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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/test-ride-2016-harley-davidson-sportster-iron-883/ | Test-ride: 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 |
Revisions are small and subtle all round, but the 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 is now better refined.
For Harley-Davidson, the Sportster model range plays a huge and critical role in its line up – it stands as a gateway for H-D in presenting its unique outtake of motorcycling towards new riders unfamiliar with the marque. At the core of this are two key variants – the Sportster Iron 883 and Sportster Forty-Eight.
Both variants underwent a mid-life refresher sometime last year before making its official Malaysian debut just last month. While it may be the smaller version of the two, the Iron 883 held great promise with its new enhancements. When our turn to test it finally came, we quickly got it going on the open road to see just what these small tweaks have done.
Being a ‘bobber’, the Iron 883 fully embraces the sub-genre’s typical styling traits perfectly. Key examples of this include the shortened rear fender, low handlebars, as well as the absence of unnecessary exterior parts. Matching this ‘stripped’ approach is our test unit’s unique green hue called ‘Olive Gold’, followed by the contrasting blacked-out accents and alloy wheels.
Like its predecessor, this revised 2016 H-D Sportster Iron 883 still looks the part – just as it has always been. While it is hard to see on the surface, this bobber’s most critical improvements only comes into view when we got it out on the open roads.
Much of the talk revolved around the Iron 883’s improved suspension setup. New here are the cartridge-style front forks with triple-rate progressive springs plus a calibrated piston and valve stack, as is the rear’s emulsion-tech rear shocks that offers pre-load adjustability of up to 50mm.
For me at least, and I’m adamant that the Iron 883 is a bike that didn’t match my age really, the ride felt quite sublime and very refined. Even in stock factory settings, the spring rates and dampers effortlessly soak up the bumps and cracks common on Malaysian roads. It isn’t a bone-crunching affair thanks to the improved new seat design as well that offers more padding than before.
What matched that sublime ride was the Iron 883’s comfortable riding position and ergonomics. The standard or mid-mounted foot control positions, as well as the low height of the handlebars dictates an upright riding position. But the position of the handles and the slightly forward footing felt naturally comfortable, even for a tall and lanky sub-six footer.
Furthermore, these small revisions also allowed H-D to shed some weight, enhancing the Iron 883’s agility further as well. The claimed laden weight of 255kg means you’d still be muscling the Iron 883 around, but one easily basks in the bike’s planted feel and impressive stability when tackling bends, even at its maximum lean angles of 27-degrees (left) and 28-degrees (right).
Of course, no H-D review is complete without having a word or two about its powertrain. In our test unit’s case, our only gripe with the V-twin mill was the stock twin silencer exhausts’ muffled soundtrack. It was embarrassing to say the least, especially when out riding amongst other H-D bikes primed with aftermarket pipes.
Thankfully, the generous offer in torque from the 883cc air-cooled Evolution V-twin that makes up for it. It peak offer of 71Nm comes from as low as 3,750rpm, which is sent to the rear through a five-speed transmission and belt-drive system – the latter being another signature H-D trait.
The initial delivery felt rather punchy, but it quickly smoothens out when in the top-end. Typically, the setup felt like the perfect cruising engine, with its sweet spot lying anywhere between 100km/h and 130km/h.
Also worth mentioning is the fact that ABS is now primed as standard. The twin-piston calipers up front still needs a good pull in the lever, but this time you need not worry about lock-ups. What felt equally reassuring were the grip levels of the made-for-H-D Michelin tyres shod in those blacked out alloy wheels too.
All in all, H-D have done a cracking job indeed at revising the Sportster Iron 883. One just needs to consider swapping those stock pipes for a Vance & Hines set, and perhaps adding a little side or front saddlebag too for added practicality. The only other challenge left is whether one is willing to meet the Iron 883’s slightly steep asking price of RM89,000.
A Harley owner says:
I haven’t been riding Harleys for very long, just about six months since I bought the 2013 Sportster Forty-Eight. I am in love with the Forty-Eight. Sure there are a million things that are wrong with it, but as is the case with loving any lady, you have to find the beauty in the flaws.
The Iron 883 is no different, don’t get me wrong, it is a wonderful bike – there is something truly special about a big engine in a small frame with a small tank, minimal electronics and not much else – but consider it a white canvas for a bike customiser.
The Olive Gold colour (yes it is gold and not green) somewhat suits the bike and eventually grows on you. The engine hasn’t changed much and though it is a smaller engine than the 1200cc I am used to on the Forty-Eight, it still had a surprising amount of torque. I love that about Harleys, how you can just ride a wave of torque without downshifting.
The handling is typical of a Sportster, there really isn’t much ground clearance before the ‘hero-blobs’ start scraping the road, takes a true hero to lean the bike down any further. But it feels lighter than other Harleys, and that is a good thing on twisty roads or when making sharp turns. The turning radius is much better than the Forty-Eight, thanks to handle bars that offer a good reach for tall or short riders.
It definitely needs aftermarket exhausts though, the standard ones just don’t cut it as a Harley. But that is what owning a Harley is all about isn’t it? You basically buy a good standard bike that has the entire look chiselled out, and all you have to do is work on the exhaust, handle bar, and the suspension for the right stance. In that sense the new Iron 883 has completely nailed it, it is an amazing bike.
It takes someone who understands the appeal of a Harley to appreciate this bike though, when we did the photoshoot about this bike we invited a bunch of friends who also ride Sportsters to join in. Everyone showed up with their custom sportsters and we expected to tough talk the new Iron 883, but all of them gave their seal of approval, especially the colour. So that’s saying a lot about the bone-dry, stock standard Sportster Iron 883.
If you are looking to get into the Harley game with the Iron 883, go for it, do it, just make sure to book a set of Vance & Hines exhausts as well, you will thank us for it.
by Keshy Dhillon
2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/youngest-solo-world-rider-henry-crew-now-malaysia/ | Youngest solo world rider Henry Crew is now in Malaysia! |
Solo world rider Henry Crew is currently halfway on his journey to set the new Guinness World Record as the youngest rider to circumnavigate around the world.
Riding his Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled, he’s already covered 18 countries in the past four months and is now here in Malaysia.
Henry Crew is also raising funds for the Movember Foundation where he hopes to raise £35,000 (around RM182,913) by the end of his journey.
Henry Crew: 35000 miles
Today Mo Bro Henry Crew begins his epic journey to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the world by motorcycle. Powering his ride is a cause close to his heart, Movember's mental health initiatives. Follow and support Henry at 35000miles.com.
Posted by Movember Foundation UK on Isnin, 2 April 2018
It was back in April when we got to know that a 22-year-old British lad had set off on a journey of epic proportions. While most of us were busy trying to ‘find ourselves’ at that age, Henry Crew rode out on a solo journey around the world with the goal to set the new Guinness world record as the youngest person to ever do so.
You don’t need to look like an ‘adventure biker’ or even have an ‘adventure bike’ to have an adventure. @scramblerducati @ducatiuk @movember @revit_official @revit_adventure @revit_urban
A post shared by Henry Crew (@henrycrew) on Jun 12, 2018 at 10:05am PDT
After over four gruelling months on the road riding his sponsor-filled Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled, Henry Crew is now here in Malaysia and ahead of schedule in setting a new Guinness world record. Out of all the places we could run into him, lady luck was on our side when his close friend recommended him to visit the GB Workshop located at The Gasket Alley in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
We managed to have a quick chat with Henry while the certified technicians took a look at his very bruised but tough Ducati Scrambler. According to Crew, Malaysia marks his halfway point of covering a distance of 35,000 miles or 56,327km around the globe and as it is, he already so many wonderful experiences to share.
Today’s views were truly remarkable. “Moon Land” really lived up to its name! @scramblerducati @ducatiuk @movember @revit_official @revit_adventure
A post shared by Henry Crew (@henrycrew) on Jul 6, 2018 at 8:55am PDT
35 countries and six different continents are currently in the works and he has already covered the UK, France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Thailand, and now, Malaysia!
His journey so far has been quite an epic adventure where his most recent achievement was riding through the Himalayas! However, this soon-to-be a new record-setting trip of a lifetime is not just for show. With a heart of gold, he is helping to raise funds and awareness for the Movember Foundation where he hopes to raise £1 for every mile he will travel which will totals up to a whopping £35,000 (around RM182,913)!
What’s the most insane road you’ve ever ridden? Tomorrow we were going to ride the highest motor-able road in the world but they have brought in new permits which means I need to be in a group of two foreigners and organise a tour. @scramblerducati @ducatiuk @movember @revit_official @revit_adventure
A post shared by Henry Crew (@henrycrew) on Jul 5, 2018 at 5:56am PDT
His next stop will be Australia and after that will be Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, USA, Morocco, Spain, France and finally, back to the UK. In order for Henry to set a new Guinness world record, he needs to arrive back home before his next birthday which falls on 11 May 2019.
We here at Bikes Republic wishes this lovely young lad all the best in his endeavours and hopes that he is able to set the new world record as well as raise enough funds for charity. Keep calm & ride on, Mr. Henry Crew!
To know more about Henry Crew’s epic adventure, head over to his official Instagram page by clicking HERE or head over to www.35000miles.com!
2018 Ducati Scrambler 1100 has arrived in Malaysia! From RM83,000
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/2019-aprilia-rsv4-1100-factory-gets-214-bhp/ | 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory Gets 214 BHP |
The 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory sees its engine capacity increased to 1078cc.
The increase brings maximum power to 214 bhp and torque to 122 Nm, while weighing 199 kg wet.
The new bike will also feature winglets on its fairing.
It looks like manufacturers are upping the horsepower game since the introduction of the Ducati’s Panigale V4. The latest on the list is the 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory.
The new RSV4 1100 Factory’s engine will produce 214 bhp, upstaging the Panigale V4’s by 1 bhp. That makes the Aprilia the most powerful naturally-aspirated sportbike.
Following in the footsteps of their Italian superbike rival, Aprilia will be producing 2 RSV4 variants of different engine capacities. The RSV4 Factory sees its 65o V-Twin capacity increased to 1078cc. On the other hand, the 1000cc RSV4 RR is the homologation model for superbike racing.
It isn’t just about a power increase, however. Torque has also been increased to 122 Nm. Additionally, Aprilia has lowered the weight of the RSV4 1100 Factory to just 199 kg, fully fueled. The Bosch lithium-ion battery and titanium Akrapovic exhaust system contributes to the weight reduction.
By the numbers, the 2019 RSV4 1100 Factory is 5 kg lighter, produces 16 more horsepower and 6.8 Nm more torque than the previous model.
Another obvious change are the winglets that are evolved from the 2018 Aprilia RSV4 RF LE.
Brembo’s latest Stylema front brake calipers perform braking duties for the front. They are lighter yet more rigid than the outgoing Brembo M50 Monobloc. Gripping the discs are more aggressive brake pads. Look closely and you will notice air ducts for the front calipers.
Front forks are Öhlins NIX with 125 mm travel (5 mm more) for better cornering. An Öhlins TTX shock suspends the rear end.
There are new steering bushings that steepen the rake angle. There is a 2 mm reduction of the steering yoke for less trail.
The steering changes results in a 4 mm shorter wheelbase. The swingarm has also been stiffened.
Last but not least, Aprilia have also upgraded the APRC electronics suite.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/small-motorcycles-kapchais-banned-entering-kuala-lumpur/ | Should small motorcycles be banned from entering Kuala Lumpur? |
Small motorcycles, or kapchais as they are known, may be banned from entering the city in a proposed move to reduce carbon emissions in Kuala Lumpur
Yes, you read that right. There might be a day where small motorcycles or “kapchais” won’t be allowed to roll into the city centre in an attempt to reduce carbon emissions and pollution. In reference to Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, the idea of banning small motorcycles and commuters from entering Kuala Lumpur will be put into discussion once a reliable and affordable form of public transportation is put into place.
Honda Wave Dash Fi
In an article written by The Star, Tengku Adnan stated that the population increases to around five to seven million people during the day and many cities do not allow small bikes to enter the city to curb the rise of pollution. The minister also mentioned that kapchais are also used by snatch thieves to commit their crimes.
On the other hand, he acknowledged that people still need these small motorcycles to go about their business and make a living especially those will lower incomes who can’t really afford other form of transport.
Some cities around the world are considering banning certain types of vehicles from entering their city centres in an attempt to reduce the carbon footprint but one can’t simply take something away without a proper replacement. By the look of things, this will definitely be an uphill battle until a reliable and affordable form of public transport is put into motion. For now, the idea might stir a few arguments as there a significant number of people who rely on these small kapchais to actually earn a decent living including one of our journalists here at Bikes Republic and sister site, MotoMalaya.
The end result or intention seems reasonable but before any action is enforced, careful consideration must be implemented for the good of the people and country. As of now, we can confidently say that without these small motorcycles or “kapchais” and the good people riding them to work day in and day out, Kuala Lumpur will stop dead in its tracks.
In fact this move is not unprecedented. China for example, does not allow small motorcycles from entering major cities, in fact the government does not allow bikes of any sort from using the highway. But then again, there are only a few countries that do not allow motorcycles. Most developed cities like London have banned or are taxing cars when they enter the city centre as cars emit more pollution and create more congestion than bikes do. So perhaps the Federal Territories Minister should consider charging cars a “congestion charge” if they want to enter the city. This will significantly reduce the congestion and will lower the pollution levels for sure. We can almost guarantee that.
Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more updates.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/kelantanese-wins-brand-new-kawasaki-h2-malaysia-day-lucky-draw/ | Kelantanese wins a brand new Kawasaki H2 in Malaysia Day Lucky Draw |
Some folks nationwide will be taking home brand new Kawasaki bikes from their Malaysia Day monthly and grand draws.
What would be a great way to start of the year? How about getting the surprise of your life by winning a brand new superbike? Well, that’s exactly what happened to a few lucky folks who entered Kawasaki’s Malaysia Day lucky draw contest. The lucky draws were made yesterday at Sunway Putra Mall in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The prizes? A supercharged H2, the powerful Ninja 1000, a few D-Tracker X 250s and also some Z 125 Pro mini bikes.
Mr Che Asmani Che Kub bought a brand new Kawasaki Z800 a couple of months ago and yesterday, his named was called as the grand prize lucky draw winner of the only supercharged production bike in the world, a Kawasaki H2. The names were picked by the AEON Credit Service Executive Director, Mr Kiyaoki Takano, and Tokio Marine Insurance Malaysia deputy general manager, Mr Kazuhiro Watanabe.
Another grand prize winner of the day was Mr Fairullah Mat from Negeri Sembilan who won a brand new Kawasaki Ninja 1000. He purchased an ER6N just a couple months ago and as of yesterday, he’ll be taking home the Ninja 1000 as well. The other two winners were Sukchart Prom from Johor and Md Fiah Md Tamin from Negeri Sembilan who will be taking home a brand new D-Tracker X 250 each.
There were also a few other bikes given away last month with three lucky folks bringing home the Kawasaki Z125 Pro mini bike each. Present during the event yesterday was Mr Kahar Amir hailing from Johor to receive his D-Tracker X 250 bike. The director of Kawasaki Motors Malaysia, Dato’ Jeffrey Lim, was there as well to officially hand over the D-Tracker to Mr Kahar.
Over 500 new Kawasaki owners who purchased ER6F, ER6N and Z800 a few months back were in the running for the lucky draw. Congratulation to all of the winners in what we probably think was the best lucky draw in the Malaysian motorcycle industry to date. As Kawasaki likes to say it “Let the good times roll!”
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/isle-man-tt-josh-brookes-remains-norton-2018/ | Isle of Man TT: Josh Brookes remains with Norton for 2018! |
Image source: Motorcyclist Online
Norton has confirmed that Josh Brookes will continue his road racing efforts with them in the 2018 Isle of Man TT.
The 34 year old Australian superbike racer will be piloting the infamous 1,200cc Norton V4 RR.
The 2018 Isle of Man TT will start at 26 May 2018 until 8 June 2018.
Image source: MCN
Josh Brookes has announced that he will continue his road racing efforts with Norton for the 2018 Isle of Man TT series. This is his second year with the British motorcycle manufacturer. The 34 year old Australian superbike racer will be piloting the Norton V4 RR where he finished sixth in last year’s Senior TT race.
Image source: Ultimate Motorcycling
Brookes is currently active competing in the British Superbike Championship where he finished at an impressive second place. Piloting the Yamaha YZF-R1 from the Anvil Hire TAG Yamaha squad, Brookes was only three points behind the 2017 BSB champion, Shane Bryne of Be Wiser Ducati.
1,200cc Norton V4 RR
This time around, Josh Brookes is looking to take the Norton V4-RR to the next level especially with its full carbon fibre fairings and a monstrous 1,200cc V4 engine which produces over 200hp and 130Nm of maximum torque. The full-factory team looks determined to bring in a TT win for 2018 where it broke the 130mph (209km/h) average speed barrier on the infamous Mountain Course.
According to Brookes, “This bike is definitely capable of getting on the podium. In fact, with the right person on it last year I think it could have been on the podium. For me to get into the 130mph club without taking too many risks and still not knowing the circuit too well and coming back after two years, I was happy, but the right rider could have been within grasp of a podium, so with further improvements I think it will be challenging at the front without doubt.”
Image source: Ultimate Motorcycling
There’s no news on who their second rider might be but there have been talks about bringing in John McGuinness aka “The King of the Mountain” into the mix. As most of you have already known, McGuinness announced that he has parted ways with Honda.
Image source: Stephen Davison
To know more, check out the link below.
CONFIRMED: John McGuinness and Honda Racing is NO MORE
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/worldsbk-bmw-rectify-m-1000-rr-mid-to-top-end-power-issue/ | WorldSBK: BMW Rectify M 1000 RR Mid To Top-End Power Issue |
BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team is putting a high expectation to challenge for race wins during the opening round of the 2022 WorldSBK Championship.
BMW suffered a lacklustre campaign in the 2021 season despite stepping up the game with an all-new BMW M 1000 RR replacing the S 1000 RR.
The M 1000 RR is a limited-edition homologation special developed specifically to achieve success on the track but it wasn’t a big step forward as hoped in 2021.
Team riders, Tom Sykes and Michael van der Mark struggled to bridge the gap with the Yamaha R1M, Kawasaki ZX-10RR and the Ducati V4 R.
Despite the shortcomings, BMW Motorrad says it has identified the major issue which is the mid to top-end power.
*Scott Redding
Furthermore, the addition of 13-time race winner, Scott Redding will boost the team chances of making a huge impact in the opening rounds.
“We’ve got two or three areas where we’ll focus on really hard over winter.
“The development guys are working on that already and we know that first test we’ll do, we’ll show those steps and those gains will have been made.
“We can really say that we’re going to give both riders a bike that can win races from round one,” said team principal, Shaun Muir.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/international/updated-2017-ktm-1290-super-adventure-spotted-testing/ | Updated 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure spotted testing |
Yet another KTM prototype spotted testing, this time it is the revised 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure model.
It seems KTM will be unleashing a heavily revised line up for 2017 as spyshots of a new prototype, believed to be the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure, has surfaced online. This comes after reported sighting of other prototypes believed to be the revised-for-2017 390 Duke and 1190 Adventure plus a brand new 890 Duke model as well.
British site Visordown scooped this new prototype whilst it was undergoing road tests recently in Spain. The site reports that the prototype’s camouflage is hiding the updated model’s revised styling and perhaps a new headlight and windscreen designs. (View the spyshots here)
Also altered are the fairings with repositioned air scoops whilst the nose is reportedly less sharper than the current model. Spotlights housed in the fairings have been repositioned higher and further back with the restyled fairing.
KTM is expected to update the LC8 1,301cc V-twin powertrain to be Euro 4-compliant for 2017. The mill currently develops approximately 158hp and is paired with a six-speed transmission equipped with a PASC slipper clutch.
The revised 2017 KTM models – including this recently spied 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure – are all expected to debut later this year during either INTERMOT or EICMA before entering markets sometime next year.
2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure
Sources: Asphaltandrubber / Visordown
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/omar-jumiran-of-eastern-bobber-in-amd-world-championship-of-custom-bike-building-2018/ | Omar Jumiran of Eastern Bobber in AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building 2018 |
Omar Jumiran from Eastern Bobber is now competing in the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building 2018.
The championship is currently taking place at the Intermot Show in Cologne, Germany.
Omar and his creation “Bone-X” has made the Top 10 as this article is published.
Omar Jumiran of Eastern Bobber fame won the custom bike show at Motonation 2017, earning him a place at the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building 2018 (AMD). The AMD is part of the prestigious Intermot Show in Cologne, Germany.
Eastern Bobber wins best custom bike at Motonation 2017!
Omar’s entry in Motonation was called, “Bone X,” a radical custom framed bike built around a 1967 AJS single-cylinder engine. Apart from the engine, the parts on the bike were entirely self-fabricated and welded without the benefit of CNC machining or robotic TIG welding. But the most radical aspect has to be the suspension, featuring a centre-steering hub front end and a plunger-type rear end. The spring and shocks are located on top of the frame’s backbone in order to suspend both ends.
The result is a skeletal-looking motorcycle, hence the name “Bone-X.”
Bone-X Eastern Bobber’s Two-Wheeled Sculpture
Omar Jumiran had been dreaming of entering the AMD for the past 30 years and now his dream has come true, thanks for Motonation who fully-sponsored his entry and trip to Germany.
The veteran builder had seven months to fully prepare his bike, spending some RM 80,000 in the process. Bone-X was shipped out from Malaysia in July and arrived safely in MalProC Germany’s (Motonation’s group of companies) warehouse. The bike was delivered to the competition last Tuesday among entries from 45 countries.
Organized by AMD Magazine, the judging system in the AMD is unique as it is known as “Peer Group Review.” As the term suggests, the competitors themselves plus a few carefully chosen custom industry VIP judges and past competitors review other competitors’ entries, thereby ensuring open, honest and fair judging.
AMD’s intention is to reward motorcycle design and engineering quality, with the premium on originality and hand-craftmanship. All builders are required to provide a “Run Test Video” to be eligible for competition.
Bone-X is entered in the “Freestyle” category as it does not conform to other classes such as “Custom Harleys,” etc.
Omar and Bone-X have made the Top 10 when this article was published. He has done Malaysia proud regardless of where he finishes, but let us put together our prayers and wish him the best.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/bimota-kb4-unveil-in-production-form-launching-soon/ | Bimota KB4 Unveil In Production Form, Launching Soon? |
Back in December, the folks in Rimini, Italy was busy carrying out some tests on the all-new KB4.
Still in its early prototype stages, the motorcycle was clad in an all-white panel in an effort to hide all the little details.
The company also releases a couple of renders as a teaser, but recent photos reveal the Bimota KB4 in finished form, thus providing a better insight into the new motorcycle.
Thanks to Kawasaki owning a minority stake in the Italian company, the KB4 was build based on the Ninja 1000 SX.
However, apart from the engine, the KB4 does not share many similarities with its Japanese cousin.
Nonetheless, Bimota did not reveal further details on the new motorcycle instead, we expect the KB4 to make its official debut later this year, perhaps at EICMA.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/video-marquez-pedrosa-go-trials-riding/ | Video: Marquez and Pedrosa go trials riding |
MotoGP world champions and teammates Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez trade the comforts of a circuit and their Honda GP bikes recently for some good old dirt and trials bikes.
In the video below, the duo spent a day riding with the world best trials riders, Toni Bou and Takahisa Fujinami. Fortunately for Pedrosa and Marques, both Bou and Fujinami are also riders under the Repsol banner, allowing them the unique opportunity to have the best in the business of trials riding showing them the ropes.
Perhaps the only thing left is to wait and see whether Repsol would arrange for Fujinami and Bou a stint on Pedrosa and Marquez’ machine sometime soon – it is only fair, isn’t it?
Source: YouTube via Asphaltandrubber
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/motogp-casey-stoner-resumes-testing-duties-hrc/ | MotoGP: Casey Stoner resumes testing duties for HRC |
Retired MotoGP ace Casey Stoner continues as test-rider for HRC again for upcoming pre-season testing in Sepang, Malaysia.
Retired two-time MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner looks set to continue his role as test rider for the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) this year. Honda recently confirmed its testing plans, further indicating an agreement that sees Stoner participating in two testing sessions for the factory this year.
Stoner will appear during the first test session that is scheduled for later this month from Jan 29 to Jan 30 in the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), Malaysia. HRC has not set the date for the second test session, but it is believed that it will happen towards the end of the year where Stoner presumably would provide feedback to develop the 2016 bike instead.
Stoner’s renewed agreement to continue as a test rider with HRC continues to fuel speculation of his possible return to active competition in MotoGP. But the Aussie rider had previously turned down an offer from HRC to return, citing that he did not want to race again.
Though retired, Stoner’s speed and high quality feedback remains as an extremely powerful asset for HRC. This explains why the firm continues to maintain a relationship with the retired Aussie as its key test rider.
Source: Asphaltandrubber
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/mission-motorcycles-sues-co-founder/ | Mission Motorcycles sues co-founder |
The revolutionary makers of the Mission R and Mission RS electric race bikes Mission Motorcycles this week has filed lawsuit against one of its co-founder.
The firm filed it suit against Vincent Ip recently with the US District Court in New Jersey, asserting that Ip relinquish the stocks he own within the start-up in accordance with a stock restriction agreement signed between all the firm’s co-founders. The agreement stipulates that the company can buy the shares of any of its shareholders should one of them leaves the outfit.
Ip was terminated from his postion at Mission Motorcycles last November after he allegedly made threats of violence against other executives. Reports indicate that Ip and fellow co-founders Andrew Ng and Mark Seeger initially invested US$30,000 in total before each began pumping in an additional US$70,000. The same source also states that the firm is ‘close’ to finalising a major financing round.
In response, Ip has engaged an attorney in an effort to counter-suit the company. Ip’s legal representative also stated that Mission Motorcycle’s suit came as a result of learning that Ip intended to sue the firm earlier accusing it of fraud, contract breach, and other legal issues.
Regardless of size and industry, founder disputes amongst founders within a start up are all too common. Another electric vehicles firm that suffered a similar fate was Tesla, but its founders came to a swift settlement in a mutual goal towards making Tesla one of the industry’s leaders. It is too early to tell weather the brains behind Mission Motorcycles would settle in the same manner, we do hope they do so and continue their groundbreaking efforts.
As a refresher, you can read and view a video we posted a while back about the the company’s Mission R and RS electric race bikes here.
Source: The Record/North Jersey via Asphaltandrubber
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/kawasaki-z650-z900-will-debut-eicma/ | Kawasaki Z650 and Z900 will debut in EICMA |
New Kawasaki Z650 and Z900 models set to debut officially during EICMA 2016 next month.
Earlier this week, Team Green debuted a sleuth of updated-for-2017 models during INTERMOT 2016 in Cologne, Germany. Thankfully, two more will debut next month during EICMA 2016 show in Milan, Italy – Kawasaki Z650 and Z900.
Images of the new Kawasaki Z650 and Z900 models were shown at INTERMOT 2016, but the bikes will only debut in Italy instead before production and sales begin. Here’s what you ought to know about the two.
2017 Kawasaki Z650
Having unveiled the fully faired Kawasaki ER-6f’s replacement in the form of the new Kawasaki Ninja 650, its naked sibling ER-6n sibling’s replacement comes in the form of the 2017 Kawasaki Z650.
The changes in the Ninja 650 are replicated here in the Z650 as well, namely the Euro 4-compliant 649cc parallel-twin paired with a new transmission primed with a assist slipper clutch feature.
The reworked twin-cylinder will focus more on fuel economy rather than performance, with Kawasaki promising it being capable of 66mpg (4.3 litres/100km). it will weigh in at a claimed 187kg whilst the seat height stands at 790mm as well.
More importantly, the Z650 also gains with the Bosch 9.1M ABS suite. Lastly, from the released image, we can see that the Z650 will also get a new and aggressive styling similar to Kawasaki’s other Z-series naked models.
The full model change for both the ER-6f and ER-6n entry-level models come at the right time as they’ve been around for quite a bit. On top of that is the fact that Kawasaki has shared the outgoing ER-6n model’s plans with Taiwanese firm Kymco in return for its past joint venture for the Kawasaki maxi-scooters.
2017 Kawasaki Z900
Next comes the new 2017 Kawasaki Z900 naked. The new naked underpins an all-new steel trellis chassis that houses a 948cc in-line four-cylinder powerplant that’s based off the Z1000 model’s 1,043cc in-line four-pot, offering 126hp.
The accompanying transmission will also feature an assist slipper clutch. Tasked with suspension duties are 41mm upside down front forks plus a horizontally mounted rear shock, with both offering adjustable rebound and preload settings.
Anchors come in the form of twin 300mm front discs grabbed by dual opposed four-piston calipers that’s supplemented with a Nissin ABS suite. This should halt this new naked’s claimed low 210kg weight figure easily whilst short riders will definitely welcome its equally low 794mm seat height.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/test-ride-a-kawasaki-motorcycle-in-tesco-kajang/ | Test ride a Kawasaki motorcycle in Tesco Kajang! |
Thank goodness it’s Friday! And if you do not have anything planned for the weekend or if you have time to kill, then we have something for you.
Kawasaki Malaysia has recently been busy with its roadshow where all visitors will be able to experience the awesomeness of Kawasaki motorcycles. The roadshow has been all over the country, and this weekend it will be in Kajang.
Beginning tomorrow November 18 until Sunday the 19th, the Kawasaki Test Ride Roadshow will take place at Tesco Extra, Kajang from 10am to 6pm.
Kawasaki bikes are legendary for their perfect balance of power, practicality, comfort and day-to-day usability. Find out for yourself how a Kawasaki motorcycle feels, you will be able to test the Versys-x 250, Z900 Special Edition ABS, Z650 ABS and the Ninja 650 ABS.
Since safety is always the priority, you will have to meet the following conditions to qualify for the ride: you must be 18 years old or above, you must have a valid motorcycle license. And just for extra precaution, you will need to wear long pants and shoes if you plan on testing any of the bikes.
You won’t only be able to test the bikes, but will also stand a chance to win goodies through a lucky draw on the event day.
Also, Kawasaki Malaysia will be showcasing a number of legendary Kawasaki superbikes like the Ninja ZX10R WSBK Replica which won the World Superbike Championship in 2013, 2015 and 2016. Also on display will be the legendary supercharged Kawasaki H2, known as the fastest production bike in the world.
If you are a current Kawasaki owner, you will be able to get your motorcycle serviced and inspected during the event which be conducted by the well trained Kawasaki Exclusive Service Centre (KESC) personnel.
That’s not all, SC Premium Bikes will be displaying the latest range of GIVI products and Bridgestone tyres, and will have some special packages to be offered at the Kawasaki roadshow.
For more information, visit http://kawasaki.com.my, or Kawasaki’s Facebook page.
See you there!
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/druid-motorcycles-ai-to-maximize-electric-motorcycle-range/ | Druid Motorcycles AI to Maximize Electric Motorcycle Range |
Druid Motorcycles will arm their future electric motorcycles with AI (artificial intelligence).
The swarm AI system monitors many criteria and provide the best riding solution.
Motorcycles will get smarter and smarter.
The next wave of motorcycles, especially electric motorcycles, will be managed by AI (artificial intelligence) to maximize range and continuously improve performance. That is what Druid Motorcycles aim to do.
That way, you could travel further and faster without guessing what will happen next.
FROM DRUID MOTORCYCLES PRESS RELEASE
Swarm algorithm connects all DRUID MOTORCYCLES over the air to maximize range and continuously improve performance.
In addition to being maker of the world’s first 3D printed hybrid electric sports bikes Druid introduces continuous cloud connectivity on its revolutionary ProphetTMplatform.
Druid’s System Warning and Referral Matrix (SWARM) A.I. system continuously reads ride data such as speed, energy consumption and altitude, and shares it in real time to up to 1000 individual Druid motorcycles., Powerful machine learning algorithms then adjust the the bike for weather, hills and riding style, and to maximize performance and extend the range of the electric batteries.
“I was a part time beekeeper when I was young,” says founder and lead designer Milan Svoboda. “From the bees I learned that individuals communicating even basic telemetry information can improve efficiency by an order of magnitude. The software technology today makes this systemic data sharing possible for motorcycles.”
The Druid Sorcerer HybridTM and Sorcerer XEVTM will be available for pre-order this May starting at a launch event in Austin, Texas. VISIT DRUID MOTORCYCLES for updates.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/dainese-confirms-investor-talks-rumours/ | Dainese confirms investor talks rumours |
Iconic and infamous Italian motorcycle apparels brand Dainese have confirmed that the brand was in talks for investors and a possible acquisition.
The brand’s founder Lino Dainese confirmed the rumour with an Italian business site. The report states that the firm was close sealing a deal with an unnamed private equity group, but the talks was terminated due both parties failing to reach an agreement.
Dainese reassured with the Italian press that the investment was not one of necessity or because of unnecessary funds with the motorcycle apparel manufacturer. Instead, the firm is seeking to achieve its goal at expanding its product’s reach further outside of the motorcycle industry and other niche sports.
Dainese strongly believes that the technology plus the R&D efforts behind its revolutionary D-Air suits would become an integral part of its long-term future. It is widely believed that Dainese’s current interim-CEO Federico Minoli, the person responsible over Texas Pacific Group’s successful acquisition of Ducati previously, saw the potential of private equity investment at providing the necessary capital to allow the brand realise this expansion plan outside the two-wheeled industry.
Presently, Dainese remains as it is as a company, but is reportedly welcoming other opportunities. Perhaps in the future, Dainese could see a new partial or mixed ownership status if the right deep-pocketed entity comes into the picture.
Source: Venezie Post via Asphaltandrubber
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/breaking-vr46-signs-3-year-contract-with-ducati/ | BREAKING: VR46 Signs 3-Year Contract With Ducati |
Valentino Rossi’s new VR46 MotoGP team is set to race in the premier class with Ducati as both sides have penned a 3-year deal.
Despite not naming its official riders for the 2022 season, Luca Marini is sure to stay, as Saudi Aramco owner HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Saud confirmed.
VR46 has also confirmed a five-year deal with Dorna Sports to race in the premier class.
Aramco Racing Team VR46 will be an Independent Team riding on two Desmosedici machines for the next three years.
SKY Racing Team VR46 also announced the current Moto2 and Moto3 team manager, Pablo Nieto, as the MotoGP setup team manager next season.
Meanwhile, Luigi Dall’Igna, Ducati Corse General Manager, is pleased with the partnership.
“We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with VR46 for the next three years. Their Academy has always worked seriously and with great professionalism, giving many riders the opportunity to gain experience in Moto2 and Moto3, and today they can be proud to have brought three young riders of great talent.
“VR46 has also shown that it is able to competently manage the a successful team in Moto3 and Moto2 and therefore we will strive to provide the maximum technical support to their new team in MotoGP, convinced they have found in VR46 an ambitious and motivated partner like us, with a common goal to achieve great results together,” he said.
(source: MotoGP)
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/special-ducati-anniversary-ride-around-globe/ | Ducati 90th anniversary ride around the globe |
Special Ducati 90th anniversary ride around the globe seeks seven brave riders to do the job.
If you didn’t know already, the storied Italian motorcycling marque that is Ducati is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. Besides the bi-annual World Ducati Week, the firm is also organising a special around-the-world adventure ride featuring its latest and most capable creation yet – the Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro.
This epic adventure will be divided into seven stages and Ducati are seeking seven riders to complete each leg. Application is open online via a dedicated microsite where 14 finalists will be chosen. A second screening process follows that to determine the final seven. One of the core duties of each rider in each leg is to carry a ‘Ducati Torch’ that was designed especially by the Ducati Style Centre for this epic overland adventure.
It goes without saying that with this task, Ducati seeks applicants that are highly experienced with excellent long-distance skills, good English plus a natural flair for storytelling in both written and photographic forms. Ensuring this, the final screening process will be supervised by former Ducati Paris-Dakar racer Beppe Gualini who is also the head of the new DRE Enduro training program.
The trip is set to begin on July 4 – a day before Ducati’s birthday on July 5 – with the brand’s Borgo Panigale headquarters being the starting point. The ride’s first leg sees it heading East across Europe to tackle the legendary Trans-Siberian route into Russia, Mongolia, China and then Japan.
After which, the bike will then be flown across the pacific into America for a coast-to-coast ride across the ‘land of the free’ before finally being flown again into Europe for its final leg towards Bologna, Italy. Ducati is targeting for the ride to conclude in Bologna on December 15.
Visit the Ducati travellers’ webpage to find out more. You can also check out the massive gallery of the new 2016 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro we’ve prepared below as well.
2016 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro
Source: Ducati via AutoEvolution
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/self-braking-superbike/ | Self-braking superbike |
A Russian firm has set out to create perhaps the world’s first superbike with self-braking abilities, claiming it to be the “world’s safest superbike” in the process.
The Molot, a heavily modified ABS-equipped Honda Fireblade, created by the firm called Chak Motors will have its standard-equipped Honda ABS system primed further with its Predictive Emergency Braking System (PEBS). Molot, which is Russian lingo for ‘sledgehammer’, aims to offer literally a sledgehammer-like solution to a somewhat non-existent problem amongst super bikes.
Using an array of radar and HD camera-based sensors positioned in the bike’s forward area (explaining the extensive and radical hand-built redesign penned by design firm Chak Design), PEBS will activate when said sensors detect the bike is approaching closely towards a slow moving car in front. The system will first warn the rider using a flashing light warning, followed by vibrating handlebars. If the system does not detect any rider input or reaction after a certain time, PEBS will increase the vibration rates and apply a small amount of braking automatically.
If rider input is still not detected past these level, then PEBS will take full control of the bikes brake, applying full pressure to stop an imminent collision with said slow-moving car it detected ahead. The firm also added that the PEBS system utilises a built-in gyroscope that detects any anomaly in vibration and control. Additionally, the firm said that if the Molot’s rider gets into an “uncontrollable” situation, the system will also disable the bike’s throttle. Thankfully, this feature is something users can choose to disable if they so wish to.
No word on production plans or even a price tag just yet, but the Molot appears to be the closest thing around that can claim that aforementioned “safest superbike in the world” claim. What are your thoughts?
Source: Visordown and Bennetts
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/royal-enfield-himalayan-650-development-finally-underway-eta-2024/ | Royal Enfield Himalayan 650 Development Finally Underway, ETA 2024 |
According to reputable sources, Royal Enfield has confirmed to begin the development of the Himalayan 650.
Scheduled for a 2024 release, the popular adventure bike (currently available with a 411cc powerplant) is set to receive the 650cc parallel-twin engine taken from the 650 Twins (Interceptor and Continental GT).
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
While the current Himalayan has loyal followers’ thanks to its all-terrain capabilities and low price, some may think that the 24.3hp engine could use a little push.
Based on new development by an Indian website, the plans are now underway at the Chennai-based factory.
Interestingly, there were no initial plans to kickstart the new project; however, thanks to the company new directive, Royal Enfield decided to inject the Himalayan with a bigger engine.
The 650cc Himalayan will be available in two variants, one with a more adventure setup and another as a sports tourer.
However, the new Himalayan is only slated for a 2024 launch.
(Source: BikeWale)
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/2020-bmw-r-18-first-edition-officially-launched-rm149500/ | 2020 BMW R 18 First Edition officially launched – RM149,500 |
BMW Motorrad Malaysia has officially introduced the 2020 BMW R 18 First Edition model for the Malaysian market. Online bookings were actually opened back in June where the first 18 units were booked within the span of hours, but the next batch of 15 more units will be brought in for those who are still interested to get one of your very own.
Entering the cruiser segment as a classic model paying homage to the legendary R 5 model, the R 18 boasts the brand’s biggest motorcycle engine to date, a 1,802cc boxer-twin air/oil-cooled unit that produces 91hp at 4,750rpm and a massive 158Nm of torque as low as 3,000rpm. Power cruiser with “Big Boxer” equals one beautiful ‘thicc boy’.
According to Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia, “BMW Motorrad Malaysia delivers on ‘Make Life A Ride’ once again as we enter the cruiser segment with the All-New BMW R 18 First Edition, which was first introduced as the Concept R 18 at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este event. The pure, stripped-down, raked-out concept cruiser gave the world more than a hint of what was coming our way for the segment, and we look forward to delivering pure riding enjoyment with this cruiser.”
The 2020 BMW R 18 First Edition is finished with the sexy Black Storm Metallic colourway plus pinstripes that brings the whole look together. Designed to cater to the ‘purists’, the R 18 is enhanced with just enough electronics without messing with its raw and exhilarating cruiser nature.
To ensure that you don’t run out of fuel too fast, this classic beauty comes with a 16-litre teardrop fuel tank designed to imitate the same one found on the R 5 as close as possible. There are also a lot of chrome parts packed as standard on the R 18 from the handlebars, shifter lever, handle end caps, cylinder head covers, crank covers and air intake.
Weighing in at 345kg, it’s a heavy cruiser but with all of its weight carried down low, handling it in and around town shouldn’t be a problem. Hard to push it back out of a parking spot? The R 18 also comes with a reverse gear to ease your burden without comprising any of your cool factor. Now that’s class.
Other specs include:
All-LED lighting system
Single-disk dry clutch with a six-speed transmission
Nickel-plated driveshaft
300mm front twin disc brakes with four-piston fixed callipers (single rear)
BMW Motorrad Integral Anti-Lock Braking
Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
Selectable riding modes (Rain, Roll & Rock)
Engine drag torque control (MSR)
The first few orders will also get this lovely BMW R 18 ‘care package’
Fancy in getting one of your very own? Head over to any of the selected BMW Motorrad Heritage showrooms for a test ride or you can also view them at all BMW Motorrad’s showrooms nationwide. Official price tag? RM149,500 (excluding insurance, road tax and insurance). This comes with BMW Motorrad Malaysia’s All-New 3-Year Warranty and 3-Year Roadside Assistance Programmes.
Written by: Sep Irran
2021 BMW G 310 GS unveiled – now with slipper clutch!
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/cfmoto-700cl-x-adv-lands-in-malaysia-rm35888/ | CFMoto 700CL-X ADV Lands In Malaysia – RM35,888 |
CFMOTO has recently launched the latest addition to its 700CL-X series, the 700CL-X Adventure (ADV), during its global launch at Intercity Istanbul Park, Turkey. The ADV model is designed to cater to riders who crave adventure and excitement.
CFMOTO has announced that the ADV model will be available in the Malaysian market from the beginning of April at a base selling price of RM35,888.
The 700CL-X ADV is the third model of the 700CL-X series, following the Heritage and Sport models launched in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Unlike the first two models of the series, this Adventure model is more focused on riders who love challenges and off-road adventures.
The 700CL-X ADV comes with a robust engine platform that is similar to the other CL-X models. However, the DOHC inline-twin cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled engine has been adapted for the Scrambler characteristics of this bike. The model offers a maximum power of 69Hp at 8,500rpm and a maximum torque of 60.9Nm at 6,500rpm, which optimizes the engine for off-road use, paying more attention to a low-speed linear output.
To cater to the off-road adventure riders, CFMOTO has raised the handlebars of the 700CL-X ADV by 30mm and back by 15mm, which gives the rider a more relaxed and calm posture to deal with external shocks and side-to-side sway. The model also comes with other off-road excesses, such as solid aluminum alloys, a higher ground clearance than the 700CL-X Heritage, and raised front fenders to prevent gravel and mud from getting stuck, making it easier to ride on unpaved roads.
In terms of convenience, the 700CL-X ADV is equipped with an electronic throttle that offers two options: Road Mode and Off-Road Mode. The model also features an intelligent lighting system where the automatic LED headlights with turn signals return to their original position. Additionally, the 700CL-X ADV comes with a T-box (optional) that has a built-in 4G module and a 6D sensor, which enables the rider to check the display of vehicle status, position, distance, etc., in real-time.
For the rider’s comfort, the saddle cushion is doubled, which balances the center of gravity when moving forward and backward while riding. With every purchase of the CFMOTO 700CL-X Adventure, buyers can enjoy a manufacturer’s warranty of two years or 20,000 km (whichever comes first).
The 700CL-X Adventure model is only available in Aurora Blue, and interested buyers can get it from any authorized CFMOTO distributor throughout Malaysia from the beginning of April. With the 700CL-X ADV, CFMOTO Malaysia aims to capture Malaysian adventure riders who want to explore new terrains and enjoy the off-road experience.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/isle-man-tt-whos-going-ride-honda-rc213v-s/ | Isle of Man TT: Who’s going to ride the Honda RC213V-S? |
The Padgett Honda team is currently looking for a racer to ride their Honda RC213V-S at this year’s Isle of Man TT.
Their current rider, Bruce Anstey, unfortunately, dropped out of all road races this year due to cancer.
The team has stated that the Honda RC213V-S will still make it to this year’s TT even if there’s no replacement rider.
The Padgett’s Motorcycle Honda team has stated that they will still bring the crème of the crème Honda RC213V-S to this year’s Isle of Man TT race. Despite their star rider, Bruce Anstey, dropping out of all road races this year due to critical illness, the team is still looking on the bright side of things.
Team Manager Clive Padgett stated that the MotoGP-injected Honda RC213V-S will still make it to the infamous Mountain Course. However, there’s no news on whether the bike will enter the races as there is no replacement rider announced just yet.
Some names have been considered to pilot the beast and one of them was Isle of Man local, Conor Cummins. He has proven himself to be quite a rider with a number of podiums but due to his tall height, he might have an issue in terms of fitment on the narrow V4-powered race machine.
Bruce Anstey has started his recovery process in the hospital as we speak. He has been racing with the crew for the past seven seasons and the team has stated that he will have a say on who gets to ride his lovely Honda in this year’s race.
Fans of the TT should know that the bike will still make it to this year’s race and if there’s no rider, the team will still give a show either by a few startups at their paddock or even a parade lap around the 60km road circuit.
Honda RC213V-S Test & Review
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/ten-fiercest-motorcycle-racing-rivalries-part-2/ | Ten Fiercest Motorcycle Racing Rivalries (Part 2) |
Here’s the conclusion to Ten Famous Motorcycle Racing Rivalries. You may click on the link below for Part 1.
Ten Fiercest Motorcycle Racing Rivalries (Part 1)
5. Carl Fogarty vs. Scott Russell, WSB, 1992 – 1994
There has never been such intense rivalry in WSB since Carl Fogarty and Scott Russell’s in the early 90s.
The two were WSB contenders, with the American Russell winning the 1993 crown on the Kawasaki Ninja ZXR-750, while Fogarty’s (more popularly called “Foggy”) reign started from 1994 on the new Ducati 916. The pair had even refused to shake hands on many occasions. Legend has it that Foggy named his pet pig after his No. 1 rival.
The intense hatred was even brought all the way to America in the 1994 Daytona 200 race which Russell won. They refused to look at each other on the podium and post-race press conference. When answering questions, they reached out to the microphone and yanked it away from in front of another.
4. Valentino Rossi vs. Max Biaggi, 500cc GP, 2000 – 2005
Valentino Rossi had moved up through the 125cc and 250cc GP ranks at a meteoric pace and moved up to the 500cc championship in 2000 and started playing mind games with anyone who had challenged him on track. While he built a massive army of followers worldwide through his on-track and off-track shenanigans, he’s only a friend on the track when results are going his way. It’s also due to his that tribalism exists among MotoGP fans: You’re automatically branded as a Rossi fan-boy if you criticized other riders.
By 2001, he was ready to challenge Max Biaggi after the defending champion, Kenny Roberts Jr. faded. Biaggi, known as the “Roman Emperor” had to show the young punk a who’s top dog.
Courtesy of MotoGP.com
At the 2001 Suzuka 500cc GP race, Biaggi elbowed Rossi onto the grass while the pair was travelling at around 220 km/h. Rossi repassed Biaggi on the next lap and saluted the latter with his middle finger. Both riders were fined and given a stern warning for “unsportsmanlike conduct.” The rivalry came to a head at Catalunya when the two scuffled on the steps leading up to the podium. When Biaggi was asked about the mark on his face, he replied that he was “bitten by a mosquito.”
3. Valentino Rossi vs. Casey Stoner, Jorge Lorenzo – MotoGP, 2007 – 2011
2007 was the year of the 800cc four-stroke machines in MotoGP. Suddenly, it was Australian Casey Stoner on the Ducati who started beating Rossi. Rossi claimed that it was because of the Bridgestone tyres on the Ducati which let Stoner win. Stoner dominated the season by winning ten races and gave Ducati their first and still only MotoGP title.
But things flared up further when the pair battled hard at the 2008 USGP at Laguna Seca. Rossi made an aggressive pass into the famous Corkscrew chicane, causing Stoner to drop his Ducati. Further angering Stoner was Rossi’s comments after the race, “The fight was very funny,” although some thought the Italian meant “fun.” Stoner was of course more caustic in his reply, calling Rossi’s tactics dirty and dangerous.
Stoner moved onto the factory Honda in 2011 and this was the year of another interface with Rossi. At a wet Jerez race, Stoner had been following the late-Marco Simoncelli. Rossi, who was now on a Ducati, lunged up inside Stoner on the way into Turn One, skidded and took both men out. However, all the marshals ran over to assist Rossi while no one did so for Stoner. Again, the Australian went on TV to criticize Rossi, saying “Your ambition outweighs your talent.” Then fans of both camps got involved and it started a war of words on Twitter.
2. Kevin Schwantz vs. Wayne Rainey, AMA Superbikes and 500cc GP, 1986 – 1993
The rivalry between these two legends had begun way back even before we saw them on TV in the 500cc GP. Their intense dislike for each other had started when they were contesting in the United States and what we saw in the GPs was just a continuation.
They had hated each other so much that they openly admitted to barging into each other and riding dirty. Schwantz said, “We would ride each other right into the grandstands.” Their rivalry was so intense they couldn’t look at each other on the podium.
Things took a different turn when Rainey was paralysed by his crash at Misano in 1993. That accident force Schwantz to reflect upon on his own mortality. Besides, with his greatest rival gone, his reason for pushing himself hard was gone too. It was when both riders realized that neither knew why they hated each other.
Schwantz decided the best thing he could do was support Rainey through his hardship and both have become good friends ever since.
1. Valentino Rossi vs. Marc Marquez, MotoGP, 2015 and ongoing
Schwantz vs. Rainey would have been the Number 1 rivalry if not for this very intense and very current state of affairs.
Both riders have been good friends even when Marquez had dominated and won from his very first season in MotoGP. It had seemed that Rossi may have mellowed out somewhat because they remained affable with each other despite a few aggressive passes on-track. However, it all changed from 2015.
Rossi had been battling with Lorenzo all season long and the former led the standings going into the penultimate round in Malaysia. Marquez had been third up to that point and was out of a title shot. Marquez turned up the aggression during the race, passing Rossi in do-or-die situations, while Lorenzo disappeared at the front. Rossi even signaled to Marquez to back off at one point, but there was no end to chopping and cutting off. An exasperated Rossi then pushed Marquez wide, causing the Spaniard to crash.
Rossi would later accuse Marquez of helping Lorenzo to win the title; an allegation Marquez had consistently denied. Many had speculated that Marquez had felt that it was Rossi who had cost him the title that year and was out for revenge.
Rossi was penalized and sent to the back of the grid for the final race in Valencia. He fought his way up the order but lost the title to Jorge Lorenzo.
Both riders made amends at the Catalan GP in 2016. It was a move welcomed by the racing community and fans alike.
But, just as everyone thought that was the end, Marquez did a mistake during the 2018 Argentinian GP which knocked Rossi out. Rossi held a special press conference to call Marquez irresponsible, dangerous and damaging the sport as a whole.
Both riders have yet to talk to each other at the time of this article.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/the-updated-2021-honda-cb650r-cbr650r-is-here-from-rm43499/ | The Updated 2021 Honda CB650R & CBR650R Are Here – From RM43,499 |
Boon Siew Honda (BSH) officially announced the 2021 Honda CB650R and CBR650R with significant upgrades.
The middleweight motorcycle now comes with Showa 41mm Separate Function Big Piston (SF-BP) forks, USD Type-C socket, refresh LCD and new graphics and colour.
According to BSH, The new fork provides a high-quality suspension system that offers better handling ability.
The SF-BP fork puts a pressure separation damper in one fork tube, and spring mechanism in the other delivers high damping performance and lighter weight.
Meanwhile, a USB Type-C socket located under the seat provides easy charging for smartphones, increasing motorcycle practicality as daily transportation.
Both motorcycles continue to use the same 649cc, DOHC 16-valve Euro 4 engine that produces 93.8hp @ 12,000 rpm and 63Nm @ 8,500rpm.
The 2021 CB650R is available with two colour options, Candy Chromosphere Red and Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic and priced at RM43,499, while the CBR650R is available in Grand Prix Red and Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic and priced at RM45,499.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/honda-cb125m-concept-the-ultimate-mini-moto/ | Honda CB125M Concept – The ultimate mini-moto |
The Honda CB125M Concept was presented during the recent EICMA 2018 show in Milan.
The mini supermoto was unveiled alongside its adventure bike sibling, the Honda CB125X Concept.
Some of the specs fitted on the Honda CB125M Concept are 17-inch Marchesini wheels, Pirelli slick tyres, and an SC-Project exhaust.
The introduction of the Honda CB125X Concept 125cc adventure bike was presented during EICMA 2018 in Milan together with its super mini-moto sibling, the Honda CB125M Concept. When it comes to making the base Honda CB125R even more enticing, the folks over at Honda Europe R&D department came up with this particular baby.
According to Honda, this is their vision for the future of small-capacity supermoto but at 125cc, it’s more of a mini-moto (unless they plan to release a 250cc version or bigger). The recent why the 125cc is being put in the spotlight is the fact that this particular group of bikes is gaining more popularity in Europe with an estimated 25% of growth.
This ‘naked street-focused machine’ comes in a brilliant red colour scheme with “futuristic lines are minimalist and ultra-sharp, with a seat section that runs seamlessly into a short, high tail, and a miniscule LED headlight.”
Some of the best specs found on the Honda CB125M Concept are its supermoto-like 17-inch Marchesini forged aluminium wheels wrapped with the finest Pirelli slick tyres, super-muscular bodywork (with a front end like the Honda MSX 125 aka “Grom”), and the best of all, the SC-Project exhaust system.
Overall, we would like to see this concept go straight into production but at a slightly bigger capacity which would be a lot of fun in the track as well as the bends on Sunday rides. Or trips to and from the office. Or trips to the nearby store. Basically, anywhere and anytime. We want this, too.
Honda CB125X Concept – The future of adventure-touring?
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/features/geared-up/ducati-899-panigale-tested-in-zhuhai-china/ | Ducati 899 Panigale Tested in Zhuhai, China |
In the realm of sub-liter sports bikes, there are many that have rose to reign supreme. Suzuki and Honda have always been top contenders from the Far East, while representing Europe has been the usual suspects like Aprilia and Ducati. But boy how things have changed.
Time has caught up with Suzuki and though the gixxer is still a favourite amongst purists, it has largely fallen behind in the quest for more grip, more power, more rider-aids and more point and squirt performance. Honda’s CBR600 has done well to keep up with the Joneses when it comes to features, technological enhancement and other top of the line gizmos, it is still amongst the favourites today. Triumph has, well, trumped its competitions as it’s 675 has emerged top in many a bike comparison over recent years. And then there’s Kawasaki and it’s ZX-636R, whose rider’s whether amateur or pro will swear by it and nothing else. But this is where it all changes and a new breed of hardcoreness emerges; enter the new Ducati 899 Panigale.
Simply said, it is the very-capable baby brother of the brilliant 1199 Panigale.
Ducati says that its new baby superbike “provides a new way to access the exclusive world of Ducati Superbikes with a “supermid” version designed to provide the thrill of the new generation flagship model with the refined character of an everyday streetbike.”
That is basically corporate lingo that simply means the 899 Panigale is so awesome, that you really don’t need anything else. Not even the flagship 1199 Panigale. Unless you want more power of course, but do you really? Especially when the 899 offers such performance without the price tag of the 1199.
Before we delve into the question on whether or not you could have too much power, and before we get to the core of it all, let’s just explore the new bike for a bit. At the centre of it all is Ducati’s latest power-plant, the 899 Superquadro. Ducati says that the baby Pani’s engine represents another major step forward in twin-cylinder design and technology, it is said to offer better performance and smoother power delivery. And yes after riding it around for a full day at the Zhuhai International Circuit, we believe them.
The engine provides an impressive 148hp at a thundering 10,750rpm (because Ducati’s never scream) and 99Nm of torque at an equally heavenly 9,000rpm. And just in case you are wondering, the 90 degree Desmodromic L-Twin inherits it’s bigger brother’s structural design whereby the entire chassis is actually bolted to the engine, making it a fully stressed member of the chassis.
The engine has to move a bike that just weighs 169kg dry, and because of the character of the engine, almost all of the power is parked at the higher end of the rev band. Which just means that the 899 is a bike that loves and needs to be spanked hard. Get it right and it rewards you with extreme pleasure, and we mean it in the dirtiest way possible.
And yes, it also boasts a 24,000km service interval that is coming to be a common feature in Ducati bikes these days.
Also on board are a host of technologies expected of modern bikes; Ducat’s Riding Mode concept makes an appearance and brings with it the latest MotoGP inspired ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) system and the Engine Brake Control (EBC) system. Then there’s also the Ducati Quick-Shift (DQS) and ride-by-wire systems. The systems come together perfectly and rarely make their existence felt, but that also depends on what mode you have it in.
The ABS system for example can be adjusted in three different levels; level-1 enables front only ABS and is intended for the “Race” Riding mode, level-2 delivers higher braking performances with reduced rear lift-up and is coupled to the “Sport” Riding mode. And finally level-3, used in the “Wet” Riding mode and delivers the most braking stability and maximum lift-up prevention. You can also completely disable the ABS system to slide the bike into a corner, and the system will even memorise it the next time you start the bike.
The mentioned “Riding Modes” are basically pre-programmed engine and throttle sensitivity settings that alter from mode to mode via a switch on the handle bar. The throttle is an electronic unit with ride-by-wire (RbW) system but picks up on the slightest squeeze of the stick and is consistent with its feel. Then there’s the Ducati Traction Control (DTC) system which offers eight levels of interaction to help stay in control of the bike, it helps you by limiting wheel-spin and a Bosch processor provides three anti-lock levels.
If you are wondering how the Engine Brake Control system works, it simply uses the electronic signals to monitor crankshaft deceleration under heavy braking. And it then adjusts the RbW throttle opening to maintain maximum grip.
The Riding Modes also adjust the amount of horsepower available; 148hp in both Race and Sport modes and 110hp in Wet mode.
So despite it having all the necessary equipment to go-fast, brake late and corner hard, does the 899 Panigale actually feel like a good bike to ride hard? It does.
As a package, the bike feels tout and agile in corners. It will change directions quickly thanks to the shorter wheelbase and sharper rake angle. The higher clip-on (than the 1199) also offers more direct, stronger leverage and lets you easily pick up the bike from one corner, and drop it to the next. But because this is a bike that needs to be ridden fast and hard, it rewards riding skills and highlights your mistakes. Litre bikes use their abundance of torque to rocket you out of a corner, but on a bike like the 899, you need to get it all right, all the time.
The weight of the bike is also very nearly perfectly distributed with a weight distribution of 52% front and 48% rear, and this contributes to its stability in high speed braking and in-corner performance. The factory settings for the 43mm Showa Big Piston Forks are not quite the focused weapon we hoped it would be with obvious dive under heavy braking. Then again, the test bikes provided were not pre-loaded for individuals rider’s weight, and we believe tinkering the fully adjustable Showa shocks with spring pre-load, compression and rebound damping would solve this issue immediately. There is also a standard fitted steering damper that completes the overall specification of the 899.
Also contributing to the abundance of grip for braking and turning are the Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa tyres wrapped around light weight 10-spoke wheels (3.5 inch front/5.5 inch rear). Measuring in at 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/60 ZR17 rear, the tyre offers three different compounds at different angles of the tyre to maximise grip and quick turns.
At high speeds, the bike feels planted and solid with brilliant aerodynamics, but you would have expected Ducati to get that right. What is weird here though is the fact that the 899 feels better planted than the 1199, but this could be down to there being a better match between the power-chassis and the steel double swingarm.
If there was one complaint about the bike though, it would be the brakes. The front brakes are twin radially-mounted, four-piston Brembo’s with Monobloc M4-32 callipers that grip 320mm discs, while the rear is a 245mm disc that is gripped by a single Brembo caliper. Though they feel firm and never fade even after repeated on-track pounding, the initial bite and modulation can be further improved for more advanced track riders, good thing there is an easy fix to this.
All in all, the 899 Panigale is a real shocker. We never expected it to be this good, especially considering it is an entry level Ducati superbike. It is easy to exert all of its performance, easier still than the 1199 thanks to its smoother delivery and overall size and package. And that makes it a fun bike to exploit on track, and a fun bike to learn how to ride hard on.
Compared to the 1199, there are also no obvious inferiorities, except for the black on white LCD display and the double sided swingarm that does in some sense, harm the aesthetics of the bike. It will still do 0-100km/h in 2.7 seconds and unless you need the 0.1sec faster straight line acceleration of its bigger cc brother, it doesn’t lack anything else, which makes it an incredible feat from Ducati, and one that can easily challenge the Japanese establishment and get the Brits to pay attention.
So if you don’t like the weight and muscle needed to tame a litre bike and prefer the nimbleness of a “supermid” sports bike, the 899 Panigale is one of the juiciest Italian’s you can buy today.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/motogp-suzuki-wants-jorge-lorenzo-2019/ | MotoGP: Suzuki wants Jorge Lorenzo in 2019? |
MotoGP gossip is already burning hot with Suzuki indicating their interest towards Jorge Lorenzo for 2019.
With their patience running out with Andrea Iannone, the hunt for the perfect rider for the Suzuki GSX-RR is already underway.
Lorenzo is currently struggling to ride the Ducati Desmosedici GP18 having collected only one point in the first two opening races.
The latest rumour circulating the MotoGP paddock (besides the #TermasClash between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez in the Argentina GP) revolves one particular Spaniard rider, Jorge Lorenzo. It seems that Suzuki is already started working on a plan to get the three-time MotoGP world champion to join them for the 2019 season.
As Team Suzuki Ecstar is looking forward to renewing their contract with Alex Rins, their current ‘senior rider’ has not been living up to their expectation in the bike development process as well as producing respectable race results.
With an overall finish in 13th place last year combined with the fact that he finished ninth in Qatar and eighth in Argentina (compared to the younger Rins with a DNF in Qatar and 3rd place podium finish last weekend in Argentina), it seems that Suzuki is running out of patience with the Italian rider.
Their Japanese eyes are once again looking at Jorge Lorenzo who they feel is a perfect match to their Suzuki GSX-RR MotoGP machine. The GSX-RR has been said by many as a slightly watered down Yamaha M1 in the previous season might be suitable for Lorenzo’s smooth riding style that gave him multiple championship wins when he was with the Yamaha squad.
The offer might be interesting for Lorenzo as he has been struggling to perform with his current Ducati Desmosedici GP18. His teammate Andrea Dovizioso, on the other hand, has had the opposite effect where he won the opening round in Qatar and finished in P6 in Argentina despite the difficult mixed conditions.
There is, however, a catch. Suzuki does not have the same resources as Ducati so if the deal goes through, Lorenzo will be taking a huge pay cut. His current €12 million deal with Ducati won’t last either if he is to continue with this result trend into 2019.
Whatever the case may be, the next three races will be crucial for everyone, especially Jorge Lorenzo. Will he stay on the wild Ducati or will jump ship to Suzuki and hopefully produce significant results? Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more updates.
Image source: MotoGP
“Marquez is destroying MotoGP” – Valentino Rossi
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/skully-helmet-receives-new-investors-following-last-years-bankruptcy/ | Skully Helmet receives new investors following last year’s bankruptcy |
The Skully Helmet project has been revived back from the dead thanks to a couple of new investors.
Businessmen Ivan Contreras and Rafael Contreras acquired SKULLY, Inc. and has rebranded the company to SKULLY Technologies.
Following the email blast sent by the new folks over at SKULLY Technologies, it seems that they will try their level best to “make this right”.
Looks like Skully Helmets are back in the game, folks. Following a recent email blast sent by Skully Technologies, it seems that the dead project has risen from the ashes yet again thanks to a couple of new investors pumping some proper funds into the company.
Businessmen Ivan Contreras and Rafael Contreras stated in the email blast that they have acquired SKULLY, Inc. with the hopes of reviving this unique project which has the potential to go big if guided into the right direction.
Ivan Contreras who has been appointed as the new president of SKULLY Technologies has gathered the right group of people which is based in Atlanta, Georgia. With this acquisition, SKULLY, Inc. is now SKULLY Technologies.
Back in 2014 when the project was initialised, SKULLY helmets promised the future of motorcycling with state-of-the-art technology embedded in the lids themselves, specifically the AR-1 helmet with heads-up display (HUD). However, they were forced to close shop last year due to a number of different factors.
To know more about SKULLY’s previous failure and other top motorcycle bungles, CLICK HERE.
Although a lot of SKULLY investors, fans and enthusiasts who have been supporting the once doomed project emotionally and monetary, the new folks have no interested in reimbursing the failed project and hope that they have what it takes to do what’s right with revolutionary products.
“We are determined to make this right.”
Below is the said email sent by SKULLY Technologies.
“You are receiving this email because you are part of the SKULLY Nation and we are bringing back the SKULLY helmet.
We are happy to inform you that the assets of SKULLY, Inc., have been acquired by Ivan Contreras and Rafael Contreras, successful businessmen in a variety of global turnaround industrial and technology ventures, with the goal of fulfilling SKULLY’s destiny.
Ivan Contreras, President of the new company SKULLY Technologies, assembled a new leadership team and has located the headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
SKULLY Technologies is unrelated to the former SKULLY, Inc., which filed bankruptcy and is no longer in business. Although SKULLY Technologies has no formal obligation to the customers of the now defunct SKULLY, Inc., we recognize that hundreds of SKULLY helmet enthusiasts around the world have contributed to this product and were understandably disappointed that they never received one.
We are determined to make this right.
We will be sharing more updates soon on SKULLY and the revival of the SKULLY Nation.”
It always a shame to see a company with big potential to close its doors but with this new revival, we hope that they can bring this future technologies to greater heights.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/honda-city-adventure-concept-production-patent-leaks/ | Honda City Adventure concept production patent leaks |
Honda City Adventure concept scooter production patent leaks online.
After debuting during EICMA 2015 in Milan, Italy last year, the Honda City Adventure concept scooter received some mixed reviews, but it garnered enough fans for Honda to put it into production.
Based on the Honda NC750 model, the City Adventure Concept was more or less a melting pot that had the elements of a scooter, adventure bike, tourer and commuter all at once. A camouflaged prototype of it spotted testing recently in Italy confirmed Honda’s serious intent at making it a production reality.
Now, a series of leaked patent has given us a glimpse of what Honda was hiding under the prototype’s camouflage. What is interesting here is the fact that the final production version may not be as toned down in appearance as the original concept shown during EICMA 2015.
Several revisions were made here and it includes the radial front brake calipers instead of the conventional four-pots primed in the concept, followed by the adoption of a smaller exhaust can, as well as an intriguing set of wire wheels with spokes that run right to the edges of the rims.
Other new bits here include the reflectors on the fork legs – a legal requirement – plus a new, larger set of hand guards on the bars. Honda have retained a few items from the concept as well such as the adjustable windscreen and the flat-panel instrument pod that featured a TFT full-colour display in the concept.
Expect the NC750 middleweight’s 745cc parallel-twin mill and Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) semi-automatic making its way into the road-going City Adventure that’s tuned for all-out efficiency instead of performance.
The Honda City Adventure concept scooter is expected to debut as a production bike sometime in 2017 where it will reportedly carry its new ‘Honda ADV’ or ‘Honda X-ADV’ nameplate too.
Sources: Visordown / AutoEvolution
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/bmw-motorrad-rr-experience-2016-announced/ | BMW Motorrad RR Experience 2016 announced |
BMW S1000RR
Sign up for the BMW Motorrad RR Experience 2016 trackday this October in Sepang!
Our friends at BMW Motorrad Malaysia will be organising a special trackday session soon. Called the BMW Motorrad RR Experience 2016, the event takes place on October 5, 2016 in the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
A limited number of new BMW S1000RR models will be available for you to try out on track. Besides that, local superbike racer Nasarudin Mat Yusop will also conduct riding classes for participants.
The BMW Motorrad RR Experience 2016 is open to all BMW Motorrad owners where BMW Malaysia will offer a special entry fee of just RM150.
This trackday is also open to owners of grey imported BMW Motorrad models and other bike brands as well. However, a higher entry fee of RM300 will be imposed instead.
Both prices include one on track test-ride session with the new BMW S1000RR model, as well as open access to ride your own machine on track. Furthermore, the fees also include light refreshments throughout the day and one event t-shirt.
Three sessions have been scheduled in total – 10am, 11:45am and 1:45pm. Final registration procedures and compulsory safety briefings will be held before each. The event’s full schedule and details can be viewed online through its official Facebook event page.
Spaces are limited, so you’ll need to register and RSVP as fast as possible. To enter, you must first download a registration form via this link (Entry form download), fill in your details, and submit it via email to bmwmotorradtrackday@bordersmalaysia.com.
For further information, you can also call BMW’s customer service hotline at 1-800-88-3000. You can also follow the official BMW Motorrad Malaysia Facebook page for more updates as well.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/honda-brings-true-adventure/ | Honda brings you True Adventure |
After the reveal of a new adventure concept at the recent EICMA show, Honda is now busy teasing and hyping up the final reveal of the new bike.
While there is no technical detail about the bike dubbed as the “True Adventure”, it is clear that it is an adventure type and might carry the legendary name Africa Twin.
The “True Adventure” campaign is up with two videos so far, the first one showing how the Africa Twin became the legend that it is with the Paris Dakar Race and how Honda and racing is connected.
The second video shows how Honda bikes have inspired people to take them to explore the world and changed their lives.
Ironically enough the second video also shows that you dont actually need an adventure bike to go and make your adventure, a few brave people are doing it on the C90.
Also if you think you have a sharp eye then try to spot a Malaysian reference in that second video and tell us what it was in the comments section.
I dont know about you but the second video makes me itch to just go and ride.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/honda-rs150r-unbreakable-supercub/ | Honda RS150R – The unbreakable supercub |
When it comes to the best cub or kapchai in Malaysia, the Honda RS150R is definitely on the top part of the list with its modern design and impressive performance.
The Honda RS150R was also recently proven to be super reliable and robust when newlyweds Mohd Alfishahrin Zakaria and Diana Latief took one around the world for six months without any issues.
This completes the Honda RS150R as one of the best 150cc motorcycles ever made thanks to its appealing design, robust construction and respectable performance in different riding conditions.
Ever since the Honda RS150R super cub was launched on June 2016, it has garnered a huge following by many Malaysians. Due to its modern and edgy design plus exceptional performance, it has gone up the ranks and considered by many as one of the best cubs or kapchais in the country.
Highly regarded as one of the best 150cc motorcycles around which has gained huge popularity by many young Malaysians and motoring enthusiasts alike. Powered by a 150cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine, the RS150R produces a healthy 15.4hp and 13.5Nm of torque which stands as one of the best-performing 150cc motorcycles compared to the RS150R’s competitors.
All that power is transferred down to the rear wheel via a reliable six-speed manual transmission gearbox which we have personally tested and loved by many. The six-speed gearbox remains as one of the major highlights of the RS150R as it is quite hard to find other bikes that have the same spec in this particular category. This power and torque output is good enough to inject some excitement while riding in different conditions whether it’s going back and forth from the office or some fun during the weekends.
Apart from the performance, the other factor that a lot of folks are looking out for when it comes to their motorcycles is reliability. So is the Honda RS150R reliable? Just ask newlyweds Mohd Alfishahrin Zakaria and Diana Latief. Shortly after getting hitched, the couple went on one of the best honeymoons in history; a round-the-world trip on board the Honda RS150R.
To know more about their amazing story, CLICK HERE.
All in all, the couple covered 25 countries in a span of six months from Malaysia all the way to London, England. We caught up with them upon their return to the country and they have nothing but praises for the Honda super cub.
During their half a year journey, Alfishahrin commented that his RS150R stood up against anything that was thrown to the bike from different lubricants, fuels and harsh weather conditions but the RS150R emerged triumphant. The only time that they had to stop for repairs was due to a flat tyre caused by super poor road conditions covered with rocks.
Rough terrains and ever-changing weather did not stop the RS150R. A journey completed with two people plus all their gear and still the Honda super cub made it without suffering any issues. No wonder a lot of Malaysians are getting in line to get one of their very own.
Priced from RM8,478.94, the RS150R is quite affordable and it comes in many attractive colourways. To know more about the Honda RS150R, you can head over to Boon Siew Honda’s official website. Additionally, you can also CLICK HERE to read our extensive review on this impressive cub.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/first-look-2024-ducati-multistrada-v2-s/ | FIRST LOOK: 2024 Ducati Multistrada V2 S |
Ducati is set to make waves in the motorcycle industry with the unveiling of their latest offering, the 2024 Multistrada V2 S.
2024 Ducati Multistrada V2 S will arrive with a new colour scheme.
the Multistrada V2 S is equipped with the firm’s 937cc Testastretta 11° twin-cylinder engine, delivering a peak of 113hp.
While the spotlight has been on the V4 models, Ducati is focusing on refining their V2 lineup for the upcoming year.
The Multistrada V2 S will receive a bold new look with the introduction of a Thrilling Black and Street Grey color scheme. This new livery enhances the sporty spirit of the middleweight motorcycle, with eye-catching red wheel rims and sleek model name graphics on the front side panels. The additional aesthetic touches come at a small premium of $400 over the base price.
Mechanically, the powertrain remains unchanged, and that’s a good thing considering the major refresh it received in 2022. Powering the bike is the impressive 937cc Testastretta 11° twin-cylinder engine, delivering a peak of 113 horsepower @ 9,000 rpm and maximum torque of 98Nm @ 6,750 rpm.
The chassis also remains the same, featuring a front trellis frame and two lateral cast subframes that provide a rigid structure. The V2 S version comes equipped with Ducati’s renowned semi-active Skyhook Suspension EVO, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. The Multistrada V2 S boasts a Brembo brake system with Cornering ABS and 19/17 wheels.
Ducati’s commitment to advanced electronics is evident in the Multistrada V2 S. The motorcycle features a comprehensive electronics suite that includes ABS Cornering, Vehicle Hold Control (VHC), and Ducati Traction Control as standard equipment. Riders will also enjoy the convenience of cruise control, a quickshifter, and a 5-inch color TFT dashboard. The V2 S offers four riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, and Enduro) and LED lighting, which is a rarity for an entry-level Multistrada.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/hammy-moto-crashes-bike-went-lorry-came-alive-side/ | Hammy Moto crashes bike, went under a lorry and came out ALIVE on the other side! |
Hammy Dawg from Hammy Moto YouTube page survived one of the most intense crashes involving a semi-truck.
The rider lost the front end of the bike, tank-slapped and went under the truck and went out the other side ALIVE.
Hammy was lucky to be alive with minor road rashes on his knees and hip.
It is safe to say that most of us bikers have had our fair share of close calls. While some of us are luckier than others, this particular biker from California, USA probably tops the cake with this a miraculous escape (and cheating death) when he lost control of his bike and went under a semi-truck!
While the video might be unnerving for some, we assure you that the person in the video known as Hammy Dawg (owner of Hammy Moto YouTube channel), superbly made it out alive with just minor injuries and some road rash (plus his life to the story in person).
The rider apparently lost control of his bike’s front end, went through a tank-slapping moment and lost control whilst heading toward the giant lorry. The momentum of the fall managed to push him under the truck and out on the other side fairly unharmed and he was more than thankful for the fact that he had escaped with his life practically unscathed.
Glad that you’re okay, buddy. To everyone else, do ride safely and responsibly!
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/2020-honda-cbr1000rr-fireblade-spied/ | 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade Spied |
Photo credit n_mode_log
The 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade was spied being tested at Suzuka.
It didn’t debut at the Tokyo Motor Show as expected.
This is an all-new bike.
Okay let’s move away from Ducati for a while (yes, there are more) and head over to another great sportbike — the 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.
We were expecting its launch at the recent 2019 Tokyo Motor Show but it didn’t turn out that way. Instead, the new model was caught testing at Suzuka by a Japanese photographer, who then uploaded the pictures and video to his Twitter account @n_mode_log.
HRCが鈴鹿サーキットに持ち込んで来ているこのテストマシンは何だ⁉️
タンクのところに「性能車①」ってラベルが確認できる。
#MFJGP #SuperBike #HRC pic.twitter.com/Owzh8cUs1m
— NOBU㌠ @JO3VHC (@n_mode_log) October 23, 2019
Honda has said before that this will be a new CBR1000RR, rather than a mere update.
At first glance, you can see a new fairing which is more enclosing compared to the outgoing model’s. Besides that, there are gills at the bottom.
However, look closer at the front and you’d spot something which resembles a large inlet with winglets in them. This is the “aerobody” which the manufacturer patented a few months ago. They’re enclosed, rather than hanging out in the breeze unlike the Ducati Panigale V4 and V4 R’s. Honda also patented “active aerodynamics” for the rear in the form of foldout winglets, but they don’t appear in these photos.
Photo credit n_mode_log
But these pictures showed the race version of the bike, signified by the front fork set up. The purple-coloured slider tube shows that its coated with titanium nitrate and the true giveaway is the thin plunger-like travel sensor.
However, bear in mind that superbike racing dictates no modification to the frame and bodywork over the streetbike.
Peeking through the fairing’s opening also reveals what seems to be a new frame. The cutouts in the swingarm also look different.
Honda brought along a 2019 CBR1000RR for comparisons and the uploader also shot its pictures.
Photo credit n_mode_log
There was also a video and the bike has an inline-Four engine, quashing rumours of a V-Four.
今日HRCが鈴鹿サーキットで走らせていたマシンですが、動画も撮っていたのでUPしておきます。 #MFJGP #SuperBike #JSB1000 pic.twitter.com/cPaj3v4gTl
— NOBU㌠ @JO3VHC (@n_mode_log) October 23, 2019
Hope to see it at EICMA 2019.
All pictures credit @n_mode_log
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/benelli-trk-251-and-benelli-leoncino-250-launched/ | Benelli TRK 251 and Benelli Leoncino 250 Launched |
The Benelli TRK 251 and Benelli Leoncino 250 have been launched in Malaysia.
The TRK 251 is the adventure model while the Leoncino 250 is the scrambler/standard variety.
Both are priced from RM 13,888 to RM 14,688 (ABS version).
The Benelli TRK 251 and Benelli Leoncino 250 have been launched in Malaysia.
The simultaneous launch sees Benelli now having two models in their 250cc lineup. The TRK 251 is the adventure model while the Leoncino 250 is the scrambler/standard variety.
Benelli TRK 251
Sorting through the mumbo-jumbo in the Press Release revealed that the TRK 251:
Uses a single-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine with electronic fuel injection. It produces 26.8 hp (20.0kW) at 10500rpm, but no torque figure was provided.
The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
Suspension consists of 41 mm upside-down forks and a monoshock at the back.
Tying these together is a steel trellis frame.
Braking duties are handled by a single floating 280 mm disc gripped by a 4-piston caliper up front, and a 240 mm disc with a single-piston caliper out back.
Tyre sizes are 110/70-R17 front and 150/60-R17 rear, mounted on alloy rims.
The TRK 251 is available in Rudy Red, Titanium Grey & Jet Black.
The Benelli TRK 251 will be available at authorized Benelli showroom
from the end of August 2019.
Prices range from RM 13,888 to RM 14,688 (ABS Edition).
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Benelli Leoncino 250
Again, going through all the corporate propaganda (the usual words like “magnificent,” “passion,” blah, blah, blah reveals these details about the Leoncino 250:
“Leoncino” means “Little Lion” in Italian.
The cute little lion on the front mudguard “looks back on Benelli’s glorious (see what we mean?) history.”
Completely redesigned, full-LED headlight.
A steel tube trellis chassis forms the frame.
249cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve, single-cylinder engine.
The engine utilizes a 37 mm throttle body electronic fuel injection and TLI ignition
Benelli claims 25 hp at 9000 rpm and 21 Nm of torque at 7500.
“High-spec” front 41 mm upside-down forks and single rear monoshock.
The Leoncino shares the TRK 251’s brake components i.e. 280mm disc with four-piston calipers up front and a 240 mm disc with single-piston caliper at the back.
Tyres are the same sizes of the TRK 251, also i.e. 110/70-R17 front and 150/60-R17 rear.
Available in all local authorized Benelli dealers from September 2019.
Priced from RM 13,888 to RM 14,688 (ABS Edition).
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And no, neither model is equipped with a kickstarter in case it refuses to start again.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/2023-cfmoto-700cl-x-adv-price-announced-in-europe-from-rm35-8k/ | 2023 CFMoto 700CL-X ADV Price Announced In Europe – From RM35.8k |
Chinese motorcycle manufacturer, CFMoto has officially introduced the 700CL-X Adventure, becoming the third variant from its neo-retro scrambler range.
the ADV features larger 19-inch wheels and raised beak.
powered by the same 693cc two-cylinder engine.
Joining the already available 700 CL-X Heritage and Sport, the 700 CL-X ADV features a more rugged and aggressive bodywork than it siblings.
The 700 CL-X ADV finally make its way to production, three years after it was presented as a prototype at the 2019 EICMA.
Coming in at EUR7,590 (RM35.8k), the 700CL-X ADV is only available in Aurora Blue colour scheme.
Despite the robust look, the ADV variant is not a serious off-road capable machine compared to the brand 800MT motorcycle, but it does have a resemblance akin to a Scrambler.
That said, the 700 CL-X ADV gets a larger 19-inch front wheel, dual-purpose tyres, wire-spoke wheels and a raised beaked typically found on a scrambler.
Nonetheless, majority of the 700 CL-X ADV still retains the same signatures, including the X front headlamp.
In addition, the 700 CL-X ADV also fitted with panels to install panniers.
Mechanically, the ADV version gets the same 693cc two cylinder engine producing 74hp @ 8,500rpm and 68Nm @ 6,500rpm.
While no official price is mention yet, we expect the ADV to priced slightly higher than the Heritage and Sport.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/malaysian-cub-prix-considering-adding-seventh-race-category/ | Malaysian Cub Prix Considering Adding a Seventh Race Category |
The Cub Prix might see another category added for the 2017 season
The Petronas AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship has been around for a while now and with growing popularity over the recent years, we might see another race category added to the 2017 roster.
According to the Cub Prix race promoters Safe Aim Mutual Sdn Bhd, the total of six race categories might not be enough to cater the demands of those wanting to participate in the championship. Currently, they’ve been running with the six-category race format for the past three seasons and due to the rapid increase of rookie racers wanting to get in on the action, there is some serious consideration in adding another race category to cater to the demands.
Safe Aim Mutual Sdn Bhd recently announced the 2017 10-round race calendar which will mark the 24th season is set to begin in March until November. With the increase in possible participants to the rookie class, they might just consider another rookie category to be added in the mix this year.
“Last year, we ran an extended Rider Search campaign that netted close to a thousand interested participants. Unfortunately, only a fraction would make the final cut into the established talent development programmes conducted by Yamaha and Honda. We acknowledge that there is an urgent need to open the gates a bit wider to allow for more young blood to enter the sport,” said Ron Hogg, Director of Safe Aim Mutual.
The 2017 10-round Malaysian Cub Prix calendar is as follows:
Rd 1 Temerloh, PAHANG 4th & 5th March
Rd 2 MAEPS, SELANGOR 25th & 26th March
Rd 3 KELANTAN 14th & 15th April (Saturday Race)
Rd 4 MELAKA 13th & 14th May
Rd 5 JOHOR 15th & 16th July
Rd 6 Teluk Intan, PERAK 4th & 5th August
Rd 7 Kemaman, TERENGGANU 8th & 9th September (Saturday Race)
Rd 8 Kangar, PERLIS 7th & 8th October
Rd 9 Jempol, N. SEMBILAN 4th & 5th November
Rd 10 Batu Kawan, P.PINANG 18th & 19th November
Stay tuned to Bikes Republic for more updates.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/worldsbk-rain-stops-development-for-kawasaki-ninja-zx-10rr/ | WorldSBK: Rain stops development for Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR |
Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK riders, Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes, were unable to partake in a test session set in Jerez, Spain yesterday after rain affected the whole thing. Both riders and teams were expecting some dry conditions to develop their latest 2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR, but wet conditions arrived and said, “Not today, fellas.”
The decision was taken as the new WorldSBK regulations limit the number of private test sessions each team can take throughout the season. This is why the Kawasaki Racing Team doesn’t want to waste it by starting with a wet weather development.
Both Rea and Lowes have provided some crucial data for the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR in Jerez, but they were looking to test some new parts and setting this time around which could make a world of difference in their dry weather performances once the 2021 season starts.
It is true that they have a lot of things that need to be considered to be able to defend their titles in this season’s WorldSBK championship. Other manufacturers like Ducati, Yamaha, and BMW will be bringing the heat, especially the German manufacturer and their highly-anticipated BMW M 1000 RR.
The first 2021 WorldSBK round is scheduled at the end of April at the TT Assen Circuit, The Netherlands. Stay tuned for more updates.
BMW M 1000 RR gets some track action with Michael van der Mark
Written by: Sep Irran
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/saudi-arabia-to-host-motogp-in-years-to-come-to-develop-10-circuits/ | Saudi Arabia To Host MotoGP In Years To Come, To Develop 10 Circuits |
Saudi Arabia is planning to host the MotoGP in years to come after unveiling plans to develop a state-of-the-art ‘city of motors’.
While other nations focus on building one circuit in the hope to join any motorsport calendar year, Saudi Arabia is making a bolder move by creating ten world-class circuits.
The ambitious plan is the brainchild of HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Abdullah Al Faisal, who is also the President of Saudi Automobile & Moto Federation.
The plan consists of building an entire city dedicated to motorsport racing consist of the rally, rallycross, cross country racing, motocross, and MotoGP.
“In Qiddiya, we will build an actual city of motors, with more than 10 circuits to host rally, cross-country, rallycross, motocross, because we want to host all the most prestigious competitions in the world.
“Including MotoGP, which is considered one of the sports here. Most important in the world,” he said.
According to reports, former Formula 1 driver, Alex Wurz, will help design the track.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/bottpower-reveals-new-cafe-racer/ | Bottpower reveals new café racer |
Spanish firm Bottpower revealed its latest project recently in the form of the radical Bott XC1 café racer.
At the heart of the Bott XC1 lies a Buell-sourced 1,203cc Thunderstorm V-twin engine that develops 100hp. The powertrain is encased in the bike’s steel frame designed by Bottpower themselves.
Based on a machine the firm has already developed called the XR1, Bottpower is poised to introduce the Bott XC1 into the market sometime this year. According to a statement on its official website, the firm stated “Most of the parts will be the same for both bikes (XR1 and XC1) in such a way that a customer who owns a XR1 will be able to transform it into a XC1 just by changing a few parts.”
Check out the image gallery below for more pictures of Bottpower’s new Bott XC1 café racer. Additional information is also available via its official site.We’ve also posted Bottpower’s video about its previous creation, the XR1 as a reference to what its sibling the XC1 would act and sound like.
Source: Bottpower via Visordown
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/for-sale-nicky-haydens-worldsbk-honda-cbr1000rr-fireblade-sp2/ | FOR SALE: Nicky Hayden’s WorldSBK Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2! |
Ten Kate Racing is selling off Nicky Hayden’s WorldSBK Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2.
This Honda is the actual bike used by the late MotoGP Legend during his time in WorldSBK.
Fitted with all WorldSBK goodies, the asking price is a cool €95,000 (around RM436,538).
Want to own a piece of history and a more-than-capable WorldSBK-spec race machine? In honour of the late MotoGP World Champion, Nicky Hayden, the Ten Kate Racing Team is putting the MotoGP Legend’s actual Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 for sale and it is legit awesome, bruh.
We’re not talking a Fireblade SP2 done up as a replica like Nicky Hayden’s machine used during his time the World Superbikes. This baby is the ACTUAL bike used by him in multiple races against some of the best riders in the business. Equipped with all the right parts and components, this is definitely a way to get people’s attentions during track days.
Fans of Nicky Hayden can own this piece of history as part of your super expensive collection as the asking price for Hayden’s Honda WorldSBK bike built by Ten Kate Racing is a whopping €95,000. Convert that number into Malaysian Ringgit and it’s around RM436,538! That’s before shipping and the other mad fees you need to cough up just to get this bad boy onto our strict shores.
Spec-wise, the bike includes matching chassis and engine numbers with all the right stuff matching to one bike. Exact specifications used by Nicky Hayden in racing includes TKR/Cosworth engine kit, Cosworth electronics package, Öhlins WorldSBK-spec suspensions, Nissin + Yutaka WorldSBK-spec brakes, TKR swingarm, Marchesini wheels, WorldSBK-spec Akrapovic exhaust system, plus many more.
Described as “absolute showroom stage” by Ten Kate Racing (that’s how they kept it every single time the bike heads out for each track session), the future proud owner of this Honda will also receive a certificate of authenticity to make sure everything is as legit as it can be. For more info, do email Mr Kervin Bos at k.bos@tenkateracing.com for further details and enquiries.
MotoGP: Number 69 to be Retired to Honour Nicky Hayden
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/2022-mv-agusta-adventure-motorcycle-breaks-cover/ | 2022 MV Agusta Adventure Motorcycle Breaks Cover |
MV Agusta has officially announced its intention of diving into the adventure-bike scene with the introduction of two near-production prototypes at EICMA.
The Italian brand latest ADV bike comes in two variants, the Lucky Explorer 9.5 and Lucky Explorer 5.5.
Despite MV Agusta yet to reveal any production date, reports suggest that the Lucky Explorer will be 2022 models.
Meanwhile, the larger Lucky Explorer 9.5 features a new 931cc 3-cylinder powerplant derived from MV’s 800cc range, while the Lucky Explorer 5.5 was born from the Italian firm partnership with a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer Qianjiang Motorcycle, the owner of Benelli and QJ Motor.
The Lucky Explorer 5.5 features a 550cc parallel-twin that is said to be the basis of every entry-level MV Agusta’s bike in the future.
Lucky Explorer 9.5
*Lucky Explorer 9.5
Born from the Italian firm 800cc triple, MV Agusta has increased the bore and stroke and adopted a new crankshaft and cylinder head to build the new 931cc engine.
The engine has also been tuned to deliver better torque than power, with a claim of 123hp @ 10,000rpm and a 102Nm @ 7,000rpm.
While it may be in its prototype stage, the Lucky Explorer 9.5 resembles the upcoming Ducati DesertX.
Interestingly enough, the DesertX runs on 937cc Testaretta V-Twin, similar to the Lucky Project 9.5 931cc triple.
The bike also adopts the same Lucky Strike-inspired colours featured on the Cagiva Elefant, which is not a coincidence as both MV Agusta and Ducati were owned by the Castiglioni family back in the day.
The 9.5 will also come with two types of transmission, a Rekluse automatic clutch and a semi-automatic electronic actuated transmission similar to the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT’s.
Other exciting features include:
aluminium dual-sided swingarm
21″ front wheels and 18″ rear wheels
1,580mm wheelbase
Lucky Explorer 5.5
*Lucky Explorer 5.5
Developed in collaboration with Qianjiang Motorcycles, reports suggest that the Lucky Explorer 5.5 prototype shares the same engine and frame from Benelli’s TRK 502.
However, MV Agusta developed the 550cc parallel-twin by increasing the bore and stroke to 70.5mm x 71mm from the TRK’s 69mm x 66.8mm.
Nonetheless, the overall design of the 5.5 is miles ahead of the TRK 502, and it also features higher specifications, including a top of line Brembo brakes.
Despite no announcement being made regarding the availability of the two motorcycles, we can safely assume that we are going to see them soon enough.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/2020-ducati-streetfighter-v4-hail-the-new-king-of-supernakeds/ | 2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4 – Hail the New King of Supernakeds |
The 2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4 was just launched at the Ducati World Premiere 2019.
It has 208 bhp, 122.6 Nm, and weighs only 178 kg dry.
There are the standard and “S” models.
The most anticipated bike of the year, the 2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4 was just launched at the Ducati World Premiere 2019.
And as promised by the manufacturer, the bike is a powerhouse that would scare off sportbikes. In case you missed the teaser video, the 1100cc Desmosedici Stradale engine punches out an unholy (for a naked bike) 208 bhp at 12,500 RPM, 122.6 Nm of torque of 11,500 RPM.
If those figures are awesome, think about the weight: 178 kg dry. That gives the bike a 1.17 bhp/kg power-to-weight ratio, which some sportbikes could only envy. As a matter of fact, Ducati aimed for 25% more power over their closest competitor.
However, there’s a Streetfighter V4 S model and it produces 216 bhp!
The full specs are just filtering through at the moment. But among other things is the electronics suite which is shared with the Panigale V4.
And just like the Panigale V4 S, the Streetfighter V4 S uses the amazing Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension.
But it has something which only the Panigale V4 R has: Winglets. Make that twice the V4 R’s winglets. The Streetfighter has four of them!
Ducati also released the prices. The standard bike costs €19,990 while the “S” is at €22,990.
Stay tuned as we will bring you the full specifications of the bike later.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/2022-yamaha-mt-25-gets-new-visuals-rm22998/ | 2022 Yamaha MT-25 Gets New Visuals- RM22,998 |
Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has updated its MT-25 range with new exciting visuals for 2022.
Yamaha MT-25 now available in two new colour scheme.
The 2022 Yamaha MT-25 is priced slightly higher than before, at RM22,998.
Coming in new for the Malaysian market is two new colourway, Cyan Storm and Icon Blue.
While its full-fairing cousin, the YZF-R25 gets minor hardware upgrades, no changes is done to the MT-25.
That said, the motorcycle features the same 249 cc, in-line two-cylinders, dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) engine capable of producing 35hp @ 12,000 rpm and 22.6 Nm of torque @ 10,000 rpm.
Despite the minor update, the MT-25 is now available at a recommended selling price of RM22,998, a slight increased from the current model that is on sale for RM21,500.
In addition, buyers is entitled to received a Yamaha safety disc lock worth RM100 with every purchased of the MT-25.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/limited-run-ariel-ace-black-edition-to-break-cover-at-motorcycle-live/ | Limited Run Ariel Ace Black Edition To Break Cover At Motorcycle Live |
Ariel Motorcycle Company to unveil a limited run of the stealthy Ariel Ace Black Edition at Motorcycle Live.
The Ace Black Edition runs on Honda’s VFR1200 engine.
Features Cerakote-treated, CNC-machined aluminium frame.
The event, running from 19 November through 27 at the NEC Birmingham in England, will showcase a wide range of motorcycles.
However, the most anticipated bike at the event has to be the Ariel Ace Black Edition, which is strictly limited to just five units.
Powering the Ace Black Edition is the same 1,237cc Honda V4 engine found in the VFR 1200, which can punch 172hp and 131Nm of peak torque. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a 6-speed manual transmission with a final shaft drive.
As the name suggests, the Ace Black Edition is finished in a matt black, while the Honda-built engine remains its original bronze colour.
Also, the bike’s Cerakote-treated, CNC-machined aluminium frame makes the bike stands out more than the rest.
According to the company, the Ace Black Edition will be on sale for GBP22,495 (RM122k), a fair price given its exquisite looks.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/kawasaki-zx-14-updated-for-2016/ | Kawasaki ZX-14 updated for 2016 |
Kawasaki has taken the wraps off the 2016 version of the Kawasaki ZX-14 earlier this week, with a few key upgrades which includes a tweaked ECU, a new instrument cluster, as well as Brembo monobloc brake calipers. The upgrades were all in line with meeting the latest Euro4 emission regulations.
According to Kawasaki, the tweaked ECU has managed reduce emissions whilst maintaining the bike’s maximum output of 207hp, making it among the most powerful bikes to be unveiled this year.
Powering the beast is a 1,441cc liquid cooled, four-stroke, inline-four cylinder engine which produces 207hp, enabling the bike to accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 2.6 seconds, with an electronically restricted top speed of 299km/h.
Set to be available in two variants (ZX-14R and the ZX-14R Performance Sports) for 2016, notable changes include the new instrument cluster with LCD displays with dot-pattern background, black and white interchangeable displays, Brembo M50 monobloc brake calipers with Brembo radial-pump master cylinder, stainless steel brake lines, Ohlins TTX39 rear shock absorber, as well as Akrapovic exhausts.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/kawasaki-accelerates-hybrid-project-as-production-version-edges-closer/ | Kawasaki Accelerates Hybrid Project As Production Version Edges Closer |
Team Green latest patents have confirmed that its maiden hybrid project is edging closer to production based on the company latest patent.
Kawasaki announced its plans to have more than ten electric or hybrid motorcycles by 2025, and looking at how things are progressing, and the Japanese firm is definitely on track to reveal their first bike soon.
Kawasaki has already shown a prototype hybrid featuring a twin-cylinder engine mated to a 48-volt electric motor that could run on different modes according to its environment.
The bike would run on a conventional combustion engine while cruising but switch to the electric motor during city riding.
However, the combustion engine and the electric motor will work together if the rider wants the best performance.
According to the latest patents, the hybrid engine could be utilized across multiple existing Kawasaki models, which makes more sense than developing ten entirely new motorcycles from scratch.
Introducing a hybrid version of existing models is a common practice among car companies; hence it’s only relevant that Kawasaki follows the same route.
The newly published patents indicate that the first hybrid model could be based on Kawasaki’s Ninja 400/Z400 range, as it used the same parallel-twin engine borrowed from the brand 400cc motorcycle.
Also available is a visually identical 250cc version, mounted in a steel frame, while the 48-volt lithium-ion battery only takes the size of a small conventional car battery and is fitted under the seat.
Nevertheless, the battery is kept cool via an air-cooled system to ensure a lower cost and more straightforward construction than a liquid-cooled design that takes more space and complexity.
Meanwhile, the patents revealed that the electric motor is placed above the motorcycle six-speed transmission. The gearbox will allow the bike to operate as a conventional combustion engine motorcycle and a clutch to engage or disengage the motor.
The motorcycle will also feature bar-mounted switches to change the gear, presumably similar to Honda’s DCT manual mode.
Another patent also shows that Kawasaki has reinforced the electric motor, allowing it to be used as the rear shock mount, courtesy of a cast alloy plate that connects the frame.
The company’s latest patent’s intricate detail shows that Kawasaki is moving in the right direction in developing a production-ready hybrid motorcycle by 2025. Looking at how things are progressing, 2025 could be an exciting time for the two-wheels industry.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/alpinestars-tech-air-airbag-system-now-available-in-malaysia/ | Alpinestars Tech-Air Airbag System Now Available in Malaysia |
Alpinestars Malaysia has taken rider safety to a whole new level with the launch of their highly anticipated Tech-Air Airbag System in the country.
This revolutionary airbag system aims to significantly reduce upper body injuries for motorcycle riders.
Sinar Puncak is the authorised distributor for Alpinestars range of products in Malaysia.
The highlight of the Tech-Air family is undoubtedly the Tech-Air 10, offering the broadest protection of any airbag system currently available on the market. With its comprehensive coverage of the shoulders, chest, hips, and full back, Tech-Air 10 is a race-oriented airbag designed for MotoGP class riders.
The system is equipped with 12 sensors, including accelerometers and gyroscopes, ensuring rapid and precise deployment in case of an accident. Priced at RM 4,899 and available in sizes M to 2XL, Tech-Air 10 is simple to use – riders need only zip up the front and fasten the internal belt to activate the airbag system.
For those seeking a versatile airbag solution, the Tech-Air 5 fits the bill perfectly. Priced at RM2,999 and available in sizes S to 2XL, Tech-Air 5 features an active electronics system with 6 integrated sensors, employing AI-powered accident detection algorithms to deploy the airbag when necessary.
Offering comprehensive protection for shoulders, chest, ribs, and full back, Tech-Air 5 is ideal for touring, urban commuting, and racing, with two selectable modes – RACE and STREET.
Meanwhile, the Tech-Air 3 serves as a street-oriented over-jacket airbag system, designed to be worn over or under a rider’s jacket. With its automatic activation and connectivity to the motorcycle’s battery through internal magnets, Tech-Air 3 ensures seamless protection for urban commutes and adventurous rides on the road. Priced at RM2,299 (size S to 2XL), Tech-Air 3 combines lightweight and slim-fit design with CE certification level 2 for both the chest and back when the airbag is fully inflated.
Alpinestars’ Tech-Air family comes equipped with built-in Bluetooth connectivity, enabling riders to monitor operational and battery status, as well as detailed ride maps, directly from the Tech-Air app on their smartphones. Tech-Air 5 and Tech-Air 10 offer dual riding modes – RACE and STREET – with distinct crash detection algorithms for track and road use, depending on the selected mode.
To reinforce their commitment to rider safety, Alpinestars Malaysia is offering an exclusive promotion for Tech-Air 10 and Tech-Air 5 purchases. Every buyer will receive 1 year of Allianz Bike Warrior coverage up to RM20,000, providing additional peace of mind on the road.
Customers can service their Alpinestars Tech-Air Airbag System after each deployment through certified technicians from Sinar Puncak Sdn Bhd, ensuring the system is in top condition for continued protection. It is important to note that Tech-Air service is not available at the fulfillment center.
With the introduction of the Tech-Air Airbag System in Malaysia, Alpinestars has once again solidified its position as a leader in rider protection, raising the bar for safety standards in the motorcycle industry. Motorcycle enthusiasts across the country can now experience the latest technological advancements in rider safety with the Alpinestars Tech-Air Airbag System.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/ducati-releases-last-episode-ducati-scrambler-video-set/ | Ducati releases the last episode of the Ducati Scrambler video set |
The third and last episode in the Ducati Scrambler “Franco & Elvira Story” is out; it finally shows the basic shape (though putty like) as Franco takes Elvira to the World Ducati Week.
If you had missed them, the videos – the plasticine protagonists of which were hand-made by three talented nineteen-years-olds from Bologna – tell an imaginative story of how the Scrambler Ducati ended up in the present day.
As the storyline goes, Franco, a man from 2078, is catapulted by a time machine (which somehow looks very similar to the Delorean from the Back To The Future movie) back to the Woodstock festival of August 1969 where he meets and falls in love with both Scrambler Ducati and Elvira.
They joyously elope on the bike, yet before the two can even kiss the time machine hurls them forwards to the present day, to 2014. Franco and Elvira find themselves directly in front of the fabulous “yellow container” – first visited by Ducati employees and then the enthusiasts who flocked to WDW 2014 – from which they exit astride the new Scrambler Ducati.
Unfortunately, it will be almost another two months before we get to see the actual bike when it is officially presented on 30th September during Intermot 2014 in Cologne, Germany. View the video below.
Franco and Elvira Story (Episode 3) from Scrambler Ducati on Vimeo.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/suzuki-intermot-2016/ | Suzuki @ INTERMOT 2016 |
Suzuki @ INTERMOT 2016: Production-ready GSX-R1000 leads S-brand’s charge in Germany.
Like its contemporary rivals, House Hamamatsu needed to make a huge impression at this year’s INTERMOT 2016 show in Cologne, Germany. Thankfully, Suzuki did just that by unveiling what is believed to be the final production-ready version of its flagship new GSX-R1000 superbike.
Also making their debut here were a number of update 2017 models, with Euro 4-compliance at the lead of each model’s key changes. Here’s our quick walkthrough of the S-brand’s new wares shown at INTERMOT 2016.
2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000 & GSX-R1000R
A full year after it was revealed in ‘concept’ production form, the mighty Suzuki GSX-R1000 superbike was revealed yet again Germany this week. This time though, Suzuki assures that this is how the final road-going product will be.
With the way its rivals have evolved for 2017, Suzuki had to give its flagship litre-class fighter some sort of boost. As a result, the new Gixxer will be available in two forms starting with a GSX-R1000 base model, followed by a new and racier GSX-R1000R high spec variant alongside it.
Both share the same new 999cc DOHC in-line four-cylinder screamer primed with Suzuki’s ingeniously engineered Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system. Dubbed as the most powerful Gixxer ever built, the mill boasts 199hp and 117.6Nm of torque to ensure that claim goes unchallenged.
Notably, the engine now has a higher compression ratio (13.2:1) plus a longer bore and stroke (76 x 55.1mm), both of which raising the mill’s red line higher to 14,500rpm too as a result. Suzuki have also redesigned the valves, camshafts and transmission gears as well.
The centrepiece of the new generation Gixxer of course lies in its web of sophisticated electronics. The six-axis Bosch IMU suite leads the bill, tying up with a 10-level traction control and the selectable riding modes. In the GSX-R1000R, cornering ABS, launch control and bi-directional quick-shifter is further added into the bill.
Also worthy of mention is the Gixxer’s lighter and stronger new chassis that’s also more compact that the last model – the K5. It is brimmed with Suzuki’s electronic steering damper that promises greater cornering, not forgetting the Showa Big Piston front forks and progressive linkage rear shock taking up suspension duties in the base GSX-R1000.
The racier GSX-R1000R, on the other hand, benefits with the more advanced Showa Balance Free Front Forks and Balance Free Rear Cushion Lite instead, with the latter able to isolate damping control from the influence of unequal pressure. This was designed to give riders more feel.
Lastly come the equally-powerful anchor sin the from of twin Brembo 320mm front discs grabbed by radial monobloc calipers and a 220mm rear disc grabbed by a single-piston Nissin caliper. The standard ABS suite is programmed for real wheel lift mitigation whilst R, as mentioned earlier, gets cornering ABS added.
All in all, the new generation 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000 and 2017 GSX-R1000R looks set and ready to defend its crown as the King of Sport Bikes when it gets released into markets worldwide towards the end of this year.
2017 Suzuki GSX-S750
Suzuki also unveiled its new GSX-S750 model in Germany. Standing in as the replacement of the GSR750, the streetfighter is powered by a retuned and now Euro 4-compliant 749cc in-line four-cylinder lifted from the 2005 GSX-R750.
Notably, the engine gets a new 10-hole long nose injectors, a new airbox plus an updated version of the GSR750’s four-into-one exhaust system. Headlining figures stand at 112.6hp and 81Nm.
The ABS-equipped model tips the scale at 213kg whilst the tank measures at 16 litres in size as well. The outgoing GSR750’s steel chassis is retained but its wheelbase has been stretched by 5mm whilst seat height now stands as 820mm.
Tasked with suspension duties are 41mm gold-anodised KYB USD fork forks and a traditional rear shock connected to a new swingarm. The front forks are adjustable for preload and with 120mm travel whilst the rear shock features seven-way adjustable preload.
Nissin-supplied 310mm floating front discs and quad-piston calipers primed with ABS offer the right anchors for the new GSX-S750. Additionally, four colour options will be available for this new streetfighter as well.
2017 Suzuki V-Strom 1000
Also updated for 2017, the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 dual purpose series sees its 1,037cc V-twin heart getting tweaked to meet Euro 4 standards. The styling has been revised slightly too, most notable being the ‘emphasised’ beak.
Opt for the V-Strom 1000 XT adventure variant and you’d benefit with a reshaped new windscreen, handguards as well as an engine, all which being standard items in this off-road ready variant in fact. New accessories include a larger 55-litre top box as well.
The most crucial revision though comes from the addition of the Suzuki ‘Motion Track Brake System’, which is the S-brand’s very own cornering ABS system. It is linked with a five-axis IMU that measures lean angle to allow safe braking whilst banked over.
2017 Suzuki V-Strom 650
Further down the range comes the updated Suzuki V-Strom 650 model, which Suzuki has refreshed to mirror more closely to its larger V-Strom 1000 sibling. Leading the list of changes here is the 648cc V-twin tweaked for Euro 4-compliance thanks to a revised fuel injection system.
Both power and torque figures have improved to 70hp and 62Nm respectively. Newly added here is the Suzuki Low RPM Assist feature –also available in the V-Strom 1000 – that aids newbies from stalling by automatically increasing revs slightly as the clutch is released.
The windscreen now offers three-position adjustment, followed by the addition of a power socket in the optional three-case luggage that’s available. Also updated here is the instrument panel with the V-Strom 650’s unit mirroring closely to the V-Strom 1000’s nifty display.
2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R
2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000
2017 Suzuki GSX-S750
2017 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 & V-Strom 1000XT
2017 Suzuki V-Strom 650 & V-Strom 650XT
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/international/rainpal-can-it-really-make-riding-in-the-rain-easier/ | Rainpal: Can it really make riding in the rain easier? |
A closer look at the Rainpal helmet visor wiper that promises to make riding in the rain both easier and safer.
Many Malaysian riders can relate to this: not being able to ride during a light or moderate rain storm as rain water spattering on one’s helmet visor impedes riding vision. Well, this innovative invention called Rainpal promises to make this problem a thing of the past.
This British invention is a bolt-on wiper kit that attaches on to your helmet visor via clamps and suction cups. Its creators claims that Rainpal is easily attached and detached on a helmet in just two seconds, creates a watertight seal between the visor and the helmet and is also re-chargasble via USB. Its creators further claim that it can be used with pinlocks and it has a light claimed weight of just 150g in its entirety.
The wiper unit is comprised of a 2mm thick rubber wiper that has adjustable speeds and can be operated via bar-mounted switches. The system also offers a ‘visor clean’ ability, meaning riders only need to press a button to activate a water sprinkler and the wiper to clean the visor in similar fashion to a car windscreen sprinkle-and-wipe action.
Rainpal holds great potential, especially for adventure and touring riders who can’t afford wasted riding time from sitting out a storm. However, we reckon all its promised abilities should be taken in with a grain of salt at least.
Rainpal retails for £49 and can be purchased online via its crowdfunding page. You can also see the kit in action via this Facebook video.
Sources: Visordown / AutoEvolution / Rainpal / Rainpal Retail
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/no-malaysian-rider-in-petronas-srt-until-2022-at-least/ | No Malaysian rider in Petronas SRT until 2022 (at least) |
A lot of heat has been going online regarding Petronas SRT (Petronas Sprinta Racing) axing its only Malaysian rider, Khairul Idham Pawi aka “Super KIP”. Following three very difficult seasons due to injury in both Moto2 and Moto3, the decision was made and backed by Team Principal, Dato’ Razlan Razali.
Many local fans expected that Super KIP’s replacement should be another fellow Malaysian, but Dato’ Razlan strongly believes that the riders on their radar are not quite ready to take up the challenges presented in the Moto2 and Moto3 world championships.
Whichever local riders that they have under their eyes and wings are currently sharpening their skills in the FIM CEV Repsol championship, particularly 16-year old Muhammad Sharul Ezwan Sharil in the European Talent Cup, 19-year-old Syarifuddin Azman in Moto3, and 22-year-old Adam Norrodin in Moto2.
Adam Norrodin in particular has some experience in Moto3 and Moto2 world championships, but Dato’ Razlan has mentioned that he is not there yet when it comes to competing against the best in the world (the same goes to Syarifuddin Azman and Muhammad Sharul Ezwan Sharil).
Rest assured that when any of these riders achieved their assigned goals in their respective FIM CEV Repsol categories, it won’t be a surprise if they get the call to step up into Petronas SRT. In other words, local talent development is there but they still need to be developed in order to race against the best, and that’s not an easy feat to do.
2020 Yamaha YZF-R15 now available in two new colours – RM11,988
Written by: Sep Irran
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/valentino-rossi-donates-icu-respirators-to-italian-hospital/ | Valentino Rossi donates ICU respirators to Italian hospital |
While the motorsports world is taking a long break due to growing concerns regarding the Coronavirus or COVID-19, elite athletes have been trying to keep themselves occupied with training, recovering, and getting ready for the season to restart. For Valentino Rossi, his beloved country of Italy comes to mind and when you’re such a prominent figure, you always deliver the best, on and off the tracks.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP rider together with a group of people started a fundraiser where they managed to donate a total of 15 ICU respirators to the Marche Nord Hospital, a place where Rossi used to go treat his past injuries. The hospital itself has stated that ‘The Doctor’ was one of the first people to pay a ‘generous contribution’.
Honestly, Italy needs all the help it can get due to the number of cases growing by the day, the second-worst country behind China. As of today, the number of infected COVID-19 cases has risen to 35,713 with death figures close to reaching 3,000. Things might be looking grim at the moment but with movement restriction orders placed in the country, the numbers will hopefully plateau soon and head downwards.
?? pic.twitter.com/ZyZqyHPESA
— Box Official VR46 (@BoxOfficialVR46) March 13, 2020
Apart from Valentino Rossi, the SIC56 Foundation (the one set up in memory of fallen MotoGP rider, Marco Simoncelli) created at GoFundMe page with hopes to gather funds to be donated to the Rimini Infermi Hospital. So far, their target of €10,000 has been met halfway. If you would like to help, you can CLICK HERE or if you’re in Malaysia, please follow the current Movement Restriction Order placed by the Malaysian Prime Minister.
Can Workshops Operate As Usual?
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/updated-ktm-1190-adventure-spied/ | Updated KTM 1190 Adventure spied |
Revised version of the KTM 1190 Adventure spotted testing.
The second KTM prototype spotted undergoing tests recently is reportedly to be an updated version of the KTM 1190 Adventure.
This is how the current KTM 1190 Adventure looks like.
Since its segment rivals (read Triumph Tiger Explorer and BMW R1200GS) have undergone extensive updates for 2015 and 2016, it was only a matter of time before the famed Austrian came up with an answer against them.
Based on this sole spyshot, the revised KTM 1190 Adventure will get a facelift. Supporting this is the prototype’s heavy camouflage on its forward area. Besides a larger new windscreen, the restyled front fairings also gained with two new small air vents just under the signal lights.
Current KTM 1190 Adventure R.
Furthermore, the heavy camouflage in the forward fascia likely suggests a new headlight design too.
The updated KTM 1190 Adventure’s arrival date remains uncertain for now, but since this is an updated model, we should likely see it debut as early as October during this year’s edition of INTERMOT show in Germany at least.
This updated KTM 1190 Adventure is the second new model spotted testing with a new KTM 890 Duke prototype. You can also check out our recent test-ride with the 1190 Adventure smaller sibling, the KTM 1050 Adventure.
Sources: Visordown / Motorcyclist Online
Image source: BMH Images via Motorcyclist Online
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/torque-versus-horsepower-whats-the-difference/ | Torque Versus Horsepower: What’s the Difference? |
Engine torque and horsepower are often confused.
Torque is associated with “pick-up” while horsepower is seen as the pre-requisite for top speed.
But those perceptions really the case?
Most of us are transfixed by the word “power” or more specifically, “horsepower.” We even assign the word to other aspects of life such as food i.e. “That laksa lemak was power!”
But an engine produces not only horsepower but torque, as well. This is where it all breaks down. Ask around and you’d probably get different answers. What exactly is horsepower? How is it related to horses? What is torque then? If lots of torque is for hard acceleration, why do we need horsepower? And if lots of horsepower is for higher top speed, why do need torque?
We’ll answer those questions in layman terms.
But first, we need to understand the definition of energy.
What is energy?
Image source: shreebykepoint.com
Energy is the capability to do work. There are many forms of energy such as chemical energy, potential energy, heat, kinetic energy, mechanical energy, etc.
Where do we get energy from in an internal combustion engine from the exploding air-fuel mixture, of course. It turns the chemical energy stored in the fuel to heat and kinetic energy, and the expanding pressure forces the piston down.
Therefore, energy is expended, and work is done.
Read: How Does a Four-Stroke Engine Work
What is torque then?
Let’s imagine that we’re lifting weights in the gym.
That force we lift them by pivoting our forearms is the torque. In other words, it’s the force through a direction. Torque measures the force of an object as it rotates around an axis, fulcrum or pivot. When we switch to heavier weights, we need more torque to lift them.
In the engine, as the piston is pushed down after air-fuel combustion, it generates forces that turn the crankshaft and flywheel attached to it i.e. torque. It is then channeled through the gearbox, and finally out to the final drive to turn the rear tyre.
Torque can be manipulated by gearing to amplify or reduce its effect – that’s exactly what the transmission is for.
Think of torque as that sheer force generated when the air-fuel mixture combusts inside the engine.
So, what is horsepower?
Power is defined as the rate of the energy being expended or the work is done.
Let’s go back to lifting weights. The faster we lift, the more power we expend. At the same time, we decided to measure how many lifts we could do per second. This rate is measured by Joules per second, which written in the simple term as Watt (W). This is why you often see engine power rated as “kW” (Kilowatt).
Going back to the engine, power is how fast the torque is produced on a timed scale i.e. crankshaft revolutions per minute (RPM). Hence, power is torque multiplied by RPM. In other words, you have to spin the engine faster and faster to receive more horsepower.
But how did “horses” come into play? The unit was coined by Scottish engineer James Watt (remember Watt earlier?) to compare the output of steam engines with the power of horses. From that, 1 mechanical horsepower was derived from a horse lifting a 550-pound load up 1 foot in 1 second.
To illustrate the point that power is torque multiplied by time again, the horse lifting that load 1 foot is the torque hence the unit foot-pound (lb.-ft.) or Newton-Metre (NM). Adding a time scale i.e. 1 second turns it into horsepower (hp).
So, torque is the mother of horsepower.
We’ll leave out the calculations, but 1 mechanical horsepower (hp) equals 745.7 Watts, (0.7457 kW), or 1 kW equals 1.341 mechanical horsepower (hp).
An important note here: Horsepower figures are notoriously varied in different regions as there are different calculations to arrive at different figures. That means, the horsepower figure may be higher or lower. As such, the European Union issued Directive 80/181/EEC in January 2010 that kW must be used as the main unit while horsepower as supplementary. This is why manufacturers specify engine power in kW in all their brochures while leaving out hp.
So, how do torque and horsepower influence engine performance?
Let’s take two bikes of the same model and fit each with an engine of different torque and horsepower rating. Bike A has 150 Nm of torque and 100 hp. Bike B has 100 Nm and 150 hp.
Bike A would get off to a quick start but couldn’t hit a higher top speed. However, we could load up the bike with a passenger and lots of luggage since the high torque isn’t so affected by the weight. This engine is good for cruisers and tourers since they need to carry all that extra weight.
As for Bike B, it needed a little bit more time to reach speed, but it’ll take off at a certain point and hit a higher top speed than Bike A. However, loading it up with a passenger and lots of luggage will see it getting sluggish and struggle to get up to speed. This engine is suitable for sportbikes, so long as weight is kept as low as possible. It also means that the bike needs to be launched off the line at higher revs.
However, the above is the likely scenario on a straight road without traffic. In the real world, torque is more important as it gets the bike accelerating and rolling. Here, horsepower is only useful for us to reach certain speeds, say 110 km/h, 130 km/h 160 km/h and so forth. Yes, big horsepower figures will take us to much higher speeds, but it’s capped at 299 km/h anyway. Outright horsepower is truly useful only at the track, while torque is useful everywhere.
2020 HONDA CBR1000RR-R SP
While it’s amazing to see higher and higher horsepower these days, do keep an eye out for how much torque the engine produces and at what RPM. Torque should ideally be produced at lower RPMs. The engine is considered “peaky” if torque is available too high up in the rev range, meaning we need to rev the engine like crazy or wait until the revs pick up for acceleration. This isn’t ideal – in fact irritating – in the real world. The reverse is true at the track where high engine RPMs are used all the time.
Hope that clears it up. Show your friends this article when you get into an argument about torque versus horsepower.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/features/geared-up/identity-crisis/ | Read before you ride this festive season |
At this day and age of social media, we are sure that you have, at least once come across a post that says “ rider down, do you know this rider?” Its a scary to think that you could be that rider one day, too badly injured from a fall to talk and the people trying to help you find your Identification Card (ID) or any other information can’t do so because it was stolen just moments ago.
Not a very uncommon scenario here unfortunately, hence you still see that kind of posting in your Facebook news feed.
Basically apart from whats stated on your ID like your name and house address, the next vital information you should have on you is your “In Case of Emergency” information, or ICE contact in short. And a bit of your medical information so the medical personnel who are going to treat you know of any drug allergies, blood type or other medical related things. This emergency information could mean life and death.
We also recommend that your ICE contact to not be your mother or wife just in case the news is very grim and the person who receives the call won’t panic or have a nervous breakdown. The best would be either your brother or a buddy or even your insurance agent. All three is better.
So how can you carry such information? You can have a piece of laminated card with the information on it tucked away in your pocket, wallet or anywhere else you think can easily be found. But there is the risk of it being taken away by unscrupulous people.
Next is to have it on a key chain or a sticker on your bike or helmet, one of the more easily spotted but could also be overlooked as the bike might remain at the accident scene but you are on your way to the hospital.
So our pick is to get something that stays with you, something like a medical ID band that you wear on your wrist or dogtags/military tags around your neck. These will stay on you indefinitely without going for the last option, which is a tattoo.
You can easily order it online like at the www.malaysiamilitarytag.com at a very affordable price. So whether you ride alone or in a group, we hope you take the extra mile in preparing these things apart from your usual safety gear.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/faizal-sukree-meet-malaysias-very-own-mr-bmw-gs-and-world-conqueror/ | Faizal Sukree: Meet Malaysia’s very own Mr. BMW GS and world conqueror! |
Most of us can only dream about leaving the daily grind behind, hopping on a bike and riding off to a far away land. Work and family commitments keep us tied down from being truly free, but some people live the dream every day.
It is this writer’s long time dream to be able to ride from KL to London, just for the heck of it. And then maybe cross the pond for a ride across the United States, and perhaps across the Pacific over to Asia for a ride South to KL. It remains a dream. For now.
But there is one guy I personally admire, hope to emulate, and learnt a lot from during our 3 hour interview; Faizal Sukree, or better known globally as Malaysia’s ‘Mr GS’.
Faizal doesn’t only ride where he wants, when he wants, but sometimes gets paid to do it. Because of his vast experience in riding around the world he is also the perfect biking tour guide. Those that aspire to see the world on two wheels can hire Faizal as a tour guide. He handles everything from the logistics, to planning the routes, meals, permits, to where you are going to sleep for the night, everything.
Riding the world needs guts, skill, lots of determination, patience, understanding of cultures, but most importantly, it requires a lot of contacts.
“I have friends all over the world, and they are always willing to help me if i need help. I do the same when they are riding this side of the world, so we look out for each other,” said Faizal when we met up a while ago at La Bodega, Bangsar Shopping Centre.
I have been trying to score an interview with Faizal for months, but he was busy traveling so it took some time before our schedules met.
Globe riders (lets call them that) have a special something about them. They seem to have a certain detachment from the materialistic world. The way they dress, the hair, the aura, the way they talk, nothing about worldly luxuries seem to impress them. When Faizal and I spoke about bikes, he did not seem very interested. It was almost like he didn’t want to be there, preferring to be riding in some far away place. It is understandable though, why bother with everyday hustle when you can be riding.
“All I need is my BMW GS 800. I have a few bikes, some rare ones, some track bikes, some are regular every day bikes, but all I want and and the one bike that really impresses me is the BMW GS 800,” he explained.
He says the BMW GS 800 stands out from his stable of about a dozen or so motorcycles because of its simplicity and its robustness.
“It uses a chain drive which I can fix anywhere in the world. It doesn’t have a lot of electronics, the clutch only takes an hour to repair. I don’t need to worry about the hydraulic oil for the clutch as the F800 uses a cable clutch. It is simple and easy to use anywhere in the world,” he explained.
“For example, if you happen to break down in the middle of Mongolia, you will only be able to get spare parts from Beijing,”
Faizal has been riding since he was 16. He owned a YZ125 which he rode to school and everywhere else. “My aunt bought me that bike as my family never allowed me to have a motorcycle back then,” he fondly remembers.
However, the 40-year old father of 2 did not begin his tour riding career until 2007, when he and his neighbour bought a BMW GS 1200. That is when he says he “kena racun” (got bit) by the travel bug. They rode to Indo-China, Mae Hong Soon, Laos, around the Golden Triangle. They travelled so much that in just 2 years he was spending more time on the road than at home, and then he traded up to a GSA. But that did not turn out too good as it was too big and too heavy to be riding everywhere, and that is when he met the F800.
So what inspires a person to just up and go ride around the world? Surely there must be a trigger point; Faizal’s trigger was a movie – the Motorcycle Diaries to be exact. “There was no one who truly inspired me to go riding, but when I watched that movie, it somehow motivated me to just go out and ride,” said Faizal, when asked about his inspiration.
The Motorcycle Diaries is a fascinating movie of a young Che Guevara (yes that Che, the freedom fighter who was best friends with Fidel Castro) who embarked on a motorcycle ride throughout South America with a friend. It was during the ride that he was exposed to the disparities and exploitation of the South American people by wealthy industrialists. It is hailed as a must watch movie for motorcycle fans. Check out the movie trailer above.
A man who is constantly on the road surely has a number of horror stories to share, but not Faizal. Sure there are the usual difficulties of crossing borders, language barriers, egoistic authorities, and the lot, but one of the most scariest moment for the young adventurer happened close to the Arctic, in Alaska to be precise.
“I was riding along on the ice and and snow when I suddenly remembered that I had taken out my knife during the last refuel stop. It dawned on me that I could have left it back at the station. So I was padding down my jacket while riding, trying to find the knife. I got a little distracted and the next thing you know there was a sharp corner ahead. It was all white so I did not really notice the corner until the last minute. And the next thing you know I was tumbling down a 30 meter deep ravine.”
“There was no one there, not a soul. I waited helplessly in the cold for a good half hour until a trucker passed by. He used his rope to pull the bike out of the ravine. The bike had extensive damage on it, but it was rideable. I did some quick repairs to make it road worthy, and rode the bike for about 2000 kilometers before I could really fix it all up. I swear by my BMW F800 GS. I rode it for a good 172,000 kilometers without any problems. And the first major problem came in Seattle, when the radiator fan needed to be fixed.”
The man has many stories, like how he had to carefully negotiate with AK-47 wielding gunmen at the border between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. But there have been more good memories than bad ones for Faizal. Cigarettes and some sign language got him and his group out of that situation.
His fondest memory is of a family in Tajikistan.
“It was a stormy night and the snow storm was getting worst. I was with a group of riders and we arrived at this mountain pass just as the storm was turning to its worst. I saw a 5 year old boy there who urged me to stop riding, so we slowed. The boy’s father soon showed up and both of them offered their home for us to stay. I had to stay for 2 days for the storm to subside. They fed the group and made us feel at home. We rode out again after 2 days and it was then we realised how important their help was because the road ahead was really bad. There is no way we would have made it through that storm in roads like that.”
One would imagine that a man who has ridden across 82 countries in 6 continents would have very few or no destinations left to be conquered, but Faizal is yet to ride in Africa. He calls Africa the ride of a lifetime, and is already planning a riding trip throughout Africa. “It will take me six months to ride Africa, but it is my dream to do it. I want to experience the country, the animals, the people, the terrain. I will ride Africa soon, and am preparing for the trip.”
Besides being an adventure freak, Faizal is also Malaysia’s first representative to the glamorous and extremely challenging BMW GS Trophy. The GS Trophy is the biggest adventure motorcycle challenge in the world, and Faizal says it is one of his biggest honors to be chosen to represent Malaysia for it.
“I was riding in Morocco when it received news that I had been chosen to represent Malaysia. Almost immediately I rode about 3000km to Madrid, left my bike at the Malaysian embassy there. Next thing you know I was on a flight back to Malaysia to rest for a few days. Then I travelled to Phuket Thailand for the qualifiers, and then to Chiang Mai for the finals. It was truly an honor to be competing with the best GS riders in the world.”
Faizal is one of the few true adventurers left, the kind that can simply drop it all and go away for a while to discover the world. Even as I write this, he is somewhere in Europe, I know because he keeps posting all this beautiful sceneries and such on his Facebook and Instagram page and it keeps making me jealous.
A true biker who credits his wife and family for their support and understanding.
All photos by Faizal Sukree and friends.
Find out more about the BMW F800 GS here!
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/mforce-bikes-holdings-launches-sym-jet14-200-and-sym-mio-110-from-rm7888-and-rm5688/ | Mforce Bikes Holdings Launches SYM JET14 200 and SYM MIO 110 – from RM7,888 and RM5,688 |
Mforce Bikes Holdings Sdn. Bhd. launched the SYM JET14 200 and SYM MIO 110 scooters today.
The JET14 200 is equipped with ABS.
The MIO 110 features a large storage space.
Mforce Bikes Holdings Sdn. Bhd. launched the SYM JET14 200 and SYM MIO 110 scooters today.
SYM scooters are already known in the Malaysian motorcycle market. Mforce are hopeful that these two new models will continue the brand’s momentum.
SYM JET14 200 (from RM7,888)
The JET14 200 is an evolution and updated from the previous SYM JET14 125.
The new bike is equipped with ABS, and a 260mm front and a 220mm rear brake discs.
Its engine features electronic fuel injection which is Euro 4 compliant. According to Mforce, the bike is designed for “great performance, comfort and style, and is very practical for daily riding in the city.”
It’s available in Cedar Brown, Jet Black and Steel Gray, and priced from RM7,888 (excluding SST and other fees). The bike is covered by a two-year, 20,000km warranty.
SYM MIO 110
Just as the JET14 200 is a continuation of another model, the MIO 11 continues the MIO 110’s lineage.
The engine is electronically fuel injected and complies to Euro 3 standards.
Main features include a digital LCD screen and large underseat storage space. It’s equipped with a 160mm brake disc up front and a drum rear.
The bike is offered in Papermint (sic), Flamingo and Matte Black. The price of RM5,688 excludes SST and other fees.
It’s also covered by a two-year, 20,000km warranty.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/wsbk-vs-motogp-whats-difference/ | WSBK vs MotoGP: What’s the difference? |
WSBK vs MotoGP:A definitive guide towards the differences between WSBK and MotoGP race bikes.
With WSBK Malaysia 2016 just around the corner, many are still quite unaware of the differences between the race bikes in WSBK (world Superbike Championship) against their MotoGP counterparts.
The short answer is that MotoGP bikes are in fact purpose built prototype race machines while WSBK machines are series production road bikes that have been specially tuned for racing.
In relation to the world of car racing, think of MotoGP as the two-wheeled equivalent to Formula 1 while WSBK is the two-wheeled equivalent of GT cars.
Still don’t get it? Well, don’t worry because here comes our version of the long answer. To make things easier, we’ve separated our guides into key sections accompanied with a detailed explanation with it.
Construction
MotoGP and WSBK conform to different sets of technical regulations set by Dorna, the commercial rights holder of both championships, and the FIM ruling body. These regulations are designed to keep competition as fair as possible in each respective class.
A quick overview reveals that MotoGP benefits from lesser restrictions, giving manufacturers more flexibility towards engine construction and chassis designs. This also explains the extensive use of lightweight and exotic materials like carbon fibre, titanium and magnesium alloys in building a modern GP bike.
WSBK, on the other hand, is much more restricted. All bikes must retain their original production chassis constructions and designs whilst the use of carbon fibre, titanium and magnesium alloys are limited.
Notably, the FIM has banned carbon fibre wheels in both classes. Carbon brake rotors are banned in WSBK, along with the use of titanium when constructing the chassis, front forks, handlebars,swingarms, the swingarm spindles and the wheel spindles as well.
Minimum weight
Both classes have minimum weight figures to meet. While MotoGP’s stands at 157kg, WSBK’s minimum figure stands a little heavier at 168kg instead. Interestingly, both classes employ competition ballast as a means to counter the varied sizes and weights of its riders too.
Engines
MotoGP’s ruling in this area quite simple. Designs are open so as long the displacement doesn’t exceed 1,000cc, the bore figure can be no greater than 81mm and have a maximum of four cylinders. Since 2012, two-stroke engines are banned and most teams today use a V4 cylinder arrangement design.
The story is a little more complicated in WSBK though. Again, two-stroke engines are banned here. The class welcomes production-based three- and four-cylinder engines with a minimum capacity of 750cc and maximum of 1,000cc. Also permitted are production-based four-stroke two-cylinder engines with a minimum capacity of 850cc and maximum of 1,200cc.
While some engine types have their own respective advantages over the other, the competition is again kept levelled thanks to the use of competition air restrictors. The air restrictor’s sizes are then adjusted by FIM officials depending on engine type and or the bike’s performance in the championship season.
The beauty of WSBK’s ruling is the greater variation in bikes and engine types that line up the grid. Highlights here include the V4 engine found in Aprilia RSV4, the V-twin mill powering the Ducati Panigale R, in-line fours from Yamaha, Honda and MV Agusta.
Equalisers – Spec ECU and tuning restrictions
The starkest difference between the two lies in their ‘great equalisers’. MotoGP keeps its playing field levelled thanks to its newly introduced standardised onboard electronics and software or ‘Spec ECU’ ruling.
Starting this year, all MotoGP bikes have had their powertrains and electronics paired with the Magentti Marelli-supplied ECU and software that acts as a digital power cap. Together with the minimum weight ruling, it theoretically keeps all MotoGP bikes equal in performance despite the varied engine and powertrain designs.
WSBK, on the other hand, restricts the amount of changes or modifications allowed in the top part of the bike’s stock engine, and displacement increases are banned as well. This explains why the hardware in WSBK race bikes closely mirror what is already available in their road-going base bikes too.
A clear example of this is the Ducati WSBK machine based on the current Ducati Panigale R model. When the improved new Ducati 1299 Panigale road bike was launched, it succeeded the previous 1199 Panigale model with a new and larger 1,285cc V-twin. Only the Panigale R variant retained the previous bike’s 1,198cc V-twin engine, allowing Ducati to use it as the basis of its WSBK machine.
Stay tuned as tomorrow we will explore the differences between Moto2 and Supersport Bikes (WSSP).
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/wsbk-malaysia-2016hayden-takes-maiden-win-wet-race-2/ | WSBK Malaysia 2016:Hayden takes maiden win in wet Race 2 |
Former MotoGP rider Nicky Hayden takes maiden WSBK win in wet Race 2 of WSBK Malaysia 2016.
As a rain storm rolled in over the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) today, it not only delayed the day’s scheduled WSSP race, it wreaked havoc with the front runners in the second race of the World Superbike Championship (WSBK).
The wet conditions proved to be a challenge too huge for front-runners like the Kawasaki Racing Team duo of Tom Sykes and Jonathan Rea, winners of Race 1 held yesterday under dry conditions. The unlikely winner today came in the form of American rider Nicky Hayden.
Astride the Honda World Superbike Team CBR1000RR, the race conditions favoured the former MotoGP rider perfectly as he stormed into the lead with his perfect start from fourth position on the grid. Hayden’s masterclass performance in wet weather riding saw him take his first WSBK race win with a comfortable gap of 1.254 seconds ahead of the field.
Faltering in the wet were Sykes, Rea and Alex Lowes. Starting from second on the grid astride the Pata Yamaha YZF-R1, Lowes was forced to retire from the 16-lap race with just 4 laps remaining, bringing an end to what was a seemingly perfect start to the weekend in Malaysia for him.
Coming in second was Aruba.it Racing – Ducati rider Davide Giugliano. Starting from the third row of the grid in ninth, The Italian rider and teammate Chaz Davies, both astride the scarlet Ducati Panigale R superbikes, were hard at work in climbing up the order, with Giugliano’s pace culminating in his epic move at overtaking Davies midway through the race.
Tried as he might, Davies wasn’t able to fend off the resurgent Jonathan Rea who, despite having dropped down the order from his poor start out of third on the grid, was able to fight his way back up.
Though it didn’t come cheaply, the podium finish garnered today was what the Brit needed to retain his lead in the WSBK championship standings. Rea still leads the field here with 257 points and looks on course towards defending his title in 2016.
Ducati’s Chaz Davies remains second in the standings. His fourth place finish today sees him raising his total up to 215 points. Sykes, who managed to classify himself in eighth in today’s race, ranks in third still with 187 points.
As the teams and riders in both WSBK and WSSP mark their exit out of Malaysia, all their attention is now focused on the upcoming sixth round scheduled to take place in just a fortnight’s time in the UK’s Donington Park.
WSBK Malaysia Race 2 Results
WSBK Malaysia 2016 – Sunday – Race 2
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/yamaha-vr46-master-camp-enters-8th-edition-to-build-future-champions/ | Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Enters 8th Edition to Build Future Champions |
The Yamaha VR46 Master Camp enters its 8thedition in the important step to build future champions.
Students include 16-year-old Yamaha Motor Malaysia’s Muhammad Alif Ashraf Bin Tahiruddin.
They were taught by champions from the very first day.
The Yamaha VR46 Master Camp enters its 8th edition in the important step to build future champions.
Students include Yamaha Motor Malaysia’s Muhammad Alif Ashraf Bin Tahiruddin (16); among Yamaha Motor Thailands’s Sawapol Nilapong (16) and Suttipat Patchareetorn (18); Yamaha Motor Philippines’ McKinley Kyle Paz (18) and Yamaha Motor Canada’s Jake LeClair (18).
The first day held a special surprise for the students with PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team rider Franco Morbidelli, fitness trainer Carlo Casabianca, VR46 Academy Moto3 rider Andrea Migno, and multiple flat track champion Marco Belli helping them to ride faster.
The participants were elated to find Morbidelli and Migno waiting for them at the Fisio Gym. The riders showed the students the proper work out regime of professional racers including stretching, spinning, Pilates and trying out the race simulator.
“In the morning the Yamaha VR46 Master Camp riders and I did some stretching, which is what we usually do at the VR46 Riders Academy. It’s important to do this, so you feel better with your body. Being supple is always important,” said Morbidelli afterwards.
“At the end, we did some Pilates, which is again something that will make your body more flexible. It’s important to keep this up, because it helps prevent injuries.”
The riders went to the Bar, Ristorante e Pizzeria da Rossi in Tavullia and spent time in Valentino Rossi’s hometown. They visited the Official Fan Club Valentino Rossi Tavullia and were handed presents by the Vice President, Flavio Fratesi, and shopped at the VR46 Store.
It was back to training afterwards at the VR46 Mtor Ranch. Marco Belli is the three-time English Flat Track, two-time American and European Flat Track Champion. He taught the students on correct riding position and bike control for their first flat track session aboard the YZ250F dirt bikes.
“The first day is always used to teach the guys about the correct body position and how to control the throttle. We got some very good feedback from them. There were no crashes, nobody got hurt, we saw a lot of speed, and – most importantly – they listened to the advice they’ve been given and put it into practice, which makes all the difference. They all have a good starting level. Therefore, starting from the next flat track training session, we will be riding on the oval and the full track – so we’re really happy!”
You may follow the Yamaha VR46 Master Camp website, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP website, Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Facebook, Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Instagram, Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Twitter, and YouTube for the latest updates.
Source: Yamaha MotoGP
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/2023-honda-cbr250rr-sp-launch-in-indonesia-higher-compression-ratio-42hp/ | 2023 Honda CBR250RR SP Launch In Indonesia – Higher Compression Ratio, 42hp |
Honda has introduced the new CBR250RR SP in Indonesia, packed with advanced features and upgrades that promise to enhance the sportbike’s performance and style.
The 2023 Honda CBR250RR SP now features higher compression ratio and a power bump.
The quarter-litre sportsbike is fitted with Showa’s BPF front forks and a quickshifter as standard.
The new version of the popular model, boasts an improved compression ratio of 12.5:1, which translates to a power increase to 42 horsepower at 13,000 rpm a slight increase from 40hp previously.
The CBR250RR SP’s engine is now equipped with a quickshifter, a feature that has never been seen before in small-displacement sportbikes.
The bike also boasts updated suspension components, featuring a Showa BPF front fork, similar to what’s found on bigger bikes like the CBR500R and CBR650R. Despite the CBR250RR’s smaller size and weight of just 170 kilograms, it features a single rotor up front and at the rear with dual-channel ABS.
The CBR250RR SP is equipped with a fully digital display, LED lights at the front and back, and a throttle-by-wire system that offers multiple riding modes.
Small-displacement sportbikes may not be the most exciting motorcycles on the market, but the CBR250RR SP’s advanced features and performance upgrades make it a compelling option for those seeking a thrilling ride on the track or a tight twisty road.
The Asian market is no stranger to sportbikes, and Honda’s latest offering is sure to turn heads with its impressive features and sleek design.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/casey-stoner-finest-ducati-race-rider-ever/ | The greatest Ducati rider ever |
A look into the illustrious career of perhaps the greatest Ducati race rider ever.
Yesterday, we featured Ducati’s greatest MotoGP race machine – the Ducati Desmosedici GP7. In this part of our week-long Ducati special, we now take a look at the machine’s pilot.
In Ducati’s hall of fame, he stands as the brand’s greatest race rider ever in its modern Grand Prix racing history. The man in question is none other than Australian prodigy Casey Stoner. Here’s how he got to be the scarlet Italian marque’s most revered hero of recent times.
Early Beginnings
Born in Southport, Queensland, Australia in 1985, Casey Stoner began racing at the tender age of just 4 years old. The Australian prodigy honed his race craft in the highly competitive flat track dirt ovals all over Australia, collecting no less than 70 state-level championship trophies plus 41 dirt and long track titles by the time he was 14 years old.
Haivng started as a flat track racer, Casey Stoner had no troubles taming the new 2016 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro recently.
Being legally old enough to compete in road racing at 14, Stoner and his family then made the landmark decision to literally sell everything they had in Australia, using the money raised towards their relocation to England. After which Stoner got his first taste of 125cc GP bikes in the national British championship, competing in it between 2000 and 2002 with some success.
The world stage
Stoner finally graduated into the world 125cc championship in 2003 where he signed on with Aprilia initially before switching to KTM in 2004.
Casey during his second year in the World 125cc Championship with KTM. (Image source: KTM.com)
In total, Stoner scored 2 race wins plus 8 podium finishes before graduating up into the world 250cc championship in 2005.
Stoner astride the Aprilia 250cc machine in 2005. (Image source: Pinterest)
Astride an Aprilia machine, Casey Stoner enjoyed more success in the intermediate class, scoring five race wins plus five podium finishes in a season. Stoner was then recruited into the premier MotoGP class in 2006 where he rode for the satellite LCR-Honda team.
Casey Stoner in his rookie MotoGP year with the LCR Honda team. (Image source: RedBull.com)
As a rookie, Stoner showed strong potential astride the satellite Honda GP machine, scoring his season’s best finish by taking second place in Turkey. Despite several crashes throughout the season, Stoner caught the attention of the resurgent factory Ducati outfit and joined the team from 2007 onwards.
2007 – Championship year with Ducati
Only when he arrived in the famed scarlet-liveried Italian team did the Australian prodigy charted his greatest success.
Casey Stoner during his debut year with Ducati in 2007.
Despite being in his second year in MotoGP and his first with the storied Ducati team, Stoner’s debut season with Ducati was nothing short of magical to say the least.
At the time, the Ducati Desmosedici GP7 showed tremendous potential despite being rather tricky to handle in the corners. Unlike his more experienced Italian teammate Loris Capirossi, Stoner, who was just 21 years old at the time, showed his impressive skills when pushing the Ducati GP7 machine to its limits.
With his unique riding style, Stoner was able to tame the wild Desmosedici GP7’s high-output motor brilliantly and capitalised on the performance of the Bridgestone tyres it came with at the time. As the 2007 season opened in Qatar, Stoner’s speed and pace astride the GP7 proved unbeatable to say the least.
Stoner charted 10 race wins in total plus four pole position starts – Mugello Laguna Seca, Brno and Misano. Stoner’s impressive run in 2007 saw him finishing all 18 races no lower than sixth place. He would later be crowned as the 2007 MotoGP riders champion in the 2007 Japanese GP where he finished sixth.
The feat saw the then 21-year-old Australian becoming the second youngest ever MotoGP champion at the time. More importantly, he stood as Ducati’s first and only title-winning rider in its history. He’s also the first rider to win a title for an Italian team following Phil Read’s title achievement for MV Agusta in 1974.
2007: A landmark year for both Stoner and Ducati.
Crucially, Stoner’s zero retirement and high points collection also contributed significantly for Ducati. When combined with teammate Capirossi’s contribution, Ducati finally scored its first and only MotoGP manufacturers title in 2007. This wouldn’t have been possible without Stoner’s highly successful 10-win run.
Later years, departure and retirement
Despite ending the following 2008 season as the vice champion, a number of factors led to his exit from the Italian team at the end of 2010. Chief amongst which was the decreasing competitiveness of Ducati’s GP machines that succeeded the Desmosedici GP7.
Stoner celebrating what would become Ducati’s last MotoGP race victory at Phillip Island in 2010.
Although the Desmosedici GP8 showed some strong potential in 2008, rivalling Japanese factory teams had already closed the technical gap against Ducati by then, leading to the irreversible decline in performance of Ducati GP machines. Stoner stayed with Ducati until 2010 and joined the factory Honda team in 2011.
Stoner would win yet another title in 2011 with Honda, but injuries plus his growing distaste for the limelight led to his retirement by the end of 2012. In his retirement, Honda retained the Australian as a test rider until the end of 2015.
2016 – Return to Ducati
Even in retirement, the urge to be back on a MotoGP missile proved hard to resist for Casey Stoner. What didn’t help was Honda’s odd move at limiting his involvement during official test sessions too.
Paolo Ciabatti (Image source: MotoGP.com)
Gigi Dall’Igna. (Image source: Insella.it)
Fortunately, Ducati had already re-energised its factory MotoGP squad. Led by director Paolo Ciabatti, the team also welcomed the arrival of renowned motorsports engineer Gigi Dall’Igna.
Casey Stoner testing the Ducati GP15 machine during the Sepang Winter Test session earlier this year.
Ducati’s re-engagement with Casey saw him playing a hugely active testing role, aiding Dall’Igna towards developing the winged behemoth that is the Ducati Desmosedici GP16.
Ducati last scored a MotoGP race win in Phillip Island back in 2010 thanks to Stoner. With its last champion back on board, albeit as a test rider only, perhaps the Italian team would return back to its winning ways in time.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/apple-unveil-iphone-cameras-are-not-motorcycle-friendly/ | Apple Unveil iPhone Cameras Are Not Bike-Friendly |
Apparently, iPhones are not bike-friendly, as the firm has advised motorcycle owners that exposure to prolong engine vibration could damage the camera.
According to an Apple support article, the optical image stabilization and closed-loop autofocus function that captures quality photos could be affected due to long-term exposure to high-amplitude vibrations.
The scenario may also degrade the image and videos quality over time.
“It is not recommended to attach your iPhone to motorcycles with high-power or high-volume engines due to the amplitude of the vibration in particular frequency ranges that they generate.
“It is also recommended to avoid regular use for prolonged periods to lessen the risk of damage further,” said Apple in the article.
An iPhone 11 Pro user admitted (via a thread on iFixit) that he had to replace the camera more than once as the stabilizer was poorly affected due to riding a motorcycle.
(Souce: The Register)
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/drones-proved-as-effective-enforcers-for-negeri-sembilan-jpj/ | Drones proved as effective enforcers for Negeri Sembilan JPJ |
Image source: Utusan Malaysia
Drones proved their worthiness as effective enforcers in the hands of Negeri Sembilan JPJ, and they plan to acquire more.
Negeri Sembilan JPJ sees highly effective enforcers in the form of drones during Hari Raya Ops.
Said department had deployed two drones that successfully caught offenders.
Negeri Sembilan JPJ expresses plans to fleet more drones for enforcement use.
The Negeri Sembilan Road Transport Department (Negeri Sembilan JPJ) plans to add five more drones in an effort to improve enforcement efforts in the state.
According to the Director of JPJ Negeri Sembilan, Hanif Yusabra Yusuf, the use of drones was effective during Operation Hari Raya Aidilfitri (HRA) 2022 which ran since April 29. Hanif explained that this is the first time the drone has been widely used in such a major operation during a festive holiday.
“A total of two drones have been used in the highway area which is focused on the use of emergency lanes while on the main road to detect offenses of violating red lights and cutting lines. During this operation, two JPJ officers were deployed to control the drone with 30 summons notices issued (drone monitoring) for the main offense,” explained Hanif to local daily Utusan.
Hanif further adds that his department also plans to have its officers undergo training in order to better operate their drones. The use of drones has been effective in dealing with traffic offenders by catching offenders in the act, especially for offences such as misusing the emergency lane, running red lights and queue-cutting. – Utusan
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/2021-ktm-390-adventure-spotted-testing-in-malaysia/ | 2021 KTM 390 Adventure spotted testing in Malaysia |
KTM has been keeping things quiet for quite a while now, but that doesn’t mean that they haven’t been busy. Spyshots of the 2021 KTM 390 Adventure has been going around online and its release date is closer than you think.
One bike in black can be seen undergoing covert road testing and sources have indicated that KTM Malaysia will be bringing in the 2021 KTM 390 Adventure as well as its younger sibling, the 250 Adventure.
Both units will be running a single-cylinder setup with a series of electronics to produce around 30hp for the 250 and 43hp for the 390. In essence, it’s the same engine found on the 250 and 390 Duke models.
Its frame, on the other hand, is closely related to the race-winning KTM 450 Rally which is lightweight and offers high levels of rideability and stability. It’s also equipped with features like Motorcycle Traction Control, offroad ABS, cornering ABS, KTM My Ride system, and a bunch of other riding aids for some fun in the dirt.
Other noteworthy specs include WP Apex suspension package, ByBre brake units, Ride-by-Wire throttle, 14.5-litre fuel tank, and a host of KTM’s Power Parts to further elevate your riding experience. As for pricing, we’ll just have to wait for the official announcement, folks. Stay tuned.
Written by: Sep Irran
SURPRISE! It’s the new 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R!
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/moto-guzzi-v9-roamer-custom-custom-ary/ | Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer Custom – “Custom-ary” |
Moto Guzzi Malaysia built the Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer Custom to demonstrate the customizable “spirit” of the bike.
The built didn’t sacrifice the rideability and soul of the V9 Roamer.
Instead, it enhanced the bike’s character and charm.
In the world of biking, factory custom-jobs on existing bikes are always a hit or miss venture. You see the thing about ‘custom bikes’ is that they’re very personal in terms of styling, seeing as how all bikers have their own desired tastes and ideas as to how their bike should look if they’re going to customise it. As such, a ‘factory custom’ bike is a risky affair to undertake, but that didn’t stop the creation of this Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer Custom.
Painted an absolutely amazing shade of “Gister colour-concept”, which is blue and orange akin to GULF Oil Racing colours, the V9 Custom is a sight to behold. Based on the Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer, the Custom sports the same 853cc V-Twin that churns out 55bhp and 62Nm of torque, however visually for starters, the Custom benefits from chromed engine rocker-covers.
Other notable differences from the regular V9 include a petrol tank from a V7, shorter front & rear fenders, a custom double-seat on a shorted frame wrapped in dark aged brown leather, a custom “Sunny” exhaust system with bracket, custom mirrors & headlight, custom scrambler type handlebars and a rear loop-seat handle.
The best thing about the Moto Guzzi V9 Custom though, is that unlike some custom-bike jobs, this bike is an absolute delight to ride. It possesses the same phenomenal low-end torque as its V9 regular sibling, with the added benefit of aural pleasure as well. Those custom exhaust pipes emit an incredible exhaust-note that you have to hear ‘live’ to believe.
The V9 Custom also provides a comfortable riding position thanks to those custom handlebars, and while the seat could use a bit more padding and support – under hard acceleration you might slide all the way to the back – the position is relatively upright. At higher speeds the characteristic engine ‘sway’ from that transverse V-twin engine is all but eliminated, as the counter-balancers work best at speeds above 100kmh.
That being said, performance-figures mean very little when it comes to the Moto Guzzi V9 Custom by Goh Brothers @ Gasket Alley, nobody buys a custom bike like this to look at a spec sheet (but just in case, it’s appended below), no, this bike will sell on looks alone. Period. Nobody needs it, but everybody wants it. That’s the hallmark and definite success story for a custom bike. And this one really does tick all the right boxes.
Moto Guzzi V9 Custom Modifications
Custom double seater shorted frame
Dark aged brown leather material for upholstery
Custom Sunny exhaust system with bracket
Custom scrambler type handlebars
Rear loop seat handle
Custom rear fender slim & short
Custom front fender slim
Moto Guzzi V7 Tank
Chroming rocker engine cover
Paintjob “Gister” color concept (one of a kind)
Base model V9 Roamer Specifications:
Base Model: Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer
Year: 2018
Category: Classic
Engine and transmission
Displacement: 853.00 ccm (52.05 cubic inches)
Engine type: V2, four-stroke
Power: 55.00 HP (40.1 kW)) @ 6250 RPM
Torque: 62.00 Nm (6.3 kgf-m or 45.7 ft.lbs) @ 3000 RPM
Compression: 10.5:1
Fuel system: Injection. Weber-Marelli
Cooling system: Air
Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type, final drive: Shaft drive (cardan)
Clutch: 170 mm diameter single disc with integrated flexible couplings
Emission details: Catalytic converters, Euro 4.
Exhaust system: Stainless steel, 2-in-2 type, three-way catalytic converter with double lambda oxygen probe
Chassis, suspension, brakes and wheels
Frame type: ALS steel twin tube cradle frame
Rake (fork angle): 26.4°
Trail: 125 mm (4.9 inches)
Front suspension: Hydraulic telescopic fork
Front wheel travel: 130 mm (5.1 inches)
Rear suspension: Dual shocks
Rear wheel travel: 97 mm (3.8 inches)
Front tyre: 100/90-19
Rear tyre: 150/80-16
Front brakes: Single disc. ABS. Brembo opposed four-piston callipers.
Front brakes diameter: 320 mm (12.6 inches)
Rear brakes: Single disc. ABS
Rear brakes diameter: 260 mm (10.2 inches)
Seat: Duale seat
Physical measures and capacities
Weight incl. oil, gas, etc: 199.0 kg (438.7 pounds)
Seat height: 785 mm (30.9 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall height: 1,165 mm (45.9 inches)
Overall length: 2,240 mm (88.2 inches)
Overall width: 865 mm (34.1 inches)
Wheelbase: 1,478 mm (58.2 inches)
Fuel capacity: 15.00 litres (3.96 gallons)
Reserve fuel capacity: 4.00 litres (1.06 gallons)
Other specifications
Color options: White, yellow
Starter: Electric
Reviewed by Chris Wee, Piston.my
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/royal-enfield-is-new-zealand-top-selling-motorcycle-brand/ | Royal Enfield Is New Zealand Top-Selling Motorcycle Brand |
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Royal Enfield has taken the world by storm since the company launched the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650.
Thus, it’s not a surprise when Royal Enfield has been crown as the top-selling motorcycle brand in terms of sales in New Zealand with the help of local distributor, Urban Moto Imports.
The India-based manufacturer now tops the 250cc to 1,000cc segment in the Land Down under, knocking off other motorcycle giants.
According to Vimal Sumbly, Asia Pacific (APAC) Head of Business of Royal Enfield, the brand has received tremendous support since its entry.
“We are delighted that we have become the number one mid-size motorcycling brand in New Zealand. Royal Enfield has intently focused on growing and leading the middleweight segment market globally and becoming a genuinely global motorcycling brand.
“We have consistently grown our network, reach, product, apparel, GMA range and offerings to appeal to the customers. In fact, since our entry in Australia and New Zealand, we have received great feedback and love from motorcycle enthusiasts.”
Royal Enfield currently offers a wide range of models including the Himalayan, Meteor 350 and the two 650s.
The brand also rumoured to introduced a bigger Himalayan, by using the same 650cc parallel-twin powerplant.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/harley-davidson-x350-and-x500-to-debut-on-march-10/ | Harley-Davidson X350 And X500 To Debut On March 10 |
Harley-Davidson is set to debut the X350 and X500 on March 10, 2023.
The X350 and X500 is a result of Harley-Davidson partnership with Chinese manufacturer, QJ Motor.
The X350 and X500 features the same mill from Benelli’s 302S and Leoncino 500 respectively.
The Harley-Davidson X350, the most affordable two-wheeler bearing the H-D badge, is based on the Benelli 302S, while the X500 is based on a slightly larger Benelli Leoncino 500.
While the bikes’ technical foundation already exists, the new Harleys feature altered designs, styling, and ergonomics, giving them a much smaller and more compact appearance than their American counterparts.
Poweringthe X350 is a 353cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine capable of producing 36 horsepower.
Meanwhile, the X500 boasts a 500cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine with a maximum output of 47 horsepower. Both bikes share inverted front forks, front and rear disc brakes equipped with ABS, and LED lights all around.
The Harley-Davidson X350 and X500 will compete with cruisers and neo-retro roadsters such as the Royal Enfield Meteor and Hunter 350, Honda Rebel 300 and 500, and the Benelli Leoncino and 502C.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/updated-2015-bmw-motorrad-models/ | Updated 2015 BMW Motorrad models |
BMW Motorrad officially released images and details of its refreshed and updated-for-2015 range of models. Here is an overview of what’s in store with Motorrad’s 2015-year range.
K 1300 S Motorsports
The only “new” variant, the K 1300 S Motorsport has been added into the K 1300 range. The Motorsports edition features a special new livery that combines several piant colours: metallic black and blue with light white and decorative red graphics. Besides that, other distinct new features include a tinted screen, new Akrapovic silencer, as well as wheels and footrests from HP.
R 1200 GS Adventure
For 2015, the R 1200 GS Adventure gains Keyless Ride and Shift Assistance Pro features available as options. BMW will also allow buyers to specify the model with 30mm lower seats. Shorter riders wil also be able to specify the stock GS’ seat in the Adventure, and lowering it by a further 20mm as well.
R 1200 RT
The R 1200 RT gains two new paint schemes for 2015: metallic blue and matt grey. Its features list gains the brand’s Keyless Ride feature available as an option.
K 1600 GT & GTL
Both the K 1600 GT and GTL gains one substantial addition into its features list, and that being the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) now fitted as standard. Again, Keyless Ride is available as an option. Other notable new equipment include daytime running lights and Hill-Start Control, as well as a new instrument panel lifted form the K 1600 GTL Exclusive. Rounding off the updates here are three new paint schemes.
F 700 GS, F 800 GS & GT, and K 1300 R
For 2015, the F 700 GS, the F800 GS & GT, and the K 1300 R gains no mechanical or electronic updates. Motorrad have instead spruced up the paint schemes for these models for their 2015-year update.
Check out the extensive gallery below to see the updated-for-2015 range of Motorrad models in more detail.
2015 BMW Motorrad range
Source: Visordown and Asphaltandrubber
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/the-honda-hawk-11-could-make-its-way-to-india/ | The Honda Hawk 11 Could Make Its Way To India Soon |
Motorcycle fans worldwide were ecstatic when Honda introduced the Hawk 11 early last year.
Powering the Honda Hawk 11 is a 1082.96cc parallel-twin engine capable of pumping 100hp @ 7,500rpm and 103Nm @ 6,000rm.
The Hawk 11 is fitted with ththe Hawk 11 offers quite a sporty ergonomics yet not as aggressive as a typical sportbike.
The neo-retro motorcycle has gained much attention since its global debut at the Osaka Motorcycle Show 2022. Unfortunately, Honda threw a curveball by unveiling that the Honda Hawk 11 is a Japan-only release.
However, thanks to constant enquiry and demand from Honda fans around the globe, the Hawk 11 might make its way to the global market, as confirmed by the latest patent application filed with Intellectual Property India.
According to reports, Honda filed the design application on August 2, 2022, before the design went to the IP India Patent and Design Journal for official publication on December 9, 2022.
Interestingly, although the design application is now made available to the public, Honda has yet to formally announce its plans to introduce the Hawk 11 in markets outside Japan.
While it could take years before the Hawk 11 to officially debut, a filed application may mean something other than that a motorcycle will get released in that country.
Nonetheless, it could be an indication from Honda that the Hawk 11 could be available in a market outside of Japan.
(Source: BikeAdvice)
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/new-kawasaki-chronograph-wristwatch-zrx-since-1997-e149-rm703/ | New Kawasaki Chronograph Wristwatch “ZRX since 1997” – €149 (RM703) |
The “ZRX since 1997” was made to honour the legendary naked bikes from Kawasaki, The ZRX 1100 and ZRX 1200
Two attractive colours available; Matte Black finish with either Green or Black face
The timepieces are available at z900.us at €149 (around RM703)
In the light of the 20th year anniversary of the Kawasaki’s legendary ZRX motorcycle, our friends from www.z900.us have brought their latest timepiece collection dubbed the “ZRX since 1997”. The wristwatch was designed to pay homage to the one of Kawasaki’s most iconic production motorcycles of all time, the 1997 Kawasaki ZRX 1100 and ZRX 1200.
The high quality timepieces are made in Germany with a huge dose of distinctive masculine design. Looking at the new matte black finish on the each individual timepiece reminisce the celebrated naked bikes from Kawasaki back in the day.
There are two colours available for the new Kawasaki timepieces; Matte Black and Green. The sporty XL-sized stainless-steel case with a diameter of 43mm is blackened electronically and provides the perfect backdrop for the bright green watch face displaying a black “ZRX since 1997” logo.
Like most functional wristwatches available in the market, the time is kept précised with quartz precision as well as other functions like a stopwatch measuring seconds, 60-minute split time display, 24-hour display and date function.
Interested in owning one of the babies? The matte black “ZRX since 1997” anniversary chronograph is available online for €149 (around RM703 after direct conversion without shipping) at www.z900.us. Get them while they’re hot!
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/bmw-motorrad-set-to-unveil-the-ce-04-on-july-7/ | BMW Motorrad Set To Unveil The CE 04 On July 7 |
BMW Motorrad will unveil the company new electric motorcycle, namely the CE 04, on July 7.
The announcement was made via BMW Motorrad’s Twitter page.
A new era will soon begin. Coming July 7th. ?#MakeLifeARide #PluggedToLife #BMWMotorrad pic.twitter.com/zKRQ7Bk2K3
— BMWMotorrad (@BMWMotorrad) June 30, 2021
The electric scooter was previously spotted doing test runs on the streets of Europe.
BMW CE-04 Electric Scooter Caught Testing On Public Roads
Interestingly, the production version of the CE 04 strikes a remarkable resemblance to the concept model unveiled back in November 2020.
The CE-04 retains the same front panel highlighted by the V-shaped headlights and a boxy profile that intentionally designed to accentuates the massive battery hiding underneath the body.
Set to be launched via live-stream across BMW Motorrad official Facebook and YouTube channel, the CE 04 is one of the most intriguing electric motorcycles to look out for in 2022.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/motogp-how-is-hafizh-syahrin-doing-so-far/ | MotoGP: How is Hafizh Syahrin doing so far? |
With three MotoGP rounds remaining in 2018, we look into the story so far regarding Malaysia’s very own Hafizh Syahrin.
Hafizh finished in the top 10 in the previous round at Motegi, Japan and is currently in a tight battle for the title “Rookie of the Year”.
He is only 4 points behind of another fellow Italian rookie and VR46 Academy rider, Franco Morbidelli.
Did you guys watch the last MotoGP race at Motegi, Japan? If you did, you would know that Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez bagged his fifth premier class world title after winning the race at the home of Honda. We’ve covered that already and right now, we’re more interested on how our homeboy Hafizh Syahrin is doing so far at the very top of the league. In the great words of Joey Tribbiani, “How you doin?”
To summarize Hafizh Syahrin’s rookie season in the premier MotoGP class so far, he is currently sitting in 17th place with 34 points. Out of 24 permanent riders in the field, the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider is currently doing better than a number of high profile riders such as Aleix Espargaro, Scott Redding, Scott Redding, and more. Bear in mind that these named riders are all riding full factory bikes in the league compared to his slightly aged Yamaha YZR-M1 in a satellite team.
There are five rookie riders in the 2018 season and our Malaysian hero is currently in the running to achieve the title “Rookie of the Year”. The only person standing in his way is 23-year-old Italian and fellow VR46 Academy protégé (the one founded by the great Valentino Rossi), Franco Morbidelli.
Morbidelli who’s racing for the Marc VDS squad is in a tight battle with Hafizh Syahrin. After the weekend where Hafizh achieved his best finish in the championship in P10, he is now only 4 points behind the young and very talented Italian rider. That’s a very small gap considering there’s three rounds left and 75 points maximum up for grabs.
We can see that Hafizh is doing considerably well on the Yamaha YZR-M1 machinery and against the Honda RC213V ridden by Franco Morbidelli, it’s indeed a showdown on who will become the top rookie rider in the 2018 season. The good news is that the Malaysian round is coming up in two weeks’ time and this is where Hafizh will have a home advantage to take over Morbidelli in the rankings.
Rest assured that all of Malaysia will be supporting him throughout his journey which is only going to get better as he has already extended his stay in MotoGP after signing a new deal with the Tech 3 team. Even more good news? He will be piloting a factory-spec KTM RC16 bike (which we hope will be much better come 2019).
Hold on to your hats, folks. The 2018 MotoGP season is not over yet and by the look of things, the chances of Hafizh Syahrin becoming the 2018 Rookie of the Year is very, very good. Even if he doesn’t get the award, we all know that he is one hell of a rider that has made Malaysia proud. Hafizh Syahrin is indeed one of many examples when it comes to the saying “Malaysia Boleh!” Now, go get ‘em, Pescao!
Image source: MotoGP
Win MotoGP Sepang 2018 passes with Ducati Malaysia!
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/yamaha-r1-gytr-pro-25th-anniversary-limited-edition-breaks-cover/ | Yamaha R1 GYTR PRO 25th Anniversary Limited Edition Breaks Cover |
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of its most iconic superbike, Yamaha has introduced the Yamaha R1 GYTR PRO 25th Anniversary limited edition for 2023.
Developed by Yamaha Motor Europe and its GYTR PRO Shop, this special edition boasts an array of upgrades, setting new standards for performance and specification within the R1 range.
Working in collaboration with Yamaha Motor Research & Development Europe (YMRE), the same team responsible for the development of Iwata brands’ World Superbike machines, Yamaha aims to bring World Superbike levels of specification and performance to the R1 series.
The GYTR Pro 25th Anniversary bike comes equipped with several standard upgrades to enhance its performance. Notable additions include a carbon sub-frame, a modified fuel tank with a lower center of gravity, and a Magneti Marelli ECU. The bike’s front end features Öhlins FGR front forks and a TTX rear shock with a pneumatic preload adjuster, ensuring more predictable handling and superior suspension.
Additionally, an underslung swingarm, previously developed for WorldSBK, complements upgraded Brembo braking calipers on both ends. Full carbon fiber bodywork further minimizes weight and optimizes aerodynamic performance.
Moreover, the bike offers the option to include the GYTR PRO Electronic System (GPES) module, an advanced electronics engine package providing data acquisition and control. GPES enables riders to access the latest electronic software rider aids, such as anti-wheelie, launch control, engine braking management, adjustable fuelling, and traction control.
With only 25 units scheduled for production within the European region, Yamaha bills this model as the ultimate R1. Interested buyers need to act swiftly to secure their limited-edition machine. Each bike will be assembled at the GYTR Pro Shop of the owner’s choice. Furthermore, lucky owners will have the privilege of a personalized setup, carried out by a team of Yamaha technicians, ensuring an experience akin to the treatment given to the factory’s WorldSBK riders.
As the celebration of 25 years of the R1 commences, motorbike enthusiasts and Yamaha fans alike eagerly anticipate the debut of this extraordinary machine, set to redefine sportbike performance standards.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/features/outings/shell-cup-rd-2-sentul-indonesia-fp3/ | Shell Cup Rd.2 Sentul, Indonesia – FP3 |
Thai and Indonesian riders tops timesheet for final practice leading up to this weekend’s Round 2 of the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup (Shell Cup) in Sentul, Indonesia.
Thai youngster Nakrin Atiratphuvapat followed up his top form from yesterday’s FP1 and FP2 pace, becoming the day’s fastest rider so far after the 40-minute long third free practice session this morning. Atiratphuvapat improved from yesterday’s best of 1:38.786 to an impressive 1:37.889 today.
Also making vast improvements was Indonesian home hero Andi Izdihar who clocked in the second fastest FP3 time with 1:38.262, making up 0.691 seconds from his fourth fastest FP2 timing of 1:39.571. Japanese rider Yuta Date on the other hand secured the session’s third fastest time with his best time of 1:38.269.
While most of the top 10 riders in FP3 have gained well from yesterday’s timing, progress from the Malaysian camp appears to be stagnant with all seven riders missing out from the top 10 ranks in FP3. Fastest of the six this morning was Shafiq Rasol who ranked himself in 12th with his best time of 1:39.688, improving just 0.255 from his best in FP2 yesterday where he ranked sixth.
Adam Norrodin on the other hand things slightly harder this morning after the 15-year-old crashed out of turn 1 10 minutes into the session. Adam could only muster a fastest lap time of 1:40.612 that ranked him 19th overall in FP3. As far as the rest go, Helmi Azman came in 13th fastest with a best time of 1:39.883. Fakhrusy Rostam on the number 7 machine ranked 15th, followed by Shafiq Ezzariq in 16th, Ibrahim Norrodin in 17th, and Nazirul bahauddin in 18th.
The day will proceed shortly with the Qualifying session for tomorrow afternoon’s race.
Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup Rd. 2 FP3 Photo Gallery
Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup Rd.2 Sentul, Indonesia FP3 Trackside by Mauro Talamonti
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/sungai-petani-international-circuit-project-back-on-track-kedah-mb/ | Sungai Petani International Circuit Project Back On Track – Kedah MB |
Kedah Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Noor has confirmed that the development of the Sungai Petani race track will resumed soon.
Kedah to resume its international race track project in Sungai Petani.
PKB Open Road will be responsible for developing the new circuit.
To ensure the project will continue as planned, PKB Open Road company has agreed to take over the RM75mil mega project.
In an exciting development, the new race track will be built as an international circuit instead of its initial plan of becoming a Litar Rakyat.
“We are aware that the original plan was to develop a Litar Rakyat however, due to several amendments, the state government has agreed to proceed to upgrade the project to an international circuit,” he said.
Muhammad Sanusi also claimed that the new 1.8km long circuit would also be equipped with commercial areas and exhibition centres.
Despite the upgrade to international standards, the Kedah MB assures that the facility will be accessible to the public.
Meanwhile, the track layout will be designed by a team from the UK who is also the same group of people responsible for developing the Formula 1 racing circuit in Miami.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/peugeot-launches-special-edition-speedfight-4-scooter/ | Peugeot Launches Special Edition Peugeot Speedfight 4 Scooter |
50cc scooter producing 4.8hp
Over half a million sold worldwide since its debut in 1995
Peugeot has released a special edition of the 50cc two-stroke scooter called the Peugeot Speedfight 4. The release was in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the scooter model. To many of us (if not all of us), Peugeot is not the name Malaysians associate with when it comes to scooters. The rest of the world is more aware of this where over half a million of the Speedfight has been sold especially in the UK.
The Speedfight is powered by a 50cc two-stroke engine that is able to produce 4.8hp. The number might seem small but pushing a weight of only 97kg means that it can get up to reasonable speeds with ease. Longevity and reliability are also increased thanks to its liquid cooling system. Targeted to new young riders, the scooter comes with all round disc brakes for added safety.
This fourth generation comes with a few remodelled exterior. Since this is a special edition, it comes with a black double-stitched seat with a removable pillion cowl, aluminium footboards and a wicked looking “Snakebike” sports exhaust system. The scooter is now available in the UK market for a price of £2,199 (around RM11,900).
The scooter was first manufactured back in 1995 and after 18 years of success, the company decides to bring out a sportier version of this beloved scooter. Now, the scooter won’t be available in our shores but take note (to other scooter manufacturers), this is how a scooter should look like. Aggressive, appealing and enough power to get around.
Nowadays, the scooters that are available in our country have been going through a certain safe and easy trend. Focusing more on mass manufacturing and great fuel consumption figures, they seem to forget another major factor on how people tend to buy motorcycles; by how it looks. If the Speedfight is available here in Malaysia, it will sell like hotcakes. A 50cc two-stroke hotcake goodness.
Photo Source: Peugeot Scooters
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/eicma-unveil-new-logo-ahead-of-2021-event/ | EICMA Unveil New Logo Ahead Of 2021 Event |
Just three months before the most extensive motorcycle exhibition opens its doors to visitors in Milan, the 78th edition EICMA now unveils its all-new logo and slogan.
EICMA will now go as International Two Wheels Exhibition (Esposizione Internazionale Delle Duo Ruote) instead of the World Motorcycle Exhibition as they were previously known for.
*2019 EICMA
The organizers decided to change from ‘motorcycle’ to ‘two-wheels’ because they claimed the name ‘bicycle and motorcycle’ is too old-fashioned and would not reflect the current day and age.
According to EICMA, the new red logo represents the centrality of the passion for the sector, remains, and the EICMA logotype comes out from inside the symbol to become the absolute focus externally. The visual elements that make it up – the circle and the fork. are also reinterpreted.
2021 EICMA is set to draw thousands of people around the globe.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/kawasaki-ninja-r2-in-the-pipelines/ | Kawasaki Ninja R2 in the pipelines |
New Kawasaki Ninja R2 supercharged superbike for the masses reportedly planned for 2017.
Kawasaki Spirit Charger concept
Get ready for the next wave of supercharged superbikes as Kawasaki is reportedly in the midst of developing a new model christened as the Kawasaki Ninja R2.
A report by MCN included a rendering of the bike, which has more or less confirmed Kawasaki’s intent in developing a new supercharged superbike that the firm will likely use to rewrite the rules with next year. Also fuelling this was the fact that Kawasaki had filed trademarks for several model names including Ninja R2 amongst others.
Kawasaki Ninja R2 render (Image credit: MCN)
Details of the upcoming Kawasaki Ninja R2 remain scarce for now other than the fact that it will be supercharged. According to MCN’s report though, which cites insider sources from within Kawasaki, the Ninja R2 is expected to be supercharged middleweight bike with a capacity of just over 800cc. The fact that it is supercharged could see it stand as a proper alternative to the current crop of litre-class superbikes.
2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R – a litre-class road-going superbike that conforms with race homologation rules.
What is also fuelling this possibility is the fact that Kawasaki has no intent in putting its supercharged engine technologies into racing just yet. This gives Kawasaki the freedom to work on a mass-market bike that is not tied down to conventional capacity limits or other racing homologation limitations.
And whilst all signs point towards a supercharged engine just over 800cc, MCN also reports that another smaller capacity version could follow soon after and slot below the Kawasaki Ninja R2.
The Ninja R2 is reportedly just the first of a range of three bikes that Kawasaki is believed to be working on that features forced-induction technology. The Kawasaki SC-01 and SC-02 concept bikes revealed last year also hinted at how widely Kawasaki wants this technology to spread throughout its model ranges.
Kawasaki also took the wraps off a second generation supercharged four-cylinder engine during the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. Dubbed as the ‘Balanced Supercharged Engine’, it featured a smaller capacity than the 998cc mill powering the manic Kawasaki Ninja H2 model, but it was bigger than the initially predicted size of 600cc. It is believed that this unit will go on to power the upcoming Ninja R2.
The only question left is when the Kawasaki Ninja R2 will be revealed. Best estimates based on how long Kawasaki took from trademarking the Ninja H2 name and its actual revealing suggest a debut as early as the tail end of 2016, but we reckon it will realistically be shown sometime in 2017 instead.
Source: MCN
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/this-2019-honda-cbr250rr-hrc-is-too-good-for-words/ | This 2019 Honda CBR250RR HRC is too good for words! |
The last MotoGP round in Motegi saw the showcase of the 2019 Honda CBR250RR HRC.
Clad in Honda’s racing tricolour scheme, the colour is inspired by the much bigger Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.
The colour scheme is still being considered for the Japanese market and if all goes well, they will be able to get it by November this year.
It seems that the Honda CBR250RR is still very elusive when it comes to its major arrival here in Malaysia. While we wait for its uncertain official introduction, Japan is set for its most beautiful variant yet in the form of the 2019 Honda CBR250RR HRC and we are JEALOUS.
The 2019 Honda CBR250RR for the Japanese market (still under consideration) is heavily inspired by its bigger and most powerful sibling in the CBR range, the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade. This iconic colour combination which represents Honda’s rich history in racing certainly blends in superbly well with the bike’s sharp lines and edges.
Underneath it all, the 2019 model retains its 250cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine which is able to produce around 37hp at a screaming 12,000rpm and 23Nm of torque at 11,000rpm. Base on the stats, we can see that the bike will be very exciting at a higher rev range that is able to propel the bike to a maximum speed of 170km/h.
Other respectable specifications include:
Dual-channel ABS system
USD telescopic forks
Pro-link rear suspension with a five-step adjustable pre-load
Full digital console
All-round LED lights
Ride-by-wire system with selectable riding modes
The 2019 Honda CBR250RR represented in the HRC colour scheme was showcased last week during the MotoGP round at Motegi to basically conduct a survey on the people’s perceptions of the bike. By the look of things, we won’t be surprised if they fast-track it into production because it is a BEAUTY.
2019 Honda CBR250RR in Victory Red for the Indonesian market
Expected price and time of launch? Around 810,000 Yen (RM29,988) sometime in November (for Japan) if all goes well. We figured that the bike will be globally unveiled during EICMA 2018 in Milan, Italy.
Image source: Young Machine
Honda Neo Sports Café 650 Concept Breaks Cover
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/shell-cup-merdeka-contest-win-exclusive-goodies/ | Shell Cup Merdeka Contest – win exclusive goodies! |
In the spirit of Merdeka, we at BR together with our partners Shell Advance, are giving out exclusive prizes in our special online-based Shell Cup Merdeka Contest.
All you need to do is to like and share the contest from our official Facebook page, and answer the simple question based on the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup (Shell Cup) posted on our Facebook page via email (T&C apply).
The answers to our questions can be obtained by visiting the official Shell Cup site at asiatalentcup.com. If you have been following us well, answers can also be found in some of our coverage of the Shell Cup races as well like this (LINK).
Up for grabs are:
– Shell Advance lubricant
– Shell “You Complete Me” T-shirt
– BR T-shirt
–BR key chain
– BR lanyard
Mechanics
To enter, all you need to do is to follow these simple steps:
1. Give the official BikeRepublic Facebook page a visit and ‘Like’ the page.
View the simple question based on the Shell Cup races that is posted on our Facebook page.
Question posting time will be announced both here on our site and our official Facebook page. Follow this link to our official Facebook Page (LINK)
2. Click the ‘Share’ button and share the contest with your friends on Facebook.
3. Send us your correct answer via email to: contest@bikesrepublic.com.
All answers must include the following details:
– Full Name
– Facebook profile name/link
– Mobile number
– Email address
Terms & Conditions
Please read our Contest Terms & Conditions before participating in our exclusive contest. The Contest Terms & Regulations can be viewed here in this link (LINK).
Winning entries will be notified via telephone call and/or mail and/or email. Details of venue, dates and times for prize collection shall be informed via telephone call and/or mail and/or email as well.
Are you ready?
We will post the first Shell Cup question on our official Facebook page on Thursday 28 August 2014 at 12pm Malaysian time.
Good luck!
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/ducati-red-weekend-3-0-coming-4-5-august-2018/ | Ducati Red Weekend 3.0 coming on 4 & 5 August 2018 |
The third Ducati Red Weekend 3.0 is coming to Ducati Petaling Jaya this weekend on 4 and 5 August 2018.
Amazing rebates and offers on your favourite Ducati models are up for grabs including official merchandises and apparel.
There will also be live music performances and fun activities for the whole family too.
The third Ducati Red Weekend of the year will be happening this weekend and it promises to be one heck of a weekend filled with festivities including great offers. The Ducati Red Weekend 3.0 organised by Next Bike Sdn Bhd will take its place from 4 to 5 August 2018 at Ducati Petaling Jaya (next to the Federal Highway).
All Ducati fans and enthusiasts are welcomed to this weekend’s extravaganza where amazing deals and rebates for your favourite Ducati bikes are on offer. Feeling like showing more of your love for Ducati? Attractive offers on the brand’s official merchandise and apparels are also up for grabs so do make sure you clear out some time in your schedule this weekend, boys and girls.
Afraid that your family might be bored while you look for your next Ducati bike? Fear not! Apart from all the great offers related to everything and anything Ducati, attendees will also be welcomed with live music performances, fun activities, test ride sessions, food trucks, plus many more. Fun for the whole family!
There’s no better time to attend the Ducati Red Weekend as you can test Ducati’s latest bike into the Malaysian market which is the 2018 Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special and Sport variants. If you book a bike during the Red Weekend, you will also get an exclusive opportunity to experience a test ride around Petaling Jaya guided by one of Ducati’s esteemed Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) instructors!
So, clear out your calendars this coming weekend on 4 and 5 August 2018 and make your way to Ducati Petaling Jaya! Who knows, maybe you’ll be a brand new owner of the very exciting 2018 Ducati Panigale V4!
2018 Ducati Scrambler 1100 has arrived in Malaysia! From RM83,000
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/boon-siew-honda-free-service-campaign/ | Boon Siew Honda free service campaign |
In light of the recent flood desaster that hit the country especially on the east coast, Boon Siew Honda has innitiated a free service campaign for their small bike customers in the affected areas.
The campaign covers labour, engine oil and spark plug. You can enjoy the campaign according to the schedule above.
So make sure you tell family and friends about the campaign.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/michelin-pilot-street-2-motogp-dna-for-street-performance/ | Michelin Pilot Street 2 – MotoGP DNA for Street Performance |
Michelin Pilot Street 2 is designed for scooters and small displacement motorcycles.
Rim sizes start from 10-inches though 14-, 16- and finally 17-inch.
It has superior wet and dry performance.
We’ve always said that what MotoGP teams use differ from what you and I can obtain for everyday riding. However, the gap has closed between “unobtanium” in MotoGP and what’s available to the general public. One of it is tyre technology, as these Michelin Pilot Street 2 can attest to.
It’s been two years since Michelin’s return to supplying the MotoGP teams and you can be that they’ve learned much since then. But also remember that Michelin used to supply tyres in MotoGP way before the other brands before dropping out for a few years. The company have also been around since 1889, exactly 130 years ago.
The Michelin Pilot Street 2 is designed for scooters and small displacement motorcycles. As such, rim sizes start from 10-inches though 14-, 16- and finally 17-inches.
These new tyres were designed to perform on both dry and wet roads.
To achieve this:
The front tyre features a circumferential groove to aid agility, while lateral grooves give good performance on wet roads.
The rear tyre’s central grooves optimizes water clearance while providing outstanding grip during the dry.
The tyre’s performance was tested and certified by TÜV Labs at Fontange, France. Equipped with the Michelin Pilot Street 2, the bike lapped the 2-km circuit 4.4 seconds faster than its rivals.
The tyres will be available at TYREPLUS and Michelin authorized dealers. They are offered in 19 sizes.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/marshall-speakers-teased-for-upcoming-bmw-r18-bagger-and-tourer/ | Marshall speakers teased for upcoming BMW R18 bagger and tourer |
BMW Motorrad teases Marshall partnership, likely for upcoming BMW R18 bagger and tourer.
The BMW R18 line up is about grow bigger this year and, if BMW Motorrad’s latest teaser is anything to go by, they will likely feature premium audio systems from Marshall fitted.
The legendary British audio masters arguably holds a very special place in both pop culture and rock & roll history. This collaboration sees Marshall making its maiden venture into manufacturing motorcycle audio components, and the teaser indicates that the new R18 variants are where these novel new hardware will debut first.
We’ve known for some time that these two new variations of the boxer-powered retro cruiser are coming, and it looks set to happen very soon. This tie-in seems all the more fitting considering the popular use of audio systems in this genre of bikes.
In other words, you could soon match the R18’s ‘Rock & Roll’ ride mode with matching tunes blasting from a set of on-board Marshall speakers…
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/international/gaikindo-indonesia-international-auto-show-better-than-klims/ | Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show – Better than KLIMS? |
Our friends at autofreaks.com recently attended the first installation of the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show 2015 (GIIAS). Though happening for the very first time, the new GIIAS featured a number of hot attractions, like the new Honda BR-V which is soon the be launched in Malaysia, and the stunning new Lexus LF-SA, which according to the editor of Autofreaks, Chris Wee, was so outrageous that it left him dumbstruck.
We have no idea what the car above is but we know it is a Nissan, and if this is sign of things to come from the company that created the GT-R, then they have us at the edge of our seats.
Meanwhile though, the Lexus LF-SA below left our dear friend Chris dumbstruck, we feel bad for his old brain. We can understand why, but what is more interesting is his review of the new GIIAS. Click here to read his entire story.
Visit www.autofreaks.com for more juicy car stories.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/husqvarna-joins-brembo-master-cylinder-recall/ | Husqvarna joins in Brembo master cylinder recall |
Husqvarna has joined the massive worldwide Brembo master cylinder recall.
Their popular PR16 radial master cylinder commonly used with Brembo M50 calipers are prone to breakage.
All Husqvarna FS 450 Supermoto models manufactured from 2015 to 208 are affected.
After KTM Malaysia has confirmed that their Super Duke models are due for a recall for their Brembo PR16 radial brake master cylinder, news broke out that Husqvarna is joining the recall happening worldwide. The major recall currently ongoing around the world revolves around the PR16 radial master cylinder popularly used with the Brembo M50 calipers.
The models Husqvarna will be recalling are all the FS 450 supermoto made from 2016 to 2018. According to Brembo, “Thanks to the constant quality monitoring over its production processes, it has uncovered the possibility of defects to the piston of the front radial master cylinder (diameters 15mm and 16mm), sold between 2015 and 2017 and mounted on some motorcycle models.”
“Brembo promptly informed the manufacturers of the problem so that the owners of the aforementioned bikes could be informed and invited to have the part replaced at the nearest dealership.”
To read the complete statement released by Brembo, check out the link below.
Brembo official statement released on PR16 master cylinder recall
While Husqvarna has confirmed the recall for all of their 450 Supermotos worldwide, there’s no news on whether the models here in Malaysia are affected. If they are, owners can expect a letter from the dealer/manufacturer.
To know more, you can head to any of the manufacturer’s authorised dealers.
2018 Husqvarna FS 450 announced – A Supermoto Enthusiast’s Wet Dream
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/heavy-rain-across-the-nation-until-thursday-metmalaysia/ | Heavy Rain Across The Nation Until Thursday – MetMalaysia |
MetMalaysia issues warning of continuous heavy rain with dangerous levels expected in Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor until Thursday.
In a statement released by MetMalaysia, continuous heavy rain warning was issued for three areas in Pahang – Bera, Pekan, and Rompin. Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor are also affected by the warning.
MetMalaysia also mentioned that continuous heavy rain warning at a dangerous level was issued for Jerantut, Bentong, Temerloh, Maran, and Kuantan in Pahang. On the other hand, the continuous heavy rain warning at a cautionary level is still in effect until today for Manjung, Kinta, Perak Tengah, Kampar, Bagan Datuk, Hilir Perak, Batang Padang, and Muallim in Perak.
Other areas affected include Tanah Tinggi Cameron, Lipis, and Raub in Pahang, Terengganu, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya.
In Sarawak, a cautionary warning has been issued for the areas of Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, Tatau, and Bintulu.
MetMalaysia advises the public to stay updated with the latest weather information through the official website, myCuaca application, and official social media platforms. For further inquiries, the MET Malaysia hotline at 1-300-22-1638 can be contacted.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/triumph-in-moto2-the-story-so-far/ | Triumph in Moto2 – The Story So Far |
Triumph is already past midway in their first season of supplying engines to Moto2 teams.
The engines have held up well despite the abuse.
Since then we’ve seen records smashed and closer racing.
The story of Triumph in Moto2 has been a success so far after more than halfway into their inaugural season.
Triumph began supplying engines to Moto2 teams this year, taking over from Honda who powered the bikes for the last nine seasons. In a way, it’s Triumph’s first Grand Prix season since the brand’s start 121 years ago in 1898.
This year, we’ve seen multiple Moto2 records fall and racing is a lot closer (behind Alex Marquez, that is). Then news came of Nicolo Bulega going past 300 km/h during practice at the Italian Grand Prix.
Hitting that speed in the engine’s first season is an amazing feat all by itself.
Breaking the 300 km/h barrier ???
@nicolo_bulega11’s @OfficialTriumph-powered #Moto2 bike hit 300.6 km/h at the #ItalianGP ?
What further history will be made in the 2019 season? ? pic.twitter.com/OALKdE5Q75
— MotoGP™ ?? (@MotoGP) June 27, 2019
The engines began as the 765cc three-cylinder from the new Street Triple, then prepared and maintained by ExternPro. ExternPro also prepared the Honda CBR600 inline-Four engines previously. The engine received some upgrades for racing, but the overall architecture and most parts are the same as the road bike’s.
Triumph Street Triple RS
A three-cylinder engine produces more low-end and midrange torque than an inline-Four of equal displacement. But the 765’s larger displacement already provides more grunt, anyway. That’s why we kept seeing riders catching back up after making a mistake.
The factory has since learned much from their Moto2 venture. For example, how the riders trash the powerplant. The engine has a 14,000 RPM limiter on upshifts, but there’s no limiter on the downshift side. That’s why they regularly saw revs exceeding 15,200 RPM during aggressive downshifts.
Moto2 start at Brno 2019 – Photo credit MotoGP.com
Steve Sargent, Triumph’s Chief Product Officer revealed that the riders who abuse the engines aren’t the top guys. Data from those leading the championship such as Alex Marquez and Thomas Luthi showed that they don’t overrev the engine and are much smoother in their operation.
On the other hand, the abusive riders assume they’re riding hard by downshifting even when the throttle was pinned fully open.
ExternPro receives all the data from the bikes and flags the offenders. The company then talks to the riders caught doing so. But habits die hard, so ExternPro imposed downshift RPM limiters beginning Brno, Czech Republic. Riders who continue to exceed the limiter will be fined.
The engines have held up amazing well, despite all the abuse.
Trevor Morris of ExternPro continued, “We’ve done 100 engine rebuilds and the gearboxes don’t even look like they’ve be run in. The Nikasil-coated cylinders look brand new when we strip each engine after 1500 km (every three rounds).”
1500 km are peanuts for roadbikes, but roadbike engines don’t reside in the redline all the time.
There was no mechanical breakdown so far, lending a solid testament to the engine’s steadfast reliability.
Triumph’s Moto2 project hopes to bring the experience into developing their future line-up of motorcycles. While it’s natural that racing begets sportbikes, the data obtained could serve to develop designs, components, parts, etc. that will provide more performance and reliability to owners.
Of course, many hoped that it will result in a new range of sportbikes, but the Hinckley-based manufacturer had stopped producing the Daytona for a number of years now, as the sportbike market had shrunk tremendously. On the other hand, the factory announced the 2020 Triumph Daytona Moto2 765 Limited Edition recently. The engine is still based on the Street Triple’s but will be upgraded for more performance.
It’ll be revealed at the British MotoGP round on 25th August. We can’t wait to see it!
Source: motorsportmagazine.com
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/gst-vs-sst-triumph-motorcycles-malaysia-says-dont-worry/ | GST vs SST? Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia says don’t worry! |
Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia has announced the Price Protection Scheme for all their new unregistered bikes.
The scheme will protect future Triumph bike owners against any price fluctuation in accordance with the new tax regimen (GST back to SST).
If prices go up, they will honour the original lower price. If prices go down, customers can enjoy the new price PLUS store credit equal to the price difference.
In light of a very historic moment for our beloved nation and its process to evolve itself in accordance with the new Government, Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia has assured all future owners of Triumph bikes to not worry about the possible changes of price.
The folks over at Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia has introduced the very own ‘Price Protection Scheme’ to make sure that future Triumph bike owners won’t be on the losing end of this major transfer from GST back to SST. The new scheme is said to protect against any price movement for all new unregistered bikes.
GST or SST? No worries….just read through this pleaseIn light of impending GST policy changes Triumph Fast Bikes has…
Posted by Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia on 13hb Mei 2018
As we all know, the new government in power is planning for some big changes and one of those has something to do with the abolishment of GST (Goods and Services Tax). In its place, the previous Sales and Service Tax (SST) will make its return and most of us are still not sure on how this will affect the country’s expenses.
Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia will assure to give only the best deals for potential customers. If the SST raises the price of the new bikes, they will “honour the original, lower price”. If the new tax drops down the price of the bikes (woohoo!), then the customers will receive “store credit/Credit Note equal to the price difference.”
No matter if the bike prices go up or down, Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia will ensure that future owners will get their money’s worth. Sounds like a win-win situation for all of us. Head over to the nearest Triumph Motorcycles authorised dealers to know more!
2018 Triumph Tiger 800 XRx Test & Review
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/2018-suzuki-gsx-s1000fz-phantom-edition-announced/ | 2018 Suzuki GSX-S1000FZ Phantom edition announced |
Suzuki has announced their updated 2018 Suzuki GSX-S1000FZ Phantom for next year.
The new addition to the GSX-S Phantom family comes with all-matte black livery with red highlights plus a blacked-out exhaust.
Suzuki also introduced the 2018 Suzuki GSX-S1000 which now comes in white and the middleweight 2018 GSX-S750 in red and black.
Suzuki has announced their latest addition into the Phantom family which comes in the form of the 2018 Suzuki GSX-S1000FZ Phantom. The GSX-S1000FZ joins the 2017 Suzuki GSX-S1000 Phantom and Suzuki GSX-S750 Phantom which are already available in several markets worldwide.
The new 2018 GSX-S1000FZ Phantom comes in all-matte black paint job with fine red highlights to bring out the inner demon of this super sports tourer. Although there’s already a Suzuki GSX-S1000F Phantom released before this, this new model earned its extra ‘Z’ letter at the back with a significant new part to differentiate between the two; a black exhaust.
Powered by the iconic Suzuki GSX-R1000 K5 power plant, the new Suzuki sports tourer has been retuned and refined for a more controlled power and the low and middle rpm range to provide extra control and stability while haunting down city streets.
The engine maintains the same setup as the 2017 models with 150hp at 10,000rpm and 108Nm of torque at 9,5000rpm. Together with a reworked assist-and-slipper clutch, the new 2018 GSX-S1000FZ is said to be more dignified machine, provided that you don’t twist the throttle all the way to release its inner demon. After all, it is powered by a one-litre Gixxer engine.
If you prefer the original GSX-S1000, there will be a new colour available for 2018 which comes in white livery with red and black graphics plus red wheels.
If you’re looking for a middleweight, the 2018 Suzuki GSX-S750 will carry the same specs but will be available in a brand new red and black colour scheme.
Expect these bikes to arrive at dealerships around the world in stages beginning of next year. As for Malaysia, we might have to wait for official confirmation from Suzuki Assemblers Malaysia. Until then, enjoy the photos!
To know more on the 2017 Suzuki GSX-S range, CLICK HERE.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/motogp-jorge-lorenzo-almost-certain-to-join-ducati/ | MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo ‘almost’ certain to join Ducati |
Much-speculated move from Yamaha to Ducati looks imminent for defending world champion Jorge Lorenzo.
It has been rumoured for several weeks now since Valentino Rossi extended his deal with Yamaha, but it appears that a move to Ducati looks almost set for reigning MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo.
UK site MCN published a report recently stating that the deal is “verbally done” and that an official announcement by both Lorenzo and Ducati will be made as soon as MotoGP returns for its European leg starting with Jerez, Spain later this month.
Reports indicate that the move will likely see Lorenzo sign an initial two-year deal lasting for the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
During last weekend’s Argentina GP, rumours indicate that Ducati had prepared a lucrative offer for Lorenzo and it featured the combined finances of tobacco giant Phillip Morris – Ducati’s biggest and longest-running financiers – with brand owners Audi AG. Needless to say, both parties are eager to see the storied Italian team win races and championships, and they see it happening with Lorenzo on board.
Previously, Ducati’s sporting director Paolo Ciabatti has made no secrets about the team’s desire in securing either Lorenzo or Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez. He was quoted by MotoGP.com in stating:
“We’ve made no secret about it – we know both Marquez and Lorenzo have contracts are expiring at the end of the season. We’ve been talking to the riders.”
Lorenzo, on the other hand, remains mum about the matter. He has instead stated his wish to keep his plans for the future private with his people for now, but he did state that he will make a decision in the coming weeks.
Perhaps it all looks ‘almost’ certain, but ‘almost’ isn’t a confirmation until an official announcement is made. What is certain now though is that Lorenzo hasn’t signed Yamaha’s extension deal as how teammate and rival Valentino Rossi recently did, and that Ducati has got an offer that is allegedly too good to pass up.
Sources: MCN / MotoGP.com
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/news/bulletin/the-dangers-of-sambung-bayar-deals/ | The dangers of sambung bayar deals |
Understanding why sambung bayar or continue payment schemes are both illegal and dangerous.
Image credit: MotorTrader.com.my/Chips Yap
“A fine of RM25,000 or a three-year jail sentence will be handed to offenders who partake in the offence of ‘sambung bayar’ or ‘continue payment’.” That is the warning issued by JPJ following a recent spike of said deals popping up online.
In other words, these schemes are both illegal and dangerous, and it can lead to dire consequences for all parties involved.
What is sambung bayar or continue payment?
The term usually refers to the act of an owner who is still servicing a loan or financial plan for his/her vehicle who sells said vehicle to another party who agrees to buy the vehicle by assuming and servicing said loan or financing scheme.
In most cases, the vehicle’s ownership is usually transferred over to from the seller to the buyer provided the latter clears the loan or financing scheme he/she assumed.
The usual modus operandi here is that the seller gets an initial deposit from the buyer as a guarantee with both parties partaking in either a signed or verbal agreement as well – the latter being the most common and referred to as a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’.
Sample of vehicle ownership grant.
It sounds easy, but why should I avoid it?
Yes, on the surface, sambung bayar deals sound very lucrative indeed, especially if you are the vehicle owner that’s facing financial difficulties of sorts and need a quick solution. For the buyer, it is like buying a vehicle that’s seemingly new at a much cheaper rate by simply continuing the terms of the vehicle’s loan or financing scheme.
However, as stated at the start of this post, this scheme has been deemed ILLEGAL by JPJ as per Section 36A of the Trading Act of 1967 (Act 212). The agency has also made it very clear that any agreements or signed documents partaken by both parties in the act are not accepted in the eyes of the law, making them null and void entirely.
What do I risk in such deals?
For starters, sellers are at risk of being blacklisted by financial institutions. Usually, this occurs when the buyer decides to ‘disappear’ and skip paying off the loan, leaving the original owner to deal with the consequences.
As the original and rightful owner of the vehicle, you are deemed legally responsible over the debt in the eyes of financial institutions, creditors and the law. If you’re blacklisted financially, you are then deemed ineligible to apply for a new loan, financing scheme or worst still, you might even be barred from leaving the country.
As the buyer, you are at risk as well so as long as the vehicle’s legal ownership isn’t transferred to you. Firstly, you won’t get insurance coverage should an accident occur as the vehicle’s policy would only cover the original owner and the second and third driver/rider named in the policy.
Secondly, buyers partaking in this scheme also risk being cheated. There have been cases reported in Malaysia where buyers who purchased cars through sambung bayar deals end up getting a ‘cloned’ car with false chassis registration or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which gets you into even more legal troubles when caught – like this.
Though we’ve not yet seen or heard reports of ‘cloned’ motorcycles, we cannot rule out the possibility of such happening amongst two-wheelers too.
And it gets worst should the rightful owner of the vehicle become deceased. In death, the deceased’s next of kin, or benefactors named through a legal will, can rightfully claim all property that’s registered under the deceased’s name.
Should they come and reclaim the vehicle in question, you as the buyer in a sambung bayar deal with the deceased cannot do anything other than surrendering the vehicle over.
Avoid partaking in such deals!
As we’ve laid it out for you, sambung bayar deals are against the law and it risks everyone involved. If you find yourself unable to service you bike’s financial scheme, then it is best to renegotiate your repayment terms with your bank or creditors immediately.
Should you find the need to sell your bike immediately, then do so with the proper procedures and through the right channels. You may incur some losses, but this is far a better and safer outcome than having to deal with a hefty fine or serving time in prison.
And we need not mention the unnecessary risks you may face in terms of fraud by unscrupulous dealers and buyers, not forgetting the absence of insurance coverage – the latter being one of the most important things to have whilst indulging in the two-wheeled hobby.
Note: Special thanks to Idon Pang of Moto Aladdin once again for shedding some light into this for us.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/new-shark-race-r-pro-gp-updated-with-ece-22-06-homologation/ | New Shark Race-R Pro GP Updated With ECE 22.06 Homologation |
Shark has unveiled its latest offering in the form of the updated Race-R Pro GP helmet, which now meets the latest ECE 22.06 homologation.
This release reinforces Shark’s commitment to providing superior safety standards for racing enthusiasts and professionals alike.
the updated helmet now branded as Race-R Pro GP 06.
According to Mr. François Berni, Shark Helmets’ export manager, the Race-R Pro GP underwent only minor modifications to meet the stringent ECE 22.06 certification. With this approval, the helmet aligns with other models in the brand’s lineup, such as the popular Shark Spartan RS Carbon Skin.
Branded as the Race-R Pro GP 06, this newest iteration stands as the safest helmet in Shark’s arsenal. It boasts an array of advanced materials and features, making it the top-of-the-line choice for riders.
The helmet’s Carbon Aramid (COVA) shell is both lightweight and robust, while its multi-density EPS liner provides excellent impact absorption. Additionally, the optical class 1 visor incorporates anti-fog and anti-scratch treatments, ensuring optimal visibility.
Notably, the Race-R Pro GP 06 introduces a 22-percent opacity visor—a light tint visor that professional riders have long requested.
The light-tint visor, designated by the part number TE22, has also received approval for road use, but only during daylight hours. This feature enhances the helmet’s versatility, catering to riders who desire enhanced visual comfort under various lighting conditions.
In terms of additional attributes, the Race-R Pro GP 06 features an aerodynamic-wind-tunnel-tested spoiler and a breakaway design that ensures the helmet’s integrity in the event of a crash.
The interior liner, carried over from the previous version, offers a second-skin-like fit, thanks to high-tech fabric and 3D Morpho grips. These elements combine to provide exceptional stability at high speeds, complementing the helmet’s aerodynamic properties.
One notable change in the Race-R Pro GP 06 design is the prominent placement of the Shark fin logo, which now resides independently on the forehead of solid-color models. The graphics versions, however, will continue to display the logo and signature in their customary locations.
Shark will offer the Race-R Pro GP 06 in two shell sizes, with the division occurring at the medium size range. Four graphic options will be available: the Replica Zarco Winter Test with chrome, the Replica Zarco Chakra, the Black Matte, and the Red Glossy.
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/is-harley-davidson-hatching-a-975cc-version-of-the-pan-america/ | Is Harley-Davidson hatching a ‘baby’ 975cc version of the Pan America? |
‘RA975’ code spotted in accessories listing suggest that Harley-Davidson is possibly mulling a 975cc version of the Pan America.
Harley-Davidson might just make a ‘baby’ 975cc version of its Pan America adventure bike.
Eagle-eyed customers have reportedly spotted ‘RA975’ code in the brand’s accessories listing.
‘RA’ is the model code designation for the Pan America.
Harley-Davidson already has a 975cc version of the Pan America’s V-twin in the new Nightster.
MY21 Pan America Photography
Harley-Davidson broke new grounds when it introduced its Pan America adventure bike. Much of this stems from its equally groundbreaking powerplant, by which we mean the 1,252cc Revolution Max V-Twin that features liquid-cooling, variable valve timing (VVT) and a twin-cam (DOHC) setup.
The acceptance of the bar-and-shield marque’s direct rival towards the BMW R1250 GS has been positive to say the least, with H-D claiming over 2,500 units sold in is American home market during its first year. Now, it seems that it is poised to get a ‘baby’ sibling.
According to a report by UK bike portal VisorDown, a smaller 975cc version of the Pan America is happening. Much of this stems from eagle-eyed customers who reportedly spotted a ‘RA975’ product code listed whilst selecting accessories.
Given that the ‘RA’ code is assigned to the Pan America, it appears to be a strong sign that the Milwaukee-based marque has this planned for the near future. Plus, with the recent introduction of the Nightster model, it all seems plausible.
As reported, the new Nightster unveiled just recently packs a downsized 975cc version of the Harley-Davidson Revolution Max V-Twin mill – the same powering the Pan America and Sportster S. Surely, with such a mill now present in its inventory, a smaller ‘baby’ version of the Pan America can happen.
Given the positive reception of the Pan America in a space led by the BMW R1250 GS, a ‘baby’ version to fight against the middling BMW F850 GS could see Harley-Davidson blaze a trail in yet another segment it previously wasn’t present in.
Officially, Harley-Davidson has not given any indications to this yet, but we reckon the desirability of a ‘baby’ Pan America model speaks for itself. Would you fancy a slightly smaller and lighter Pan America yourself?
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https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featured/motonation-2018-roadshow-kickoff-gets-rolling-kl/ | Motonation 2018 Roadshow Kickoff gets rolling in KL |
The Motonation 2018 Roadshow Kickoff event has begun promoting the main event which is happening in October.
Held at Quill City Mall in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, participating vendors brought out their finest automobiles to draw in the crowd.
The Motonation 2018 main event will happen from 19 to 21 October 2018 at MECC, MATRADE.
The first of many Motonation 2018 roadshows have begun promoting the big main event which is set at the end of the year in October. Organised at Quill City Mall (next to Universiti Kuala Lumpur or UNIKL), attendees were greeted with some fine automobile examples showcased by one the vendors.
From a fire-breathing Ferrari F12 Berlinetta to a drool-worthy Nissan Silvia S14, the Motonation 2019 Roadshow Kickoff event drew in the crowds. This is all thanks to the support provided by CHY Autoworld Sdn Bhd, Tom’s Stickers, and Rintis Malay Motors Sdn Bhd and their fine four-wheelers.
More roadshows are in the works from now until September 2018 where Motonation will also include a business matching program to help expand and gain exposure for all participating businesses and vendors. This is all organised towards Motonation’s objective of creating a prosperous automotive ecosystem.
These roadshows will be held in several places around the Klang Valley area. Their next stop in the coming week would be at Scott Garden in Old Klang Road. Other venues include Bangi, Semenyih, Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya, and a few more outside of the Klang Valley area.
To know more about the Motonation 2018 roadshows, check out their official Facebook page. The Motonation 2018 main event is happening from 19 to 21 October 2018 at MECC, MATRADE. Interested vendors should join as over 100,000 attendees are expected to attend the three-day extravaganza.
Motonation fans took home Petron Miles Cards worth RM4,000!
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