R1000 and GSX-S1000. The 2021 Katana offers smooth shifting and engine braking thanks to Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS), a technology borrowed from the GSX-R1000R. Other exciting features include: twin-spar aluminium frame fully-adjustable KYB suspension Suzuki Advanced Traction Control twin Brembo monobloc callipers Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) The interested party can take a closer look at the 2021 Katana at Suzuki Malaysia authorized dealers nationwide. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/bmw-motorrad-centenary-celebration/

BMW Motorrad Centenary Celebration

Sign-up online and test-ride a new BMW bike today in the BMW Motorrad Centenary Celebration campaign. Something special is brewing over at BMW Motorrad Malaysia. The firm has initiated the BMW Motorrad Centenary Celebration campaign that invites all to sign-up for test-rides and perhaps more. All you need to do is head on over to the firm’s website and register your details for the test-rides. You can also choose from TEN authorised dealers to conduct your test-rides in. For your ease, here’s the link to the registration page: http://www.bmw-motorrad.com.my/shtml/bmw_centenary_celebration.shtml If you’ve always wanted to test-ride a new BMW bike, perhaps now is the time and the BMW Motorrad Centenary Celebration campaign might just hold something special for you. Alternatively, you can also visit any authorised BMW Motorrad dealer nationwide to know more. If you haven’t heard just yet, the famed Bavarian automotive brand is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. This campaign is being held in conjunction with the brand’s centenary worldwide. While you’re at it, you can read feature of the 12 Greatest BMW Motorrad Bikes Ever by clicking here. You can also read how the famed German two-wheeled brand’s Malaysian arm rose to success in the last few years by clicking here. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/eligible-fuel-subsidy-recipients-can-check-status-online/

Eligible Fuel Subsidy Recipients Can Check Status Online

Image source: springadvertise.co.za Recipients of Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH) who are eligible for fuel subsidies can check their status online. Recipients may also update their status in the website. Non-BSH recipients but who are eligible for the subsidy are not listed in the website. Owners of motorcycles 150cc and below are eligible, subject to certain conditions. Recipients of Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH) who are eligible for fuel subsidies can check their status online. The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has set up a website for such purpose. You may follow this link to do so at psp.kpdnhep.gov.my. Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the recipients’ data were based on the information provided during application for the BSH aid scheme. “We also cross-checked vehicle ownership information with the Road Transport Department’s database and the ministry has identified 2.9 million individuals from the B40 group who are eligible for the fuel subsidy,” he said. However, he admitted that the data needs further improvement and urged those in the B40 group to check their status. Those who could not find or wish to update their information may do so by filling out the appeal section in the website. He also added that those in the B40 group who have just bought a vehicle that is eligible for the subsidy to apply with the Road Transport Department (JPJ). The website does not list people who not BSH recipients but are eligible for fuel subsidy. The process to submit their application will be announced later. Under the fuel subsidy scheme, eligible motorcycles must be 150cc and below. Those above 150cc must be at least seven years old. As for cars, they must be 1600cc and below, or more than 10 years old for cars above 1600cc. The subsidy will be deposited in the recipients’ bank accounts every four months. Motorcycle owners will receive RM 12 per month, while car owners will receive RM 30 per month. Non-BSH recipients who are eligible will also receive a Kad95. The card allows for a discount of 30 sens per litre of RON 95 petrol; up to 40 litres per month for motorcycles and 100 litres for cars. The public may also contact the ministry via 1-800-886-800, or email psp@kpdnhep.gov.my or WhatsApp 019-2786356. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/triumph-daytona-moto2-765-unveiled-at-british-motogp/

Triumph Daytona Moto2 765 Unveiled at British MotoGP

riumph Daytona Moto2 765 The Triumph Daytona Moto2 765 was unveiled at the British MotoGP over the weekend. It is a tribute to Triumph’s role as the exclusive engine supplier in Moto2. Only 1,530 will be built. The Triumph Daytona Moto2 765 was unveiled at the British MotoGP over the weekend. As the “Moto2” moniker suggests, the bike is reputed to carry some Moto2 components and technology. It is a tribute to Triumph’s role as the exclusive engine supplier to the championship. 1 of 2 The manufacturer will build only 765 units for the American market, while another 765 are allotted for the rest of the world; for a grand total of 1,530 units. As we reported earlier, the Moto2 engine is based on the 765cc triple found in the Street Triple. It is then modified for racing, but most of the engine remains standard. The Daytona Moto2 765 features new pistons, camshafts, titanium conrods, intake stacks and modified ports. Maximum revs go up by 600 RPM to 13,250 RPM. The pistons bump compression ratio to 12.9:1. Additionally, there are titanium intake valves and DLC-coated cylinders. The revisions yield 128 hp at 12,250 RPM and 80 Nm torque. It may look like small gains over the stock Street Triple RS engine (121 hp, 77 Nm), but this Daytona should be much lower than the RS due to a carbon fibre bodywork. 1 of 3 It also features Ohlins NIX30 forks and TTX36 monoshock, Brembo Stylema brakes, race-style TFT screen. 1 of 3 The unveiling of the Daytona Moto2 765 is interesting because Triumph have been introducing limited-edition models then follow up with “regular” models thereafter. That could very well mean the volume production Daytona 765 is coming soon. 1 of 4 --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/2021-aprilia-rsv4-caught-on-camera/

2021 Aprilia RSV4 caught on camera

We’re all waiting for the imminent arrival of the 2021 Aprilia RS 660 middleweight sports bike and already the folks over at Noale, Italy have been busy developing their latest superbike offering, the 2021 Aprilia RSV4.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Motomaniaci social official (@motomaniaci) Spyshots of this new 2021 Aprilia superbike were posted on Instagram by @motomaniaci but judging by the quality of the photos, you might think that the dude stumbled across a mythical creature. The blurry photos clearly indicated his or her excitement upon stumbling upon the 2021 Aprilia RSV4, which might be going around town for testing purposes. If this is true, then we can assume that the 2021 Aprilia RSV4 will carry a new design DNA similar to its smaller sibling, the RS 660. You would think that this might just be an oversized RS 660, but that huge side exhaust might just be the giveaway of an RSV4. 2018 Aprilia RSV4 RF Limited Edition Unlike the RSV4 1100 Factory, the bike seen in these photos doesn’t have those tasty aero-fairings or winglets. The rest of the dimensions seem to resemble the current model, apart from all the blacked-out parts and details. There’s still no news on when this model will be introduced, but we’re guessing that it’ll be sometime next year. To be on the safe side, it is most likely that what you’re seeing is just an updated version instead of a completely new model altogether. Stay tuned for more updates. MV Agusta Superveloce 75 Anniversario sold out within SECONDS! Written by: Sep Irran --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/enhance-your-ducati-streetfighter-v4-with-a-new-sport-package/

Enhance Your Ducati Streetfighter V4 With A New Sport Package

Ducati has introduced an exciting new Sport package for the Streetfighter V4. This package aims to enhance the performance and aesthetics of the already impressive Streetfighter V4 range. the package includes Akrapovic high performance exhaust.  The Sport package, available for all three models of the Streetfighter V4, promises a reduction in weight and minor performance enhancements. Among the notable components included in the package are refined billet aluminum tank caps, brake, and clutch levers, as well as handlebar counterweights. These additions not only add a touch of sophistication but also contribute to an improved riding experience. Performance enthusiasts will also appreciate the option of upgrading the exhaust system with Akrapovic, a renowned manufacturer of high-performance exhaust systems.  The Akrapovic exhaust offers two options: a titanium body with carbon end caps that replaces the stock silencers, resulting in a weight reduction of 0.8kg, or a full-titanium system that provides a 6% increase in mid-range power and torque while shedding 5.5kg off the bike’s weight. The full exhaust swap includes a race-derived polyester air filter and an engine map tailored to the increased performance. For those seeking to further customize their Streetfighter V4, Ducati offers a range of carbon components, including front and rear mudguards, an instrument cover, a tank cover, a pinion cover, wings, and a number plate holder. These carbon additions not only add a sporty aesthetic but also contribute to weight reduction. With the introduction of the Sport package, Ducati continues to push the boundaries of performance and style, offering riders an enhanced and personalized experience on their Streetfighter V4 motorcycles. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/2020-brixton-crossfire-500-unveiled-for-european-market/

2020 Brixton Crossfire 500 unveiled for European market

It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything from Brixton Motorcycles, but the Austrian manufacturer is back with the latest and biggest bike yet, the 2020 Brixton Crossfire 500. Unveiled for the European market, the finalised specs have been released on their official website. Sitting pretty thanks to its modern café racer design, the 2020 Brixton Crossfire 500 is equipped with 486cc inline-two liquid-cooled engine that produces a healthy 47hp at 8,500rpm. Weighing in at 190kg, it’s certainly one hell of a bike to look at thanks to its very seductive stance and dimensions. Customers can choose between two contemporary colour options which is only applied to the fuel tank: Backstage Black or Bullet Silver. The standard model is fitted with all LED lights (including DRLs), digital meter panel, J. Juan brakes with ABS, stainless steel exhaust, and Pirelli Angel ST tyres wrapped around spoke wheels. There’s also the Crossfire 500 X model which comes with a different set of handlebars, saddle, plate hanger, and a set of dual-purpose Pirelli MT60 rubbers. Expect the bike to arrive at authorised dealers across Europe sometime in August this year. Considering how good and sexy everything looks, the 2020 Brixton 500cc model is priced at a super sensible €6,249 (RM30,085) for the standard unit and €6,549 (RM31,532) for the X. There’s no news on whether this bike will arrive here in Malaysia but if you’re interested in the brand, you can get the Brixton BX150 series launched back in 2018. More details in the link, below. 2018 Brixton BX150 series now in Malaysia! From RM8,988 --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/2018-yamaha-xmax-250-test-review/

2018 Yamaha XMAX 250 Test & Review

The Yamaha XMAX 250 is the biggest scooter officially sold by Hong Leong Yamaha. It is more of a GT scooter compared to the NMAX and NVX. The new basic selling price is at RM 21,225.00 with 0% GST. Sure, scooters are the embodiment of convenient motorcycling, to the stage of being lazy – nothing else you need to do but to fill up, twist and go. Besides that, I don’t need to worry about slinging a backpack hence neckaches and backaches, since I could throw everything into the storage space under the seat. But, I’ve never actually considered owning a scooter prior to this; due to the fact that their suspension gets hammered followed by my spleen over sharp bumps or potholes. If that’s not bad enough, their front tyres weave about when cornering. Those two factors alone had always put a damper on my enthusiasm. But what about this new Yamaha XMAX 250? I was looking forward to testing the new MT-09 and was a little smitten when Hong Leong Yamaha Motor only had this XMAX available during the time. Well okay, for the benefit of our readers who do like scooters, I acquiesced to the offer. WHAT IS IT? Hong Leong Yamaha Motor is the one manufacturer who offers a wide selection of scooters in the Malaysian motorcycle market. The XMAX 250 on the other hand, is powered by a 250cc, single-cylinder engine, making it the biggest scooter officially offered by HLYM. While the rest could be considered “city” scooters, the XMAX is of the maxi/GT type. As such, the XMAX is much larger in size, complete with a large windscreen and bigger fuel tank. The underseat trunk is also much bigger and you could fit a couple of helmets, or a helmet and a backpack filled with a 15” laptop. WHAT FEATURES DOES IT HAVE? There instrument panel is also large in size, dominated by a large speedometer and tachometer, flanking an LCD multi-display in between. There are storage compartments on each side of the front panel – the left is locked with the ignition while the one on the right is unlockable. A 12V cigarette lighter type outlet is on the left, enabling you to charge your phone on the go. The XMAX also features the SMART Key system first seen on the NVX. It needed a little figuring out at first, but it becomes second nature soon enough. Once you’re used to it, you’d swear that it’s the best motorcycle locking system. For example, it’ll warn you if you’ve forgotten to arm it. The XMAX is one of the best-selling scooters in Europe, therefore it’s equipped with ABS and TCS (traction control) as standard equipment. Those beautifully designed headlamps are fully LED with LED “positioning lights” (other manufactures call them daylight running lights). The taillights were equally good-looking and they were LED too. The turn signals remain as normal bulbs, though. WHAT WAS THE FIRST IMPRESSION? The seat was taller than it looked. Although the spec sheet described the seat height at a low 795mm, I had to move one cheek off the seat just to tip toe on one foot like I was on an adventure bike. The wide portion under the seat was the cause. And surely enough, the test bike had been dropped on one side. The handlebar is placed lower than on most scooters and it felt sporty. That placement also meant that my view of the instrument panel wasn’t blocked at all. The seats were definitely comfortable and supportive. HOW DID IT PERFORM? The 250cc, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine features Blue Core enhancements, including variable valve timing (VVT). It started up quickly every time and there was very little vibration for a scooter. The fun of a twist ‘n’ go is of course the acceleration and the XMAX accelerated very quickly all the way to its redline. Hold on to it and you’ll hit a little more than 140 km/h. However, the bike was very economical. We managed to obtain 324 km from 11 litres of fuel despite our heavy-handed testing and we had to fill it up only once in the nine days that we had the bike. But best of all, the XMAX 250 never once shook its handlebar when we blasted it through fast, sweeping corners unlike other scooters. The handling was confidence-inspiring, and I didn’t hesitate in taking up to Genting Highlands. At night. On these roads, it was a joy to ride the XMAX as I could just swing it into the corners. It had plenty of cornering clearance and took lots of lean angle to scrape the centrestand. Even then, it never once threatened to chuck itself down the road (or off the mountainside) at full lean. The brakes were superbly strong although they felt a little vague at full pressure, possibly due to the rubber hoses. However, that’s just a personal preference as I’m sure owners will find them pretty strong in standard trim. Another thing I noticed was the brake levers didn’t pulsate when ABS was triggered. Instead, the levers actually extended slightly to the front when that happened, allowing me to maintain maximum brake pressure. The headlights were bright as a much-welcomed feature in the fog. Down Karak Highway, I could ride the XMAX almost as if it was a normal bike, surprising a few car drivers along the way. As for the suspension, it was a good balance between comfort and performance. Big potholes still translated to big hits but they were a lot more damped out than other scooters and mopeds. CONCLUSION The Yamaha XMAX 250 is a great scooter for the daily commute and also some touring. Its great looks is matched by its great performance, especially because it doesn’t wobble in corners, but also due to its practicality and economy.   So I guess I’ve found the scooter that I’ve been looking for.   --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/petronas-genuine-engine-oil-now-available-on-shopee-and-lazada/

Petronas Genuine Engine Oil Now Available On Shopee And Lazada

PETRONAS Lubricants Marketing Malaysia Sdn. Bhd (PLMMSB) a subsidiary of Petronas Dagangan Berhad (PDB) has now expanded its range of two-wheels (Sprinta) and four-wheel (Syntium) engine oil to the e-commerce platform. Petronas has begun to sell its genuine engine oil on Shopee since the mid of 2020 via PETRONAS Official Store.   The initiative allows customers to get their hands on a wide range of premium products based on the type of vehicle, level of viscosity, fully synthetic, semi-synthetic or mineral lubricants. “This is part of our efforts to ensure customers always have access to genuine and high-quality Petronas lubricants. “Customers can now get a wide range of Petronas engine oil quickly and easily via these e-commerce platforms,” said Hardeep Singh, CEO of PLMMSB. Meanwhile, customers can also purchase Petronas AutoExpert service vouchers at Lazada via Petronas Official Store at an affordable price. Customers can also enjoy exclusive merchandise with every purchase of Petronas Sprinta, Syntium and AutoExpert voucher. --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/hjc-helmet-malaysia-rpha-11-and-rpha-70-appreciation-night/

HJC Helmet Malaysia RPHA 11 and RPHA 70 Appreciation Night

HJC Helmet Malaysia organized a selfie contest for RPHA 11 and RPHA 70 wearers. The winners went on to join the RPHA 11 and RPHA 70 Appreciation Night. They were treated to Deadpool 2 at the cinema. HJC Helmets has tied up with Marvel Comics for a time now, hence we see superhero themed helmets from the Korean helmet manufacturer hitting the streets and track. Referring to the link below, you should be able to spot your favourite Marvel Comics characters, including Captain America, Spiderman, Venom, Ironman, The Punisher, Black Panther, and not forgetting everyone’s favourite anti-hero and “The Merc with the Mouth” Deadpool. HJC Helmet Malaysia Introduces New Models The themes are spread across HJC’s range of helmets, from the CS-15 to the FG-ST, IS-17, RPHA 70 and RPHA 11. Hence in order to commemorate the opening of Deadpool 2 movie in Malaysia, HJC Helmet Malaysia organized an RPHA 11 and RPHA 70 contest on their Facebook page, calling for followers and fans to post selfies of themselves in the two helmets. HJC Helmet Malaysia then picked out the winners. The winners joined members of the media at the RPHA 11 and RPHA 70 Appreciation Night, to catch the much anticipated Deadpool 2 at the cinema. HJC Helmet Malaysia had also brought along the IS-17 Deadpool helmet for display and preview. Besides Marvel Comics, HJC has also tied up with Star Wars and the animated movie series Cars. Helmets with those themes are also available or on the way to Malaysia. So stay tuned! HJC Helmets Featuring Marvel’s Deadpool and Ghost Rider! --Ads--

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/new-shark-race-r-pro-gp-helmets-coming-soon/

New Shark Race-R Pro GP helmets coming soon!

We know for a fact that there are new Shark Helmets launched in Europe, and the one that goes us interested the most has to be the Shark Race-R Pro GP. This FIM-certified lid now comes in a variety of colours and graphics, and we have a feeling that it’ll arrive here in Malaysia soon. For starters who like something a bit more ‘minimalist’ but still want something to stand out, you can opt for any of the three Shark Race-R Pro GP 30th anniversary colours. You have the very sexy Black Carbon Pearl, Red Carbon Black, and White Carbon Black. These are limited edition models, so if they do arrive here in Malaysia, be sure to get as soon as possible. With its COVA shell (Carbon On View + Aramid), this race-approved helmet is very light and strong at the same with the ability to stand against the tests of time. All of its inner parts have been refined to absorb any vibrations and shocks as well as providing optimal damping in case of a crash. That huge spoiler at the back provides optimum aerodynamic properties which can eject itself when you fall to quickly limit the effects of secondary shocks. We pray that will not happen to anyone, but it’s better to have all these safety aspects just in case. It also comes with Optical Class 1 visor that won’t distort the user’s vision. Regarded as one of the best full-face helmets that are priced competitively, the Shark Race-R Pro GP also comes in two special designs in honour of one of the greatest MotoGP world champions, Jorge Lorenzo. During his winter test stint with the Yamaha factory squad, you can see him wearing the special edition Race-R Pro GP finished in Carbon Anthracite Red or Carbon Anthracite Blue. We’re eagerly waiting for the arrivals of these new lids, but if you’re looking for special deals, just head over to any of the Shark Helmets Malaysia authorised dealer located across the country. Try one out, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what they have to offer in terms of performance, style, as well as safety. PDRM to launch new operation that targets modified bikes Written by: Sep Irran --Ads--